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St. Charles' Fox Valley Repertory closes after 11 years at Pheasant Run

Fox Valley Repertory has closed its doors after 11 years in St. Charles and offered no indication that previously purchased tickets will be refunded.

Money problems and issues with the theater's emergency lighting system contributed to the closing, said Patrick Stinson, who took over on July 13 as managing director and resigned about two weeks ago.

Officials at the theater, in residence at Pheasant Run Resort, announced the immediate closure and cited "unexpected circumstances" in an email late Thursday. Performances of Fox Valley Repertory's current show, "Maybe Baby, It's You," scheduled through Oct. 25, have been canceled, as have all other upcoming shows and concerts.

"I knew there were issues. The issues turned out to be more than we could handle," said Stinson, who hoped he could stem the tide at the theater he described as "hemorrhaging money."

Among the "major money issues" cited by Stinson were unpaid royalties from 2013 productions and late payments to designers.

"My recommendation was they close and file bankruptcy," said Stinson, who doesn't know if the theater company followed his advice.

Pheasant Run Resort is managed by the Schaumburg-based Hostmark Hospitality Group.

In a prepared statement, Pheasant Run Resort general manager Jerry Barnes thanked the company for its "years of excellent theater and productions."

"We recognize that the closing of Fox Valley Repertory Theater affects many in our community," Barnes said in the statement. "Pheasant Run Resort is committed to working with all current patrons of the theater to assist in answering any questions regarding Fox Valley Repertory Theater."

Barnes declined to comment on Stinson's claims about the emergency lighting system. He did not say if FVR patrons who have purchased tickets to upcoming productions will receive refunds. Calls to the theater are being redirected to the Paramount Theater in Aurora, which has offered a $20 credit to FVR ticket holders.

"It's a loss to the community," said Donna Steele, founder of Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles. "I'm saddened when any arts organization folds. I wish all of them the best in their future endeavors."

In a prepared statement, FVR thanked the staff, artists, sponsors, Pheasant Run and the city of St. Charles for their support.

"A special thanks to the thousands of patrons who have enjoyed our performances for over a decade and to our hundreds of Performing Arts Academy students and their families," the statement read. "We could not have made our amazing performances without you. Thank you for sharing this journey with us."

Fox Valley Repertory grew out of Noble Fool, a Chicago comedy-centered ensemble whose members relocated to St. Charles in 2005. The company changed its name to Fox Valley Repertory in 2010 to reflect its commitment to its suburban home. The following year, Fox Valley Rep announced a new play initiative dubbed the Collider Project, which paired playwrights and scientists who collaborated on works that would promote greater understanding of science and technology.

In addition to its five-play subscription series and concerts, the theater operated a performing arts academy and a youth ensemble.

Barnes said Pheasant Run hosted live theater since 1964. Zanies Comedy Club, which also calls Pheasant Run Resort home, remains open.

Paramount Theatre in Aurora will offer a $20 credit to people who purchased tickets to the FVR's "A Christmas Survival Guide," the ABBA salute, the Andrews Sisters salute by The Legacy Girls and "A Carpenters' Christmas."

The Paramount credit is good toward a ticket to its upcoming production of "A Christmas Story: The Musical" or the theater's three-show Broadway subscription series. FVR ticket holders can redeem the credit beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, by calling the Paramount box office at (630) 896-6666.

Steel Beam artistic director Marge Uhlarik-Boller said her theater will offer two-for-one tickets to "Good People" (running through Oct. 4) and "Plaid Tidings" (Nov. 20-Dec. 27) to people with tickets to FVR's theater productions. The offer is subject to ticket availability, Uhlarik-Boller said. For more information, ticket holders should call the Steel Beam box office at (630) 587-8521.

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