Fans of radio plays are in luck this season with American Blues Theater’s new production, “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”
The radio play within a play tells the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his relationship with the folks from Bedford Falls.
Making this show unique is the way in which the story is told. Rather than acting out the story as a play, ABT transforms the theater as they bring the audience back in time to the 1940s, to a live broadcast of the story told as a traditional radio play. I have always been intrigued by radio plays and their ability to capture the hearts and minds of the listeners, which is exactly what happened with this production.
Kudos to set designer Grant Sabin, who left no stone unturned as he created an authentic radio station complete with vintage microphones, light-up applause signs and an area for Foley Sound effects.
Although the show is billed as “family-friendly,” I think it’s better for kids ages 12 and up as the “play within a play” concept can be confusing for younger kids, especially when the radio show take breaks for 1940s-style commercials.
The show itself is pretty magnificent. Director Marty Higginbotham has been with the annual production since 2008. His love of the material is evident throughout the production as the entire cast exudes a certain warmth and charm that add a welcoming dimension to the performance. I was incredibly impressed with the actors’ ability to portray a dynamic range of characters, since their only means of conveying these characters is through voice. Fans of James Stewart will not be disappointed with Kevin R. Kelly’s depiction of George Bailey, and Gwendolyn Whiteside is perfect as Mary, Bailey’s loving wife. Other notable performances are John Mohrlein as both Mr. Potter and Clarence the angel and Ian Paul Custer’s rendition of tough-talking Harry.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” runs through December 29 at the mainstage of the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. It runs 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets, call 773-404-7336, or buy them online here.
