A new initiative called the “Latino East/West Theater Exchange” is likely to offer a major boost to Latino theater in Chicago. Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art (formerly the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum) is joining with Teatro Vision of San Jose and Pregones Theater of New York City to develop new works, slated for performance in Chicago during the 2008-09 season at the Victory Gardens Theater at the Biograph. The first two projects are a new adaptation of B. Traven’s novel “Marcario” (Teatro Vision) and a new musical theater project called “The Red Rose” (Pregones), dealing with the role of Puerto Ricans in the New York of the early 20th Century. Chicago’s Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is also involved with the exchange, full performance details of which have yet to be set.
Due to demand, Emerald City Theatre Company is adding two new Saturday afternoon performances for its seasonal kiddie attraction, “A Nutcracker Christmas.” New shows are 4 p.m. Dec. 16 and 4 p.m. Dec. 23.
The Broadway production of “A Color Purple,” headed to Chicago in the spring, has recouped its entire $11 million investment, which is the best definition of a hit Broadway show … The League of Chicago Theatres is beginning to sell its discounted Hot Tix on-line–Next Theatre is the first troupe to be set up this way. Check www.chicagoplays.com for current availability. Hot Tix are, of course, no longer available at the defunct Tower Records. … Timeline Theater has extended its hit show “Lilian.” The production now runs 7 p.m. Sundays and Mondays through Dec. 18, plus a bonus performance on Tuesday, Dec. 12. … Second City, which never likes to miss a birthday, is telling the world it’s now 47 years old.
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— compiled by Chris Jones
