Once Again, An Angel Gets His Wings

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! – American Blues Theatre

After what feels like a very long break in live theatre and entertainment, the doors have flung back open and vaccinated, properly masked audiences are flocking to area stages. Now, in the midst of a festive holiday season, Chicago is offering all kinds of terrific productions for families to enjoy. Some are exciting, brand new plays; but a few productions are old favorites that we look forward to, year after year. 

And what’s undoubtedly the most popular, best-loved holiday movie of all time? Well, here’s a hint: The name George Bailey has become synonymous with Christmas ever since Frank Capra’s holiday classic first began airing on television during the 1980’s. Based upon “The Greatest Gift,” a 1945 short story, this endearing tale of a man who sacrifices all of his own dreams to help his family and friends has become a timeless classic. Most audiences who attend this production will be familiar with the 1946 film. It’s a movie that’s just about as perfect as anyone can expect. But American Blues Theater takes this classic one step further, especially in this polished, 20th anniversary live remounting.

When audiences walk into the Victory Gardens Theater they’ll be stepping back in time to the Golden Era of Radio. Company members greet theatergoers asking if they’d care to fill out an audiogram, that’ll be read during the commercial breaks within the broadcast. These might include birthday greetings, anniversary wishes or other personal messages of love and encouragement. Before the actual radio play begins, the audience is introduced to the versatile and talented eight-member ensemble who play all the roles. This gifted group of performers also entertain with the musical jingles, commercials advertising local businesses, and even provide all the sound effects and incidental music. Following a short Christmas carol sing-along, the authentic radio play begins.

The story has become so familiar that a synopsis really isn’t necessary; but if it’s a new Christmas story for some theatergoers, then this unique performance will offer a terrific introduction. The company also salutes local heroes, such as a nurse or a teacher who has gone above and beyond in their career. The entire, one-act production is nostalgic and heartwarming. Suffice it to say that despite the story’s familiarity, by the end of the show most of the audience, like me, was choking back tears. 

Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside once again expertly guides this revival of Capra’s beautifully-written piece. She paces her production at such a brisk momentum that audiences barely notice the lack of an intermission in the 90-minute production. Each of the eight talented ensemble members perform a range of roles with effortless vocal versatility. If you close your eyes, you’ll imagine there’s a far larger cast of actors on the stage. This radio adaptation is both faithful to the Capra classic and yet economical, providing the major plot points and subtle nuances from the movie. The show’s performed with so much joyful energy, humor and pathos. 

Without being an impersonation of Jimmy Stewart, Brandon Dahlquist captures all the wonderful warmth and humor of George Bailey. This year, beautiful Audrey Billings plays Mary Bailey, bringing to mind the film’s lovely leading lady, Donna Reed. She also plays several other characters, including George Bailey’s loving mother. The incomparable Joe Dempsey offers unbelievable versatility portraying, among many roles, both ornery Mr Potter and thoughtful Clarence, George’s kindly guardian angel. As the soulless, profit-hungry Potter, Dempsey reminds us of many of today’s greedy individuals, whose primary goal it is to line their own pockets. 

A newcomer in this year’s production is versatile voice actor, Yuchi Chiu, who plays George’s brother Harry, as well as a host of other characters. The charismatic and mega-talented Michael Mahler, is not only the show’s emcee and musical director, but he provides the smooth, live piano soundtrack for the radio play. He also fills in as several minor characters in the play. It should be noted that Mr. Mahler wrote the clever commercial jingles, which he gleefully sings, assisted by his lovely, talented wife, actress/singer, Dara Cameron. Ms. Cameron also plays Zuzu, Violet and several other roles. Rounding out this talented cast is Manny Buckley, who eloquently portrays, among others, Joseph and Uncle Billy. And Shawn J. Goudie returns as the spot-on Foley artist, providing a few of the voices and all of the sound effects for the story. 

A nostalgic ambiance envelopes the Victory Gardens stage, thanks in part to Grant Sabin’s rich blue velvet holiday setting. It’s festooned with colorful wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas trees, courtesy of Elyse Dolan’s set dressing and property design. The stage is beautifully bathed in mood lighting, designed by Katy Peterson Viccellio; and Christopher J. Neville’s authentic-looking 1940’s costumes provide the actors with just the right look. 

But much of the warm tenderness of this production can only be attributed to the sincerity and commitment of American Blues’ outstanding company of actors. Thanks to this remarkable ensemble cast, all the residents of Bedford Falls fully emerge in our imagination. Watching this story of one man, who sacrifices his own dreams to help others around him, is truly inspiring. This is the perfect morality tale for today. Theatergoers may tear up as they witness an angel finally getting his wings. Frank Capra’s Christmas classic hasn’t looked or sounded this glorious since it first appeared in movie theatres, back in 1946. But American Blues Theater’s annual production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” is back again, and it’s presented live, in a presentation that would’ve made Mr. Capra proud.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 26-December 31 by American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-871-3000 or by going to www.tickets@victorygardens.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.