Review: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! at American Blues Theater

Review: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! at American Blues Theater

Just as with my first experience watching the film, the story of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE and the joy and connection these artists brought reminded me again that traditions are important. Clearly, this is one American Blues Theater have made their own, and I think I just might join them.

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Review: BEAUTY’S DAUGHTER at American Blues Theater

Review: BEAUTY’S DAUGHTER at American Blues Theater

Playwright Dael Orlandersmith shows her gift for writing with rhythmic expression — using poetry between personal narratives — in BEAUTY’S DAUGHTER.

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American Blues Announces 2017 RIPPED Festival Line-Up

American Blues Announces 2017 RIPPED Festival Line-Up

American Blues Theater has announced the line-up for 2017 RIPPED: THE LIVING NEWSPAPER FESTIVAL. The 16the edition of the annual festival, based on the 1930’s WPA-era program that brought Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, and Clifford Odets into public attention, features 10 original pieces reflecting current cultural events with proceeds benefiting...

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THE COLUMNIST Struggles to Engage

THE COLUMNIST Struggles to Engage

Joseph Alsop (Philip Earl Johnson), our journalist protagonist, as a character draws similarities to Kushner’s’ Roy Cohn, but is not pathetically endearing or despicably hypocritical or even conflicted enough to hold the fascination that Kushner’s’ depiction of Roy creates. There is little urgency for this character and nothing particularly captivating about him.

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Inside THE COLUMNIST Part Three: Conversation With the Playwright

Inside THE COLUMNIST Part Three: Conversation With the Playwright

In this 3-part feature, PerformInk continues its INSIDE series and takes a look at the world of American Blues Theater’s production of THE COLUMNIST through blog posts written by the people behind the scenes. To read past INSIDE articles, click here.

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Inside THE COLUMNIST Part 2: Costume Design

Inside THE COLUMNIST Part 2: Costume Design

In this 3-part feature, PerformInk continues its INSIDE series and takes a look into American Blues Theater’s production of THE COLUMNIST through blog posts written by the people behind the scenes.

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Inside THE COLUMNIST Part One: Interview with Phillip Earl Johnson and Kymberly Mellen

Inside THE COLUMNIST Part One: Interview with Phillip Earl Johnson and Kymberly Mellen

From the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning author of Proof, THE COLUMNIST is a drama about power, sex, and betrayal. At the height of the Cold War, Joe Alsop is the nation’s most influential journalist – beloved, feared, and courted by the Washington world. But as the 60s dawn and America undergoes dizzying change, the intense political dramas Joe is embroiled in become deeply personal as well. For this article, Elyse Dolan interviewed two of the actors about the show. THE COLUMNIST runs February 17th through April 1st at Stage 773.

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American Blues Announces 17-18 Season, Including New Keith Huff Play

American Blues Announces 17-18 Season, Including New Keith Huff Play

Photo: The 2016 production of American Blues’ IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. (Johnny Knight) American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the lineup for its 2017-18 Season. American Blues’ 32nd Season will include the world premiere of SIX CORNERS by Keith Huff, directed by...

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15 Years of Making Bedford Falls ‘WONDERFUL’

15 Years of Making Bedford Falls ‘WONDERFUL’

An inside look at what makes American Blues Theater’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! keep ringing after 15 years.

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American Blues Announces New Ensemble Member and Artistic Affiliates

American Blues Announces New Ensemble Member and Artistic Affiliates

Pictured: new American Blues Theater ensemble member Darren Canady. American Blues Theater announced today the addition of a new Ensemble member and three new Artistic Affiliates. Joining the Ensemble is playwright Darren Canady, whose world-premiere commission TRANSit is currently playing at American Blues. Joining the team of Artistic Affiliates is...

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