American Blues Theater is set for its 25th Anniversary production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 19 -December 27, 2026. 

It’s a Wonderful Life is a quarter-century Chicago tradition. With its first production in 2004, this marks the 25th anniversary of this original, holiday smash hit, making it the second longest-running holiday play in the entire city of Chicago. It is the longest running production of It’s a Wonderful Life in the nation as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Frank Capra’s classic film.

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. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Told as a radio play with original music and classic holiday carols, it’s “the don’t miss show of the season” (Chicago Tribune). The annual production will feature favorite American Blues actors. For 25 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! a Chicago tradition as the city’s second-longest running holiday production!

“For 25 years, It’s a Wonderful Life has been part of the holiday traditions of Chicago families, and it means so much to us that audiences continue to return year after year,” said Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. “Some have followed us from theater to theater, and we've had the joy of watching generations of families experience Bedford Falls together. This anniversary is especially meaningful because, for the first time since our inaugural reading, every cast member is part of the American Blues ensemble. There's something wonderful about celebrating this milestone with the artists who have helped make this production what it is. We can't wait to welcome everyone to our Lincoln Avenue home to share in the music, laughter, and spirit of community that make this story so enduring.”

The cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! includes Audrey Billings* (Mary Bailey & others), Manny Buckley* (Joseph & others), Dara Cameron* (Violet & others), Ian Paul Custer* (Clarence/Mr. Potter & others), Michael Mahler* (George Bailey), Zack Schultz* (Harry & others), J.G. Smith* (Foley & others) and Lauren Vogel* (musician & others). Molly Hernandez* is the understudy. This is the first year since the inaugural reading that every cast member is a company member.

The creative team includes Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music direction & jingle composer), Austin Cook* (original score), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Lily Walls* (costumes), Elyse Dolan* (set dressing, projections & properties design), Michael Trudeau* (asst lighting design & technical director), and Richard Lundy* (production stage manager).

*Denotes ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater

During each performance, one person (any age) will be honored with a Hometown Hero tribute, which includes a short personal testimonial, a projected photo, a certificate, and two (2) complimentary tickets to the show. Nominations can be made at www.americanbluestheater.com for anyone who has shown remarkable courage in the face of challenge. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, helping others in a time of need, or overcoming personal obstacles with determination, It’s a Wonderful Life celebrates those who inspire us through their bravery.