Annual Report 2014//2015

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ANNUAL REPORT 2014//2015

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR LETTER

SEASON 29 — AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR!

We began Season 29 “Lost & Sound” with the remount of our Joseph Jefferson Award winning musical Hank Williams: Lost Highway. We extended the production numerous times, resulting in a three-month run that broke box-office records. Ensemble members Matthew Brumlow, Michael Mahler, Austin Cook, James Leaming, Suzanne Petri, and Artistic Affiliate Dana Black were featured. Michael Mahler received the honor of playing the original guitar used in the recordings by Hank Williams & the Drifting Cowboys.

While Hank Williams was bringing down the house in Lincoln Park, our passion project Native Son was performing to sold-out audiences in Hyde Park. After receiving permission from the Wright Estate in 2010, we commissioned Ensemble member Nambi E. Kelley to adapt Richard Wright’s explosive and acclaimed novel Native Son. As we developed this remarkable story throughout the years, we understood the momentous opportunity and duty to present this resonant work to the masses.

Due to Court Theatre’s location (Chicago’s South Side), we approached them to co- produce. We knew their audience capacity and access to resources would greatly enhance our production. Together, we proudly presented the world-premiere adaptation in 2014—four years after the initial spark. Native Son broke box-office records for Court Theatre and American Blues Theater and earned the Joseph Jefferson Award for lead actor (Jerod Haynes) and four (4) other nominations.

Next, we broke box-office records again with It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!. This year marked the sixth and final year that Kevin Kelly would play “George Bailey”. Many tears were shed between cast and audience alike.

We proudly produced the Chicago premiere of Yankee Tavern written by Steven Dietz. We were honored that Mr. Dietz attended a performance and spoke at a special audience engagement event.

We closed our mainstage season with the Chicago revival of Side Man by Warren Leight. This Jeff Award-nominated production became another highly-lauded show of the season and received national acclaim by The Wall Street Journal.

Our education and auxiliary artistic programming grew exponentially. Our free arts education program, The Lincoln Project, doubled in size to serve 1,000 Chicago Public School students. We produced 10 world-premiere 10-minute plays in our annual Ripped: the Living Newspaper Festival; produced an additional Ripped event to benefit DCFS; developed a world-premiere musical with Dan Castellaneta, Deb Lacusta, and Laura Hall through Blueprint Development; and named Other Than Honorable as the winner of the 2015 Blue Ink Playwriting Award.

Our art and fiscal stability flourished through 2014-2015. The Blues foundation is stronger than ever as we enter our 30th anniversary season.

—Gwendolyn (Wendy) Whiteside

Photo by Johnny Knight. On the cover (l to r): Michael Ehlers, Michael Mahler, Kate Buddeke in Side Man. Photo by Joe Mazza. Above: Gwendolyn Whiteside. 2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

ANNUAL REPORT 2014//2015

Contents

Our Family 4 About American Blues Theater 6 Significant Achievements & Honors 7 Season 29 Productions 8 Arts Education 14 New Work Development 15 Financial Balance Sheet 16 Financial Snapshot 17 Corporate & Foundation Sponsors 18 Donors 19

Photo by Michael Brosilow. Eric Lynch and Jerod Haynes in Native Son.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

OUR FAMILY

Our multi-generational and interdisciplined artists are the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. Our 39-member Ensemble has 530 combined years of collaboration on stage.

As of 2015, our theater and artists received over 172 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and over 28 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. Our artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, and numerous other accolades.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

OUR FAMILY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2014/2015 term, as of June 30, 2015)

Matthew Hafter, President Burton X. Rosenberg, Vice-President Phil Calian, Vice-President Shelly Reitman, Treasurer Keith A. Karlson, Secretary Manny Buckley Jill DeVaney Joan Esposito Douglas Gourley Ross C. Hemphill Photo credit by Joe Mazza. (l to r): Ed Kross, Ross C. Hemphill, Shelly Reitman, Julian (Jay) Mateo Keith A. Karlson, Matthew Hafter, Lawrence Schulman, & Burton X. Rosenberg. Lawrence Schulman Glenn Weiss Gwendolyn Whiteside, ex-officio Chip Pringle, in memoriam

