Theater group withdraws funding request from Itasca
Talks have ended between Itasca officials and Overshadowed Productions, a nonprofit theater company that sought about $450,000 in hotel tax revenue to purchase a permanent home in Itasca.
Reba Hervas, Overshadowed's director and wife of Village Attorney Chuck Hervas, notified the village board this week that she no longer wishes to pursue the funds.
"Overshadowed is withdrawing their request for funding at this time, so the project is dead," Village President Jeff Pruyn said.
Since 2004, the theater group has operated out of donated space at Itasca Baptist Church. It attracted 300 people to its first season and has outgrown the site, now drawing about 1,500 people per production run.
Reba Hervas said a permanent theater would have generated customers for Itasca's restaurants and hotels and enhanced its aim for a walkable downtown district.
Proposed sites had price tags of $1.8 million to $2.5 million.
"I love Itasca, I want to stay there and I really think our theater brings business to the village," Hervas said. "If we compare ourselves to Metropolis (Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights) ... our numbers show we can profit."
The proposal hit roadblocks during discussions last month, when trustees expressed concern about how tax revenues used for Overshadowed's new home could benefit Itasca if the building was ever sold.
Trustee Ellen Leahy said she hoped Itasca could purchase the land and Overshadowed could build the theater.
In addition, Trustee Mike Latoria questioned if giving money to the theater group would violate separation of church and state.
Although hotel tax revenues must be used on projects that generate tourism, officials wondered if that money could benefit a theater group whose mission statement says it aims to promote biblical messages.
To answer both legal questions, the village planned to consult an outside attorney. Chuck Hervas could not advise trustees because he sits on the Overshadowed Productions board of directors.
Reba Hervas said she regrets how the proposal devolved.
"My number one thought is that I'm sorry it turned into such a controversial issue," she said. "The village contacted me originally to say 'we really want you to stay in Itasca, we don't have any free buildings, and what would it take for (Overshadowed) to stay.' To me, I felt like I was just answering the question. I was not quote/unquote the village attorney's wife asking for a free handout."
Trustee Jeff Aiani, who had been a vocal supporter of Overshadowed's contributions to Itasca during the meetings, said he understands Reba Hervas' final decision.
"I really think she puts on great shows and it's a great thing for the village," Aiani said. "We really hate to lose great tenants, but there are things we can control and things we can't. I'm just disappointed that we couldn't have worked something out."
Hervas previously said her theater company also is considering sites in Hoffman Estates. But for the next year, Overshadowed will remain at Itasca Baptist and may add a Shakespeare festival to its lineup.