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Local director wins Chicago theater prize

‘Chess’ production snags 7 of 8 awards

By Jessica Fryman

jfryman@kenoshanews.com

First-time theater director Brenda Didier thought her production of “Chess” might pick up a few honors at the Jeff Awards last week.

But when the show was selected for seven of its eight nominations in the prestigious Chicago theater contest, the Kenosha resident called it “shocking.”

“I closed my eyes and went, ‘What just happened?’”

Didier was recognized for her roles as co-director and choreographer of the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s production of “Chess,” which is centered around a chess game between an American and a Russian that ultimately imitates life.

The choreography award marks Didier’s third consecutive honor in that category.

Although she had won for choreography in the past, Didier said she was surprised to take home that honor this year. “Chess” is an actor-driven show, so it was unusual for the production to win for choreography, she said.

If choreographing the show wasn’t a difficult task enough, Didier took her dance-directing to a new level — the whole show.

The show’s co-director Fred Anzevino asked Didier to help direct “Chess” because he had an inkling her skills could be expanded beyond dance after working with her on another Jeff Award-winner, “Evita.”

“She’s more than a choreographer. She’s a psychologist, teacher and parent,” Anzevino said. “It makes her really in touch with being a good director.”

Didier said she hopes her new-found love for directing will lead her to a new path in her career. Although jobs have just come to her in the past, Didier is sending out her resume for the first time in hopes of once again expanding her horizons.

“I’m just going to send it everywhere,” said Didier, who hopes to make it to Broadway eventually. “We’ll see where the path takes me next.”

With her credentials, she’ll likely go far.

“Brenda has quite a name for herself in the musical theater scene in Chicago,” Anzevino said. “I had heard about her before I met her. She’s one of the most creative people I’ve ever met in my whole life. She’s got it going on.”