Pair returns for last season together in “Wonderful Life”

When Cary resident Wendy Whiteside was growing up, she loved watching reruns of “Bewitched.” But she was confused when a new actor replaced one of the stars for the show's final three seasons while the rest of the cast stayed the same.

“I remember watching these reruns and it was so baffling to me,” she said. “It wasn't like it was a cousin or uncle. It was still Darrin and no one explained it.”

Whiteside wanted to avoid a “Darrin” moment for fans of American Blues Theater's production of “It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” She has played the role of Mary Bailey for six years. But when star Kevin Kelly, who plays Mary's husband George Bailey, moved to Los Angeles this year, she decided it was time for her to give up her role, too.

“I think audiences have become so accustomed to us together that it might be jarring to see me with another actor,” she said.

Kelly's coming back to do the show one last time, so this will be Whiteside's last year onstage. She'll continue to work on the annual show in her role as American Blues Theater's producing artistic director.

“If I had to walk away completely I would cry every day,” she said. “It's such a part of my holidays. I've already started singing carols and it's driving my husband crazy.”

The production, which presents Frank Capra's Christmas classic as a 1940s-style radio play, has had the same director every year and the same actor, John Mohrlein, playing Mr. Potter and Clarence the Angel. He hasn't missed a performance in 12 years, even though he's gotten in two car accidents on the way to the theater.

The show isn't just a holiday tradition for the cast and crew, but for many viewers who come year after year. Whiteside said the play gives older audience members fond memories of growing up listening to radio plays, while kids are often interested in how radio worked and the sound effects, which include shutting a tiny door next to a microphone.

“We do the play in a very warm way,” Whiteside said. “When audiences walk in the theater, we've created it as a studio. We do holiday songs and even the biggest Grinches of all wind up singing holiday carols and they're so surprised they're doing it.”

Along with providing plenty of holiday cheer, the show also focuses on the more serious messages of the film — which tells the story of a man considering suicide.

Every year, cast members “get together and realize that someone in the audience might be going through a difficult time,” Whiteside said. “They might be like George Bailey and at their wit's end and thinking of ending it all. Even though there are some light, really comical moments in “It's A Wonderful Life,” the thing that brings us back every year, and I think gets the patrons back every year, is the honesty.”

World War II plays a major role in “It's A Wonderful Life,” and that inspired Whiteside to honor one member of the military during each performance through a “Soldier Spotlight.” The honoree gets two free tickets, his or her picture displayed and a dedication incorporated in the set. Since the program launched, the show has honored 100 people, including veterans of World War II, Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam and Korea.

While the show doesn't have an intermission, there are breaks in the story when the cast uses old-fashioned jingles to promote local businesses that have contributed to the theater. Whiteside's favorite part of “It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” actually comes after the performance is over.

“At the end of the show, we offer everyone in the audience milk and cookies and we say good night to them as they're leaving,” she said. “I find that personal connection rewards me far more. It's that gratitude of people returning year after year and supporting the theater.”

“It's A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”

<b>Location:</b> Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, (773) 404-7336, <a href="http://americanbluestheater.com">americanbluestheater.com</a>

<b>Showtimes:</b> 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21 through Dec. 28

<b>Tickets:</b> $19-$49