1. Steppenwolf Theatre Gala
#1 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #3)
The gala had extra buzz this year as organizers welcomed more than 675 guests, an increase from about 580 in 2017, and raised $1.3 million compared to last year’s $1.15 million. The event took place at a large industrial warehouse, moving from its former tented location. Star power included actor Rainn Wilson as emcee, comedian Chris Rock, and surprise guest Kelsey Grammer, who paid tribute to late ensemble member John Mahoney. Next: May 11, 2019
The gala had extra buzz this year as organizers welcomed more than 675 guests, an increase from about 580 in 2017, and raised $1.3 million compared to last year’s $1.15 million. The event took place at a large industrial warehouse, moving from its former tented location. Star power included actor Rainn Wilson as emcee, comedian Chris Rock, and surprise guest Kelsey Grammer, who paid tribute to late ensemble member John Mahoney. Next: May 11, 2019
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
2. Lyric Opera of Chicago's Opening Night Gala Benefit and Opera Ball
#2 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The glamorous evening not only featured the opening night of Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème, but also the gala held at the Hilton Chicago following the performance. Last year, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet partnered for a performance of Orphée et Eurydice, raising more than $1 million. Next: Fall 2019
The glamorous evening not only featured the opening night of Giacomo Puccini's La Bohème, but also the gala held at the Hilton Chicago following the performance. Last year, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet partnered for a performance of Orphée et Eurydice, raising more than $1 million. Next: Fall 2019
Photo: Kyle Flubacker
3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Symphony Ball
#3 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The gala began with a festive pre-concert reception at Symphony Center that featured drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. Concertgoers enjoyed an evening with the orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Muti, and "Piano Concerto No. 24" with David Fray. Afterward, guests gathered for dinner and dancing at the lavish Grand Ballroom at the Palmer House Hilton. Next: Fall 2019
The gala began with a festive pre-concert reception at Symphony Center that featured drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment. Concertgoers enjoyed an evening with the orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Muti, and "Piano Concerto No. 24" with David Fray. Afterward, guests gathered for dinner and dancing at the lavish Grand Ballroom at the Palmer House Hilton. Next: Fall 2019
Photo: Todd Rosenberg
4. Ravinia Festival Gala
#4 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Nearly $1 million was raised at the 52nd annual gala for the Reach Teach Play education programs. This year, more than 600 people attended the evening that featured singer Audra McDonald and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andy Einhorn, a leading Broadway music director and conductor who made his debut with the orchestra and Ravinia this year. Next: July 2019
Nearly $1 million was raised at the 52nd annual gala for the Reach Teach Play education programs. This year, more than 600 people attended the evening that featured singer Audra McDonald and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Andy Einhorn, a leading Broadway music director and conductor who made his debut with the orchestra and Ravinia this year. Next: July 2019
Photo: Patrick Gipson/Ravinia Festival
5. Chicago Shakespeare Theater Gala
#5 Theater, Dance & Music Event
Actor John Lithgow was the artistic honoree at this year’s gala. The evening welcomed some 500 civic and cultural leaders and raised $1.6 million to support education programs that reach 40,000 students each year. Guests enjoyed special performances by Grammy and Tony Award-winner Heather Headley and The Voice all-star Chris Mann. Next: Spring 2019
Actor John Lithgow was the artistic honoree at this year’s gala. The evening welcomed some 500 civic and cultural leaders and raised $1.6 million to support education programs that reach 40,000 students each year. Guests enjoyed special performances by Grammy and Tony Award-winner Heather Headley and The Voice all-star Chris Mann. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Mikey Litchfield
6. Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala
#6 Theater, Dance & Music Event
More than 700 supporters attended the 16th annual gala in celebration of artistic director Ashley Wheater’s 10th anniversary with a Swedish-style Midsummer Night’s Dream. Following the performance, guests headed to the Palmer House Hilton for a night of cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The gala raised more than $1 million and was presented by BMO Wealth Management. Next: Spring 2019
More than 700 supporters attended the 16th annual gala in celebration of artistic director Ashley Wheater’s 10th anniversary with a Swedish-style Midsummer Night’s Dream. Following the performance, guests headed to the Palmer House Hilton for a night of cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The gala raised more than $1 million and was presented by BMO Wealth Management. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Dan Rest and Steve Becker
7. Goodman Theatre Gala
#7 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 2018 gala brought out a show-stopping performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway singer Renée Elise Goldsberry. More than 500 guests turned out to see the "Hamilton" star perform, raising over $1 million. Next: Spring 2019
