NOVEMBER 2 — NOVEMBER 26, 2017
THIS WONDERFUL LIFE
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 
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)
2020 RIPPED FESTIVAL
Due to the pandemic, we’ve moved our annual benefit performance to an online script library.
Artist Director’s Notes for August Wilson’s FENCES
Coming soon!
Artistic Director’s Note on ALMA
Coming soon!
Artistic Director’s Note for 2020 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
Coming soon!
2020 Blue Ink Playwriting Awards
Announcing the 2020 Blue Ink Playwriting Award!
Response to These Times
Thank you for reaching out to American Blues Theater. We send our warmest wishes for your continued health and well-being. We offer support to all those battling circumstances unfathomable mere months ago. In July 2020, we will celebrate 35 years of creating theater...
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