PicksInSix Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!-American Blues Theater

A New Home. An Enduring Classic!
PicksInSix® Review|Ed Tracy

American Blues Theater has officially opened their permanent home—the first in the 35-year history of the professional theater company in Chicago—and they did it in grand style with the 22nd annual production of the holiday chestnut “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” The theatrical tradition—a family show with a message for the young at heart—is year after year ABT’s delightful homespun offering. On Sunday afternoon, the show took on special meaning as the first to officially christen the 137-seat main stage with music, mirth and merriment that makes it the perfect choice to ring in the season.

The live radio show— based on the short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern that was the basis for the 1946 Frank Capra film—is under the direction of longtime Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and features Christmas carols, local “on-air“ commercials, audience shout-outs and a warm, engaging show that looks, feels and sounds—thanks to Foley artist J.G. Smith—every bit like a broadcast from the 1940s. That is except when music director Michael Mahler is delightfully churning out a holiday parody to a familiar REO Speedwagon tune in the pre-show. That’s one of several clever additions to previous sing-alongs I have attended. The ensemble was having a blast warming up the audience prior to the main event—a 90-minute true-to-telling of one of the most heartfelt of all holiday stories about the fateful day in Bedford Falls when George Bailey learns from his guardian angel Clarence that no man is failure who has friends.

Returning with gusto for his seventh run on the Bailey Building and Loan, Brandon Dahlquist has the corner on George Bailey, delivering a marvelously sensitive and present performance—a fine balance between familiarity with the material and navigating the limitations of the radio play format where scenic elements and props are all but non-existent, unless they make a sound. We are truly moved by George’s anguish as he struggles to confess his love for Mary—beautifully portrayed by Audrey Billings— and the explosive frustration unleashed upon Manny Buckley’s befuddled Uncle Billy when Billy is duped by Mr. Potter (played superbly by Joe Dempsey) and threatens the solvency of Bailey’s Building and Loan setting the wheels in motion for George’s frenzied emotional collapse. George’s redemption may be the most familiar part of this story, but Dahlquist keeps the dramatic tension fresh, coming literally unhinged at the sight of the world without him a player in it.

Along with Mahler, who shines as announcer and pianist, the company includes Dara Cameron, Mahler’s real-life spouse who is lovely as Violet and Zuzu; the multi-talented Ian Paul Custer and versatile Buckley, who collectively have many of the most heartfelt and touching moments in the show. At the opening press performance on Sunday, Cameron was honored by the onstage company for her longtime service and contributions. Richly deserved!

Over the years, I look forward to coming back to “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” In 2016, I recorded a delightful conversation with Wendy Whiteside together with then-Foley artist Shawn Goudy on main stage at The Greenhouse Theater. It was Dahlquist’s first year and the 15th for the late John Mohrien whose performance as Clarence/Potter was broadcast in a memorable pandemic era broadcast that elevated my deep respect and admiration for the ABT Ensemble who have continued to adapt, enhance and deliver truly inspired work at venues across Chicagoland.

Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey) and Joe Dempsey (Mr. Potter) in the 2023 American Blues Theater production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” now playing through December 31, 2023. Video|The Stage Channel

As much as their sparkling new home is a labor of love and an extraordinary accomplishment for Whiteside, the ABT Board and Artistic Ensemble, it is just the beginning. The new facility has a second, small flexible rehearsal studio that will serve as a venue for other theatrical companies and, altogether, a stunning cultural anchor for the neighborhood and lots of old and new friends.  

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

American Blues Theater
presents
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
through December 31, 2023

5627 N. Lincoln
(773) 654-3103

WEBSITE | TICKETS

2023 BACKSTAGE GUIDE

For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago

ARCHIVE

PicksInSix® is a registered trademark of Roxbury Road Creative, LLC

PicksInSix Review: ALMA American Blues Theater

Elusive ‘American Dream’ in Real Time. 
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Kaitlyn Linsner

From start to finish, the moving world premiere of “Alma,” commands the intimate stage at the Rivendell Theatre in Edgewater. Presented by American Blues Theater in collaboration with the Center Theatre Group based in Los Angeles and the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance as part of the Destinos, the 5th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, the play poses important questions and searing reflections on immigration, belonging, struggle, sacrifice, family and generational differences.