“Feels like home.” The Wall Street Journal

ARTISTIC AFFILIATES

Dana Black Sarah Hughey Sandy Shinner Darren Canady James Joseph Rick Sims Ian Paul Custer Zach Kenney Arianna Soloway Joe Dempsey Kathryn Lochert John Sterchi Paul Deziel Eric Lynch James Still Olympia Dukakis Christopher J. Neville Kaelan Strouse Andrea J. Dymond Keith Pitts Wandachristine Christina Gorman Grant Sabin Dennis Zacek Shawn Goudie Richard Shavzin

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

ABOUT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

VISION American Blues Theater is the premier American theater “We are so grateful for the recognition producing visceral theatrical works while engaging and support this program provides.” its audience in missions of local service agencies. Laura Sage, Chairman MISSION The Lynn Sage Foundation American Blues Theater illuminates the American ideas of freedom, equality, and opportunity in the plays we produce and communities we serve.

COMMUNITY SERVICE We believe it is an honor and duty to serve our community. We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. Using the theme of each script we produce, we choose community partners for every production during our season.

This season we distributed promotional materials (Old Town School of Folk Music, Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth, and Chicago Jazz Orchestra) and provided complimentary tickets (USO, Misericordia, Anixter Center, Adler University, and Rock for Kids). Before every performance of Side Man, professional jazz musicians and high school bands played for the audience.

We donated proceeds from our “Pink Previews” to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research. In addition, all proceeds from RIPPED: The Living Newspaper Festival were used to fund our arts education program The Lincoln Project that serves 1,000 students annually in Chicago Public Schools.

Top photo by Elyse Dolan. Lane Tech High School Jazz Band performs before Side Man. Bottom photo by Joe Mazza. Winners of The Lincoln Project high school script award with Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside at the RIPPED Festival.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS & HONORS

Proud Accomplishments of the Year Ensemble member Nambi E. Kelley’s adaptation of Native Son was named on the 2015 Kilroy’s List. We added performances to accommodate audience demand for Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Native Son, Co-founding Ensemble member It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, and Side Man. Rick Cleveland (pictured at right) earned an Emmy Award nomination for All five (5) mainstage productions in Season 29 Outstanding Drama for his television were honored with Joseph Jefferson Award nominations series “House of Cards” on Netflix. and/or named in “best of” annual lists by Chicago media. Actors Dana Black & Shawn Goudie, Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside designers Paul Deziel, Christopher J. Neville, Grant Sabin, & Rick was named in Newcity’s annual Players list of who Sims, stage-manager Kathryn Lochert, and playwright Darren performs for Chicago. Canady joined our Blues family as Artistic Affiliates.

Ensemble member Nambi E. Kelley was nominated for Black Theater Alliance Awards a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Featured Actress in a Play.

We earned two (2) Black Theatre Award Alliance nominations: Artistic Affiliate Rick Sims was nominated for Actor for Jerod Haynes, Native Son a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Sound Design. Featured Actress for Tracey Bonner, Native Son.

We received eight (8) Broadway We received two (2) nominations World Chicago nominations for for Native Son: productions occurring in 2014: New Work (Nambi E. Kelley) 2 for Grounded Actor (Jerod Haynes). 5 for Hank Williams: Lost Highway 1 for Native Son.

Native Son* received one (1) Jeff Award: Actor in principal role (Jerod Haynes) received four (4) nominations: Play—large New Adaptation (Nambi E. Kelley) Lighting Design—large (Marc Stubblefield) Sound design—large (Joshua Horvath). Additional Awards for Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates: *co-production with Court Theater Kate Buddeke (Actress in supporting role) Yankee Tavern Austin Cook (Music Director) received one (1) Jeff Award nomination: Rick Sims (Sound design—large) Scenic design—midsize (Grant Sabin). Additional nominations for Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates: Dana Black (Actress in supporting role) Side Man Sarah Ross (Scenic design—midsize) received two (2) Jeff Award nominations: Lindsay Jones (2 for Sound design—large) Actress in supporting role (Kate Buddeke) Rick Sims (Sound design—midsize). Sound design—midsize (Rick Sims).

