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Gala supports Auditorium’s cultural mission
Ann Kaplan of Highland Park (left) and Dia Wail of Winnetka. | Lee A. Litas~Sun-Times Media
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The Event: The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University may be nearing its quasquicentennial (125th anniversary) but the years do not appear to have diminished its splendor or capability to host exciting, innovative productions.
On Nov. 4, the Auditorium celebrated its annual gala by treating more than 1500 attendees to “An Evening in Montmartre,” a rousing rendition of “Moulin Rouge” — The Ballet” featuring everything from can-can to tango, presented by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
The evening’s honorary chairs included Consul General of Canada Gitane De Silva and Consul General of France Graham Paul. Sponsored by the Pasquinelli Family Foundation and chaired by Nicholas and Kathleen Amatangelo of Barrington Hills and Frantz and McGhee Osse of Chicago, the soiree continued as trolleys escorted 240 guests to the Palmer House Hilton for a reception and dinner in the Red Lacquer Room.
The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University building is a national historic landmark. As an independent, non-profit organization, it is committed to presenting fine international, cultural and community programming to Chicago.
Cause Célèbre: Mel Katten, Auditorium Theatre Board of Directors chairman and vice-chair of Roosevelt University, discussed how cuts to arts funding affect venues like the Auditorium. “The theater business is very difficult and it’s a tough market, but we have a lot of dedicated people and donors, and we do the best we can.”
“It’s our responsibility to support the arts,” said long-time supporter Caryl Dillon. “(The Auditorium) is always introducing something new and it’s always fun to see the different ballets that come through.”
And attendee Dia Wail noted that despite the tough economic climate, “(The Auditorium) is still bringing companies here and it’s wonderful that the Auditorium supports so many different companies from around the world.”
Bottom Line: The benefit raised $160,000 to benefit the Auditorium Theatre’s programming and preservation.
