2017 2018 · 16th anniversary novemer 17, 2017 - january 6, 2018 from frank apra [s ^it [s a...

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Cover: Zachary Stevenson in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Photo by Michael Brosilow; Above: Ensemble member Michael Mahler in Ripped: The Living Newspaper Festival. Photo by Maia Rosenfeld.

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LETTER

We experienced the biggest year of growth in our 32-year history!

Thanks to our artists, donors, patrons, employees, and other supporters who made this season

a record-shattering year. We produced our full season at three venues (Stage 773, The Edge,

and American Blues Theater’s administrative office), utilizing a variety of seating capacities to fit

our programming needs.

We produced five mainstage productions across 29 weeks from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018.

There were 143 performances seen by 13,881 patrons. This was a 17% increase in audience capacity

from the previous year. (Psst...we’re not even counting the additional 10 weeks of the Buddy -

The Buddy Holly Story “Encore run” because those shows took place in a different fiscal year.)

Our mainstage programming received multiple awards and nominations from the Joseph Jefferson

Awards, Black Theater Alliance Awards, African American Arts Alliance of Chicago, and The Alta

Awards.

We increased our arts education initiatives in two impactful ways. First, we served 3,000 Chicago

Public School students with our free, in-classroom, integrated arts program - The Lincoln Project.

This increased our reach by 50% from the prior school year! Secondly, we launched our free

matinees to CPS students, including complimentary transportation, lunches, and engagement

materials. Our community service expanded through our accessibility offerings, special on-site

visits by artists, and resource drives.

We also continued our commitment to new work through our diverse development programs—

Ripped - The Living Newspaper Festival, Blue Ink Playwriting Award and its festival,

and Blueprint Development which consists of commissions, staged-readings, and workshops.

In addition to our artistic growth, both our earned and contributed revenues increased while we

continued our conservative approach to expenditures. Since our 2009 rebirth, American Blues

Theater has been carefully managed and carries no deficit nor outstanding liabilities.

Finally, we were honored with our non-profit theater’s first endowment—$2.5 million dollars—

known as the “Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee General Operation Support Fund”. The Davee Foundation

has been a transformative donor for many years prior to this jaw-dropping commitment to our

mission.

Thank you for supporting American Blues Theater’s programs and incredible communities we serve.

GWENDOLYN (WENDY) WHITESIDE

Artistic Director

AMERICAN BLUES THEATER | ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018

Artistic Affiliate Camille Robinson and Ensemble member Ian Paul Custer at 2018 Blue Bash. Photo by Jennifer Girard.

ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

Winner of American Theater Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves. American Blues Theater follows three guiding values both on and off its stages – to be accessible, responsible, and true.

Our diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. Our Ensemble has nearly 600 combined years of collaboration on stage. As of today, our theater and artists received 204 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 36 Black Theater Alliance Awards. Our artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades.

American Blues Theater is committed to developing the classic plays and musicals of tomorrow. Our new work development consists of a variety of programs – including world and regional premieres, the Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Blueprint commissions, and Ripped: The Living Newspaper Festival of new short-plays. More than half of our mainstage productions are world and Chicago premieres.

DEFINITION OF “ENSEMBLE” An Ensemble theater is a group of individuals dedicated to collaborative creation and committed to consistently working together over years to develop a distinctive body of work and practices. Ensemble members, both artists and administrators, are empowered to help shape their theater’s artistic direction and organizational structure.

BUILT BY THE AMERICAN BLUES FAMILY American Blues Theater was founded in July 1985 by a director, playwright, designer, and actor. The company dedicated itself to new and classic American plays. Richard Christiansen of the Chicago Tribune cited American Blues in his editorial “Chicago Theater Forges New Standards of Glory.” In August of 1993, the company leased a warehouse on Byron and Lincoln. In 38 days, James Leaming led a community-based 90+ volunteer crew to transform the space into an intimate 134-seat theater. From 1994-1997, the Ensemble was lauded with numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards and After Dark Awards.

