The Chicago Heights Drama Group and The Stables Theatre of Hastings, England are proud to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of two theatres traveling across an ocean to present plays and share friendships.
Inaugurated in 1999, when The Drama Group flew to Hastings, East Sussex, England, to perform Spoon River Anthology, a unique world class event began. The following year, The Stables Theatre brought Charles Dickens and Great Expectations to The Drama Group audiences. Many “Exchanges” followed. Theatre history was made.
In June of 2019, pre-pandemic, The Drama Group continued this historic theatre Exchange performing John Bishop’s “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” in its Chicago Heights home. Then the cast and crew left for Hastings, England and seven additional performances. These performances marked the 20th year of creative partnership between the theatres. This alliance is unique to community/regional theatre. The remarkable benefit from this Exchange is providing our suburban communities with an incredibly rich theatre experience. Beyond that, new relationships were formed along with a deeper understanding of how theatre succeeds, and a larger “stable” of actors, artist/technicians, and supporters who create an amazing experience for both audiences.
This year, the Exchange continues as the British come to the Drama Group in June to perform the hilarious comedy, Run For Your Wife, June 10th through 19th.
ABOUT THE DRAMA GROUP
From the first production in 1931 to the upcoming 405th production, The Drama Group of Chicago Heights has offered varied programming. Drawing participation from the theatrical community throughout Chicago’s South Suburbs and beyond, they offer six fully mounted productions each season, with repertoire ranging from classic favorites to contemporary sensations. Community outreach and education includes Children’s Theatre, a summer “Kids Camp”, and a Reading Series offering, free of charge, an expanded repertoire from world literature. The Drama Group remains a fully volunteer organization proud of its heritage and committed to a long future. www.dramagroup.org
ABOUT THE STABLES THEATRE
Like the Drama Group, the Stables Theatre is a largely volunteer organization with a rich history. In 1952, the Old Hastings Preservation Society (OHPS) was formed to encourage the preservation of a number of endangered historic buildings, including the 1746 stable block situated at 1a High Street. This area called “Old Town” includes houses built in the time of William Shakespeare. The stable block had been marked for demolition by the Hastings Council. With the backing of the Georgian Society this building was listed as one of historic and architectural value.
In March 1955, The Stables Trust Limited was founded to preserve the fabric of the building and convert it, with the support of the Hastings and District Theatre Guild, into a fully functioning theatre. The grand opening, by Sir Ralph Richardson, took place on Tuesday 16th June 1959.
Over the decades that followed, the Stables Theatre has provided a wonderful experience to its community, mounting plays through their membership and opening their space to other performance groups. It has also been the proving grounds for many professional actors and technicians. Sir Ian McKellen, who got his start in community theatre, celebrated with the Stables Theatre for their 50th Anniversary.
The Drama Group is in fine company!