Gwendolyn Whiteside

American Blues Theater Hosts IT'S A WONDERFUL PARTY! Holiday Benefit
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

American Blues Theater invites the community to kick off the season at It's a Wonderful Party!, the company's annual holiday benefit supporting artists' wages during its milestone 40th Anniversary Season.

Cast Set for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! at American Blues
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025

American Blues Theater will present its 24th Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside.

Chicago Theatre Leaders Join Richard Engling For Book Launch Panel At Bramble Arts Loft
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2025

A panel discussion and celebration titled Taking the Leap: A Conversation on Bold Moves in Chicago Theater will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Bramble Arts Loft (5545 North Clark Street, 2nd Floor, Chicago).

American Blues Theater Hosts 2025 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival
by Stephi Wild - Aug 5, 2025

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, has announced the lineup for the 2025 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival.

Kristoffer Diaz' THINGS WITH FRIENDS World Premiere to be Presented at American Blues Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 7, 2025

American Blues Theater will open its 40th anniversary season with a world premiere by Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz, Things With Friends. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!

GOLDEN LEAF RAGTIME BLUES is Coming to American Blues Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

American Blues Theater will present the Chicago premiere of Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith’s Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues, directed by Ensemble Member Chuck Smith. Learn more!

American Blues Reveals Winner of 2025 Blue Ink Award for Playwriting
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

American Blues Theater has revealed the recipient of the 2025 Blue Ink Award is Alyssa Haddad-Chin for her play You Should Be So Lucky. Learn more about Haddad-Chin and about the award.

American Blues Theater Will Host Blue Bash
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, has announced Casino Royale, the 2025 Blue Bash, a fundraiser celebrating the company's history and artistry.

American Blues Theater to Present 23rd Production IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 28, 2024

American Blues Theater will present the 23rd annual production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!, a holiday classic reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast. Learn how to purchase tickets.

American Blues Theater's MISERY and THE LAST WIDE OPEN Now Playing
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2024

American Blues Theater currently has two productions playing simultaneously—Misery by William Goldman, and the World Premiere Polish version on The Last Wide Open by Audrey Cefaly. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

World Premiere of THE LAST WIDE OPEN Returns to Chicago in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2024

American Blues Theater has announced a limited return engagement of the critically acclaimed, World Premiere Polish version of The Last Wide Open by Audrey Cefaly (book & lyrics), Matthew M. Nielson (music), and Katarzyna Müller (Polish adaptation and consultant). 

American Blues Theater to Present World Premiere of THE LAST WIDE OPEN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 7, 2024

American Blues Theater will present THE LAST WIDE OPEN featuring Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

American Blues Theater to Present Annual Blue Bash This Month
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 15, 2024

American Blues Theater will present the 2024 Blue Bash, a fundraiser celebrating the company’s history and artistry. Learn how to purchase tickets!

American Blues Theater Names Ken Urban Recipient of the 2024 Blue Ink Award
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2024

American Blues Theater has announced the recipient of the 2024 Blue Ink Award is Ken Urban for his play The Conquered. As part of the award, Urban receives a $3,000 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater To Produce THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS In Its New Home
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 2, 2024

American Blues Theater presents the Chicago premiere of 'The Reclamation of Madison Hemings' by Charles Smith, directed by Chuck Smith. Tickets on sale now.

American Blues Theater Will Open its First Permanent Home Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Nov 22, 2023

American Blues Theater, Chicago’s second oldest ensemble theater, under the artistic and executive leadership of Gwendolyn Whiteside, will celebrate the opening of its first permanent home, a two-theater venue, located at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. 

American Blues Theater Will Open New Home With IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIFE IN CHICAGO!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2023

American Blues Theater announces its 22nd Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler.

American Blues Theater Celebrates Kristoffer Diaz, Winner of 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 18, 2023

Discover the talented playwright, Kristoffer Diaz, as he is honored as the winner of the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays by American Blues Theater. Learn more about the festival and the exciting future of Diaz's work in this insightful article.

American Blues Theater Hosts the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays in August
by Stephi Wild - Aug 2, 2023

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of new plays, featuring four staged readings of works by the 2023 Blue Ink Award winner and featured finalists.

American Blues Theater Names Kristoffer Diaz The Recipient Of The 2023 Blue Ink Award For His Play THINGS WITH FRIENDS
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2023

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the recipient of the 2023 Blue Ink Award is Kristoffer Diaz for his play Things With Friends. As part of the award, Diaz receives a $2,500 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.