Victory Gardens Theater Records

Abstract

Founded in 1974 by a group of eight theatrical artists, Victory Gardens Theater developed a reputation for artistic achievement and was awarded the 2001 Tony Award for regional theater. The theater focused on world premieres and launched the careers of several successful playwrights and screenwriters. Victory Gardens also developed a reputation for inclusive theater. The collection contains production and artistic records including photographs, programs and scripts.

Biographical/Historical

Victory Gardens Theater was founded in 1974 when seven Chicago artists, Cecil O'Neal, Warren Casey, Cordis Heard, Roberta Maguire, Mac McGuinnes, June Pyskaček, and David Rasche each fronted $1,000 to start a company outside the Chicago Loop and Stuart Gordon donated the light board of his Organic Theater Company. The company's initial home was the Northside Auditorium Building, 3730 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The theater's first production, The Velvet Rose, by Stacy Myatt, premiered on October 9, 1974. In 1978 Dennis Začek became Artistic Director and committed the company to a racially integrated season.

In 1981, Jeffrey Sweet's successful play, Ties, had an extended run in the downstairs space at the Body Politic Theatre located at 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. This space soon became Victory Gardens’ new home. Upon the closure of the Body Politic Theatre in 1995, Victory Gardens acquired the whole building. The same year, Victory Gardens Theater also assumed leadership from Remains Theater of The Access Project that used technology to make theater more accessible for persons with disabilities.

In 1996, the Victory Gardens Theater Playwrights Ensemble was created to bring together of a diverse group of playwrights under a producing organization. Founding members included Claudia Allen, Dean Corrin, Lonnie Carter, Steve Carter, Gloria Bond Clunie, John Logan, Nicholas Patricca, Douglas Post, James Sherman, Charles Smith and Jeffrey Sweet. Kristine Thatcher joined the ensemble later that year. Collectively, the Ensemble has won dozens of awards, including Obies, Emmys, Drama Desk, Joseph Jefferson Awards and the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2001.

By 2006, Victory Gardens Theater moved two blocks north from its longtime venue into a newly renovated Biograph Theater at 2433 N Lincoln Avenue. Nilo Cruz and Joel Drake Johnson expanded their Playwrights Ensemble to fourteen members in 2007.

In 2022, the Board of Directors transitioned the organization to a foundation.

Scope and Contents

Victory Gardens Theater developed a reputation for artistic achievement and was awarded the 2001 Tony Award for regional theater. The theater focused on world premieres and launched the careers of several successful playwrights and screenwriters, including Dennis Začek. Victory Gardens also developed a reputation for inclusive theater. The collection documents Victory Gardens productions such as early versions of James Sherman’s Beau Geste, and John Logan’s first play, Never the Sinner along with their Play Expo, Reader’s Theater and other playwright initiatives. The materials include contracts, correspondence, news clippings, photographs, production notes, promotional materials and reviews.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into 2 series:

• Series 1: Production History Files, 1974-2001, undated
• Series 2: Artistic Director Files, 1958-1989, undated

Appraisal Note

The original finding aid was reviewed in 2024. The collection box numbers were made sequential. Previous box numbering started over with each series. The collection contents were reviewed for sensitive information, dates were inserted for file descriptions, and photographs and posters were integrated into the collection guide. The bulk of the original collection processing was retained. Materials with sensitive personal or financial identifiers were discarded or redacted.

Subject Headings

• Allen, Claudia, 1954-
• Carter, Lonnie, 1942-
• Carter, Steve, 1956-
• Corrin, Dean
• Jones, Ellen E., 1959-
• McVay, Marcelle
• Patricca, Nicholas A.
• Post, Douglas
• Sherman, James
• Shinner, Sandy
• Shook, Robert
• Smith, Charles, 1955-
• Sweet, Jeffrey, 1950-
• Theater -- Illinois -- Chicago -- Photographs
• Theater -- Illinois -- Chicago -- 20th century -- Sources
• Theater -- History -- Sources
• Theater production and direction
• Theater studying and teaching -- Sources
• Začek, Dennis Cyril, 1940-

Related Collections

• Chicago Theater Videotape Collection
• Claudia Allen Papers
• Body Politic Theatre Records
• Casey, Warren Papers
• Commons Theatre Records
• eta Creative Arts Foundation
• Free Street Theater Records
• Godzilla Rainbow Troupe Records
• Ellen Jones Collection
• Nicholas A. Patricca Papers
• Organic Theater Records
• Stage Left Theatre Records
• Steppenwolf Theatre Company Records
• Stormfield Theatre Records
• Wisdom Bridge Theatre Records

Collection Inventory

Series 1: Production Files, 1974-2001, undated

Scope and Contents

Series 1 documents season productions created by the Victory Gardens Theater from 1974 to 2001. The materials include budgets, brochures, casting, correspondence, cue sheets, photographs, posters, press releases, programs, prop sheets, prompt books, reviews and scripts.

