Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...American Blues Theater’s annual old time radio-style staging of the classic movie screenplay “It’s a Wonderful Life” has been the warmest holiday show in town for some two decades now. On Saturday night, the experience was like jumping into a favorite mug of hot chocolate and then climbing back out via a peppermint stick."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside (a veteran of 15 “IAWL” productions) with musical direction by composer/pianist/emcee Michael Mahler (who has 13 productions under his belt), “IAWL” is rich in holiday cheer without ever becoming soppy or sentimental."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Done as a live radio play version of Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 film, complete with onstage sound effects by foley artist J.G. Smith, this production (directed by ABT executive artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside) feels like a homecoming in more ways than one. Brandon Dahlquist returns as beleaguered George Bailey, with ensemble members Audrey Billings as sweet but steel-spined Mary and Joe Dempsey doing angel-devil duty as Clarence and Mr. Potter."
Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...We have a Home! It is a wonderful life, as American Blues Theater (ABT) opens its inaugurated New Home with the 22nd Annual Live Radio Production of "It's a Wonderful Life." Frank Russell Capra's 1945 masterpiece classic Christmas tale about the life of George Bailey from Bedford Falls is still rated by many as the top Christmas movie. And when you think of masterpiece performances, few can match the live radio production performed by American Blues Theater. For over 18 years, ABT performed It's A Wonderful Life, and I've seen it several times- and it still brings out the magic of Christmas."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The second-longest-running holiday show in the Chicago metropolitan area, “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” is now in its 22nd year. Based on the well-loved Frank Capra movie, the American Blues Theater (ABT) production is unique is that it is set up to resemble a mid-1940s radio broadcast. The theater audience becomes the studio audience at a local Chicago radio station (WABT), and we are to imagine ourselves on-air, providing applause and live responses. Of course, director and artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside (plus the cast and crew) change things up a bit every year."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...The warm tenderness and sincerity of this play is the result of a great script. But the must-see rating is primarily attributed to the talent and commitment of American Blues’ outstanding ensemble of actors. Thanks to this remarkable, 8-member cast, the residents of Bedford Falls all come to life through our imagination. Every year it’s inspiring to experience this story of how one man, who willingly sacrifices his own dreams and goes on to help those around him. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is the perfect tale for today’s world. And theatergoers will laugh and even shed a tear as they watch an empathetic angel remind a man that no one is a failure who has friends. Finally, after a 200 year wait, a bell rings and Clarence gets his wings."
Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended
"...An all-around great cast led by Brandon Dahlquist and Audrey Billings brings the story of suicidal, down-on-his-luck George Bailey to life in a quick, charming 90-minute production. The cast will certainly help you get into the spirit with a few rounds of Christmas carols before the show gets going."
Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended
"...From the moment you step in the door, It's a Wonderful Life! Live in Chicago may be a bit much for the holiday-cynical among us. Indeed, it is a steroid shot of holiday cheer, and one viewing early in the season will give you enough to last until all the presents are unwrapped and the decorations come down. With so much on offer for those making holiday memories around town, anyone who tries to do it all will quickly develop a serious case of yuletide exhaustion. Nevertheless, It's a Wonderful Life! remains a must-see annual tradition in its much-deserved and beautifully appointed long-standing home, presented by (what at least appears to be) a thriving local theater organization, and that's more than enough to make any grinch's heart grow three sizes any day."
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...Feeling like this is an especially long year? Full of physical challenges and emotional obstacles? Need a nostalgic, heartwarming experience and a hot cup of cocoa to get you in the spirit of the season? One thing we’ve always done as a people, I think, to address times like these is to observe our established mores during the holidays. And what better way to capture that special feeling than to spend a few hours at the new and elegant American Blues Theater performance space on North Lincoln Ave with the superb cast and crew of “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” Led by their stalwart artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside, ABT has shared this delightful Chicago holiday tradition—a familiar, yet energetic presentation of a loving story we all know and appreciate—for so many years that it has become a beloved and highly anticipated outing for the whole family."
Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended
"...For 22 years, American Blues Theater has presented It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! in the format of a live-staged faux 1940s radio production based on Frank Capra's classic Christmas film, making it the city's second-longest running holiday play (A Christmas Carol has been humbugging at the Goodman for more than 45). It's fitting, then, that ABT chose this show to launch its beautiful new 137-seat proscenium theater in the far north West Ridge neighborhood, making Sunday's opening performance even more festive than usual."
NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Much like George Bailey himself, I threw myself into this show like plunging into icy water to get it over with—oh boy, another “It’s a Wonderful Life, (sigh).” As a newbie to ABT’s long-running version, I was pleasantly surprised at the play-within-a-play format. The vintage set by scenic designer Grant Sabin immerses you in the zeitgeist. Lighting design by Katy Peterson Viccellio and sound effects by Smith ease the imagination into filling in the scenery of the sleepy town of Bedford Falls. This was not the straightforward “It’s A Wonderful Life” that I was expecting—and that’s a good thing!"
