CONTENTS CHICAGO // Volume 25 // Issue 3
pg.
4
IN THIS ISSUE: FOOTNOTES pg 4-7
DINNER & A SHOW Dining Guide + Show Listings
pg 9-14
pg.
6
STAFF PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Steve Marcus
VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Thiele
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Bob Salb
ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Sallmann PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
Greg Widener
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jillian Olsson Theresa Wilmot ACCOUNTING
Karin Marcus EDITOR + VENUE RELATIONS
Amanda Schumacher Katelynne Rosera - INTERN CHICAGO EDITOR
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By Jonathan Abarbanel
January-February 2015
NEXT NO MORE
Evanston’s Next Theatre Company closed its doors for good in November, just one production into its three-play 34th season. This isn’t news anymore, but the collapse of a respected troupe of such longevity is like a death in the family. Any theater company that survives more than 30 years in Chicago may be regarded as part of the performing arts Establishment. Its loss is keenly felt, and the reasons for that loss need to be examined and lessons—if any—learned. Next never was a rich company or a darling of trendy audiences, even after winning a Best Production Jeff Award (plus six more in other categories) for its landmark Chicago premiere of The Normal Heart in 1987. Co-founders Harriet Spizziri and Brian Finn were far too individualistic to create seasons that catered to audience tastes.
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They did edgy work by contemporary writers such as David Hare, Maria Irene Fornes and Jon Robin Baitz. They created astonishing original work, such as a 1989 adaptation of e.e. cummings’ The Enormous Room. They introduced young and inspired actors, directors and authors such as Eric Simonson (now possessor of a Tony Award and Oscar), Michael Shannon, Tracy Letts (also a Tony winner), John Carlile, Ann Dowd, Cheryl Hamada and Matt DeCaro. Much of this continued under successive artistic directors such as Steve Pickering and Jason Loewith, whose musical version of Elmer Rice’s Expressionist drama, The Adding Machine, became an Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway hit.
TROUBLE BREWING
But the troupe ran into difficulties after Loewith departed in 2008, especially with a 2010 mess over copyright infringement in the development of a new work; a sticky legal wicket that cost Next esteem and money. Next survived the worst of the Great Recession but never fully regained its artistic mojo nor, apparently, its fiscal mojo. Last spring, the City of Evanston (Next’s landlord at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center) revealed that Next owed nearly $80,000 in back rent, but gave the troupe permission to put up its 2014-2015 season and see how the ducks lined up next May. Now, $80,000 isn’t that much money for a troupe of Next’s age and reputation and one wonders what the company’s board of directors was doing. Admittedly, it was not a board larded with Big Names or the super rich. Still, the board, in crisis, did not turn over every stone it could. For example, former board members were not contacted and solicited for emergency contributions, or asked to become part of a broader effort to secure the company. One also must go back to the 2010 copyright crisis and ask about board oversight. If a group of folks sits as the legal governing body of a performing arts troupe, it’s obligatory that they have some knowledge of intellectual property law and demand accountability from the artistic leadership whom they hire. If that leadership is not foursquare with its board, it almost always will end badly, and so it was with the Next Theatre Company. The board voted to kill the company upon the Nov. 9 completion of Luce, the first show of the 2014-2015 season. Next was “the little engine that could” for so very many years, perhaps none of us realized how steep a hill it was climbing. Luce was the last show for 34-year-old Next Theatre Company.
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CHINA JOURNAL The United States was re-elected to the Executive Committee of the International Association of Theatre Critics (IATC), meeting for its 27th biennial World Congress in Beijing, Oct. 15-20. The IATC is a UNESCO-listed global cultural NGO, with more than 60 member nations, and the success of the United States is a small measure of esteem for our nation in a politically-difficult world.
The United States had held a seat on the IATC Jonathan Abarbanel and Turkish author Zeynep Executive Committee for more than 30 years. Oral with students from the Central Academy of In the bad old days of the Cold War, our hold Drama, in costumes for Peking Opera. was tenuous as Soviet bloc nations often voted against the USA. In Beijing, America tied with Serbia as the highest votegetter. Nations are members of the IATC, not individuals, and the United States is represented by the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA), of which I currently am Chairperson. As such, I was one of the three American delegates to the Beijing Congress. This was my fifth World Congress, my first being in East Berlin in 1987 when The Wall still was up. I had the great pleasure of reuniting in Beijing with good friends I first met in Berlin, among them distinguished British critic and publisher Ian Herbert (a former IATC President) and Zeynep Oral, regarded as the most important female journalist and author in Turkey. The World Congress was hosted by the Central Academy of Drama, with a lavish new suburban campus north of Beijing and an older campus in the heart of a gentrified hutong (we would call it an “old town�) near the Forbidden City. 6
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Beijing’s spectacular National Center for the Performing Arts floats in its own lake near Tiananmen Square.