Productions include:

• All I Want by Bruce Hickey; music and lyrics by Bruce Hickey and Paul Joseph, directed by Bruce Hickey, sets and lights by Michael Merritt, costumes by Shirlie Hickey, 1976 May 5-[?]
• All Men Are Whores by David Mamet, Posse, directed by Lila Mirochin, costumes by Marta King, sets by Tom Griffin, original music by Stay Behind Productions-John Vignola and Tom Masters, 1990 August
• American Dreams by Studs Terkel, adapted and directed for the stage by Peter Frisch, sets by Nan Zabriskie, costumes by Glenn Billings, lights by Paul Miller, 1985 November-December
• Angels of Warsaw by Marisha Chamberlain, World Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lights by Rita Pietraszek, 1990 March 22-April 29
• Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, directed by Dennis Začek, 1983-1984
• The Artaud Project by Jim Riggert, 1980 January
• Bark Like a Comic by A.J. Lentini, Jimmy Rhoades and Bill Gorgo, directed by Tim Clue, Studio Theater, 1994 September
• Beau Geste by James Sherman, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Stephen Packard, costumes by Jessica Hahn, lighting by Larry Schoeneman, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1989 November 16-December 24
• Before I Wake written and directed by William J. Norris, Prairie del’Arte Theatre Company, Studio Theater, 1995 October 22-November
• Ben Hecht: Child of the Century, written and performed by J.R. Sullivan, Studio Theater, 1995 December
• The Benevolent Devil by P.D. Ouspensky, adapted and directed by June Pyskacek, settings by Rick Paul, costumes by Robert Berdell and Wendy Kheel, lighting by Robert Shook, 1976 January
• Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, directed by Greg McCaslin, Carol Loverde as musical director, settings by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Maggie Bodwell, lights by Robert Shook, choreography by Tracy Vander Haar, 1978 April
• Bird Send by Keith Huff, directed by Thomas Carroll, puppets by Clare Dolan, lighting by Tom Fleming, costumes by Ralph Flores, set by Rebecca Hamlin, sound by Mark Konewko, fight choreography by Kent Sheldon, Studio Theater, 1995 March 19-April 22
• Blind Hearts by Joel Johnson, Studio Theater, directed by Peter Rybolt, sets and lights by Christian V. Pierce, costumes by Susan Dring, 1991 March [?]-April 13
• The Blood Knot by Athol Fugard, directed by Dennis Začek, sets and lights by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, music by Douglas Ewart, 1977 March
• The Boyfriend by Sandy Wilson, 1988 March 5
• La Brea Tar Pits by Alan Gross, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Jordan Ross, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Galen Ramsey, [1980-1981]
• Buddies by Mary Gallagher, 1983 May
• Butler County by Dean Corrin, World Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, lights by Rita Pietraszek, costumes by Kerry Fleming, sound by Galen Ramsey; and Dreams of Flight from a Bird Cage by Brian Richard Mori, directed by Jonathan Wilson, designed by Greg Weber, 1984 January 25-March 4
• The Cage by Rick Cluchey, directed by Rick Cluchey, costumes by Teresito Garcia Suro, music by Gunnar Pedersen, 1975 August
• Can-Can and April Show by Romulus Linney, directed by Terry McCabe, sets by Sandra Petrick, costumes by Kim Schnormeler, lighting by Chris Allen, 1989 June [?]-July 9
• Cane, adapted by Charles Smith from the novel by Jean Toomer, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Michael Rourke, sound by Galen Ramsey, choreography by Adjora Faith Stevens, 1991 January [?]-March 3
• The Caretaker by Harold Pinter, directed by Dennis Začek, sets designed by Maher Ahmad, lights by Robert Shook, costumes by Marsha Kowal; with Frank Galati and William J. Norris, 1975 November 6-December 21
• Ceremonies in Dark Old Men by Lonne Elder, III, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, 1978 February 1-[?]
• Chekhov in Yalta by John Driver and Jeffrey Haddow, Chicago Premiere, directed by Arnold Aprill, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1988 March 25-May 8
• Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, 1989 May 6
• The Cigarette Man by David Blomquist, directed by Cecil O'Neal, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, 1977 December
• Clara's Play by John Olive, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Nels Anderson, costumes by John Brooks, lights by Dawn Hollingsworth, starring Carmen Decker, Richard Lavin, Tim Halligan and Raoul Johnson, 1982 June
• Close of Play by Simon Gray, A Famous Door Theatre Production, directed by Mark Grapey, sets by Scott Jones, 1988 May 19-June 20
• Close Ties by Elizabeth Diggs, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Nels Anderson, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Rita Pietraszek, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, 1982 January 22-March 7
• Clown by Richard Strand, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Mary Griswold and John Paoletti, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lights by Robert Shook, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1981 November
• The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe, music by Kysia Bostic. Chicago Premiere, directed and choreographed by Andre DeShields, sets and lights by William Mrvicka, costumes by Kerry Fleming, musical direction by Rufus Hill, 1987 September 18-November 1
