Sears Theater Fever
For the second year in a row, the League of Chicago Theatres has teamed up with Sears, Roebuck and Company to promote Chicago-area theater with a week of activities. Though all the free tickets set aside by various theaters for the week of March 1 have been snapped up, Saturday’s kickoff “Sampler Day” has plenty to whet the appetites of current and potential theater lovers–and to showcase the diversity of local entertainment, from the splashy mainstream to the gritty fringes. Seven host theaters in the city and suburbs will open their doors for four hours of performances and interactive workshops by more than 50 local companies, the presentations changing every hour. (Each site will also host a Hot Tix booth selling discounted theater tickets.) Most activities are family friendly, ranging from a “do-it-yourself balcony scene” from Romeo and Juliet to a demonstration of the art of marshmallow catching by the Blue Man Group; some are specially targeted at youngsters, though a few are deemed “not suitable for younger or more sensitive audiences.” All are subject to last-minute change; call for up-to-date information. Sears Theater Fever “Sampler Day” takes place Saturday, February 27, from 11 AM to 3 PM. In Chicago: at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport; the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington; the Duncan YMCA Chernin’s Center for the Arts, 1001 W. Roosevelt; the Goodman Theatre, 200 S. Columbus; Second City, 1616 N. Wells; and Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. In the suburbs: at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. All events Saturday are free; consult the Sears Theater Fever listing in this section for a detailed schedule. For general information, call 312-922-7201. –Albert Williams
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): Babes with Blades theater still.