"I asked him...to say what had happened....where it all began..." -

Pilate - Jesus Christ Superstar

How DID it happen? Where did the HTC begin? Well, the story goes back to 1989. The HTC actually began as the Scottsdale Players. The Scottsdale Players were based at Scottsdale Park on Chicago's southwest side, under the direction of Dennis Dinelli. Dennis had been producing and directing plays for the Chicago Park District for many years. His productions were touted as some of the finest community theater in Chicago. Unfortunately, Dennis was taken from us suddenly after a bout with a long illness. he is deeply missed and special to so many of the HTC core members. Michael Murphy, current and founding member of the company, reminisces about Dennis-

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"He was my mentor-plain and simple. I walked into an outdoor rehearsal, Dennis was conducting and instantly I became enthralled with his teachings. He made an actor out of me and is responsible for me performing on stage. A fact I'm sure many will never forgive him for!!!"

"After Dennis passed suddenly, we not only had to face his loss but we faced the possible loss of our theater program."   

But the group reluctantly moved on in the face of their loss. The group was taken over by current HTC Artistic Director, Lauren Polenske.

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"When I was asked to take over the reins of the Scottsdale group, I was reluctant because I was living on the north side of the city and had to commute to Scottsdale about an hour and a half, but I had worked with Dennis and knew he had some talented performers and I welcomed the new challenge".

Little did Lauren know what she was getting into! The group was anxious to perform again and wanted to get started on their next project. Polenske went out on a limb with the groups next effort-the Moliere' farce-The Imaginary Invalid. It was a success for the group and Lauren has never looked back. But Scottsdale did not have one thing that the group desperately needed-a dedicated performance space. So the program was moved to Hale Park Auditorium in the Nathan Hale School at 6140 S. Melvina in Chicago. Thus, was born The Hale Theatre Company!
The groups first effort in their new home was also their first musical! Leslie Bricusses' musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol-"SCROOGE". "SCROOGE" was a huge success and incorporated the Hale Childrens Theater ensemble as well.

Several success have followed over the years. In its varied and checkered past the HTC has come a long way. It has put "wheels" on itself performing at various outlets all over the city including Pasteur and Rainey Parks and Chicagos' Theater on the Lake.  The group now performs in their home at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd Street in Chicago, Illinois 60638 in the beautiful Clearing / Garfield Ridge neighborhood,  and will continue to present entertaining efforts throughout the year! In 2021, the company celebrating its 30th anniversary season!

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