8 AMERICAN BLUES THEATER More than 50,000 patrons have enjoyed our holiday classic since 2002. As we celebrate 16 years of It’s a Wonderful Life, we remember our past and look toward the future. 2017 will mark our first year performing the show at Stage 773. The American Blues Theater Ensemble has staged It’s a Wonderful Life as a radio play at various Chicago venues and events since 2002, including: American Theater Company, Theater on the Lake, Mrs. Murphy’s Bistro, Logan Square (2002-2008); Victory Gardens Biograph Theater (2009-2012); Greenhouse Theater Center (2013-2016); and Stage 773 (2017+). IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! THROUGH THE YEARS Members of the 2011 cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph! Members of the 2017 cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! 8 FUN FACTS ABOUT IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!  John Mohrlein (“Mr. Potter/Clarence”) has never missed a performance since 2002.  During one performance, the power went out. We moved the entire audience, cast, and foley items to a local bar to finish the story. The bartenders and waitstaff helped us serve milk and cookies.  Gwendolyn Whiteside is our longest running "Mary Bailey".  The cast has appeared in the Chicago's Thanksgiving Day parade.  All commercial jingles are actual local businesses.  People have used audiograms to celebrate momentous occasions in their lives, including a marriage proposal, announcing pregnancies, birthdays, and anniversaries.  James Leaming played "George Bailey" from 2002 - 2007 in our radio play. He's toured the U.S. from 2008 to present playing a one-man show This Wonderful Life.  Anyone who has worked on our production since 2009 has a personal ornament on one of the decorated stage trees. (We also include sonogram pictures of little ones on the way.)