Goodman Theatre

For Immediate Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Chicago, IL - October 11, 2007) Goodman Theatre is proud to announce that its Board of Trustees has elected Shawn M. Donnelley as its new Chairman. Donnelley, whose involvement with the Goodman spans ten years, becomes the youngest trustee ever selected to lead the board of Chicago's oldest and largest not-for-profit theater. Lester N. Coney, Chairman for the past two seasons, remarked, "I am proud to welcome Shawn to her new role as Chairman. During my years as Chair, Shawn has been an invaluable collaborator, her love of the Goodman and unswerving commitment to its productions and programs always at the forefront of her leadership. Shawn has made an indelible mark in Chicago's creative, not-for-profit fabric, and we are most fortunate to have this gifted, astute businesswoman as our new Chair."

President of the philanthropic consulting firm Strategic Giving, Donnelley was the former head of political affairs for R.R. Donnelley, the world's premier full-service provider of print and related services, and is the Treasurer, Secretary and Vice Chairman of Investments for the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation-which during her tenure has increased annual giving to the community from $2 million to $10 million. Donnelley placed second in a field of eleven primary candidates running for nomination to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000. A veteran of numerous political campaigns, she hosted a television political talk show in Boston, and has taught political communications at several colleges and universities. In addition to her work for the Goodman, Donnelley serves on the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Visiting Committee of the University of Chicago Divinity School, as well as the board of trustees of Loyola University New Orleans and three private foundations. Her work and commitment was recognized by Today's Chicago Woman, which named her one of 100 Women Making a Difference in Chicago, and by Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network. She received a B.A. from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.A. from Emerson College. A native of Palm Beach, Florida, Donnelley resides in Chicago's Gold Coast.

Said Goodman Theatre Executive Director Roche Schulfer, "Shawn is an extraordinary arts advocate with a deep, longtime commitment and devotion to the Goodman's productions and programs. She will continue the tireless work of her predecessors to increase the level of support for the theater and expand the range and diversity of key initiatives, endeavoring to make the Goodman the premier cultural organization in Chicago. We are fortunate to have her positive energy, and thrilled to have such a leader assume the Chairman's role on the Board of Trustees."

When asked about her new role, Donnelley remarked, "I am excited and grateful to have this opportunity to build upon the work of my esteemed predecessors, and it's particularly special to me to engage in Chicago's finest theater company in this capacity. There is no better time to be at the Goodman-Robert Falls continues to take inspired artistic leaps, bringing the best theater to our city. In our Board of Trustees, we have a dedicated and generous group of theatergoers whom I am honored to lead."

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.

Currently on stage is Passion Play: a cycle in three parts by Sarah Ruhl (running through October 21). Upcoming productions in the 2007/2008 season include: the 30th Anniversary Production of A Christmas Carol (November 16 - December 29, 2007); Shining City by Conor McPherson, directed by Robert Falls (January 12 - February 17, 2008); The Horton Foote Festival (including The Trip to Bountiful, Talking Pictures, Blind Date and The Actor - events begin January 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.

-30-