(for optimal viewing, click on photos for larger images)

The Addams Family

On December 10, 2009, members of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Oriental Theatre for a  pre-Broadway world premier production of the musical, The Addams Family. Produced by Stuart Oken, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the show is based on characters and original cartoons created by Charles Addams. Addams zaniness takes over when Wednesday falls in love with a normal boy, and Gomez and Morticia decide to have the boyfriend and his even more normal parents over for dinner.

Starring in the cast this evening were Nathan Lane as Gomez Addams and Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia Addams. Other cast members included Terrence Mann (Mal Beineke), Carolee Carmello (Alice Beineke), Kevin Chamberlin (Uncle Fester), Jackie Hoffman (Grandma), Zachary James (Lurch), Adam Riegler (Pugsley Addams), Wesley Taylor (Lucas Beineke), and Krysta Rodriguez (Wednesday Addams).

The show was directed and designed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch.  Choreography was by Sergio Trujillo.

Prior to the performance, the Sarah Siddons group had a reception and dinner at the Hotel Allegro.

Sarah Siddons Annual Meeting

On October 14, 2009, the Sarah Siddons Society held its annual meeting and luncheon at Woman's Athletic Club in Chicago.   Highlights of the business meeting included an announcement that money had been distributed to fund scholarships at The Theatre School at DePaul University, Northwestern University School of Communication, and the Theater Department of Columbia College. In addition, the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University is the recipient of the newly established Robert and Ellen Marks/Sarah Siddons Scholarship. The slate of officers for 2009-10 was presented and included: Susan Glick, President; Susan Downing, Vice-President; Lori Lennon, Secretary; and Kathryn Moffatt, Treasurer.

The meeting featured special guest and speaker, Dennis Začek, Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater, recipient of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Regional Theater.  Dennis Začek grew up in Chicago, received his undergraduate degree at DePaul University and a masters and a doctorate degree in theater from Northwestern University. This award-winning artistic director, director, actor, producer, and teacher is a highly esteemed member of the Chicago theater elite.  He is in his 32nd year as Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater and, during that time, Victory Gardens has become one of the country's most respected professional theater companies. Under his leadership, the Victory Gardens stage is acclaimed nationwide for showcasing playwrights and world premier plays. This past summer Začek directed Blackbird at Victory Gardens, and, this fall he will star in Arsenic and Old Lace at Northwestern University. Dennis Začek can do it all, and Sarah Siddons Society congratulates him on his illustrious career and for all his many contributions to Chicago theater.

Dennis Začek

Stanley Paul

presents

"Red Hot & Rich"

The Music & Life of Cole Porter

Stanley Paul

On September 17, 2009, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society filled The Casino Club for an evening with the renowned orchestra leader and pianist, Stanley Paul, who presented the program, "Red Hot and Rich," The Music and Life of Cole Porter.

Following a reception and buffet dinner, Susan Glick, President of Sarah Siddons, welcomed the group and thanked the sponsors of the event, the Kramer and Harris families.

The audience gave a standing ovation for the remarkable Stanley Paul who played piano as he presented a fascinating narrative slide show of the life and music of Cole Porter.  The enthusiastic crowd even sang along to some the music!  Stanley Paul is a treasured Chicago icon, and the Sarah Siddons Society is honored to have him as a member and loyal supporter.

Diva! Diva! Divas!

On August 17, 2009 members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended  an evening of song, Diva! Diva! Divas!, presented by the Summer Music Theatre Festival at Northwestern University.

The show featured songs from three of Chicago's most beloved leading ladies, Hollis Resnik, Alene Robertson, and Paula Scrofano. These award-winning stars have given powerhouse performances on many stages throughout the country and have thrilled audiences everywhere. They have made such a difference to Chicago theatre, and we commend them for the amazing talent and joy they bring to their audiences.

The show was directed by Dominic Missimi, Professor at Northwestern University and Executive Director, American Music Theatre Project.  Associate Director of the show was Rob Lindley.

Doug Peck was Music Director/Accompanist.

After the show, the three stars met with the Sarah Siddons group.

Paula Scofano and

Henry Godinez, Artistic Director Theatre & Interpretation Center

Blackbird

On July 21, 2009 members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended  Victory Gardens Theater for a performance of David Harrower's Blackbird.

The powerful and thought-provoking drama starred Sarah Siddons Award winner, William Petersen, in a brilliant performance as Ray.  Mattie Hawkinson starred as Una, who confronts Ray about their relationship and events which transpired 15 years earlier when Ray was 40 and Una was 12 years old. The play was directed by Dennis Začek, Artistic Director at Victory Gardens.

