It’s A Wonderful Life
We have a Home! It is a wonderful life, as American Blues Theater (ABT) opens its inaugurated New Home with the 22nd Annual Live Radio Production of "It's a Wonderful Life." Frank Russell Capra's 1945 masterpiece classic Christmas tale about the life of George Bailey from Bedford Falls is still rated by many as the top Christmas movie. And when you think of masterpiece performances, few can match the live radio production performed by American Blues Theater. For over 18 years, ABT performed It's A Wonderful Life, and I've seen it several times— and it still brings out the magic of Christmas.
There's something about this live performance that rekindles your spirit and makes you feel like a kid again. It transports you to your childhood and brings back all those happy and nostalgic memories. It makes you feel forever young, ready to go straight to bed to get your Christmas gifts.
Performed live on WABT radio, it's one of Chicago's best live radio productions on this James Stewart story where guardian angel Clarence gets his wings. And the incredible cast of Brandon Dahlquist (George Baily), Audrey Billings (Mary Baily), Dara Cameron (Violet), Ian Paul Custer (Harry), J.G. Smith(Foley), Manny Buckley (Joseph /Uncle Billy), and Joe Dempsey (Clarence /Mr. Potter) and the master performer of music, songs, jiggles and radio announcer, Michael Mahler makes this a wonderful night you don't want to miss. And with the years that this ensemble cast has performed this On-Air show (Dahlquist is in his seventh year), you can still see the childlike glee and twinkle in their eyes. And what makes this show so incredible is that the entire cast genuinely enjoys performing it— like it's a Christmas treat to them.
The cast is unique, and their versatility in changing voices from adolescent to adult and effortlessly flowing into their lines is truly impressive. My heart always melts when I hear Cameron as Zuzu. I always enjoy the 40's style commercials during the breaks and how they bring the audience into the live show by having you write a special note they read on-air. We missed the milk and cookies but had the honor of being a part of the company celebrating the production's opening and their beautiful new home at 5627 North Lincoln Avenue. The former Mobil gas station, Walgreens, and Dollar General, where we heard that you could still see the Covid lines and arrows on the Dollar General floors, has been immaculately transformed into a beautifully constructed 137-seat proscenium theater with a flexible 40-seat rehearsal studio. The entrance is spacious, with an impressive bar and comfortable seating, allowing for socializing before entering the performance. Kudos to the team at ABT for the marvelous edifice dedicated to expanding programming, education initiatives, and community partnerships. Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, who usually plays the role of Mary Bailey, sat out this performance but received recognition for getting ABT's new home up and running. She is an awesome person and truly a bright star in this universe.
American Blues Theater's mission is to produce new and classic American stories asking, "What does it mean to be American? I would pander to the thought it would be, "We've got a home!" We highly recommend you treat yourself and the family this holiday season by attending this classic work at American Blues Theater. "It's A Wonderful Life: Live In Chicago" is more than a play; it's an incredible experience.
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American Blues Theater
It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
From Frank Capra's film
Directed by Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside
Music directed by Michael Maher
Now through December 31, 2023
Click above for tickets and below for reviews
