Theatre Building Chicago’s New Artistic Director Allan Chambers Announces Slate of New Musicals for Kids, Monday Night Musicals and STAGES 2010

Theatre Building Chicago’s New Artistic Director Allan Chambers announces slate of New Musicals for Kids, Monday Night Musicals and STAGES 2010.

The Board of Theatre Building Chicago has selected Allan Chambers as Artistic Director of TBC, effective August 3, 2009. Chambers has been associate Artistic Director since 2001.

His tenure with TBC stretches back over 20 years. His many duties have included: staff dramaturg, Director of Projects, Director of Theatre Services including coordinating the annual Stages Festival of New Musicals, casting up to twenty projects per year, directing concert readings, directing studio productions, directing and dramaturgy on the annual Workshop Mini-Musical project, scheduling all day tenants and TBC musical program rehearsals, negotiating and contracting client theatre and arts organizations performing at TBC.

Chambers will be taking over for John Sparks who is stepping down from the position. This passing of the torch is one they have been working towards for some time. “This is a terrific opportunity for Allan, in many ways he has more experience, especially in casting and directing, and I wish him well.” Says long-time colleague and mentor John Sparks. “The decision to promote Allan was an easy one to make. He has the full support of this board and we look forward to continuing and growing the programs.” Stated a TBC board spokesperson.

Allan is ready for the challenge. “I’m dedicated to the continuation of several exciting musical theatre developmental and production programs currently in place at Theatre Building Chicago.” Said Chambers, “The New Musicals for Kids and the annual STAGES festival of New Musicals will continue to thrive.

The Musical Theatre Writers Workshop will continue in some fashion as a ‘feeder’ program for the Monday Night Musical Program, Stages Festival and TBC premiere productions.’’

Chambers has been busy prepping for STAGES 2009—coordinating schedules of musical and stage directors and casting 60 actors for the 6 new musicals in the festival. Chambers himself will direct a studio presentation of On the Brink with book and Lyrics by John Sparks, Music by Thomas Adams (adapted from the play On Borrowed Time by Paul Osborn and Lawrence Watkins). Sparks will be directing Song Poems- The Musical at the festival.

Chambers will be casting an ensemble of five actors for the three-show season of New Musicals for Kids and hiring a staff music director. This ensemble of performers will present three musicals this season for young audience ages pre-school thru 2nd grade. Auditions for the ensemble of singing actors are Saturday August 29 and Monday August 31 at Theatre Building Chicago.

TBC’s New Musicals for Kids Season

Tantrum on the Tracks – Book by Judy Freed, Music and Lyrics by Marianne Kallen. Will open the season. Performance dates are October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 2009. It is the very first day with the big train for two young train cars. Dash is so excited he can barely stand still, but Starlight wishes she were home with her Mom. Can Engine keep the train together and on track when a temper tantrum threatens to derail the day?

The Magic Paintbrush – Book by Christina Biggs, Music and Lyrics by Marianne Kallen. Performance dates are February 17, 18, 24, 25, March 3, 4, 2010. In ancient China the young shepherd Liang and his villagers live in poverty because of the greedy Emperor. When a magician gives Liang a mysterious paintbrush, he learns how to bring his paintings – and the villagers’ dreams to life.

A Whooper’s Tale: The Incredible Story of Tex – Book by Jenny Stafford, Lyrics & Concept by Lynn Sanders, Music by Russell J. Coutinho. Performance dates are April 21, 22, 28, 29, May 5, 6, 2010. Tex is an endangered whooping crane and George is the bird lover who rescues her. Through a special crane dance, George helps Tex deliver her first baby crane. Join in the crane dance and meet Tex’s new baby.

The new season of Monday Night Musicals will continue at TBC with six new musicals in various stages of development. These projects are generated from the TBC Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop, Academy of New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, and the Mercury Workshop in London. At press time Chambers was selecting the 6-show season of Monday Night Musicals from a short list of 18 new works in progress.

Under Chambers direction the 17th Annual STAGES Festival of New Musicals in 2010 will still include concert readings, studio productions, panel discussions and the new component of Workshop Production presentations. This is the final step prior to advancing a new project into full production, either with TBC or partner producing organizations.

TBC will continue to develop musical projects from workshop thru readings, to studio productions, workshop productions and ultimately full productions. Chambers looks forward to his continued association with the artists that are currently participating in workshop.

Chambers’ experience at TBC is augmented by an extensive resume. He is past-president of the Illinois Theatre Association, a founding and former board member of Chicago Alliance for Playwrights, and consultant for CMT, new music theatre voices at Valparaiso High School. Chambers has served as an adjunct instructor at Robert Morris College and at North Park University, and has worked in various capacities at The Goodman Theatre, Music/Theatre Workshop, Our Town Productions, American DreamWorks, Different Drummer Theatre, Bailiwick Repertory, The Western Stage, Bigfork Playhouse and North Shore Music Theatre. Chambers holds an M.F.A in musical theatre from SDSD and a Bachelor of Science in theatre acting/directing from the University of Idaho.