Photo Flash: Steppenwolf's GALA 2009

The GALA 2009 Co-Chairs were Nora Daley Conroy, Charles H. James III, Randall K. Rowe, Manuel "Manny" Sanchez, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Anna D. Shapiro.

The evening kicksed off with a unique performance inspired by Steppenwolf's production of The Tempest, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau and featuring Steppenwolf ensemble members. Following the performance, attendees were be ushered into the backstage world of Steppenwolf and offered cocktails on stage. The cocktail hour spilled over into a custom-designed tent adjacent to the theater. Members of Steppenwolf's acclaimed ensemble hosted dinner, prepared by Limelight Catering. A live auction featured once-in-a-lifetime adventures with Steppenwolf ensemble members. The evening culminated with live entertainment by Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.

Steppenwolf's annual Gala is attended by 700 of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural leaders and is always highlighted by the presence of the renowned Steppenwolf ensemble.

Event: GALA 2009: A Celebration of a Season of the Imagination
Performance: An Unveiling of The Tempest

Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company's mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon. The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through on-going group work. Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of 42 artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking and textual adaptation.

Photos by Ned Redway and Joan Hackett