Goodman Theatre announces Cheyenne Jackson, Broadway veteran, television star and Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter, will headline its “Shades of Cool” major gala fundraiser. For one night only, the multitalented entertainer brings his charisma and charm to a set of musical theater favorites and classic standards. The black-tie event takes place on Saturday, May 16 at The Fairmont Chicago (200 N. Columbus), beginning with a 6:30pm cocktail reception, followed by the performance, an elegant three-course dinner and dancing to The Gentlemen of Leisure.
Event Co-Chairs are Diane Landgren and Nina Owen and Benefit Events Leadership Chair is Joan E. Clifford, Immediate Past Chair, Board of Trustees. Tickets start at $1,000; call 312.443.3811 ext. 220 or visit GoodmanTheatre.org. All proceeds benefit Goodman Theatre’s Education and Engagement programs.
Grammy nominee Cheyenne Jackson is a multi-talented stage, television and film actor, singer and songwriter. He most recently appeared in HBO’s Watchmen, Disney's Descendants 3, and FX’s American Horror Story: Apocalypse. Next, he will be seen in Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms. Previously, he was a series regular in Paramount network’s American Woman. A veteran of the theater, Jackson most recently starred in Into the Woods (Hollywood Bowl), The Secret Garden (Lincoln Center) and the critically acclaimed run of The Most Happy Fella (New York City Center). Among his Broadway credits include roles in David West Read’s play The Performers (Longacre Theatre), the recent revival of Finian’s Rainbow (Drama Desk Award nomination), Xanadu (Drama Desk & Drama League Award nominations), All Shook Up (Theatre World Award, Drama League & Outer Critics Circle Award nominations), Aida and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Cheyenne made his solo singing debut at Carnegie Hall with his show, Cheyenne Jackson’s Cocktail Hour: Music of the ‘Mad Men’ Era, and more recently joined Michael Feinstein on the Carnegie Hall stage for a duet concert, featuring music from their CD collaboration, The Power of Two. Jackson signed on with SONY/ATV as a songwriter and recording artist and released his first full-length album of original music titled I'm Blue, Skies, on which he collaborated with Sia, Stevie Aiello and Charlotte Sometimes.
The “Shades of Cool” Gala is presented by Goodman Theatre’s Women’s Board. Since its inception in 1978, the Women’s Board—currently under the leadership of President Denise Stefan Ginascol—has raised more than $47 million in support of 41 Goodman productions and an array of educational programs through special events and projects. Members serve on committees for the annual Goodman Theatre Gala, the Goodman Auction, the Women’s Board Annual Appeal and the Education and Engagement Committee. The Board also provides support for Capital and Endowment initiatives, both personally and through solicitations. Monies raised support all aspects of the theater—including the sponsorship of one production per season. A major initiative has been increasing support for the Goodman’s productions and numerous educational and community programs, which offer myriad opportunities for students and audience members of all ages.
ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE
Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fourth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.
As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.
Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.
Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. David W. Fox, Jr. is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Denise Stefan Ginascol is Women’s Board President and Megan McCarthy Hayes is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.