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We saw a variety of productions but precious little in the way of actual Chinese theater, whether contemporary or classical. For example, we were taken to the utterly spectacular new National Center for the Performing Arts (dubbed “the egg”, and near the Mao Zedong Mausoleum), to see an Italian opera, and at the Central Academy itself we saw Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, performed in Chinese. There is an official Beijing Theatre website online, but nearly all its listings are for touristic shows (kung-fu and acrobatic spectaculars, scenes from Peking Opera in “authentic” tea house settings) or concert attractions. With inquiry, I discovered that there is very little independent theater in China and virtually nothing like our Off-Loop or storefront scene. One reason is that the licensing fee for operating a so-called private theater is equivalent to $50,000. There are only six or seven such theater companies in all of Beijing. On the other hand, I found—to my surprise—that there is no government censorship of theater. Basically, theater is not considered influential since it plays only to small audiences one performance at a time. This contrasts to film, television and books which are censored as they reach national mass audiences in the millions. “The theaters themselves act as censors,” one Central Academy professor told me, implying that the private companies understand how far they can go with regard to political, social or sexual themes before the government might withdraw that expensive license. The new campus of the Central Academy of Drama in suburban Beijing.
Jonathan Abarbanel can be heard Sunday mornings at 8 a.m. on “The Arts Section” on WDCB-90.9FM. Issue #3
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Story Week 2015: The Power of Words by Eric Charles May
From March 15-20, Columbia College Chicago’s Department of Creative Writing presents the 19th annual Story Week Festival of Writers, a literary bonanza of readings, conversations, panels, performances and book signings. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Public Library and Metro, Story Week is free and open to the public. Since 1997, Story Week has grown into one of the bright lights of Chicago’s arts scene; a literary March Madness that gets audiences up close and personal with authors, scholars and experts from around the world – and Chicago, too.
Photo by Jose phine Dem
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Edwidge Dantic
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Abani
Chris Aban
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This year’s theme, “The Power of Words,” celebrates storytelling and its ability to enchant, inspire and empower, with presentations on Literary Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Personal Essays, Memoir and Playwriting. The festival includes Chris Abani, The Secret Life of Las Vegas; Jay R. Bonansinga, The Walking Dead Descent; Edwidge Danticat, Claire of the Sea Light; Amina Gautier, Now We Will Be Happy; Samantha Irby, Meaty; Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings; T. Geronimo Johnson, Welcome to Braggsville; Y/A author Stephanie Kuehn, Complicit; Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler’s Wife, whose latest release is Raven Girl; and playwright, actress, and director Regina Taylor, whose play stop. reset. will soon open at Goodman Theatre. Story Week 2015 also highlights some of today’s top African, African American and Caribbean writers who’ve garnered numerous awards and praise. Abani is a Guggenheim Fellow and winner of the PEN Beyond the Margins Award; Danticat is an American Book Award winner and MacArthur Genius; and the New York Times called James’ novel “monumental.” Taylor has won four Helen Hayes awards, a Golden Globe and a Jeff award. She’ll be joined by Windham Campbell Prize-winning playwright Kia Corthron (Breath, Boom) in a conversation about taking the power of words from page to stage. Other notables include poet Kevin Coval, founder of Louder Than A Bomb; novelist Mitchell S. Jackson, The Residue Years, winner of the 2014 Ernest J. Gaines Award; and editor Audrey Petty, High Rise Stories.
phen Desan Photo by Ste
Monday, March 16, offers a 2 pm Memoir & Story Panel, and a 6 pm Edwidge Danticat Reading/Conversation hosted by Booklist Senior Editor Donna Seaman. Tuesday, March 17, features a 2 pm Sci-Fi/Fantasy Reading/Conversation plus morning and evening readings by undergraduate and graduate students from Columbia College Chicago’s Fiction program. Wednesday, March 18, is packed with an 11 am Publishing Panel, a 2 pm Reading/ Anti-Violence Roundtable, and a 6 pm Literary Rock & Roll show at Metro with readings by Chris Abani, Samantha Irby, Garnett Kilberg Cohen, and Marlon James, plus a musical tribute to “Godfather of House Music” Frankie Knuckles.
Kurtz
Thursday, March 19, features an 11 am Playwright Reading/Conversation with Kia Corthron and Regina Taylor, a 2 pm Young Adult Fiction Reading/Conversation and a 6 pm “Turning Issues Into Story” Reading/Conversation. Publishing professionals will conduct free boot camps Wednesday and Thursday. Photo by Walter
Regina Taylor
Audrey Ni
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The festival begins Sunday, March 15, with Story Workshop® writing mini-classes at 3 pm, and at 6 pm, a performance by 2nd Story storytellers with audio and musical accompaniment.
