1979 Cherie Freese Krantzler

The last 30+ years have been a wonderful journey. After graduating from Point Park, I worked in NYC and Chicago in the business world for a few years.

Chicago may be a big town, but it all comes down to who you know! I worked for the Goodman, Steppenwolf, University of Chicago and the very popular dinner and regional theaters. I cut and stitched all types of period and modern costumes. I also worked for Chicago Scenic Studios and a friend and I managed and ran the “soft goods” department. We sewed HUGE theatrical drapes and all manner of oddball costumes and pieces, such as 15 Capt’n Crunch outfits, and several versions of “Audrey” (the man eating plant). This led us into working for the movies and television. Our shop worked on many of the costumes for “The Last Leaf”, “A League of Their Own”, “Hudsucker’s Proxy”, “Baby’s Day Out”, “Dennis the Menace” and others.

I continued to work side jobs on weekends or as time permitted for over 20 years while Dan and I raised our two great children, Jesse, 23 and Leah, 20. I also got a job teaching in my local school district and spent several years teaching 6^th grade speech and drama. I was thrilled to introduce many of them to the history of theater and all areas of production. I continue to teach 6^th grade.

The last few summers have been really fun as I have been lucky enough to have worked on “The Express”, “Batman, The Dark Knight” (yes, I even patched Heath Ledger’s pants) and “Public Enemies”. This summer I am working on a TV show (Ride Along) starring Jennifer Beals. She is playing Chicago’s first woman Chief of Police.

I would like to offer a very special THANKS to Mary M. Turner for nurturing a small ability to sew in the costume shop and making me realize that it could turn into something big! Also, THANKS to all my classmates and the bonds we formed as the playhouse crumbled around us. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey!!