The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

First Look - Reviews
Home›featured-blogs›First Look - Reviews›First Look review: American Blues Theater’s live radio performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will warm your heart for the holidays

First Look review: American Blues Theater’s live radio performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will warm your heart for the holidays

By TheRealChicagoOnline
December 12, 2015
1344
0
Share:

22629383634_1928bd9afd_z

By Corey O’Day

Playing at: The Greenhouse Theatre Center main stage, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. www.AmericanBluesTheater.com

When: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through December 27, with additional holiday performances Sunday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Dec. 20 following the 2:30 p.m. performance, Santa Claus will be there to meet with guests and offer keepsakes to the kiddos.

Brief history: This is American Blues Theater’s 14th annual production of It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Adapted from the original short story, “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, and the Capra-directed movie, this show tugs on your heartstrings and hits all of your favorite moments with a runtime of roughly 90 minutes. It’s a Wonderful Life was Jimmy Stewart’s first film after returning home from combat in World War II. American Blues Theater returns to it year after year, not only because it delights audiences, but because the story embodies the American ideals of freedom, equality and opportunity that they strive to illuminate in the plays they produce and the communities they serve.22890548789_28682ae1dd_z

What to expect: This is a show that appreciates audience participation — there are moments of sing-along Christmas carols, prizes for name-that-tune audience quizzes, old-fashioned radio jingles about local sponsors like ComEd, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Bunches Florist and many more. Members of the cast walk through the audience handing out and collecting “audiograms” for patrons to write messages of love and encouragement to be read during various commercial breaks throughout the show. There is also a “Soldier Spotlight” moment that honors a soldier in attendance at each performance.

What stood out: The 2015 production includes a new George and Mary Bailey who will steal your heart. Zach Kenney oozes earnestness as George, and Amanda Tanguay’s endearing portrayal of Mary makes you want to scoop her up into a big hug.

It is incredible the way a cast of eight becomes the entire town of Bedford Falls. John Mohrlein’s performance is particularly impressive as he oscillates between portraying the angel, Clarence, sent to save our hero, George Bailey, and the story’s despicable villain, Mr. Potter, who seeks to ruin him. He navigates the dichotomy effortlessly with aplomb. It’s no surprise that Mohrlein is the most seasoned cast member of the show, having been part of more than 300 performances after this run. His delivery continues to be fresh and convincing.

Another amazing part of this production is the live foley demonstration by Shawn Goudie. At times it seemed he must have had six arms going in all directions with doors, suitcases, car horns, bar glasses, etc. The sound effects flowed so naturally with the performance that I almost forgot the speeding automobile was actually a man’s mouth.

Final thoughts: In an age of constant stimuli and competition for our attention, it is encouraging to see that an inspiring story read by passionate people can still move an audience. While the audience was certainly entertained, it is the story itself that truly rang out in this stripped-down setting.

TagsAmanda TanguayAmerican Blues TheaterChicago TheaterIt's a Wonderful LifeJimmy StewartJohn MohrleinThe Real ChicagoZach Kenney
Previous Article

Chicago Insider: Meredith Franczyk on Quartino, Hopleaf ...

Next Article

First Look review: Steppenwolf’s “Domesticated” is a ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Breaking in my 21st with the blues at Kingston Mines

    March 23, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • A Round of Drinks

    A Round of Drinks at The Northman: Chicago’s first cider bar is earning rave reviews in Lincoln Square

    May 18, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Adult scavenger hunt at Lincoln Park Zoo, Friday Night Flights beer fest in Ravenswood, North Coast ...

    August 21, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: The ninth annual Illinois Craft Beer Week is upon us; Q&A with Danielle D’Alessandro of the ...

    May 6, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Second City’s “Unelectable You” is a rollicking, tongue-in-cheek mockery of the 2016 election

    August 8, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • We Ask, They Answer

    We Ask, They Answer: Q&A with Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7 News food reporter and co-host/producer of The Feed podcast, about ...

    May 31, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownHidden GemsOther Recent Articles

    Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Doughnut delight: These sweet treats are popping up all over in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login