Steppenwolf Salutes Julianna Margulies at Lunch Suited to Busy Guests

This is Women's History Month, and Steppenwolf's "Women in the Arts" luncheon took place March 12 at the JW Marriott. Now in its third year, the event includes an Inside the Actors Studio-style discussion between artistic director Martha Lavey and a well-known actress; this year's interviewee was Julianna Margulies.

"Since the event began in 2010, we have selected an honoree who is closely connected to Steppenwolf and/or Chicago," said director of special events Kendra Van Kempen. "For example, Joan Allen, our inaugural honoree, and Martha Plimpton, the 2011 honoree, are both members of the ensemble. Julianna is longtime friends with Steppenwolf co-founder Terry Kinney, has been coming to Steppenwolf productions since the mid-1990s, and has worked with many members of our ensemble—including Joan and Martha—on a variety of projects. Even though she is not a member of the ensemble, we feel like she is part of the Steppenwolf family."

This year's event sold out, with nearly 300 tickets purchased. "I think word is spreading that it's a fantastic event," Van Kempen said. "We see many returning attendees, and by honoring a different woman each year, we are able to attract new guests to the luncheon as well." Among the attendees were Amy Rule, Chicago's new first lady, and Michelle Boone, commissioner of the city's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

According to Van Kempen, efficiency is key for a mid-afternoon event with hundreds of high-level professionals in attendance. "We know that our attendees have busy schedules," she said. "We want to ensure that they are able to stay for the conversation with our honoree since that is the highlight of the luncheon."

After a V.I.P. reception for top donors at 11:30, the lunch began promptly at noon. Dessert was preset so that servers only had to deliver and clear one plate, which held the entree and the salad. The conversation began shortly after lunch did, and the event had neatly wrapped by 1:30 p.m.