Playwright Benjamin Benne wrote the tightly woven seventy-minute drama in the time leading up to the 2016 election. Donald Trump’s violent anti-immigration and anti-Mexican rhetoric led Benne to deeply reflect on his own family’s immigration story. His mother’s side emigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala. Benne then grew up a first-generation U.S. citizen in Hacienda Heights, California, which borders the city of La Puente, California where the play is set. California is, of course, a fitting backdrop for Benne’s powerful and enduring commentary on ongoing settler colonialism because that land used to belong to Mexico.

“Alma” unfolds in real time and features two strong characters who give riveting performances—Alma (Jazmín Corona), an undocumented immigrant and fiercely devoted mom working unlivable-wage jobs, and her American-born daughter, Angel (Bryanna Ciera Colón). We meet them on the eve of Angel’s SAT and quickly learn of some mounting tension in the household related to Angel’s collegiate plans, the scary uncertainty of Alma’s path to citizenship and the looming Donald Trump presidency. Angel has a sharp wit and hesitant eagerness mellowed out by her stark sense of realism; a realism that challenges Alma’s very different opinions about Angel’s future and the coveted yet absolutely elusive “American Dream.” These challenges are at the core of the play’s beautiful complexity. You have two very close family members trying to climb out of survival to the oasis of a better life (all in the face of mounting oppression, no less). But, who really knows best? Mom who crossed the border 17 years ago holding steadfast to her ideals? Or her first-generation daughter disillusioned and fed up with her mom’s unreasonable expectations?

“Alma” beckons you to examine and empathize with both. Follow along as they repeatedly list each year of Angel’s birthday wishes (from carne asada every day to a house with air conditioning). Listen as they navigate switching between Spanish and English. Feel as they sing, cry and scream together. And watch them truly treasure each other through it all. It’s remarkable.

Director Ana Velazquez does a phenomenal job placing the audience in real time with Alma and Angel to experience this whirlwind of emotions within the tiny one-bedroom apartment set. The Rivendell’s small space blurs the lines between audience and actors. By nearly eliminating that line, so to speak, the setup creates a space for a larger dialogue on the purpose and implementation of borders as barriers between people, places, expressions and identities.

Praise must also be given to the production team who executed a seamless show., especially Rachel West’s lighting design that creates magical images at pinnacle moments on Tara A. Houston’s detailed urban set. They combine to illuminate the multi-layered performances of Corona and Colón, who both bring this important not-to-be-missed play to life with heart and grit.
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | KAITLYN LINSNER is a Chicago-based attorney practicing construction and surety law.
PHOTO CREDIT|Jenn Udoni  

American Blues Theater
presents
World Premiere
ALMA
through October 22

Rivendell Theater Ensemble
5779 N. Ridge Ave.

WEBSITE

For more reviews, visit: Theatre In Chicago

ARCHIVE

PicksInSix® is a registered trademark of Roxbury Road Creative, LLC

PICKSINSIX Review: It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Meet: Clarence Odbody, AS2 (Angel Second Class)

View fullsize

What’s it about... a rollicking 1940s staged radio version of Frank Capra’s endearing film classic that is sure to put you in the holiday spirit, no matter how much like Mr. Potter you may be feeling.

Why You Should Go... 2017 marks the 16th year that American Blues Theater has produced It’s A Wonderful Life: Live on Stage, and the first in their new home at Stage 773’s Thrust Stage on Belmont. Directed by Wendy Whiteside, Bedford Falls comes alive in a delightful production with a free-spirited, seasoned cast, and live music and Foley sound effects, all framed in a classic live radio show. You can send an audiogram to someone special, sing a holiday favorite and, after the 90 minute show, enjoy cookies and milk served up by the cast. The entire theater is awash in the warm and colorful tidying’s of the season courtesy of Grant Sabin’s festive set design, lighting by Katy Peterson and costumes by Christopher J. Neville.

Old-Fashioned Storytelling... judging by an informal poll, about half of the audience on opening night had never seen a live radio broadcast, which emphasizes the characters and the story. There is a poignant moment that honors a veteran or service organization at every performance adding to the heartwarming, family-friendly experience.