LEADERSHIP FROM OUTSIDE THE ENSEMBLE From 1997-2009, the company was led by Artistic Directors from outside of the Ensemble. Under the leadership of Brian Russell and Damon Kiely (‘97-‘07), the theater’s name changed to American Theater Company (ATC), the mission statement was revised, and the business expanded greatly. In 2008, under new management, the Ensemble theater practice was dismantled. After 18 months of talks with the new management, all four Founders and every Ensemble member prior to 2008 chose to leave the ATC organization (now obsolete) in March 2009 citing “major administrative and artistic differences”.

BLUE SKIES AHEAD The Ensemble reformed under its original name American Blues Theater. Founding Board members reconstituted the Board, giving tremendous support and guidance. Ensemble member Gwendolyn Whiteside became the Artistic Director. Whiteside further diversified the Ensemble, ushered in Artistic Affiliates, the annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award, Blueprint Development, implemented community service into the company’s mission, and adapted the free arts education program The Lincoln Project for Chicago Public Schools which serves 3,000 students annually.

“Feels like home.” – The Wall Street Journal “One of our favorites in Chicago!” – Dean Richards, WGN “Ensemble founded one of Chicago’s most venerable off-loop theaters.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune


34 ENSEMBLE MEMBERS

(as of June 30, 2018)

13 MEMBERS RESIDE

OUTSIDE CHICAGO

7+ TYPES OF

ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES

REPRESENTED AT BLUES (acting, directing, writing,

designing, stage & production

management, composing, & more)

MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS - ”THE BEAT GOES ON”

Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine in Beauty’s Daughter. Photo by Michael Brosilow.


CHICAGO PREMIERE JULY 7 - AUGUST 5, 2017 Written by Dael Orlandersmith Directed by Ron OJ Parson Starring Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine This Obie Award-winning depicts one woman’s incredibly emotional journey through life’s obstacles in an East Harlem neighborhood. Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine takes on 6 different characters during the course of this solo play – some broken, some on the way down, and all memorable.

AWARDS & REVIEWS Black Theatre Alliance Award for Leading Actress (Wandachristine) African American Arts Alliance of Chicago Award nomination for Solo Performer (Wandachristine) Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Projection Design (Artistic Affiliate Paul Deziel)

“3.5 stars (out of 4)” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“Electrifying theatrical magic finessed by Wandachristine.” – Chicago Sun Times

“Profound lyricism…Wandachristine is a powerhouse…Ron OJ Parson delivered.” – Let’s Play

“Wandachristine is a sorceress, transforming herself with ease.” – Newcity

“Triumph…agile grace.” – Windy City Times

“Powerful” – Around the Town Chicago

“Revelation…deft sound design & potent projections.” – Stage & Cinema

“A tribute to the liberating power art has in people’s lives.” – Picture This Post

“Acting and directing are both sublime.” – Chicago Theatre

“Stunning heartfelt performance…brilliant storytelling.” – Chicago Critic

“Superb solo performance.” – Spotlight on the Lake

“Any audience will thoroughly enjoy Wandachristine.” – PerformInk COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets and held post-show events for The Night Ministry, Young Chicago Authors, Chicago Public School students, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.


5 WEEKS

22 PERFORMANCES

1,292 PATRONS


Ensemble member James Leaming in This Wonderful Life. Photo by Michael Brosilow.


CHICAGO PREMIERE NOVEMBER 2 - 26, 2017 Written by Steve Murray Directed by Ensemble member Carmen Roman Starring Ensemble member James Leaming

Ensemble member and Chicago’s original “George Bailey” James Leaming inhabits every role in this hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life”. James’s performance has toured the United States – Asolo Repertory Theatre (FL), Syracuse Stage (NY), Cleveland Playhouse (OH), Laguna Playhouse (CA), North Coast Repertory Theater (CA), and numerous locations in Colorado.

AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Solo Performance (James Leaming)

“James Leaming is brilliant. Virtuosic performance!” – Chicago Reader “Wonderful is an understatement – EXTRAORDINARY” – Chicago Theater & Arts “One man powerhouse” – Chicago Now COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets, transportation, lunches, and held post-show events for Chicago Public Schools. We offered all staff, patients, and families of Lurie Children’s Hospital complimentary tickets. We raised funds for Season of Concern and donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.


4 WEEKS

22 PERFORMANCES

1,113 PATRONS


Artistic Affiliate Zach Kenney and Ensemble member John Mohrlein in It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! Photo by Michael Brosilow.


16th ANNIVERSARY NOVEMBER 17, 2017 - JANUARY 6, 2018 From Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” Directed by Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside Music Directed by Ensemble member Michael Mahler Original composition by Ensemble member Austin Cook

Chicago’s original! The incredible cast takes the audience back to a 1940s radio broadcast of the holiday classic with live Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday carols. After the show, the entire audience is served milk and cookies by the cast.

REVIEWS Seen & heard on ABC, CBS, NBC, WGN, FOX, WXRT, WBEZ, WBBM, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine, Newcity, Chicago Reader, Time Out Chicago, Windy City Times, and many more! Dean Richards recommended “This show nourished me in a way no other play has. American Blues Theater gave me a profound lesson in generosity.” – PerformInk “More than a play, it’s an incredible experience! Don’t leave this off your must see list!” – Newcity “Holiday favorite – makes the bell ring every time.” – Chicago Tribune “Blues brings the holiday magic we’ve all been missing.” – Chicagoland Musical Theatre “American Blues Theater’s production would’ve made Mr. Capra proud.” – Chicago Theatre Review “Undeniable charm!” – Times Square Chronicles “Life-changing experience” – Chicago Now

COMMUNITY SERVICE We honored one military personnel per performance with a “Soldier Spotlight”. We partnered with the USO, U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs, and Blue Star Theatres to offer complimentary and deeply-discounted tickets to military families. We also gave complimentary tickets to Misericordia residents, family, and staff with a dedicated performance. We donated proceeds of “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.


8 WEEKS

45 PERFORMANCES

5,067 PATRONS


Monica Orozco and Ensemble member Manny Buckley in Six Corners. Photo by Michael Brosilow.


WORLD PREMIERE FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 24, 2018 Written by Keith Huff Directed by Gary Griffin Late one night, two burnt-out violent crimes unit detectives try their damnedest to close the puzzling murder of a CTA employee. What should be a simple open-and-shut case, however, evolves into a horrifying mystery and unearths a legacy of violence stretching back years.

AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for New Work—Play (Keith Huff) “3 1/2 stars. You won’t look away for a moment.” – Chicago Tribune “Huff’s work sticks with you long after the curtain falls.” – Windy City Times “Unflinchingly staged” – Stage & Cinema “Staggering and unforgettable. The cast is superb.” – Chicago Theatre Review “Quintessentially Chicago” – Third Coast Review “The acting is substantial; performances are authentic.” – Daily Herald Top 5 Things to See – Newcity Chicago “Thoroughly worthwhile”- PerformInk “Highly recommended. Entertaining roller-coaster ride.” – Let’s Play “T.I.C.” – Top Rated Shows in Chicago – Theatre in Chicago

COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets all personnel working in the Chicago Police Department. We partnered with Chicago Public Schools, YMCA of Metro Chicago, the Exoneration Project, and the Family Institute at Northwestern University. We continued our “Pink Previews” which donates proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.


6 WEEKS

27 PERFORMANCES

2,860 PATRONS


Lauren Vogel, Alex Goodrich, Cisco Lopez, Daniel Riley, and Zachary Stevenson in Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Photo by Michael Brosilow.


CHICAGO’S SMASH HIT APRIL 27 - MAY 26, 2018 (+ June 29 & 30)* Book by Alan Janes Directed by Lili-Anne Brown Music Directed by Ensemble member Michael Mahler Before the Beatles or the Rolling Stones ever played a note, rock & roll was forever changed by the bespectacled kid from Texas. Buddy tells the true story of Buddy Holly through his short - yet spectacular - career and features classics songs “That’ll Be the Day”, “Peggy Sue”, and many more.

