American Players Theatre: Four Days + Five Plays = Five Standing Ovations

Posted July 21, 2018

Asu Melisa

By Beverly Friend, ChicagoOnStage.com | July 21, 2018

One essential piece of advice I always offered my students was that no matter what career they chose, they should be sure to join the relevant professional organizations. Not only does this keep them up to date on the latest happenings — on the cutting edge — but in addition to the knowledge gained, there is also a wonderful collegiality.

Never was this truer than at the recent meeting of the American Theater Critics Association.  Not only did we refresh and update our professional expertise by going behind the scenes with actors and directors, but we also had the opportunity to see five magnificent productions by the American Players Theatre in four days — all well worth the 3-4 hour trip from Chicago. This, their 39th summer season, runs until Oct 14, so there is ample time to head north. You can join their annual audience of over 110,000.

Yes, there were mosquitoes in 1089- seat outdoor Hill Theatre, but they were tolerable.  Touchstone, the smaller, indoor theater holds 201 seats and is air-conditioned. In addition to the 42 of us attending panels, lectures and workshops, we were scheduled to enjoy three outdoor and two sheltered performances and there could not have been more complete preparation for audience comfort, from ample insect repellent to ponchos if there were to be inclement weather. In addition, trams and golf carts were provided for those who were daunted by the climb from the parking lots to the theaters and while the players do not have microphone, hearing assists were readily available.


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