BY CHRISTINA BIGGS
Love Child scribe Luther Goins has been appointed the Chicago business rep for Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) after ending his seven year gig at Chicago Theatre Company (CTC). Billy Davis, new to CTC, replaces Goins as the managing director. Goins’ AEA duties include negotiation and administration of various contracts and assisting in the exploration of potential areas of employment for AEA members. "Luther brings to the job vast experience in theatre as a director, playwright, actor, producer. He knows the Chicago theatre community as well as the theatre community nationally," says Kathryn Lamkey, Central Regional Director of AEA. Also look for Goins the playwright to reemerge, as he’s been shopping around a new script, Black, White, Grey to both Steppenwolf and Goodman.
Above & Beyond the Call of Duty
There’s been no need for a ruler on the back of the hand to get the young cast members of Mercury Theater’s Over the Tavern interested in charitable causes. Not only have they collected over $54,000 for Season of Concern, as reported in early November, but they’ve also gathered school supplies for Afghan children and started a food drive. Bobby Anderson (a.k.a. Rudy Pazinski) saw President Bush on TV asking folks to send school supplies to Afghanistan, and thought it was a perfect endeavor for the kids in the cast. The producers offered patrons a deal: Bring in the crayolas and receive two for one tixs. Over 5,000 supplies were collected and given to the Red Cross for distribution. And the deal was extended through Dec. 22 for yet another worthy cause. You and a friend bring at least three canned goods to Over the Tavern or Lakeshore Theater’s Life’s Not Fair…So What and enjoy the show at half the price. All cans will be donated to the Lakeview Food Pantry, where hungry families are sure to have a brighter holiday, for, as Bobby says, "I think that sometimes audience members have a hard time saying no to us kids!" Kudos to the hardest working thespian half-pints in town.
Cast & Crew of Caesar Go AWOL
Scott Jaeck recently played hooky from rehearsal at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), where he’s preparing to play Mark Antony in Julius Caesar. The interrupted schedule was caused by an LA jaunt to tape episodes of the WB’s "Charmed" (which aired Nov. 18 ) and the upcoming Christmas episode of "ER." Jaeck’s director, Barbara Gaines, AWOL from CST on Nov. 22, could be found at Casino on Delaware Place, accepting honors from Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. "As our Distinguished Service Award to her states, [Barbara] notably succeeds 'in vitalizing the timeless human truths of Shakespeare’s classic works,’" offered Gregory G. Gocek, president of the Chicago chapter. No word on if the cast of Caesar is feeling betrayed by the absences of either.
Metropolis Dips Toes in the Producing Pool
After having existed as a "presenting" house for the last two years, Metropolis has decided to stage its first original production. For this huge step they’ve chosen A Christmas Carol, something wholesome to run in rep with The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue. Just because it’s their first solo creation, don’t expect it to be amateurish. The team includes a few of Chicago’s finest, notably director Matthew Reeder and lighting designer Jaymi Smith. Asked if there would be any fear facing off on Celebrity Boxing with the Goodman’s Scrooge (who celebrates his 25th appearance in Chicago this year) Metropolis executive director Tim Rater replied, "We know and respect our colleagues at other theatres producing Carol this season, and when asked this question, always remind people that there are over 10 stage versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, each of which can be interpreted in its own unique way." Well, God bless us everyone who’s Caroling this season.
Moving and Shaking
Dennis Zacek has been named to Utne Arts Extra’s list of "Movers and Shakers." He joins the company of 39 other "most exciting, soulful artists of 2003," including the likes of cult hero Tom Waits and Julie Taymor. Utne’s praise of the Victory Gardens’ artistic director includes, "In an age of gimmicky megaproductions of yesterday’s hits, Zacek keeps his miniscule Midwestern stage lively with the best work of new voices." Says Zacek of the honor, "To quote David Mamet: 'It sure beats ignominious defeat.’" And although I certainly offer my congratulations to Mr. Zacek, one also must keep in mind that miniscule is in the eye of the beholder (of one who hasn’t won a Tony).
Unique Fundraising Tactics
Remember when actors used to have to make a living waiting tables? Well, now it seems they’re branching out into real estate. Michael Dailey, ensemble member of Strawdog Theatre, has found a creative way to get his day job to benefit his true calling: Rent an apartment from Kenmore Realty and they’ll make a contribution, in your name, to the theatre. Mike has several apartments ready to show in the Rogers Park and Uptown areas. You can contact him at 773/271-7900, if you’re looking to make the move.
Irish Eyes…or Bricks
Brendan Kilty, the Dublin barrister restoring No. 15 Usher’s Island, Dublin 8, where James Joyce’s The Dead is set, had to cancel his trip and miss the Court Theatre’s premiere of said musical. A brick from his premises that Kilty had wanted to present to artistic director Charles Newell, however, arrived as planned, albeit via Federal Express. When asked if the house wouldn’t miss the brick, Kilty replied, "The wall of the curtain of No. 15 came down in the same week as the curtain of the Court Theatre went up. It just seems appropriate to pass the flame on to Charles Newell."