First, it acknowledged our tenuous relationship with the passing of time after nearly two years of pandemic conditions: How is it already another holiday season? Did 2021 even happen? While it was a throwaway gag - maybe improvised, maybe scripted - Mahler’s joke neatly accomplished two goals. “My goodness, the 1940s are flying by, aren’t they?”

“Can you believe it’s already December?” asked actor Michael Mahler from the stage at Victory Gardens Theater. American Blues Theater lassos a miracle, a show that, over 20 editions, has worked as both great storytelling and a flashback to another age of show business. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ radio staging allows for a brief uplifting escape from 21st century woes. To tell the story, American Blues Theater transports its audience back to the 1940s to experience the live radio broadcast retelling of the story complete with live Foley sound effects and an original score by Austin Cook. Like the Frank Capra movie, this version of the classic holiday story follows everyman George Bailey who, after years of dreaming of adventure, finds himself in desperate times, stuck in his hometown and in need of a miracle. *Ensemble Member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater Filled with original music and classic holiday carols, this warm tale “is the don’t-miss show this holiday season!” ( Chicago Tribune)įor over 20 years, American Blues has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago! To learn more, read our Artistic Director’s note and Backstage Guide. Only a miracle can save him from despair.

George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty – has fallen onto desperate times.

THE CHICAGO ORIGINAL LIVE INTERACTIVE SHOW NOVEMBER 26 – DECEM2021 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE:

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