Chicago Bids Farewell To Actress Rebekah Ward

Members from all over the Chicago theatre community gathered at Barrelhouse Flat this past weekend to bid "bon voyage" to actress Rebekah Ward . We came from every part of the city, representing various theatre companies, but we all had one thing in common: each and every one of us had done a show and fallen in love with the fiercely gorgeous and charismatic Rebekah. With a diverse body of work like The Kid Thing at About Face Theatre , playing the "Swoosie Kurtz" to my "Jeff Daniels" in Fifth of July at Oak Park Festival Theatre , and her criticially acclaimed and Jeff-nominated performance in Aunt Dan and Lemon with her company BackStage Theatre Company , the fiery beauty has become a staple in Chicago theatre. With an expanding resume of film and TV work, the natural progression for this talented actress is to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles. I caught up with Rebekah at the Barrelhouse over Manhattans and gin and tonics about her time in Chicago and what the future holds for her.

DB: (Danny Bernardo) You've made quite a name for yourself in the Chicago theatre community over the years and now you're branching out into a lot of film and TV. Tell me about your role in Chicago Fire .

RW: (Rebekah Ward) I was part of the pilot as a mother in a car accident with her daughter. It was a pretty intense, 12-hour shoot day, with fake blood, glass, fire and plenty of drama. Halfway through the day, the writers spoke with me about my audition, said they really liked my work and would like to bring me back. I was hopeful, but you never know with these things – and after we (the show) were picked up by NBC, I got a call that they were bringing my daughter and I back for another episode, so it has been great. Everyone involved - from the director and producers to the actors and crew - were absolutely wonderful. I loved every second.

DB: What have been some of your favorite memories doing theatre in Chicago?

RW: I can honestly say my time and shows with BackStage Theatre are my most memorable experiences – Aunt Dan and Lemon was one of the most challenging and haunting stories I've ever had the privilege of telling – and Three Days of Rain is an actor's dream. When we did Waiting for Lefty there was a definite inciting energy that we left the audience with every night and I loved that. But other Off-Stage memories stand out too – like the first audition I had at the Goodman – how I took the el and pulled up right next to their neon marquis and thought "Damn, this is the life". And then honestly? Being a patron at Our Bad Magnet at Mary Arrchie Theatre – that show will forever define for me all that is good in Chicago Theatre.

DB: How would you describe Chicago theatre to industry folks in other cities?

RW: A living, breathing beautiful beast. We constantly test our own boundaries – we don't settle, and we're used to not giving up. It isn't about "pretty" – it is about truthful moments. They can be spoken, danced, sung, painted – we do it all on our stages. I love that this town refuses to be defined and controlled commercially when it comes to our work. That is what keeps us free.

DB: You have tons of LGBT friends and fans and now you're moving to my hometown gayborhood, West Hollywood. I've had a great time sharing a post-show drink with you in Boystown on numerous occasions. What Boystown restaurant or bar is your favorite and why?

RW: I'm gonna go with the Chicago Diner – not because of the drinks, so much – but because of those glorious milkshakes. I'm an ice cream gal... But if anyone wants to buy momma a gin and tonic, she won't complain.

DB: What do you look forward to most about moving to L.A.?

RW: I look forward to the opportunity to do MORE. There are films and television shows that are being written by Chicago writers all the time now – they need us out there to be there voices. And then shows like Friday Night Lights, Madmen – the relationships and artistry are so theatrical – they make me think of Chicago theatre and I want in on that game.

DB: What will you miss most about Chicago and the theatre scene?

RW: More than anything in the world, I am going to miss the people. My theatre experiences are memorable because of the people I made them with. There is mad love and support and enthusiasm here for what we do. I am indebted to the people of this community. Do you hear me Chicago acting world? You are the real fucking deal.

DB: Would you ever consider coming back and doing a show here?

RW: In a heartbeat.

DB: What are some of your upcoming projects?

RW: I'm in talks for a feature film, so we'll see how that goes, and then hopefully doing the festival circuit with "Flat Chested", the short I did with Alicia Witt and Luke Perry After that – I'm gonna learn how to lay on the beach, hike some mountains, and take over Los Angeles.

Rarely do you get to work on stage with an actress as giving and present with you in a scene or who exudes electric stage presence. The Chicago theatre community (myself included) has been blessed to experience this in working with Rebekah over the years. We wish her much love and success in the city of angels and as with many who move on to bigger and better things, we can only hope that she'll be back soon to grace Chicago stages again soon. She will be greatly missed.

You can keep up-to-date with Rebekah's adventures on Twitter.