Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

American Blues Theater Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!

By:

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

Ticket prices: $19 - $69

Box Office: Buy online at AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.654.3103.

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 AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.654.3103.American Blues Theater Presents IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! Image

Need more Chicago Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...


BroadwayWorld TV


Fleetwood Max in Chicago Fleetwood Max
Raue Center For The Arts (10/03-10/03)
Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift in Chicago Love Story: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Raue Center For The Arts (11/07-11/07)
Rotary Rocks The Raue: James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash in Chicago Rotary Rocks The Raue: James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash
Raue Center For The Arts (10/24-10/24)
The Dave Matthews Tribute Band in Chicago The Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Raue Center For The Arts (9/25-9/25)
Memphis The Musical in Chicago Memphis The Musical
Studebaker Theater at the Fine Arts Building (10/24-10/25)
The Beautiful Game In Concert in Chicago The Beautiful Game In Concert
Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture (8/31-8/31)
for colored girls who considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf in Chicago for colored girls who considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf
eta Creative Arts Foundation (8/01-8/30) PHOTOS VIDEOS
The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra "Broadway to Bourbon Street: in Chicago The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra "Broadway to Bourbon Street:
ECC Arts Center (11/20-11/20)
Greenroom Improv in Chicago Greenroom Improv
Raue Center For The Arts (11/14-11/14)
A Revolution of Her Own!™ Deborah Sampson in Chicago A Revolution of Her Own!™ Deborah Sampson
Bishop Hill Park Gazebo (8/22-8/22)