PicksInSix Review: Things With Friends - American Blues Theater

Well-Done: Absurdist Things, Euphemistic Friends
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Sarah Frances Fiorello

American Blues Theater kicks off its 40th anniversary season by kicking down the fourth wall with the world premiere of “Things With Friends” by Tony Award nominee, Pulitzer Prize in Drama finalist, Jeff Award Winner, and American Blues Theater Artistic Affiliate playwright, Kristoffer Diaz.  Diaz ushers us in voyeuristically, with the help of an immersive narrator, to this absurdist dinner party trapped in a Manhattan high-rise. Bring your metaphorical silverware and be prepared to dig in existentially: the menu includes (actual pan-cooked) steak, bottomless red wine, and never-ending euphemisms for the title of the play.

With a perfect view of the now-collapsed George Washington Bridge, Adele (Audrey Billings) and Burt (Casey Campbell) prepare for the arrival of their longtime friends, Vy (Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel) and Chabby (Jon Hudson Odom) against the backdrop of a real time climate disaster.  We watch as the two couples trade pawns in a twisted game of chess that reaches a boiling point just as a surprise visitor arrives. “Things With Friends” asks more questions than it answers, inviting its audience to think critically—not just as theatre goers but as global citizens.

Dexter Bullard’s direction is clear and specific, illuminating a string of pathway lights through the world of the play, telling us where to look, what to remember, and what to talk about on the way home. The direction also gives the ensemble of actors a well-defined sandbox in which to play, which they do with stamina and intention. Worth mentioning are standout performances by the quick-witted and slippery Jon Hudson Odom (Chabby) as well as the charismatic and irreverent Maya Lou Hlava (Joony), who rejoins the cast after appearing in the “Things With Friends” stage reading at American Blues Theatre in 2023, part of its Blue Ink Award recognition. 

Our narrator, NYC (played by Nate Santana) blurs the line between the audience’s role as observers and the actors’ role as storytellers, never allowing us to get too comfortable or judgmental of what we are witnessing. He comments on, and occasionally influences, the action while playing point-counterpoint to the more illogical and absurdist moments. He unpacks what the piece might otherwise leave to our imagination (or perhaps, confusion). Diaz’s inclusion of a narrator feels thoughtful: a nod to our effort of making it to the theatre to see something outside-of-the-box. A promise to leave us thinking about what we just saw, not wondering what we just saw.

“Things With Friends” is a slow burn, a methodical singe of the outermost sheen of these frenemies, while diving headfirst into the question American Blues Theater poses in its mission statement: “What does it mean to be American?” Who will we become as a society if we continue to crumble, like the bridges and tunnels of the ill-fated Manhattan of our play? What will happen when we are overrun with greed, selfishness, and fear—willing to sacrifice what arguably matters most?

Come ready to think and be prepared to leave wishing for more new works like this one: ingenious, thoughtful, and unafraid. This piece left me craving more original and daring art on our Chicago stages. That, and a perfectly cooked, medium rare steak.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SARAH FRANCES FIORELLO is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory with a BFA in Music Theatre and a Chicago-based poet, writer, and performer. 
@writtenbysarahfrances

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

American Blues Theater
presents
World Premiere
Things With Friends
5627 N Lincoln
through October 5, 2025

WEBSITE

TICKETS

PROGRAM

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PicksInSix Review: It's A Wonderful Life: Live In Chicago! - American Blues Theater

Delightful Holiday Classic at American Blues!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Ronald Keaton

Feeling like this is an especially long year? Full of physical challenges and emotional obstacles? Need a nostalgic, heartwarming experience and a hot cup of cocoa to get you in the spirit of the season? One thing we’ve always done as a people, I think, to address times like these is to observe our established mores during the holidays. And what better way to capture that special feeling than to spend a few hours at the new and elegant American Blues Theater performance space on North Lincoln Ave with the superb cast and crew of “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” Led by their stalwart artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside, ABT has shared this delightful Chicago holiday tradition—a familiar, yet energetic presentation of a loving story we all know and appreciate—for so many years that it has become a beloved and highly anticipated outing for the whole family.

