For openly gay producer Scot Kokandy, show business isn't just business. The 32-year-old Kokandy, a PNC banker, fused his financial prowess and passion for theater together—forming Kokandy Productions.
"There are great actors in this city," he said. "I wanted to put something together."
Kokandy's passion and perseverance brought from the Windy City to Broadway and back, where the company's set to launch its latest work, Great Trailer Park Musical.
However, it was Good Boys and True that launched Kokandy's theatrical adventure. The play depicts a sex-tape scandal at a prep school involving a star football player, Brandon Hardy, and a poor girl. Hardy tapes their tryst and distributes the tape, in order to keep a secret—he's gay. Kokandy co-produced it with the Towle Theater in 2011.
Participating in a Godspell revival took Kokandy and fellow producers straight to the Great White Way. Before becoming a banker and producer, he grew up in Hammond, Ind.
"The first recollection of theater that sticks in my mind was Starlight Express," Kokandy said. "It was really something that the family had done as a family activity."
Kokandy found himself on stage, doing high school plays and musicals. Performances included playing Charlie's grandfather in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the lead—Conrad Birdie—in Bye Bye Birdie.
"That was a very interesting experience," Kokandy said of his starring role.
Kokandy performed two shows—with a broken ankle—before heading to the doctor. Miraculously, the doctor and his mother allowed him to do three more shows before getting a cast.
Getting a taste of entertainment took Kokandy back to the stage, on a University of Illinois at Chicago stage. He studied business, but took theater classes. So, he spent more time in the audience than on stage. Musicals strike more of a chord with Kokandy.
"Telling the story through music [and] choreography…I appreciate that extra element," he said. "I really like to see the story told with those elements. It really heightens the experience."
Once Kokandy acknowledged he possessed a producer's best traits, having the best of both worlds was the only option.
"It's really rewarding to see what I was able to organize…all the people. I know what's needed," Kokandy said.
Seeing projects come to fruition left him feeling like a proud papa.
"It's rewarding; it's enjoyable," Kokandy said. "It keeps the energy inside me very high. I never really planned for this."
The newest chapter of his unplanned adventure into show business, of course, has culminated with the premiere of Great Trailer Park Musical. Kokandy likes the production's different layers.
"It wasn't just comedy from start to finish," he said, regarding its selection.
"Trailer Park" chronicles the story of Norbert and Jeannie, high school sweethearts who've been married 20 years. Their union is tested when Norbert cheats on his agoraphobic wife with Pippi.
Duke, Pippi's boyfriend, shows up in Starke, Fla.—fresh from Oklahoma City—to fetch Pippi. Betty, Linoleum "Lin" and Donna "Pickles" are also characters caught up in the unfolding drama at Armadillo Acres Trailer Park.
Kokandy said he wants all productions to inspire audiences and cited the message he hoped they gleaned.
"Everything isn't as it appears," he said. "I want them to walk away challenged. Don't make assumptions."
The "fun" production, according to Kokandy, explores a lot of stereotypes. He believes "Trailer Park" drives another message home: Understand really people are coming from.
"Through these characters, there's a lot of heart," Kokandy said. "[Audiences] will be opened to the people."
The presence of that heart in the characters prompted Kokandy to ultimately pick the production.
When he's not guiding his own projects, Kokandy has provided guidance to playwright and producer Mark Blane. Blane, a fellow Indiana native, sought Kokandy's advice on producing his play, The Rock and the Ripe.
"Rock" showcases the obstacles the nation's bullied gay youth face—through the eyes of high school students. Blane, according to his website, drew from personal experience.
"For most of my life, I only remember being brutally taunted by students, teachers, and people in my community in Indiana," Blane wrote. "Being different, being 'the gay kid,' and sticking out were what caused me to suffer throughout my youth."
Kokandy was happy to give Blane some guidance. "It was really great to help him," Kokandy said.
Kokandy hopes to collaborate with many other Chicago artists, wanting to do his part to keep Chicago theater at the forefront. Both he and partner Steven Spanopoulos are making—and hitting—their marks. Spanopoulos, a dancer/actor, was last seen in 42nd Street at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
"Great Trailer Park Musical" runs through Sunday, Aug. 26, at the Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. For tickets, visit www.kokandyproductions.com or call the box office at 773-975-8150.
