Palatine's Cutting Hall back in business after fire
Two weeks after an electrical fire at Cutting Hall in Palatine, members of TesserAct Theatre Ensemble will be the first community group to get back on its stage, with a weekend production of “The Christmas Schooner.”
The musical opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday and continues with shows at 2 p.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, before a VIP Gala takes place on Monday, with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and the show at 7:30 p.m.
The musical describes the perils met by immigrant German sailors in the 1880s who helped supply Christmas trees to the area after the Chicago Fire.
“The day after the fire, I told the cast to hold their chins up high,” says Director Rick Browne. “No electrical fire will keep us from delivering the Christmas trees to Palatine.”
The play is based on a true story, and just like its hearty German sailors, the show's actors have vowed to move forward, despite the obstacles the fire has presented them.
Julie Price, producer of the show, said the production had to cancel its run last weekend because the fire restoration company had not finished cleaning the stage equipment, front curtain and auditorium.
Consequently, the cast and crew moved rehearsals to the nearby Palatine Community Center and to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Palatine. However, they needed to get into Cutting Hall to hold their technical run-through because of the show's significant set with its ship and dramatic lighting design.
“We've been working side by side with the park district,” Price said, “in getting our show up onstage, and the theater open.”
Keith Williams, Palatine Park District recreation superintendent, said the fire started in a front office, and that is the only part of the building to sustain fire damage. However, the lobby sustained significant smoke damage and will not be available for the show's run this weekend.
“We're doing everything we can to accommodate the show and its patrons,” Williams said. “It won't be ideal conditions, but we're committed to getting the show up and running.”
Browne expects ticket buyers to use side entry doors. The intermission and concession sales will take place inside the auditorium, though the lavatories located off the lobby will be open.
Carol Lange, cultural arts coordinator for the Palatine Park District, said they are tentatively hoping to reopen the lobby by Dec. 3.
“This and spring are our busiest times of the year,” Lange said. “We have one show after another, and all of the park district programs have recitals.”
Consequently, she said, the show must go on. For tickets, call the Cutting Hall box office at (847) 202-5222 or visit tesseractensemble.com.