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American Blues Theater announces its 25^th Anniversary production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra's film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler. It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 19 – December 27, 2026.

It's a Wonderful Life is a quarter-century Chicago tradition.  With its first production in 2004, this marks the 25th anniversary of this original, holiday smash hit, making it the second longest-running holiday play in the entire city of Chicago. It is the longest running production of It's a Wonderful Life in the nation as we celebrate the 80^th anniversary of Frank Capra's classic film.

George Bailey – the Everyman from small town Bedford Falls whose dreams of escape and adventure were stopped by family obligation and civic duty – has fallen onto desperate times. Only a miracle can save him from despair. Told as a radio play with original music and classic holiday carols, it's "the don't miss show of the season" (Chicago Tribune). The annual production will feature favorite American Blues actors. For 25 years, American Blues has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! a Chicago tradition as the city's second-longest running holiday production!

"For 25 years, It's a Wonderful Life has been part of the holiday traditions of Chicago families, and it means so much to us that audiences continue to return year after year," said Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. "Some have followed us from theater to theater, and we've had the joy of watching generations of families experience Bedford Falls together. This anniversary is especially meaningful because, for the first time since our inaugural reading, every cast member is part of the American Blues ensemble. There's something wonderful about celebrating this milestone with the artists who have helped make this production what it is. We can't wait to welcome everyone to our Lincoln Avenue home to share in the music, laughter, and spirit of community that make this story so enduring."

Tickets are $34.50 - $119.50 (no hidden fees) are available at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103. 

The cast of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! includes Audrey Billings* (Mary Bailey & others), Manny Buckley* (Joseph & others), Dara Cameron* (Violet & others), Ian Paul Custer* (Clarence/Mr. Potter & others), Michael Mahler* (George Bailey), Zack Schultz* (Harry & others), J.G. Smith* (Foley & others) and Lauren Vogel* (musician & others). Molly Hernandez* is the understudy. This is the first year since the inaugural reading that every cast member is a company member.  

The creative team includes Gwendolyn Whiteside* (director), Michael Mahler* (music direction & jingle composer), Austin Cook* (original score), Grant Sabin* (scenic), Katy Peterson Viccellio (lights), Lily Walls* (costumes), Elyse Dolan* (set dressing, projections & properties design), Michael Trudeau* (asst lighting design & technical director), and Richard Lundy* (production stage manager).

*Denotes ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater 

During each performance, one person (any age) will be honored with a Hometown Hero tribute, which includes a short personal testimonial, a projected photo, a certificate, and two (2) complimentary tickets to the show. Nominations can be made at www.americanbluestheater.com for anyone who has shown remarkable courage in the face of challenge. Whether it's standing up for what's right, helping others in a time of need, or overcoming personal obstacles with determination, It's a Wonderful Life celebrates those who inspire us through their bravery.

A special "It's A Wonderful Party" will be held Saturday, December 5 at 6pm with a Variety Show at 7pm. Tickets are $75.00 (no hidden fees) and available at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103.

About the Artists
FRANK CAPRA (May 18, 1897 – September 3, 1991) was an Italian-born American film director, producer and writer who became the creative force behind some of the major award-winning films of the 1930s and 1940s. Among his leading films are It Happened One Night (1934), Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), You Can't Take It with You (1938), and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). During World War II, Capra served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and produced propaganda films. After World War II, Capra's career declined as his later films, such as It's a Wonderful Life (1946), performed poorly when they were first released. In ensuing decades, however, It's a Wonderful Life and other Capra films were revisited favorably by critics. Capra was nominated for six Academy Awards and won three. His films collectively garnered 53 Academy Award nominations between 1933 and 1961. He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, worked alongside the Writers Guild of America, and was head of the Directors Guild of America. Frank Capra married twice and had four children. One of his sons, Frank Capra Jr., and grandson Frank Capra III have both made their careers in the film industry.

