Where have all the bookstores gone?

[rating=5]Over the years, we have seen bookstores cease operation. The biggies like Noble, Kroch & Brentano and the like are gone from the strip malls, being replaced by “Kindle” and Amazon. As a youth, I loved walking through a bookstore and finding both new and used books that were about theater. I recall buying a copy of Cyrano De Bergerac at a bookstore on Wabash Avenue when I was a student at Goodman Theatre School of Drama ( back when they were part of The Art Institute) and that book was still in my possession when I unpacked at our new home, thus I have had the book since 1961. WOW!

Wouldn’t it be great to have a shop that had tons of books about theater and the arts? That must have been on the minds of two theater buffs local to the Chicago scene. Adam Crawford and Danny Fender. Being theater workers and performers, they knew that there was a need for teachers, actors, theater buffs and anyone who loves the theater to be able to find scripts, and anthologies and at the same time, enjoy a cup of whatever they enjoy and perhaps a little something sweet to eat.

Andersonville was the logical place to open such a shop as the area has a great number of theater people living there. This makes for a local audience, but being close to some of the area theaters means that theater people will come to dine before a show and find them as well. They were able to secure a corner spot at 5531 N. Clark Street and there are nice windows allowing those who enter to see the street and have plenty of natural light. It is not only a coffee shop and book store but has been designed for play readings, group meetings, and as it has many area actors, directors, costumers, props and designers, a place to meet and discuss projects.

Frank and I have a TV show that we do for Comcast each month called “Keeping You In Da Loop” which can also be found on YOUTUBE, so with this new shop, and no actual studio to shoot from, we opted to meet the owners and find out more as well as give the viewers an opportunity to see something special and a reason to visit Chicago.

I was shocked to arrive on a Monday at 4 p.m. to find a packed shop. Where did all the people come from? I have always heard that if you build something that people want, they will find you- and that is the case with this unique specialized book store, that is more than a book store. The shoppers were a mix of young and old, with some local actors that I have reviewed stopping by to say “hello”. They have T-Shirts and caps, coffee mugs and of course book bags with their logo.

They have comfy sitting areas and tables in the “dining area”. It looks like when the warm weather comes, they will add some outside seating. The name, Understudy, is one of great importance to an actor. Being in that position myself years ago, I know the feeling of always having to be prepared but never knowing if or when you might go on. The definition of understudy is “a backup or alternate for another actor in a play”. The understudy in reality has the back for the actor playing that role. If something happens where that actor cannot go on, the understudy takes over. Last night’s opening of “Into The Woods” had that occur. You can read my review at “Into The Woods”/THEATER.

If you are seeking a book that is theater or art related, visit this marvelous specialty shop in Chicago. The coffee is very good and next visit I think I will sample their pastries. I hope one day to wear one of their caps on the radio so I can remind my listeners ( WCPT820 every Sunday 2-3 p.m.) that this special place for theater buffs exists! The official name is Understudy Coffee and Books. They are open 7 a.m. til 7 p.m.. They are all about fostering discovery, community and collaboration every day. Congrats Adam and Danny.

Again, they are located at 5531 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The phone number is 872-806-0670 and their website  www.theunderstudy.com