“Wonderful Life” – Twenty-One Years And Still Glowing…

By Wes Hessel

“Wonderful Life” – Twenty-One Years And Still Glowing…

For the past two decades plus one year, American Blues Theater has presented a holiday classic in a format true to its vintage roots: Frank Capra’s timeless masterpiece, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, as a radio play produced in 1944.  Staged in the studio of “WABT”, it comes complete with gorgeous period Christmas trees, wreaths, menorahs, and other decorations, as well as details such as microphones looking like the original era, and, of course, the requisite fully-functioning “On Air” and “Applause” signs. Not that the audience needs any prompting for adulation; this is a show that makes you want to stand up and cheer – literally, at the end.

The production’s cast is costumed perfectly in 40’s attire, with their manner, speech, and hairstyles going right along with.  And the acting? Mr. Capra couldn’t be prouder if he were here today. Those top-notch characterizations are performed by premium professionals who primarily portray more than one role, without missing a beat. Even their comings and goings from the marks at the mic, or places on the stage, are punctual, real, and in radio actor character. J.G. Smith, Michael Mahler, Joe Dempsey, Brandon Dahlquist, Ian Paul Custer, Dara Cameron, Manny Buckley, and Audrey Billings have a lot to be proud of.

If you haven’t had the privilege of watching this spectacular seasonal show, don’t delay, and if you haven’t yet made your annual pilgrimage for this heartwarming holiday habit, go right away.  This year, “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” is running at the Chopin Theatre; for tickets or more information, see the company’s website at www.americanbluestheater.com.

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