GWENDOLYN WHITESIDE (Executive Artistic Director/Director) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and has served as Executive Artistic Director since 2010. This marks her 12th anniversary directing It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, earning two Jeff Award nominations for Midsize Production and Short Run Production. Career highlights include creating the nationally recognized Blue Ink Playwriting Award, launching a new work development program, introducing arts education initiatives, and integrating community service into the company's mission. Operationally, she grew the annual budget from zero to $1.25 million, secured the company's first-ever operating reserve and endowment, and permanent home. Her service includes work on panels and boards for the National Endowment for the Arts, Network of Ensemble Theaters, and League of Chicago Theatres, as well as membership in the National Theatre Conference. Whiteside holds a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Northwestern University, an MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a BS from Northwestern University. Her work as a producer and director has earned 18 Jeff Awards and nominations. As an actor, she has received six Jeff Awards and nominations across Solo Performance, Principal, Supporting, and Ensemble categories, as well as two After Dark Awards, a Broadway World Chicago Award, recognition in Newcity's Players Hall of Fame, and selection as American Theatre's "Chicago Theatre Worker You Should Know."

MICHAEL MAHLER (Music Director, George) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater where he has appeared in many productions, including The Last Wide Open, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award – Music Direction), Little Shop of Horrors (Jeff nomination musical-midsize), Hank Williams: Lost Highway (Jeff Award musical midsize), Side Man, and 15 years of It's a Wonderful Life. He also music directed Always...Patsy Cline at Blues (Jeff nomination music direction and musical-midsize). Other recent roles include: The Irish and How They Got That Way (Porchlight), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight); Music Man (Marriott), and Into the Woods (Writers); Michael is a Jeff-award-winning composer / lyricist and music director, and proud husband to Dara Cameron and father to Ezra.

AUDREY BILLINGS (Mary & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and thrilled to be returning to Bedford Falls for another year. She most recently appeared as Adele in Things With Friends (Jeff Award nomination for ensemble-play) and has also been seen in The Commons, Blue Ink Festival, and The Ripped Festival. Some favorite roles outside of Blues include: Emilie in A Red Orchid Theatre's production of The Moors, Christmas Eve in the long-running production of Avenue Q at the Mercury Theater, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Antonia in Man of la Mancha, and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. She has graced the stages at the Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, and Lookingglass Theatre Company. Audrey is the managing director at A Red Orchid Theatre and bookkeeper for Visionary Eye Care Professionals.

MANNY BUCKLEY (Joseph & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater. He is a Chicago-based producer, director, actor, and writer. Manny last directed King Hedley II and August Wilson's Seven Guitars, which won the 2024 Non Equity Jeff Award for best production, at City Lit Theatre. Other directing credits include Driving Miss Daisy, The Bad Seed (Jedlicka Performing Arts), Kingdom, an audio play (Broken Nose Theatre); and The One Minute Play Festival. Additional acting credits outside of American Blues include work with Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theater, House Theatre, Shattered Globe Theater, Cincinnati Children's Theatre, and Studio Theatre. Film credits: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The US Navy, Northwestern University, and The Onion. Mr. Buckley has received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award, the Helen Hayes Award, and the 3Arts Award; he is the recipient of both a Black Theater Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award.

DARA CAMERON (Violet & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater and is grateful to perform once again at her artistic home. Favorite credits include The Last Wide Open, The Spitfire Grill (Jeff nomination), and Little Shop of Horrors (Jeff nomination musical) at American Blues Theater; Fiddler on the Roof, Seussical, Sunset Boulevard (Drury Lane); Old Jews Telling Jokes (Royal George and Off-Broadway); The Secret of My Success (Paramount Theatre); Elf, Hero (Jeff nomination), South Pacific, October Sky, Sister Act, City of Angels, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof (Marriott Theatre); The Addams Family (Mercury Theater); and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre at the Center). She is a graduate of Northwestern University and a proud member of Actors' Equity. Dara is married to actor and composer Michael Mahler. When they're not singing in Bedford Falls together, they're busy embarrassing their way-cooler-than-them eight-year-old son, Ezra.

