Home

Displaying items by tag: Carmen Roman

Saturday, 11 November 2017 06:28

"This Wonderful Life" is just that - wonderful

Most of us have seen Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” at some point in their lives. Whether a Holiday tradition or by happenstance as television stations run their yearly marathons, there’s a very good chance you have experienced the heartfelt 1946 film classic starring James Stewart and Donna Reed. We have since seen many stage adaptations, from live radio broadcasts to large scale productions. In American Blues Theater’s “This Wonderful Life” written by Steve Murray we get an entirely different spin on this definitive piece of Americana as American Blues founding member James Leaming boldly takes on each character in the film himself in this brilliant one-man show.

For the small percentile of those who are not familiar with “It’s A Wonderful Life”, the story revolves around George Bailey during the late 1930’s through early 1940’s, taking place in the small town of Bedford Falls. The evil Mr. Potter runs the biggest bank in town and has most of its residents and small business owners in the palm of his hand. The only person to stand in his way is Pa Bailey, George’s father, who runs a small building and loans company where people can obtain funds for housing without paying exorbitant interest to Potter. George has high expectations for himself and plans to see the world while working for National Geographic once he finishes high school. After his stint around the world, George would return for college and proceed to live to his fullest potential. George’s life then takes another turn for the better when he meets Mary, his true soul mate. Though his father wants George to take over the building and loans one day, George is adamant that he wants to pursue bigger things and rejects the offer.

All is well for George until his father dies, leaving the building in loans in a state of flux. George agrees to take over temporarily, but soon finds he is needed permanently much to his chagrin. Married to Mary with a handful of kids, life is still fulfilling for George until the bank calls a loan and the money is missing. Instantly put into state of desperation, George comes to the realization that he is better off dead than alive after summing up his life to the worth of a life insurance policy. It is then that Clarence, an angel from Heaven, is sent down to help George get back on track. George wishes he was never born and Clarence grants that wish showing George what life would be without him in Bedford Falls. George is shown the positive affect that he has had on so many people, eventually seeing that he had a pretty wonderful life after all. It becomes a Christmas to remember when George's friends rally to his aid.

So that’s the gist of it.

It is a story over humanity overcoming hopelessness, a story of giving and the importance of friends. After all, as Clarence says, “No man is a failure who has friends.”

In “This Wonderful Life” James Leaming is nothing short of brilliant as he retells the famous classic, acting out each character from beginning to end. Throughout, Murray’s script adds a healthy pinch of additional humor that takes occasional jabs of the film in a fun-loving way. With a handful of very creative props and a backdrop that displays images of the story, Leaming is able to successfully pull off each character he tackles (especially his Mr. Potter and George Bailey) to give the audience a cohesive, engaging and highly entertaining theatre experience. Leaming’s ability to shift from character to character so effortlessly and so convincingly is a testament to his fine acting skills. Whereas one moment he seemingly channels the deep seeded bitterness and craftiness of Lionel Barrymore’s Mr. Potter, his ability to so quickly change gears to become the warm, likeable George Bailey or scatter-brained Uncle Billy is simply impressive.

This play is Jeff Recommended for good reason as Leaming’s performance is something to behold. Whether you’ve seen “It’s A Wonderful Life” via film or stage, it is unlikely you’ve seen a unique version such as this.

Skillfully directed by Carmen Roman, “This Wonderful Life” is highly recommended as a holiday treat the whole family can enjoy.

“This Wonderful Life” is being performed at The Edge Theater (5451 N Broadway) in Edgewater and is running through November 26th. For more show information visit www.americanbluestheater.com.

 

Published in Theatre in Review

Outrage Made Manifest in “Bust: An Afrocurrentist Play”

30 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Something extraordinary happens on a street in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Woods (Keith Randolph Smith), a hard-working Black man in the…

THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JUNE COMEDY SHOWS

30 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

The Den Theatre today announced upcoming June 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including "Anatomy…

Redtwist Theatre's GARY: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus: Who mops up after the royals' butchery?

29 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

I reviewed TITUS ANDRONICUS in mid-February, so I was eager to see the sequel! In TITUS, Shakespeare tells the story…

BrightSide Theatre announces cast and production team for season finale PIPPIN, June 13-29

29 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

BrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s professional theatre company, has announced the cast for the final show of its 13th season – the…

Chicago Puppet Lab Showcase culminates eight-month residency with experimental live shows by emerging puppet artists, May 31-June 1 at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center

29 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Eight Chicago artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines have spent the last eight months in residence at the Chicago Puppet…

Gusto Performances in ‘Spring Awakening,’ Vibrant Staging of 1906 Basis of Broadway Musical

28 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Spring Awakenings,” now playing at Chicago’s Greenhouse Theater Center, is not the Tony-winning 2006 Broadway musical “Spring Awakening,” but an…

Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park Announces 2025 Lineup for Rockin in the Park Free Summer Concert Series

