Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's Board of Directors and the City of Evanston proudly announced the renaming of the Howard Street Theatre (located at 721 Howard Street in Evanston) to The Fred Anzevino Theatre at the public memorial for the late Artistic Director. The company's name will remain Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre (Theo) and the space in which they operate will now be known as The Fred Anzevino Theatre.

Theo got its start in the 30-seat Heartland Studio in Rogers Park in the late 90s. In 2004, the company began producing at the slightly larger No Exit Cafe on Glenwood Avenue, a space well-suited to its desire to connect audience and performer in an interactive, intimate experience.

"Over a decade ago, the City of Evanston began our search to find a theater company to operate on Howard as a part of our rejuvenation of the street, and when we met Fred and saw the work Theo was doing at No Exit Cafe, we fell in love," said Former Evanston Alderman and current Theo Board Member Ann Rainey. "He was the best, the work they were producing was outstanding, and the City's selection committee for this initiative knew Theo could be a great fit to take over the space. The lease was signed in 2016, and here we are nearly 10 years later and, because of Theo, and of course Fred, thousands of people have visited Howard Street who otherwise might not have."

Following the decision by the city to partner with Theo, the award-winning Ross Barney Architects were selected as the perfect match to execute the city-funded $1.4 million renovation to the physical building. The celebrated and lauded, Carol Ross Barney, led the project herself ensuring it truly was a collaboration of the best of the best. Between 2016 and 2018, the venue transformed physically, while Theo fundraised in tandem to outfit the interior to effectively produce its unique and intimate style of musical theater. In December of 2018, Theo opened The Full Monty as its inaugural production and has continued to offer year-round programming on Howard Street ever since.

"We are grateful to the longstanding partnership between Theo and the City of Evanston and thrilled that everyone is enthusiastically supporting the renaming of the theatre in honor of Fred's legacy," said Rainey.

At a public dedication on October 18, longtime friend of Anzevino and Chicago Tribune Arts Critic Chris Jones, spoke to Anzevino's legacy to the theatrical community.

"He was, in many ways, the founder of the Chicago store front musical," said Jones. "I believe people should be remembered for their best work, and his work was incredible, really. And he did a lot of it long before he came into this theater space; he made it in a small cafe and coffee shop, with fewer lights, and sound, and technical elements, but with passionate storytelling. But what always impressed me most was his uncanny ability to spot talent. So many people reached out after his passing to tell me that Fred and Theo had given them their start. That talent is a part of his legacy. He will be dearly missed."