A Theater of Our Own: A History and a Memoir of 1,001 Nights in Chicago

by Richard Christiansen, Richard Christiansen

Winner of the Illinois State Historical Society Book Award for Superior Achievement

A Theater of Our Own is a fascinating, fast-paced, and fact-filled chronicle of Chicago's legendary theater scene by the long-time chief critic for the Chicago Tribune. Who produced the first stage adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" in 1902-nearly forty years before the movie classic? What entertainment juggernaut began in a converted Chinese laundry on Wells Street in 1959? Where did Louis (Studs) Terkel make his stage debut? When did the original production of "Grease" open at Kingston Mines Theater? Richard Christiansen, former chief critic for the Chicago Tribune, answers these and many more questions about the rich role of the theater in Chicago, from its earliest days in 1837 to its present state as a diverse community of artists with international stature.

In A Theater of Our Own , he draws upon his exclusive interviews, insights, and memories gathered over a period of more than forty years of reviewing the arts. This history and memoir traces the evolution of the Chicago theater scene from small theaters to major institutions such as the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Goodman Theater, and The Second City. Along the way, Richard Christiansen relates his behind-the-scenes conversations with some of Chicago's most acclaimed writers, directors, and actors--David Mamet, Frank Galati, Mary Zimmerman, John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Harold Ramis, Gary Sinise, and Joe Mantegna--all a part of Chicago's theater renaissance from the 1970s onward. To this day, Chicago remains a city known for its imaginative, innovative, and influential theaters and artists. A Theater of Our Own , a valuable contribution to the history of theater, is a book written for anyone who enjoys the theater and its people as well as the story of Chicago.

Genres: Theatre, History

300 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2004

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief history of Chicago theater, written by a guy who was there for a lot of it. I liked this book more than it deserved to be liked, because it took me back to the heady days of the 70s and 80s, when I was young and Chicago theater was exploding on to the scene. Christiansen devotes full chapters to Second City, the Organic, St Nicholas, the Remains, and of course Steppenwolf, because how could you not? He fully admits that when his memory clashes with the "truth," he sticks to his memories, and there's a value to that. Theater is an emotional experience, after all, and Christiansen doesn't distance himself from his subject. There's a ton of photos, all in glorious black and white. The book is far from complete -- which Christiansen admits -- but it's a great dip into the myth and magic that made (makes?) Chicago theater great.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a Chicago theatre artist, this will make you fall in love with the history of this great town. It made me so proud to be a part of this town's theatre community.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scrappy artists making theatre in Chicago - Christiansen gives a comprehensive history (with some great quotes.)

[Libby Beyreis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun overview of the history of theater in Chicago.

[Selena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very good, very detailed. Extremely detailed --- almost list-like in its telling. I wish I had this book in college as it would've been a great resource in my history if American theatre courses.