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

REMOUNTED BY POPULAR DEMAND

& RAN FOR 3 SMASH MONTHS!

Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Greg Hirte, Austin Cook, Matthew Brumlow, & Michael Mahler.

Joseph Jefferson Award for midsize Musical

HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY “A bona-fide tribute concert!” July 25 — September 28, 2014 Newcity Chicago by Randal Myler & Mark Harelik Directed by Damon Kiely; Music Direction by Malcolm Ruhl “A big, fat hit!” Following Hank Williams’ rise from his humble beginnings Chicago Tribune to his triumphs on the Grand Ole Opry to his self- destruction at twenty-nine, audiences were treated to an Winner of unforgettable tribute of more than 20 hits, including 3 “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, “Move It on Over”, Jeff Awards. “Hey, Good Lookin’”, and “Jambalaya”.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

4 JEFF AWARD WINNER OF THE NOMINATIONS JEFF AWARD FOR INCLUDING PLAY & LEAD ACTOR. NEW ADAPTATION.

co-produced with

Photo by Michael Brosilow. (l to r): Nora Fiffer, Jerod Haynes, Eric Lynch, & Jeff Blim.

World Premiere NATIVE SON “4 out of 4 stars. September 1 — October 19, 2014 You never doubt the truth!” Book by Richard Wright Adaptation by Ensemble member Nambi E. Kelley Chicago Tribune Directed by Seret Scott “Shattering!” Chicago. The South Side. The 1930s. A world where Milwaukee Journal opportunity is elusive for people like Bigger Thomas. First Sentinel After landing a job in the home of a wealthy family, developed Bigger unwittingly unleashes a series of events that at Blues! violently and irrevocably seal his fate.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

6TH AND FINAL YEAR OF KEVIN KELLY & GWENDOLYN WHITESIDE AS THE BAILEYS.

Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Gwendolyn Whiteside & Kevin Kelly. Chicago’s Annual Tradition since 2002 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! Dean Richards’ list! Recommended November 21 — December 28, 2014 From Frank Capra’s film by WGN, CBS Chicago, NBC, ABC, Directed by Ensemble member Marty Higginbotham WXRT, WBEZ, Chicago Tribune, Sun- Times, Chicago Magazine, Newcity’s From the moment you walked through the doors, you were transported back to the Golden Age of Radio and “Best of Chicago”, & the Reader. experienced the Frank Capra holiday classic as a 1940s radio broadcast with live Foley sound effects, an original Over the years, our production score, and a stellar cast of eight that brought the entire town of Bedford Falls to life. entertained 35,000 patrons in Chicago.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

JEFF AWARD NOMINATION FOR MIDSIZE SCENIC DESIGN.

Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Steve Key & Darci Nalepa. Chicago Premiere YANKEE TAVERN

February 20 — March 22, 2015 “Delectable whopper of a story.” by Steven Dietz The Fourth Walsh Directed by Joanie Schultz

Just when you thought you heard every crazy 9/11 “Essentially perfect!” conspiracy theory, a stranger walks into the Yankee Chicago Theatre Tavern. There, inside the walls of this crumbling New York Review bar, a young couple finds themselves caught up in what Steven Dietz might be the biggest conspiracy of all. spoke at a Town Hall!

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

JEFF AWARD NOMINATION FOR SUPPORTING ACTRESS & SOUND DESIGN.

Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Gail Rastorfer, John Gawlik, Ed Kross, Kate Buddeke, Joe Foust, & Michael Ehlers. Chicago Revival SIDE MAN “Poignant…full of crazy joy.” April 24 — May 24, 2015 by Warren Leight The Wall Street Journal Directed by Jonathan Berry “Magnificent! White hot revival!” The heartbreaking story of a splintered family as told through the only son of Gene, a jazz trumpet player, and Chicago Terry, an alcoholic mother. Alternating between their New Sun-Times Live musicians York City apartment and a smoke-filled music club, Clifford narrates the story of his broken family and the decline of performed at every jazz. performance!