After the show, William Petersen, Mattie Hawkinson, and Dennis Začek met with the Sarah Siddons group and discussed the play.

Sarah Siddons Awards Gala

honoring

William Petersen

Winner Sarah Siddons Award

and

 Hollis Resnik

Chicago's Leading Lady Award

On June1, 2009, the Sarah Siddons Society held an Awards Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Water Tower Place in Chicago. The evening honored two remarkable actors for their distinguished achievements.  William Petersen was honored with the 2008-09 Sarah Siddons Award as Chicago's Actor for All Seasons.  Hollis Resnik was the recipient of a Chicago's Leading Lady Award for her performance in Northlight Theatre's production of Grey Gardens.

Chicago likes to think of him as one of its own, but William Petersen has received world-wide fame for his riveting performances and character portrayals.  From his early days in Chicago theatre to his award-winning performances on stage and in television and movies, Petersen has received great critical acclaim, along with a legion of adoring fans.  For nine seasons, Petersen starred as Dr. Gil Grissom in the CBS hit show, "CSI, Crime Scene Investigation."  Recently, he left the show to return to the stage.  It was Chicago's good fortune to see him in the Steppenwolf producton of A Dublin Carol.  This summer of 2009, Petersen will return to Chicago's Victory Gardens Theater, the theater where he earned his first Equity card, to star in the play, Blackbird, directed  by his friend, Dennis Zacek.  The Sarah Siddons Society is proud to honor the distinguished William Petersen with the Sarah Siddons Award.

The multi-talented Hollis Resnik has captivated audiences everywhere with her singing and acting in numerous award-winning stage performances as well as in recordings, movies and television. The Sarah Siddons Society is proud to honor Hollis Resnik with her second Chicago's Leading Lady Award for her acclaimed performance as Little Edie in Northlight's Grey Gardens.  She is currently  appearing in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Theatre Company, reprising the same role. We are delighted that she traveled to Chicago for the evening, to accept her award and to sing for the event.

The evening program opened with a welcome from Susan Glick, President of the Sarah Siddons Society.  She also introduced Robert Marks, sponsor of the new Robert & Ellen Marks/Sarah Siddons Scholarship for Roosevelt University. Dominic Missimi, Director of the Music Theatre Program, Northwestern University, read the list of recent scholarship recipients from the Theater School of Columbia College, The Theatre School at DePaul University, Northwestern University School of Communication, and the Theatre Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Scholars in attendance were presented:

 AJ Ware spoke to the group and RB Embleton sang an original song he had written. Sean Kelley, Assistant Director of the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University, thanked Robert Marks and the Sarah Siddons Society on behalf of the school and scholarship winner.

 Presenting the awards was Dennis Začek, Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater. 

Hollis Resnik was presented with the Sarah Siddons Chicago's Leading Lady Award for her outstanding performance in Grey Gardens.  She thrilled the audience by singing a song from the show. Accompanist was Doug Peck, her musical director for the show.

William Petersen was presented with the 2008-09 Sarah Siddons Award as Chicago's Actor for All Seasons with a standing ovation and glowing tribute from his presenter.

Dennis Začek, Hollis Resnik, William Petersen

Music was by the Stanley Paul Orchestra. The Gala was chaired by Donna Atwater and Greta Wiley Flory.

This event benefited the Sarah Siddons Scholarship Fund for theatre students.

Dennis Začek, Artistic Director of Victory Gardens Theater, with his wife, Marcelle McVay, long-time Managing Director at Victory Gardens

Star Sponsors:

Kathleen Amatangelo

Greta Wiley Flory

Sherry Hoel

Naomi Stark

Waa-Mu Show

"One For The Books"

On May 2, 2009, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the 78th annual Waa-Mu show at Northwestern University. A reception, program, and dinner were held prior to the show.

The pre-performance program featured music by stars of Waa-Mu:  Seth Dhonau; Liz Olanoff; Jay Reynolds; and Kaitlin Fine, 2008 Sarah Siddons Scholarship recipient and Co-Chair 2009 Waa-Mu.  Ian Weinberger was the piano accompanist.  Also featured was Dominic Missimi, Director of the Music Theatre Program and of Waa-Mu.  He gave an update on the accomplishments of our past scholarship recipients and announced that RB Embleton is winner of the 2009 Sarah Siddons Scholarship.

