Picture the Merle Reskin Theatre. It stands proudly in Chicago’s Loop. A magnificent building it has witnessed a century of drama. From its beginnings as the Blackstone Theatre in 1910 to its current incarnation. The Merle Reskin Theatre boasts a rich history.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Marshall & Fox. This 1325-seat proscenium theatre opened its doors on December 31 1910. The Blackstone Hotel stood next door. Both buildings were named for Timothy Blackstone. His mansion once occupied the site. The theatre’s grand opening featured George Ade’s “U.S. Minister Bedloe”. William H Crane starred in the production. Critics praised both the play and the theatre’s beauty.
Throughout its early years. The Blackstone attracted top performers and playwrights. The Stratford-upon-Avon Players even performed Shakespeare there. The theatre’s stage hosted stars like Ethel Barrymore John Barrymore and Helen Hayes. It was a place of glamour and excitement. A true hub for Chicago’s theatre scene.
The Blackstone also held its own share of social events. A women’s suffrage rally and conference drew 1200 attendees in 1916. It was a place of political action. A cultural landmark. In 1959 it hosted the premiere of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun”. This groundbreaking play later moved to Broadway.
The theatre faced challenges. The Great Depression hit hard. It closed for a period in the 1980s. DePaul University acquired it. Then came a remarkable transformation.
In 1992 a generous gift from Harold and Merle Reskin led to a rebirth. The theatre was renamed in Merle’s honor. Merle herself had been an actress and singer. Her talents and her husband’s generosity ensured the theatre’s survival. It became the home of DePaul’s Theatre School. It continues to host the Chicago Playworks series. A program dedicated to family and young audiences.
The Merle Reskin Theatre stands as a testament. To the power of philanthropy. To the enduring allure of live performance. It continues to bring the magic of theatre to Chicago. A stage for dreams. A legacy for generations.