Oak Park Festival Theatre Hires New Board Chair; Seeks New Venue

The board of directors of Midwest's oldest professional theatre devoted to outdoor productions of the classics will now be lead by Oak Park resident Kevin Theis. Theis directed last summer's popular and critical smash hit Cyrano de Bergerac which shattered box office records.

Theis steps into an office held for the past seven years by local actress and educator Joyce Porter who took on the challenge of the presidency when the fortunes of the theatre were direst. Porter was a constant as board members departed. Her long tenure as president was remarkable for her tireless, hands-on leadership. During Porter's administration, indoor productions were added at Pleasant Home. The most recent was last year's Jeff recomended Arms and the Man, directed by Kevin Christopher Fox. As Theis assumes his duties, the company is seeking a new indoor venue.

Continuing Artistic Director Jack Hickey (who won acclaim for his performance as Cyrano this past summer) has announced next year's summer season: Shakespeare's deliciously witty battle of the sexes Love's Labours Lost (which he himself will direct) and John Steinbeck's classic Of Mice and Men. The latter, starring Theis as George, will be directed the newly installed vice-chair Belinda Bremner who directed OPFT's 2008 production of Dancing at Lughnasa which WBEZ singled out as one of the top productions of the year. Molly Surowitz remains as secretary and Robert Behr continues his duties as Treasurer.

In addition to his gratitude to and praise of Porter's twenty years of unstinting board service,Theis said: "This is a thrilling time to be a part of the Oak Park Festival Theatre. We are enjoying one of the most successful, creative and challenging periods in our history and we are looking forward to growing our theatre, expanding our membership and forging even stronger ties with out community through outreach programs and partnerships with local businesses. This will allow us to continue in our ongoing mission to bring the finest classic theatre to our ever-expanding audience."

Joyce Porter, now free to pursue her acting career, will be feted at the Friday, October 16 performance of Megan Wells' one woman presentation of Dracula at Pleasant Home.

Oak Park Festival Theatre will once again share with The Walk In Ministry from a benefit concert reading of Mrs. Coney. This new Oak Park winter tradition for the family will be performed November 20 and 22 at 7:30 at Unity Temple (change of venue from the last two years). For information on Dracula and Mrs. Coney, please visit the OPFT website at www.oakparkfestival.com

 

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