TV Academy Member News -

If you have any member news to add to the site, please email us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it and we would happy to post your announcement.

JON KAPLAN

Jon Kaplan is a 4-time Emmy Winner, a 2-time Writers Guild of America national award winner, as well as a news writer and the producer of Richard Roeper's movie reviews for CBS 2 Chicago.  He's pleased to let other NATAS members know about the public reading of a new play that he's written.

The play is entitled, "191: THE HACK WILSON STORY."   It's the story of former Chicago Cubs baseball star, Hack Wilson.  Hack was the Sammy Sosa of his day.  2005 will be the 75th anniversary of the legendary records set by Hack.  But as famous as he was for his hitting, Hack was even more infamous for his drinking.  This play is about more than just baseball.  It's a cautionary tale about the quest for fame and fortune, and about the sacrifices made to achieve them.  It's the story of one man's addiction and obsession, and his desire to achieve the American dream, through the national pastime, no matter the cost to personal relationships.  Hack Wilson rose from poverty, to achieve prosperity and celebrity, only to end his life in obscurity.  Like Sammy, he wore out his welcome. The consequences of his life still resonate, even today.

The public reading will be held at the Bailiwick Theatre, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. (4½ block walk or short #77 bus ride, west of the Belmont Red Line stop), on Saturday, Feb. 12, 4pm.  Bailiwick Repertory produces diverse works, ranging from classics to cutting edge. Since it's founding in 1982, Bailiwick Repertory's diverse productions have been honored with more than 150 Citations, Nominations, and Recommendations from the Jeff Committee, a local theater body that hands out awards that are considered the Chicago version of the Tonys, for theatrical excellence.