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

SEASON 29 PRODUCTIONS

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Photo by Joe Mazza. (l to r): Joe Dempsey & Lily Mojekwu. The Original. Est 2009 RIPPED: The Living Newspaper Project Festival Playwrights included: CPS students, May 12, 2015 by various artists Bret Angelos, Manny Buckley, Darren Canady, Larissa FastHorse, Brian Hieggelke, Since 2009, we’ve produced 13 events and utilized 391+ M.E.H. Lewis, Rohina Malik, Wandachristine, incredible artists from across the United States. Based on & Gwendolyn Whiteside. the 1930s WPA era program that brought Orson Welles, Arthur Miller, Richard Wright, and Clifford Odets into public attention, we present 10-minute scripts and performances Benefit inspired and ripped from today’s headlines. for

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

ARTS EDUCATION

1,000 STUDENTS SERVED ANNUALLY.

Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Professional actors and CPS student-playwrights at RIPPED Festival.

Arts Education in CPS Served the following neighborhoods (north to south): Edison Park, Norwood Park, O’Hare, West Ridge, Irving Park, THE LINCOLN PROJECT North Center, Logan Square, Austin, Near West Side, North September 2014 — June 2015 Lawndale, South Lawndale, Lower West Side, Bridgeport, Conceived & adapted by Gwendolyn Whiteside McKinley Park, Armour Square, New City, Fuller Park, Grand from Artistic Affiliate James Still’s play Boulevard, Oakland, Garfield Ridge, Clearing, West Elsdon, The Heavens Are Hung in Black West Lawn, Gage Park, Chicago Lawn, Washington Park, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Avalon Park, South Chicago, Burnside, Our innovative program aligns with Illinois Core Curriculum Calumet Heights, Pullman, South Deering, & East Side. standards to engage 5th – 10th graders of the circumstances leading to the Emancipation Proclamation. Students watch FREE 22 scenes performed by professional actors, participate in discussions, and most importantly, write their own plays. PROGRAM SCHOOLS

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT

Commissions, One of the nation’s workshops, largest playwriting & staged-readings. competition with prizes.

Photo by Johnny Knight. (Front l to r): Kimberly Senior & Jamie Pachino with cast of the staged-reading of Other Than Honorable.

Nationally Renowned NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT The world-premiere adaptation of - Blue Print Development (commissions & workshops) Native Son was originally commissioned - Annual Blue Ink Playwriting Award in 2010 by American Blues Theater. - Ripped: The Living Newspaper Project Festival We were honored to receive permission American Blues Theater is committed to developing the from the Richard Wright Estate. classic plays and musicals of tomorrow. More than 60% of our theatrical events are world and Chicago premieres. Artists include: Dan Castellaneta, Winning scripts of the Blue Ink Playwriting Award receive 3 workshops held world premieres and second premieres across the country. Deb Lacusta, Laura Hall, Jamie between 2014-2015. Pachino, & Nambi E. Kelley.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

FINANCIAL BALANCE SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AND STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY

UNRESTRICTED TEMPORARILY 2015 TOTAL 2014 TOTAL RESTRICTED

Total Earned Income $327,255 — $327,255 $241,183 Total Public Support 267,090 100,000 367,090 402,166 Other Income 4,677 — 4,677 — Released from Restriction 90,931 (90,931) — —

TOTAL INCOME 689,953 9,069 699,022 643,349

TOTAL EXPENSES 592,046 — 592,046 518,620

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 97,907 9,069 106,976 124,729

NET ASSETS—BEGINNING OF YEAR 288,464 42,950 331,414 206,685

NET ASSETS—END OF YEAR 386,371 52,019 438,390 331,414

Audited statement—October 2015.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

