THIS IS THE 2016 ARCHIVAL PAGE!  NOVEMBER 18 — DECEMBER 31, 2016

2016 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!

THE CHICAGO ORIGINAL Based on the film by: Frank Capra Directed by: Gwendolyn Whiteside* Music direction by: Michael Mahler* For 15 years, the American Blues Ensemble has treated Chicago audiences to a live 1940s radio broadcast. The incredible cast recreates the entire town of Bedford Falls with Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday carols. Critics call this “perfect Christmas theater” and “first-class holiday fare”. After each performance, milk and cookies are served by the cast.  To learn more about It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, read our Backstage Guide. *Ensemble member of American Blues Theater

PERFORMANCE INFO

This production must close December 31, 2016. (773) 404-7336 box office
  • Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Friday: 7:30pm
  • Saturday: 4:30pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 2:30pm
Additional performances 11/23, 12/12, 12/21 @ 7:30pm. Two performances on 12/23: 4:30 & 7:30pm and 12/26: 4:30 & 7:30pm. No performances on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or 12/31 @ 7:30pm.
  • Duration: Runs 90 min with no intermission
  • Location: Greenhouse Theater Center at   2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
  • Ticket Price: $19-$49
  • Recommended for all ages
  • Note: arrive 10 min early for prizes and audiograms
  • Holiday events: Children 12 & under receive keepsakes on 12/17 (Santa visits) and 12/26 for Hanukkah.

REVIEWS

Seen & heard on ABC, CBS, NBC, WGN, FOX, WXRT, WBEZ, WBBM, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine, Newcity, Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago, Windy City Times, and many more! “This show nourished me in a way no other play has.  American Blues Theater gave me a profound lesson in generosity.” – PerformInk “More than a play, it’s an incredible experience! Don’t leave this off your must see list.” – Newcity “Holiday favorite – makes the bell ring every time.” – Chicago Tribune Dean Richards recommended

ARTISTS

CAST (in alphabetical order): Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey), Shawn Goudie* (Foley), James Joseph* (Uncle Billy), Michael Mahler* (Announcer), John Mohrlein* (Clarence/Mr. Potter), and Camille Robinson* (Mary Bailey). PRODUCTION TEAM: Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music director, jingle composer), Austin Cook* (score), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), TBD (sound engineer), Shawn Goudie* (Foley design), Elyse Dolan* (props), Paul Deziel* (video associate), Marty Higginbotham* (original direction), Sarah E. Ross* (production manager), and Kathryn Lochert* (stage manager). *Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations.  For this production, we support and partner with the USO and U.S. Dept  of Veterans Affairs, and Misericordia.  We continue our “Pink Previews” to donate proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.

MORE INFORMATION ON “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE – LIVE IN CHICAGO!”

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