Photo Flash: Steppenwolf Prepares for 2011 Gala

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's star-studded ensemble will join 600 members of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural communities for GALA 2011 on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company,1650 N. Halsted St. and Blackhawk on Halsted, 1460 N. Halsted St. Steppenwolf's premier fundraising event offers guests the unique opportunity to connect with Steppenwolf artists while enjoying theatrical entertainment, cocktails, a gourmet dinner, music and dancing with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, the opportunity to bid on once-in-lifetime auction items-and much more!

Single tickets and tables for GALA 2011 are currently available by contacting Steppenwolf's Special Events Department at (312) 654-5632 or specialevents@steppenwolf.org. Last year's Gala raised over $1 million for Steppenwolf's artistic and community programming.

GALA 2011 kicks off at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with a showcase of scenes from Steppenwolf's production of The Hot L Baltimore directed by ensemble member Tina Landau, featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas, Kate Arrington, Jon Michael Hill, James Vincent Meredith, Yasen Peyankov and Molly Regan and the entire Hot L cast. Following the performance, the party moves two blocks south to Blackhawk on Halsted, a 15,000 square-foot space featuring theatrically-inspired décor by Event Creative and a breathtaking view of Chicago's skyline. There, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner prepared by Food for Thought Catering and the annual live auction (led by auctioneer Michael Davis of Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.) featuring once-in-a-lifetime adventures with Steppenwolf ensemble members and artists. The evening wraps up with dancing and live music by Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and a late night DJ set.

Some of this year's live auction prizes include:

A private on-set visit for four to CBS's hit TV series The Good Wife, including lunch with actor Josh Charles and Steppenwolf co-founder Terry Kinney at New York's famed Bryant Park Grill. Includes hotel stay and round-trip airfare.

A private on-set visit for four to FOX's hit comedy series Raising Hope, including lunch with Steppenwolf ensemble member Martha Plimpton and Steppenwolf actors Lucas Neff and Garret Dillahunt. Includes hotel stay and round-trip airfare.

Luxury seats for ten to a Chicago Cubs home game with Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise, who will sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch. A private jam session for eight with celebrity musicians Pat Sansone and John Stirrat of Wilco along with Steppenwolf ensemble members Alana Arenas and Jon Michael Hill at the Chicago Music Exchange. Includes a gourmet dinner prepared by award-winning celebrity chef Rick Bayless.

A unique evening for eight with the cast of Steppenwolf's production of Penelope, including Steppenwolf ensemble members John Mahoney and Amy Morton. Includes tickets to the performance, overnight stay in an Elysian Hotel suite and dinner at the hotel's Ria Private Dining Room.

Deloitte is the GALA 2011 Lead Sponsor, David Herro and Jay Franke are the Raise the Paddle for Steppenwolf for Young Adults Sponsors, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky are the Live Auction Sponsors, Siebert Brandford Shank & Co. is the Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band Sponsor, Structured Development is the Event Venue Sponsor, the Elysian Hotel is the Official Hotel Partner, Ogilvy is the Official Marketing Partner and United Airlines is the Official Airline Partner.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL (Martha Lavey, Artistic Director; David Hawkanson, Executive Director) is one of the nation's leading ensemble theatres, producing up to 16 productions each year in its three Chicago theater spaces - including programming dedicated to the development of new plays and theatre for young adults. Steppenwolf's productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 43 actors, writers and directors. For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org, www.facebook.com/SteppenwolfTheatre and www.twitter.com/SteppenwolfThtr.

Photo Credit: Kyle Flubacker

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