Latitude 41

02/24/2021

Latitude 41 is saddened to learn about the passing of Lynne Lichtenauer.

Lynne was a long time supporter of local theater in Joliet, and she hosted Latitude 41 on her WJOL programs numerous times over the years.

We send our deepest condolences to Lynn's family.

WJOL has learned that long-time host and active community member Lynne Lichtenauer has passed away. Lichtenauer died

12/09/2020

Well, as we are sure you have all heard, the City of Joliet is looking to close BiCentennial Park in 2021. Word is that this closure will not be permanent but opening the facility would be revisited if and when gambling revenue returned.

Obviously this decision would not only impact Latitude 41, but other theater companies throughout the Joliet area. The arts are more important than ever in these trying time, and we at Latitude 41 are hopeful that the city of Joliet will reconsider this closure because, as is often the case, temporary closures can easily become permanent.

The mayor's phone number is (815) 724-3700 and his e-mail is [email protected]. Please feel to reach out to his office to let him know that, while you understand the need for a temporary closure, you hope that the theater will reopen for the summer months and allow local groups perform. As always, please remain respectful.

05/22/2020

INTERMISSION – 15 minutes (give or take some months)

Greetings patrons, friends, supporters, and colleagues of Latitude 41,

A couple of months ago, Lat41 made the difficult decision to postpone our April production of Yankee Tavern. The difficulty was compounded by the fact that we were already rehearsing with a terrific cast and crew, and everyone was flush with the excitement of mounting an exciting, thought-provoking show. The safety of our friends, though, and of the audience, is most important, and the stay-at-home orders that soon followed only confirmed the earlier decision.

As we approach summer, and our planned upcoming season, several things are still apparent. While some parts of the country are beginning to open back up, and Illinois is sure to follow, there is much uncertainty about COVID-19 and its continued impact. The United States, as I write this, is quickly approaching 100,000 tragic deaths, all within just a few short months, and new positive cases in Illinois are still averaging over 2,000 per day. Social distancing guidelines are almost certain to continue, and businesses and social organizations are going to have to adapt to new world of restrictions, changing social norms, and challenges. Many of us, or the people we care about, are especially vulnerable to increased risk with COVID-19. I imagine that there will be false starts, retreating, and repeated successes and failures around finding the new normal.

Where does this leave a tiny, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization like Latitude 41? For the past eight years, we have been entirely self-funded through ticket sales and direct donations from our patrons. We have liked this system, as it meant our primary stakeholders have always been the audiences we serve. However, without outside funding sources, we are very dependent on having an audience to continue the expensive task of producing live theater. COVID-19 has made this an ongoing challenge.

So at this time, Latitude is taking an intermission. Our upcoming season is canceled. We fully intend to return as soon as we can for “Act Two”, and continue to present powerful, engaging, and polished performances for our local audiences. We live and breathe live theater, and we want to get back to making it, but we are going to take a pause, refresh ourselves, stay as safe and healthy as possible, and return energized and welcoming to a community hungry for entertainment, intellectual nourishment, and the communal experience of live performance. We can’t wait to see you again soon. A special thank you to the great venues we have worked so closely with, Bicentennial Park Theater and the Morris Theatre Guild—we look forward to working with you again very soon.

We will be spending our intermission planning, researching, and trying to stay engaged with you all. I am also excited to share that Shane Tierney is stepping up to take on the role of President of Latitude 41, and that Stephanie Maldonado is becoming Vice-President. I am remaining on the Board of Directors, and can’t wait to support this new leadership and Latitude 41’s continued success in bringing outstanding theater to the southwest suburban community. Thank you for an amazing Act One run of productions! Be on the lookout for announcements of upcoming events and activities. We look forward to seeing you all again soon for Act Two.

Theatrically yours,

Al Pindell 🎭

05/08/2020

Latitude 41 is saddened to hear that Lat41 alum and friend Chris Dodge has passed away. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this sudden, unexpected event. Chris, pictured here on the right, memorably portrayed the hapless Charlie Brown-esque everyman in our 2016 production of DOG SEES GOD. We will miss you, Chris. ❤️

03/15/2020

Curtain Call Theatre cares about the safety and wellness of our audience members, volunteers, production team, and performers above all else.

DEATHTRAP auditions scheduled for March 18 & 19 are postponed and will be rescheduled. Please check our website and our page for updates.

Thank you so much for your understanding and we hope you stay healthy.

Curtain Call Board of Directors — at Curtain Call Theatre.

03/15/2020

Dear patrons and supporters of Latitude 41,

It is with deep regret that we must announce the postponement of our upcoming production of YANKEE TAVERN. The safety and health of our cast, crew, and audiences is important to us, and in this rapidly changing situation, we feel the best course of action is to take this difficult step. We would like to thank the cast and production team for the hard work, keen enthusiasm, and excellent artistry that they have already committed to this show. Our intention is to find new dates to present this thought-provoking play, and we will work with the production team and or partner venue to explore our options.

Our season subscribers will have the option to substitute this show for an upcoming production or to receive a refund for this portion of their season pass. Patrons who have already purchased tickets will likewise be given the option of a refund or credit to another show.

At this time, we are planning to move forward with our next production of DOUBT, scheduled for performances in July at the Morris Theatre Guild Playhouse, in Morris, IL, with auditions in May. We hope that circumstances will allow everyone the opportunity to experience again the power, passion, and artistry of live theater.

We wish you all good health, companionship—however distant, and as smooth a path as possible in these challenging times.

Thank you again for your past and continued patronage.

Warmly,

Al Pindell
President, Latitude 41

03/10/2020

Latitude 41 is going to be introducing the cast of Yankee Tavern with weekly Facebook posts. First up is Mark Serratore.

Mark (Adam) graduated from Lewis University in 2010 with a bachelor’s in Radio/TV Broadcasting. He then spent the next six years searching for the right job, trying his hand at radio sales at 97.1 The Drive, working at an ad agency, and spending three seasons in minor league baseball doing marketing for teams in Port Charlotte, FL, Omaha, NE, and York, PA.

Upon returning home to the Chicagoland area, he did video work for the Joliet Slammers and currently works in the marketing department of a local municipality. He has been a member of Toastmasters for the last two and a half years and has twice made it to the third round of the International Speech Competition. He is a lover of baseball (go Sox!), classic rock, the original Star Wars trilogy, and pub trivia. His most recent accomplishments include completing his journey to see all 30 MLB ballparks and purchasing his first house. He currently resides in Shorewood.

Mark’s theatre background consists of behind the scenes work with his high school program. His only foray onto the stage was being the puppeteer of Audrey II, the man-eating plant in his high school production of Little Shop of Horrors.

02/29/2020

Did you know you can support Latitude 41, just by shopping on Amazon!!!???

Here is how:

1.) Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser.

2.) From your desktop, go to Your Account from the navigation at the top of any page, and then select the option to Change your Charity. Or, from your mobile browser, select Change your Charity from the options at the bottom of the page.

3.) Search for Latitude 41 in the list of organizations.

4.) Select Latitude 41 from the list and shop away!!!

Please note that in order for Latitude 41 to benefit from your generosity, you must shop from smile.amazon.com!

Thank you for your support!

01/23/2020

We are excited to announce Latitude 41 Theater's cast for our production of Yankee Tavern!

Ray- R. Scott Purdy
Palmer- James Oberg
Adam- Mark Serratore
Janet- Amaria Von Dran

Thank you to everyone who attended auditions!