AWARDS & REVIEWS Joseph Jefferson Award for Midsize Production—Musical Joseph Jefferson Award for Ensemble—Musical or Revue Joseph Jefferson Award for Director—Midsize Musical (Lili-Anne Brown) Joseph Jefferson Award for Music Director (Michael Mahler) Joseph Jefferson Award for Performer in Principal Role in a Musical (Zachary Stevenson) Alta Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical (Cisco Lopez) Alta Award for Outstanding Choreography (Jon Martinez) “You’ll have a blast!” – Chicago Tribune “Buddy Holly can easily compete with any musical on or off Broadway!” – WTTW “The one musical you must see! High octane, infectious, and electrifying energy.” – Let’s Play “Highly recommended. Prepare for one fabulous night of theater!” – Chicago Theater & Arts “Music direction is sheer perfection.” – Around the Town Chicago “Superb revival.” – Third Coast Review “Performed to perfection.” – Windy City Times “T.I.C.” – Top Rated Shows in Chicago – Theatre in Chicago COMMUNITY SERVICE We offered complimentary tickets to Chicago Public Schools and Guitars Over Guns. We partnered with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. In addition, artists performed music at Rush University Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, Friedman Place, CJE SeniorLife, The Chicago Lighthouse/VisionQuest. We also continued our “Pink Previews” which donates proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for cancer research.


6 WEEKS

*only weeks in FY18

26 PERFORMANCES

3,549 PATRONS

RIPPED: THE LIVING NEWSPAPER FESTIVAL

Clockwise: .Penelope Walker, James Farruggio, Ensemble member Suzanne Petri,

Scott Buechler, Randy Steinmeyer, & Ada Cheng. Photos by Maia Rosenfeld.

RIPPED: THE LIVING NEWSPAPER FESTIVAL

17th Edition MAY 6, 2018 - one-night-only event Based on the 1930s WPA era program that brought Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, and Clifford Odets into public attention, Ripped presents short plays inspired and ripped from today’s headlines. Since 2009, we’ve produced 17 events and utilized over 500 artists.

2018 PLAYS Education Not Deportation by CPS students Eneyda Berrum, Esmeralda Valerio, & Yaritza Chavez Let It Sear, Blister, and Burn by Ensemble member Darren Canady We Want an Oscar by Artistic Affiliate Wandachristine Upload by Brynne Frauenhoffer Self-Made Man by Ensemble member Michael Mahler WABT Nightly News by Sarah Nowak, Tyson Carter, Josie Higgins, and Sean Porter Locker Room Talk by Grace McLeod What I Wanted to Tell My Mother by Ada Cheng Gender Reveal by Ensemble member Manny Buckley Data Refuge by Bret Angelos COMMUNITY SERVICE All proceeds of the event benefit our free arts education The Lincoln Project in Chicago Public Schools. The winning CPS students in our The Lincoln Project Playwriting Award contest are given a professional workshop and production at this event.


10 PLAYS

53 ARTISTS

123 PATRONS

BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD & FESTIVAL

Playwrights, directors, and actors of the 2018 Blue Ink Playwriting Festival.

Photos by Elyse Dolan.

BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD & FESTIVAL

2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD Welcome to Matteson! by Inda Craig-Galván Welcome to Matteson! was selected from a pool of 606 submissions across the world. Playwright Inda Craig-Galván (Los Angeles) received a $1,000 cash prize and staged-reading in Chicago.

“I am incredibly honored to have my work selected by American Blues Theater,” said Inda Craig-Galván. “Being able to ‘emerge’ as a playwright in the city I grew up in is, of course, a great feeling.”

2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING AWARD FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS Featured Finalists Jennifer Barclay (Yellowstone: the ballad of the red-state man), Harold Ellis Clark (Run No More), Roy Conboy (A Song at Night), & Silvia Gonzalez (An Evening with Joaquin Murrieta – ‘My Quest for Justice’).

