The House Theatre of Chicago Hosts Third Annual THE SECRET SOIREE Tonight

The House Theatre of Chicago's Board of Directors announce the 3rd annual incarnation of The Secret Soirée, which celebrates the company's continuing commitment to amazing feats of storytelling with a one-night-only stage magic performance from Company Member Dennis Watkins (The Magic Parlour, Death & Harry Houdini). This year, the organization will honor President of Broadway in Chicago, Lou Raizin, for his many years of service on The House Theatre's Board of Directors, and his exceptional contributions to Chicago's cultural arts community.

The Secret Soirée will be held tonight, March 21 at 7:30pm at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel's Red Lacquer Room, 17 E. Monroe St.. The Secret Soirée Event Sponsorships, Event Supporter packages, group tickets and individual tickets may be purchased through The House Theatre of Chicago at 773-769-3832 or online at theHouseTheatre.com.

Artistic Director Nathan Allen remarked, "Lou has been an incredible supporter of The House, always pushing us to be courageous, imagine bigger, and serve more people more deeply. He's championed our efforts to bring brand new plays to Chicago starting with the Emerging Theater Award in 2007." The House was the first recipient of the Award's funding and mentoring support. "I have been so honored to work with Lou in this company, and will remain inspired by his high expectations of everything a Chicago theater can be. He's an amazing creative leader, and a seriously committed citizen of our community. We can't wait to honor him on our biggest night," continued Allen.

Honoree Lou Raizin remarked, "I'm honored to receive an award from The House Theatre of Chicago. They have an increasingly impressive history of creating imaginative new plays, attracting a diverse Chicago audience, and creating a space on their stage where anything is possible. They are exemplary of everything that makes Chicago theatre the envy of the nation."

Each year, The Secret Soirée hosts The House's closest supporters as well as key leaders from Chicago's corporate and cultural sectors. The unique event features a cocktail hour with close-up magic performances, a prize drawing, and silent auction. This festive hour is followed by an exclusive stage magic performance from The House's company member Dennis Watkins, and a celebration of honoree Lou Raizin. Michelle Boone, Commissioner of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, as well as The House's Artistic Director, Nathan Allen, are expected to speak. Funds raised at the benefit night will support the development of new works through playwright commissions, research and workshop time with actors and designers, and world premiere productions for the Chicago community.

ComEd, The Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Lou & Jill Raizin, and Choose Chicago are Lead Event Sponsors. CH Distillery, The Auditorium Theatre, Jim Beam, Eileen LaCario and Tony D'Angelo, Lawrence Gellar, Steven Davis, and Renee Duba are Event Supporters.

The House Theatre of Chicago's Board of Directors includes David Shapiro (President), David Schmitz (Vice President), Rob Pierson (Treasurer), Samantha Lidecka (Secretary), Suyash Agrawal, Nathan Allen, William Baker, Mark Campana, Renee Duba, Susan Elfant, Paul Fritz, Catherine Haremski, Scott Hughes, Nekesa Josey, Joanne Leslie, Fidel Marquez, Peter Nasios, Peter Sagal, and David Spielfogel.

The Secret Soirée Event Sponsorships, Event Supporter packages, group tickets and individual tickets may be purchased through The House Theatre of Chicago at 773-769-3832 or online at theHouseTheatre.com. The event is expected to sell out.

The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago's next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (21 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago's Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Now in its 13th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

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