American Blues Theater presents its 23rd annual production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, adapted from Frank Capra's classic film. Directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside, this heartwarming tale follows George Bailey, played by Brandon Dahlquist, as he navigates a moment of despair in the small town of Bedford Falls. The cast also features Audrey Billings as Mary Bailey, Manny Buckley as Joseph, Joe Dempsey as Clarence/Mr. Potter, and Dara Cameron as Violet. With a mix of original music and holiday carols, this live retelling immerses audiences in the timeless message of hope and community.
Cast and Creative team for It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater
Cast
Zack Shultz
Ensemble
Mackenzie Jones
Ensemble
J.G. Smith
Foley
Michael Mahler
Announcer/Pianist
Joe Dempsey
Clarence/Mr. Potter
Brandon Dahlquist
George Bailey
Ian Paul Custer
Harry
Dara Cameron
Violet
Manny Buckley
Joseph
Audrey Billings
Mary Bailey
Creative Team
Gwendolyn Whiteside
Director
Michael Trudeau
Master Electrician
Michael Mahler
Music Director
Michael Mahler
Jingle Composer
Austin Cook
Score Composer
Grant Sabin
Scenic Designer
Katy Peterson Viccellio
Lighting Designer
Christopher J. Neville
Costume Designer
Elyse Dolan
Set Dresser
Michael Trudeau
Technical Director
SUBMIT UPDATES
American Blues Theater Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (11/21/25-12/28/25)
Things with Friends (8/25/25-10/4/25)
The Lion (1/15/21-1/15/21)
It's a Wonderful Life (11/14/19-1/4/20)
Five Presidents (9/6/19-10/19/19)
The Spitfire Grill (7/12/19-8/17/19)
The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey (3/29/19-4/27/19)
On Clover Roadd (2/1/19-3/16/18)
It's a Wonderful Life (11/16/18-1/5/19)
Flyin West (10/5/18-11/3/18)
Videos
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Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Paramount Theatre (11/12 - 1/11) | |
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Amadeus
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (11/6 - 1/4) | |
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RCSA presents A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol
Raue Center For The Arts (11/21 - 12/7) | |
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A Soulful Motown Christmas Holiday Cabaret
Harris Theater (12/13 - 12/13) CONCERT HOLIDAY SHOW | |
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Jingle Belles Comedy
Raue Center For The Arts (12/11 - 12/11) | |
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Miracle on South Division Street
Citadel Theatre (11/14 - 12/14)
DISCOUNT
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A Carpenters Christmas
Raue Center For The Arts (12/10 - 12/10) | |
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Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays
Lookingglass Theatre Company (12/17 - 12/20) | |
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HADESTOWN
Prairie Home Alliance Theater (1/6 - 1/7) | |
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Laugh Along Live!
Stars & Garters (10/17 - 12/20) | |
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“Together: Dave and Dan Duet”- A Gay Holiday Cabaret with Sing-along
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (12/18 - 12/18)
PHOTOS
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Gaslight
Northlight Theatre (11/28 - 12/28) | |
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The Long Christmas Dinner
Bramble Arts Loft (12/1 - 12/28) | |
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