Production manager Cody Westgaard (left) and marketing manager Audra Sybert go through the production wardrobes for Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Noble Fool Theatricals is located in a theater building with a striking facade at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. gus stuertze / special to the sun

ST. CHARLES SUN - June 20, 2007

Noble Fool Theatricals
Troupe handles busy production slate at Pheasant Run

"There's No Business Like Show Business," wrote Irving Berlin for the 1946 musical, Annie Get Your Gun. Like no business I know, I thought as I talked with John Gawlik, artistic director at Noble Fool Theatricals. Gawlik broke into show business doing stand-up and improv comedy.

"Mostly improv," he said. "I only did stand-up a couple of times." Pretending to be speaking into a mike, he thumped lightly on his fist, "Is this thing on? Anybody out there? Then I started acting, directing." A year and half ago he became Noble Fool's artistic director, responsible for the Main Stage, Studio Theatre and Performing Arts Academy at Pheasant Run Resort.

Noble Fool Theatricals took over show productions at Pheasant Run in 2003. "We've tripled our productions in three years," said Gawlik. "On any Saturday night there are as many as six performances here. You won't find more shows in the area unless you drive downtown. We're the only equity actors' group beyond Oak Brook. And all the design teams come from Chicago."

Pheasant Run on a Saturday night is indeed a busy, happening place, as I learned when I attended a performance of The Musical of Musicals: The Musical . The show had me smiling and laughing from start to finish. Pheasant Run's premiere of this Off-Broadway smash has broken all their box office records. Using the timeless, simple story line, "I can't pay the rent; you must pay the rent," four very talented actors intertwine 60 years of Broadway musicals into one entertaining performance. Due to demand, the show has been extended through July 21. Tickets are $27 Thursday; $37 Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In 2001 the $4.5 million renovation of the former dinner theatre was completed. No more crooked necks now! All 320 comfortable, theatre style seats offer a great view. Although the main theater at Pheasant Run draws patrons from all around, many locals still think of it as a dinner theatre, said Audra Sybert, marketing director.

Gawlik also oversees the Noble Fool's education program. In partnership with the St. Charles Park District, NFT's Performing Arts Academy offers students of all ages training in voice, diction, movement and improv in a supportive environment. As the educational programs are many, varied and ongoing, see the NFT Web site: noblefool.org for those details as well as current and upcoming attractions.

Gawlik said theater training promotes personal confidence and helps people overcome shyness and become better public speakers. One educational program offered teaches the art of auditioning. "The audition starts the minute you walk in the door," said Gawlik. "You usually get cast in the first 15 seconds. Or not."

There's no business like show business.