American Blues Theater announces its 24th Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 21 – December 28, 2025. The press opening is Friday, November 28 at 7:30pm.
George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty – has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Told as a radio play with original music and classic holiday carols, it’s “the don’t miss show of the season” (Chicago Tribune). The annual production will feature favorite American Blues actors.
For almost 25 years, American Blues has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago!
Single tickets, $34.50-$94.50 (no hidden fees) are available at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.
The cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! includes Justin Banks (Harry), Audrey Billings* (Mary Bailey), Manny Buckley* (Joseph), Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Clarence/Mr. Potter), Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey), Michael Mahler* (Announcer / Pianist), and J.G. Smith* (Foley).
The creative team includes Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music direction & jingle composer), Austin Cook* (original score), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Christopher J. Neville & Lily Walls (co-costumes), Elyse Dolan* (set dressing & props), Michael Trudeau* (asst lighting design & technical director), Nate Walczyk* (production manager), & Richard Lundy* (production stage manager).
*Denotes ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater
During each performance, one person (any age) will be honored with a Bravery Bulletin, which includes a short personal testimonial, a projected photo, a certificate, and two (2) complimentary tickets to the show. Nominations can be made at www.americanbluestheater.com for anyone who has shown remarkable courage in the face of challenge. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, helping others in a time of need, or overcoming personal obstacles with determination, It’s A Wonderful Life celebrates those who inspire us through their bravery.
FRANK CAPRA (May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991) was an Italian-born American film director, producer and writer who became the creative force behind some of the major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Among his leading films are It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can’t Take It with You (1938), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). During World War II, Capra served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and produced propaganda films. After World War II, Capra’s career declined as his later films, such as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), performed poorly when they were first released. In ensuing decades, however, It’s a Wonderful Life and other Capra films were revisited favorably by critics. Capra was nominated for six Academy Awards and won three. His films collectively garnered 53 Academy Award nominations between 1933 and 1961. He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, worked alongside the Writers Guild of America, and was head of the Directors Guild of America. Frank Capra married twice and had four children. One of his sons, Frank Capra Jr., and grandson Frank Capra III have both made their careers in the film industry.
GWENDOLYN WHITESIDE (Executive Artistic Director/Director) is an ensemble member of American Blues Theater and has served as Executive Artistic Director since 2010. In her tenure, she created the nationally-recognized Blue Ink Playwriting Award and new work development program, implemented community service into the company’s mission, and adapted the arts education programs. She led American Blues through its reorganization in 2009, building the operational budget from zero to $1 million. She secured the company’s first-ever operating reserve, endowment, and permanent home. Whiteside served on numerous panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and Board of Directors for Network of Ensemble Theaters and League of Chicago Theatres. She’s a graduate of Northwestern University (BS), The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MFA), and a Kellogg Executive Scholar in Nonprofit management (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University). As a producer, she’s received 16 Joseph Jefferson nominations or awards. As an actress, she’s received 5 Joseph Jefferson Awards, Citations, and nominations; 2 After Dark Awards; and 1 Broadway World Chicago Award.
JUSTIN BANKS (Harry & others) is thrilled to return to American Blues Theater where he last appeared in the Chicago premiere of Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues. Recently, he wrote and performed in The Second City’s Bob Curry Fellowship production, The Minority Report: What Had Happened Was…, and understudied for The Second City’s Black By Popular Demand. Justin is also a former contributing writer for “The Onion.” He studied Meisner and Viewpoints at Black Box Acting Studio’s “The Academy” and is a recent graduate of Vanderbilt University. He is represented by Gray Talent Group.
AUDREY BILLINGS (Mary & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and thrilled to be returning to Bedford Falls for another year. She most recently appeared as Adele in Things With Friends and has also been seen in The Commons, Blue Ink Festival, and The Ripped Festival. Some favorite roles outside of Blues include: Emilie in A Red Orchid Theatre’s production of The Moors, Christmas Eve in the long-running production of Avenue Q at the Mercury Theater, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Antonia in Man of la Mancha, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has graced the stages at the Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, and Lookingglass Theatre Company. Audrey is the managing director at A Red Orchid Theatre, bookkeeper for Visionary Eye Care Professionals, and a member of Actors’ Equity.
MANNY BUCKLEY (Joseph & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater, making his return to this season’s It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! He is a Chicago-based actor, director, and writer. Recently he directed August Wilson's Seven Guitars (Best Production Jeff Award) at City Lit Theatre. Other directing credits include The Bad Seed (Jedlicka Performing Arts), Kingdom, an audio play (Broken Nose Theatre), Origin Story, Mother of Pearl and The Reapers On Woodbrook Avenue (Blue Ink Festival), multiple short plays in the Ripped: The Living Newspaper, #ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, and The One Minute Play Festival. Acting credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theater, House Theatre, Shattered Globe Theater, Cincinnati Children’s Theatre, and Studio Theatre. Manny has numerous credits with American Blues Theater, where he turned in his critically-acclaimed, award-winning solo performance in Looking Over the President’s Shoulder. Film credits: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The US Navy, Northwestern University, and The Onion. He has received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award, the Helen Hayes Award, and the 3Arts Award; he is the recipient of both a Black Theater Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award. Mr. Buckley’s work was last seen in The Reclamation of Madison Hemings here at Blues.
