|
Pheasant Run Resort was pleased to open their first
dinner theater, The Pheasant Run Playhouse, in 1964. The first star to appear on
the mainstage was dancer Mimi Hines from the Jack Parr show. Many people can
remember visiting the Playhouse in the 60’s and 70’s to see stars such as
William Shatner, Sally Struthers, Burt Ward, Phyllis Diller, Betty Grable, Bob
Denver, Stephanie Powers and Larry Hagman. If you look closely, photos and
autographs of many of these stars can be found throughout the property.
In 1988, the dinner theater turned to Broadway musicals and nurtured many stars
including Sean Hayes (who played the role of Jack on the popular TV series “Will
and Grace) and Anna Chlumsky (who played the role of Vada in the hit movie My
Girl with Dan Aykroyd), while producing memorable productions like Grease and
The King and I. Closing in the summer of 2002, the dinner theater underwent a
$4.5 million transformation into a state-of-the-art 320 seat tiered stadium
seating facility. It is now home to productions by the highly acclaimed
non-profit theater company, Noble Fool Theatricals.
Chicago’s Noble Fool Theater Company was invited to take part in the inaugural
season of Pheasant Run’s new mainstage theater in 2004 with an offering of fresh
interpretations of classical and original productions such as The Underpants by
Steve Martin, The Vikings! A Musical in Two Axe, and the Woody Allen classic,
Don’t Drink The Water.
A year later, Noble Fool Theatricals was formed specifically to serve the
western suburbs with a repertoire of well-known Off-Broadway musicals, comedies,
educational programming and family shows. Today, they continue to bring many of
downtown’s finest award-winning artists and well-known comedy troupes right here
to St. Charles, such as Off-Broadway’s longest-running musical I Love You,
You’re Perfect Now Change, holiday favorites like A Christmas Story, Chicago’s
very own The Second City, and the record-breaking Broadway comedy Defending the
Caveman.
In the fall of 2006, Noble Fool Theatricals opened The NFT Performing Arts
Academy to offer theatrical training for the community including classes in
improvisation, scene-study, and auditions, as well as the critic-acclaimed Youth
Ensemble program. The academy features some of the Chicago area’s most respected
teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are for adults, children and
business professionals looking to learn from the people who are working at what
they love do.
After six strong years of growth, Noble Fool Theatricals announced an exciting change to their company; in 2011, they would become Fox Valley Repertory – a name that better represented the strong bond they have created with their patrons and community, with hopes that those patrons would connect with their stories and begin referencing them as 'our theater' even more. Fox Valley Repertory is focused on creating an engaging theater experience by producing shows that inspire the community to laugh, reflect and reconnect to moments in one's life. With the most extensive offering of academy programs, they hope to continue to inspire youth to explore their own lives through the performing arts. Their expanding vision includes a planned three-week Summer Arts Festival and Collider New Play Project to be held each summer starting in 2011.
Awards
2005
The Mikado 2.005 Voted One of the Best Top Plays of 2005 by Daily Herald
The Mikado 2.005 Voted One of the Best Top Plays of 2005 by Chicago Reader
2006
Voted “One of the Best of the ‘Burbs for Live Theater” in 2006 and 2007 by Suburban Nite life Readers
Voted One of the Best Live Theatre Venues in the Fox Valley in 2006! –Kane County Chronicle
2007
Voted “One of the Best of the ‘Burbs for Live Theater” in 2006 and 2007 by Suburban Nite life Readers
Awarded “Best Live Theatre of the Fox 2007” by Kane County Chronicle Readers
Voted “One of the Best of the West ‘07 for Live Theatre” by West Suburban Living Readers
2009
Flanagan’s Wake at Noble Fool Theatricals Voted Best Show in 2009 by Suburban Nite life Readers
The NFT Performing Arts Academy was awarded as “a Favorite Place on Google!” from July 1 to Sept 30.
2010
Plaid Tidings at Noble Fool Theatricals Voted One of the Best Local Plays in 2010 by Suburban Nite Life Readers
Voted One of the Best Live Theatre Venues in the Fox Valley in 2010! –Kane County Chronicle
FVR Performing Arts Academy
Offstage, Fox Valley Repertory strives to educate both young people and adults
through a hands-on technical and theatrical experience. Their approach to
fulfilling that commitment is one of exposure to the arts and professional
artists, hands-on learning as well as traditional theatrical training through
various programs offered all year long.
Theater Classes & Camps: Aspiring actors and seasoned performers can enjoy a
variety of acting classes for all ages, including; Auditioning, Improv, Singing,
and performance workshops/camps. All programs culminate with a showcase for
friends & family.
Youth Ensemble Productions: Young actors get the chance to shine on our
mainstage in this audition-based program for the best and the brightest young
talent in the community. Members audition, rehearse, and perform a production
for the public.
Children’s Programming: Now families can enjoy a Saturday morning at Pheasant
Run with newly added children’s shows for ages 3 and up. A variety of
educational performances and lunch packages are available throughout the year.
Post-show theater discussions: Week 4’s Sunday subscription series offers a free
in-depth theater discussion with the Noble Fool cast and staff immediately
following each show.
Internship Program: High school students (16+) and college students can gain
hands-on experiences with working professionals in disciplines including
directing, choreography, wardrobe, hair and makeup, technical lighting and
sound, production management, stage management, marketing and more.
Chicago Theater Company, Inc. d.b.a. Fox Valley Repertory |