• The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe, directed by Andre DeShields, 1994 September
• Colette by Ruth Landis, 1977 December
• Cowboy Mouth and Killer's Head by Sam Shepard, directed by Steven Ivcich, sets and lights by Galen G. Ramsey, costumes by Rebecca Brown, 1980 July
• Cowboys #2 and The American Dream, 1979 June
• Crossing Niagara by Alonso Alegria, directed by Patrick Hoxey, designed by Carl Forsberg, 1983 September 15-October 16
• The Curious Story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, adapted from the Robert Louis Stevenson short story, directed by Dennis Začek, 1981-1982
• Daddy's Seashore Blues by Farrell Foreman, 1983 January
• Dame Lorraine by Steve Carter, directed by Chuck Smith; with Esther Rolle and Jackie Taylor, 1981 April
• Daughters by Martin Jones, Studio Theater, directed by David Perkins, sets by Owen Kerwin, lighting design by Michael Winter, sound by David Perkins, 1981 October 15-November 22
• David Mamula: In Mixed Company, Studio Theater, directed by Lauren Baumgart, sets by Tyson Keel and Randy Beuscher, lights by Roma Flowers, costumes by Kevin Peterson, sound by David Huizenga, film production by Dan Winner, 1987 November 24-December 29
• Dear Elena Sergaevna by Lyudmilla Razumovskaya, Spartacus Square Theater, directed by Svetlana Vragova, 1990 [?]-June 24
• The Death of Zukasky by Richard Strand, directed by Curt Columbus, sets by Chuck Drury, costumes by Frances Maggio, lighting by Chris Phillips, 1992 January 23-March 1
• Deed of Trust by Claudia Allen, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Kurt Sharp, costumes by Karin Kopischke, 1993 December
• Der Inka Von Peru by Jeffrey Jones, Chicago Premiere, Studio Theater, directed by Arnold Aprill, sets by Sandy Petrick, lights by Andria Fiegel, costumes by Claudia Boddy, original score and sound design by Daniel Moses Schreier, 1988 February 11-March 6
• Diesel Moon by Robert Auletta, directed by James Bohnen, sets by Chuck Drury, costumes by Mark Anthony Summers, lights by Ellen E. Jones, 1990 February 11-March 4
• Dillinger by William J. Norris, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Julie Jackson, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Richard Markow, Phil David and Henry Miller; with William L. Petersen, 1979 January 24-February 11
• Dogman's Last Stand by Rick Cleveland, in Association with American Blues Theatre, in the Studio Theater, directed by William Payne, sets and lights by William Payne, sound by Dave Brooks, featuring Dennis Začek and Edward Blatchford, 1985 November-December
• Dreams by Tom Sharkey, directed by Dennis Začek, scenic design by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, music and sound design by William J. Norris, 1976 May 28-[?]
• Drowning Sorrows by Douglas Post, directed by Curt Columbus, 1996 November-December 15
• Dysan by Patrick Meyers, Studio Theater, 1989 November-December
• Earth and Sky by Doug Post, directed by Curt Columbus, sets by James Dardenne, 1992 September 17-October 25
• East Liberty, PA by Alan Bates, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Julie Nagel, lights by Robert Shook, musical direction by Gregory Williams, 1979 May 16-June 3
• Eden by Steve Carter, Midwest Professional Premiere, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by Rebecca Binks; with Jackie Taylor, 1978 November 29-December 17
• Eden by Steve Carter, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by James Dardenne, 1993 September-October 2
• Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lights by Rita Pietraszek, 1987 January 23-March 8
• Eminent Domain by Percy Granger, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Nels Anderson, costumes by Virgil Johnson, lights by Rita Pietraszek; with Scott McPherson, 1984 May 25-July 8
• Emma’s Child by Kristine Thatcher, Chicago Premiere, directed by Terry McCabe, 1997 September 13-[?]
• Endgame by Samuel Beckett, The San Quentin Drama Workshop, directed by Rick Cluchey, costumes by Teresito Garcia Suro, music by Gunnar Pedersen, 1975 July
• Ends by David Alex, Studio Theater, sets by Douglas Bryan Bean, 1994 January [?]-29
• The Escape Artist by James Sherman, directed by Dennis Začek, choreographed by Jim Corti, sets by Chris Phillips, costumes by John Hancock Brooks, Jr., lights by Ellen Jones, 1988 May 27-July 10
• The Examen by Nicholas Patricca, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Julie Nagel, lighting by Robert Shook; with William J. Norris and Ramiro Carillo, 1980 May 30-July 6
• Expectations by Dean Corrin, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, lights by Barbara Reeder, costumes designed by John Hancock Brooks, 1987 November 13-December 27
• The Filmdome (improv), directed by Jim Dennon, Spunk and John McCray, Studio Theater, 1992 August-September 12
• The Fifth Sun by Nicholas Patricca, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Pat Hart, Lights by Rita Pietrasek; with Dennis Cockrum, William J. Norris, 1984 September 26-November 4
• Flyovers by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Dennis Začek, set design by Mary Griswold, costumes by Jeff Bauer, lighting design by Todd Hensley, sound design by Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman, with Amy Morton and William L. Petersen, 1998 May 15-June 28
