Goodman Theatre Celebrates Their 2008/2009 Season

At the annual meeting of Goodman Theatre's Board of Trustees, under new Chairman Patricia Cox, the boards, artists and staff celebrated the success of its 2008/2009 immediate past season, one of unsurpassed artistic quality and diversity on its stages, and outreach into the Chicago community. Attendance throughout the season reached 92% of capacity and sales revenue exceeded projections by four percent. For the 23rd consecutive year, more than 20,000 people subscribed to the Goodman, and single ticket sales were up 15%. A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century and the smash success of the Goodman commissioned Pulitzer Prize-winning Ruined by Lynn Nottage&#8212part of the three-play "Strong Women, Strong Voices" series in the Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre&#8212exemplified the theater's expanded commitment to international work as well as its increased support for new play development. The Goodman's collaborations with important theater companies in the Chicago community included partnerships with Silk Road Theatre Project, Teatro Vista, The Hypocrites, Collaboraction and The Neo-Futurists.

"We have just concluded what I believe is one of the finest Goodman Theatre seasons ever, with a real focus on the development and production of new work&#8212our 'classics of tomorrow'," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "From the ambitious new musical Turn of the Century directed by Tommy Tune; the remarkable international success of Ruined; record sales for A Christmas Carol; the magnificent performances in Desire Under the Elms and the unprecedented local, national and international components of our global O'Neill Exploration; ReGina Taylor's contemporary take on Chekhov in Magnolia; Naomi Iizuka's moving and mysterious Ghostwritten; the brilliance of Stoppard in Rock 'n' Roll; the incredible social insight of Rebecca Gilman in The Crowd You're In With; and the beautiful, bittersweet Boleros for the Disenchanted&#8212the diversity and range of programming is astonishing."

Executive Director Roche Schulfer concurred: "For more than two decades under Bob's artistic leadership, we at the Goodman have collaborated towards a vision of creating the best theater in the country, with our productions and programs consistent with our values of quality, diversity and community," said Schulfer. "The success we achieved in a very difficult economic environment this past year is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our artists, staff, Women's Board and Board of Trustees and the generosity of our many sponsors and donors. The response from audiences, patrons and the media to our work reinforced the unique position that the Goodman holds in the local and national theater community. My gratitude to everyone connected with the 2008/2009 season is enormous."

New Chairman Patricia Cox opened the annual meeting at Northern Trust with the approval of a new slate of officers for the 2009/2010 season, and saluted outgoing Chairman Shawn M. Donnelley for her years of leadership and servIce To Goodman Theatre.

"We honor Shawn Donnelley for her truly extraordinary commitment to the Goodman. Her absolute devotion to our mission, unswerving enthusiasm for our artists and productions, and true generosity of spirit defined her chairmanship," said Patricia Cox. "I am honored to now step into this position, to build upon the successes of the many outstanding leaders who have come before me. Theater tells our most important stories, and is a touchstone for our humanity. At a time when we need the arts more than ever, we will engage, entertain and challenge our community with the diverse range of voices that has been our hallmark for over eight decades."

The Goodman also welcomed four new trustees: Kathy Brock (ABC-7 News), Amy R. Fahey (JPMorgan Chase), Elizabeth Raymond (Mayer Brown LLP) and Patty VanLammeren (Allstate Insurance Company).

The Goodman's 2009/2010 season is currently underway, led by Dael Orlandersmith's one woman tour-de-force Stoop Stories and a new interpretation of the 1920s classic Animal Crackers by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, adapted and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The world premiere of High Holidays is currently running in the Goodman's Owen Theatre and the 32nd annual production of A Christmas Carol begins performances November 20 in the Albert Theatre.

Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of the 2008/2009 Season corporate, foundation and individual sponsors:

PRODUCTION SPONSORS
World Premiere Season Sponsors:
Sondra and Denis Healy/Turtle Wax, Inc.
Nancy Lauter McDougal and Alfred L. McDougal

"Strong Women, Strong Voices"
Owen Season Sponsor:
Sara Lee Foundation

New Work Season Sponsors
Roger and Julie Baskes, Patricia Cox, Eva and Michael Losacco, Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Foundation, Michael and Kay O'Halleran, Alice Rapoport and Michael Sachs, Sg2, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Shaw, Beth and Alan Singer, Orli and Bill Staley, Helen and Sam Zell

Turn of the Century
Lead Foundation Sponsor: Edgerton Foundation
Lead Corporate Sponsor: JPMorgan Chase
Major Corporate Sponsors: ComEd, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Sponsor Partners: Anonymous, Lester S. Abelson Foundation, Richard and Sheryl Weisberg
Producer's Circle Sponsors: Merle Reskin, Alice and John J. Sabl

