Our Chicago: Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre celebrate milestone anniversaries of theater in the Windy City

CHICAGO (WLS) — Two of Chicago’s preeminent theatres are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year.

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It’s fifty years for Steppenwolf, which was founded by three best friends, Gary Sinese, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry.

Audrey Francis is the artistic director at the Steppenwolf Theatre.

 It’s fifty years for Steppenwolf, which was founded by three best friends, Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry. 

She says Sinise recently sent her the first program from high school, from 1974.

“They were just three teens creating the work that excited them,” says Francis.

The theatre is in Lincoln Park now, but early performances took place in the basement of a Highland Park church.

The Goodman Theatre is celebrating 100 years.

It was founded by a couple as a tribute to their playwright son, Kenneth Sawyer Goodman.

The Goodman Theatre is marking its centennial anniversary. Founded by a couple as a tribute to their son, playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman, it initially operated in collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago before establishing its independence.

It was originally affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago, before breaking off on its own.

Today, it is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theatre, thriving for a century, when others have not.

“The Goodman has never been one to rest on its achievements. In my view, the greatest risk for any theater or organization is to become complacent after success. That’s just not how we operate here,” explains Susan V. Booth, the Walter Artistic Director at the Goodman Theatre.

For more information visit:

https://www.goodmantheatre.org/

https://www.steppenwolf.org/

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