Gwendolyn Whiteside

American Blues Theater to Present 23rd Production IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!

American Blues Theater will present the 23rd annual production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!, a holiday classic reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast. Learn how to purchase tickets.

American Blues Theater's MISERY and THE LAST WIDE OPEN Now Playing

American Blues Theater currently has two productions playing simultaneously—Misery by William Goldman, and the World Premiere Polish version on The Last Wide Open by Audrey Cefaly. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

World Premiere of THE LAST WIDE OPEN Returns to Chicago in October

American Blues Theater has announced a limited return engagement of the critically acclaimed, World Premiere Polish version of The Last Wide Open by Audrey Cefaly (book & lyrics), Matthew M. Nielson (music), and Katarzyna Müller (Polish adaptation and consultant). 

American Blues Theater to Present World Premiere of THE LAST WIDE OPEN

American Blues Theater will present THE LAST WIDE OPEN featuring Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

American Blues Theater to Present Annual Blue Bash This Month

American Blues Theater will present the 2024 Blue Bash, a fundraiser celebrating the company’s history and artistry. Learn how to purchase tickets!

American Blues Theater Names Ken Urban Recipient of the 2024 Blue Ink Award

American Blues Theater has announced the recipient of the 2024 Blue Ink Award is Ken Urban for his play The Conquered. As part of the award, Urban receives a $3,000 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater To Produce THE RECLAMATION OF MADISON HEMINGS In Its New Home

American Blues Theater presents the Chicago premiere of 'The Reclamation of Madison Hemings' by Charles Smith, directed by Chuck Smith. Tickets on sale now.

American Blues Theater Will Open its First Permanent Home Next Month

American Blues Theater, Chicago’s second oldest ensemble theater, under the artistic and executive leadership of Gwendolyn Whiteside, will celebrate the opening of its first permanent home, a two-theater venue, located at 5627 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. 

American Blues Theater Will Open New Home With IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIFE IN CHICAGO!

American Blues Theater announces its 22nd Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! from Frank Capra’s film and directed by Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside with musical direction by Ensemble Member Michael Mahler.

American Blues Theater Celebrates Kristoffer Diaz, Winner of 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays

Discover the talented playwright, Kristoffer Diaz, as he is honored as the winner of the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays by American Blues Theater. Learn more about the festival and the exciting future of Diaz's work in this insightful article.

American Blues Theater Hosts the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of New Plays in August

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the 2023 Blue Ink Festival of new plays, featuring four staged readings of works by the 2023 Blue Ink Award winner and featured finalists.

American Blues Theater Names Kristoffer Diaz The Recipient Of The 2023 Blue Ink Award For His Play THINGS WITH FRIENDS

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the recipient of the 2023 Blue Ink Award is Kristoffer Diaz for his play Things With Friends. As part of the award, Diaz receives a $2,500 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Theater to Present 21st Annual Production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!

American Blues Theater has announced its 21st Annual Production of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! will run November 23 – December 23, 2022 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, Chicago. The press opening is Sunday, November 27 at 2:30pm.

Cast Announced For ALMA at American Blues Theater

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the World Premiere production of Alma, in cooperation with Center Theatre Group. The production will run at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 Ridge Avenue in Chicago, September 22 – October 22, 2022. 

Photos: First Look at American Blues Theater's FENCES

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents August Wilson’s Fences, directed by Monty Cole. Check out photos here!

American Blues Theater to Present Reading of 17 MINUTES by Scott Organ

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, will present a live, online reading of 17 MINUTES by Scott Organ, directed by Michael Cotey as part of “The Room” series. The reading will be live on Monday, June 27 at 7pm.

American Blues Theater to Launch Campaign To Purchase A Permanent Home In Lincoln Avenue North Arts District

American Blues Theater has announced it will purchase a 17,965 square foot property in Chicago's Lincoln Avenue North Arts District and launch “Our First Home” campaign. This will establish the first permanent home for American Blues, a nationally recognized, award-winning non-profit AEA theater.

American Blues Announces STAND UP IF YOU'RE HERE TONIGHT

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the Chicago premiere of Stand Up If You’re Here Tonight, written and directed by John Kolvenbach, featuring American Blues Theater Artistic Affiliate Jim Ortlieb.

American Blues Theater Announces Blue Ink Award Winner, Mardee Bennett

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the winner of the 2022 Blue Ink Award is The Reapers on Woodbrook Avenue by Mardee Bennett. As part of the award, Bennett receives a $2,500 cash prize, a staged reading at American Blues Theater, and the opportunity to further develop his script with American Blues Theater.

American Blues Continues Live Reading Series With ORIGIN STORY

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents a live, online reading of Origin Story by Nathan Alan Davis, directed by Ensemble member Manny Buckley, as part of “The Room” series. The play will be live on Friday, February 25 at 7pm.