Auditorium Theatre to Honor Donors at Special Dedication, 6/2
By: Tyler Peterson May. 29, 2013
Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Brett Batterson and Chairman of the Board Mel Katten invite friends and family of the historic landmark theatre for a special dedication on June 2, 2013. Celebrating the major contributions of Brenda and Sumner Sollitt, The Baryl Family of Loop Auto Parks, Dia and Ed Weil, the Efroymson Family Fund and Joseph Bennington, The Auditorium will host an intimate reception with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a special recognition of newly dedicated spaces throughout the theater and the unveiling of the newly restored and engraved box seats.
"We are continually challenged to implement restoration efforts that preserve this cultural icon without marring its sublime beauty and structural integrity," said Executive Director of the Auditorium TheatreBrett Batterson. "We are more than grateful to Brenda and Sumner Sollitt, The Baryl Family of Loop Auto Parks, Dia and Ed Weil, the Efroymson Family Fund and Joseph Bennington as well as countless other Auditorium friends and family who have ensured that the Auditorium Theatre continues to persevere, prosper and last for future generations."Named for the late Sumner Sollitt, the construction supervisor for the Auditorium and the man that oversaw the restoration of the theatre in the 1960's and his wife, the late Brenda Sollitt, whose passion and devotion to the Auditorium helped propel the theatre to new heights, the renaming of the stage celebrates this couple's unique contributions. Sumner's forward thinking and innovative approach allowed him to develop a new support system for moving scenery, a new way to utilize reinforced steel supports which he designed, and the construction of the false proscenium, trusses, floor replacements, and line sets all still used in the theatre today. As both the engine that inspired the theatre and the engineer that orchestrated the Auditorium's success, the Auditorium honors both Brenda and Sumner Sollitt with the renaming of the Auditorium's landmark stage to the "Sollitt Stage."
In 2010, the installation of a full-service elevator in the Auditorium Theatre's historic lobby allowed more patrons to experience the theatre's Dynamic Productions than ever before. The people behind this inspiring act of generosity are Thomas J. Baryl, his son, Thomas R. Baryl (co-owners of Loop Auto Parks) and his daughter, Jennifer Baryl. Originally founded in 1925 by Thomas J.'s uncle, Walter Baryl, Loop Auto Parks Inc. immediately established a presence in several separate lots throughout Chicago. Today, the company continues to succeed as one of the most respected and longstanding businesses in Chicago's south loop. The Auditorium Theatre's relationship with not only Loop Auto Parks, but the entire Baryl family, has similarly grown and flourished. In fact, Thomas R. Baryl is one of the most recent additions to the Auditorium Theatre's board of directors and the current chairman of our facilities committee. Thanks to the family's support, the Auditorium Theatre's third floor lobby is now known as "The Baryl Family Lobby." The Weil Grand Staircase
Dankmar Adler, one of the incredible visionaries behind the creation of the Auditorium Theatre, helped shape the landscape of civil engineering and acoustic design. Dankmar's legacy continues beyond the walls of the theatre in his great-grandson, Board of Directors member Ed Weil. Both Ed and his wife DiaWeil, who were married in the lobby of the historic building, have continued to show tremendous support and passion for the theatre in numerous ways including Ed serving as the former head of the Auditorium Theatre's facilities committee and the two of them being the generous force behind the creation of the VIP donor lounge, "The Adler Room." The Auditorium is thrilled to honor both Ed and Dia Weil with the renaming of the lobby's staircase (and the spot where the two said "I do") to the "Weil Grand Staircase." The Efroymson Family Vestibule
In 1998, Dan and Lori Efroymson established the Efroymson Fund in order to provide support to not-for-profit organizations that help promote the viability of communities through restoration efforts and provide underserved individuals with opportunities to help enhance and revitalize their lives.Through their daughter, Elissa Efroymson, who resides in Chicago, the Auditorium developed a deep connection with the family and their efforts. Currently the Efroymson Family Fund (now a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation) is one of the largest donor-advised funds in the United States and has awarded more than $65 million to not-for-profit organizations in central Indiana and beyond. The Auditorium Theatre is grateful to be one of those institutions and honored to name the Congress entrance the "Efroymson Family Vestibule."The Bennington Stage Door
For over 25 years the late Joseph Bennington, or more commonly referred to as "Mr. B," was a tireless advocate for the Auditorium Theatre. Working in multiple capacities at the theatre including office manager and tour guide, Mr. B's knowledge and pure love of the historic building made him an invaluable member of the Auditorium Family. The Auditorium is privileged to name the Theatre's stage door "The Bennington Stage Door." Restored Box Seats
In 2011, the Auditorium Theatre began a two year campaign to restore the box seats on the lower level of the historic theatre. Two years later, over 50 seats have been refurbished by friends and family of the theatre and will be revealed during the June 2 dedication ceremony.
The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Brett Batterson and Chairman of the Board Mel Katten invite friends and family of the historic landmark theatre for a special dedication on June 2, 2013. Celebrating the major contributions of Brenda and Sumner Sollitt, The Baryl Family of Loop Auto Parks, Dia and Ed Weil, the Efroymson Family Fund and Joseph Bennington, The Auditorium will host an intimate reception with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a special recognition of newly dedicated spaces throughout the theater and the unveiling of the newly restored and engraved box seats. "We are continually challenged to implement restoration efforts that preserve this cultural icon without marring its sublime beauty and structural integrity," said Executive Director of the Auditorium TheatreBrett Batterson. "We are more than grateful to Brenda and Sumner Sollitt, The Baryl Family of Loop Auto Parks, Dia and Ed Weil, the Efroymson Family Fund and Joseph Bennington as well as countless other Auditorium friends and family who have ensured that the Auditorium Theatre continues to persevere, prosper and last for future generations."
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