The show takes the shape of a radio play on Chicago station WABT, circa 1944, complete with a foley artist in charge of live sound effects and noises and all else you can imagine. It falls to the responsible hands of J.G. Smith and I wish there was a way to bring her more focus. When you watch her, it’s apparent that there is an absolute pleasure for this actor to be a kind of soundtrack to the play. Her face lights up with every scene, every moment.  What a joy to watch an actor who knows how to impact a scene through simply listening.

The cast sinks its teeth into the tale with exuberance. Brandon Dahlquist, who has been ABT’s George Bailey for eight years now, has become a font of articulate emotion in his portrayal of a man at the end of his rope, wanting only to see even a little of his dreams in front of him. Mr. Dahlquist is strong and humble, as you might expect the character to be, and the simplicity of his prayer to God at the bar shows us his best work. Then there’s the ABT ensemble itself at work. Audrey Billings is a tender, highly accessible Mary Bailey, a woman who knows her husband well and gives him the room he needs to be himself—even at potential great cost to their family. And the most expressive eyes you’ll see.

Manny Buckley plays both the chief angel Joseph and Uncle Billy with authority and grace. He sits on one side of the stage while actor/musician extraordinaire Michael Mahler mans the keyboard on the other side—along with several musical instruments and an endless versatility in his charming guise of station announcer. Dara Cameron is a fun Violet, always being as fetching as possible to George and every other guy she meets.

The grand surprise for this writer is again Joe Dempsey, who portrays both Clarence, the angel second-class trying to earn his wings, and Mr. Potter, the “Scrooge” of the story who owns everything in town but the Bailey Building and Loan. Two more opposite characters you will not find. So, there’s a great deal to admire in actors like Mr. Dempsey; he cuts the cloth of each character in a vivid, striking manner. Ian Paul Custer is a wonder as Ernie the cab driver, Harry Bailey the war hero brother, and a menage of three or four others, usually with a different accent.

Director Whiteside keeps the brisk pacing consistently through the evening, with nice touches like a WABT “On-Air/Applause” sign that the audience dutifully obeys. There is an engaging pre-show with carols and humor, and then there are the little notes of appreciation the audience is asked to compose. The cast reads them out loud at designated points in the proceedings, so friends can know of those who appreciate them. American Blues Theater has honed and crafted its own tradition through this gratifying piece of American literature. It knows when to stop at the point of being too corny, and it delights us in its regaling of a soft, heartfelt holiday whisper we all continue to love.

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL. www.solochicagotheatre.com  Coming soon, his new solo play “Echo Holler.” www.echoholler.com

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

American Blues Theater
presents
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
through December 22, 2024

5627 N. Lincoln
(773) 654-3103

WEBSITE

TICKETS

2024 BACKSTAGE GUIDE

PROGRAM

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PicksInSix Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!-American Blues Theater

A New Home. An Enduring Classic!
PicksInSix® Review|Ed Tracy

American Blues Theater has officially opened their permanent home—the first in the 35-year history of the professional theater company in Chicago—and they did it in grand style with the 22nd annual production of the holiday chestnut “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” The theatrical tradition—a family show with a message for the young at heart—is year after year ABT’s delightful homespun offering. On Sunday afternoon, the show took on special meaning as the first to officially christen the 137-seat main stage with music, mirth and merriment that makes it the perfect choice to ring in the season.

The live radio show— based on the short story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern that was the basis for the 1946 Frank Capra film—is under the direction of longtime Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and features Christmas carols, local “on-air“ commercials, audience shout-outs and a warm, engaging show that looks, feels and sounds—thanks to Foley artist J.G. Smith—every bit like a broadcast from the 1940s. That is except when music director Michael Mahler is delightfully churning out a holiday parody to a familiar REO Speedwagon tune in the pre-show. That’s one of several clever additions to previous sing-alongs I have attended. The ensemble was having a blast warming up the audience prior to the main event—a 90-minute true-to-telling of one of the most heartfelt of all holiday stories about the fateful day in Bedford Falls when George Bailey learns from his guardian angel Clarence that no man is failure who has friends.

