Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. will cease operations at the end of the 2015–16 season, the company announced today. Faced with the loss of Angel Island, its longtime Lakeview home, due to redevelopment plans, artistic director Rich Cotovsky has decided to make Mary-Arrchie's 30th season its last.
"I thought it was best to end on a clean note," Cotovsky said in a phone interview this morning. "Given the circumstances, to find a new space, build a new theater or just rent from other people…It's just a crossroads. We've managed to make it this far; why end falling on our face? We'll try to finish with a bang and shut the door."
The 104-year-old, two-story building at Sheridan Ave and Broadway that houses Angel Island is one of several slated for demolition to make way for a seven-story development. The nearby Strawdog Theatre Company will also be displaced by the new construction plans, but intends to find a new home. Mary-Arrchie will complete a four-show final season, to open in September with Guardians by Peter Morris; the three other shows will be announced at a later date.
Cotovsky also intends to stage a 28th annual—and last—installment of the always eclectic Abbie Hoffman Died for Your Sins Festival next August, though he's expecting Mary-Arrchie will be forced out of Angel Island before then. "We could take the fest somewhere else, just so we have the benefit of deciding this will be the last fest. We'll find a place to do it."