Finalists Benjamin Benne (querencia: an imagined autobiography about forbidden fruits), Janet Burroway (Headshots), Gina Femia (Allond(r)a), Jeffrey Fischer Smith (When the Son is Shining), Edith Freni (The Mystic), Adam Kraar (The Karpovsky Variations), Randy Neale (Last Rites – Detroit 1967), Caridad Svich (Life Jacket), Jenny Rachel Weiner (Part and Parcel), Ashley Rose Wellman (You Are the Blood), & Alisa Zhulina (Algorithm). Semi-finalists Will Abery (Heroes of the Fourth Turning), P.G. Brody (Callaway), Timothy Guillot (Secondary Front Line), Arthur Holden (The Past), Elizabeth M. Kelly (Kitty, Cappy, Gypsy, & Snake), A. Emmanuel Leadon (Short Rib), Edward Morgan (So You Can Look Ahead), Edgar Sanchez (How Peter Changed the World), Adam Seidel (Original Sound), & Kyle Therral Wilson (Yucca Corridor). 2018 BLUE INK PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL JUNE 9 - JUN 12, 2018 5 staged-readings of featured finalists & the award winning script

June 9 A Song at Night by Roy Conboy co-directed by Spencer Diedrick & Jorge Silva

An Evening with Joaquin Murrieta - “My Quest for Justice” by Silvia Gonzalez S directed by Jon Martinez

June 10 Welcome to Matteson! by Inda Craig-Galván directed by Krissy Vanderwarker

June 11 YELLOWSTONE: the ballad of the red-state man by Jennifer Barclay directed by Artistic Affiliate Elyse Dolan

June 12 Run No More by Harold Ellis Clark directed by Ensemble member Heather Meyers


606SUBMISSIONS

25 FINALISTS

& SEMI-FINALISTS

32 ARTISTS

THE LINCOLN PROJECT

Clockwise: CPS 2018 winning play at Ripped Festival; Frederick Ford Beckley; The Lincoln Project Award winners;

CPS student during in-classroom visit. Photos by Maia Rosenfeld.

THE LINCOLN PROJECT

INNOVATIVE, INTEGRATED, FREE ARTS PROGRAM 2017-2018 CPS SCHOOL YEAR Our free program aligns with Illinois Learning Standards to engage 5th through 10th graders of the circumstances leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. Students watch scenes performed by professional actors, participate in discussions, and most importantly discover their voice by writing their own short plays. We increased our service 50% from the 2016-2017 school year.

STUDENT & TEACHER FEEDBACK “I love how the plays were about real life situations. You taught us to think about real world problems and write about them. We learned and had fun.” - Adryanna Rodriquez, 7th grade student “I learned that I can work very well in a group!” - Natalia Alvarez, 7th grade student “They were energized to write and excited by the opportunity to write about their lives and perspectives.” - Patrick Toomy, CPS teacher “[My students] are always eager to express themselves creatively and reflect on issues that impact them. This week gave them an authentic opportunity to do both!” - Priya Shah, CPS teacher NEIGHBORHOODS SERVED BY ZIPCODES (# of schools) Ashburn (5), Archer Heights, Armour Square, Auburn Gresham (2), Austin (2), Avalon Park (4), Avondale, Belmont Cragin, Beverly (2), Bridgeport (2), Brighton Park, Burnside, Calumet Heights (4), Chatham (3), Chicago Lawn (3), Clearing (3), Douglas (2), East Garfield Park, East Side (3), Edgewater, Englewood (2), Fuller Park, Gage Park (5), Garfield Ridge (4), Grand Boulevard (2), Greater Grand Crossing (4), Hegewisch (3), Hermosa (3), Humboldt Park (4), Hyde Park, Irving Park, Kenwood, Lincoln Park (2), Lincoln Square, Logan Square (3), Loop (2), Lower West Side, McKinley Park (3), Near North Side, Near South Side, Near West Side (2), New City, North Center, North Lawndale (2), Norwood Park, Oakland, O’Hare, Pullman (2), Riverdale (2), Roseland (5), South Chicago (3), South Deering (3), South Lawndale, South Shore (2), Uptown, Washington Heights (4), Washington Park (2), West Elsdon (3), West Englewood, West Lawn (5), West Garfield Park, West Pullman (2), West Town (3), Woodlawn

Approximately 90% of performances and writing workshops reached underserved students and community members. Approximately 35% of performances and writing workshops were in classrooms where English is a second language for the majority of students.

