Goodman Theatre

For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Chicago, IL - February 4, 2008) Goodman Theatre proudly announces the "String of Pearls" gala on May 17, 2008-starring featured entertainer Bebe Neuwirth, performing a dazzling repertoire of show tunes-at The Fairmont Hotel. The black-tie fundraiser begins 6:30pm with a cocktail reception, followed by a 7:30pm performance by Neuwirth. The evening continues with an elegant dinner, and culminates with dancing to the music of Gentlemen of Leisure.

For tickets and information about the May 17 "String of Pearls" Gala call 312.443.3811 ext. 586. In addition, a media launch party for the event will be held on Thursday, February 21; details to come.

Goodman Women's Board member Joan Clifford is the Gala Chair and Keith Green is the Corporate Chair. Gala Sponsor Partners include McDonald's, Sharon and Charles Angell, Joan and Robert Clifford, Shawn M. Donnelley and Alice and John J. Sabl. Gala Benefactors include Allstate and Ellen and Paul Gignilliat. Gala Guarantors include Abbott, Katherine A. Abelson and Robert Cornell, Chase, C N A, Joan and Warwick Coppleson, Julie Danis and Paul Donahue, Ellen and Paul Gignilliat, Harris Bank, Sherry and Peter John, Linda and Peter Krivkovich, Nancy Lauter McDougal and Fred McDougal, Swati and Bobby Mehta, Karen and Dick Pigott, Carol Prins and John H. Hart, Linda and Ken Robin, Linda and Mitchell Saranow, Cynthia and Mike Scholl, Gerry and Michael Silverstein and Joy and Leon Driemann and Linda Toops. Shawn M. Donnelley is Chairman of the Goodman Theatre Board of Trustees and Alice Sabl is Women's Board President.

A versatile performer on stage, film and television, Bebe Neuwirth starred as Velma in the Broadway production of Chicago for which she won a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Astaire Award. She also received a Tony Award for her role as Nickie in Sweet Charity. Her other Broadway credits include Fosse, Damn Yankees, Dancin, Little Me, and A Chorus Line. In addition, she has performed leading roles in numerous Regional theater productions including West Side Story for the Cleveland Opera, the title role in Kiss of the Spiderwoman on London's West End, The Three Penny Opera at A.C.T., and Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew at Williamstown Theater Festival. Work in film includes Liberty Heights, Summer of Sam, Celebrity, Jumanji, Green Card, The Paint Job, Bugsy and Tadpole among others. On television she is well known for her role of Lilith Sternin on Cheers, for which she won two Emmy Awards. Other television appearances include the NBC series Law and Order - Trial by Jury, her Emmy nominated portrayal of Dorothy Parker in Dash and Lily and guest work on Star Trek, the Next Generation and Hack. Neuwirth is proud to be an Honorary Zeigfeld Girl.

About Goodman Theatre

Named the country's Best Regional Theatre by Time magazine (2003), Goodman Theatre is a leader in the American theater, internationally recognized for its artists, productions and educational programs since its founding in 1925. Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer's forward-thinking leadership has earned the Goodman unparalleled artistic distinction, garnered hundreds of awards-including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre (1992)-and moved dozens of plays from Chicago to stages in New York and abroad. Central to its commitment to the reinvestigation of classics and development of new plays and artists is the Goodman's Artistic Collective, including Frank Galati, Henry Godinez, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. The largest not-for-profit theater in Chicago, the Goodman moved in 2000 into a brand new state-of-the-art complex which houses two principal theaters: the 856-seat Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre and the 400-seat flexible Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre. Board Chairman is Shawn M. Donnelley and Alice Young Sabl is chair of the Women's Board. American Airlines is the Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre. Kraft Foods is the Principal Sponsor of the Goodman's free Student Subscription Series.

Upcoming productions include: The Horton Foote Festival (including The Trip to Bountiful, Talking Pictures, Blind Date and The Actor-January 25 - April 6, 2008); Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show, based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., music by Fats Waller, directed by Chuck Smith (April 5 - May 4, 2008); The Ballad of Emmett Till by Ifa Bayeza (April 26 - June 1, 2008); The Boys are Coming Home, music and lyrics by Leslie Arden, book by Rebecca Gilman, directed by David Petrarca (June 21 - July 27, 2008). For more information call Goodman Theatre's Publicity Office: 312.443.5151.

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