WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Here's the thing:‚  if it doesn't have a name, it's not really a decade.‚  Still, it's reasonable to reflect on the best shows of the past 10 years.‚  What follows is far from definitive on that subject, but these are certainly the most memorable shows.‚  How do I know?

So the big noise on Broadway this fall is a little two-character piece originally directed by Chicago Dramatists artistic director Russ Tutterow from a script by Keith Huff, one of the troupe's resident playwrights. Those two names aren't, of course, the reason for the big noise.

This week, Apple Tree Theater announced they would be shutting their doors. The venerable Highland Park, IL company had served the area for over 26 years. A press release cited financial reasons for the closing.

The economy's effect on small businesses has been well documented. But one business that is seeing a dangerous downturn is the theater. Mid-Sized theater's to be exact.

Well, the good news is, someone's listening.