“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” 2018 edition

[rating=5]It is difficult to believe that American Blues Theater is doing their annual “holiday show”, “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” for the 17th year. While no one will ever catch up to “A Christmas Carol” at The Goodman, this production really is a close second . It is one of my favorites in that it is based on a film ( same name) that I fell in love with as a boy. In fact, watching Jimmy Stewart in this film, made me think I could be an actor. (note” I did that for many years and now find reviewing to be just as satisfying, and I do not have to learn lines).

For those of you unfamiliar with this sterling production ( where have you been? Really!), it is the story of a man who finds that no matter what you think your life means to others, it means even more. In this story, we begin with an angel being called forth to go down to Earth and save the main character of our story, George Bailey ( a solid performance by Brandon Dahlquist, who never tries to do an imitation of Stewart, but has created his own George, and each year gets better). The Angel, Clarence ( deftly handled by John Mohrlein ) in order to earn his wings must save George and teach him just how special his life was (and is) no matter the ups and downs that fate moves in our paths.

With Clarence we go back in time and watch as George and his friends grow up in this small town , “Bedford Falls”. George’s dad ( played by James Joseph, who also handles a multitudes of other character roles is terrific) owns the loan company that is allowing the townspeople to put money into an account, The money in this institute is designed to help other people of the area be able to purchase their own home. This is what we have called a Savings and Loan ( they seem to be going away). Old man Potter ( Mohrlein, once again , nails his performance in this role of the mean old miser), who owns the bank and every other huge business needs to get rid of the  Loan Association. Once that is done, he would control everything in Bedford Falls. It seems that Capra ( the writer of the original  film based on a story written by Phillip Van Doren, “The Greatest Gift”) wants the viewer to know the importance of every one of us. “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” is the thought behind this story.

There is a point in this joyful story that George feels that he has his back against the wall, with nowhere to turn and says “I wish I had never been born!” Let’s face it, many of us have had that thought at one time or another. In this story, George finds out just what would have happened to the town of Bedford Falls had that been the case. Not only are his eyes opened, audience members will also feel the importance of what Capra is saying in this play. And we will see that Clarence gets his wings. Yes, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his/her wings”.

By the way, Mohrlein has been involved in the roles he plays since the shows very inception. Bravo. The rest of the cast has been around for many productions of this annual show. different venues, same show with a tweak here and there. Over the years different directors have taken on this gig and music has changed along with the set and furniture. The cast on the stage at Stage 773 on the Pro Stage is very close to the one from last year. Mike Mahler, who is still the musical director is doing a show at Marriott ( see my review of “Holiday Inn”) so he has been replaced by Matt Edmunds who does a solid job as the piano player and announcer. I hardly noticed the difference!

The other cast members are: Dara Cameron taking on Violet as well as others, Ian Paul Custer ( little brother Harry and several others), Camille Robinson as Mary Baily ( she also plays George’s mother) and James Joseph as Uncle Billy. Being a live radio broadcast, we have a Foley ( this is the man who makes all the sounds-breaking glass, car horns, telephone rings, climbing up stairs and much more) brilliantly handled by Shawn J. Goudle, who if radio drama ever comes back should be in great demand. He knows his stuff!

This is a 90 minute production that is treated like the old radio shows were. The actors greet and meet the patrons as they enter the seating area, asking them to fill out forms offering holiday greetings to others (in the audience or possibly listening on the radio). They warm us up with this and then holiday songs where the audience sings-along. They also do some songs and honor a military person ( this is a tradition of The American Blues Theater for all shows). They teach the audience about the “On Air” and “Applause” signs and do some local commercials. In fact the first 15 minutes of the 90 is used to get us into the mood. IT WORKS!

The technical side of the show has become as close to perfection as one can get in a theater. Grant Sabin’s set is designed to feel like we are in someone’s living room for the holidays. The lighting ( Katy Peterson Viccellio) and sound (Keegan Bradac) as well as the 1940’s costumes (Christopher J. Neville ) are great and the dressing pieces on the set along with the props (Elyse Dolan) are amazing. The original score was written by Austin Cook and the ad jingles were composed by Michael Mahler. The airtight production was directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside ( who has been involved with this play for many a production since the reading of 2002) and under her steady hand, every art of the puzzle fits just as Capra would have wanted it to! Ninety minutes of quality entertainment followed by cookies and milk served by the cast members. Who could ask for anything more?

“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago” will continue thru the holidays until January 5th with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  I hear there will be a special guest on September 23rd

Sundays 2:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $19-$59 and can be ordered by calling 773-654-3103 or online at http://www.AmericanBluesTheater.com

Stage 773 is located at 1225 West Belmont and there is valet parking along with metered and zones street parking.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago”. I know other theaters are also doing this show, but as one that has been witness to over 24 of the ABT productions, I would say- you want to see this one!