We served 11 Communities in Schools of Chicago Schools (About CISC: More than 85% of Chicago Public Schools students come from low income homes. Many students lack access to the resources and support that help them succeed academically. CISC offers a solution by connecting students and their families with free programs and services that address students’ unmet needs.)


3k CPS STUDENTS

SERVED

88 CLASSROOMS

90% UNDERSERVED

COMMUNITIES

FINANCES

$1,343,764* $3,843,764 with endowment

*To accurately show the fiscal year’s operating budget, we did not include a $2.5 million endowment gift made in Spring;

the funds had not been invested nor drawn upon during this fiscal year.

^Includes 2nd of 3rd payment of “Path to Premier” grant; a one-time gift of $1 million, payable over 3 years.

2017 - 2018 REVENUE

$299,496 TICKET SALES

$923,130*^ CONTRIBUTIONS

$101,323 SPECIAL EVENTS

$19,815 OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME

From the most recent audit conducted by Mann Weitz & Associates LLC (Oct 2018), American Blues Theater has total net assets of $3,590,828.

FINANCES

$1,077,769


2017 - 2018 EXPENSES

$814,256 ARTISTIC PROGRAMS

$126,804 MANAGEMENT & GENERAL

$136,709 FUNDRAISING

American Blues Theater is carefully managed and has never run a deficit nor has any liabilities.

Donor Jeanne Martineau with Shaun Whitley at the opening of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. Photo by Elyse Dolan.

DONOR RECOGNITION—INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, & SPECIAL EVENTS

$25,000 and above Anonymous The Chicago Community Trust The Davee Foundation The MacArthur Foundation for Arts & Culture at Prince Charitable Trusts Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Ruth D. & Ken M. Davee General Operation Support Fund $15,000 - $24,999 Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Anonymous ComEd Kimberlee Herold The Shubert Foundation $7,500 - $14,999 Anonymous Phil and Jill Calian Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation Edgerton Foundation The Illinois Arts Council Agency Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel $5,000 - $7,499 Lee Ayers Eurex Brenda and James Grusecki Amanda and Matt LoPresti The Northern Trust Company Matthew and Sharon Tassone $2,500 - $4,999 Anixter Foundation Heather Barnfield Brian Carothers David and Sissy Coffin Eileen and William Conaghan Matt and Beth Hafter Mike and Trudy Kelly Laura and Leonard Loventhal Andrea McNaughton Seyfarth Shaw LLP Kerry Straub and Neil O'Callaghan $1,000 - $2,499 Dawn Bach and Rawl Thurman Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation Ed and Laura Blatchford Lane Brady Chris and Ingrid Burrichter Tyson Carter and Sarah Nowak David deCastro


$1,000 - $2,499 cont’d Exelon Foundation Craig & Linda Grannon Jim and Lori Hock Keith Huff Gitta K. Jacobs Chris Johnson Gordon and Scott Gordon James Joseph Keith and Erica Karlson Matt and Jen Kueker Anne and Keith Moffat Ben and Nancy Randall Suzy and Tim Robertson Leonard X and Arlene Rosenberg Libby and David Savner Howard Walker Darrel and Shirley Whiteside $500 - $999 Actors’ Equity Foundation Peter and Bari Amadio Sarah Borgeson and Adam Bueling Larry Brandenburg Wendy Donahue Matt and Hillary Ebach Gina Foley Lloyd A. Fry Foundation Ray Garza Monica and Matthew Hendrickson Sarajane Johnson Reimer Dobrovolny & Karlson LLC RMB Capital Vai Shah Barbara and Randy Thomas $250 - $499 Anonymous Manny Buckley and Steve Wroten Craig and Karen Carothers Dan Collins Bill and Judy Goldberg Mary and Michael Goodkind Paul Grossman Joe Hartness and Troy Baresel Kathryn Keenan Jean Klingenstein Ed Kross Larry Levin Michael and Cara Levinson Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron David and Agnes Murdoch Ted and Julie Sausen Larry Schulman and Chris Poggianti LaBonney Taylor