IAN PAUL CUSTER (Clarence / Mr. Potter & others) is a Chicago actor, musician, and a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater. American Blues credits include: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Jeff Award, Best Ensemble, Best Musical – Midsize), The Columnist (Jeff Nomination production-midsize), Little Shop of Horrors, and It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! (Jeff Nominations for Best Play-midsize and ensemble). Chicago credits:  safronia (Lyric Opera), Dial M for Murder (Drury Lane); Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Paramount Theatre); Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 (Writers Theatre); 33 Variations (Jeff Award– Best Production, Midsize), and To Master the Art (TimeLine Theatre), Annie Bosh is Missing (Steppenwolf Theatre), High Holidays (Goodman Theatre). Ian has also had the pleasure of working with Marriott Theatre, Theatre Wit, A Red Orchid Theatre, MPAACT, and Court Theatre. Regional credits: Hero: The Musical (Asolo Rep Theatre), Cymbeline (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Peter Pan (360 Entertainment – London, England). Television credits: Somebody Somewhere, APB, Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.  Ian received his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. 

ZACK SHULTZ (Harry & others) is a proud artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater. Previous American Blues credits – fifth year with Its a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!; Come Back, Little Sheba (Jeff Award nomination for production-midsize). His other Chicago theatre work includes Four Loves Festival with Chicago Dramatists and you can see him regularly as a Wendella boat tour guide on the Chicago river! His film work includes the roll of Ernie in "Itchy Fingers" and Jerry in the short film "Holy Hell".

J.G. SMITH (Foley & others) is a proud ensemble member of American Blues Theater. Credits with Blues include The Last Wide Open, On Clover Road (Jeff nomination production-midsize), Ripped Fest, and workshops of The Cratchits (in America), The Thanksgiving Play and On the Greenbelt. Other theatre: Inanimate (Theater Wit); I And You (Peninsula Players); Mother of the Maid (Northlight); Plantation! (Lookingglass); The Art of Sisters (Vision Productions); MARYSHELLEYSHOW (National Tour, Chicago Fringe, TheTankNYC); Peter and the Starcatcher (City Equity Theatre); Alice in Wonderland, As You Like It, King Lear, A Christmas Carol (Alabama Shakespeare); and Censored on Final Approach (The GYM at Judson). Film: Argus (WarnerMedia), Knives and Skin (IFCMidnight), The Dancing Monkey, Dreaming Grand Avenue, and Stephen Cone's Pry Me Open. TV: Short Comings (MTV), The World's Astonishing News! (NTV), Dorm Therapy (YouTube), and several national commercials. J.G. is a member of Actors' Equity and repped by Paonessa Talent.

LAUREN VOGEL (Musician & others) is a proud artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater, where she has been seen in Always...Patsy Cline; Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story; The AmBlues Jubilee; and The Best Damn Thing. She is a Jeff Award winning ensemblist, actor, and musician. She has performed previously at A Red Orchid Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Steppenwolf Garage, The Hypocrites, Feinstein's/54 Below, Trap Door Theatre, The Getty Villa, Chicago Children's Theatre, and more. TV/FILM: 99 Perfect Boyfriends, Chicago HR., and The Evilmoji. She has spent the past five years in LA writing, acting, and producing. She is represented by The Daniel Hoff Agency and AEFH.

MOLLY HERNANDEZ (Understudy) is a proud artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater. Always...Patsy Cline* (American Blues Theater), Buddy Holly Story* (American Blues Theater); Berlin* (World Premiere Court Theatre); The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane); Revolution(s), Lucha Teotl*, American Mariachi*, Rust, A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Buddy Holly Story (Marriott Theatre); The Scorpions' Sting (Lyric Opera); Into the Woods* (Paramount Theatre); Alice Through the Lookingglass* (Lookingglass Theatre, PBS); Into the Woods (Writer's Theatre); Into the Breeches (Northlight Theatre); Masterclass (TimeLine Theatre); The Most Happy Fella (Theo Ubique). Television – Power: Book IV (STARZ); Chicago Med (NBC); Chicago PD (NBC); APB (FOX). Actors Gymnasium Circus Conservatory 2019, BA Spanish Loyola University Chicago 2018. Proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. *Jeff Award & nominations

