A Red Orchid Theatre

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An intimate space with a narrow stage located since 1992 at the end of an Old Town atrium mall , this theater has seen some conspicuous triumphs--"Born Guilty," a harrowing play about the children of Nazis, a reprise of Organic Theater's "Cops" and a triumphant revival of "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial." Giving work to some of Chicago's up-and-coming directors, the theater is equally actor-oriented; the strength of its shows is often the pile-driving ensemble. According to artistic and managing director Guy Van Swearingen (who is also a firefighter), "We're doing stuff that people will be talking about long after the show." Notable examples are the grungily real "The Persecution of Arnold Petch" and an in- your-face updating of the Jacobean potboiler "'Tis Pity She's a Whore." Recent renovations include cushioned, backed armchairs. The sight lines are OK and the theater is air-conditioned.

A Red Orchid Theatre is located at 1531 N. Wells St. in Chicago's Old Town Neighborhood