$250 - $499 cont’d Jean and Rick Weber Mary-Ann Wilson $100 - $249 Roz Alexander and Sam Grozdin Anonymous Rotchford Barker Sue Bowker Lawrence Broutman Kate Buddeke Michael Cainkar Mary Cameron Meg and Thomas Claggett Dennis Cockrum Jeanette Cole Mike Colky Ted Cornell Aaron Culberg Thomas and Rebecca Custer Gary and Janet Davis Joe and Paula Dempsey Rita Dragonette Deanna Dunagan Lorenzo Favela Jr. Marilynne Felderman Forefront Bernard Garbo Joanne Girardi Adrienne Gomez Lisa Grant Carole Griggs Heather and Roger Grum Teresa and Michael Haught Michelle and Glenn Holland Mary and David Hood Barbara Hufnus James Jensen Philip Earl Johnson Donald Kurasch Jim Leaming and Carmen Roman Mitch Marinello and Dr. Nancy Young Greg Martin Betsy McCann Marcie McVay and Dennis Zacek April Meyers John Mohrlein Mira Mrcela Patrick Murray The New Group Mary O’Dowd Bill and Rachel Payne Roxanne Perillo Suzy Petri and Robert Breuler

We are honored to recognize the following contributors who enable American Blues Theater’s

artistic programming, arts education, and community service. This list includes donations

from our True Blue Annual Fund, GutterBall, Blue Bash, production sponsors,

and other contributions given from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

DONOR RECOGNITION—INDIVIDUALS, FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS, & SPECIAL EVENTS

$100-$249 cont’d Merril Prager and John Levine Marge Punter Steve Rankin Tana and Kevin Reich Cindi Roeters Editha Rosario and Alexios Moore Maia Rosenfeld David and Stacey Ross Sarah E. Ross The Saints Tom Sawyer and Betsy Hanisch Roche Schulfer and Mary Beth Fisher John Smith Mark Tomasino Dave Wall Ann Whitney Charlotte Ziporyn In-Kind Contributions A Red Orchid Theatre About Face Theater Douglas J Aveda Institute Lee Ayers Dawn Bach Eric Backus Heather Barnfield Scott Buechler Blue Man Group BOKA Restaurant Group The Book Cellar Michael Brosilow Kate Buddeke Wilson Cain Dara Cameron Darren Canady Greg Carlin Brian Carothers Tyson Carter CH Distillery Cheesie's Pub & Grub Chicago Architecture Foundation Chicago Botanic Gardens Chicago Cubs Chicago Industrial Arts & Design Center Chicago Shakespeare Theater


In-Kind Contributions cont’d Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago White Sox Chicago Wolves Chula Vista Resort City Winery David and Sissy Coffin Comedy Sportz Theater ComEd Court Theatre Ian Paul Custer Davis Theater Dinkel's Bakery & Café Elyse Dolan Eye to Eye Interiors Drury Lane Theatre Evolve and Elevate Exhale Fey & Co. Jewelers First Ascent Frasca Pizzeria Gene Siskel Film Center Tom and Kate Geraty Gibsons Restaurant Group The Goodman Theatre Kathryn and Chris Gordon Jaclyn and Shawn Goudie Kimberlee Herold iO Theater Jackalope Theater Gitta K. Jacobs The Joffrey Ballet Philip Earl Johnson Sarajane Johnson Lindsay Jones Keith Karlson Steve Key Katy King KOVAL Distillery Ron Krema Lagunitas Lettuce Entertain You Logan Theater Lookingglass Theatre Company The Lyceum Theatre Lyric Opera of Chicago

