CHICAGO—Fans of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” may wonder whether a radio production of the film could be enjoyable. Indeed, I had my doubts. But the 1946 Frank Capra classic Christmas film is now a live 1940s-like radio production by the American Blues Theater. It has all the warmth and heartfelt cheer that it does on the silver screen. Plus, it has another thing going for it. We aren’t looking at celluloid; we feel as though we’re in a live radio studio and part of the event. The production creates such a palpable feel for the characters that the audience’s imagination brings them to life.
Staged in the American Blues Theater’s new 137-seat theater, the show is festooned in Christmas cheer. The set by Grant Sabin is decked out in an array of holiday color complete with a Christmas tree, evergreen wreaths, poinsettias, and white and red candles. There are also video projections by Elyse Dolan and a dazzling lighting design by Katy Peterson Viccellio.
