It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Reviews
Chicago Reader- Highly Recommended
"...American Blues Theater's 90-minute stage version more than holds its own against any prejudice. It's delightful. ABT's uncredited adaptation treats George's dark night of the soul as the subject of a World War II-era radio broadcast, complete with musical commercial breaks touting local businesses. At once tongue-in-cheek and utterly wholehearted, it's not for cynics: you will be expected to laugh, weep, sigh, and sing Christmas carols. You may feel a twinge of class solidarity, too, if your politics run that way. Under Marty Higginbotham's direction, there doesn't seem to be a rule of thumb about imitating the movie (Kevin Kelly's George hasn't a smidge of Stewart while John Mohrlein is pure Lionel Barrymore as the evil Mr. Potter). The Frank Capra buoyancy, though, is always present.""
ChicagoCritic- Highly Recommended
"...From the moment you enter the theatre, you're greeted by cast members who exude their holiday cheer as the make you welcome to the broadcast. The show's warm up get everyone singing Christmas songs as the atmosphere of holiday spirit shines. The Golden Age of Radio makes fora winning event as the radio play comes to life with it's worthy story. Here even the commercials are clever."
Around The Town Chicago- Highly Recommended
"...It is not often that we can sit and see something as heart warming as this story as retold by a cast that makes you feel that you are indeed the proverbial "fly on the wall" looking in on an actual radio broadcast, but of greater importance learning a valuable lesson about life during the season of giving. Let's face it, what better gift is there that seeing live theater of this quality and after the show having milk and cookies with the cast. Wow!"