#1 Theater, Dance & Music Event
More than 3,300 opera fans gathered at the Lyric Opera for the opening-night performance of Verdi’s Otello in 2013. Afterwards, some 550 guests attended a lavish dinner dance at the Chicago Hilton. The 2014 event will celebrate the Lyric’s 60th anniversary and will have a new format. The opening night will be held September 27, but there will be no opera ball. A separate gala and concert will be held in November, and will feature major stars of the opera. Next: September 27 and November 1, 2014
#2 Theater, Dance & Music EventÂ
The 2013 event kicked off with a performance of Verdi’s classics at the Symphony Center for 2,000 guests; for the first time, there was an open bar. The ensuing ball for 700 patrons was held at the nearby Palmer House Hilton, eliminating the need for trolleys. The gala raised around $1.2 million. Next: September 20, 2014
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#3 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #5)
With western-theme decor from Event Creative—and a high-octane performance from Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band—the event drew some 600 guests. The live auction had unique prizes donated by the company’s actors, and the event raised $1.2 million. The highly prestigious event always has famous attendees from the renowned theater's company. Next: May 2, 2015
#4 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #6)
The event lures world-famous musicians and has an impressive fund-raising take. With 800 guests, the 2013 event featured a performance from renowned pianist Lang Lang and raked in $1.2 million. This year’s summertime function will include a performance from popular classical artist Joshua Bell. Next: July 26, 2014
#5 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #8)
This year’s event was boosted by some star power. Kristin Chenoweth was the featured performer at the gala, which raised more than $1 million and had 600 guests. The gala had a “Dream” theme that played out in fog spilling over the dance floor and centerpieces lit up with fairy lights from Kehoe Designs. There were also specialty “Dream-Sicle” cocktails at the bar. Next: May 16, 2015
#6 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The springtime event had the theme “We All Speak Dance.” It featured a performance at the Auditorium Theatre, followed by a dinner dance at the Hilton Chicago. Some 700 guests attended, and the event raised $1.1 million. An always-popular perk: guests get to hit the dance floor with the nimble members of the famous ballet company. Next: April 17, 2015
#7 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #12)
The event is nearly unparalleled in its level of creativity and innovation. This year, the surrealistic evening drew 750 guests. Snacks were served via drones and a carousel of Weber grills, and a series of experiences that guests could purchase on site included a "Bearthday Party" on stage with a bear and a clown. Next: Winter 2015
#8 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #11)
The Chicago Dancing Festival started as a one-day affair and now offers several days of free programming in various venues. The 2013 event emphasized local dance companies and featured diverse dance styles ranging from ballet to classical Indian. Next: August 20-23, 2014
#9 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Held at its home at Navy Pier, the gala for the Tony award-winning theater company honors a major civic player each year. This year’s gala presented an award to the Boeing Company and raised around $1.1 million. It drew 500 guests and had decor inspired by a magical forest. Next: June 2015
#10 Theater, Dance & Music Event
This year’s gala honored legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and raised more than $770,000 (compared to $1.1 million in 2013). The evening also offered a sneak peek at the dance theater’s collaboration with comedy troupe Second City. Next: Spring 2015
#11 Theater, Dance & Music Event
After the buzz of major headline star Stephen Colbert in 2013, this year’s event was somewhat smaller. With the theme “A Celestial Evening,” the blue-hued gathering took place at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago and had sponsors such as BMO Harris Bank and ComEd. It drew 400 guests, raised $725,000 (compared to $1 million in 2013), and featured ensemble member Joey Slotnick as the M.C. Next: March 7, 2015
#12 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Raising funds for the company for L.G.B.T. youth, the ball had a “Gayme Show” theme this year and took place for the first time at Macy’s on State Street. There were live game-show-style challenges, entertainment, and an award presentation. The event drew nearly 500 guests and raised more than $80,000. Next: Spring, 2015
#13 Theater, Dance & Music Event
This year’s industry event took place at the Swissotel Chicago and honored Michelle Boone, commissioner of the City of Chicago, and theater director Gary Griffin. Raising funds to support area companies, the evening had sponsors such as ABC 7, Alphawood Foundation, and Ariel Investments. Next: June 2015
