Cue the lights, Call the Curtain, It's Showtime…read more
Looking for a showcase of local talent, fun, and big city theater with the small town charm? Look no further then Engle Lane Theatre in Streator, Illinois.
Nestled down a private lane in the midst of cornfields, Engle Lane Theatre is operated by the Community Players of Streator, a group of individuals who care deeply about bringing the chance to act and promote the performing arts through a yearly season running from May to October. Each season consists of a mixture of drama, comedy, musical, and a youth production. It should be noted that all the actors, stage crew, directors, etc., are all local to the area.
The theater is outfitted complete with a box office and lobby area, auditorium, a full stage with full light and sound capabilities and an orchestra pit. In their comittment to get as many people to attend the theater as possible, the theater also offers devices for the hearing assisted. Backstage there is a set design room, a prop room, a rehearsal and dance hall, male and female dressing rooms, a make up room, and the always famous green room where actors can chill while awaiting their time on stage. To help promote local arts even further, the hallways near the restrooms are used to display photography and art of local artists.
While I was home for a few weeks and in my quest to promote local businesses, I decided to take in a show. Unfortunately the night I wanted to attend, I found the show had been sold out. Luckily, I found out that I could have my name placed on a wait list for any reserved tickets that were not picked up. This worked well since I was able to visit with people I hadn't seen since I moved and catch up while waiting.....fate was on my side, and I was informed they would have available seating that night. The show I was seeing that evening was Hairspray.
After a brief, humorous welcoming by the director, the lights dimmed and the show began. If you have ever seen the production previously live or in the movie remakes, the cast hit it perfectly in portraying each character. The live orchestra kept the music flowing and never missed a note. From previously being in production work, I know it takes a full team to make the presentation, and not to take away from any other actors talent, but I have to give an A+ extra effort to the lady who was cast as Tracy Turnblad -- it was truly a mirrored image of previous versions I have seen. The show was capped off with a surprise spraying of confetti into the audience following the casting call and encore of "You Can't Stop the Beat".
Now before I continue on with this next part, it should be noted that Engle Lane kind of holds a small place in my life, throughout high school I was involved in our drama club which held a spring production here each year and I also volunteered on the production team for Engle Lane for two productions after school.
In 2010, Engle Lane had it's season ripped away unexpectedly and almost ceased to exist. On the night of June 5, 2010, the theater was one of the first buildings damaged when the town was hit by a tornado. I just happened to be with the fire department that evening and upon pulling up, I witnessed a place that held some great memories being nothing more then a pile of bricks, debris and a skelatal frame. That was the last time I saw Engle Lane prior to moving out of Illinois. Through a lot of hours of volunteering, planning, and folks coming together, the theater was rebuilt, refurbished and in position to host it's 2011 season.
Following the show, a few of the cast members and director were kind enough to take me on a tour and show me the rebuilt theater. It was kind of strange standing on the stage, looking out and not seeing steel beams and the star lit sky as what was in my last memory.
The theater is now a trophy and beacon of not only local acting and performing arts talent, but also a showcase to what can be accomplished when local folks, hard work and community support all come together. Engle Lane definately has some of "The Nicest Kids in Town".
