No Man is a Failure Who Has Friends

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

It’s hard to believe that this is American Blues Theater’s 21st annual production of Frank Capra’s beloved Christmas classic. The black and white film has endured since 1946 as one of the world’s favorite holiday stories. The Theater Company has presented its radio productions all over Chicago, from the Lakeview neighborhood to Lincoln Park, and now in Wicker Park. Hopefully (knock on wood), after so many seasons of itinerant presentations, next year will see this glorious, heartwarming story presented in American Blues’ own space.  

As the 2022 holiday season officially begins, Chicago is once more offering a variety of terrific productions for adults and entire families to enjoy. Some are exciting, brand new plays; but a few productions are old favorites that we look forward to seeing each year. As indicated by the throngs of excited theatergoers at the Chopin on opening night, this may well be one of everyone’s favorite Christmas classics of all time. 

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 by Philip Van Doren Stern, this endearing tale is about a man who sacrifices all of his own dreams to help his family and friends. In fact, one of the most famous quotations from the Frank Capra screenplay is that “No man is a failure who has friends.” The current American Blues Theater presentation is centered around this truism. But in relating this beautiful story, this production takes the classic film one step further. And it’s time, once again, to revel in the company’s highly professional, perfectly polished 21st anniversary of its live radio retelling.

When audiences walk into the Chopin 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 talented and versatile eight-member ensemble who will play all the roles. This gifted group of performers also entertain with original musical jingles and commercials advertising local businesses, and even provide all the sound effects and incidental music. Following a short Christmas carol sing-along warm-up, the radio play begins.

The story has become so familiar to one and all that a synopsis really isn’t necessary; but if it’s a brand new Christmas event for any theatergoer, then this unique presentation will offer an excellent introduction. The company also salutes local heroes, such as a nurse or a teacher, who’s 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 is choking back tears. 

Ensemble member and artistic director for the past 12 years, Gwendolyn Whiteside once again expertly guides this year’s revival of Capra’s beautifully-written piece. She paces her production with such 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 a far larger cast on stage. This radio adaptation is both faithful to the Capra classic and yet economical, providing all the major plot points and subtle nuances from the movie. The show’s performed with a bounty of joyful energy, humor and pathos. 

Without trying to impersonate Jimmy Stewart, Brandon Dahlquist captures all the wonderful warmth and humor of George Bailey. Beautiful Audrey Billings plays Mary Bailey, bringing to mind the film’s lovely leading lady, actress 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. 

Ian Paul Custer 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 lovable emcee and musical director, but he provides the live, smooth piano background music for the play. He also fills in as several minor characters in the story. It should be noted that Mr. Mahler wrote the clever commercial jingles, which he gleefully sings, joined by his lovely, talented wife, actress/singer, Dara Cameron. Ms. Cameron also plays little Zuzu, flirtatious Violet and several other roles. Rounding out this talented cast is Manny Buckley, who eloquently portrays, among others, Joseph and Uncle Billy. And American Blues ensemble member, J.G. Smith, who’s appeared on stages all over Chicagoland, is spot-on this year as the Foley artist, providing a few of the background voices and all of the sound effects for the play. 

A nostalgic ambiance envelopes the Chopin stage, thanks to Grant Sabin’s rich holiday setting. Backed by a velvety blue drapery, the venue is festooned with colorful lighted wreaths, poinsettias, and Christmas trees. Elyse Dolan’s set dressing and property design add welcome detail to the set. The stage is bathed in lush lighting, designed by Katy Peterson Viccellio; and Christopher J. Neville’s authentic-looking 1940’s costumes provide the actors with the perfect period look. 

But much of the warm tenderness of this production can only be attributed to the talent, sincerity and commitment of American Blues’ outstanding ensemble of actors. Thanks to a remarkable cast, all the residents of Bedford Falls come to life in our imagination. It’s inspiring to watch this story of how one man, who sacrifices his own dreams, goes on to help everyone around him. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is the perfect morality tale for today. Theatergoers may possibly shed a tear as they witness an angel, after a 200 year wait, finally able to get his wings.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 23-December 23 by American Blues Theater at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-654-3103 or by going to www.americanbluestheater.com.

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