It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Title:                             It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Adapted From:              Frank Capra's Film

Director:                       Gwendolyn Whiteside*

Music Director and jingle composer:     Michael Mahler*

Score composer:           Austin Cook*

*Ensemble member or artistic affiliate of American Blues Theater

Dates:                          November 19 – December 27, 2026

Opening:                       Sunday, November 22, 2026, 2:30pm

Schedule:                     

Monday:            7:00pm (Dec 14 only)

Wednesdays:            2:00pm (Dec 2 only); 7:00pm (Nov. 25 and Dec. 23 only)

Thursdays:             7:00pm (no show on Thanksgiving)

Fridays:             7:30pm (no show on Christmas)

Saturdays:             4:00pm (no shows on Nov, 21, Dec. 5 or Dec. 26) and 7:30pm (no Dec. 5)

Sundays:           2:30pm (no Dec 6)

The runtime is 90 minutes. Arrive 20 minutes before curtain for a fun interactive pre-show.

Location:                      American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

Ticket prices:                Tickets range $34.50 - $119.50 (no hidden fees)

Box office:                    Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or by calling (773) 654-3103

Special Access events: $34.50 per ticket, call to purchase

Touch tour: Sunday, November 29 at 1:30pm

American Sign Language-interpreted performance: Friday, December 4 at 7:30pm

Notes of Interest:

• It's a Wonderful Life is a quarter-century Chicago tradition.  With its first production in 2004, this marks the 25th anniversary of this holiday smash hit, making it the second longest-running holiday play in the entire city of Chicago, only behind The Goodman's A Christmas Carol. It is the longest running production of It's a Wonderful Life in the nation.

• Frank Capra's classic film is celebrating its 80^th anniversary.

• Ensemble Member Michael Mahler, who joined the production in 2011 as its announcer and pianist and later became music director, takes on the iconic role of George Bailey for the first time this season. Over the years, Mahler has become a fixture of the production, entertaining audiences with improvised commercial jingles, musical games, and an ever-growing assortment of characters.

• The experience begins 20 minutes before each performance with an interactive musical pre-show that welcomes audiences into the world of a 1940s radio broadcast. This festive introduction showcases an ensemble of Chicago's favorite musical theater performers.

• The "Hometown Hero" tribute: During every performance, the theater honors a real person from the community with a Hometown Hero presentation. The honoree receives a personal testimonial, a projected photo, a certificate, and two complimentary tickets to celebrate their everyday courage.

About American Blues Theater

Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: "What does it mean to be American?"

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2025, the theater and artists received 265 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.

[Reviewer’s Note: I’ve been reading a book whose main character is inveigled by Word of the Day; hence, I’ve striven to include as many unconventional and indecipherable words as possible. You’re welcome.]

This is the seventh year of the JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW, composed each year by BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon as a new, original production. DeLa is also the Director, Producer, Costume Designer (and most likely a whole bunch of other stuff) and she does it all in 4-inch heels!  Move over, Ginger Rogers.

Rivalling DeLa for multifaceted, multidisciplinary, multipurpose, and otherwise multiscious effectuality is Gus Lanza, who is backstage manager and merchandise mover-and-shaker, as well as moving and shaking onstage as Hunky the Elf. Last night poor Hunky had a bad cold and sneezed on everyone, but that never vilipended or misprized his sprightly performance. Working with him was a whole stockingful of elves: Chloe Albin, Mr. Babygirl, Jace Gonzalez, Ruby Mimosa, Derrick Paris, and Scott Spraags. The costumes were fabulous; no surprise, as they were designed by BenDeLaCreme, Mr. Gorgeous, and Nova Dobrev; assisting in their creation were Paris Original, Jamie Von Stratton and The Lady Hyde.

