They arrive in September with the inevitability of cold nights and empty swimming pools. Each fall in Chicago brings its own harvest of brand new theater companies.
Some traits are typical. Most groups are designed to showcase the directing or acting talents of the founders. Finances are meager, production values minimal and the performance space rented.
Sometimes the aims are grandiose: The Hypocrites Theatrics (currently doing a fine job with Ionesco’s “The Bald Soprano,” running through Sunday in the Voltaire Underground Performance Space) plans a series of Artaud-style confrontations with its audience.
Sometimes the aims are humble.
“Basically,” says Old Nehamkin Theatre Company artistic director Mark Hisler, “the Old Nehamkin Theatre Company is me. I just wanted to do this show.” (Hisler gets his wish when his production of Keith Reddin’s “Life and Limb” opens at Voltaire in early October).
But there’s almost always hope and passion at hand.
“This is not a dilettantish thing,” says Maura Elizabeth Manning, founding artistic director of the Red Wolf Theatre Company, making its debut this weekend with a production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.” “We are not planning on being here today but gone tomorrow.”
Manning, of course, is directing the Tennessee Williams classic, with co-founder Susan Block essaying the role of Amanda. But these two women have been at work on this company for over a year now. It’s already incorporated as a not-for-profit with a board of directors, and there are plans for a full season of work at Angel Island. The first show will enjoy a relatively healthy budget of $8,000.
Formerly artistic director of the Bowen Park Theatre Company in Waukegan, Manning brings many years of experience to her new role, including running two theatrical troupes in Japan.
But is she not daunted at all of the competition?
“Our niche will be to put up good theater,” she says. “But I’m also crossing my fingers, honey, and praying.”
“The Glass Menagerie” opens Friday at Angel Island Theatre, 731 W. Sheridan Rd., and plays through Oct. 12. Call 312-409-6024.
