Tributes to Richard Christiansen

William Petersen, Victory Gardens Artistic Associate

"There isn’t any of us from the 70s and 80s (then-struggling actors in Chicago), those of us now with international careers, who wasn’t affected by Richard." Read More

BJ Jones, Artistic Director of Northlight Theatre

"He is a colleague, a supporter, a friend. And I am hard pressed to point out the line between our work and his, where we end and he begins." Read More

Lawrence DeVine, a three-time Pulitzer Prize juror and former chairman of the American Theater Critics Association, retired from the Detroit Free Press

"Richard knew Dennis Franz, for instance, when he had hair and used his whole name.  He knew Dennis Farina when he was a cop.   He knew everybody!  And, here is what is important, he recognized them for what they were." Read More

Michael Billington, Theatre Critic for The Guardian, London

“I can't honestly remember..who said to me that the Chicago theatrical renaissance was largely due to Richard's dedication and commitment to new companies and writers.”
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Matt Wolf, London theatre critic, The International Herald Tribune

"It's not often that the word "critic" prompts a theater professional to respond with delight, but then Richard Christiansen is no ordinary critic." Read More

PJ Powers, Artistic Director TimeLine Theatre Company

“Richard Christiansen is not only the godfather of Chicago Theatre, but he’s also the kindest gentleman of Chicago Theatre.” Read More

Jeffrey Sweet, Victory Gardens Playwrights Ensemble Member

"Paul Sills and Richard Christiansen are the two necessary men in the Chicago theatre renaissance. One more or less invented the Chicago storefront theatre movement, the other shone a light on what was being accomplished there and so helped rally appreciative audiences for it in Chicago and around the world. At a time when theatres are often named after corporations, it's a pleasure to see one named after a great human being."

Kate Buddeke, Ensemble Member American Blues Theater

"His reviews have always been fair, informed and you always knew that there was love for theater in his reviews and articles." Read More

Bill Payne, American Blues Theater

"American Blues Theater would not exist if it weren’t for Richard Christiansen" Read More

Fred Stein, photographer

"I had the extraordinary pleasure of working with Richard at the Daily News, and every assignment I did for him at Panorama showed me something wonderful and insightful about Chicago's arts scene. His warm and enthusiastic mentoring was invaluable. Now Nikki and I have the continuing pleasure of sharing with Richard his caring friendship and many nights at the theater."

John Harrold

"I always enjoyed the writing of Lynn Van Matre, and she was an advocate of Mr. Christiansen, so I became a fan via her. He teaches via his writing."

Doug Brown
Steppenwolf

"Richard: Just left the amazing tribute to you at Victory Gardens. There was so much love and respect shown by all in attendance, most touchingly from those professionals whose careers were in one way or another advanced or even given birth by you. But I suspect there were many like me, just passionate fans of the theater, whose interest was sparked by your insightful and thought-provoking reviews. For this fan, and I'm sure many others, I can honestly say that my own passion for Chicago theater was ignited by your work, which has also changed and added immeasurably to my life. I am forever grateful for that gift."

Paul Barrosse
Practical Theatre Company

"Richard Christiansen made his way to the outskirts of northern Chicago in 1981 to visit our tiny 42-seat storefront theatre on Howard Street -- and all of us who were a part of The Practical Theatre will always be grateful that Richard came, he laughed, and he took our work seriously. He appreciated both the freedom and the challenge of a small group working in a small, non-traditional space. He knew that, housed in the storefronts, basements and rehabbed industrial lofts, was the creative battery driving a theatrical revolution in Chicago. He nurtured the efforts of the PTC -- and many young companies like us."

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