On Friday, March 20 at 6 pm, Chicago Tribune/WGN Radio veteran Rick Kogan hosts “Chicago Classics,” featuring authors and others from the literary community reading works by their favorite Chicago authors. With over 20 events across six days, Story Week 2015 is a can’t-miss.
colum.edu/StoryWeek 8
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For more information about these free events, contact Columbia College Chicago’s Department of Creative Writing, 312.369.7611 or visit www.colum.edu/storyweek. This program is partially supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.
All the world’s a menu Visit Footlights.com for a comprehensive guide of dining and nightlife options before or after the show.
Issue #3
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DINNER SHINING CITY
& A SHOW
Through Jan. 4
Irish Theatre of Chicago
Two Dublin men wrestle the living and the dead in this contemporary ghost story by the incomparable Conor McPherson.
HELLCAB
Den Theatre 866-811-4111
Through Jan. 11
Profiles Theatre
During the longest night of his life, a cabdriver transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago.
LOOKINGGLASS ALICE
The Main Stage 773-549-1815
Through Feb. 15
Lookingglass Theatre
Imagination soars and laughter and awe abound in this signature production’s gravity-defying spectacle and breathtaking theatricality.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
Lookingglass Theatre 312-337-0665
Jan. 2-31
27th annual showcase of winning student-written plays explores how things aren’t what they seem.
National Pastime/ Preston Bradley Center (866) 811-4111
CHICAGO SKETCHFEST
Jan. 8-18
Pegasus Players
Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
For two weeks, Chicago SketchFest turns Stage 773 into a sketch comedy oasis with simultaneous performances in all three theaters.
MR. BURNS A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY Theater Wit
After life as we know it has ended, small groups of survivors band together to keep the pilot light of civilization burning.
Stage 773 773-327-5252
Jan. 8-Mar. 1 Theater Wit 773-975-8150
Open ‘til 4AM Nightly, 5AM on Saturdays Covered, Heated & Comfortable Smoking Area Live Music Seven Nights A Week! Business Casual Dress Code No Cover COCKTAIL LOUNGE FOR RESERVATIONS, RESTAURANT HOURS, DIRECTIONS, AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE
16 W. Ontario | 312.640.1000 www.redheadpianobar.com 10
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OUTDOOR PATIO
Find showtimes, links to buy tickets and nearby restaurants on
FOOTLIGHTS.COM
SYMPHONY OF CLOUDS
Jan. 13-Feb. 21
Theatre School at DePaul University
Follow the adventures and joyful milestones in the life of young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
THE BOOK OF MERMAN
Merle Reskin Theatre 312-922-1999
Jan. 15-Feb. 15
Pride Films and Plays
When two Mormons ring a doorbell marked E.M. in a small town, they have no idea that a certain Ethel will open the door.
WAITING FOR GODOT
Mary’s Attic 800-838-3006
Jan. 15-Feb. 15
Court Theatre
On a lonely country road, two vagabonds wait—and wait—in Samuel Beckett’s haunting meditation on the meaning of human existence.
THE ROSE TATTOO
Court Theatre 773-753-4472
Jan. 15-Feb.28
Shattered Globe Theatre
Tennessee Williams dives headfirst into the world of an overprotective widow who spirals into despair after the loss of her husband.
GETTIN’ DOWN WITH THE JONESES
Theater Wit 773-975-8150
Jan. 16-31
Musical focuses on a world ripe for satirical exploration given downsizing, hostile takeovers and a competitive global economy.
Jedlicka Performing Arts Center 708-656-8000, ext. 2230
ENCHANTED APRIL
Jan. 16-Feb. 1
JPAC Theatre
Big Noise Theatre Company
Four English Women in the 1920’s rent a remote Italian castle to try to come to grips with their lives and relationships. Parthenon_AD_Footlights.pdf 1 1/27/2014 11:29:08 AM
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Prairie Lakes Community Center Theater 847-604-0275
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THE OLDEST AND STILL THE BEST RESTAURANT IN GREEKTOWN 314 S. Halsted St., Chicago 312-726-2407 Open 11:00 am to Midnight Daily www.theparthenon.com
Dining Guide posted on
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DINNER CAPITOL STEPS
& A SHOW
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
WHITE GUY ON THE BUS
Jan. 23-Feb. 28
Northlight Theatre
The threads that tie two disparate bus passengers together unravel in a complex web of revenge, social mores and racial biases.
THE APPLE FAMILY PLAYS TimeLine Theatre Company
That Hopey Changey Thing and Sorry both explore how a family sorts through personal and political feelings as history is being made. (Alternating schedule.)
LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR First Folio Theatre
Neil Simon’s hilarious reminiscence of his days with the Sid Caesar show catapults us into the world of 1950’s comic maniacs.