Returning with gusto for his seventh run on the Bailey Building and Loan, Brandon Dahlquist has the corner on George Bailey, delivering a marvelously sensitive and present performance—a fine balance between familiarity with the material and navigating the limitations of the radio play format where scenic elements and props are all but non-existent, unless they make a sound. We are truly moved by George’s anguish as he struggles to confess his love for Mary—beautifully portrayed by Audrey Billings— and the explosive frustration unleashed upon Manny Buckley’s befuddled Uncle Billy when Billy is duped by Mr. Potter (played superbly by Joe Dempsey) and threatens the solvency of Bailey’s Building and Loan setting the wheels in motion for George’s frenzied emotional collapse. George’s redemption may be the most familiar part of this story, but Dahlquist keeps the dramatic tension fresh, coming literally unhinged at the sight of the world without him a player in it.

Along with Mahler, who shines as announcer and pianist, the company includes Dara Cameron, Mahler’s real-life spouse who is lovely as Violet and Zuzu; the multi-talented Ian Paul Custer and versatile Buckley, who collectively have many of the most heartfelt and touching moments in the show. At the opening press performance on Sunday, Cameron was honored by the onstage company for her longtime service and contributions. Richly deserved!

Over the years, I look forward to coming back to “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” In 2016, I recorded a delightful conversation with Wendy Whiteside together with then-Foley artist Shawn Goudy on main stage at The Greenhouse Theater. It was Dahlquist’s first year and the 15th for the late John Mohrien whose performance as Clarence/Potter was broadcast in a memorable pandemic era broadcast that elevated my deep respect and admiration for the ABT Ensemble who have continued to adapt, enhance and deliver truly inspired work at venues across Chicagoland.

Brandon Dahlquist (George Bailey) and Joe Dempsey (Mr. Potter) in the 2023 American Blues Theater production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” now playing through December 31, 2023. Video|The Stage Channel

As much as their sparkling new home is a labor of love and an extraordinary accomplishment for Whiteside, the ABT Board and Artistic Ensemble, it is just the beginning. The new facility has a second, small flexible rehearsal studio that will serve as a venue for other theatrical companies and, altogether, a stunning cultural anchor for the neighborhood and lots of old and new friends.  

PHOTO|Michael Brosilow

American Blues Theater
presents
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
through December 31, 2023

5627 N. Lincoln
(773) 654-3103

WEBSITE | TICKETS

2023 BACKSTAGE GUIDE

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PicksInSix Review: It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

A TONIC…THAT GOES DOWN EASY!
Guest Contributor | Ronald Keaton

Versatility. This writer asks you to hold this idea close; it is an important piece of the production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”  The fine American Blues Theater presents their annual Christmas tribute at Victory Gardens Theater through New Year’s Eve.  And it’s directed with a deft eye and high respect for the Frank Capra material by ABT artistic director Gwendolyn Whiteside.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is presented here in a live radio format, complete with Foley artist Shawn J. Goudie doing all the sounds of the story you can recall—cars running away, babies crying, whistles blowing, on and on.  And Mr. Goudie is really fun to watch. The audience is also treated to a special kind of warmup entertainment, complete with requested “audiograms” from the cast that were read at commercial breaks throughout the evening.

Versatility…Commercials for local products and events and music of the holiday season—even a brief audience singalong—are arranged and lead by the endlessly talented Michael Mahler, who also plays a gruff Sam Wainwright as well as the WABT station announcer.  And Mr. Gower, the druggist. And as the general emcee for the festivities. Singing those holiday songs at various times throughout the production, the entire cast jumps, hearts first, into the preshow and then the story itself.

Dara Cameron shares that versatility in eloquent droves by playing George Bailey’s friend Violet Bick…and a couple of Bailey children…and various and sundry citizens of Bedford Falls.  Joe Dempsey surely shows it in stark, energetic portrayals of both Clarence, the Bailey guardian angel wanting to get his wings, and Mr. Potter, the American Scrooge character who can’t wait to get his hands on the Bailey Building and Loan.

Versatility…The elegant Audrey Billings lends her own tender touch as both Bailey women—Mary Bailey, whose unending support for her husband set the tone for family unity, and Ma Bailey, the matriarch who quietly points George in the right direction.  A wonderful new face to me, Yuchi Chiu, plays both Harry Bailey, George’s brother, and shares duties with Mr. Mahler in their brief turns as Ernie the cabbie and Bert the cop.

