Center Aisle Players stage 'Perfect Wedding'

Lester Chung, a legendary actor, producer and director, is presenting the drama "Perfect Wedding" for the St. Thaddeus Center Aisle Players Friday and Saturday at 8:15 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at 9550 S. Harvard.

Actors featured in Robin Hawdon's "Perfect Wedding" are David Berry, Carmen Dyse, Ralph Ligins, Velday Williams, Theodosia Hutcherson, Shirl Shang and Charles Lawrence. Associate director is Louise Sibley. Stage managers are Charles Lawrence, James Burkhead and Mark Chambers.

The Center Aisle Players has the distinction of being the longest African American theatre group in Chicago. The drama group was active long before it presented the comedy "Hay Fever" Sunday, July 27 at 8:30 p.m. at Curtis Hall in the Find Arts Building at 410 S. Michigan Ave. for the benefit of the Bud Billiken??? Picnic. The company also performed at the Wabash YMCA when Chung directed "The Tender Trap" by Max Shulman and Robert Paul Smith.

One of the most famous actors who was a member of the Center Aisle Players and Skyloft Players was James Edwards, one of the first Black actors to have an important role in movies. He was one of the principle characters in "Home of the Brave" with Lloyd Bridges, Frank Lovejoy that played at the Woods Theater.

Chung first earned recognition in Kansas City, Mo. with the Morrison Players. When he gained prominence in Kansas City, he came to Chicago with intentions of making it to Broadway. In Chicago, he became active with the Skyloft Players directed by Helen Spaulding who were housed at Parkway Community then located at 51st Street and South Parkway Boulevard.

Chung made his Chicago debut in "Death Takes A Holiday" with James Edward who became a star in the movie "Home of the Brave." After directing the play "If Left Is Right" he was selected Repertory Director and was given the "Outstanding Contribution Award."

When Mrs. Spaulding established the original "Center Aisle Players," Chung was invited to become a member and he appeared opposite Mikki Grant in "The Heiress" and with Louise Jenkins. He also appeared as Mr. Kimber in "George Washington Slept Here," "Fischur the Sparrow", "Lilliom" and "Mr. Sommes," along with "Edward, My Son" and was nominated Best Supporting Actor of the Year.

Chung also appeared on NBC Television in the "Jeffrey Hall" series and on the WBBM radio series "Democracy, USA." He has directed more that 100 productions and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts" was awarded by the Angel Island Theater Company.

With the permission of Fr. Cronin, pastor of St. Thaddeus Church, Director Chung reorganized the Center Aisle Players and has directed more than 28 plays at St. Thaddeus.