Biograph Theater

Located at 2433-43 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, the Biograph Theater is famous because it is the location where bank robber John Dillinger was gunned down by police in 1934. Originally a movie theater, it will soon be converted into a venue for live plays.

Related Topics:
Chicago, Illinois - John Dillinger - 1934 - Movie - Venue for live plays

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Designed by architect Samuel N. Crowen in 1914, the theater has many of the distinguising characteristics of movies houses of the period, including a storefront-width lobby, recessed entrance, free-standing ticket booth, and canopy marquee. The building is finished with red pressed brick and white-glazed terra cotta.

Related Topics:
Samuel N. Crowen - 1914 - Brick - Terra cotta

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The Biograph Theater was designated a landmark by the City of Chicago on March 18, 2001.

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March 18 - 2001

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In July of 2004, Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater announced it had purchased the Biograph. The theater is to be completely renovated by architect Daniel P. Coffey, who will construct a proscenium-thrust stage, and seating for 299 people. There will be a second floor studio theater, and an adjacent rehearsal/multiple use space. The $10 million project is expected to be completed by fall of 2005.

Related Topics:
2004 - Victory Gardens Theater - Daniel P. Coffey - Proscenium - Thrust stage - 2005

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The Victory Gardens/Biograph opening production will be a world premiere of Denmark, by playwright Charles Smith. The play concerns the historical character Denmark Vesey, a slave who gained his freedom and later helped spur a slave rebellion. The production will be directed by Victory Gardens artistic director Dennis Zacek.

Related Topics:
Playwright - Charles Smith - Denmark Vesey - Slave - Directed - Dennis Zacek

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