Changes At The Chicago Jewish Theatre

Theatre in Chicago has learned that Elayne LeTraunik and her son Brian LeTraunik will be leaving the Chicago Jewish Theatre following the current run of "Feathers in the Wind."  Elayne is the founder and Artistic Director of the company, which currently performs in an Andersonville storefront space located at 5123 N. Clark.  The troupe had planned to relocate to the larger Meyer Kaplan JCC in Skokie for the 2006-2007 season.  According to an industry source, Elayne and Brian, who is the Company Manager, are dealing with family issues and exhaustion.  No word on any replacement for either LeTraunik's, although Elayne has offered suggestions of several possibilities to the board of directors. 

 

LeTraunik, who was a former audition news editor for Performink, founded the Chicago Jewish Theatre in 2003, after producing several years under the title Red Hen Productions.  The goal of the professional Equity theatre was "To illustrate and celebrate Jewish history, culture and identity."  Recent productions have included "The Chopin Playoffs," "Groucho: A Life in Revue," "All Through the Night," "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "Oy.".