Landmark Decisions
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The Pumping Station, a historical landmark that predates the Chicago Fire, was closed to the public in fall 1996 following the demise of “Here’s Chicago,” a commercial venture that exposed tourists to the city’s past and various attractions. “We were in court for two years trying to get access to the building,” says Weisberg. “We talked endlessly to folks in the neighborhood about what they wanted us to do at the Pumping Station and held focus groups.” Last month she finally unveiled the city’s plan for a makeover of the Pumping Station, and now the building has reopened: there’s an information booth, a Hot Tix desk selling discount theater tickets, a wood-paneled lounge with comfortable chairs and a working fireplace, a buffet run by Lettuce Entertain You, and a gift shop. Still to come are storage lockers, a table where tourists can interact with residents, and–perhaps–the theater.
Lookingglass, a high-profile young company, would love to find a new home to kick off its tenth-anniversary season this fall; its last three shows were presented in three different venues. But a source familiar with the company’s business says it filled only about half its seats last season. The Arabian Nights, at the Steppenwolf studio, proved to be a popular offering, but the dark drama George, presented at the Theatre Building, was less successful. The company had high hopes for The Idiot, which featured ensemble member David Schwimmer, but the show opened to mixed reviews, and despite talk of a two-week extension it closed after completing a month-long run at the 130-seat About Face Theatre in the Jane Addams Center. A spokesperson for Lookingglass confirms that the company is considering a show about the Chicago Fire for next season, a production that might play well to a mix of locals and out-of-towners.
