Theatre News Wire

American Blues Theater announced it will purchase a 17,965 square foot property in Chicago's Lincoln Avenue North Arts District (LANA) and launch "Our First Home" campaign. This will establish the first permanent home for American Blues, a nationally recognized, award-winning non-profit AEA theater. Founded in 1985, American Blues is Chicago's second-oldest AEA ensemble and has played a significant role in developing the city's hallmark intimate, ensemble-based theater style. The company is noted for critical and popular hits such as the musical BUDDY - The Buddy Holly Story and the holiday favorite of 20+ years - It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, as well as new work, including Nambi E. Kelley's adaptation of Richard Wright's Native Son, award-winning writer Keith Huff's Six Corners, and the Blue Ink Award's script Alma by Benjamin Benne.

"This historic move to a permanent home is over 35 years in the making. After decades of leasing, including the beloved space on Byron Avenue, American Blues Theater will control its own artistic and financial destiny for the first time. Our exceptional Ensemble has dreamed of a dedicated home to expand our programming, education initiatives, and community partnerships," said American Blues Theater Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside. "We understand all too well the limitations of being an itinerant company, and - with very few true subsidized venues in Chicago - we're also excited to create an affordable rental space for other theater companies on their respective journeys."

American Blues Theater's productions explore the lives of everyday people who inhabit the working neighborhoods of America. Its new venue, designed by John Morris of Morris Architects Planners with theater systems supported by Schuler Shook, fully embraces this ethos. Formerly the site of a Mobil gas station, Walgreens, and Dollar General, the building will be repurposed to establish a cultural institution that is accessible to all.

The new theater venue will include two theaters (148-seat proscenium and 40-seat flexible studio); an inviting lobby with box office, bar, and concessions; gendered and gender-neutral restrooms; dressing rooms and greenroom; administrative offices; production spaces for scenery, props, and costumes; a small on-site parking lot with ample street parking. The facility is accessible from Interstate 90 and 94 and via the CTA Brown line and buses.

Alderperson Andre Vasquez comments, "It is an absolute honor and dream to welcome such a landmark institution to the 40th Ward. I had a clear vision of creating a Lincoln Avenue North Arts District, but I could never have imagined that we'd be blessed by having American Blues Theater as a crown jewel. It would be impossible to overstate the importance of such a beautiful entertainment experience to the business district for the whole city, here in the 40th Ward!"

It will serve a community comprised of many cultural backgrounds and complement the area's local restaurants, schools, and the Budlong Woods Library. "To create a center for all, we went directly to architect John Morris - a Chicago theater legend with representative work across all generations and neighborhoods," said Whiteside. "For over three decades, we've been working towards this dream. Through community support and the dedication of our artists and staff, we are able to make this dream a reality now."

The $6.5 million "Our First Home" campaign will provide the company with $6 million in funds for the building purchase, adaptive reuse within the building's existing footprint, construction, as well as a $500,000 building reserve fund. With $2.9 million from individual donors raised to-date, the company anticipates a groundbreaking in summer 2022 and completion in November 2023 with a grand opening celebration highlighted by the inaugural production of the beloved holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

"I've been involved in many of Chicago's cultural institutions as a trustee, patron, and donor, but I have always had a soft spot for American Blues. It has been touchstone in my life. By supporting them now in achieving this momentous milestone, I am making a significant difference in the lives of these incredible artists and communities they serve," said Board Vice-President Kimberlee Herold. "Blues has proven again and again it deserves its own home, and I invite Chicago's individual donors, foundations, and corporations to join in this crucial effort."

American Blues Theater continues its Season 36 with the Chicago premiere of Olivier-nominated playwright John Kolvenbach's Stand Up If You're Here Tonight, starring Artistic Affiliate and Broadway's Jim Ortlieb (March 18-Apr 9) at the rental venue Theater Wit (1229 N Belmont).