'A Wonderful Life' Returns to Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre will again feature the popular musical A Wonderful Life, a stage version of Frank Capra's legendary film "It's a Wonderful Life."  The production, which broke Porchlight box office records in 2006, previews November 17 and runs through December 30 at Theatre Building Chicaog, 1225 W. Belmont.  Opening is Sunday, November 18 at 2:30PM.

Celebrating 60 years as America's favorite holiday tradition, It's a Wonderful Life tops the American Film Institute's list of most inspiring films of all time.  The Porchlight Music Theatre version is told in a fresh new way as a musical.  A Wonderful Life is the remarkable collaboration of Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Sheldon Harnick and Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Joe Raposo. 

"Set in the small town of Bedford Falls, New York in the 1940s, A Wonderful Life is the story of George Bailey, who has a heart of gold but has long felt like a failure.  When George wonders what life would be like if he had never been born, an angel shows him how different the world would be if he didn't exist.  A Wonderful Life is a timeless story of love and redemption, perfect for the whole family," state press notes.

A Wonderful Life stars Jayson Brooks (who received Black Theatre Alliance and Joseph Jefferson nominations for playing Ragtime's Coalhouse Walker) as George Bailey, Jess Godwin (who reprises her role from the 2006 A Wonderful Life and previously starred in Porchlight's Gypsy) as Mary Hatch, Ron Keaton as Clarence, and Dan Loftus as the villainous Mr. Potter.

The show also features Jennifer Baker (Beth), Julie Boesch (Violet), Christin Boulette (Dorothy), Nick Coussens (Tommy), Adrian Fontanilla (Bert), Jillian Anne Jocson (Girl Singer/Ruth), Henry M. Odum (Uncle Billy), Bob Pries (Tom/Mr. Martini), Bob Pries (Tom/Mr. Martini), Sara Sevigny (Mrs. Hatch/Mrs. Martini), Wynter Spears, Douglas Thornton (Sam Wainwright), Jeffery A. Ward (Matthew), Quinn White (Harry Bailey).

Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Associate Rob Lindley directs this production. Benjamin Bentler (Ragtime and Phantom orchestras) serves as musical director. Rounding out the creative team are Porchlight Artistic Associate Bil Ingraham (assistant director), Laura Scheinbaum (choreographer), Kurt Sharp (scenic design), Justin Wardell (lighting design), and Elizabeth Wislar (costume design).

Performances are from November 17 through December 30.  Show times are: Fridays at 8PM, Saturdays at 2:30PM & 8PM, and Sunday matinees at 2:30PM.  There will be special matinees on November 23 at 2PM, November 24 and December 8 at 2:30PM and December 6 at 10AM.

Tickets are $34 on Fridays and $35 on Saturdays and Sundays.  For tickets or more information, call the Theatre Building Chicago's box office at 773.327.5252 or visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org. Or, call TicketMaster at 312.559.1212 or order on line at www.ticketmaster.com.  For group discounts, call 312.423.6612 or visit www.grouptheatretix.com.

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