Art appreciators with a place in their heart for diverse theater programming will surely appreciate and enjoy the Chicago Theatre Company. Committed to presenting compelling theater that explores family, relationships and social justice from the black American perspective, the Company has produced shows over the last 20 years that often rival any staged by the city's bigger, better funded companies. Since its inception in 1984, the Company has produced 50 plays, most of them featuring new work.

Housed in a 90-seat basement space, Chicago Theatre Company shows are intimate productions, giving audience members a great view of the action, regardless of where they're sitting. Past productions include "Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting" and "The Little Tommy Parker Colored Celebrated Minstrel Show." The Company has received 20 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations (of which they've gone home with four) and more than 30 Black Theatre Alliance Award noms (with 16 on the mantel). Tickets usually run around $30 for shows; sodas and snacks are served during intermission.

Centerstage Reviewer: Venita Griffin