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
News About It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! at American Blues Theater
We have no news on this show at the current time.
About the Theatre
American Blues Theater Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Always...Patsy Cline (5/1/26-6/7/26)
Come Back, Little Sheba (2/6/26-3/22/26)
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)
Overnight at the Museum (8/1/26-8/31/26)
and thou shalt be healed (8/1/26-8/31/26)
The Scouts of America Don't Sell Cookies, B*tch (8/1/26-8/31/26)
Black Girl from a White Suburb (9/4/26-10/4/26)
It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (11/19/26-12/27/26)
UHURU (4/2/27-5/9/27)
The Conquered (6/11/27-7/18/27)
More Chicago Coverage
Videos
|
Windfall Steppenwolf Theatre Company (4/09-5/31) |
|
South Pacific Paramount Arts Centre (4/29-6/14) |
|
The Lifespan of a Fact Parker Players Theater (4/24-5/17) |
|
Two Out of Three Falls The Factory Theater (6/04-7/18) |
|
Ruthless - The Musical Citadel Theatre Lake Forest (5/03-5/17) |
|
Hookman by Lauren Yee Bump in the Night Theatre (5/15-5/30) |
|
Beau and Aero Theater Wit (6/03-6/07) |
|
Los Regalos/The Gifts The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago (6/03-6/07) |
|
SELL ME: I am from North Korea Theater Wit (6/04-6/06) |
|
Paula Poundstone Raue Center For The Arts (9/12-9/12) VIDEOS |
| VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW | |
Get Chicago's #1 Theatre Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Chicago Shows & beyond.