"One For The Books" presented songs and sketches involving characters from favorite books and stories.  Performing in the show and collaborating in the creation of Waa-Mu 2009 were Sarah Siddons Scholarship recipients, Kaitlin Fine(Co-Chair) and RB Embleton(Music);  Sarah Siddons Dance Scholarship recipient, Aisha Harris(Choreography);  and Lucia Perrigo Meyers Scholarship recipient, Eugenio Vargas(Co-Chair).  We commend these students and all the exceptional talent associated with this outstanding production!

The Sarah Siddons event was chaired by Mary Lou Bilder-Gold.

Mary Poppins

On April 23, 2009, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a performance of the musical, Mary Poppins.  Produced by Walt Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, the show combines the best of the original stories by Pamela L. Travers and the beloved  Disney film. The music includes the movie hits by Richard and Robert Sherman, with new and revised numbers by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.  The book is by Julian Fellows.  Richard Eyre is Director.

Starring in the show this evening were the original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins) and Gavin Lee (Bert).

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at Hotel Allegro.

Annual Membership Outreach

"A Conversation with Steve Scott"

The Sarah Siddons Society annual membership outreach meeting was held on March 18, 2009, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel. 

For prospective members of the organization, President Susan Glick gave an introduction to Sarah Siddons Society, explaining its purpose of providing scholarships to local theatre students.

Susan Downing, Vice-President Sarah Siddons Society, interviewed Associate Producer at Goodman Theatre, Steve Scott, who gave us a behind the scenes look at Goodman Theatre and their 2009 season.

Tea and refreshments were served.

Presentation of the Robert and Ellen Marks/Sarah Siddons Society Scholarship for the Theatre Conservatory at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University

3-16-2009

L. to R.

Susan Glick, President of the Sarah Siddons Society

Robert Marks, sponsor of the scholarship

Joel Fink, Associate Dean, Chicago College of Performing Arts, Director of The Theatre Conservatory, Roosevelt University

Donna Atwater, Co-Chair Board of Governors, Sarah Siddons Society

Desire Under the Elms

On February 24, 2009, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Goodman Theatre for a  performance of Eugene O'Neill's Desire Under the Elms.  Originally published in 1924, the drama tells of Ephraim Cabot, who returns to his New England farm with his new wife, the alluring young Abbie.  His 3 grown sons have been consumed with greed over their inheritance.  Tragic consequences ensue when Ephraim's youngest son, Eben, has an affair with Abbie.

This new production of the classic play is under the direction of Robert Falls.

Brian Dennehy, 1998-99 Sarah Siddons Award Winner, stars as Ephraim Cabot.  Also featured  are Amy J. Carle, Pablo Schreiber, Boris McGiver, and Daniel Stewart Sherman.

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at Petterino's Restaurant.  A presentation on Goodman Theatre's outreach programs featured Willa Taylor, Director of Education and Community programs at the Goodman.

Dirty Dancing

On October 9, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a performance of the musical, Dirty Dancing, The Classic Story on Stage, in its pre-Broadway U. S. premiere.  The creator of Dirty Dancing is Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the hit movie and went on to "re-imagine" her story for stage.  Set at a summer resort in 1963, Dirty Dancing is a coming-of-age story about an idealistic teenager, Frances "Baby" Houseman, who visits the resort with her family and develops an emotional and physical relationship with Johnny, a dance instructor at the resort.

Directing the show is James Powell, with choreography by Kate Champion and music supervision by Conrad Helfrich.

In starring roles this evening were Josef Brown (Johnny Castle), Amanda Leigh Cobb (Frances "Baby" Houseman), and Britta Lazenga (Penny Johnson).

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at the Allegro Hotel.                    

Billy Zane, star of screen and stage,

with his father, William Zane, a former president of Sarah Siddons Society

Annual Meeting

On September 17, 2008, the Sarah Siddons Society held its annual meeting and luncheon at The Casino in Chicago.   Highlights of the business meeting included an announcement that money had been distributed to fund scholarships at The Theatre School at DePaul University, Northwestern University School of Communication, and Columbia College. The slate of officers for 2008-09 was presented and included: Susan Glick, President; Susan Downing, Vice-President; Lori Lennon, Secretary; and Kathryn Moffatt, Treasurer.

At the meeting, the organization  honored Deanna Dunagan with the 2007 Chicago's Leading Lady Award for her stunning  performance as Violet Weston in August: Osage County,  produced at Steppenwolf Theatre.  Also honored was Dominic Missimi, the extraordinary Director of Music Theatre at Northwestern University as well as the director of numerous shows throughout America.

Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times columnist, and entertainment reporter & film critic for CBS 2, was master of ceremonies for the program.

Greta Wiley Flory presented Dominic Missimi with a special Sarah Siddons Award for his support of the organization and its mission of providing scholarships to theatre students. As a director and teacher, Dominic Missimi is a remarkable talent and incredible gift to Northwestern, its students, and the theatre world. The many shows he has directed include Northwestern's famed Waa-Mu show and 36 productions at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. In accepting his award, Missimi spoke of his first job, 41 years ago, teaching drama in high school. While directing his first show, he met his future wife Nancy, who happened to be doing the costumes!  Missimi also gave us an update of prior Sarah Siddons scholarship recipients and their accomplishments.

John Mahoney presented Deanna Dunagan with the Sarah Siddons 2007 Chicago's Leading Lady Award.  After the Steppenwolf production of August:Osage County went to Broadway, Deanna Dunagan became the talk of New York, as she had been in Chicago, for her unforgettable performance. More awards followed, including a Tony. John Mahoney spoke of Dunagan's "spellbinding performance" and the "truth" she embodies on stage as one of " America's premiere leading ladies."  In accepting her award, Dunagan assured the group that even though she will be reprising her role in London this fall, she'll be back to Chicago to live and work.

Dominic Missimi & Deanna Dunagan

American Music Theatre Project

Dangerous Beauty

On August 2, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended Dangerous Beauty, an American Music Theatre Project, held at Northwestern University in the Ethel Barber Theater.  The world premier musical tells the tale of Veronica Franco, an actual courtesan and poet in 16th century Venice.  The story is based on Margaret Rosenthal's 1992 book, The Honest Courtesan, and the New Regency motion picture Dangerous Beauty screenplay by Jeannine Dominy. 

Book and verse are by Jeannine Dominy.  Lyrics are by Amanda McBroom, music is by Michele Brourman, and choreography is by Robert La Fosse.  The show was directed by Sheryl Kaller.

Starring as Veronica Franco was the remarkable Jenny Powers, 2001-02 Sarah Siddons Scholarship winner.  In the role of Paolo Franco(Veronica's mother) was Hollis Resnik, a prior recipient of Sarah Siddon's Chicago's Leading Lady Award.

Highlighting the evening was a post-performance discussion with Jenny Powers and the cast.

Jenny Powers

Star of Dangerous Beauty

2001-02 Sarah Siddons Scholarship winner

Sarah Siddons Awards Gala

Kathleen Turner

Sarah Siddons Award Winner 2007-08

On May 19, 2008, the Sarah Siddons Society held an Awards Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel at Water Tower Place in Chicago.  The evening honored two remarkable women for their distinguished achievements on the stage.

Kathleen Turner was honored with the 2007-08  Sarah Siddons Award as Chicago's Actor of the Year for her brilliant Chicago performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.  Deanna Dunagan was the recipient of a Chicago's Leading Lady Award for  her outstanding performance in August: Osage County.

Academy Award nominated actress Kathleen Turner has starred in over twenty-five films, including Body Heat, Romancing the Stone, Prizzi's Honor, Peggy Sue Got Married and War of the Roses.  Her illustrious stage career includes starring roles in The Graduate, Indiscretions, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof(Tony nomination). In 2005, she received a second Tony Award nomination for her role as Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.  She has recently made her New York directing debut in the off-Broadway production of Crimes of the Heart.  She also recently published her autobiography, Send Yourself Roses, which discusses the struggles and triumphs of her 30-plus years in show business.  Kathleen Turner's incredible talent, intelligence, beauty, and sultry voice have captivated audiences everywhere.

In accepting the Sarah Siddons Award, Kathleen Turner explained to the crowd how she met with Edward Albee, told him she had to play Martha, and persuaded him to revive his play, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.  The Sarah Siddons Society is proud to honor her distinguished performance.

Also honored this evening was Deanna Dunagan who received a Chicago's Leading Lady Award for her acclaimed performance as Violet Weston in Steppenwolf's production of August: Osage County . She is currently appearing on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre, reprising the same role.  In 2007, she won the Jeff award in Chicago for this performance and, in 2008, Broadway has recognized her work with a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award.  Deanna Dunagan has worked at more than 30 theatres in the Chicago area and is well known for her stellar performances.  She was unable to be with us tonight, and in her absence , Richard Christiansen(Emeritus Chief Critic Chicago Tribune) accepted the award in her behalf.

Master of ceremonies for the evening was Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun-Times Columnist.  Music was by the Stanley Paul Orchestra.

