Archive review: This review covers American Blues Theater’s 2011 production of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, which ran through Dec. 31, 2011. For current dates and tickets, see our Chicago holiday shows guide.
Based on the Frank Capra film and
based on the short story
“The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern
Directed by Marty Higginbotham
Produced by American Blues Theater
At the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens Biograph
American Blues Theater’s radio play still heartfelt and honest
With the addition of Michael Mahler, his wife Dara Cameron, and Zachary Kenney, this year’s edition of the radio play version of Frank Capra’s beloved holiday show still is filled with warmth, charm and wholesome American spirit that depicts how the little guy from small town America can effectively affect (for the good) many lives. Yes, we learn to love George Bailey (nicely played by Kevin R. Kelly) and we empathize with his predicament as his desperation almost drives him to self-destruction.
Filled with a sharp and versatile cast including the veteran John Mohrlein as the villain Mr. Potter, American Blues Theater continues to please with their annual radio play telling of Capra’s holiday classic. This truthful format – a live radio show – totally engages audiences into the story. The performances are honest and thorough. You’ll feel at home at the Biograph’s upstairs theater and you’ll experience being an interactive audience for a radio show. So take your family back to the 1940s to help Clarence, the angel, get his wings. The tradition is living well on Lincoln Avenue.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2011
For more information, see the It’s A Wonderful Life page on theatreinchicago.com.
American Blues Theater‘s production ran through Dec. 31, 2011, at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Running time was 90 minutes without intermission.
More ChicagoCritic reviews of American Blues Theater’s It’s a Wonderful Life: 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015