In theatre, they talk about knowing what your character’s motivation is in a scene. I thought maybe for once, I’d pull back the curtain and let you know about my motivation to even do a specific project.
I will be co-starring with Deborah Swinford in a production of A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters” at Steel Beam Theatre outside Chicago in the Western suburbs. You may wonder, why?
I believe in doing good in the world. I believe when we can make a difference, we should. At least, I should.
I’m appearing in this production because it’s the right thing to do. Steel Beam Theatre has been a long time pillar of the Fox Valley region. People in St. Charles and the surrounding areas have come to know and rely on Steel Beam Theatre as a place to be entertained and have their lives truly enriched.
Steel Beam has also been a stalwart fixture in the performing arts community. A small, nonequity professional organization, Steel Beam has been a starting place and a stepping stone for the careers of many of Chicago’s top performers. It’s also a place where children can learn the art and the joy of acting through its youth training program.
Not every theatre survived the pandemic. Of those that have survived, many have continued to struggle to get by. Production costs have gone up. Further, audiences aren’t buying tickets in advance, instead waiting to purchase at the door – making it hard to predict business.
Steel Beam managed the pandemic beautifully, staying afloat by adapting its programing. Unfortunately sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. In the case of Steel Beam, the grant money that had been earmarked for Steel Beam didn’t come through due to a government processing error. Discovering the error doesn’t fix the problem though, the money is long gone – distributed to other companies instead.
Steel Beam’s managing director Catie Early, artistic director Marge Uhlarik-Boller, and board of directors president Paul Anderson have worked tirelessly to lead the theatre through these trying times. I was asked to help as well.
I have covered Steel Beam Theatre on my podcast It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee and we have done numerous reviews and feature articles on the theatre at LifeandTimes.biz – your guilty pleasure for entertainment news, views, and reviews. However, the one thing that I hadn’t done for Steel Beam is perform on their stage.
What I’m most known for in this crazy world are the accomplishments I’ve made in the entertainment industry, particularly as a performer. It stands to reason, then, that maybe that’s how I can best help the theatre in their time of need.
So, I’m appearing in “Love Letters” – a touching drama that pulls the heartstrings. If you’ve never seen the show before, you’re in for a treat. If you have seen it, you know how powerful and soul-inspiring the story is.
I’m not the only one doing “Love Letters” for the right reasons. Everyone involved is donating their time to this cause – to keep quality professional theatre alive in the Chicago suburbs.
Now’s your chance to do the right thing as well. Come join us for “Love Letters” running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 3rd. You’ll be thoroughly entertained while supporting a worthy cause. This is a situation where your ticket money makes a direct impact.
Won’t you please join me in making a difference?
Steel Beam Theatre is located at 111 W. Main Street in beautiful St. Charles. The theatre is handicap accessible and features the most comfortable seats in Chicago theatre today – and that’s not an exaggeration.
I’m appearing in this production because it’s the right thing to do. Steel Beam Theatre has been a long time pillar of the Fox Valley region. People in St. Charles and the surrounding areas have come to know and rely on Steel Beam Theatre as a place to be entertained and have their lives truly enriched.
Steel Beam has also been a stalwart fixture in the performing arts community. A small, nonequity professional organization, Steel Beam has been a starting place and a stepping stone for the careers of many of Chicago’s top performers. It’s also a place where children can learn the art and the joy of acting through its youth training program.
Not every theatre survived the pandemic. Of those that have survived, many have continued to struggle to get by. Production costs have gone up. Further, audiences aren’t buying tickets in advance, instead waiting to purchase at the door – making it hard to predict business.
Steel Beam managed the pandemic beautifully, staying afloat by adapting its programing. Unfortunately sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. In the case of Steel Beam, the grant money that had been earmarked for Steel Beam didn’t come through due to a government processing error. Discovering the error doesn’t fix the problem though, the money is long gone – distributed to other companies instead.
Steel Beam’s managing director Catie Early, artistic director Marge Uhlarik-Boller, and board of directors president Paul Anderson have worked tirelessly to lead the theatre through these trying times. I was asked to help as well.
I have covered Steel Beam Theatre on my podcast It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee and we have done numerous reviews and feature articles on the theatre at LifeandTimes.biz – your guilty pleasure for entertainment news, views, and reviews. However, the one thing that I hadn’t done for Steel Beam is perform on their stage.
What I’m most known for in this crazy world are the accomplishments I’ve made in the entertainment industry, particularly as a performer. It stands to reason, then, that maybe that’s how I can best help the theatre in their time of need.
So, I’m appearing in “Love Letters” – a touching drama that pulls the heartstrings. If you’ve never seen the show before, you’re in for a treat. If you have seen it, you know how powerful and soul-inspiring the story is.
I’m not the only one doing “Love Letters” for the right reasons. Everyone involved is donating their time to this cause – to keep quality professional theatre alive in the Chicago suburbs.
Now’s your chance to do the right thing as well. Come join us for “Love Letters” running Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 3rd. You’ll be thoroughly entertained while supporting a worthy cause. This is a situation where your ticket money makes a direct impact.
Won’t you please join me in making a difference?
Steel Beam Theatre is located at 111 W. Main Street in beautiful St. Charles. The theatre is handicap accessible and features the most comfortable seats in Chicago theatre today – and that’s not an exaggeration.
For tickets and further information call the box office at (630) 587-8521 or on the web visit: https://steelbeamtheatre.thundertix.com/events/223766
I’ll see you at the theatre!
