Home At Last!

It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

American Blues Theater’s 22nd annual presentation of Frank Capra’s beloved Christmas classic is unique for a whole lot of reasons. But what makes this year’s production so special is that the popular and critically acclaimed theater company is finally home at last! ABT’s new, permanent venue is in Lincoln Square, at 5627 N Lincoln Avenue. In the past, the theater company has presented its professionally produced radio play production all over Chicago, including at the Theater on the Lake, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, the Greenhouse Theater Center, Stage 773, the Chopin Theatre and, during the pandemic, virtually via Zoom. After much anticipation, this glorious, heartwarming story is finally at home in American Blues’ own space.  

The holiday season has officially begun. Chicago is once more offering a variety of excellent productions for both adults and entire families to enjoy. Some are exciting, brand new plays; but a few productions are old favorites that we look forward to each year. As indicated by the throngs of excited theatergoers at American Blues Theater on its opening afternoon, this may well be one of everyone’s favorite family-friendly Christmas classics of all time. 

George Bailey’s name has become synonymous with Christmas ever since Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic first opened in movie houses, and then began airing on television during the 1980’s. Based upon a 1945 short story by Philip Van Doren Stern called “The Greatest Gift,” this endearing tale is about a man who sacrifices his own dreams to help his family and friends. The play’s theme that “No man is a failure who has friends” is deeply profound. And American Blues Theater focuses on this truism, taking the film’s encouraging message even further through its “live radio” retelling.

Audiences walking into American Blues’ beautiful Kimberlee S. Herold Theater will feel as if they’re stepping back in time to the Golden Era of Radio. The company members all greet theatergoers with a big smile. They ask if patrons would like to fill out an audiogram that’ll be read during the commercial breaks within the broadcast. These might include birthday or anniversary greetings, wishes for a happy holiday and other messages of love and encouragement. Prior to the play, the audience is introduced to the talented and versatile eight-member ensemble who will play all the roles. This gifted group of performers entertain patrons with original musical jingles and commercials advertising local businesses, and even provide all the sound effects and incidental music. Following a short trivia contest and a Christmas carol sing-along, the radio play begins.

The story has become so familiar to us that a synopsis really isn’t necessary; but if it’s a brand new Christmas story for any theatergoer, then this one-of-a-kind presentation will offer an excellent introduction. The production also salutes a local hero at each show, such as a nurse, a teacher or someone in the military, who’s gone above and beyond. The entire 90-minute one-act is filled with heartwarming nostalgia. Suffice it to say that despite the story’s familiarity, by the end of the show most of the audience is choking back tears. 

Talented ensemble member and artistic director, Gwendolyn Whiteside again 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 variety of roles with skilled vocal versatility. If you close your eyes, you’ll imagine a far larger cast telling this story. 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 is performed with energy, joy, humor and pathos. 

Every actor creates his or her own unique characterization, without trying to impersonate any of the iconic actors from the film. Handsome and multitalented Brandon Dahlquist conveys the intelligence, warmth, likability and humor of George Bailey. Lovely Audrey Billings sweetly plays Mary Bailey, capturing just the essence of the film’s leading lady, Donna Reed. She also plays several other characters, including George Bailey’s loving mother. The versatile Joe Dempsey portrays, among several roles, both ornery Mr Potter and George’s kindly, childlike guardian angel, Clarence. As the greedy and villainous Mr. Potter, Dempsey brings to mind many of today’s nortorious individuals, whose primary goal is to line their own pockets. 

Rounding out this talented cast is the wonderful Manny Buckley, who eloquently portrays, among many characters, Joseph and Uncle Billy. Ian Paul Custer nicely plays George’s brother Harry, as well as a host of other Bedford Falls residents. And American Blues ensemble member, J.G. Smith, who has appeared on stages all over Chicagoland, is once again at the top of her game as the Foley artist, not only providing some of the background voices but all of the sound effects for the play. 

Loaded with charisma and talent, Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler is not only the show’s lovable emcee and musical director, but he provides live piano background throughout the play. In addition, he fills in as several of the minor characters in the story and, it should be noted, Mr. Mahler even wrote the original commercial jingles, which he gleefully sings. He’s joined by his beautiful, supremely-talented wife, Jeff-nominated actress and singer, Dara Cameron. Ms. Cameron also plays flirtatious Violet, several of the townsfolk ladies and little Zuzu, who reminds everyone that “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

The WABT Studio on Lincoln Avenue is decked out for the holidays, thanks to Grant Sabin’s richly detailed setting. Backed by draperies and a large LED screen, the stage is festooned with colorful lights, a Menorah, a garden of poinsettias and several brightly decorated Christmas trees. Elyse Dolan’s set dressing and property design add colorful detail to the radio studio. The stage is bathed in lush lighting, designed once again by Katy Peterson Viccellio; and Christopher J. Neville’s authentic-looking, perfectly-tailored 1940’s costumes clothe the actors the right period look. 

Finally, home at last, American Blues Theater brings a stocking stuffed with warmth and wonder to their 22nd production of Frank Capra’s Christmas classic. This can only be attributed to Gwendolyn Whiteside’s faultlessly directed production, as well as to an incomparably sincere and talented ensemble of actors and theatre artists. The residents of Bedford Falls spring to life through their versatile vocal performances and the audience’s imagination. It’s an annual treat to revisit this classic story of how one man, by sacrificing his own dreams, is able to affect so many around him. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is sheer perfection. Theatergoers may even find themselves shedding a tear as they watch an angel finally get his wings.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented December 8-31 by American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-654-3103 or go to www.boxoffice@AmericanBluesTheater.com.

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