(left to right) Route 66 Theatre Company Managing Director Rachel Wendte and New Play Development Director Deborah Blumenthal.

Route 66 Theatre Company announced today the appointment Rachel Wendte and Deborah Blumenthal as its new Managing Director and New Play Development Director, respectively.

Wendt and Blumenthal join the company’s current staff, including Artistic Director Stef Tovar, Business Manager Alana Parvey Zalas and Company Manager Matthew Bonaccorso.

“Having a Managing Director has been a goal of mine for years. It’s tough to find the right fit, and with Rachel, we really struck gold,” comments Artistic Director Stef Tovar. “Rachel’s arts administration background coupled with her immense knowledge of tech and social media gives Route 66 the cornerstone it’s desperately needed for longevity.” Wendt leaves a position of Development and Sales Manager at Windy City Playhouse behind.

Deborah Blumenthal, a freelance dramaturg who works mainly with Porchlight and Raven theaters, succeeds Frances Limoncelli, who has taken the job as Artistic Director of the Magik Theatre in San Antonio, Texas.

“Losing Frances was so tough for us, but it’s such a great opportunity for her at the Magik,” adds Tovar. “Deborah has worked with us for a couple of years on our ‘Test Drive’ new play development workshop. She was a natural fit for the position, and I’m excited to see her blossom in the role.” In addition to Test Drive, Deborah will curate the company’s “Driver’s Seat” monthly reading series at Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro.

Route 66 recently announced its 2017 season, as well as its new residency at The Den Theatre, kicking off in March 2017 with the world premiere of Gabe McKinley’s psychological drama THE SOURCE, directed by Jason Gerace. The season concludes late next summer with the Chicago premiere of Halley Feiffer’s dark comedy A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT MEMORIAL SLOAN-KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY directed by Keira Fromm. Tickets for both productions will go on sale at a later date.