In 2014-2015, American Blues Theater had income of $699,022 and expenses of $592,046. Contributed income from individuals, foundations, corporations, and our annual events accounted for 53% of total income. The charts below outline specifics for revenue and expenses with a breakdown of contributed income and single ticket revenue.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

CORPORATE & FOUNDATION SPONSORS

CORPORATE

FOUNDATION

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IN PART BY

Actors’ Equity Foundation, Anixter Foundation, Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation, Carlson Law Offices, Chicago Network for Justice & Peace, The Davee Foundation, Reimer & Karlson LLC, & The Saints.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

DONORS

We are honored to recognize the following contributors who enable American Blues Theater’s education and artistic programming. This list includes donations from our True Blue Annual Fund, GutterBall, Blue Bash, production sponsors, and other contributions given July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

$25,000 and above ComEd Leonard X and Arlene Rosenberg The Davee Foundation Sahara Enterprises INDIVIDUAL Barb and Chip Pringle Libby and David Savner Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Seyfarth Shaw LLP Howard Walker GIVING $10,000—$24,999 Darrel and Shirley Whiteside Phil and Jill Calian Eurex $500—$999 Highest donation John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Actors’ Equity Foundation $25,000 The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Anonymous The Shubert Foundation Ronit Barrett Lowest donation Keith Carlson $1 $5,000—$9,999 Tyson Carter and Sarah Nowak Anixter Foundation Lewis and Marge Collens # of donors Doug and Mary Clare Gourley Ted Cornell 309 Ross and Joyce Hemphill Keith Karlson

Kimberlee Herold Annette Martinez Illinois Arts Council Agency Keith and Anne Moffat Average donation Mike and Trudy Kelly Eve Moran $324 The Saints Ben and Nancy Randall Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel Glenn Rippie and Rachel Martindale Robert R. McCormick Foundation $2,500—$4,999 Emily Sammon Anonymous Walter Stearns Marcy and Greg Carlin Nancy and Barney Straus Jill DeVaney Blake and Sarah Swift Peter and Patty Fazio

Joel Kaplan $250—$499

Mitch Marinello and Dr. Nancy Young Peter Amster Anne Pramaggiore and Mike Harrington Anonymous Highest donation Larry Schulman and Chris Poggianti Dawn Bach and Rawl Thurman $25,000 Richard Blass $1,000—$2,499 Larry Brandenburg Lowest donation Richard and Jo Ann Beck Manny Buckley and Steve Wroten $20 Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation Thomas and Meg Claggett Ed and Laura Blatchford Mike Colky # of donors Chris Foley Joan Esposito 65 Nancy Goodman Ed and Carol Finnegan Craig and Linda Grannon J.A. (Judy) Friedman Average donation Matt and Beth Hafter John Goldman and Andrea Rose $1,179 Will and Julie Hobert Michelle and Glenn Holland Laura and Leonard Loventhal Lorraine and Jay Jaffe Patrick Murray James Juliano Shelly and Irene Reitman Patrick and Barbara Lamb

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

DONORS

$250—$499 cont’d H Debra Levin David Murdoch Michael and Cara Levinson Tony Murray David Mahler Cynthia Neville John and Jackie Mohrlein Billy O’Neal Elizabeth Murphy John Partelow Roxanne Perillo Suzanne Petri and Robert Breuler John Ratnaswamy Tina Pickell Laura Sage Sarah E. Ross Carol Senderowitz Margaret and John Saphir Susan and Richard Sigel Louise Silberman Barbara and Randy Thomas Judy Tanner and Craig Munro Mark Tebbe $100—$249 Kevin Tottis Steve Albert Mark and Margie Zivin Roz Alexander and Sam Grozdin Joseph Andalina Blues is grateful for every contribution. Anonymous We regret that due to space limitations we’re unable to list donations under $99.