• Freefall by Charles Smith, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, lighting by Todd Hensley, costumes by Claudia Boddy, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, 1993 March 25-May 2
• Gentrification by Dean Corrin, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Ellen Gross, lighting by Rita Pietraszek, 1986 January
• Get Ready by Jaye Stewart and Joe Plummer, directed by Dennis Začek, musical direction by Robert Irving III, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Todd Hensley, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1994 May 19-June 19
• Glass Houses by Jeff Hegeson, WYSIWYG Theatre Productions, Studio Theater, directed by Joan Getz, sets and lights by Bill Endsley, 1991 [?]-July 12
• The God of Isaac by James Sherman, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Nels Anderson, costumes by Nan Zabriskie, lights by Robert Shook, 1985 August
• The God of Isaac by James Sherman, directed by Dennis Začek, 1997 May 22-June
• Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, 1986-1987
• Greetings! by Tom Dudzick, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Karin Kopischke, lighting by Todd Hensley, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1994 November 11-December 31
• Hannah Free by Claudia Allen, World Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, set designed by Jeff Bauer, lighting by Rita Pietraszek, 1996 May-June 30
• Hard Feelings by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Tom Beall, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lighting by Robert Shook, 1979 September 28-November 4
• Hauptmann by John Logan, directed by Terry McCabe, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Todd Hensley, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, choreography by Ann Hartdegen, 1991 September-1992 January
• Heat by William Hauptman, a Victory Gardens Showcase, directed by Maryjane Osa, sets and lights designed by Owen Patrick Kerwin, 1978 February
• His Satanic Majesty by William J. Norris, Studio Theater, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Maher Ahmad, 1978 March [?]
• Hitler Masque by Ronald Rae, Studio Theater, directed by Frank Galati; with William J. Norris, 1976 February
• Home by David Storey, Midwest Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Thomas Beall, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lighting by Robert Shook, 1980 September [?]-October 26
• Home by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Patrick Kerwin, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by Michael Rourke; with Jackie Taylor; and Sidekicks by Kathleen Thompson, directed by Mamie Hunt, sets by Greg Weber, costumes by Frances Maggio and Zulma Valdez, lights by Michael J. McBride, original music by Cameron Pfeffner and Kathleen Thompson, 1983 December
• The Homecoming by Harold Pinter, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Maher Ahmad, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, original music by William J. Norris, 1978 October
• Hospitality Suite by Roger Rueff, directed by John Swanbeck, sets by Bill Bartlett, lighting by Chris Phillips, costumes by Claudia Boddy, sound and props designed by Galen G. Ramsey; with Dennis Začek, 1992 November 12-December 20
• I: From the Prose of Samuel Beckett, Studio Theater, compiled and performed by Alan Wade, 1977 April
• Isadora Duncan Sleeps with the Russian Navy by Jeff Wanshel, directed by Ben Bodelson, [1989, Summer]
• Jelly Belly by Charles Smith, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets designed by Linda Lane, lighting by Larry Schoeneman, costumes by Glenn Billings, 1989 February 9-March 5
• Jelly Belly by Charles Smith, directed by Dennis Začek, set design by Mary Griswold, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Todd Hensley, sound design by Ron DeMarco, 1996 March
• Jesse and the Bandit Queen by David Freeman, directed by Cecil O'Neal, production designed by Mary Griswold and Geoffrey Bushor, 1976 December [?]
• A Joy Forever by Frank Manley, Chicago Premiere, Studio Theater, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Linda Lane, costumes by Roger Stricker, lights by Mike Ledger, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1988 April 14-May 8
• June Moon by Ring Lardner and George S. Kaufman, directed by Dennis Začek, with new music by Warren Casey, sets by Tom Beall, costumes by Julie Jackson, lighting by Robert Shook, 1977 September 28-[?]
• Jesta Second! by James Sherman, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Stephen Packard, 1995 July-August 13
• Kids in the Dark by Rick Cleveland and David Breskin, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Patrick Kerwin, lighting by Michael Rourke, costumes by Maureen Kennedy, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1987 April 2-May 10
• Kimchee and Chitlins by Elizabeth Wong, Studio Theater, [1992-1993]
• Lady Day, written and directed by Stephen Stahl, sets by Louis DiCrescenzo, lighting by Ken Bowen, costumes by Kate Bergh, 1983 July 22-August 21
• Latino Chicago!: A Celebration of Latin Life in Chicago through Original Poetry, Prose, Music and Dance, directed by Ramiro Carrillo and Dennis Začek, sets by Alejandro Romero, costumes by Linda de Flores Quiñones, lights by Geoffrey Bushor, choreography by Mildred Rivera, 1980 March
