Openly gay retired judge Tom Chiola is among those in the golf-themed Fairways: The Musical, running Jan. 28-Feb. 13 (on Sundays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) at Endpoint Theatre, 656 W. Barry.
According to Endpoint's website, "Playwright/novelist Mary Hutchings Reed weaves a captivating tale of love, honesty and the zen of golf in this fast-paced musical that appeals to golfers and non-golfers alike."
Tickets are $32 ($24 for students). See endpointtheatre.org .
About Endpoint Theatre, from www.endpointtheatre.org
Can musical theatre be recaptured as an art form?
Endpoint Theatre believes that musical theatre has diverged into two categories: large elaborate productions that are successful because they are well-financed, formulaic, derivative and entertaining; and small struggling shows that depend too much on gimmickry or shock value in order to gain notoriety in the hopes of becoming large productions. In this environment, it is as difficult for original work with a message and artistic merit to be produced as it is for a new novel to be published. The result is that musical theatre as an art form is being held hostage by the belief that, in order to attract audiences, productions must rely primarily on spectacle, shock and awe to succeed.
Endpoint Theatre believes differently.
We believe that audiences respond positively to shows that emphasize the message, the music, the dance, the imagery, the interpretation, in short, the artistry of performance not the effects that surround it. We feel that shows produced in this manner are more sustainable over time from an environmental, artistic and social standpoint. We are convinced that this type of musical theatre experience establishes a healthy relationship between the performers and audience while helping the playwright/composer's message to penetrate hearts and minds.
CurtisPowell, August 2010
Endpoint Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation. If you would like to make a donation to help bring new works and a new perspective on musical theatre to Chicago and beyond, donate here.
You can reach us at 312.841.7545. We are looking forward to hearing from you. You can also contact us via e-mail.