Tony Courier ( -2024)
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Managing Director and dedicated Board Member of the famed ShawChicago Theater Company has passed away. Courier served ShawChicago faithfully from 2002 until his retirement in June 2018, working alongside artistic director Robert Scogin for over 15 years and an instrumental force in the company becoming a resident company at Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts.
ShawChicago was originally formed in 1994 as a project through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs (now the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) to celebrate the playwright and his contemporaries’ work. They became resident at the Ruth Page Center in 2003, and disbanded in 2019. George Bernard Shaw is considered England’s second greatest playwright – after Shakespeare – and his writings address prevailing social issues, like government, health care, class privilege, religion, education and marriage thru a vein of comedy that makes the exploration more accessible to audiences. ShawChicago was a “readers theater” which staged readings of Shaw’s plays, where actors perform facing the audience with music stands holding the script. Production values are minimal—there are some costumes and music and sound cues, but no sets or elaborate lighting. During Courier’s tenure as Managing Director, ShawChicago was involved with untold readings of Shaw’s work and many symposiums on the playwright, as well as concert readings of his One Act plays. ShawChicago had no bigger champion than Courier – who was known for his passionate support of Shaw’s work: “Shaw is hard to sell to start out with.” Courier is quoted as saying. “I would get a phone call and they would say ‘I understand you’re a readers’ theater. Is that right?’ And I would say ‘yes.’ And they would say ‘Why would I want to come and see somebody read to me?’ And I would say, ‘Give it a shot. If you don’t like it, I will give you your money back.' And I never in all those years ever had to give any money back." Courier also worked as Programming Consultant at Northeastern Illinois University. The Ruth Page Center for the Arts offered this kind remembrance: “No matter our businesses’ challenges, Tony taught us the importance of camaraderie and compassion. He was a beacon of positivity (unless it was noisy during a performance!), and his dedication, thoughtfulness, and kindness made our workplace feel like a second home. Tony was uniquely able to lift anyone’s spirits. And while heartbroken at his departure, we, and all who knew him, will cherish the countless memories and laughs we shared. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed.” With thanks to The Chicago Reader for added content. |