American Blues Theater to present THIS WONDERFUL LIFE

American Blues Theater continues its 2017-2018 Season with the Chicago premiere of Steve Murray's This Wonderful Life and directed by Ensemble member Carmen Roman, starring Founding Ensemble Member James Leaming. This Wonderful Life runs November 2-26, 2017 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N Broadway in Chicago. The official press opening is November 5, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Founding Ensemble member and Chicago's original "George Bailey" James Leaming inhabits every role in this hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic holiday film "It's a Wonderful Life". George Bailey, Clarence, Mr. Potter, and the gang come to life as a single actor creates a heartwarming story about the effect one hardworking man's life has on the people around him.

"We're so thrilled to present the Chicago Premiere of This Wonderful Life. It's been 10 years since James brought George Bailey to life in Chicago, and we could think of no better way to welcome him back than to produce this very special adaptation of a beloved holiday classic," notes Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside.

The creative team of This Wonderful Life includes James Leaming* (performer, scenic), Carmen Roman* (director, costumes), Jared Gooding* (lights), Eric Backus (sound/composer), Mary O'Dowd (properties), Joe Huppert (projections), and Shannon Golden (stage manager).

*Ensemble and Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

Buy online at AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.654.3103.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the American Theatre Wing's prestigious 2016 National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. The 36-member Ensemble has 530+ combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2017, the theater and artists received 195 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and over 35 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.

American Blues Theater programs and activities are made possible, in part by funding by The MacArthur Funds for Arts & Culture at Prince, the Shubert Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, SMART Growth Grant, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Anixter Foundation, Actors' Equity Foundation, and the Chip Pringle Fund. ComEd is the Season Lighting Sponsor.