Chicago theater vet Michael Shannon earns Oscar nom

Sure, Steppenwolf Theatre can tout its throngs of famous actors, with Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, and Joan Allen getting all those past Oscar nominations. But now add the tiny A Red Orchid Theatre to the list of stages that can boast honored alumni. Longtime off-Loop theater actor Michael Shannon has received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his work in Sam Mendes' Revolutionary Road. Since 1993, Shannon has been an ensemble member of Old Town's size-challenged A Red Orchid Theatre, which most recently produced A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant and is probably best known for being the home of the world premiere of Tracy Letts' Bug in 2001. Shannon starred in that production, went with the play to New York and starred in William Friedkin's film version in 2006.

Despite his growing resume of film titles and growing fame over the past eight years, Shannon has continued his association with A Red Orchid Theatre including his directorial debut there three years ago with Eugene Ionesco's Hunger And Thirst.

Shannon is a big underdog, as Heath Ledger campaigns to become the first dead Oscar winner since Peter Finch for Network in 1977, but it's an enormous accomplishment for a talented actor who has paid his dues for years next door to Subway. Accolades!