28 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park entertainment district (5501 Park Place, Rosemont) will turn up the volume this summer with the return of its…

‘Kairos’ Is One of the Most Enjoyable and Provocative Shows in Chicago

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Lisa Sanaye Dring’s play “Kairos,” which just opened at The Edge Off Broadway theater, is one of the most thought-provoking…

A Half-Century in Harmony: Ryan Opera Center Shines in ‘Rising Stars in Concert’

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

It was a night of celebration, reflection, and breathtaking talent at the Civic Opera House. Fifty years of song echoed…

From Graphic Epic to Stage Triumph: Berlin at Court Theatre

27 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Court Theatre’s world premiere of Berlin, adapted by Mickle Maher from Jason Lutes’ monumental graphic novel, is a breathtaking achievement.…

Rivendell Theatre continues 30th Anniversary Season with GORGEOUS in a co-production with Raven Theatre May 1 - June 7, 2025

25 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago's Rivendell Theatre Ensemble continues to celebrate its 30th Anniversary season with the World Premiere co-production of Keiko Green's GORGEOUS, directed by Kirsten Fitzgerald. The co-production…

Announcing the 2025 Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert

24 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that its free SUMMER CONCERT will return to Millennium Park on August 11,…

THE JOFFREY BALLET CLOSES 69TH SEASON WITH EXTENDED RUN OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON'S ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

24 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Joffrey Ballet concludes its 69th season with two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's enchanting and family-friendly Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Set to…

David Mamet's 'Henry Johnson' in High Powered Premiere at Victory Gardens Biograph

24 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

“Henry Johnson,” David Mamet’s new play running at the vintage Biograph Theatre, is like many of his works, enigmatic and…

American Blues Theater presents the Chicago Premiere of Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues

23 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the Chicago premiere of Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith's Golden Leaf…

Full Casting Announced for Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!

22 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…

Stellar Performances in “Prayer for the French Republic”

21 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Early in the first act I whispered to my companion and said “I love this!” Extremely well written by Joshua…

A WONDROUS SOUND - Orchestra and Chorus of the Chicago Lyric Opera is a wondrous compilation of the best of the best!

21 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

The repertoire for this fabulous program - A WONDROUS SOUND, showcasing the full force of Lyric’s amazing orchestra and chorus,…

Citadel's 'A Jukebox for the Algonquin" - The Reality of Life in a Senior Center sets the Stage for Tunes, Friendship and Rebellion!

20 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Citadel’s latest production, A Jukebox for the Algonquin, truly captured my heart. It’s a refreshing reminder that as we age,…

A Night to Remember Aboard Marriott Theatre’s Titanic

17 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

As a lifelong aficionado of the ill-fated ocean liner RMS Titanic, I’ve always gravitated toward any experience that would leave…

The Artistic Home presents CUT TO THE CHASE festival of one-act plays May 1-4 at The Den Theatre

17 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

The Artistic Home Studio will present the 2025 edition of its annual CUT TO THE CHASE festival of new one…

Chopin Theatre & Gwydion Theatre present "Theatre of the Absurd" festival Eight Darkly Comedic Tales May 2 – May 25, 2025 | Chopin Theatre Studio

17 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

In an era that often defies reason, Chopin Theatre and Gwydion Theatre launch the first annual Theatre of the Absurd…

Pegasus Theatre Chicago announces cast for its revival of Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Pegasus Theatre Chicago and Director ILesa Duncan proudly announce the casting for the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood's Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery, which follows…

THE LOVE OF THREE KINGS Returns and Kicks Off the Opera Festival of Chicago, May 9 and 11

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

The Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for The Love of Three Kings (L’Amore dei tre Re), with…

See Chicago Dance Announces the Return of Chicago Dance Month, May 31 - June 28, 2025

16 April 2025 in Upcoming Dance

See Chicago Dance, the dance industry's nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce that its popular…

Steppenwolf Theatre Announces LookOut's Summer 2025 Season

15 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf's LookOut Series is pleased to announce its action-packed summer lineup of comedy, magic, storytelling, drag and more! The Summer 2025 Season…

Writers Theater Excels in Brian Friel's Funny, Complicated 'Translations'

15 April 2025 in Theatre in Review

Brian Friel’s “Translations,” now playing at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL, shows off the renowned Irish playwright’s signature skill in…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces casting for the NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE of a new musical from the producers of SIX - 42 Balloons

14 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast of the North American premiere of the new musical 42 Balloons. From the multi-award-winning producers Kevin McCollum (Oh,…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces a Bold 2025/26 Season of 12 productions

09 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes announce today the 2025/26 Season. As the nation's largest year-round theater dedicated…

Tickets on sale April 11 for A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness

09 April 2025 in Upcoming Theatre

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. Central time for the world-premiere performances of A Night of Mellon…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 1397 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.