Steppenwolf Theatre Company celebrated its 48th season at the Bridgeport Art Center. Chicago theater lovers joined Steppenwolf’s ensemble for a three-course dinner catered by Paramount Events, participated in an auction led by Robbie Gordy and danced the night away with DJ Rae Chardonnay.
With more than 400 civic, cultural and business leaders in attendance, including former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot, the evening featured a toast to Northern Trust CEO Michael O’Grady by theater board of trustees chair Keating Crown and ensemble member Jon Michael Hill in recognition of the company’s partnership with Steppenwolf. Actor Brandon Rivera also shared how Steppenwolf’s educational programs have impacted his career path.
The auction featured luxe experiences, including a set visit to CBS’ NCIS; tickets to Broadway’s Othello starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal followed by a meet-and-greet with actors from the show; and a portrait session with photographer Sandro Miller. The gala raised over $1.6 million, which will benefit Steppenwolf’s education and artistic programming.
Artistic director Audrey Francis was among those from the Steppenwolf Ensemble who emceed the evening.
Paloma Nozicka and Nate Santana
Ayanna Bria Bakari and Nicole Clements
K. Todd Freeman, Eamonn Walker and Hanako Greensmith
Celeste M. Cooper and Namir Smallwood
The gala was designed by Jeffrey Foster for Frost Chicago with centerpieces from Revel Décor.
Photography by: KYLE FLUBACKER
