Tesseract likes to put people on its stage

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"The Lutwidge Canvass" will be a staged reading by the Tesseract Theatre Ensemble.

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Updated: April 8, 2011 11:38AM

The TesserAct Theatre Ensemble calls itself "the place where community and performing arts meet." And it certainly lives up to its billing, offering all interested a chance to share the limelight.

"We have a large group of people that continue to audition. If they don't do one show, they'll probably be in the next. At least 20 families are (regularly) involved, " said Tamara Kist-Jackson, of Palatine, who is the founder and artistic director of Tesseract. "Recently we had a family of five, three in the show and one helping backstage, another building a set. We provide a place for people to experience theater, and there's a real depth of knowledge and experience, also terrific musicians. In community theater, everyone brings their skills and gifts."

The not-for-profit ensemble was begun in 1993, and the 2010 season was one of its busiest, with five productions: "All Aboard for Broadway," "The Music Man," "Second Oldest Profession," "Alas! Alack! Zorro's Back!" and "The Christmas Schooner."

"I was burning the candle at both ends!" said Kist-Jackson.

The ensemble had been on hiatus for several years so it was an important season. Ensemble revivial

Palatine's Sharon Carson, TesserAct's Managing Director, was brought on board in 2009, and played a big part in the reviving of the ensemble.

"It was an exhausting year, but helped us re-launch TesserAct, helped us with momentum," said Carson.

She continued: "What's fulfilling for me is allowing people to be creative. But I'm the only one involved in Tesseract that doesn't want to be on stage. I prefer to be in the background in helping to put things on. We had a night out where each of us had to bring their favorite prop, and others had hats or boas -- and I brought a calculator!"

TesserAct is currently partnering with the Barrington Cultural Arts Center (BCAC) Gallery at the Ice House Mall in presenting its "Third Friday... In The Gallery" series.

"We're using a space in back of the gallery," said Kist-Jackson.

The series includes play readings and open mic events. Upcoming plays include: "The Lutwidge Canvass," by David Alex, on April 15; "Button for Nutti," by Marc Ross, on June 17; and "Fingered," by Sue Mrotek, on August 19. All are 7 to 9 p.m. There will be an Open Mic on May 20, with sign-up starting at 6:30 p.m. Recommended age for play attendance and open mic is 14 years and over. Thin Man tribute

"'The Lutwidge Canvass' is a really fun play," said Kist-Jackson. "It centers on Mr. and Mrs. Lutwidge, who are a tribute to Nick and Nora of 'The Thin Man.' It's set in the 40s and there is a mystery to solve about a painting. It is a staged reading, some props and some costuming, but more minimalist."

The play, which features Robb Fanning, Barrington as Mr. Lutwidge, Linda Browne of St. Charles as his wife, is further described as 'zany' and filled with puns, innuendo, mistaken identity, and murder, according to Kist-Jackson.

The growth and recent successes of Tesseract are quite satisfying for Kist-Jackson, who has a degree in music theater, and has acted in, directed and choreographed numerous productions.

Theater has long been an important part of her life, she said. "I auditioned for my first play when I was a freshman in high school, for "The Music Man" at Cutting Hall. It was pivotal for me and I had to continue!"

"The Lutwidge Canvass"

7-9 p.m. April 15. TesserAct Theatre Ensemble, Third Fridays. . .In The Gallery, Barrington Cultural Arts Center Gallery at Ice House Mall, 200 Applebee St., Barrington. Tickets are $10. www.tesseractensemble.com. For advance tickets, email tesseracttheatre@yahoo.com or call (847) 845-6706.

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