Bruce Black Dana Black Please accept our deepest appreciation Dr. & Mrs. Richard Burnham as every donation makes a difference! Michael Cainkar Peter Calibraro Casey Campbell Neil Cohen Laura Dahl Joe and Paula Dempsey Rita Dragonette Deanna Dunagan Emily Emerson Blue Bash attendees Ray Garza 115 Bill and Judy Goldberg Cary Goldberg and Lisa Grant # of attendees who gave Christina Gorman additional funds Shepard Gould 73 Thomas Hanify Terese Madigan Hayes Highest auction item price Jaclyn Holsey and Shawn Goudie $2,600 Val Jensen

Lindsay Jones James Joseph Lowest auction item price Steve Key $100 Jean Klingenstein Jill Evans La Penna Pledge of Allegiance Fund Drive Bart Lazar $27,140 Charles and Frances Licht Michael Mahler and Dara Cameron Aneesa Majid Photos by Joe Mazza. (L top): Tyson Marcie McVay and Dennis Zacek Carter, Erika Bankowski, & Sarah Nowak. April Meyers (L bottom): Dawn Bach & Editha Rosario. Martin Montes and Dorelia Rivera (Above): Suzanne Petri. Michael N. Moore

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

DONORS

1 3

8 9 10

7 6 5 4

Photos by Joe Mazza. 1) Anne Pramaggiore. 2) Tyson Carter & Keith A. Karlson. 3) Sheli Rosenberg. 4) Joan Esposito. 5) Jaclyn Holsey & Dana Black. 6) Trudy & Mike Kelly. 7) Manny Buckley. 8) Christopher J. Neville. 9) Blue Bash guests. 10) Adrienne Grier. In-Kind Contributions

“The Addams Family” First Folio Theatre Palette & Chisel Aquitaine Restaurant Gibson Restaurant Group Paramount Theater A Red Orchid Theatre Goodman Theater Paws-N-Effect LLC Dawn Bach Doug Gourley Suzanne Petri and Robert Breuler Bacino’s Restaurant Greenhouse Theater Center Petterino’s “Blue Man Group” Matt and Beth Hafter Porchlight Music Theater Natalie Bontumasi Jaclyn Holsey Shelly and Irene Reitman Dara Cameron Howl at the Moon Rivers Casino Greg Carlin Indianapolis Colts Burt and Sheli Rosenberg Tyson Carter Joffrey Ballet Sarah E. Ross Dan Castellaneta Lindsay Jones Larry Schulman and Chris Poggianti Chicago Bulls Keith A. Karlson Second City Chicago Cubs Steve Key Seyfarth Shaw LLP Chicago Shakespeare Theater Johnny Knight Shedd Aquarium Chicago Symphony Orchestra Ed Kross Shepard, Schwartz, & Harris Chicago White Sox Deb Lacusta Amy Slyfield Citi Private Bank Lagunitas Southwest Airlines Rick Cleveland Jim Leaming Steep Theatre Dennis Cockrum Lettuce Entertain You Steppenwolf Theater Comedy Sportz Lookingglass Theatre Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Court Theatre Lyric Opera Joe Streeto Jill DeVaney Michael Mahler Nia Tavoularis Daniel and Ginny Emerson “Million Dollar Quartet” TimeLine Theatre Emily Emerson Milwaukee Repertory Theater Trader Joe’s Joan Esposito Anne and Keith Moffat WBEZ Photos by Joe Mazza. Eurest Montage Laguna Beach Darrel and Shirley Whiteside (Top): Sammie Becker & Elyse Dolan. Eye to Eye Interiors Museum of Contemporary Art Gwendolyn Whiteside and Ian Van Handel (Bottom): Dara Cameron & Michael Mahler. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Northlight Theatre Writers Theater

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER

Administrative office Performance venue 1016 N. Dearborn St. 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60610 Chicago, IL 60614

AmericanBluesTheater.com Gwendolyn Whiteside (312) 725-4228 voicemail Producing Artistic Director (773) 404-7336 box office

American Blues Theater is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent of the law.

2014//2015 ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN BLUES THEATER Photo by Johnny Knight. (l to r): Greg Hirte, Matthew Brumlow, Austin Cook, & Michael Mahler in Hank Williams: Lost Highway22 .