Tue. May 5, 2026
By Jerry Nunn
On May 2, Lookingglass Theatre Company put the fun in fundraiser at Morgan MFG in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. For six hours, exuberant revellers and big donors celebrated the arts in several rooms of the upscale venue.
The theme for the night of Come As You Aren't left plenty of room for interpretation and this was reflected in a wide range of fashion. Ticket holders were encouraged to wear inspirations from previous Lookingglass projects and all were given a chance to enter a contest later in the programming.
After checking in, party people strutted down the pink carpet to pose for photographs and give brief quotes about the esteemed organization.
Host Jack McBrayer mentioned his HGTV show Zillow Gone Wild, “We just premiered our third season last night. HGTV has found a younger demographic with this show and I get to act as a representative of a home viewer. We approach things without judgment and celebrate people's choices with home design.”
Another television personality, Rick Bayless, walked the pink carpet and was spotted recently on opening night for Lookingglass Theatre's White Rooster. The Top Chef Master said, “I loved White Rooster. It was like the old Lookingglass shows because it had puppetry, music and a bigger-than-life story.”
The talented chef recently started a new menu at his restaurant, Topolobampo, focusing on cuisine and tequila from Jalisco in Mexico. He stated that his company is expanding to other airports across the country, including Philadelphia, Orlando and Las Vegas.
Another big personality in the world of hospitality, Billy Dec, attended the gathering in support of his longtime friend David Schwimmer, who dressed as a pirate for the ball.
Well-respected actor Harry Lennix spoke on the massive success of the Tony Award-winning play Purpose. Lennix played Sonny Jasper in the Steppenwolf Theatre Company production as well as on Broadway. He confessed, “I can't say it was a big surprise. I will perform the role again at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. Before that, in August, I will be in a play called Speak, Salvation, Speak at the Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis.”
After an open bar and appetizers, the crowd moved into the dining room for an upscale dinner. Programming included the vocal stylings of Le Gateau Chocolat, speeches from Lookingglass Young Ensemble members and a live auction from Chris Maliszewski.
Many of the frocks in the room were inspired by previous Lookingglass productions such as Metamorphosis, Moby Dick and Lookingglass Alice. The contest emcee, Matthew Rodrigues, was dressed as the Nursemaid from The Steadfast Tin Soldier.
After the contest ended, several Lookingglass performers kept the spirit alive with a pop-up dance party and tunes from DJ Lady D.
To finish things off, the Red Queen let them eat cheesecake provided by Eli's Cheesecake as the silent auction closed and guests exited the festive environment.
The Lookingglass Theatre troupe is a non-profit company founded in 1988 and is located inside the Chicago Water Works building at 163 East Pearson Street.
Visit lookingglasstheatre.org for information on the upcoming Eileen Byrne Presents Running with Coffee and Untitled Vampire Play coming soon.
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