A Chicago Holiday Tradition... while the Bailey Building and Loan, 320 Sycamore and Martini’s Bar only exist in our imagination, experiencing the performance of the brilliant John Mohrlein in the dual roles of Clarence and Mr. Potter - his 16th consecutive year - is a Chicago holiday tradition not to be missed. The superb cast includes Zach Kenney and Wendy Whiteside as George and Mary, with Dara Cameron, Ian Paul Custer, James Joseph and Michael Mahler in supporting roles. Shawn J. Goudie creates a wide array of Foley sound effects.

The Background... in keeping with their mission to explore the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves, American Blues Theater has published and made available on their website, a smart, thorough Backstage Guide that provides over two dozen pages of background, interviews, historical facts and the text of Philip Van Doreen Stern’s The Greatest Gift, the story on which the film is based. BACKSTAGE GUIDE

Good News and More Good News... in addition to directing, Wendy Whiteside returns to the role of Mary Bailey for a 7th time this year through December 17th when Camille Robinson steps back into the role to complete the run through January 6th. Husband and wife, Mike Maher and Dara Cameron, return for their 5th season together, and Maher’s 7th overall, with a surprise of their own. They will be parents to a little Bailey in March 2018. Hot Dog!

Listen to our 2016 PODCAST featuring a conversation with Wendy Whiteside, Foley Artist Shawn J. Goudie and audio clips from the 2016 production. Lots of fun. Check it out.

Happy Holidays!

Photos|Michael Brosilow

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO
AMERICAN BLUES THEATER
through January 6th, 2018

Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Ave,
Chicago, IL 60657
WEBSITE TICKETS
(773) 327-5252

PODCAST    ARCHIVE

 

'THIS WONDERFUL LIFE' GIVING OUT WINGS!

THIS WONDERFUL LIFE

View fullsize

What’s it about … The story of a man on a bridge, how he got there and how he found his way home.

Why you should go … If you are like me - and everyone else, except a young lady named Juliana in the opening audience last week - you have seen It’s A Wonderful Life before, perhaps many times before. Now comes the American Blues Theater Chicago premiere of This Wonderful Life, the terrific one-man show adaptation written by Steve Murray, directed by Carmen Roman and starring James Leaming playing for a limited run at The Edge Theater on North Broadway. Leaming, the original George Bailey in the American Blues long-running production of the 1940s radio play (which returns for its annual run on November 16th at their new home, Stage 773) has a coming home story all his own. After playing the role for 6 years, Leaming began a critically-acclaimed tour of this show in 2008, a production that has been seen on stages across the country. All points led to Chicago this fall, so Bedford Falls and over 30 of its lovable characters – and the not-so-lovable Mr. Potter – have now made a heartwarming return.

A one-man show … Leaming's brilliantly nuanced performance includes classic references and some truly inspired commentary on show elements that, judging from the audience reaction, are a bit of a revelation. Being an ardent fan of the film only helps to raise your appreciation for the ease in which Leaming creates multiple characters and shifts the ever-changing locales in a seamless tapestry of clever technical projections, lighting and sound effects that support his captivating performance.

The many faces and voices of Bedford Falls… this is a non-stop, steady, finely-tuned and superbly delivered gem. There is a blisteringly fast recap of the story at the top - a teaser of sorts - for the evening to come. Leaming’s George Bailey is warm and folksy, witty, shaken and scared. As Mr. Potter, he is strikingly diabolical, while the interactions in the characters of Mary, his mother and the other women’s roles are both tender and real.

What to wait for … No matter how many times I see it, it is hard to dismiss the well of emotions that bubble up in this story. On this intimate stage, with the exceptionally versatile Leaming leading the way, those endearing moments come alive. A truly moving performance. 

The takeaway … No man is a failure who has friends. So, take it to heart, gather everyone you know and make a date for This Wonderful Life, now playing in a limited engagement through November 26th.      

Photos|Michael Brosilow

AMERICAN BLUES THEATRE
THIS WONDERFUL LIFE
through November 26, 2017
The Edge Theater
5451 N. Broadway
WEBSITE   TICKETS
(773) 654-3103

ARCHIVE