DARA CAMERON (Violet & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and is grateful to perform once again at her artistic home. Favorite credits include The Last Wide Open, The Spitfire Grill (Jeff nomination), and Little Shop of Horrors (Jeff nomination musical) at American Blues Theater; Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, Sunset Boulevard (Drury Lane); Old Jews Telling Jokes (Royal George and Off-Broadway); The Secret of My Success (Paramount Theatre); Elf, Hero (Jeff nomination), South Pacific, October Sky, Sister Act, City of Angels, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof (Marriott Theatre); The Addams Family (Mercury Theater); and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre at the Center). She is a graduate of Northwestern University and a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Dara is married to actor and composer Michael Mahler. When they’re not singing in Bedford Falls together, they’re busy embarrassing their way-cooler-than-them seven-year-old son, Ezra.
IAN PAUL CUSTER (Clarence / Mr. Potter) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and Chicago actor and musician. American Blues credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award, Best Ensemble, Best Musical – Midsize), The Columnist (Jeff Nomination production-midsize), Little Shop of Horrors, and It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Jeff Nominations for Best Play/Musical of the Year). Chicago credits: Dial M for Murder (Drury Lane); Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Paramount Theatre); Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 (Writers Theatre); 33 Variations (Jeff Award– Best Production, Midsize), and To Master the Art (TimeLine Theatre), Annie Bosh is Missing (Steppenwolf Theatre), High Holidays (Goodman Theatre). Ian has also had the pleasure of working with Marriott Theatre, The Lyric Opera, Theatre Wit, A Red Orchid Theatre, MPAACT, and Court Theatre. Regional credits: Hero: The Musical (Asolo Rep Theatre), Cymbeline (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Romeo and Juliet (Cardinal Stage), Peter Pan (360 Entertainment - London, England). Television credits: Somebody Somewhere, APB, Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD. Ian received his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Thanks to Big Mouth Talent, SCP, RMC, & MKC.
BRANDON DAHLQUIST (George Bailey) happily returns for his 9th season. Dahlquist has been fortunate to work at theatres across this land; Circle in the Square, A.C.T., Guthrie Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory, Asolo Repertory, S.F. Playhouse & Peninsula Players. Recent Chicago credits include BIG WHITE FOG (Court), THE AUDIENCE (Drury Lane), MUSIC MAN (Marriott). Brandon has appeared on Somebody Somewhere (HBO), A League of their Own (Amazon), Dark Matter (Apple), The Chi (Showtime), Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago PD (NBC) and Difficult People (Hulu). Dahlquist is a busy photographer and proud dad to Amelia & Björn. Thanks to Gray Talent and Caitlan. No one is illegal on stolen land, built by stolen hands.
MICHAEL MAHLER (Music Director, Announcer/Pianist) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues most recently seen in The Last Wide Open. Past Blues productions: Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award – Best Music Direction), Little Shop of Horrors, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, and Side Man. Other recent roles include Pianist/Ensemble in The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight); The Baker in Into the Woods (Writers); Jim Hardy in Holiday Inn, and Jack Singer in Honeymoon in Vegas (Marriott Theatre). Michael co-wrote the songs for the Netflix movie My Little Pony: A New Generation and contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh’s most recent Broadway production of Miss Saigon. Other works as a composer/lyricist include An American Tail, The Secret of My Success, Miracle (Jeff Award – Best New Work), Diary of a Wimpy Kid, October Sky, The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes (Jeff Award – Best New Work), and Hero (Jeff Award – Best New Work). Michael is married to fellow Ensemble Member Dara Cameron and proud father to their son Ezra.
J.G. SMITH (Foley) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater. Credits with Blues include The Last Wide Open, On Clover Road (Jeff nomination production-midsize), Ripped Fest, and workshops of The Cratchits (in America), The Thanksgiving Play and On the Greenbelt. Other theatre: Inanimate (Theater Wit); I And You (Peninsula Players); Mother of the Maid (Northlight); Plantation! (Lookingglass); The Art of Sisters (Vision Productions); MARYSHELLEYSHOW (National Tour, Chicago Fringe, TheTankNYC); Peter and the Starcatcher (City Equity Theatre); Alice in Wonderland, As You Like It, King Lear, A Christmas Carol (Alabama Shakespeare); and Censored on Final Approach (The GYM at Judson). Film: Argus (WarnerMedia), Knives and Skin (IFCMidnight), The Dancing Monkey, Dreaming Grand Avenue, and Stephen Cone’s Pry Me Open. TV: Short Comings (MTV), The World’s Astonishing News! (NTV), Dorm Therapy (YouTube), and several national commercials. J.G. is a member of Actors’ Equity and repped by Paonessa Talent.
*Denotes ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater
Fact Sheet It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Title: It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Adapted From: Frank Capra’s Film
Director: Gwendolyn Whiteside*
Music Director and jingle composer: Michael Mahler*
Score composer: Austin Cook*
*Ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater
Dates: November 21 – December 28, 2025
Opening Night: November 28, 2025 at 7:30pm
Schedule: Wednesdays: 2:30pm (Dec 3 only); 7:30pm (Nov 26)
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Thursdays: 7:30pm (no show on Thanksgiving or Christmas)
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Fridays: 7:30pm
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Saturdays: 4:30pm & 7:30pm
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Sundays: 2:30pm
The runtime is 90 minutes. Arrive 20 minutes before curtain for a fun interactive pre-show.
Location: American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Ticket prices: $34.50-94.50, with no ticketing fees
Six VIP tickets are available per performance for an added $30 per ticker order. VIP seating includes complimentary parking, leather chairs in a dedicated area, and bar service to your seats, & 2 drinks.
Box office: Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com
or by calling (773) 654-3103.
Special Access events: $34.50 per ticket, use code ACCESS
Touch tour: Sunday, November 30 at 1:30pm
Audio described performance: Sunday, November 30 at 2:30pm
ASL-interpreted performance: Friday, December 5 at 7:30pm
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 246 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.