Girl Power: Denise McGowan
Denise McGowan obviously loves showbiz. The Chicago native has spent the last 30 years booking acts for nightclubs and working as the entertainment director at Navy Pier. But after a decade spent planning fundraisers and events around the city (and hosting a weekly musical theater open-mic night at Petterino’s), McGowan’s new post—as booker for the just-opened Mayne Stage, formerly the Morse Theatre, in Rogers Park—has her back in the action. Following a $6-million renovation, the theater now boasts a music-hall vibe, a new restaurant, the Act One Café, and an “everything-goes” programming philosophy. McGowan dishes on taking over the Stage...
Tell us a little about the new theater.
- It’s a “wow.” At least that’s what everyone says when they walk in. There’s really nothing like it in Chicago. We can seat about 215-220 and can add capacity up to about 300. We have a nine-foot Steinway, a built-in hydraulic lift and three sound systems—live, studio and broadcast for radio. The stage also has an HD big screen so we have capabilities for A/V, sporting and corporate events. It’s a sophisticated, intimate jewel of a performance space.
What kind of acts can we expect?
- I’d like to start by showcasing some great local acts. There’s such a wealth of talent in Chicago. But, of course, we’ll be bringing in national and touring acts as well. We’ll have pop, R&B, jazz and world music and comedy shows. The venue lends itself to very small theater productions, with maybe one or two people. In 18 months to two years, I’d like this to be known as the place to go to find really great talent without pigeonholing that talent into one category. Every single week the space will take on a different personality, but that’s what makes live performance so exciting.
What are you most excited about for the opening?
- I love seeing people becoming fans of an unknown act. At the open mic night I host, we have a lot of regulars, but then, some nights, a new person gets up, and they’re mesmerizing. You can’t recreate that feeling. I love giving an audience an opportunity to discover, rediscover or simply enjoy a show. I’m also really excited to have my performer friends here. They’ve all loved the room.
What has kept you in show business for so long?
- I’ll admit that I’m old-fashioned and corny, but I think you have to be passionate to be in this business; you have to love it. Entertainers have the opportunity to take people away from their problems, even if it’s for 20 minutes. That’s a gift. Not everybody can make strangers feel great.
Who’s your dream act to book?
- Liza Minnelli... just kidding. But I’ve learned to never say never.
McGowan’s Chicago’s favorites
The Pritzker Military Library, Bice’s outdoor café, chicken pad thai and fresh ginger ale at Big Bowl, Ambra salon for manicures, red velvet cake at Fox & Obel, Adele Dallas Orr, Syndi in the Shop for Women at Bloomie’s, sharing the stage with Beckie Menzie every Monday Night Live at Petterino’s
Tell us a little about the new theater.
- It’s a “wow.” At least that’s what everyone says when they walk in. There’s really nothing like it in Chicago. We can seat about 215-220 and can add capacity up to about 300. We have a nine-foot Steinway, a built-in hydraulic lift and three sound systems—live, studio and broadcast for radio. The stage also has an HD big screen so we have capabilities for A/V, sporting and corporate events. It’s a sophisticated, intimate jewel of a performance space.
What kind of acts can we expect?
- I’d like to start by showcasing some great local acts. There’s such a wealth of talent in Chicago. But, of course, we’ll be bringing in national and touring acts as well. We’ll have pop, R&B, jazz and world music and comedy shows. The venue lends itself to very small theater productions, with maybe one or two people. In 18 months to two years, I’d like this to be known as the place to go to find really great talent without pigeonholing that talent into one category. Every single week the space will take on a different personality, but that’s what makes live performance so exciting.
What are you most excited about for the opening?
- I love seeing people becoming fans of an unknown act. At the open mic night I host, we have a lot of regulars, but then, some nights, a new person gets up, and they’re mesmerizing. You can’t recreate that feeling. I love giving an audience an opportunity to discover, rediscover or simply enjoy a show. I’m also really excited to have my performer friends here. They’ve all loved the room.
What has kept you in show business for so long?
- I’ll admit that I’m old-fashioned and corny, but I think you have to be passionate to be in this business; you have to love it. Entertainers have the opportunity to take people away from their problems, even if it’s for 20 minutes. That’s a gift. Not everybody can make strangers feel great.
Who’s your dream act to book?
- Liza Minnelli... just kidding. But I’ve learned to never say never.
McGowan’s Chicago’s favorites
The Pritzker Military Library, Bice’s outdoor café, chicken pad thai and fresh ginger ale at Big Bowl, Ambra salon for manicures, red velvet cake at Fox & Obel, Adele Dallas Orr, Syndi in the Shop for Women at Bloomie’s, sharing the stage with Beckie Menzie every Monday Night Live at Petterino’s
Chicago Social (June 28, 2010)