20 AMERICAN BLUES THEATER AMERICAN BLUES THEATER Winner of American Theatre Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves. Our diverse and multi-generational 36-member Ensemble has nearly 600 combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2018, our theater and artists have 204 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 36 Black Theater Alliance Awards. Our artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades. For over thirty years, American Blues has created essential productions and live theatrical experiences for Chicagoland. Their best known production is Chicago’s holiday tradition It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! that has entertained over 50,000 patrons since 2002! Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal wrote American Blues is “exceptional” and the company “feels like home.” Chris Jones of Chicago Tribune claimed Blues is “strikingly honest [with] deep emotional souls.” In addition to first-class theater, American Blues Theater believes it is an honor and duty to serve the community. They provide an integrated arts education program to Chicago Public Schools that serves approximately 3,000 students annually. They hold “Pediatric Previews” which donates a portion of box office sales to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They donate thousands of complimentary tickets to underserved communities. They provide community engagement events called “Town Halls” for patrons following Sunday matinee performance, including curated discussions with Northwestern University psychologists. As a Blue Star Theater, they honor military service and first-responders through various initiatives. Former President of Illinois Labor History Society, Larry Spivak wrote, “American Blues is a dynamic force in Chicago – connecting culture, art, history, and politics into a holistic, aesthetic experience.” SEASON 33 “Home Sweet Home” by Pearl Cleage Directed by Chuck Smith* Oct 5 - Nov 3, 2018 by Steven Dietz Chicago premiere Directed by Halena Kays Feb 1 - Mar 16, 2019 by James Lecesne Chicago premiere Directed by Kurt Johns Mar 29 - Apr 27, 2019 *Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER by James Valeq & Fred Alley Directed by Tammy Mader Music direction by Malcolm Ruhl July 12 - Aug 17, 2019 from Frank Capra’s film Directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside* Music direction by Michael Mahler* Nov 15, ‘18 - Jan 5, ‘19