Pictured L-R: Andrew Carter (Harry and others), Ashley Bishop (Violet and others), Gary Houston (Uncle Billy and others), Kevin R. Kelley (George Bailey) and John Mohrlein (Mr. Potter/Clarence). Photo: The Stage Channel (2009).

American Blues Theatre continues with their “Soldier Spotlights” at performances of this year’s critically acclaimed staging of “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!” The five servicemen spotlighted this week include:

Thursday, 12/10 8 p.m.: 1^st Lt. Milton Greenfield, Army.  Greenfield’s heroic efforts during World War II earned him nine medals including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Purple Heart. He saved the lives of three soldiers while under heavy fire and witnessed the loss of his entire crew during a single battle.

Saturday 12/12 5 p.m.: John “Fred” Sharpe, Sgt., 1^st class, Army.

Sgt. John Sharpe

As part of the 3275th Quartermaster Service Company, his first assignment was to set up and receive units in Normandy. He later went on to participate in the Battle of The Bulge. After the war, he became mentor to many troubled youth as a counselor at Sullivan House, coached Little League baseball and volunteered at Bryn Mawr Elementary School.

American Blues Theatre presents “It’s A Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph!” now through Dec. 27.  All performances take place in the new Studio at Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.  For tickets or more information call the Victory Gardens box office at 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.

Pictured L-R Natalie Berg, Leslie Ann Sheppard, Kurt Ehrmann. Photo Michael Brosilow

Saturday, Oct. 31 …All dressed up with kid in tow but looking for somewhere  to go during the day? Swing by the Royal George Theater, 1641 N. Halsted St. for the noon or 3 p.m. performance of Chicago Children’s Theatre’s hit musical “The Hundred Dresses.” Old Man Svenson will give you a great scare and if you haven’t decided on your costume yet you might get an idea or two from the character Willie Bounce. After the show you can meet the cast in the lobby who, in the spirit of the day, will be handing out treats. Plus, as a special treat for Chicago this Halloween there’s a special offer: one child (12 and under) ticket free with purchase of each full-price adult ticket! Folks should request “Treat4” when ordering. Offer applies to Saturday, Oct. 31 only (subject to availability; restrictions apply).

For tickets or more info  call the Royal George Box Office, 312.988.9000.

The Randolph Street Market Festival (photo courtesy of Metromix)

Chicago’s favorite indoor/outdoor shopping experience is back!

This weekend, The Randolph Street Market Festival (aka the “market of markets” ) returns to the West Loop with new dealers and new goods from more than 200 select vendors!!

Encompassing several markets in one, The Randolph Street Market Festival crosses time and place by offering, through the Chicago Antique Market, a range of beautifully preserved iconic products from the past including decorative arts, furnishings, housewares, music, vintage fashion and jewelry plus the newest mix of today’s culture through the Indie Designer Market and Global Goods Market.

Check out Metromix’s awesome slideshow http://tiny.cc/5UBJ5

Be there to browse, bargain and buy! Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1350 W. Randolph Street.

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