This Wonderful Life

NOVEMBER 2 — NOVEMBER 26, 2017

CHICAGO PREMIERE

Written by: Steve Murray
Directed by: Carmen Roman*
Starring: James Leaming*

“Theatrical magic…tour de force performance [by Leaming]!” – San Diego Union-Tribune. Founding Ensemble member and Chicago’s original “George Bailey” James Leaming inhabits every role in this hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life”. George Bailey, Clarence, Mr. Potter, and the gang come to life as a single actor creates a heartwarming story about the effect one hardworking man’s life has on the people around him.

Jim’s performance has toured the United States – Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL), Syracuse Stage (NY), Cleveland Playhouse (OH), Laguna Playhouse (CA), North Coast Repertory Theater (CA), and numerous locations in Colorado. Recipient of “Best Actor, Sarasota Magazine”, “Best Play, Sarasota Magazine”, and “Outstanding Solo Performance, Craig Noel Award” nomination by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle.

To learn more, read the Artistic Director’s note and Backstage Guide.

*Ensemble member of American Blues Theater

PERFORMANCE INFO

Limited engagement
(773) 654-3103 box office

Wednesday: 8:00pm
Thursday: 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00pm
Saturday: 8:00pm
Sunday: 2:00pm

Weekday matinees @ 10:30am – 11/2, 11/8, 11/10.
Added shows on 11/18 & 11/24 @ 3pm; 11/20 @ 8pm.
No show on 11/2 @ 8pm, 11/8 @ 8pm, or Thanksgiving.

Special Note: THIS IS NOT THE ANNUAL LIVE RADIO SHOW.
Duration: 80 minutes; no intermission.
Location: Edge Theater at 5451 N Broadway.
Ticket Price: $19-$49.
Recommended for ages 6+
Town Halls: Meet the actor on 11/19 & 11/20.

Performs at

This Wonderful Life American Blues Theater

CLOSED

CLICK HERE



VIEW PICTURES



WATCH VIDEOS



READ REVIEWS

REVIEWS

Joseph Jefferson Award recommended

“James Leaming is brilliant. Virtuosic performance!” – Chicago Reader
“Wonderful is an understatement – EXTRAORDINARY” – Chicago Theater & Arts
“One man powerhouse” – Chicago Now

ARTISTS

CAST: James Leaming*

PRODUCTION TEAM: Steve Murray (playwright), Carmen Roman* (director, costume), James Leaming* (scenic), Jared Gooding* (lights), Kevin Kennedy (sound), Eric Backus (associate sound), Mary O’Dowd (properties), Joe Hubbert (projections), Samantha R. Dzirko (production manager), and Shannon Golden (stage manager).

*Ensemble member of Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. We’re proud to partner with Chicago Public Schools and seven non-profits in Edgewater. We continue our Pink Previews for breast cancer research through The Lynn Sage Foundation.

MORE INFORMATION ON “THIS WONDERFUL LIFE” (solo performance)

2025 BLUE BASH

Join us for our annual fundraiser – 2025 Blue Bash.

The Color Purple

Join us for our next book in the Rubber Banned Book Club! WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BESTSELLER The Color Purple won a Pulitzer Prize in 1983, making Walker the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer for fiction. A feminist work about an abused...