It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

NOVEMBER 15, 2018 — JANUARY 5, 2019

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!

THE CHICAGO ORIGINAL – Joseph Jefferson Award nominated for production & Ensemble

Based on the film by: Frank Capra
Directed by: Gwendolyn Whiteside*
Music directed by: Michael Mahler*
Original score by: Austin Cook*

This is the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago! For 17 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, read our Artistic Director’s note and Backstage Guide.

*Ensemble member and Artistic Affiliates of American Blues Theater

PERFORMANCE INFO

This production must close January 5, 2019.
(773) 654-3103 box office
Discounts for group sales of 6+

Wednesday: 7:30pm
Thursday: 7:30pm
Friday: 7:30pm
Saturday: 4:30pm & 7:30pm
Sunday: 2:30pm

Additional shows on 11/23 @ 4:30pm, 11/29 @ 2:30pm, 12/31 @ 7:30pm.
No show on 11/17 @ 4:30pm, Thanksgiving Day, 11/29 @ 7:30pm, or 1/5 @ 7:30pm.

Duration: Runs 90 minutes; no intermission
Location: Stage 773 at 1225 W Belmont
Ticket Price: $19-$59
Recommended for ages 6+
Note: arrive 10 min early for prizes and audiograms
Holiday events: Children 12 & under receive keepsakes on 12/2 (Hanukkah) and 12/23 (Santa visits).

CLOSED

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REVIEWS

Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for production and Ensemble.

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!

Dean Richards recommended

“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
“Blues brings the holiday magic we’ve all been missing.” – Chicagoland Musical Theatre
“American Blues Theater’s production would’ve made Mr. Capra proud.” – Chicago Theatre Review
“Undeniable charm!” – Times Square Chronicles
“Life-changing experience” – Chicago Now

ARTISTS

CAST (in alphabetical order): Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey), Matt Edmonds (Announcer/Pianist), Shawn Goudie* (Foley), James Joseph* (Uncle Billy), John Mohrlein* (Clarence/Mr. Potter), and Camille Robinson* (Mary Bailey).

PRODUCTION TEAM: Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music director & jingle composer), Austin Cook* (score composer), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costume), Keegan Bradac (sound) Elyse Dolan* (set dressing & props), Paul Deziel* (projections), and Shandee Vaughan* (production management / stage manager).

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 “Pediatric Previews” to donate proceeds to children’s hospitals.