• Levitation by Timothy Mason, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Marsha Kowel, lights by Rita Pietraszek, 1985 January 23-March 3
• A Little Louder Please, Studio Theater, 1975 September
• Lloyd’s Prayer by Kevin Kling, Step Right Up Productions, Studio Theater, 1998 February
• The Long Awaited by Claudia Allen, World Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Michael Rourke, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1989 January 20-March
• The Lover and Others Stranger (Harold Pinter's The Lover, Tennessee Williams' I Can't Imagine Tomorrow and John Guare's The Loveliest Afternoon of the Year), directed by Mac McGinnes and Dennis Začek; with Cordis Fejer and David Rasche, 1974 March 13-[?]
• Ludlow Fair by Lanford Wilson, 1981 May
• The Magnolia Club by Jeff Berkson and John and David Karraker; music and lyrics by Jeff Berkson and John Karraker, directed by Cecil O'Neal, costumes by Cookie Gluck, sets designed by Rick Paul, lights by Robert Shook, 1974 November 20-[?]
• The Man Who Came to Dinner by Kaufman and Hart, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Adam Cohn, costumes by Sharon Cohn, 1985 May 11
• Marilyn and Marc by Steve Feffer, Shoeless Theatre Company, Studio Theater, directed by Dan Parker-Gwilliam, designed by Jeff Childs, 1991 January [?]-February 3
• Master Harold and the Boys by Athol Fugard, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Nan Zabriskie, costumes by John Brooks, lighting by Patrick Kerwin, sound by Galen Ramsey, choreography by Carl Menninger, 1985 March 25-May 5
• Michael, Margaret, Pat, and Kate conceived and directed by Michael Smith and Peter Glazer, sets by James Dardenne, lighting by Michael Rourke, sound by Galen Ramsey, costumes by Gaylord Spaulding, 1994 February
• Minnesota Moon by John Olive, 1981 February
• 80% by James Sherman, directed by Dennis Začek, set by Nels Anderson, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Galen Ramsey, costumes by Nan Zabriske, 1986 May 28-July 6
• Klein by Nicholas Wright, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Chicago Premiere, Studio Theater, 1995 September 14-October 21
• Murder in Green Meadows by Douglas Post, directed by Curt Columbus, 1995 January-March 5
• Music from a Locked Room by John Logan, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, 1989 March [?]-May 7
• Naked Zoo by Friends of the Zoo, Studio Theater, World Premiere, directed by Steve Ivcich, sets and lights designed by Mary Griswold and Geoffrey Bushor, sound by Dominic Bucci, 1987 April 17-May 10
• Necktie Party by Lonnie Carter, World Premiere, Studio Theater, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Linda Lane, costumes by Roger Striker, lighting by Ellen Jones, 1987 October 22-November 19
• Never the Sinner by John Logan, directed by Terry McCabe, designed by Samuel Ball, 1995 September 15-November
• Nevis Mountain Dew by Steve Carter, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by John Rodriguez; with Jackie Taylor, 1979 November
• Night and Day by Tom Stoppard, directed by James Bohnen, 1996 November-December 8
• Night of January 16th by Ayn Rand, 1978 April
• Nightside by Philip Reed, Chicago Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Chuck Drury, costumes by Glenn Billings, lighting by Larry Schoeneman, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1990 June 21-July 15
• North Star by Gloria Bond Clunie, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, 1995 March-April 30
• Old Times by Harold Pinter, directed by Dennis Začek, 1982 October
• Other Places by Harold Pinter, Midwest Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets designed by James Dardenne, lighting by Ellen Jones, costumes by John Hancock Brooks, original music by William J. Norris and Galen Ramsey, 1986 September 25-November 2
• Other World Lovers by Shepsu Aakhu and Hiwote Tadesse Tamrat. Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre, directed by Charles S. Hall, choreography by Tabatha Russell-Koylass, Studio Theater, 1996 March
• Pecong by Steve Carter, music and original score by Willy Steele, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Robert Shook, sound design by Galen Ramsey, 1990 January 19-March 4
• Penta/Benta conceived and directed by Steven Ivcich, Studio Theater, World Premiere, sets by Steven Ivcich, costumes by Sheila Myrcik, lighting by Barb Reeder, 1986 June 20-July 13
• Peppermints by Mark Larson and Towards the Morning by John Fenn, directed by Tom Tully, designed by Laura Sunkel, 1978 November 19-December 17
• Phantasie by Sybille Pearson, directed by Judy O'Malley, sets by Mark E. Netherland, costumes by Daryl A. Stone, lights by Ellen E. Jones, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1990 November 9-December 23
• The Play's the Thing by Ferenç Molnar, adapted by P.J. Wodehouse, directed by Michael Maggio, sets by Dean Taucher, costumes by Jordan Ross, lights by Robert Shook, 1980 February
• Polaroids by Virginia Smiley, directed by Mary Ellen McGarry, sets and costumes by Anne Finan, lights by Karl Sullivan, 1980 March 27-April 27
• Porch by Jeffrey Sweet, Midwest Premiere, directed by Tom Mula, production designed by Thomas Beall, 1979 February 4-March 4
