Alene Robertson

Veteran Chicago actress Alene Robertson has suffered a brain aneurysm and is currently in a coma awaiting surgery on Tuesday, January 24.  Ms. Robertson was starring in the National Touring company of 'Annie," reprising the role of Miss Hannigan she has played in numerous productions, including at Drury Lane Oakbrook in 1990 and 2002.  She is a nine time Joseph Jefferson Award recipient for her portrayals of Vera Charles in 'Mame," Dolly Levi in 'Hello, Dolly!," Mrs. Lovett in 'Sweeney Todd," Matron Morton in 'Chicago," Lalume in 'Kismet," twice for Mama Rose in 'Gypsy," and for 'And the World Goes ‘Round."  Alene Robertson has been a favorite among audiences at Drury Lane, the Marriott Lincolnshire, and other Chicago theatres.  She has parlayed her brassy voice and trademark deadpan persona, and is often considered Chicago's own Ethel Merman.  Alene made her Broadway debut in the 20th Anniversary production of 'Annie," followed by the national tour.  She created the role of Commissioner Doyle in the Off-Broadway sequel, 'Annie Warbucks."  She can be heard on the cast album of the later, as well as on both Second City Divas CD's.  The current tour of 'Annie," which co-stars Conrad John Schuck, Mackenzie Phillips and Marissa O'Donnell, is scheduled for a Broadway in Chicago run from April 25-May 7, 2006.

The Chicago theatre community has been watching the condition of actor Dan Proctor, following a June 26, 2005 shooting in the Uptown/Andersonville neighborhood.  Proctor has been a mainstay at Drury Lane Oakbrook, where his talents and versatility as a singer, actor, dancer, dance captain and stage manager have been greatly admired by audiences and co-workers.  Proctor, 37, was found with a gunshot wound to the back of the head in the early morning hours of the 26th.  He had left the Oakbrook theatre the night before, where he had filled in as a last minute crew replacement for the musical 'Tintypes."  Proctor is currently recuperating in his mother's home in Indiana, where he is said to be making slow but steady progress.  A fund to help cover Proctor's medical expenses was established with the Actors Equity Foundation, for which he served as a production officer.  Dan Proctor's most recent stage appearance was in 'The Music Man" last year at Drury Lane.

David Liesse has stepped into the role of President of the Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) Awards.  He is replacing Chicago lawyer Jeff Marx, whose wife and children's theatre director Stevi Marks has been rushed to the Mayo Clinic for cancer treatment.  This news comes as Apple Tree Theatre stalwart Eileen Boevers is also receiving radiation treatment for breast cancer.  Ms. Boevers is said to be in good condition at the time of this report.  The thoughts and prayers of the entire theatre community are assuredly with all of these talented and indispensable individuals.

 
Joe Stead
Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com.