Alexandra Billings to Emcee Steppenwolf's 2017 Gala; Q Brothers to Perform!

Steppenwolf Theatre Company celebrates more than four decades of groundbreaking ensemble theater with a night that has been reimagined to be as unique as the voices of Steppenwolf. It will be a spontaneous evening curated by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro and the Steppenwolf ensemble, filled with song and performances inspired by the art and artists of our past, present and future.

Gala 2017 co-chairs include Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot; Cameron and Amy Findlay; Susan and David Mendelsohn; ensemble member Jon Michael Hill; ensemble member Tim Hopper and Karen Viola and ensemble member Amy Morton, bringing an exciting mix of artist and board collaboration to the event. Steppenwolf Trustees join more than 600 civic and business leaders from across Chicagoland at the 2017 Gala on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Steppenwolf, 1650 N Halsted St.

Guests will enjoy the unique opportunity to mingle with ensemble members, a festive cocktail reception, a gourmet seated dinner and live auction. The evening will be emceed by Steppenwolf collaborator and leading transgender actor Alexandra Billings and among the unique acts of the evening is an original Steppenwolf-inspired piece by the Q Brothers, who are returning from the New York run of their acclaimed Othello: The Remix. A live performance by JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, a Chicago-based new soul band, will keep guests on the dance floor until late in the evening.

"The Gala is always a special night that celebrates the brilliant members of our ensemble who make Steppenwolf the legendary theater that it is today. This has been a tremendous season of change and innovation for Steppenwolf, and as such, we wanted to celebrate with a night that encapsulates the excitement and energy we feel," shared Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.

The 2017 Gala is hosted by Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees and the celebrated ensemble of artists. Steppenwolf's annual Gala benefit raises approximately $1 million in crucial support for the theater's adventurous, thought-provoking work and vital arts outreach in Chicago schools and neighborhoods.

Executive Director David Schmitz shares, "The annual Gala is an evening not to be missed. The unique mixture of Steppenwolf's ensemble and guests and the amazing experience created inside of our event tent is always awe-inspiring. We are grateful to have wonderful co-chairs, board members, staff and ensemble all working together to make such a special night possible."
Gala sponsors are Liz and Eric Lefkofsky and DLA Piper LLP (US) & Mendelsohn Legal and Official and Exclusive Airline Partner, United.

Single tickets starting at $1,000 and tables for Gala 2017 are currently available by contacting Steppenwolf's Special Events Department at 312-654-5632 or specialevents@steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation's premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble has grown to 48 members who represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights who continue to redefine the landscape of acting and performance. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County-and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards-have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago's diverse communities; the School at Steppenwolf for actors; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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