Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. Hosted by 2017 Gala Co-Chairs Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot, Cameron and Amy Findlay, Susan and David Mendelsohn, Jon Michael Hill, Tim Hopper and Karen Viola, Amy Morton and Rob Milburn and the Board of Trustees, this year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs. Great appreciation from Steppenwolf to all those who contributed to the success of this year’s event.
The evening kicked-off with a cocktail hour in our elegant tented venue decorated with bright, pop-art images of the Steppenwolf ensemble. Guests then joined Steppenwolf artists and ensemble for a gourmet seated dinner as spontaneous performances, curated by Anna D. Shapiro, occurred intermittently throughout the meal. Emceed by Steppenwolf collaborator Alexandra Billings, appearances by The School at Steppenwolf alumni, Q Brothers, Carpacho y Super Combo with Sandra Delgado and Alexandra’s own cabaret act filled the room with a lively energy that had guests dancing out of their seats. A live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Steppenwolf artists and a paddle raise for Steppenwolf Education followed the evening’s performances. The fun continued late into the night with a live concert by JC Brooks, a late-night DJ and after-hours lounge in Front Bar.
Be sure to save the date for Steppenwolf’s 2018 Gala on Saturday, May 12!
Gala Photos
Gala 2016
Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Anna D. Shapiro, Trustee and Gala 2017 Co-Chairs: David and Susan Mendelsohn, Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot, Cameron and Amy Findlay, and Executive Director David Schmitz
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Emcee Alexandra Billings wove the evening together with her witty banter and stunning vocals.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Guests found their seats as a flash mob of School at Steppenwolf Alumni burst into the tent.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Steppenwolf for Young Adults Artistic Director Hallie Gordon, Trustee and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Amy Eshleman, Ensemble Member and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Jon Michael Hill, Gala 2017 Co-Chair Lori Lightfoot.
credit: Daniel Ribar
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Actors Michael Shannon and Bobby Cannavale
credit: Daniel Ribar
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Ensemble Member and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Jon Michael Hill and Ensemble Member Tarell Alvin McCraney
credit: Daniel Ribar
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
One of the evening’s many performances was the debut of the Q Brothers’ hip-hop adaptation of the Steppenwolf classic August: Osage County.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Sandra Delgado performed with Carpacho y Super Combo, luring guests out of their seats and onto the dance floor in the middle of dinner.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Guests on the dance floor
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Elizabeth Cole, Liz Ryan, Trustee Colette Cachey Smithburg, Trustee Holly Maloney, Eileen Murphy, Carrie Parr, Trustee Nora Daley
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Ensemble Member and Gala 2017 Co-Chair Amy Morton
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Steppenwolf Gala 2017 with décor by Event Creative and Frost Lighting.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Anna D. Shapiro with emcee Alexandra Billings
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Jon Michael Hill toasts the night on behalf of the Steppenwolf Ensemble.
credit: Daniel Ribar
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Chris Froseth, Ensemble Member Audrey Francis and Trustee Elliot Stultz give Alexandra Billings a standing ovation.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
David Berghoef and Abby Dillion review auction packages.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Erica Semrad raises her paddle during the live auction.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Kelly and Jay Tunney
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Actors Sandra Delgado and Cora Vander Broek with Rebecca Johnston and Jeff Maling
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Board Chair Eric Lefkofsky, Steve Monieson, Laura Eisen, Louie Rubin, David Kalt
credit: Daniel Ribar
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
JC Brooks rocks the tent
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
JC Brooks Band packs the dance floor late into the night.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2017
Steppenwolf’s 2017 Gala celebrated the remarkable artists whose vibrant and broadly diverse voices define Steppenwolf’s past, present and future. This year’s benefit raised $1.15 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistry and expansive education programs.
Artistic Director and Gala Co-Chair Anna D. Shapiro, Gala Co-Chair Liz Lefkofsky, ensemble member Martha Lavey, ensemble member and Gala Co-Chair Ian Barford, ensemble member and Gala Co-Chair Tracy Letts, Trustee and Gala Co-Chair Eric Lefkofsky.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Trustee and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Keating Crown, Jeff Sternberg and Mark Baby.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Ensemble member Alana Arenas, Artistic Producer Hallie Gordon, Managing Director David Schmitz, Ensemble member James Vincent Meredith
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
M.K. Pritzker and David Helfand.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Steppenwolf Trustee Henry Bienen.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton and Pam Cullerton.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Board Chair and Gala Co-Chair Nora Daley with Managing Director David Schmitz and Gala Co-Chairs Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Caroline and Keating Crown, Anna D. Shapiro, Ian Barford, Carrie Coon and Tracy Letts, welcome guests in the Downstairs Theatre.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Michelle Boone, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and Marilynn Kelly Gardner.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Actor John C. Reilly introduces an original video tribute honoring the Steppenwolf ensemble.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Kenny Mitchell, Steppenwolf Trustee L. Heather Mitchell, George Semaan, Carmita Vaughan, Antoine Jennings, Saira Rao, Elizabeth Wohlleb and Carey Albertine.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Actor Josh Charles and ensemble member Kate Arrington in the 1700 Theatre.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Board Chair and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Nora Daley receives a standing ovation following a toast from ensemble members and fellow Co-Chairs Ian Barford and Tracy Letts in honor of her seven-year tenure as Chair of the Board.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Co-Founder Jeff Perry with Steppenwolf Artistic Director and 2016 Gala Co-Chair Anna D. Shapiro.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Trustee Stephanie B. Smith and ensemble member Alana Arenas.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
New ensemble members Sandra Marquez and Caroline Neff toast Steppenwolf's 40 years.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Carolyn Bateman, Steppenwolf Trustee George A. Joseph, Sue Seigle, Steppenwolf Trustee Harry J. Seigle.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Trustee Ronald J. Mallicoat, Jr., Paula Mallicoat, Robyn and Cliff Chamberlain.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Gabriella Roth, Andrea Garber, Eileen Murphy, Steppenwolf Trustee Colette Cachey Smithburg.
credit: Mark Campbell
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Co-Founder Gary Sinise rocks out with the Lt. Dan Band.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf’s 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration.
credit: Kyle Flubacker
Gala 2016
Steppenwolf’s 2016 Gala celebrated 40 years of incredible theater by honoring the visionaries who call Steppenwolf their artistic home. This year’s anniversary benefit raised $1.3 million in support of Steppenwolf’s innovative artistic, educational and community programs.
Steppenwolf Theatre Company wishes to thank the following donors for their generous support of the 2017 Gala.
Innovators
Visionaries
Marlene Breslow-Blitstein and Berle Blitstein
CRC Swett
The Crown Family
Dover Corporation
Amy Eshleman and Lori Lightfoot
Green Courte Partners, LLC
ITW
Jeffrey Maling and Rebecca Johnston
Matt and Holly Maloney
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Northern Trust
The Orlebeke Foundation
Sage Foundation
Seigle Family Foundation
Sidley Austin LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Collaborators
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Anonymous
Christine Albright and Lawrence Gill
Baker McKenzie
Sarah Beardsley and Dr. Christopher Randolph
The Boeing Company
Juliette Feld and Andrew Grossman
Graycor
J.P. Morgan
Heather and Kenny Mitchell
Norcon Inc.
Ropes & Gray LLP
Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill
Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP
Elizabeth Schubert
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Shapiro
Stephanie and Gerald Smith
United Airlines
John and Carol Walter
William Blair & Company