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American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces its 2026-2027 Season, including the world premieres of Black Girl from a White Suburb by Tania Richard, directed by J. Nicole Brooks, and Ken Urban's Blue Ink Award winner The Conquered, directed by Jonathan Berry. The season includes the Chicago Premiere of UHURU by Gloria Majule, directed by Mikael Burke and the 25^th Anniversary of the beloved holiday favorite It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago, directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside. All programming is produced at American Blues Theater's home at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.

Subscriptions to the 2026-2027 Season are available through the American Blues Theater box office, www.americanbluestheater.com, (773) 654-3103.

"We are thrilled to announce Season 41, featuring an entire lineup of work developed at American Blues Theater," comments Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. "This season includes two World premieres, one Chicago premiere, and the 25th Anniversary of our beloved holiday staple, It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Each production explores themes of identity and the complex reconciliation of self-perception versus how we are viewed by others."

The 2026-2027 Season includes:

World Premiere

Black Girl from a White Suburb

By Artistic Affiliate Tania Richard

Directed by J. Nicole Brooks

September 4 – October 4, 2026

Press Opening: September 10, 2026 at 7:00pm

Tour-de-force solo show by artistic affiliate Tania Richard. Growing up in an all-white Chicago suburb, she spent her days dodging microaggressions, striving to fit in, and yearning to see herself reflected. Her transformation began when cast as The Caterpillar in "Alice in Wonderland." Blending cautionary tales, social commentary, and humor, Tania takes the leading role in a culture that often relegates Black women to supporting characters

25^th Anniversary Production of

Chicago's Original Holiday Hit

It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

Based on the film by Frank Capra

Directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside

Music Direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler

November 19 - December 27, 2026

Opening night: November 22, 2026 at 2:30pm

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.

Chicago Premiere

UHURU

By Gloria Majule

Directed by Mikael Burke

April 2 – May 9, 2027

Press Opening: April 8, 2027 at 7:00pm

An unlikely foursome ascends Mount Kilimanjaro in this sharp satire. The dramedy follows a tour guide, Tanzanian-American tourist, and two missionaries as they make their way to the "Roof of Africa." They must confront questions of identity, access, and who deserves a place on the mountain. Featuring American Blues artists Manny Buckley, Ian Paul Custer, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II,

 and J.G. Smith.

World Premiere

The Conquered

By Ken Urban

Directed by Jonathan Berry

June 11 – July 18, 2027

Press Opening: June 18, 2027 at 7:00pm

Jane is adrift. She suffers a recurring nightmare in which a young man breaks into her house. Her husband recommends that she speak to someone about her growing anxiety. Jane finds a therapist who could help, but her quest leads to a dangerous discovery. Featuring American Blues ensemble member Editha Rosario-Moore. Winner of the 2024 Blue Ink Award for playwriting.

Ken Urban notes, "It's such an honor to win for The Conquered. It's a story that has haunted me ever since I first dreamed it up after reading THE NEW YORKER article that inspired it. Writing a thriller for the stage inspired by advances in neurotechnology always felt a little dangerous. Would an audience be into this dark mysterious story? This recognition's greatest gift is that it means that Jane's story resonates with people and that's the thing every playwright is always hoping for."

Public Programming and Special Events

American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series, July 2026-June 2027.

The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. Featuring the talents of the American Blues ensemble and artistic affiliates.

The Rubber Banned Book Club chooses one banned book from PEN America's list to read, discuss, and advocate for its bounce back into circulation. We concentrate on literature that made its way to stage. Join our book club to hear our award-winning artists read and stay for the discussion. We host both in-person and live-streamed gatherings for national members. Admission is free. Growth is priceless.

Arts Education programs include:

Classes for the Masses offers a variety of classes for all ages.  Learn an instrument, improve your public speaking, refresh your audition monologue and resume, or sharpen your writing skills. All our incredible instructors are Ensemble members, Artistic Affiliates, or staff members. Classes are self-paced, individual instruction for the curious beginner, the industry insider, student, or the continuing-education adult. The location (in-person, via Zoom, email, or phone call) will be decided by your needs.

The Check it Out Project in partnership with the Budlong Woods Public Library. The most popular (public domain) children's book checked-out from the Budlong Woods Public Library annually will be adapted and performed by American Blues artists. The adaptation will be presented as an audio play with Foley sound FX and live score atop our holiday set of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

School Matinees offer a limited number of free school matinees throughout the year for students of all ages. Students receive complimentary study guides, in-class visit from educators and select artists, and opportunity to participate in a post-performance discussion with the actors.

Ripped in Schools Our educators, using Illinois standards for civics, social studies, creative writing, and public speaking, will engage 5th-8th grade students during in-classroom instruction for an experience they won't forget. Students will choose an event ripped from today's headlines and write a short play.

Selected plays will be performed by professional actors in the annual Ripped Festival.

For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.

Currently On Stage

Hit Jukebox Musical

Always...Patsy Cline

Created by Ted Swindley

Band and Vocal Orchestrations by August Eriksmoen & Tony Migliore 

Directed by Harmony France 

Music Direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler 

Playing through June 7, 2026

Tickets: $34.50-$64.50, www.americanbluestheater.com, (773) 654-3103

This musical play, complete with down home country humor and big-hearted emotion, includes hits "Crazy", "I Fall to Pieces", "Sweet Dreams", "Walkin' After Midnight" and more! Starring Ensemble member and award winner Liz Chidester as Patsy Cline and featuring guest artist Molly Hernández as Louise.  

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 246 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.