Theatre News Wire

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announced programming for the remainder of its current season and the lineup for its 40th Anniversary Season, including world premieres, reimagined classics, a beloved holiday favorite, and public programming and events.

American Blues Theater

"As we look ahead to our 40th anniversary, we're thrilled to announce five productions and four special events featuring the extraordinary talents of our Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates. First, we close this season with the return of longtime Ensemble member Dennis Cockrum for Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith's Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues, directed by Ensemble member Chuck Smith," comments Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. "The 40th season includes many highlights, including the season opener, the World Premiere of a new play by Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz that was workshopped here after winning our Blue Ink Award. As a special anniversary event, Founding Ensemble member Rick Cleveland will return to present his solo-show My Amazon Diary for one night only. It will be a season not-to-be-missed!"

The final production of the 2024-2025 season, which also included Misery, The Last Wide Open and It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, is:
Chicago Premiere
Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues
by Artistic Affiliate Charles Smith
directed by Ensemble member Chuck Smith
May 23 - June 29, 2025

From the team of critically-acclaimed The Reclamation of Madison Hemings.
Pompey is an aging white vaudevillian; Jet is a Black teenager. Thrown together by circumstances beyond their control, they show us how basic needs and emotions transcend barriers of race, religion, and age. Don't miss Ensemble member and veteran TV star Dennis Cockrum's ("Shameless") return to American Blues Theater, with Ensemble member Dawn Bach, James Sherman and Justin Banks.

The 2025-2026 40th Anniversary Season includes:

World Premiere
Things with Friends
By Artistic Affiliate Kristoffer Diaz
Directed by Artistic Affiliate Dexter Bullard
August 25 - October 4, 2025

Manhattan. Burt and Adele are hosting a dinner party. Steak is on the stove. The George Washington Bridge has collapsed into the Hudson. Kristoffer Diaz has written a play about it. We've already said too much. Featuring Ensemble member Audrey Billings, Artistic Affiliate Jon Hudson Odom with Coby Goss, Maya Hlava and Flaco Navaja

24th Anniversary Production of
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 21 - December 28, 2025

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.

Reimagined Classic
Come Back, Little Sheba
By William Inge
Directed by Associate Artistic Director Elyse Dolan
February 6 - March 22, 2026

Midwest town. Forced into marriage due to an unexpected pregnancy, former beauty queen Lola and recovering alcoholic Doc live a quiet life of heartbreak and regret until Marie, a young college student, becomes their boarder. Must see intimate and explosive immersive experience. Featuring Ensemble members Philip Earl Johnson, Joslyn Jones, Gwendolyn Whiteside, Artistic Affiliates Bryanna Ciera Colón, Cisco Lopez, and William Anthony Sebastian Rose II.

Hit Jukebox Musical
Always...Patsy Cline
Created by Ted Swindley
Band & Vocal Orchestrations by August Eriksmoen & Tony Migliore
Directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside
Music Direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler
May 1 - June 7, 2026

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 and featuring Ensemble member Editha Rosario-Moore.