Chicago theaters are sending brochures with Season’s Greetings for 1993-94, hoping to attract subscribers with an array of exciting shows and plenty of perks.
The accompanying chart outlines the basics, but the inside story is more like “Let’s Make a Deal.” Every theater listed here is offering low rates to people ready to make a commitment.
By subscribing, consumers are assured of choice seats, eliminating last-minute hassles and box office blues. Options vary, because some groups offer the flexibility of a pass that permits subscribers to attend at convenient times, even using some admissions for guests.
Repertory is “in” this year, with more theaters trying their hand at rotating actors and plays.
Court Theatre in Hyde Park will start its season by mounting two shows, “The Triumph of Love” and “Cloud 9,” in repertory. “It’s something we’re trying because it gives our subscribers a lot of flexibility and it’s also done for artistic reasons,” says Nicholas Rudall, Court’s executive director. “There are multiple roles in both plays.
“Our Flex-Tix package allows you to select dates and shows to suit your schedule at a 20 percent discount. You receive five tickets good for any combination,” Rudall says.
Interplay, now in its North Side location in Piper’s Alley, will inaugurate a repertory schedule of four plays with a variety of ways to save and see them all. As a “Donor Member,” you could get a 25 percent discount for one year and be listed in their program for your donation of $30 or more. A “Token Pass,” costing $80, is good for five admissions.
A $1 discount for parking is an added incentive, and yes, they did bring those comfy seats with them from their former home on South Halsted Street.
Bailiwick Repertory will take an in-depth look at the Don Juan legend with four works scheduled. There are two by classic writers George Bernard Shaw (“Don Juan in Hell”) and Jose Zarrillo (“Don Juan Tenorio”), and two contemporary responses, “Dear Juan,” a choreographed piece, and “Don Juan on Halsted,” a version told from a gay perspective.
By using Bailiwick’s Mainstage or Flex Passes, you can see six plays for as little as $59.
Shakespeare Repertory is offering three plays this year, but none, however, in repertory. Buying the Opening Night Series entitles you to attend opening night parties at a cost of $150, or you may choose to attend the Preview Series for only $45 per person.
Remains Theatre’s first-ever subscription plans have hit a temporary snag due to real estate negotiations concerning ownership and disposition of the 1800 Clybourn building, where they’ve been situated for over two years.
Nevertheless, they plan to present three shows even if it means moving to another location. Members will get reserved seats for the price of general admission, and discounts on drinks at the bar, hats, T-shirts and other promotional items.
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Victory Gardens Theater opens with a revival of Steve Carter’s “Eden,” the Jeff-nominated show of 1978. As a lure, a package offering dinner for an additional $12 is available to subscribers at Ottavio, the restaurant that adjoins the theater.
Steppenwolf hopes to add to the theater experience by offering patrons an opportunity to talk with cast members after performances on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Senior discounts are offered for Wednesday matinees for $60. On a specified Friday night, singles can meet before the performance at a reception featuring complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres. New this season is a Gay and Lesbian Singles Series also scheduled for a specified Friday night.
Centre East in Skokie continues its one-night Las Vegas-type revues, with a wide variety of attractions.
There is also family fare including matinee showings of “Charlotte’s Web,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tom Thumb in Toyland.” Groups of 10 or more qualify for discount ticket prices.
A “Solo Series,” headed by monologist Spalding Gray, has been added to Goodman Theatre’s popular Mainstage and Studio programs. David Cale and Paula Killen complete this new series, which can be seen for as little as $41.
The long-awaited “Dancing at Lughnasa” opens the Goodman Mainstage season. Not a subscriber but still want to save? You can see any Goodman show for very little by using Tix at Six, their half-price program. All remaining seats go on sale on the day of the performance, beginning at 6 p.m. for evening shows, and one hour before matinees.
Some all-time favorite repeats are included in the “Best of Broadway” series at the Shubert Theatre. For each season ticket order, subscribers will receive a complimentary cast recording of one of the musicals.
Nearby restaurants offer discounts to subscribers. They include Nick’s Fishmarket, Trattoria No. 10, Italian Village and City Tavern. Discount parking, savings up to 40 percent off on tickets, and exchange privileges are additional perks.
Some musical theaters offer seasons starting in January, making subscriptions ideal Christmas gifts. Marriott`s Lincolnshire Theatre is finishing its current season with “Oklahoma!” followed by “42nd Street.” Their 1994 season will feature five shows to be announced.
Neighbors Candlelight Dinner Playhouse and the Forum Theatre join forces with two Broadway classics, three Chicago favorites and one premiere. For the best savings, the Supersavers plan allows 50 percent off regular prices for six shows with dinner (three at Candlelight and three at the Forum).
The long-awaited “Kabuki Medea,” at Wisdom Bridge Theatre, should draw subscribers to their Howard Street digs. “Tour de Farce,” a premiere written by Chicago favorites Kingsley Day and Philip LaZebnik, opens the season.
A season encompassing absurdist humor (“Rhinoceros”), a timely story of cults (“Charisma”), a high seas adventure (“Treasure Island”) and the tragedy of AIDS (“The Destiny of Me”) can be yours for a maximum 30 percent off at Next Theatre when you subscribe.
“Betrayal” opens Northlight Theatre’s 19th year. It’s Harold Pinter’s drama of a woman’s love for her husband’s best friend. On top of the regular 25 percent discount, senior citizens receive an additional 10 percent discount on all subscriptions. Students can subscribe for $50.
Subscribers who want to exchange tickets can do so by fax or phone. Dining discounts at nearby restaurants are also available.
Touchstone Theatre honors its subscribers with a party on Dec. 5 featuring Shakespeare sonnets set to music. The holiday classic, St. Exupery’s “The Little Prince,” can be seen at a discount for subscribers. Complimentary coffee and dessert are served at post-performance discussions after selected Sunday matinees.
Athenaeum Theatre Company’s first professional year has them almost doubling their production budget. “We’re either going to expand or explode,” says artistic director Debbie Pekin.
The phenomenal success of Lyric Opera continues to amaze. “Subscriptions have gone up by 3,000 this year, and we have 36,300 series ticket holders for our 39th season,” says Susan Mathieson, director of maketing and public relations.
