No Man’s a Failure Who Has Friends

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

The beautiful new American Blues Theater venue is once again decked out in sparkling, colorful holiday decor. All the typical ornamentation, such as Christmas trees, wreaths, menorahs and candles fill both the stage and lobby, bringing a cornucopia of cheer to those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. But it’s really what happens inside the theater that’s always so special.

Like many of us, I’ve been attending IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY for many years and I have to say that, like A CHRISTMAS CAROL and THE NUTCRACKER, the American Blues Theater production has become one of my own treasured holiday traditions. Even though technically Frank Capra’s classic b&w film isn’t just a Christmas movie, the season wouldn’t be complete without the story and its moving message. Near the end of the movie, Clarence the Guardian Angel reminds George that No Man’s a Failure Who Has Friends. And that powerful credo is a message that should guide us all year long.

Once again this year, ABT’s stellar production is creatively and energetically Directed by talented Executive Artistic Director, Gwendolyn Whiteside. She proves again the old adage that “if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.” So this is basically the same production, with the same cast members, as we’ve enjoyed year after year. If anything, the American Blues Theater presentation has become even more consequential and compelling with each Christmas season. 

Grant Sabin’s festive and colorful Scenic Design, festooned with exquisitely detailed Set Dressing by Elyse Dolan and made even more magical by her precise Projection Design, this show perfectly creates a holiday mood. And everything sparkles, thanks to Katy Peterson Viccellio’s expert Lighting Design, while Christopher J. Neville’s beautifully tailored period costumes make theatergoers feel as if they’ve traveled back in time to an actual 1946 radio studio. And a big shoutout to one of the unsung heroes of this production. Talented performer 

J.G. Smith, who’s also an accomplished actor and singer herself, masters the Foley table, providing crowd noise and the always spot-on sound effects that make this radio play sound realistic.

This is the touching and sometimes humorous tale of George Bailey, a man with dreams and ambitions that he chooses to postpone when he selflessly puts everyone else’s needs before his own. Based upon “The Greatest Gift,” a 1945 short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, which was adapted into Frank Capra’s 1946 film, that’s now become a television holiday classic, this incredibly poignant story hits every emotion. With an original score by Austin Cook, and several commercial jingles composed and Musically Directed by Michael Mahler, this delightful production continues to impress in so many ways. 

The gifted cast, who all seem equally at home throughout the 90-minute presentation. begin each production by greeting the theatergoers and encouraging audience members to write short Radiograms. These will be read throughout the show during the commercial breaks. There’s also a pre-show holiday singalong, a Christmas-themed trivia contest with prizes and each performance is dedicated to a Chicago area hero, who may be a teacher, a caregiver or someone in the military currently serving our country.

The American Blues cast, all members of Actors Equity and ABT Ensemble Members, seems to only get better with each performance. Handsome Brandon Dahlquist makes audiences forget Jimmy Stewart’s iconic performance as George Bailey in the old film. Making the role all his own and capturing all the humor, warmth and pathos of the character, Mr. Dahlquist is simply wonderful. Lovely Audrey Billings is exceptional as Mary Bailey, the role created in Capra’s film by Donna Reed. Ms. Billings is spirited, tender and caring, both as Mary and as George’s loving Mother. Talented Joe Dempsey offers unbelievable versatility portraying, among many roles, both ornery Mr. Potter and sweetly thoughtful Clarence, George’s kindly guardian angel. As the heartless, profit-hungry Potter, Dempsey is the Ebenezer Scrooge character of this story. He reminds us of every greedy individual we’ve ever known, whose primary goal is to line their own pockets with cash.

Manny Buckley eloquently portrays, among others, George’s Father, Joseph, the Head Heavenly Angel, and Uncle Billy, George’s easily befuddled relative and coworker. It’s his forgetfulness that sets into motion the play’s main conflict, and makes George wish he’d never been born. Strong actor Ian Paul Custer plays George’s brother Harry, as well as a variety of other characters. The charming and multitalented Michael Mahler is not only the show’s lovable emcee, but he provides all the smooth piano accompaniment for the production. Michael also plays a few minor characters in the story. And all those clever commercial jingles, which Mr. Mahler wrote, are gleefully sung by Michael and Dara Cameron, his lovely and equally talented wife. Ms. Cameron is brilliant playing little Zuzu, flirtatious Violet and several other roles.

The warm tenderness and sincerity of this play is the result of a great script. But the must-see rating is primarily attributed to the talent and commitment of American Blues’ outstanding ensemble of actors. Thanks to this remarkable, 8-member cast, the residents of Bedford Falls all come to life through our imagination. Every year it’s inspiring to experience this story of how one man, who willingly sacrifices his own dreams and goes on to help those around him. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is the perfect tale for today’s world. And theatergoers will laugh and even shed a tear as they watch an empathetic angel remind a man that no one is a failure who has friends. Finally, after a 200 year wait, a bell rings and Clarence gets his wings.           

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 29-December 22 by American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave., 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.