Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. to close next year

Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company, a staple on the Chicago storefront theater scene for nearly three decades, announced Wednesday it will close next year at the conclusion of its 30th season.

The company, which three years ago remounted its hit production of Tracy Letts' "Superior Donuts" at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, was founded in 1986.

The company presented more than 100 productions, earning 33 non-equity Joseph Jefferson Awards nominations and winning 17. Among them was a special 2013 Jeff Award for co-founder and artistic director Richard Cotovsky, a renowned Chicago area character actor who was recognized for his lifetime achievement and invaluable contributions to Chicago area theater.

Cotovsky, who plays Abbie Hoffman in Mary-Arrchie's annual Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins Theater Festival, reflected on the closing in a prepared statement.

"We're losing our longtime space at Angel Island, which we've called home for the past 26 years - so our 30th anniversary feels like the right time to bid farewell," he said. "We launched the company with a bang in 1986 with Sam Shepard's 'Cowboy Mouth' and '4-H Club' fueled with inspired energy. We've weathered many ups and downs over the past 29 years, faced with the myriad challenges of producing theater, but always managed to land our feet. Now, it's time to wrap things up on our own terms and bask in the glory of our many past accomplishments."

The company opens its final season Sept. 8 at Angel Island, 735 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, with Peter Morris' "The Guardians." Tickets are available at www.maryarrchie.com, by phone at (773) 871-0442 or in person at the box office.