ArtAntica Articles from The Nelson Algren: For Keeps and a Single Day Issue

For 20 years Lookinggass had made it its mission to redefine the limits of the theatrical experience and make theatre exhilarating and accessible to all.

In celebration of our mission, Lookingglass welcomed 350 of Chicago's corporate, cultural, and social leaders to revel at our annual benefit gala, gglassquerade. The 20th Anniversary Lookingglass gglassquerade, held on Friday, May 9 at The Peninsula Chicago and co-chaired by Lookingglass Board Members Ernie Arias and Nancy Timmers, and Lookingglass Ensemble Member Temple Williams, pulled out all the stops, and raised a record-breaking total.

The night began with an exquisite cocktail party with Mayor and Mrs. Richard M. Daley with wines generously provided by Clarendelle of Chateau Haut-Brion and Francis Ford Copolla Presents. The Mayor and Maggie Daley were on hand to accept the first-ever Lookingglass Award for Civic Engagement presented by Founding Ensemble member David Schwimmer. Together they have invested unprecedented resources in the arts and artists of this city. As Chicago continues to blossom as a cultural, theatrical and artistic center, the Lookingglass ensemble wanted to honor the Mayor and Mrs. Daley as two of the best examples of the spirit and mission of Lookingglass to change, charge, and empower.

Click here for Andy White and Scott Silberstein's
reflection on 20 years of Lookingglass

Following a delicious dinner, Ensemble members Temple Williams and Joey Slotnick hosted an exciting live auction sponsored by Hyatt International and United that took us Around the World. Along the way we saw hilarious video tributes from long-time friend of Lookingglass, Stephen Colbert, as well as Ensemble member Andy White and Production Affiliate Scott Silberstein.

With the funds raised through gglassquerade, Lookingglass will advance its commitment to new theatrical works and increase its work with Chicago-area students and families through Educational & Community programming reaching over 15,000 community members each year.

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