Next Theatre, an Equity company that helped give life to the Off-Broadway musical Adding Machine, has been in residence at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center for over 30 years.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the company has been unable to pay its rent for several years. "Despite city staff efforts to work with the tenant on repayment of the debt, a suitable repayment plan and payment of rent going forward cannot be achieved," City of Evanston council members stated.

City council members are expected to decline the renewal of Next Theatre's lease following the 2014-15 season and will also take action to begin collection on back rent.

Rob Andalman, chairman of Next Theatre's board of directors, cited the economic downturn as well as Chicago's brutal winter as a factor in the theatre's financial state.

"As it is has in the past when hard times have come, the theatre looks to our patrons, audience members and community for the help that will be necessary to right the ship," Andalman stated. The theatre's upcoming season includes JC Lee's Luce, Shakespeare's Richard III, the world premiere of Jake Jeppson's Turtle and Sean Christopher Lewis' Kiladelphia.