The Goodman commemorated 100 years with a glamorous gala

The Goodman Theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala that smashed expectations on May 17, 2025. The organization's annual black tie event was again held at the Fairmont Chicago on Columbus Drive and began at 6:30 p.m.

The downtown area was overrun with a combination of bustling Beyonce fans wearing country western attire and others dressed in elegant ball gowns for various parties on the weekend.

Traffic and parking became challenging for revelers out on the town.

The fundraising festivities started with a lively cocktail reception in the International Ballroom on the second floor of the Fairmont Chicago. Open bars and passed appetizers were just the warm-up for what was yet to come for ticket holders that night.

Dinner was held in the Imperial Ballroom of the hotel, so attendees descended the escalators and entered elevators to reach the lower level. Another world was created by the curators of the extravaganza and beautiful flower arrangements on the tables set the mood. Refreshing beet salads were placed at each individual's seat beforehand, paired with bread.

Announcements were made about the impact of educational programs and the importance of the proceeds from this special night could be used for future endeavors moving forward.

Walter Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins both spoke from the podium about the centennial anniversary and the cultural impact of the Goodman Theatre over the years.

With no further ado, Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. from the musical Hamilton entered the stage wearing a black trench coat, followed by his four-piece band.

Fans of Aaron Burr were in for a treat thanks to Odom's smooth, buttery voice that eased into each song selection with skilled precision. Highlights included a snappy rendition of “My Favorite Things” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration The Sound of Music and Louis Armstrong's “When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You).”

The actor, singer and songwriter was a man of few words but stopped to thank the room for their support of the arts. He took a brief break backstage while Brittney Mack and Aeriel Williams sang a duet, “What About Love?” from The Color Purple musical slated to run June 21-27, 2025.

Odom returned to close out the show with Sam Cooke's “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Nat King Cole's “Unforgettable.” His song choices suited his voice well and his band hit all the right notes.

The beef short rib entrees were served following his performance and raffle ticket numbers were drawn from the bin. Lucky winners took home 18K white gold Piranesi earrings and a collection of seven different whiskeys. The icing on the cake was tickets to see Leslie reprise his iconic role on Broadway. A delicious lime cheesecake accompanied this with coffee served on the side.

Guests danced the night away with music provided by the Gentlemen of Leisure, a powerful, full-piece band with talented singers belting out tunes.

Chicago's largest not-for-profit theater company has a strong season of programming planned, including Ashland Avenue in September and Revolution(s) in October. Constant staples such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour continue to delight audiences of all ages each year.

Named after the playwright Kenneth Sawyer Goodman and founded in 1925 as a repertory company, Goodman Theatre has carved out a rich legacy funded by many of the donors who attended the gala that Saturday night. Northern Trust, TransUnion, Allstate, and Neiman Marcus were just some of the sponsors who also contributed to the cause, in addition to generous supporters.

As the troupe passes this magnificent milestone, there is much to celebrate as they create their next century of entertainment at 170 North Dearborn Street.

For information about tickets to upcoming shows, please visit goodmantheatre.org.