In the midst of the chaos following the election results, Harmony France, co-founder of Firebrand Theatre, reached out to announce the company’s comeback. Firebrand Theatre was founded in 2016 with a focus on producing feminist-centered musical theater. Their productions included shows like Lizzie, Caroline, or Change, 9 to 5, and Queen of the Mist, showcasing diverse casting and empowering women both on and off the stage.
The pandemic forced Firebrand to pause their productions, with their last show being Always . . . Patsy Cline in 2019. France, who was set to star in Grey Gardens at the time of the shutdown, decided to leave Chicago for Virginia to be closer to family. The hiatus allowed her to reflect on the company’s mission and the challenges of running a nonprofit theater.
France’s commitment to diversity and empowering women in the theater scene remains strong as she plans to revive Firebrand. Despite facing setbacks like losing nonprofit status and organizational changes, France is determined to rebuild the company in a sustainable way. She emphasizes the importance of setting up the infrastructure correctly to avoid burnout and ensure the company’s success.
The return of Firebrand comes at a time when the Chicago musical theater landscape is evolving, with companies like BoHo Theatre closing and others scaling back productions. France acknowledges the challenges ahead but is optimistic about the future of Firebrand. She invites anyone interested in joining the revival to reach out and help reignite the flame of the company.
In other theater news, Joel Hall Dancers and Center recently announced new leadership with William Gill as artistic director and Joseph Pindelski as executive director. The company, known for showcasing Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ performers, has been a cornerstone of dance training in Chicago for 50 years. Founder Joel Hall expressed confidence in the new leadership team, signaling a promising future for the organization.
The arts community in Chicago continues to adapt and thrive despite challenges, with companies like Firebrand Theatre and Joel Hall Dancers leading the way in promoting diversity and innovation. As the city’s cultural scene evolves, these companies serve as beacons of creativity and resilience, inspiring others to embrace change and forge ahead in the world of performing arts.
