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WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Theo Ubique definitions
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre Old Logo Theo logo

Theo Ubique Theatre was started by Co-Founder Fred Anzevino in 1997 as a non-equity itinerant storefront theatre. Theo was incorporated as Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in 2004.  In 2022, Theo Ubique refreshed its moniker and is now known as Theo. Theo represents a truly unique artistic experience. Using a single proper noun creates strength through simplicity and allow us to assume a persona and personality that transcends a business entity, building, or group of people.  

This logo presenting the E in negative space is a device used to introduce our patrons, supporters, and the community at large to some of our core values.  

At Theo, E is at the center of everything. 

  • Theo represents an Elevated theatre-going Experience for all to Enjoy. 
  • Theo is a place Everyone should feel welcome and Everyone is represented.  
  • Equity, Equality, and Inclusion are at the forefront of our mission and message. 
  • We are Earnest, Energetic, and Eclectic. 
  • Our shows put our audience at the center of the action. The only thing missing is you. Your presence completes the show. Your patronage, your gifts, and your love of the arts complete our mission. 
  • It is up to us all to ensure Theo’s mission is made complete. What will you bring to the Experience? What is your E

WHERE WE CAME FROM

Inspiration

Theo was originally started by Co-Founder Fred Anzevino as a non-equity itinerant storefront theatre under the name Theo Ubique Theatre. Theo’s essence was influenced by his father’s involvement in the nightclub business and his heritage as an Italian American. The nightclubs provided quality music, food, and instilled a sense of celebration and community. Theo was founded as an extension of these values: a retreat where people from various backgrounds could gather together and celebrate through the mutual enjoyment of Theatre, Music, Art, Cuisine, and Spirits. Theo has sought to not only examine the human condition onstage but also to uplift the spirits of all who enter our shared space.

No Exit Cafe

In 2004, Theo was incorporated as Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, launching a 14-year track record of Jeff-nominated and award-winning musical theatre productions at the No Exit Café. No Exit Café was one of the oldest political arts cafés in the country, where artists of all stripes would share their artistic talents through music, performance, food, and drink. Our first production there was an intimate revue of Kurt Weill songs, which critiqued social issues through the tools of music and satire, making his works a perfect fit for Theo and the No Exit.

Highlights

Theo has also highlighted other composers such as Jacques Brel, Marvin Hamlish, Harold Arlen, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Jule Styne, Anthony Newley & Leslie Bricusse, Patsy Cline and Cole Porter in our cabaret revues. We have also presented the works of Illinois storytellers and poets: Carl Sandburg’s The People, Yes!, Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology, and Studs Terkel’s Working. Most notably have been our highly successful and critically-acclaimed musicals: Cabaret, Evita, Chess, Light in the Piazza, Passion, Rent, Sweeney Todd, The Bridges of Madison County and more. Theo strives to reimagine popular Broadway titles such as these with reduced casting and orchestration for a more intimate presentation; focusing on storytelling, lyrics, and music.

Present Day

Most recently, Theo was selected by the city of Evanston to be the Resident Theatre Company at a new permanent performance space on Howard Street. The move to this new venue was completed in 2018. We are thankful to the city of Evanston for this opportunity, grateful to our long-term supporters that made it all possible, unendingly appreciative of our talented artists, and we look forward to growing our family of supporters into the future.

What Audiences Are Saying

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