ETA Creative Arts Foundation — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

Plays at the ETA are usually enjoyable at the least, soul touching at its best. We went and saw "If Scrooge was a Brother". This play was neither soul touching or enjoyable. Scrooge is updated to be running several low income housing projects in Chicago. We all know the tale, we see Ebeneezer going through the motions of seeing each ghosts and blah blah blah. What is strange is that in every other remake of this classic, even Bill Murray's interpretation, Scrooge comments on what is taking place before him, he shows regret and empathy. In this version he just stands idly but the past and present take place before him. One interesting change was having the Cratchit daughter be the ghost of Christmas future. She had become a gang banger and blamed Scrooge for it. The Cratchits never blamed anyone, let alone Scrooge for any of their hardships, they were actually thankful for whatever they had. So should we applaud this change, this whining and blaming others for our hardship? Sounds like something a conservative might change the play into, not a Black American. The play was also too long, it went over 2 hours, and there were several audience members who fell asleep, including two who were in our party. Basically the play was too long, not compelling and had a few more songs...

In attempting to book this space, I experienced a lack of professionalism from executive level staff. Phone calls were not returned in a timely manner and after guaranteeing access to the theater on particular dates, those dates were rescinded. This information was not readily communicated but only given after attempting to reach the executive director on several occasions by phone. When the lack of communication and lack of professionalism was brought up in conversation, a defensive tone was taken and customer service was not considered. Our organization was looking into a recurring rental with a contract that would have exceeded over $12,000 for three months. I was highly disappointed as we were attempting to partner with and support one of the few black owned and administrated theaters on...

Absolutely great show about Billie holiday. This place had plenty of parking but would not let the VERY FEW guest park in their parking lot. There was on street parking on the very busy cottage grove. Next to a large embankment hard to climb. Next to a viaduct, train overpass. Not cool at all at night. But, I will be back, the show...