In-Kind Contributions con’d Michael Mahler Marriott Theatre Heather Meyers Anne and Keith Moffat John Mohrlein Navy Pier Christopher J. Neville Newberry Library Northlight Theatre NPR The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts Peninsula Players Porchlight Music Theatre Ray’s Bucktown B&B Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Revolution Brewing Jonald Reyes Rivendell Theatre Ensemble Rivers Casino Suzy Robertson Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Sarah E. Ross Shattered Globe Theatre Side Show Theatre Silver Poplar Studios Southport Grocery & Café Steep Theater Company Steppenwolf Theatre Company Stomp and Shout Oak Park Kerry Straub and Neil O'Callaghan StudioUs Tag’s Bakery Matt Tassone TimeLine Theatre Victory Gardens Theater “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” Walt Disney World Wandachristine WBEZ Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel White Sox Charities Willamette Valley Vineyards Steven Williams Windy City Playhouse Wishbone Restaurant Writers’ Theatre

American Blues Theater is grateful for every contribution. We regret that due to space limitations we are unable

to list donations under $99. Please accept our deepest appreciation as your donation makes a difference!

LEADERSHIP (JULY 1, 2017 - JUNE 30, 2018)

Board of Directors Matthew Hafter President

Burton X. Rosenberg Vice-President

Phil Calian Vice-President

Kerry Straub Treasurer

Keith A. Karlson Secretary

Lee Ayers Heather Barnfield Sarah Borgeson Manny Buckley Christopher Burrichter Brian Carothers David Coffin Kimberlee Herold James Hock Andrea McNaughton Lawrence Schulman Matthew Tassone Gwendolyn Whiteside

Honorary members Joan Esposito Ross C. Hemphill Gitta K. Jacobs Gerald Pauling

In Memoriam Chip Pringle Staff Gwendolyn Whiteside Artistic Director

Melissa Rose Managing Director

Ben Thompson General Manager

Sarajane Johnson Director of Development

Suzy Robertson Director of Patron Services

Elyse Dolan Associate Producer


Ensemble Members Dawn Bach Ed Blatchford Matthew Brumlow Kate Buddeke Sarah Burnham Dara Cameron Casey Campbell Darren Canady Rick Cleveland Austin Cook Ian Paul Custer Lauri Dahl Joe Foust Marty Higginbotham Jaclyn Holsey Lindsay Jones Nambi E. Kelley Kevin Kelly Steve Key Ed Kross James Leaming Warren Levon Michael Mahler Heather Meyers John Mohrlein Christopher J. Neville Suzanne Petri Carmen Roman Editha Rosario Sarah E. Ross Gwendolyn Whiteside

Emeritus Dennis Cockrum William Payne

Artistic Affiliates Eric Backus Dana Black Laura Coover Kristin DeiTos Joe Dempsey Paul Deziel Elyse Dolan Olympia Dukakis Tom Geraty Jared Gooding Christina Gorman Shawn Goudie Sarah Hughey Izumi Inaba Philip Earl Johnson Samantha C. Jones James Joseph Zach Kenney Kathryn Lochert Eric Lynch Rohina Malik Cara Parrish Camille Robinson Grant Sabin Richard Shavzin Sandy Shinner Rick Sims Chuck Smith James Still Michael Trudeau Shandee Vaughan Wandachristine Dennis Zacek

Keith Huff, Ensemble members James Leaming & Gwendolyn Whiteside.

Photo by Jennifer Girard.

2017-2018 SNAPSHOT


A D M I N I S T R A T I V E O F F I C E

4809 N RAVENSWOOD, SUITE 221

CHICAGO, IL 60640

AMERICANBLUESTHEATER.COM

2017 2018 · 16th anniversary novemer 17, 2017 - january 6, 2018 from frank apra [s ^it [s a...

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