• Porch by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Tom Mula, starring Raoul Johnson, 1979 June 28-August 26
• The Power Failure by Mark Glinski, 1996 September [?]-29
• Prior Engagements, two plays by Frank Manley (The Baptism of Water and The Call of Nature), directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Maureen Kennedy, lighting by Ellen Jones, 1986 November 14-December 28
• Quiet Before the Storm, conceived and directed by Pemon Rami. Black Ensemble Theater, starring Masequa Myers, 1979 May
• Real Women Have Curves by Josefina Lopez, Studio Theater, directed by Carmen Roman, sets by Bill Bartelt, 1993 October 21-November 21
• Ripe Conditions by Claudia Allen, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Patrick Kerwin, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1993 May 27-July 4
• Rough/Catastrophe, two plays by Samuel Beckett, directed by William Payne, sets by Lynn Ziehe, costumes by Maureen Kennedy, lights by Barbara Reeder; featuring William J. Norris as Morvan, 1987 February 12-March 8
• Scarred Ground by Thomas Cadwaleder Jones, directed by Philip Euling, sets by Linda Lane, costumes by Lynn Palmer, and lights by Ann Greenstein, 1990 April 15-May 6
• Scheherazade by Marisha Chamberlain, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Nan Zabriskie, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Rita Pietraszek; with Aidan Quinn and Barbara Gaines, 1984 March 28-May 6
• Scorched Earth by John Logan, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Chuck Drury, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lighting by Robert Shook, music by Galen Ramsey, 1991 May 30-July 7
• The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, Remy Bumppo Productions, directed by James Bohnen, 1997 January
• Sensoria, Studio Theater, directed by Dennis Začek; with Steven and Christine Ivcich, 1977 May
• Shadows by Steve Carter, directed by Chuck Smith, sets by Patrick Kerwin, costumes by Kate Bergh, lights by Robert Christen; and Blind Mice by Dennis Ryan, directed by James Roach, sets by Patrick Kerwin, lights by Michael Mortimer, costumes by Ellen Gross 1982 March 26-May 9, 1982 March 11-April 11
• Sherlock Holmes: A Thriller in Two Parts -“The Hound of the Baskervilles,” directed by Dennis Začek, 1982-1983
• Shoot Me While I'm Happy by Steve Carter, based on a script by Ronald and Adjora Stevens, directed by Sydney Daniels, sets by Nan Zabriskie, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lights by Barbara Reeder, choreography by Ronald Stevens, musical arrangement by Colette, 1986 November 14-December 28
• The Show Host by Rodolfo Santana, translated by Juan Pazos, Teatro Vista, Studio Theater, directed by Edward Torres, sets by Robert Martin, lighting by Dana Low and John Imburgia, costumes by Sraa Davidson, sound by Jeff Webb, 1992 April
• Sidney Bechet Killed a Man by Stuart Fleck, directed by Louis Contey, sets by Luke Cantarella, sound by Michael Weber, 1997 January-February 23
• Slumming by Marisha Chamberlain, 1986 April
• Smile Orange by Trevor Rhone, directed by Jaye Stewart, Studio Theater, sets by Linda Lane, lights by Dave Gibson, costumes by Jaye Stewart, sound by Joe Plummer, 1992 June-July 12
• Some Kind of Life by Bruce and Brian Hickey, directed by Bruce and Brian Hickey, sets and lights designed by Michael Merritt, costumes by Marsha Kowal, music by Ed Tossing; with J.J. Johnston, 1977 January
• Some Men Need Help by John Ford Noonan, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Pat Hart, lighting by Ellen Jones, sound by Galen Ramsey; with Dennis Farina and Ed Blatchford, 1988 September 16-October 23
• The Sovereign State of Boogedy Boogedy by Lonnie Carter, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Glenn Billings, lights by Paul Miller, 1985 March 8-31
• Spiele ’36, or The Fourth Medal by Steve Carter, University of Illinois at Chicago Theatre, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by James Wolk, costumes by Margaret Morrettini, lights by Michael Rourke, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, 1991 December-1992 January 5
• Spike Heels by Theresa Rebeck, Walker Productions, Studio Theater, directed by Amy Field, 1993 March
• Spinning Into Blue by Sally Nemeth, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, 1993 January
• Split Second by Dennis MacIntyre, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Carl Forsberg, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lights by Michael Rourke, with Ernest Perry Jr. and Bruce Young, 1986 March 26-May 4
• The Stick Wife by Darrah Cloud, Chicago Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets designed by James Dardenne. lighting by Michael Rourke, costumes by Nan Zabriskie, sound by Galen Ramsey; with Amy Morton and Dennis Cockrum, 1988 January 22-March 6
• Still Waters by Claudia Allen, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Margaret Morettini, lights by Rita Pietraszek, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1991 March 22-May 5
• Stops Along the Way (with Routed) by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Boley, costumes by Jordan Ross, lights by John Rodriguez, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1981 September 25-November 8
