Stage Door Jonny has talked with the Center on Halsted about the Center's plans for theater and the performing arts. Those who confess to being over 21, and have memories unaddled by drugs going back three years or so, will recall that initially the Center on Halsted talked about a dedicated theater of 150 seats, and a resident theater troupe such as About Face Theatre Company. Those plans never reached fruition, and were absolutely doomed when the Center decided to develop much of its street-level space for commercial tenants.
So Jonny asked Joel Mangers, the Center's director of cultural and community programming, what the Center's arts-related thinking is at present. Jonny admits to being delighted to learn that there IS arts-related thinking.
The Center will include a multi-purpose room with a stage area that can be used for theater, dance and music performances, reports Mr. Mangers ( pronounced with a hard g, as in hungers ) . He says the space will have up to 170 movable seats, and the platform stage also may be constructed of movable ( or removable ) sections. He says the Center definitely 'will be trying to tap into dance and theater. Plans are to have it as a curated space, similar to the City-owned Gallery 37 on Randolph Street.'
Gallery 37 combines art exhibition space with a 100-seat theater, the so-called Storefront Theatre. Through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Storefront Theatre hosts a number of smaller theater and dance troupes for limited runs ( two to four weeks ) , offering free or below-market rent in exchange for low ticket prices. Mangers reports that there will be space for visual arts exhibits in the reception areas outside the multi-purpose room, and in an adjoining courtyard terrace that might serve as a sculpture garden. A curator—or programmer—for arts-related activity will be selected as Center staff expands prior to opening in late 2006 or early 2007.
Mangers adds that there will be no GLBT litmus test for performing arts groups wishing to use the space, although companies and productions specific to the GLBT communities will be given priority.
One Chicago writer jumped the gun last week when he reported that the hit Leslie Jordan one-man show, Like a Dog on Linoleum, would transfer to the Mercury Theater. Not so says the show's publicist, Jonathan Barnes, contradicting not only that certain writer but the voluble Leslie himself, who was the unacknowledged source. The show will continue at the Bailiwick Arts Center through Sept. 4, and possibly for another two weeks after that ( through Sept. 18 ) , before heading to New York. Yes, dear readers, you always can rely on Jonny to get somebody else's facts straight ( or gaily correct ) . As for Stage Door Jonny's facts, well, that's another matter entirely.
If you are the parent ( s ) of a bright, little brat whom you think has talents that Stage Door Jonny might appreciate, you should know that the Goodman Theatre is holding open children's auditions for its 28th annual production of A Christmas Carol. Your rug rat ( s ) can strut his/her/their stuff Saturday, Sept. 17, 9:45 a.m. Girls and boys ages 5 to 17 of all ethnic backgrounds are invited to audition for a variety of parts available in the production, including the coveted role of Tiny Tim. All roles are paid.
Young performers should prepare a one-minute or less poem or monologue, which should be memorized; one verse of a song ( preferably a traditional holiday song or Christmas carol ) , which can be sung without accompaniment ( no piano or musical accompaniment will be provided ) ; and a photo and resume ( including age, height, weight, address and phone ) listing any previous theatrical experience and/or training.
Auditioners should come to the lobby of the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 to receive specific audition times. Registration will end at 12 p.m. and auditions will end promptly at 2 p.m. Don't call the Goodman for audition appointments. A Christmas Carol will run Nov. 19 through Dec. 26.
Stage Door Jonny has it on good authority that children in drag are discouraged, but stage mothers and stage fathers may come any way they please.