Manny Buckley brings his with emotion and awareness as Joseph, the angel-in-charge, and Uncle Billy, the loving and befuddled one. And then, at last, there’s the strong, heartfelt Brandon Dahlquist offering as George.  Both these men jump in hard in their exchange about lost money, which allows the joy at the end of the performance to be that much more touching. Honestly, it’s a great deal of fun and love that American Blues Theater shares with Chicago each year at Christmas.  I may go again…a tonic for all we’ve been through that goes down easy.  Cheers, ABT!  

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL www.solochicagotheatre.com

PHOTO | Michael Brosilow

AMERICAN BLUES THEATER
presents
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!
Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N Lincoln Ave
through December 31, 2021

WEBSITE

TICKETS

(773) 871-3000

PODCAST: 2016 Conversation with Gwendolyn Whiteside and Shawn Goudie

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PICKSINSIX Review: AVENUE Q

FAST-PACED, LAUGH-OUT-LOUD HIT!

Far-out puppets... AVENUE Q, that bawdy, irresistibly appealing three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about an out of the way New York City neighborhood where far-out puppets and humans alike face life-changing situations, is right back where it belongs at the Mercury Theater. L. Walter Stearns directs a seasoned company of top returning and new talent in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud hit!

Adult-themed musical... There are more than a few reasons that AVENUE Q had a six-year run on Broadway, can still be seen Off-Broadway and in major productions around the country, of which this is certainly one. The neighborhood is full of lovable and often extremely inappropriate puppets whose take on everything from racism, sex, gender issues, and internet porn have made this adult-themed musical sure-fire, head-bobbing fun.

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Power of giving... Whether you choose to watch the puppets or their handlers - and there is a lot of mischievous handling going on - there is so much to see, hear and enjoy. At the center of the story of Princeton’s quest to find his purpose in life is the touching love story that evolves with Kate Monster whose goal is to establish a school for monsters. Along the way, Princeton and Kate learn from their neighbors about life, love and the power of giving, proving that when you have a puppet in your hand, you can get away with a lot of things.

Delightfully endearing... This production is a bit of a renaissance - with a few carefully chosen script enhancements - of the one that flourished at the Mercury for seven months and 169 performances in 2014. Stearns and Musical Director Eugene Dizon have now assembled a top-flight ensemble around the delightfully endearing return performances of Jackson Evans (Princeton) and Leah Morrow (Kate Monster). Dan Smeriglio is hilarious in his return in the split roles of Nicky (with Jonah D. Winston, who is also a perfect Trekkie Monster) and Bad Idea Bear (with Stephanie Herman, who splits as the salacious Lucy and Mrs. T). Rounding out the superb multi-talented cast are David S. Robbins (Gary Coleman), Christian Siebert(Rod), Matthew Lies(Brian) and Audrey Billings (Christmas Eve).

Subtly nuanced additions... The all-star creative team includes Broadway veteran puppet designer Russ Walko whose work has come to life with the imagination of Rick Lyon, creator of the original Broadway puppets (and Broadway company cast member) who worked extensively with the Chicago cast during the rehearsal process. With Lyons’ subtly nuanced additions, choreography by Kevin Bellie, the picture-perfect set and state-of-the-art digital elements by set designer Alan Donohue, video design by Max Maxin IV, lighting by Dustin L. Derry, sound by Carl Wahlstrom and Rachel Boylan’s costumes, this high-octane AVENUE Q is running on all cylinders.

One naughty night out... Mercury Theater Chicago is again collecting for Season of Concern, an organization that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from generous artists and theater patrons to benefit people in the entertainment industry who are experiencing health-related emergencies and medical issues. There is an opportunity during the show when one could make a substantial contribution to support this worthy cause, so if you are planning only one naughty night out this summer, find your purpose on AVENUE Q.

PHOTOS|Brett A. Beiner

MERCURY THEATER CHICAGO
Presents
AVENUE Q
through September 9th
3745 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL ‎60613
TICKETS: 773 325-1700

WEBSITE
Listen to our June 18th CONVERSATION with Leah Morrow and Jackson Evans
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