• Strangle Me by Frank Shiras, directed by Mac McGinnes, sets and costumes by Burt Cohen, lights by Robert Shook, original music by Alaric Jans, 1975 October
• Sweet Bloody Liberty written and directed by Paul Sills, lyrics by Arnold Weinstein, costumes by Mary Dale, lighting by Robert Shook; with David Rasche, Cordis Fejer, 1975 May
• Symphony Pastorale/Fugue by Bob Barrett. directed by Jim Corti, 1985 January 11-February 3
• T-Bone N Weasel by Jon Klein, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lights by Todd Hensley, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, 1990 September 20-October 28
• Tab for Stardom by Denise DeClue and John Karraker; skits and songs by The Grimm Brothers, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Ellen Gross, lighting by Chris Phillips, 1984 November 21-December 30
• Tamer of Horses by William Mastrosimone, 1988 November 11-December 18
• Three Ways Home by Casey Kurrti, Chicago Premiere, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Linda Lane, costumes by Glenn Billings, lighting by Ellen Jones, 1989 September 21-October 29
• Three Women by Cynthia Baker Johnson, Sandy Lipton and Roberta Maguire, directed by Cecil O'Neal, lights by Robert Shook, sets and costumes by Cookie Gluck, 1975 May
• This Is My Play Song, a lyric poem written by and starring Jackie Taylor, directed by Dennis Začek, designed by Maher Ahmad, [1978-1979?]
• This Old Man Came Rolling Home by James Sherman, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by James Dardenne, costumes by Claudia Boddy, lighting by Robert Shook, sound by Galen G. Ramsey; with Byrne Piven, 1992 May 28-July 5
• Ties by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Marsha Kowal, lights by Robert Shook, sound by Galen G. Ramsey, 1981 April
• Tobacco Road by Jack Kirkland, from the novel by Erskine Caldwell, directed by Dennis Začek, 1980-1981
• Tomorrowland by Jeff Jones, 1986 February
• Touer by Gardner McKay, TNT Productions and Element Theatre, Studio Theater, 1997 July
• The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie by Albert Innaurato, directed by Dennis Začek, designed by Joseph S. Sturniolo; starring Gene Schuldt, 1978 September
• Turntables by Jeff Berkson and John Karraker, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Jeff Bauer, costumes by Marsha Kowel, lights by Chris Phillips, 1983 September 28-October 23
• The Two of Us: One Acts by Michael Frayn, Prairie del’Arte Theatre Company, Studio Theater, Chinamen directed by Ted Hoerl; The New Quixote directed by Mary Bonnett, 1993 June
• Unmerciful Good Fortune by Edwin Sanchez, A joint production with Northlight Theatre, directed by Susana Tubert, sets by Mary Griswold, 1996 January-March 3
• The Uprooted by Humberto Robles. Latino Chicago, directed by Ramiro Carrillo; with Dionisio, 1980 November
• The Value of Names and George's File by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeffrey Bauer, costumes by Kerry Fleming, lighting by Rita Pietraszek, sound by Galen Ramsey; with Shelley Berman and Byrne Piven, 1983 August
• The Velvet Rose by Stacy Myatt, directed by Mac McGinnes, sets by Rick Paul, costumes by Patricia Hart, lighting by Robert Shook, 1974 October
• Vital Signs by William S. Carroll, Studio Theater, Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre, staged by Hrukihti Men Ab, score by George Balise, with Carl Barnett, 1994 June [?]-25
• Volpone by Ben Johnson, in association with the Organic Theater Company, directed by Stuart Gordon, costumes by Maggie Bodwell, sets by Dean Taucher, lighting by Robert Shook, music by Jonathan Pearthree; with Richard Fire, Dennis Franz, Joe Mantegna and William J. Norris, 1976 September
• The Washington-Sarajevo Talks by Carla Seaquist, Studio Theater, 1996 November
• Weekends Like Other People by David Blomquist, World Premiere, directed by Mike Nussbaum, 1979 March [?]-April 22
• The Whales of August by David Adams Berry, directed by Dennis Začek, sets by Nels Anderson, costumes by John Brooks, lighting by Robert Christen, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1983 June
• Wild Indian by Theodore Shank, World Premiere, directed by Dennis Začek, sets designed by Rick Paul, costumes by Pat Hart, lights by Chris Phillips, sound and music by Galen Ramsey, 1985 September 25-November 3
• Wipe that Smile by Kaye Osborne, Studio Theater, directed by Jaye Stewart, 1994 March [?]-2
• With and Without by Jeffrey Sweet, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Bill Bartelt, 1995
• Woman in Mind by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, lighting by Michael Rourke, costumes by Claudia Boddy, 1989 June [?]-July 9
• The Wonderful Ice-Cream Suit by Ray Bradbury, 1975 December
• Wonderful, Wonderful, Siberia by Felix Leon, 1983 January
• The Woolgatherer by William Mastrosimone Jughead, Studio Theater, 1996 July
• Working Magic by Margaret Hunt, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets by Jeff Bauer, lighting by Ellen Jones, costumes by Frances Maggio, sound by Galen Ramsey, 1992 March 26-May 3
• Young Psycho-Vivisectionists Meet Marilyn Monroe by Seteven Ivcich, directed by Sandy Shinner, sets and lights by Paul Miller, costumes by Sheila Myrick; with Holly Fulger, 1985 June 14-July 7
• Your Move by Jeff Berkson and John Karraker, 1982 November

