[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF THE BIOGRAPH THEATER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of The 
Biograph Theater, recently acquired by the Victory Gardens Theater, and 
located in the vibrant and multicultural neighborhood of Lincoln Park.
  Since 1914 the Biograph Theater has been a symbol of art in a dense 
metropolitan area, and thanks to The Victory Garden Theater, it will 
remain in operation as the new main stage for theater company that has 
been in business since 1974.
  After 90 years as a movie theater, under various owners, in July 
2004, Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater announced it had purchased the 
Biograph for use as a live venue. The theater has been completely 
renovated by architect Daniel P. Coffey, who constructed a large state-
of-the-art stage, with seating for 299 people.
  The Biograph Theater will house a state-of-the-art stage guaranteeing 
the intimacy for which Victory Gardens' performances have become known, 
while providing greatly enhanced technical production capabilities. The 
new theater will have the very latest lighting and sound equipment as 
well as generous wing-space, dressing rooms, and a trap system under 
the stage, allowing for all kinds of theatrical magic.
  In a city with such a rich history in the arts, The Biograph Theater 
is just one more example of thriving theater in the nation's Second 
City.
  Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Arts Caucus I believe 
that it is important to support and recognize The Biograph Theater, 
Victory Gardens Theater and the Arts in Chicago. The Biograph Theater 
is an example of a new breath in an old Chicago landmark. I am proud of 
the storied history of The Biograph Theater and the work that the 
Victory Gardens Theater does and I wish them continued success in the 
coming years.

                          ____________________