Michael Loewenstein papers, 1961-1999

This collection is open for research use.

Copyrights owned by Michael Loewenstein to this material were deeded to Chicago Historical Society. In addition, copyrights may be retained by the creators of items, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Series 1 was the gift of Michael Loewenstein, and series 2 was the gift of Michael Loewenstein and Mary Margaret Bartley (2012.0070.1).

Michael Loewenstein papers (Chicago History Museum) plus a detailed description, date, and box/folder number of a specific item.

Production and design notes, sketches, drawings, photographs, magazine clippings, expense reports, correspondence, and memos related to the programs televised by WTTW Channel 11, public broadcasting in Chicago, and other productions in which Michael Loewenstein, WTTW set designer, was involved, especially programs relating to modern dance, ballet, and music. Highlights of the collection include his set design on Festival; Sneak Previews, with Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert; the first televised production by the Second City theater company; the New York City Ballet production of The Merry Widow; and notes on the production of McTeague as an opera directed by Robert Altman.

Michael Loewenstein was a set designer for WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago from 1959 to his retirement in 2000. Joining WTTW not long after its inception, Loewenstein worked on many television shows, including Kukla, Fran and Ollie; Bleacher Bums; Kup's Show; Sneak Previews (later re-named Siskel and Ebert); and the first televised production by the Second City comedy group. Growing out of the Chicago School of Television, Loewenstein advocated set design that conveyed a more informal style. His production techniques and use of perspective are evidenced in his work on shows such as The Merry Widow and Sneak Previews.

Other materials donated by Michael Loewenstein are part of the Decorative and Industrial Arts collection at Chicago History Museum. The Chicago History Museum, Research Center, also holds many other items related to WTTW productions, cataloged separately.

• Names
  • Loewenstein, Michael--Archives
  • WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.)
  • WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.)--Employees
  • Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
  • New York City Ballet
  • Second City (Theater company)
• SubjectTelevision broadcasting--Illinois--Chicago--Employees--20th century
• Geographic Coverage
  • Chicago (Ill.)--Intellectual life--20th century
  • Chicago (Ill.)--Social life and customs--20th century

The collection is arranged in two series:

Series 1. WTTW Channel 11 production and design files, 1961-1999 (box 1-6)

Series 1 consists of production and design notes, drawings, sketches, photographs, expense reports, correspondence, and memos related to the career of Michael Loewenstein as a set designer for WTTW Channel 11 in Chicago. The series documents such WTTW programs as Kup's Show; Kukla, Fran and Ollie; Bleacher Bums; and Soundstage. Other files in the series highlight his work with the Second City theater company, the Illinois Ballet, and the New York City Ballet production of The Merry Widow, choreographed by Ruth Page. The series is arranged alphabetically by program or production title.

Series 2. Sneak Previews (Siskel and Ebert) files, 1978-1992 (box 6)

Series 2 contains production notes and drawings, set designs, correspondence, memos, and production expense reports for Sneak Previews (later named Siskel and Ebert). The series documents several versions of the show including Sneak Drive Inn and Sneak Goes Video. The series is arranged alphabetically by program or production title.