Arrangement

Series 1 is arranged chronologically by season following general season materials and a couple of folders with materials not tied to a specific season. The number of images with the same description is indicated in parentheses. Only persons named on the back of photographs are included in the description.

Series 2: Artistic Director Files, 1958-1989, undated

Scope and Contents

Series 2 documents the development of plays through playwright festivals like Play Expo or the Great Chicago Playwright’s Exposition that was held with Body Politic Theatre June 10 to July 19, 1987, along with various Reader’s Theater programs. The series also includes scripts for productions by Victory Gardens director, Dennis Začek, at other theaters and miscellaneous scripts where submission information is unclear.

Arrangement

Series 2 is arranged into 4 subseries:

• Subseries A: Scripts for Play Expo, 1987 June 10-July 19, undated
• Subseries B: Reader’s Theater, 1976-1989, undated
• Subseries C: Dennis Začek Productions at Other Theaters, 1958-1983, undated
• Subseries D: Miscellaneous Scripts, 1973-1987, undated

Subseries A: Scripts for Play Expo, 1987, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries A contains scripts that were submitted as part of Play Expo, or The Great Chicago Playwright’s Exposition that was held from June 10 to July 19 in 1987. Play Expo was jointly sponsored with Body Politic Theatre in their shared theater building at 2261 N. Lincoln Avenue. The events included selected workshop and fully staged versions of plays by participating Chicago writers.

Arrangement

Subseries A is arranged alphabetically by playwright.

Series 2: Artistic Director Files, 1958-1989, undated

Subseries B: Reader’s Theater, 1970-1989, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries B contains primarily scripts that were submitted as part of the Reader’s Theater programs, some of which were staged in a Victory Gardens space.

Arrangement

Subseries B is arranged chronologically by season with scripts from unidentified seasons following alphabetically.

Series 2: Artistic Director Files, 1958-1989, undated

Subseries C: Dennis Začek Productions at Other Theaters, 1958-1983, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries C contains scripts for productions that Victory Gardens director, Dennis Začek produced at other theaters.

Arrangement

Subseries C is arranged alphabetically by title.

Series 2: Artistic Director Files, 1958-1989, undated

Subseries D: Miscellaneous Scripts, 1973-1987, undated

Scope and Contents

Subseries D contains scripts with unknown submission information.

Arrangement

Subseries D is arranged alphabetically by playwright’s last name or title if the play was an adaptation. Scripts with unidentified authors are listed alphabetically by title at the end.