Special guests at the Gala included Sarah Siddons Scholarship recipients.

Featured entertainment included star performances by theatre students from:

 Columbia College: Britni Tozzi with Accompanist: Alex Newkirk

                    The Theatre School, DePaul University:  Christina Nieves with Accompanist: Ian Custer

                      Northwestern University School of Communication: Kaitlin Fine, Eugenio Vargas, Andrew Keltz, Maureen Rohn, Morgan Karr, with accompanist: Patrick Holland

The Gala was chaired by Donna Atwater and Susan Glick.

 Thanks to our exclusive corporate sponsor, Northern Trust, for its generous support of the Sarah Siddons Society and Chicago theatre.

The Sarah Siddons Society gratefully acknowledges our other Star Sponsors and Supporters.

Five Star Sponsor:

Columbia College

Star Table Sponsors:

The Theatre School, DePaul University

Northwestern School of Communication

Lori Lennon

Star Sponsors:

Greta Wiley Flory

Betty Stuart Rodgers Jeffreys

Ann O'Brien

Otto Schultz and Valerie Kunz

Naomi Stark

Sherry Hoel

Richard Firfer

Betty Sue & Dick Wharton

Star Donations:

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Bohn

Mr. & Mrs Gus Horschke

Kathryn Moffatt

Mr. & Mrs. William McCrea

Sheldon Patinkin

John Straub

Lorraine Vandenberg

Waa-Mu Show

SKYLINES

On May 7, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended Northwestern University for the annual Waa-Mu Show. This year's show, Skylines, visited Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, and followed characters in their pursuit of happiness and success.  As always, the  writers and performers of Waa-Mu never cease to amaze us with all the talent that goes into this show.  Co-chairs of Waa-Mu 2008 were Kristin Johnson and the 2007 Dinah Perutz Dance Scholarship winner, Maureen Rohn.  Waa-Mu Director was Dominic Missimi.

Following the performance, Dominic Missimi spoke to the audience, thanked Sarah Siddons Society for funding scholarships, and announced that Kaitlin Fine is the Northwestern recipient of the 2008-09 Sarah Siddons Scholarship.

Better Late

On April 23, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Northlight Theatre for a performance of the world-premiere play,  Better Late. The comedy tells the story of a man who, while recuperating from an illness, moves in with his ex-wife and her new husband. The story is based on a true episode from the life of the playwright, Larry Gelbart, who collaborated with Craig Wright to write the play.

Better Late starred Sarah Siddons Award Winner, the always wonderful John Mahoney, as Lee, the current husband.  Also starring were Mike Nussbaum as Julian, the recuperating ex-husband, and Linda Kimbrough as Nora, the ex-wife.  The production was directed by BJ Jones.

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at The Grill Restaurant, Double Tree Hotel.

Highlighting the evening was a visit with John Mahoney after the performance.

The Drowsy Chaperone

On April 11, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a performance of the musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. Music and lyrics are by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.  Book is by Bob Martin and Don McKellar. The show starts when a fan of musicals plays his favorite album, from a 1928 smash hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone."  The musical comes to life on stage, telling the tale of a Broadway starlet who is about to get married and give up show business.

In an outstanding performance, the show starred Mark Ledbetter, Sarah Siddons Scholarship Winner 1999, as Robert Martin, the Bridegroom.  Other cast members this evening included Georgia Engel(Mrs.Tottendale),  Andrea Chamberlain(Janet Van De Graaff),  Man in Chair(Jonathan Crombie), and Nancy Opel(The Drowsy Chaperone).  Direction and choreography were by Casey Nicholaw.

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at the Allegro Hotel.  Highlighting the evening were special guest appearances by Dominic Missimi, Director of Theatre Programs at Northwestern University, and Mark Ledbetter, star of The Drowsy Chaperone. In his talk to the group, Mark Ledbetter expressed his appreciation to Northwestern for his start in the theatre and also to Sarah Siddons Society for his prior scholarship.

All About Eve

the movie

On January 16, 2008, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society met at Woman's Athletic Club for a viewing of the movie, All About Eve, with a presentation by Greta Wiley from the book, All About "All About Eve."

The movie, All About Eve, opens in the ballroom of a fictitious Sarah Siddons Society.  The occasion is the presentation of the Sarah Siddons award statuette, modeled on Sir Joshua Reynolds' painting, Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse.  The powerful presence of Sarah Siddons in All About Eve convinced a group of theater fans in Chicago to found a real Sarah Siddons Society, granting an actual award.

The evening also included a reception with wine and a light buffet.