Here are a few updates on the Chicago theater scene.
Behind-the-scenes changes
Walkabout Theatre Company has a brand new artistic director. Carron Little is taking over for Kristan Schmidt, who helped found this intriguing 11-year-old theater company known for its site-specific productions that often worked directly with the communities they ventured to.
"'I am thrilled to be working as Artistic Director of Walkabout Theater Company and am very excited about the program we have created for this season," Little said in a statement. "It is a huge honor to be working with so many talented directors, writers and performers in Walkabout and I look forward to creating lots of magical experiences for Chicago audiences. Having produced situational films and performances over the years it is an uncanny fit and fabulous to work with a group of people who cross multiple performance disciplines."
Walkabout is currently producing Out of Site at various locations in the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods on Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. through Oct. 14. Co-curated by Defibrillator Gallery, the show features international, national and local performance artists, dancers and theatre companies in public places for no admission charge. Visit www.outofsitechicago.com or call 773-609-2550 for more information.
There's also a management shakeup with Oracle Productions. Ben Fuchsen has been promoted to the position of executive producer of the company, while Max Truax is the new artistic director.
Last season Oracle Productions shook up its mission by becoming a Public Access Theatre offering free live performances in its space at 3809 N. Broadway. For more information on Oracle's current production of Radio Goggles running through Aug. 7, visit www.oracletheatre.org .
Stage Left Theatre also has a new leader. Lacey Holmes has assumed the position of managing director for the company, which has produced left-leaning theater since 1982.
"My love for the theater and its commitment to the community falls in line with Stage Left's mission to spark debate about important issues," Lacey said in a statement. "I am exited for this opportunity to serve this vital Chicago institution."
Lacey replaces Laura Blegen, who is leaving the position after three years to pursue an MBA at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Blegen was on board to see Stage Left's move to Theater Wit and its sale of its former space to Profiles Theatre. For more information on Stage Left's upcoming season, call 773-883-8830 or visit www.stagelefttheatre.com .
Commonwealth closes down
After nine seasons, Infamous Commonwealth Theatre (ICT) is shutting down as a producing theater company.
ICT founder Genevieve Thompson informed its supporters and the press about the decision to shut down on Monday, July 25.
"The business of running a theatre company in the Chicago community is very hard work. For nine years, our dedicated ensemble members have been working on a strictly volunteer basis. Their passion and dedication has been, in my opinion, unmatched," Thompson said in a statement. "To work 40 hours a week to pay the bills and then put in another 40 hours a week at your theatre? Without pay? That is truly incredible."
Thompson cited the difficulty for company members to volunteer as much time to running the theater, hence the decision to close down. It's a sad loss, since ICT was known for its adventurous nature in producing epic works like The Kentucky Cycle and The Grapes of Wrath, in addition to original work like Robert Koon's Odin's Horse (which will be presented as a free one-night only reading at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 by Theatre-Hikes at the North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N. Sheridan. Call 773-293-1358 for a reservation).
Thompson's farewell letter also hinted that ICT company members might make some sort of a comeback.
"Who knows? Maybe a few years down the road, as our lives and priorities continue to shift, we will find the means to reorganize and put ourselves back into this rich community of artists," Thompson said. "Until then, thank you for all you've given us over the years. It has been an honor producing plays for you and with you."
Extensions aplenty
Theater procrastinators should consider themselves lucky that these following shows have been extended:
About Face Theatre's acclaimed production of The Homosexuals has been extended to Aug. 14. Philip Dawkins' drama told in reverse about a young gay man's big city friendships has certainly been packing in the crowds at the intimate Victory Gardens Richard C. Christiansen Theater at 2433 N. Lincoln. For remaining tickets, call 773-871-3000 or visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com .
Also extended due to popularity is Murder for Two—A Killer Musical upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier. The two-person musical murder mystery comedy featuring Alan Schmuckler and show co-creator Joe Kinosian has been extended through to Sept. 4. For more information, call 312-595-5600 or visit http://www.chicagoshakes.com/murder.
National Pastime Theater is also extending its month of Naked July performances with an Aug. 20 end date for its productions of Salome and The Living Canvans: Rain. Also added are performances of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues at 8 p.m. Aug. 4 and at 6 p.m. Aug. 7. For more information, visit www.npt2.com .
Please send theater news and other related tidbits to scottishplayscott@yahoo.com and to Andrew@windycitymediagroup.com .
