Dale Calandra (1954-2025)
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Dale Calandra passed away on January 11 at the age of 70. An actor, director and master teacher, Dale founded Center Theater Ensemble (CTE), was the Creative Director of The Training Center for 20 years, and was the Artistic Director of Oak Park Festival Theatre (OPFT) for 12 years. At CTE, he had an early hit with his musical sci-fi adaptation, LYSISTRATA 2411 A.D. (with music by the late Don Coates), which CTE revived twice. Additional directing achievements at CTE included THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO, THE SCARECROW, PETER PAN (done in a storefront with a 10 foot ceiling and no wires), and the rarely produced ARCHY & MEHITABEL. At OPFT, Dale directed his own adaptation of THE ADVENTURES OF DON QUIXOTE, along with HAMLET, TWELFTH NIGHT, TAMING OF THE SHREW and many others. Another highlight was directing Next Theatre’s production of CIRCUS OF DR. LAO, a one-man show starring Tom Mula, which was adapted by Dale and Tom. In all, Dale directed more than 100 productions, including The Artistic Home’s highly acclaimed production of SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH.
As an actor, Dale received a Best Actor Jeff Nomination for his work as Charlie in THE WHALE at Victory Gardens, and he understudied and performed the role of Edna in the first national tour of HAIRSPRAY. Other favorite roles included Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Goodman, Allen Ginsberg in THE CHICAGO CONSPIRACY TRIAL at Remains Theatre, Clarence in RICHARD III at OPFT, Louis in the original PATENT LEATHER SHOES… at the Forum Theatre, and Donalbain in KABUKI MACBETH at Wisdom Bridge. Over his lifetime, Dale performed more than 200 roles, including in film and television. And his creation/alter-ego, Aunt Lola Cabana, was known for throwing legendary Tupperware parties. Additionally, Dale was a long-time acting and make-up teacher at The Training Center and Columbia College, as well as through private sessions. He mentored actors and directors throughout his long career, and was known for his coaching, cheerleading, tough love and joy in the process. As he liked to say, “Show business is my life.” After attending high school in Oak Park and River Forest, Dale received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. He is survived by his sister, Denise Calandra Hylton (Randy), six nieces and nephews, and 14 great nieces and nephews. Per Tom Mula — “Dale was a magical performer. He was a sensitive, ingenious and imaginative director. He was a skilled makeup artist, a wonderful cook, and an inspired and inspiring teacher and coach. But everyone who knew him talked most about his generosity — the laughter and the love he shared with everyone. I join many, many people in saying, my life was enriched because Dale Calandra was my friend.” |