The 2018 gala brought out a show-stopping performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway singer Renée Elise Goldsberry. More than 500 guests turned out to see the "Hamilton" star perform, raising over $1 million. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Courtesy of Goodman Theatre
8. Lookingglass Theatre Company's Gglassquerade
#8 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #10)
Co-founder David Schwimmer and the theater company welcomed 410 guests at the Four Seasons Chicago. Celebrating a milestone, the event theme was titled “Under the Seas: Reflecting on 30 Years” and featured a video retrospective narrated by Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show. The event raised $1.1 million for the company’s artistic and education initiatives, up from last year’s $865,000. Next: April 5, 2019
Co-founder David Schwimmer and the theater company welcomed 410 guests at the Four Seasons Chicago. Celebrating a milestone, the event theme was titled “Under the Seas: Reflecting on 30 Years” and featured a video retrospective narrated by Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show. The event raised $1.1 million for the company’s artistic and education initiatives, up from last year’s $865,000. Next: April 5, 2019
Photo: Adam Blaszkiewicz
9. Chicago Children's Choir's Red Jacket Optional Gala
#9 Theater, Dance & Music Event
In 2017, supporters raised more than $1.25 million to benefit 5,000 singers from across Chicago, sustaining the choir’s mission to connect youth from diverse backgrounds through music. The 2018 event, produced by Kehoe Designs, will remain at the Geraghty with some 600 guests treated to performances led by the choir’s president and artistic director, Josephine Lee. Next: October 19, 2018
In 2017, supporters raised more than $1.25 million to benefit 5,000 singers from across Chicago, sustaining the choir’s mission to connect youth from diverse backgrounds through music. The 2018 event, produced by Kehoe Designs, will remain at the Geraghty with some 600 guests treated to performances led by the choir’s president and artistic director, Josephine Lee. Next: October 19, 2018
Photo: Elliot Mandel
10. Dance For Life
#10 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The 27th annual event saw record-breaking attendance, with 2,700 people viewing the performance at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University—up from last year’s 2,300. About 500 people attended the pre-performance gala at the Hilton Chicago that featured cocktails and a summer supper. More than $275,000 was raised to support the Dancer’s Fund and AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Next: August 17, 2019
The 27th annual event saw record-breaking attendance, with 2,700 people viewing the performance at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University—up from last year’s 2,300. About 500 people attended the pre-performance gala at the Hilton Chicago that featured cocktails and a summer supper. More than $275,000 was raised to support the Dancer’s Fund and AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Next: August 17, 2019
Photo: Philamonjaro
11. Hubbard Street Dance Company's Spotlight Ball
#11 Theater, Dance & Music Event (up from #12)
This year’s Spotlight Ball highlighted the company’s 40th anniversary of impacting lives through dance in Chicago and across the world. The event began at the Harris Theater with a performance of “Minus 16,” re-imagined by visionary choreographer Ohad Naharin. A reception and dinner followed at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park; the evening brought in more than $800,000. Next: Spring 2019
This year’s Spotlight Ball highlighted the company’s 40th anniversary of impacting lives through dance in Chicago and across the world. The event began at the Harris Theater with a performance of “Minus 16,” re-imagined by visionary choreographer Ohad Naharin. A reception and dinner followed at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park; the evening brought in more than $800,000. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Robert F Carl
12. About Face Theatre's Wonka Ball
#12 Theater, Dance & Music Event
More than 300 guests attended this year’s celebration, raising over $85,000 for the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. theater company, up from last year’s take of $78,000. The theme this year was Saturday Night Live: The Experience! and was held at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Guests had the chance to tour the museum’s notable exhibit, which featured 40 years of SNL original sets and historic costumes. Next: Spring 2019
More than 300 guests attended this year’s celebration, raising over $85,000 for the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. theater company, up from last year’s take of $78,000. The theme this year was Saturday Night Live: The Experience! and was held at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Guests had the chance to tour the museum’s notable exhibit, which featured 40 years of SNL original sets and historic costumes. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Timmy Samuel
13. League of Chicago Theatres Gala
#12 Theater, Dance & Music Event
The gala, held at the Four Seasons Chicago, welcomed 245 guests who raised $125,000 to fund programs that support the league’s 250-member theater companies in Chicagoland. The event featured cocktails, dinner, and an award ceremony. Next: Spring 2019
The gala, held at the Four Seasons Chicago, welcomed 245 guests who raised $125,000 to fund programs that support the league’s 250-member theater companies in Chicagoland. The event featured cocktails, dinner, and an award ceremony. Next: Spring 2019
Photo: Anna Chase
