Photo Flash: THIS WONDERFUL LIFE Comes to American Blues Theater

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

James Leaming has performed This Wonderful Life across the country, including North Coast Repertory Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Cleveland Play House, Syracuse Stage, and Asolo Repertory Theatre. His regional theater credits include the world premiere of Broke at ALLIANCE THEATRE; 9 seasons at Peninsula Players in Door County, WI (A Few Good Men, Cherry Orchard, Foreigner, and A Man For All Seasons); and Asolo Repertory Theatre (Devil's Disciple, Winter's Tale, and Inventing Van Gogh).

In Chicago he has worked for Steppenwolf, Northlight, Victory Gardens, Goodman, Drury Lane, Body Politic, Fox Theatricals, and with Canamac Productions in Botanic Garden with his wife Carmen Roman, directed by Olympia Dukakis.

James is a Founding Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. His credits at American Blues Theater include Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Native Son, Tobacco Road, The Hairy Ape, Two Rooms, Bad Moon, A Lie Of The Mind, Catch 22, American Dead, and On The Waterfront.

Photos by Michael Brosilow.

James Learning

James Learning

James Learning

James Learning