The first act was enlivened by a rousing rodeo around Beyonce’s “Texas Hold’em”, and the wonderful song “Secular” – a parody of Wicked’s “Popular” – expressing disgruntlement at all the religiosity circumfusing what should be just a party!

Each year the overall theme of the JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW is that Jinkx and DeLa are coming together to put on a holiday show (logical, n’est ce pas?). And every year, that simple premise is blunged with some beloved holiday classic. This year the classic was Nutcracker, and the story developed from Jinkx finding a nutcracker in her Holiday Box to dancing and singing (and ….!) with the Nutcracker himself, whose outsize head (created by Erik Andor) had wonderful googly eyes. His other parts were wood which, as Jinkx found out, never goes soft! though splinters are a hazard.

Jinkx and DeLa shrink (a little bit of Alice in Wonderland thrown in there) and become tree ornaments until they fall off the tree and their clothes fall away, leaving them naked (no problem, they both have terrific tits!). This evolves into Jinkx being kidnapped by the Nutcracker, and for the remainder of the show they go through all sorts of contortions, trying to reunite.

Hunky the Elf always provided a marvelous interpolation, and Country Dancing Santa was a super supplement (even though his batteries kept wearing down), all of them eager to sing and dance with Jinkx and DeLa. I was particularly fond of Clayby (Clay Baby) Jesus.

The final song in the JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW is traditionally an anti-holiday anthem, and this year was no exception: Everybody’s Traumatized by Christmas struck home with virtually every gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and otherwise queer in the audience (and quite possibly in the cast as well!).

The bad news is that the JINKX AND DELA HOLIDAY SHOW comes but once a year to Chicago (and more than 30 other cities!). But forewarned is forearmed. Now you know to watch for its reappearance on the Auditorium Theatre’s playlist next December … assuming, of course, the incoming administration doesn’t put an embargo on Drag Queen Festivities. They’d probably be wise to do so, as the show would be quite effective in waylaying innocent little boys with the joys of rhinestones even before their school operates on them.

Created & Written by BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon

Director BenDeLaCreme

Choreographer Chloe Albin

Movement Direction BenDeLaCreme

Original Compositions Major Scales

Lyrics BenDeLaCreme, Jinkx Monsoon, & Major Scales

Music Production Markaholic & Keith Harrison

Starring BenDeLaCreme & Jinkx Monsoon

with Chloe Albin, Mr. Babygirl, Jace Gonzalez, Ruby Mimosa, Derrick Paris, Scott Spraags, and Gus Lanza as “Hunky the Elf”

You know it’s that time of the season when Chicago gets blitzed by one holiday production after another. And, while many of them are well done and thoroughly entertaining, there are just a few that really stand out each year. This year, one of them is ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ now playing at Cadillac Palace on a limited run that holds its final performance on December 15th. So, don’t delay and make your way over to Cadillac Palace before this enchanting, warm and dazzling production packs up for the winter.

The story begins when two talented army buddies, Bob Walace (David Elder) and Phil Davis (Jeremy Benton), entertain the troops with song and dance numbers during World War II. They proudly serve under gruff General Waverly (Conrad John Schuck) who is all business but hints a liking towards the two and their routines. After the war, Bob and Phil take off to superstar status, appearing regularly on the Ed Sullivan show and selling out houses wherever they perform. But they still feel they are in need of a sister act to keep their performance fresh. Enter Betty (Kerry Conte) and Judy Haynes (Kelly Sheehan) – two attractive and gifted singer/hoofers that are looking for their big break. A plan to unite seems to go into action when Bob and Phil hear about General Waverly’s financial woes at the lodge he had purchased years ago called the Vermont Inn. The guests just aren’t coming in like they used to. Through a bit of finagling, the four head out to Vermont to put on a show that is sure to attract guests. They even invite a team of dancers to join them for this holiday extravaganza that will be performed – in a barn.