Ruined
Director's Society Sponsor: Julie M. Danis and Paul F. Donahue
Civic Committee: Richard H. Driehaus, Jonathan Fanton, Beatrice Hall, Abby O'Neil and Carroll Joynes, Lynn Todman

A Christmas Carol
Major Corporate Sponsor: Harris Bank
Corporate Sponsor Partners: Aon Corporation, KPMG LLP
Director's Society Sponsors: Ellen and Paul Gignilliat,Karen and Richard Pigott, Maria Wynne

A Global Exploration:
Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century
Lead Corporate Sponsor: UBS Sponsor Partner - International Productions: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council's Governor's, International Arts Exchange Program
Corporate Sponsor Partner: Motorola
Production Support - Toneelgroep Amsterdam
Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Desire Under the Elms
Corporate Sponsor Partner: Allstate
Sponsor Partner: Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation
Exploration Sponsors: Richard and Mary Gray, Anne and Burt Kaplan, M. Ann O'Brien, Merle Reskin
Producer's Circle Sponsors: Joan and Robert Clifford, Marcia S. Cohn, Patricia Cox, Leon and Joy Dreimann, Ruth Ann M. Gillis and Michael McGuinnis, Carol Prins and John H. Hart, Alice and John J. Sabl

Magnolia
Lead Corporate Sponsor: Target Corporation
Corporate Sponsor Partner: Bank of America
Event Partner: Petterino's
Directors Society Sponsor: Peter and Linda Bynoe, Joe and Palma Calabrese, Doris and Howard Conant, Laurence and September Gray, Brett J. Hart and Dontrey Britt Hart, Don and Rebecca Ford Terry, Neal S. Zucker
Consortium Sponsor: Leslie Carey, Sheree Franklin-Hill, Pauline M. Montgomery, ElizaBeth Thompson

Ghostwritten
2004 Joyce Award & Major Production Support
The Joyce Foundation
Sponsor Partner: National Endowment for the Arts
Contributing Sponsor: Clerestory Consulting
Director's Society Sponsor: Sara F. Szold

Rock 'n' Roll
Major Production Sponsors: The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation, Women's Board of Goodman Theatre
Major Corporate Sponsor: Northern Trust
Corporate Sponsor Partner: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Director's Society Sponsors: John and Caroline Ballantine, Joe and Palma Calabrese, Leon and Joy Dreimann, Linda Hutson, Linda and Peter Krivkovich, Catherine C. Mouly and LeRoy T. Carlson, Jr., Randy and Lisa White, Sallyan Windt

The Crowd You're In With
Major Production Sponsor: The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation
Contributing Sponsor: Baxter International
Directors Society Sponsor: M. Ann O'Brien, Merle Reskin

Boleros for the Disenchanted
Major Production Sponsor: Chicago Community Trust
Directors Society Sponsor: Thomas and Sherry Barrat, María C. Bechily and Scott Hodes, M. Ann O'Brien, Robert Kohl and Clark Pellet, Linda and Mitchell Saranow
Latino Theatre Civic Committee: Shawn M. Donnelley, Margie and Wayne Janus, Carmen H. Lonstein, Alice and John J. Sabl, Rodrigo and Elizabeth Sierra and Sons

BENEFIT EVENT SPONSORS
Turn of the Century Benefit

Benefit Sponsor Partners: ComEd /Exelon, Patricia Cox, Shawn M. Donnelley, Grosvenor Capital Management, Vicki and Bill Hood/Kirkland & Ellis LLP, JPMorgan Chase, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Foundation

Benefit Benefactors: Abbott, Dr. and Mrs. Kris and Trisha Rooney Alden, Bank of America, Deborah A. Bricker, Clerestory Consulting LLC/Linda B. Toops, Julie M. Danis and Paul F. Donahue, Leon and Joy Dreimann, Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Silverstein, Ernst & Young LLP, Dr. Marc and Cynthia Levin, Cheryl McPhilimy, R.R. Donnelley Foundation, Richard and Sheryl Weisberg, Neal S. Zucker

Fame, Fantasy, Food Adventure Auction
Event Sponsor: American Airlines
Supporting Sponsors: Rita and John Canning, Joan and Robert Clifford, Swati and Siddharth Mehta
Underwriters: Stacy and Michael Devine, Margaret and Wayne Janus, Karen and Dick Pigott

Goodman Gala
Sponsor Partner: Allstate, Sharon and Charles Angell, Joan and Robert Clifford, Shawn M. Donnelley, Albert and Maria Goodman, Sondra and Denis Healy/Turtle Wax, Inc., J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation, McDonalds, Karen and Dick Pigott, Alice and John J. Sabl
Gala Benefactor: Abbott, Aon Corporation, Christine and Paul Branstad, Ellen and Paul Gignilliat

SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS
Diversity Night
Lead Diversity Night Sponsor: Target Corporation
Contributing Sponsor: Loop Capital Markets, LLC
McDonald's Corporation, Mesirow Financial
Event Sponsor: Charter One Bank

