Chicago Plays win Pulitzer Two Years Straight (Time: theater, live)

[Lookout Kid]

As many of you know, this is the second year in a row that a play that started in Chicago has won the Pulitzer. Ruined got it's start at the Goodman Theater, and became a sensation. Last year it was August: Osage County, which premiered at the Steppenwolf.

Chicago's theater scene hasn't seen this kind of buzz since David Mamet left, and this recent activity has helped solidify the Chicago theater scene behind New York's as the second most vibrant and creative in the nation. Travel and Leisure Magazine has ranked us second as well.

America's Favorite Cities 2008 | Culture | Theater | Travel + Leisure (http://www.travelandleisure.com/afc/2008/category/4/subcategory/18 - broken link)

If you haven't supported Chicago's theater community in the past, this is a great time to do it.

[oakparkdude]

I'm sure Dementor will show up soon and educate us on why none of this matters and Chicago still sucks.

In all seriousness, now that our kid is a bit older, I need to go check out some of the cultural attractions. Been meaning to go see some live theater.

[Lookout Kid]

Screw "dementor". His ignorance is astounding.

[Costa Rica Chica]

I am learning a lot about the theater scene here because of my job. There really is a vibrant theater scene - and a lot of quality smaller theaters. Check out the Greenhouse Theaters which used to share space until Victory gardens moved into the old Biograph Theater. There's Eclipse which shows plays from the same playwright all season, MPAACT which has African-American theme plays, Victory Gardens, and Shattered Globe.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

The small, storefront theatre is what gives Chicago's theatre scene its vibrancy, I'd say. The Guardian in the UK ruffled a lot of feathers back in 2004 when it ran this piece: America's liveliest theatre is in Chicago | Stage | The Guardian

In the end, it's about money. Chicago audiences are famously daring and willing to give new shows a chance. That's why Broadway shows like Spamalot premiered here and then moved to NYC.

Shows are EXPENSIVE to produce in NYC, and far less so in Chicago. Furthermore, a HUGE number of the theatre-goers in NYC aren't from NYC. A heck of a lot of them are from out of town and want a safe bet.

It's the same with restaurants in Chicago.

So let the Dementors of the world moan. The Pulitzers (and the Tonys, by the way) speak for themselves.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

I'll just continue by saying that this is not a new phenomenon in the theater world. Here's an article from 2002 on theatre in Chicago from the NYT: ARTS IN AMERICA; Chicago, That Tony-Nomination-Garnering Town - The New York Times

Now, this article mentions an important point. It's a lot harder to be a WORKING actor in Chicago than it is in NYC (or LA), but it's an EXCELLENT place to hone your craft. Actor friends of mine that moved from Chicago to NYC or LA say their Chicago training and experience has gotten them some pretty strong props from casting directors, etc.

[Lookout Kid]

Los Angeles actually has a pretty lousy theater scene for it's size. But of course, it's the entertainment capital of the world because of television and movies.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Los Angeles actually has a pretty lousy theater scene for it's size. But of course, it's the entertainment capital of the world because of television and movies.

Yes, I should clarify that it's easier to be a working actor in LA, but NOT easier to be a working stage actor. Still, it's easier to supplement your career with TV,film, commercials, etc. out there.

[coldwine]

Chicago has the most talented actors in the nation. It is so far ahead of any possible competition that there is no one in second place.

I used to pride myself on being heavily involved in the theatre scene, and to a degree still am as a benefactress. However, far and away Chicago cultivates the brightest talent for the best plays. Independent theatre thrives in Chicago, and thank god; it was my television

[Lookout Kid]

Tracy Letts (who wrote August: Osage County) has another play at the Steppenwolf that will be heading to Broadway soon. It's called Superior Donuts, and it is set in an actual Uptown dougnut shop that closed a few years ago. Maybe we can extend our Chicago Pulitzer streak to three! Regardless, she is a great talent, and we should all support her plays at the Steppenwolf.