Celebrate Steppenwolf

Chicago—Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its tradition of uniting cutting edge theater with three superior special events this spring: Gala 2005, Celebrity Golf Classic and Auxiliary Council Wine Tasting. As one of the leading fundraising programs in the country, Steppenwolf's one-of-a-kind special events showcase the theater company and its celebrated ensemble of artists. Gala 2005 to benefit Steppenwolf Theatre Company The star-studded event, which has a tradition of raising well over $1 million for Steppenwolf Theatre Company, returns ensemble member John Malkovich to the Steppenwolf stage in a performance of Lost Land, also featuring ensemble members Martha Lavey and Yasen Peyankov. The evening combines cutting edge theater with cocktails, dining, dancing and a celebrity “Star with the Stars” live auction and entertainment by Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. Date of event: Saturday, April 9, 2005 Place: Steppenwolf Theatre Company 1650 N. Halsted Street Description: The Steppenwolf Annual Gala, attended by 700 of Chicago’s corporate, civic and cultural elite, is always highlighted by the presence of the renowned Steppenwolf ensemble, celebrities from the silver screen and stage and memorable moments. Ticket prices: $1,500 per person Tables of 8 to 10 seats available from $10,000 - $25,000 Auction prizes: Previous auction prizes have included walk-on roles on the Emmy-award winning programs The O.C., Will & Grace and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, as well as private dinners with Steppenwolf ensemble members John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalf, Joan Allen and John Mahoney. Information: Judith Simons, Director of Special Events Steppenwolf Theatre Company (312) 654-5617 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Rancho Mirage, California, March 10-13 The National Committee of the Board of Trustees of Steppenwolf Theatre and co-founder Gary Sinise will host the 2nd Annual Celebrity Golf Classic March 10-13 in beautiful Rancho Mirage, California. Based on last year’s success, the Golf Classic is becoming one of the most prestigious and celebrated celebrity golf tournaments on the national circuit. Dates of event: March 10-13, 2005 Place: Desert Willow and Landmark Golf Course Rancho Mirago, California Description: The 2005 Golf Classic includes two days of golf and three nights of exciting entertainment including a welcome reception and exclusive benefit screening of The Upside of Anger, featuring three-time Oscar nominee and Steppenwolf ensemble member Joan Allen, followed by a buffet supper and conversation. The fitting finale to the Golf Classic, the golfer's auction and awards dinner, will be hosted by Chicago comedian Tim Dreesen. The night of comedy will conclude with live entertainment by ensemble member Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band. This 2nd Annual event also features expanded activities especially for non-golfers, including conversations "On Theater" with Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry and "On the Red Carpet at The Golden Globes and The Oscars" with National Committee member and publisher of InStyle magazine Lynette Harrison. Ticket prices: $2,000 per non-golfer $6,000 per individual player $24,000 per foursome Information: Judith Simons, Director of Special Events Steppenwolf Theatre Company (312) 654-5617 Auxiliary Council Wine Tasting to benefit Steppenwolf Theatre Company Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council hosts their 3rd Annual Wine Tasting Benefit – a dramatic evening of wine, celebrity and song. Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council, a community of dynamic young professionals, strengthens Steppenwolf’s ability to advance artistic experimentation and collaboration by developing new financial resources and new audiences for the creation and presentation of innovative, cutting-edge theater. Date of event: Friday, April 1, 2005 Time: 6:30 p.m. VIP Champagne Reception 7:30 p.m. Wine Tasting Place: River East Arts Center Ticket prices: $125 per person, a number of $500 VIP packages available Description: 400 of Chicago’s young professionals will gather for an evening of revelry to support Steppenwolf’s world premiere production of Bruce Norris' The Pain and the Itch. Honorary Co-chairs Bruce Norris and The Pain and the Itch director Anna D. Shapiro will join guests in sampling the extensive flavors and expertise of KAFKA wine co. and sumptuous tasting stations by Jewell Events Catering. The evening will feature live performances by DJ Plez and Maggie Speaks. Information: Brooke Walters, Director of Individual Giving Steppenwolf Theatre Company (312) 654-5601 Committed to the principle of ensemble performance through the collaboration of a company of actors, directors and playwrights, Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s mission is to advance the vitality and diversity of American theater by nurturing artists, encouraging repeatable creative relationships and contributing new works to the national canon. The company, formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, is dedicated to perpetuating an ethic of mutual respect and the development of artists through ongoing group work. Steppenwolf has grown into an internationally renowned company of thirty-five artists whose talents include acting, directing, playwriting, filmmaking and textual adaptation.