Steppenwolf Theatre to Host OPALGA Benefit
On Friday, February 1, 2008, Chicago’s world-famous Steppenwolf Theatre is hosting an event to benefit OPALGA. Members and their guests will arrive at Steppenwolf at 6:00 p.m. for a private reception with appetizers and cocktails. At 7:30 p.m., they will be treated to a performance of the world premiere play “Good Boys and True,” in which the excesses of privilege are exposed in a prep school sex scandal. After the show, David New, Associate Artistic Director of Steppenwolf, will lead a post-performance discussion of the play, a very popular Steppenwolf tradition. Tickets for the benefit are $55 per person, which includes entrance to the pre-show reception (two drinks are included), the performance, and a donation to OPALGA.
OPALGA Co-Chair Mike Cochran got the idea for the benefit while talking with David, a friend of his. “As a subscriber to Steppenwolf, Rick and I have enjoyed many outstanding nights watching this acclaimed company perform. After seeing “August: Osage County” (twice), I was blown away by the production—quite possibly the most amazing play I have ever seen performed. We were talking about this season, and David suggested a benefit, which seemed to be a perfect fit for our members; this is the quality of production that they would appreciate and embrace.”
Steppenwolf had already achieved national recognition for the strength of its ensemble and the quality of its productions, but “August: Osage County” has recently thrust the national spotlight on the theatre in a very big way. Currently playing on Broadway to rave reviews and strong ticket sales, this play has again demonstrated the strength and vitality of Chicago theatre.
“This year’s theme at Steppenwolf is ‘What Does It Mean to Be an American,’” added Cochran. “We all knew the kind of student this play deals with: brilliant, athletic, popular, and charming. But when a videotape is discovered and the scandal takes unexpected turns, the student’s mother must deal with fact, fiction, and family. I am really looking forward to a great evening of theatre with good friends.”
In order to attend the February 1 performance, members should call Steppenwolf directly at 312-335-1650 and be sure to mention code 3815 when ordering. OPALGA members are urged to order tickets right away. Although 100 tickets have been set aside, members of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce are also being invited to attend.
“This will be an exciting evening, but seating is obviously quite limited,” Cochran concluded. “I would like as many of our members as possible to be able to attend, so I encourage everyone to call and get their seats right away. This promises to be a great event, and I appreciate Steppenwolf making it possible for OPALGA to benefit from it.”
Anyone needing additional information should call Jan at The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273.
