November 2011 Review by Tyler Tidmore
It's a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph
As
we finally begin to finish our Thanksgiving feast it’s
beginning to reach that time of year when critics begin to start
their holiday reviews with “it’s that time of year
again”. Well it certainly is that time of year again, and
what better way to kick off the Christmas holiday season then with
American Blues Theater’s enchanting production of Frank
Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the
Biograph!”? Capra’s classic signature film turned
vibrant radio play by one of Chicago’s best theatre troupes
dominates the holiday season with a colorful production full of
laughs, charm, and holiday magic.
As soon as you walk through the door at the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph you’re immediately hit with a spell of pure holiday wonder that could rival the Goodman’s “Christmas Carol”. American Blues Theater takes you back to the moment in time when radio was the leading form of entertainment, and when the genre of radio plays were quickly becoming a staple in modern theatre. “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!” is Chicago’s very own gem of the holiday season. The family fun atmosphere is only matched by the unbelievable talent on stage. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is one holiday tradition that should be on everyone’s list.
I’m sure everyone has come into contact with Frank Capra’s classic at some point in time. It was actually considered a box office flop during its release back in 1946, but as time progressed the film reached success as a major piece of motion cinema. Capra’s story stays close to American Blues Theater’s mission by exploring one man’s ambition to live a meaningful life through working class America. The play’s hero, George Bailey (Kevin R. Kelly) dreams of exploring the outside world but through a strong dedication to his family, he remains in his hometown of Bedford Falls to run the family business. On a particular Christmas Eve Bailey finds himself in a deep slump worried about the future of the Bailey Building and Loan Association, and with a little help from his guardian angel, George Bailey realizes all the good he’s done throughout his life.
The list of characters definitely breaks the twenty-plus mark and the list is spilt up among seven of ABT’s finest. Director Marty Higginbotham has a thorough grasp on his cast who deliver an excellent performance with some of the most gifted voice acting I’ve ever seen. Of course no radio play is complete without sound effects and Shawn J. Goudie’s quick hands deliver a confident punch of sound. Anyone who enjoys Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” will find holiday joy in American Blues Theater’ clever radio-style production, which triumphs as the crown-jewel of the holiday season. For more information on this show, please visit the Theatre In Chicago It's a Wonderful Life page.
About Tyler Tidmore
A
native of the south, and an aspiring young director, Tyler Tidmore's
life revolves around theater. Originally from Clarksville
Tennessee, Tyler moved to the big city to pursue a career in
Directing and Playwright while studying at Columbia College
Chicago. He hopes to one day open a theater and influence
younger actors the same way mentors in his life influenced him, by
introducing the magnificent form of entertainment called theatre.
Tyler's contributions to the theater world have been centered around writing and acting. He wrote sketch comedy and news segments for two years at a local news program called The Northwest Review. On the side Tyler starred in over eight productions, some of his favorites include “Words Words Words”, “The Foreigner”, and “The Brother's Grimm Spectaculathon”. He considers the highlight of his young life to be when he played the tyrant king Creon in Sophocles' “Antigone”. His acting skills granted him the honor of attaining “State All-Star Cast Member” two years in a row and obtaining first place in “Duo Acting” at the State-wide Dickson Drama Comp. “Chicago theatre is doing great things for me, I'm in a good position for what I wish to do with my life.”