This Month:
Madeline Franklin
“Passionate” is easily the first word one would use to describe Madeline Franklin, the Artistic Director of Palatine's Fremont Street Theater Company. Other words may include Educator, Entertainer, and Artistic Advocate. I had the distinct privilege of first connecting with this fiery woman when she attended a production I was cast in this past Spring (BNT'S “Hair”). From the first moment we met, I knew Franklin loved the Theatre & everything it has the possibility of doing. Our conversation, though brief, was intricate, filled with the discussion of emotional connectivity between what character & spectator encounter through our experiential duality within the piece. I know, right?? The intricacies we discussed convinced me that I must find a way to reconnect. Well, a few months later, this blog came into existence, providing the opportunity I'd been looking for. If I wanted to get closer, what better way than reviewing a production? So, we made arrangements for me to review Fremont Street's recent production of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying", Directed by Franklin & produced at the Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center in Palatine. Unfortunately, after a plethora of scheduling & life mishaps, we were kept separated & my review went unwritten. Fortunately, one would also use the word “Understanding” when describing Madeline who arranged time to hold a great phone conversation about her story, the Fremont Street story and what the future means for them both.
Franklin, an artistic “Jill-Of-All-Trades” has worked as director, manager, producer, actor, singer, and dancer for many years. All of her greatest skill came together in 2010 when she took over the reigns of the Long Grove Performing Arts Academy, whose continuing mission has been dedicated to “fostering artistic talent in a safe, supportive environment.”
Madeline's love for the Performing Arts & Education really shine through her connections: Harper College, Holy Family Catholic Academy, Theatre Nebula, and, most prevalent, Fremont Street Theatre Company as its Artistic Director. Though Fremont Street is a relatively young company, founded in 2011 by attorney Elroy “Sandy” Sandquist & his wife, Colleen, its heart-wrenching story is nothing short of amazing. From day one, the company has made it their continuing mission “to enrich, educate, and entertain the community through the experience of exceptional live theater”. With a talented, driven community & the impeccable direction style of Franklin on board, the team embarked upon their first project: The 2012 production of Cole Porter classic, “Anything Goes”. From that moment, it was clear that Fremont Street was here to 'make waves'.
FREMONT STREET PRODUCTION ARTWORK
After the success of “Anything Goes”, The Company went on to produce three more productions: 2013's “The Drowsy Chaperone”, 2014's “Crazy For You” & this year's “How To Succeed...”. Among the overall success of Fremont Street, a dynamically tragic shift occurred:
From the March 16th Press Release: “... local attorney Elroy “Sandy” Sandquist, who founded Fremont Street Theater Company in 2011 with his wife, Colleen,....succumbed to cancer suddenly in July 2013 shortly before the company’s second production, The Drowsy Chaperone, opened. Colleen saw to it that the “show went on,” as her husband was fond of saying, and then continued to lead the organization through a very successful 2014 production of Crazy for You.”
While chatting, she recounted a moment between she & “Sandy” before his passing. Her words, careful yet humbled:
“I went to the hospital to visit Sandy...
and I said 'What do you want me to do?'...
and he looked me in the eyes & said,
'The show must go on... if there's anyone
that can get those troops in line, it's you.'”
After the completion of 2014's “Crazy For You”, Colleen Sandquist approached Franklin with the idea of taking over Fremont Street. She had, at this point, directed every year since the inception & brought an amazing skill set to the stage, rivaled by some of Chicago's Equity Elite.
“When Colleen approached Rusty and I last fall about
taking over the company, we were both honored and thrilled,”
With the legacy she's helped to create, it's easy to see why Franklin would be so passionate.
2014 - Winner of Broadway World Chicago -
Best Costume Design (Resident Non-Equity):
Patty Halajian & Jean Rebeka - Crazy for You
2014 - Nominated for Broadway World Chicago -
Best Actor in a Musical (Resident Non-Equity):
Brett Baleskie - Crazy for You
2014 - Nominated for Broadway World Chicago -
Best Choreography (Resident Non-Equity):
Dina DiCostanzo - Crazy for You
2013 - Nominated for Broadway World Chicago -
Best Choreography (Resident Non-Equity):
Dina DiCostanzo - The Drowsy Chaperone
2013 - Nominated for Broadway World Chicago -
Best Costume Design (Resident Non-Equity):
Patty Halajian & Jean Rebeka - The Drowsy Chaperone
Her pride in his trust seems to ignite the flames of Artistic Integrity as, from that moment on, Madeline, along with her husband Rusty and their partner, Rick Browne maintained Fremont Street's “Broadway-Style” One Show Season and a barrage of Broadway World accolades in tow.
So, what's next for Madeline Franklin? The 'Always Busy Director' is “--Always Busy! “I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be directing Elgin Theatre Company's “M*A*S*H”, which auditions Sunday, October 18, from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. & Monday, October 19, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Auditions will be held at First United Methodist Church: 216 E. Highland Avenue, Elgin, 60120. I'm also excited to announce that I'll be directing "Arsenic and Old Lace" for Theatre D in Deerfield, IL. Auditions are in December with Production Dates Friday, March 11th - Sunday, March 20th.”
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LONG GROVE
PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY:
www.lgartsacademy.com
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
FREMONT STREET THEATER COMPANY:
www.fremontstreettheater.com