Biograph Theater
|
|
Located at 2433-43 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, the Biograph Theater is famous because it is the location where bank robber John Dillinger was gunned down by police in 1934. Originally a movie theater, it will soon be converted into a venue for live plays.
Designed by architect Samuel N. Crowen in 1914, the theater has many of the distinguising characteristics of movies houses of the period, including a storefront-width lobby, recessed entrance, free-standing ticket booth, and canopy marquee. The building is finished with red pressed brick and white-glazed terra cotta.
The Biograph Theater was designated a landmark by the City of Chicago on March 18, 2001.
In July of 2004, Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater announced it had purchased the Biograph. The theater is to be completely renovated by architect Daniel P. Coffey, who will construct a proscenium-thrust stage, and seating for 299 people. There will be a second floor studio theater, and an adjacent rehearsal/multiple use space. The $10 million project is expected to be completed by fall of 2005.
The Victory Gardens/Biograph opening production will be a world premiere of Denmark, by playwright Charles Smith. The play concerns the historical character Denmark Vesey, a slave who gained his freedom and later helped spur a slave rebellion. The production will be directed by Victory Gardens artistic director Dennis Zacek.