We wish to thank our individual donors for their steadfast support of our mission to make the Goodman a theater for all—a place where diverse audiences can experience extraordinary productions and programs.
When you give to the Goodman, you play an integral role in bringing our artistic dreams and education programs to life. Your patronage allows the Goodman to produce high-quality, nationally recognized productions and free of charge education programs that reach thousands of Chicago Public School students each year.
Beatrice Hill
Subscriber and Community Engagement Partners donor Beatrice Hall shares why she supports Goodman Theatre.
How long have you been involved with the Goodman?
Dear child, I don’t really remember. I can tell you that I was there at the old theater when you could have dinner in the rehearsal room. I was not a Subscriber; I was buying ticket-by-ticket back then. I saw all of August Wilson’s plays.
With all of the options in Chicago, why do you support Goodman Theatre?
It’s the theater where I was introduced to theater. Also, it’s always been easily accessible from my home and my office when I was working. And I was really impressed by your programs for inner city students.
Do you support other arts and cultural organizations in Chicago?
I do attend other organizations, but the Goodman is where my support really goes.
Which recent Goodman Theatre productions have been favorites?
That is really hard. I know I enjoyed Silk so much that I actually bought the book it was based on. There was just something about the production. I also enjoyed Crowns, King Lear and The Piano Lesson.
Barbara Joabson
The Goodman’s Spotlight Society members are dedicated supporters who have designated a special gift to benefit the Goodman through their estate plans. Goodman Subscriber and Spotlight Society member Barbara Joabson shares why she supports Goodman Theatre.
How long have you been a subscriber?
Thirty years.
What was your favorite Goodman production?
Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana with William Petersen.
Have you been involved with theater yourself?
Recently, I’ve been directing and writing docu-dramas. I’ve been in seven productions at the Lyric Opera since I retired in 1997. The Goodman’s Casting Director Adam Belcuore actually started my life as a performer; he cast me in a very small part as the Hiccup Lady in a production. I’ve been doing it ever since.
Why is theater so important in your life?
It’s always given me the opportunity to step outside of myself, either as someone who participates in theater as an audience member or on the stage.
Do you support other arts and cultural organizations in Chicago?
Lyric Opera of Chicago, Lookingglass Theatre Company and Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Why are you a Goodman Theatre Spotlight Society Member?
The Goodman has given me so much support and entertainment and brought richness to my life. It’s very important to give something back in the best way I can. It’s a thank you to the Goodman, for all it’s meant to me.
Linda and Bruce DeViller
Goodman Subscribers and donors Linda and Bruce DeViller share why they support Goodman Theatre.
With all of the options in Chicago, why do you subscribe to the Goodman? How long have you been Subscribers?
We subscribe to the Goodman because of the value. The quality of the productions, including the selected shows, the directing, casting and set design, combined with reasonable ticket prices makes a Goodman subscription one of the best cultural and entertainment options available in Chicago. We have been Goodman Subscribers for at least seven seasons.
Is there a donation benefit that influences your giving, other than the tax deduction?
We both greatly enjoy donor events, such as Play Club and the Noon Salon series. Having the opportunity to hear about a production from the writer, director or performers, as well as having conversations with them and fellow Subscribers, is a rich complement to attending a performance.
What has been your favorite recent production? Why?
Ruined from the 2008/2009 Season was a stunning, emotional production that gave light to a very disturbing and harsh reality for women in the Congo. The story could have been blasted in a glaring and hysterical light, but instead, Lynn Nottage and Kate Whoriskey created a moving, beautiful story about hope and love.
In great contrast—Animal Crackers from the 2009/2010 Season was such a lighthearted and wonderful comedic adaptation of the Marx Brothers production—showcasing the musical and physical comedic talents of Joey Slotnick, Jonathan Brody and Molly Brennan (the perfectly cast Harpo!). I hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time.
Charlene Raimondi
Charlene Raimondi has made a bequest in support of Goodman’s Endowing Excellence Campaign and the New Work Endowment, in memory of her sister Lenore Swoiskin. She shares why she supports Goodman Theatre.
With all of the options in Chicago, why do you attend Goodman Theatre?
I’ve always enjoyed the shows the Goodman stages. I’ve been going for over 35 years. I used to attend with my sister, as my husband wasn’t interested in theater. One time he did go, though, and it was a big surprise to him! He really enjoyed it.
Why do you support the Goodman, the Endowment and new work?
It’s an important organization in the city. I’ve enjoyed many new plays, though not so much the avant-garde. You never know what to expect with new work.
Which Goodman Theatre productions have been favorites?
I loved The Iceman Cometh with Brian Dennehy (1990/1991 Season). I’ll have to catch it when it comes back in the spring.
Joyce Cohen
Premiere Society member and Subscriber Joyce Cohen shares why she supports Goodman Theatre.
With all of the options in Chicago, why do you support Goodman Theatre?
The plays are fantastic. The talent is excellent. The staff is exuberant. The Goodman truly makes Chicago the #1 city in the country. And all that they do for the children of Chicago—it’s incredible. Plus, the Goodman is so accommodating for their patrons. They make it so easy to exchange tickets.
Is there a perk to donating that influences your giving?
Because I specifically gave to their education programs, I was invited to a reception and performance of their General Theater Studies program. It was such a wonderful opportunity to see the great work the students created. I’m so glad I was invited.
Why do you support theater, in general?
Well, I have a bit of an acting background. In fact, I even auditioned for Second City when the Belushi brothers were around.
Which recent Goodman Theatre productions have been your favorites?
I loved Chinglish! I saw it again in New York with my daughter. Since she speaks Mandarin, I felt she’d enjoy the humor in the mistranslations. And, since I speak also Spanish, I really enjoyed El Nogalar.
Endowment Support
“We chose to support the Cultural Diversity fund of the Goodman endowment because to us, diversity is more than just a buzz word. It’s the way we live our lives. I think, like the city, which has its character from diverse cultures and the people who are here, the Goodman also embraces that.”
Adnaan Hamid, M.D., Goodman Theatre Trustee; Efroymson Family Fund, a CICF Fund
“The Goodman holds a special place in Prince Charitable Trusts’ heart and when they needed some help to get the campaign started, we were very excited and eager to participate . . . I look at the Goodman as a consummate regional theater. Really, from everything it does, from the diversity in which it chooses its plays, its works, its staff, its board . . . to me it represents the ideal civic institution in Chicago.”
Patrick Wood-Prince, Goodman Theatre Trustee; Prince Charitable Trusts