Bailiwick bombs with 'Departure Lounge'

For Bailiwick's second official season (they've been around for a while, formerly Bailiwick Theatre Ensemble...remember that dreadful fallout in late 2009?) things don't look promising. The fact is Departure Lounge, the new musical that played at Royal George, didn't go over too well with audiences. Instead of flying to the theatre, patrons decided they'd rather sit on the tarmac at O'Hare for two hours. Reviews were mixed and discounted tickets were showing up on Hottix every week. The company offered numerous other discounts: industry discounts and student discounts and "ticket prices increase next week so get them now" discounts. None worked. Insiders are saying that the show didn't make any money and now the company's future shows are on the rocks.

Violet, the Jeanine Tesori/Brian Crawley Civil-Rights themed musical, was set to open in early February, but, according to several cast members, it's not even on the books. According to those (former) cast members, they canceled the show because of lack of money and only a few actors found out at first. Of course, with dramatic tweets and Facebook status updates, the entire company knew within a matter of hours. The actors have had the roles since mid-October and it's too late to re-audition for spring 2011 shows, so they're all screwed out of theatre jobs and resume builders. Sorry, kids.

Let's hope the same doesn't happen with the new musical Passing Strange, set to open later in the Spring. They also have a new play (The North/South Plays) lined up for later in the season.

In a year-end letter to patrons, Executive Director Kevin Mayes begged audience members for money, but didn't mention the Violet vacancy, as we'll call it. Here's an excerpt. 

• In this economy, with so many theater companies in Chicago, you may wonder why we do this. We believe that theatre has the power to inspire, enlighten, and alter the collective consciousness. This belief drives us to create theatre that teaches, reaches the under-served, and elicits action toward global harmony, stewardship and unity. Every person and community has a story to tell. It is Bailiwick Chicago’s privilege to tell it.
• You may not be aware that ticket sales for our productions only cover about 40% of the costs needed to tell these extraordinary stories. Our 2011 season, shaping up to be just as phenomenal as our first, will not happen without your generous support to help us reach our fundraising goals.
• We need your support. Each and every donation, no matter how much, will ensure that Bailiwick Chicago can continue to produce nothing less than amazing theater.

And lastly, make sure you check out Bailiwick's site: http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/about-us/. The last "core value" doesn't seem to fit in with what's going on over there at the administrative offices. "We manage our operations with fiscal and social responsibility." Now there's a good musical comedy for ya!

Yours truly,

WCR