METAMORPHOSIS
Theatre School at DePaul University
An overworked salesperson awakens to discover he has transformed into an insect-like creature.
SAME TIME NEXT YEAR MadKap Productions
Romantic comedy about the love affair between two people, married to others, who rendezvous once a year.
SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM Porchlight Music Theatre
First Chicago production, since its Broadway premiere, of this intimate portrait of the famed songwriter in his own words and music.
A CAPPELLA EN ESPAÑOL Chicago a cappella
Dancers from acclaimed Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater will bring dazzling visual embellishment to this colorful tapestry of music.
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Jan. 22-25
Former senate staffers explain How to Succeed in Congress Without Really Lying.
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
Jan. 24-Apr. 19
TimeLine Theatre 773-281-8463, ext. 6
Jan. 28-Mar. 1
Mayslake Peabody Estate 630-986-8067
Feb. 4-15
Fullerton Stage 773-325-7900
Feb. 6-22
Skokie Theatre 847-677-7761
Feb. 6-Mar. 15 Stage 773 773-327-5252
Feb. 7-15
Four venues 773-281-7820
Find showtimes, links to buy tickets and nearby restaurants on
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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Northshore Concert Band
Lifetime of Music students join band in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the publishing of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
ELEMENO PEA
Theatre School at DePaul University
Waves crash and sisters clash in this tumultuous comedy about the sacrifices we make to stay on top.
INSPIRATION, DEDICATION, TRANSFORMATION
Feb. 8
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall 847-432-2263
Feb. 11-22
Healy Theatre 773-325-7900
Feb. 12-15
Loyola University Chicago
Kathleen Mullady Memorial Theatre 773-508-8400
THE SWEETER OPTION
Feb. 13-Mar. 28
Annual concert features dance majors and minors working closely with guest artists and dance faculty.
Strawdog Theatre Company
World premiere of ensemble member John Henry Roberts’ fast-paced and darkly funny psychological thriller set in 1971 Chicagoland.
ONE CAME HOME Lifeline Theatre
A powerful coming-of-age tale combines live music with historical events during the great passenger pigeon migration of 1871.
THE OTHER PLACE Profiles Theatre
A successful neurologist finds her life coming apart at the seams but, in this brilliantly crafted work, nothing is as it seems.
THE LARAMIE PROJECT
Devonshire Playhouse Adult Theatre
A powerful theatrical collage that explores life in Laramie, Wyoming in the aftermath of Matthew Shepherd’s murder.
MUSIC AND THE SPOKEN WORD Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra
In honor of Richard Strauss’ 150th anniversary, program includes “Four Last Songs” by Strauss.
Strawdog Theatre 773-528-9696
Feb. 13-Apr. 5 Lifeline Theatre 773-761-4477
Feb. 13-Apr. 5 The Main Stage 773-549-1815
Feb. 14-Mar. 1
Devonshire Playhouse 847-929-7420
Feb. 15
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
Dinner & A Show
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DINNER
& A SHOW
FML: HOW CARSON MCCULLERS SAVED MY LIFE
Feb. 19-Mar. 1
Loyola University Chicago
Newhart Family Theatre 773-508-8400
MOON OVER BUFFALO
Feb. 20-Mar. 7
A gay junior being cyber-bullied finds a way to survive through literature.
Fading stars of the 1950’s, on the brink of a disastrous break-up, learn they might have one last shot at stardom.
Jedlicka Performing Arts Center 708-656-8000, ext. 2230
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Feb. 24-May 31
JPAC Theatre
Writers Theatre
Extraordinary diary has become an essential part of how we remember one of the darkest periods of human history.
RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Company’s talented, graceful dancers will amaze audiences with selections from their standard repertoire and new works.
LEGACIES OF HOPE
Windy City Gay Chorus & Windy City Treble Quire
Vernon Ave. 847-242-6000
Feb. 28
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
Mar. 21
St. James Cathedral 773-661-0928
Features Midwest premiere of “Tyler’s Suite,” a commissioned musical tribute to Tyler Clementi.
FREE THEATRE TICKETS… Just one of the many perks working for s Soasilteions
p lable avai
To apply or learn more, email your cover letter, resume, or questions to mthiele@footlights.com 14
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Stay with us! UPCOMING SHOWS AT YOUNG AUDITORIUM
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April 19 - 3:00pm
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET March 2 - 7:30pm
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Chesley Bonestell, Saturn-sized booster pushes insterstellar expedition toward Earth orbit, ca. 1964. (Adler Collection, CB-14.) Reproduced courtesy of Bonestell LLC.
Worlds of Chesley Bonestell A new temporary exhibition through April 26 Free with general admission fb.com/adlerplanetarium
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