American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces 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.
“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!”
Tickets to Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues go on sale April 1, $25-$55, and subscriptions to the 2025-2026 Season are available late Spring through the American Blues Theater box office, www.americanbluestheater.com, (773) 654-3103.
On Stage
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
Press opening: May 29 at 7:00 PM
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
Press Opening: August 29 at 7:00 PM
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
Opening night: November 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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
Press Opening: February 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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
Press Opening: May 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
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.
Public Programming and Special Events
American Blues Theater is excited to offer audiences even more ways to engage with artists, neighbors and the larger community through its two programs The Commons and @Home Accessibility Series.
The Commons features readings, live concerts, open mics, game nights, town halls and more at American Blues. The @Home Accessibility Series features readings, live concerts, and town halls from the comfort of home via Zoom. For the most up-to-date programming schedule or to purchase tickets, visit www.americanbluestheater.com. Additional programming will be announced throughout the season.
The upcoming schedule for The Commons series follows:
The Real Time
live in concert
April 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Real Time, featuring Ensemble member Ian Paul Custer, is a 5-piece Chicago-based band playing the hits you know and originals. Their set list is full of rock, alternative, pop, and the band’s own original funk music.
Sounds of the Soul
Gospel Music’s Anthem of Freedom
Featuring vocalist Marquetta Jackson
Monday, June 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Powerful gospel songs of resilience, hope, and triumph that celebrate freedom.
My Amazon Diary
Written and Performed by Rick Cleveland
Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Founding Ensemble member Rick Cleveland shares his comic and heartfelt journey through Hollywood, mental illness, and 20 years of online purchases.
The @Home series includes:
Inclusion & Allyship
With Tania Richard
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM CT (via Zoom)
Doing the work of anti-racism? Want more skills to build on what you’ve started? Artistic Affiliate and Belonging Specialist Tania Richard leads this vital workshop.
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic diverse stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2024, the theater and artists received 239 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.