American Blues Theater continues its 2019-2020 Season with its 18th Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! runs November 14, 2019 – January 4, 2020 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. The official press opening is November 16, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
As the second longest holiday play in Chicago, the American Blues Ensemble has treated Chicago audiences to a live 1940s radio broadcast of holiday favorite It’s a Wonderful Life for 18 years. The incredible cast recreates the entire town of Bedford Falls with Foley sound effects, an original score and holiday carols. The Bedford Falls “residents” extend their hospitality after every performance when audiences are treated to milk and cookies served by the cast.
The cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! includes Brandon Dalquist (George Bailey), Gwendolyn Whiteside* (Mary Bailey), Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Shawn J. Goudie* (Foley), James Joseph* (Uncle Billy), Michael Mahler* (Announcer / Pianist), and John Mohrlein* (Clarence / Mr. Potter).
The creative team includes Grant Sabin* (Scenic Designer), Katy Peterson Viccellio (Lighting Designer), Christopher J. Neville* (Costume Designer), Keegan Bradac (Sound Designer), Elyse Dolan* (Set Dressing / Props Designer), Paul Deziel* (Projection Associate), Shandee Vaughan* (production & stage managers).
*Denotes Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates of American Blues Theater
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! has received Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for Best Midsize Production and Best Ensemble.
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
Directed by: Gwendolyn Whiteside*
Music Direction by: Michael Mahler*
Featuring: Brandon Dalquist (George Bailey), Gwendolyn Whiteside* (Mary Bailey), Dara Cameron* (Violet), Ian Paul Custer* (Harry), Shawn J. Goudie* (Foley), James Joseph* (Uncle Billy), Michael Mahler* (Announcer / Pianist), and John Mohrlein* (Clarence/Mr.Potter)
Creative Team: Grant Sabin* (Scenic Designer), Katy Peterson Viccellio (Lighting Designer), Christopher J. Neville* (Costume Designer), Keegan Bradac (Sound Designer), Elyse Dolan* (Set Dressing / Props Designer), Paul Deziel* (Projection Associate), Shandee Vaughan* (production & stage manager)
Dates: November 14, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Previews: November 14 - November 15, 2019
Press Opening: Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 7:30pm
Regular Run: November 17, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Schedule:
Thursdays: 7:30pm (except Thanksgiving, November 28)
Fridays: 7:30pm
Saturdays: 4:30pm (except November 16) & 7:30pm (except January 4)
Sundays: 2:30pm
No performances on November 16 at 4:30pm; November 28 at 7:30pm; or January 4 at 7:30pm
Additional performance on Friday, November 29 at 4:30pm
Sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, November 17 at 2:30pm
Touch Tour performance on Sunday, November 24 at 2:30pm (Touch Tour at 1:30pm; Audio Description at 2:30pm)
Open Caption performance on Sunday, December 1 at 2:30pm
Arrive 10 min early for prizes and audiograms
Holiday Events: Children 12 & under receive keepsakes on December 21 @ 4:30pm (Santa visits) and December 28 (Hanukkah)
Location: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago
Ticket prices: $19 - $69
Box Office: Buy online at www.AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.654.3103.
Subscriptions
All main stage performances take place at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. The Blue Card – the most affordable ticketing offer for the 2019-2020 season is available now at www.AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.654.3103.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the American Theatre Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. The 32-member Ensemble has 600+ combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2019, the theater and artists received 213 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 38 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.