Diversity Breakfast
Event Sponsor: Metropolitan Club

Women's Night
Lead Women's Night Sponsor: Abbott
Contributing Sponsor: Macy's Foundation
Event Sponsor: Allstate, CDW, Exelon, Fifth-Third Bank, Leo Burnett, US Cellular
Women's Night Sponsors: Kristin Anderson-Schewe, Shawn M. Donnelley, Vicki Hood, Beth Bronner Singer, Dia S. Weil, Susan Wislow

Taking the Stage
Lead Sponsor: 3Arts
Community Sponsor: Chicago Foundation for Women

Latino Diversity Night
Event Sponsor: Allstate, Dominick's, Fifth Third Bank, People's Gas, U.S. Cellular

NON-PRODUCTION INSTITUTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Lester & Hope Abelson Fund for Artistic Development, Instituting New Work Initiatives; American Airlines, Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre; Edith-Marie Appleton and Martha O'Driscoll, Support of the Edith-Marie Appleton/Martha O'Driscoll Teaching Artist of Goodman Theatre's General Theater Studies Program; Chicago Community Trust, Principal Support for the 2008 Latino Theatre Festival; CNA Foundation, Major Support of Education and Community Programs; Arie and Ida Crown Memorial, Education Sponsor; The Davee Foundation, Major Development Support of New Work; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Support of the General Theater Studies Program; Family Theater, Family Theater Programming at Goodman is made possible in part thanks to an endowment gift from Deborah A. Bricker and Kelly A. Rosen; Field Foundation of Illinois, Support of the General Theatre Studies Program; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Support of the Student Subscription Series; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, Major Support of Artistic Initiatives; The Joyce Foundation, Principal Support of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives; JPMorgan Chase Foundation, Major Support of the free Student Subscription Series; Julius Frankel Foundation, Major Support of General Operations; Kraft Foods, Principal Sponsor of the free Student Subscription Series; John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Major Support of General Operations; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, Major Support of the General Theatre Studies Program; Polk Bros. Foundation, Major Sponsor of the free Student Subscription Series; Rhoades Foundation, General Operating Support; The Shubert Foundation, Leading Contributor of General Operating Support; Steinberg Foundation, Support of New Work Development; Theatre Communications Group, Support for Artistic Staff; UBS, Support of the General Theatre Studies Program.

About Goodman Theatre

Now playing at the Goodman is the world premiere of High Holidays, by Alan Gross, directed by Steven Robman (now through November 29 in the Owen). Upcoming productions in the 2009/2010 Season include: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol adapted by Tom Creamer, directed by William Brown (November 20 &#8211 December 31, 2009 in the Albert); Brian Dennehy in the Broadway-bound double-bill of Hughie by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Robert Falls and Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, directed by Jennifer Tarver (January 16 &#8211 February 21, 2010 in the Albert); the world premiere of The Long Red Road by Brett C. Leonard, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (February 13 &#8211 March 14, 2010 in the Owen); the world premiere of A True History of the Johnstown Flood by Rebecca Gilman, directed by Robert Falls (March 13 &#8211 April 18, 2010 in the Albert); The Good Negro by Tracey Scott Wilson, directed by Chuck Smith (May 1 &#8211 June 6, 2010 in the Albert); and The Sins of Sor Juana by Karen Zacarías, directed by Henry Godinez (June 19 &#8211 July 25, 2010 in the Albert) which launches the Goodman's 5th Latino Theater Festival (offerings TBA).

Named the country's "Best Regional Theatre" by Time magazine (2003), Goodman Theatre is a leader in the American theater, internationally recognized for its artists, productions and educational programs since its founding in 1925. Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer's forward-thinking leadership has earned the Goodman unparalleled artistic distinction, garnered hundreds of awards&#8211including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre (1992) and Pulitzer Prizes for Ruined by Lynn Nottage and Glengarry GLen Ross by David Mamet&#8211and moved dozens of plays from Chicago to stages in New York and abroad. Central to its commitment to the reinvestigation of classics and development of new plays and artists is the Goodman's Artistic Collective, including Brian Dennehy, Frank Galati, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, ReGina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. The largest not-for-profit theater in Chicago, the Goodman moved in 2000 into a brand new state-of-the-art complex which houses two principal theaters: the 856-seat Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre and the 400-seat flexible Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre. Board Chairman is Patricia Cox and Karen Pigott is President of the Women's Board. American Airlines is the Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre.

Visit the Goodman virtually: watch artist interviews at ExploreTheGoodman.org; catch the latest backstage news on the Goodman's Blog, Goodman-Theatre.Blogspot.com; peek behind-the-scenes at YouTube.com/TheGoodmanTheatre; and Friend us at www.Facebook.com/GoodmanTheatre.

 

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