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
"...Loaded with charisma and talent, Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler is not only the show’s lovable emcee and musical director, but he provides live piano background throughout the play. In addition, he fills in as several of the minor characters in the story and, it should be noted, Mr. Mahler even wrote the original commercial jingles, which he gleefully sings. He’s joined by his beautiful, supremely-talented wife, Jeff-nominated actress and singer, Dara Cameron. Ms. Cameron also plays flirtatious Violet, several of the townsfolk ladies and little Zuzu, who reminds everyone that “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”"
PicksInSix - Highly Recommended
"...American Blues Theater has officially opened their permanent home-the first in the 35-year history of the professional theater company in Chicago-and they did it in grand style with the 22nd annual production of the holiday chestnut "It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!" The theatrical tradition-a family show with a message for the young at heart-is year after year ABT's delightful homespun offering. On Sunday afternoon, the show took on special meaning as the first to officially christen the 137-seat main stage with music, mirth and merriment that makes it the perfect choice to ring in the season."
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!"