Concierge Martha Watson (Lorna Luft) is there to greet them as they arrive and soon the plan goes into action. Young Susan Waverly (Emma Grace Berardelli and Kyla Carter alternate) also volunteers to help – and even perform if need be. The fun is just getting started.

The cast is star-infused with Conrad John Schuck (M.A.S.H., Star Trek IV and VI, Curse of the Jade Scorpion and many other TV and Broadway productions) impressively taking on the role of a General who is having a tough time relating to the world after his Army days are over. Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland and Sid Luft) is terrific as inn concierge Martha Watson and is both extraordinary with her vocal talent and her comedic timing.

Jeremy Benton and David Elder dazzle in 'White Christmas' at Cadillac Palace through December 15th

While Schuck and Luft are certainly big plusses, the production’s greatest success might be in its casting of Elder, Conte, Benton and Sheehan as our four leads. David Elder (I couldn’t stop thinking of Ken Berry circa early 1960’s) and Jeremy Benton are like peanut butter and jelly and highly believable as two -long-time best buds. At the same time, Conte and Sheehan are fun to watch together, but when the four are together, it’s like dynamite. They can dance, they can sing and they inject the perfect amount of comedy into each role. Though just about every song and dance number is a highlight, Conte’s “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me” is sizzling while Luft’s “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” is highly enjoyable and showcases her adept singing talent. The enjoyable, high quality musical numbers are endless as favorites “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and, of course, “White Christmas are performed to perfection. Randy Skinner’s choreography is tough to beat, each routine as impressive as the last, especially the big tap dance numbers.

Produced by Work Light Productions, the creative team is unstoppable with scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Keith Caggiano. This production is full of surprises up until its very last scene and is a tremendous ode to the 1954 classic film that starred Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen and Rosemary Clooney.

Highly recommended as the perfect pre-Christmas celebration.

At Cadillac Palace through December 15th. For more show information, visit www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

A non-traditional story about Christmas might just be becoming a tradition at Goodman Theatre. No. I’m not talking about Goodman’s masterpiece production of ‘A Christmas Carol’. For its second year in a row comes David Sedaris’ satirical, hysterical AND anything but conventional (see what I did there?) story of a thirty-something’s plight into becoming a Macy’s Christmas elf in ‘The Santaland Diaries.’

Directed by Steve Scott, ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is a fantastically told story that walks us through the holidays when a man, who never realized he needs skills to be marketable in the workplace, searches for a job and stumbles across an ad searching for elves for Macy’s. He scoffs at the ridiculousness of the ad, but then applies – and guess what? He gets the job! Great.

We are then walked through the painfully real, yet very funny, transition of a young man’s journey into elf-dom, as we are told detail by humorous detail everything from elf training to all the silly events that lead up to the big day – Christmas Eve. Each elf can choose their own name – ours chooses ‘Crumpet’. Crumpet likes his smoke breaks.

Steven Strafford excels as Crumpet. Always one of my favorite actors to watch perform, Stafford is wisely cast and delivers an engaging 70-minute one-man show that doesn’t slow down for a moment. His story telling is fascinating, his comic timing executed to perfection and, well, he’s just Crumpet. Strafford was last seen at Goodman in ‘Wonderful Town,’ but has also entertained audiences with his performances at Drury Lane Theatre, First Folio, Marriott Theatre and many more including regional tours and even a European tour of Grease. Though most remembered for his comedic roles, I’ll never forget his dynamic performance in the one-man show ‘Jesus the Jew as Told by His Brother James at Greenhouse Theater Center.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ was a breakout piece for David Sedaris who first read the essay on the National Public Radio’s ‘Morning Edition’ in 1992. In 1996 Joe Mantello adapted the story for the stage where it debuted at The Atlantic Theater Company in New York with actor Timothy Oliphant taking on the role of Crumpet. Since, Sedaris has been on quite the role as a writer/storyteller (Theft by Finding, Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, Barrel Fever) and ‘The Santaland Diaries’ has popped up regularly during the holiday season in theatres all over the nation.

