The Playwrights Center, Chicago

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 9/27/25 at 1:27pm

Years ago there was an organization in Chicago called The Playwrights Center.  It welcomed ALL playwrights, making no distinctions of color of skin or ancestry.  Any writer could get a reading, for FREE.  And there was no prejudice against comedy playwrights.  I recall seeing a reading by a priest, titled "You can dance with any Gorilla as long as you go Ape over me."   Very Funny.

It is something I will always remember and probably will never see again.

   

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 9/27/25 at 2:10pm

I'm unfamiliar with this Center, but what do you see as the barrier(s) to having something like this again?

 

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 3:57pm

I can't say what the barriers are, except to say that live theatre is in such a steep decline in America.  In Chicago, many theatres have closed their doors or are simply broke.   

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 4:54pm

Which ones specifically?

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 5:25pm

KeithfrromQueens said: "I can't say what the barriers are, except to say that live theatre is in such a steep decline in America. In Chicago, many theatres have closed theirdoors or are simply broke."

Yes, and that is unfortunate.  I was referring more to readings since that was what I thought your original post emphasized.  In their most basic form, the costs are often fairly minimal.

[John Adams]

Posted: 9/28/25 at 8:10pm

Chicago Dramatists is still active. There's also Chicago Cultural Center New Play Residency, and Chicago Writers' Bloc.

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 10/3/25 at 11:33am

The list of those that have closed over the years is quite extensive:  Pulinsi Dinner Theatre, the Marquette Theatre group, the huge theatre operation in Indiana, other dinner theatre operations, numerous theatre operations on the North Side of Chicago, Joliet Playhouse, etc.     

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 10/3/25 at 11:59am

Chicago Dramatists is a closed operation.  The Writers Bloc doesn't even answer messages from playwrights.  There is no theatre group in Chicago like the former Playwrights Center.  Anyone could walk in off the street and get a reading.  You were not asked if you had an agent. All were welcome, and I mean all.  Readings occurred every week.  You did not have to join and be charged a fee.  And they did not have any prejudice against comedy playwrights.  This is the place where I saw, "You can dance with any gorilla as long as you go ape over me."  Truly funny and entertaining.  Those were the days!

 

[John Adams]

Posted: 10/3/25 at 12:48pm

KeithfrromQueens said: "The list of those that have closed over the years is quite extensive: Pulinsi Dinner Theatre, the Marquette Theatre group, the huge theatre operation in Indiana, other dinner theatre operations, numerous theatre operations on the North Side of Chicago, Joliet Playhouse, etc."

It doesn’t seem like you’re from Chicago…


The correct name for “Pulinsi Dinner Theatre” is “The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse” in Summit, IL. It was owned by its co-founder, and artistic director, William (Bill) Pullinsi. It was credited with the distinction of being “America’s first Dinner Theater”.


After Candlelight closed, Pullinsi went on to become artistic director of “the huge theatre operation in Indiana”. I believe you’re referring to “Theatre at the Center” in Muncie. If you're not, you should be. (Still open and operational, btw). 


“the Marquette Theatre group” is a chain of movie theaters, but I’m guessing you mean “The Marquette Theatre” which was located on 63rd and South Kedzie. 


There is/was no “Joliet Playhouse” that I’m aware of. Maybe you’re referring to the "Rialto Square Theatre" in Joliet (btw, Joliet is a SW suburb of Chicago, not the North side). Joliet is the boyhood home of John Barrowman. Although Barrowman was born in Scotland, he came to Joliet at the age of 8. The Rialto is also still open and operational.

Updated On: 10/3/25 at 12:48 PM

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 10/4/25 at 11:42am

The Marquette Theatre operation was on Archer Avenue East of Harlem Ave.  They closed.  I believe the old Candlelight Theater has been replaced by a Portillos Restaurant.  I forgot the theatre operation in downtown Crown Point Indiana, closed in addition to about 3 other theatre ensembles that are not active anymore.   The Playwrights Center closed years ago.  The huge theatre operation in Indiana along route 30 is now a vacant lot.  They tore it down.  Here is an extensive list of all the theatres in Chicago that closed their doors. 
What happened to theater in Chicago? : r/chicago

   

[KeithfrromQueens]

Posted: 10/4/25 at 11:52am

I forgot about the old Joliet Playhouse - gone.  It was not in a huge building.  It was a small playhouse, theatre in the round. Years ago I saw Andy Devine as the lead in a play at the Joliet Playhouse.   I also saw Mickey Rooney starring in a small play on the lake in Chicago.  The play was "Three Beds and a Blanket."   Those were the days!