Steven Strafford’s performance is airtight and the colorful Macy’s Santaland set is the perfect backdrop for this very fun holiday story.

Highly recommended.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ is being performed at Goodman’s Owen Theatre through December 29th. For tickets and/or more show information visit www.goodmantheatre.org.

I am from Miami, Florida and after moving to Chicago there was a time when I genuinely looked forward to the first snow of the year. I’d also wish for snowfall each year to bring us a white Christmas here in Chicago and this lovely production of ‘White Christmas’ at Theatre at the Center brought that joy back into my mind for the first time in years.

The story is about two servicemen, Bob (Matt Edmonds) and Phil (Justin Brill), who become big time entertainers after their army days. From performing in USO shows for fellow military troops during World War II to becoming a featured act on the Ed Sullivan show, the two pals are now looking for a "sister act".  It isn’t long before the two stumble upon Judy and Betty (both played wonderfully by Casiena Raether and Erica Stephan) and wind up not only finding two talented women to perform with but also finding true love. The tale is a timeless one thanks to Irving Berlin's classic music – and this cast does the book and lyrics of Berlin justice.

When Bob and Phil run across their old General, Henry Waverly (Neil Friedman), they happily offer to help out by lending their star presence by performing at his lodge in the hopes of attracting more guests. The retired General is on hard times having sunk his entire life saving into the lodge. Thankfully he has been keeping his head just above water thanks to the help he receives from his ever-loyal lodge hand Martha Watson (brilliantly played by Glory Kissel). It isn’t long before Bob and Phil enlist Judy and Betty and a host of fantastic dancers to put on the show of a lifetime at the General’s lodge. It is nothing short of touching to see the dedication Bob and Phil have towards General Henry Waverly.

I would totally see this production twice just to hear the everlastingly touching “How Deep is The Ocean”:

"How much do I love you? I'll tell you no lie

How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?

How many times a day do I think of you?

How many roses are sprinkled with dew?

How far would I travel to be where you are?

How far is the journey from here to a star?

And if I ever lost you, how much would I cry?

How deep is the ocean? How high is the sky?"

“Blue Skies” was another showstopper with the entire cast tapping in blue and white to Irving Berlin's classic song about the very real exciting effects of new love taking place on the loving new couples:

"Never saw the sun shining so bright

Never saw things going so right

Noticing the days hurrying by

When you're in love, my how they fly

Blue days

All of them gone

Nothing but blue skies

From now on!"

(from lerft) Erica Stephan as Betty and Casiena Raether as Judy. Photo by Guy Rhodes

There was a palpable chemistry in the humorous courtship between the wry, dry Phil and slightly uptight and business-oriented Betty, which the whole audience picked up on and really enjoyed watching develop scene by scene.

Director Linda Fortunato is wisely able to draw out the fun in her own unique way from each song and also includes a few numbers cut from the motion picture, like "Falling Out of Love Can be Fun,” sung by Martha, Betty and Judy. The song gives the thoroughly modern advice, way ahead of it's time, that if you are heartbroken by one man you can pick yourself up and try again without shame.

"When you've find your lover has gone

Get your second wind and go on

There's an old affair that is there for renewing

In your grief, do you know what you're doing?

Falling out of love can be fun

Soon, you'll be swinging in a hammock on a porch

One arm wrapped around someone else

The other arm carrying a torch

Love can give a lady a clout

And she may be down but not out

Get yourself a date, don't you wait for the count of ten, then

Falling out of love can be fun!"

Talented Artistic Director Linda Fortunato wears multiple hats not only directing this production but providing its dazzling choreography. William Underwood gives this show its musical direction. 

Special kudos must go to Glory Kissel as the rowdy Senior hotel concierge for her entire performance and especially the showstopper "Let me Sing, I'm Happy." Kissel shows the youngsters in the cast just how it's done with her amazing dance and superb physical comedy skills while singing out about the pure Joy of being alive and happy.

The super talented ensemble blows everyone away with one fantastic tap or dance number after another.

It is truly thrilling to watch all those tapping feet moving in perfect unison. Other great numbers include “Heat Wave,” “I Love a Piano” and of course, the title song “White Christmas”, a song that Matt Edmonds sings to perfection as he captures the period so well with both his singing and acting.    

I can't recommend this production highly enough for audiences of all ages who are looking for a happy, fun-filled and joyous celebration of LOVE and of course SNOW, during this cold and oft-strenuous Holiday season. 

‘White Christmas’ is being performed at Theatre at the Center in nearby Munster, IN through December 22nd. For more information visit www.theatreatthecenter.com.

Chicago has no shortage of Christmas traditions. In other words, if you’re looking for holiday fun it’s not very hard to find something to do with your friends, significant other or family. Rich traditions such as Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Joffrey’s Nutcracker, Christkindlmart, Christmas film classics at Music Box, and the official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Millennium Park are fantastic choices that are sure to put a little zest into your holiday spirit, but Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol might have to top the list.

Celebrating its 40th year of warming hearts through the holidays, this year’s production of A Christmas Carol might just be the best yet. Larry Yando returns to Goodman as Ebenezer Scrooge, a role he has taken on with brilliance for the past nine years. Yando is just about as fun to watch as it gets from his miserable, miserly like behavior to his reborn childlike love of humanity after three spirits visit him to show him his past, present and future.

As the story by Charles Dickens goes, Scrooge is a man with little heart. He is a man who pinches every penny, treats his employee like a flunky without mercy, as he works his fingers to the bone, wants nothing to do with his remaining family and has nothing but miserable rebuttals for those who wish him a Merry Christmas, replying with “Bah Humbug!” When his former, and now deceased, partner, a man much like Scrooge appears to him on Christmas Eve to warn him of his horrid ways and the cost it has on so many and will on himself, we learn that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits – Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.

As each spirit visits Scrooge, more and more is revealed about his nature. He remembers he didn’t start out as he is now. He was a good-natured boy with hopes and dreams once upon a time. In the present he sees how those who know him feel about him. Though mean and cruel to many, they still thank him and toast to him. He see’s the hardships his mistreated employee Bob Cratchit and his family face on his meek salary. He is obviously embarrassed as they still find reasons to be thankful to Scrooge. He sees a future that is bleak. He is just a miserly old man quickly forgotten.

“Are these the things that will be or the things that may happen?” He asks the spirit, hoping for a chance to redeem himself.

While Yando undoubtedly is a tour de force in the role as Scrooge, the entire cast is a powerhouse. Ron E. Rains is highly believable as the tenderhearted Bob Cratchit and is easy to feel for almost immediately. Joe Foust as Jacob Marley is also tremendous as is Lisa Gaye Dixon who wows the audience with her incredibly strong performance as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Kareem Bandealy also gives the production a strong assist as he skillfully fields a handful of roles including that as the show’s narrator, Topper and a hopeful young Scrooge who misses his chance at love choosing a chance at making more money instead -a decision that haunts him his entire life.

The ever-changing set is visually stunning as it changes from Scrooge’s house interior (curtains surrounding his bed and all) to the Cratchit’s humble kitchen where the room is crowded as the family sits around a table to eat a meager portion of roast duck for Christmas. Stars shine amongst the blackness as Christmas Present takes Scrooge on a ride he’ll never forget.

Goodman also breaks the mold casting a girl in the role of Tiny Tim Cratchit. Fourth grader Paris Strickland who delivers the famous line at show’s end “God bless us, every one” is excited to play Tiny Tim telling the Chicago Tribune, “I feel excited and proud of myself for getting a really inspiring role. Tiny Tim can bring hope to everyone, and I can bring hope to everyone.”

Goodman’s A Christmas Carol is not only rich tradition in Chicago, it is a fun-filled holiday treat that is sure to warm the heart and remind us that giving is better than receiving.

Highly recommended.

A Christmas Carol is being performed in the Albert Theatre at Goodman Theatre through December 31st. For more show information visit www.goodmantheatre.org.