(for optimal viewing, click on  photo for a larger image)

Chicago Humanities Festival

The Flory Concert

On November 6, 2006, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Chicago Humanities Festival for The Flory Concert, "Good Songs for Bad Times."  This celebration of the American songbook was given in memory of the late William Flory, an esteemed and valued member of the Sarah Siddons Society and a devoted supporter of the Chicago Humanities Festival.  His wife, Greta Wiley Flory, who underwrote the concert as a tribute to her husband, opened the evening with a greeting to the audience.

The concert was created and narrated by Barry Day. It was held at Thorne Auditorium.

Annual Meeting

On October 31, 2006, 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 2006-07 was presented and included Betty Stuart Rodgers Jeffreys and Lori Lennon as Co-President.

The program featured a presentation and performance by Heidi Kettenring, who is currently appearing in Wicked  and recently won the Sarah Siddons' Chicago's Leading Lady Award. This charming and talented actor captivated us as she sang and told of her life in the theatre.  The accompanist was Josette Behrend.

The Pirate Queen

On October 18, 2006, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a pre-Broadway,  world premier,  preview performance of the eagerly anticipated musical, The Pirate Queen.  Created by the legendary team of  Alain Boublil (Author, Book and Lyrics) and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Book and Music), the show is loosely based on facets of the extraordinary life of the actual Grace O'Malley, who lived in Ireland in the 1500s, was head of her clan, and commanded a fleet of ships which leaned toward piracy.  In the title role as The Pirate Queen (Grace "Grania" O'Malley) was Stephanie J. Block. Other cast members included Hadley Fraser (Tiernan), Linda Balgord (Queen Elizabeth I),  Marcus Chait (Donal),  Jeff McCarthy (Dubhdara), and William Youmans (Bingham).  Frank Galati was the director.

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

Awards Gala

On  June 12, 2006, the Sarah Siddons Society held an Awards Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago.  The Gala honored John Mahoney who received the 2005-06  Sarah Siddons Award as "Chicago's Actor of the Year."  Heidi Kettenring was honored with the Chicago's Leading Lady Award.

John Mahoney is known for his brilliant performances on the stage and screen. Winner of a Tony, an Emmy, and numerous other awards and honors, this former college English professor has thrilled audiences and critics alike for his performances in such shows as Steppenwolf's off-Broadway production of Orphans, Lincoln Center's production of The House of Blue Leaves, and Steppenwolf's I Never Sang For My Father.  Mahoney became a favorite of  television audiences everywhere in his role of Martin Crane on the television series Frasier.  Whether the show is a drama or comedy, this gifted and versatile star has created truly unforgettable characters in his outstanding acting career. The Sarah Siddons Society is proud to honor the distinguished John Mahoney with the Sarah Siddons Award.

Heidi Kettenring is an extraordinary talent as an actor and singer. Since graduation from Northwestern she has been delighting audiences with her starring roles in numerous musicals, such as Marriott's Funny Girl, and currently in Wicked. In recognition of her exceptional performances, the Sarah Siddons Society is proud to honor Heidi Kettenring with a Chicago's Leading Lady Award.

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

The blessing before dinner was given by Father Mike Kettenring, father of Heidi Kettenring.  Father Kettenring came from New Orleans for the event.

The evening program was opened with the announcement that the Sarah Siddons Society dedicated this Gala to the memory of William N. Flory, a valued member of the organization.

Ellen Burns read the list of recent scholarship recipients from the Theater School of Columbia College, The Theatre School at DePaul University, and Northwestern University School of Communication. Scholars in attendance were presented:

Entertainment included a "star" performance given by Northwestern theatre students, Charlie Siebert, Morgan Karr, Laura Schienbaum, Katherine Brookman, Morgan Weed, Carly Kincannon, and Emily Thompson. Musical director was Dr. Ryan Nelson.

Heidi Kettenring was awarded the Chicago's Leading Lady Award with a tribute from her presenter and co-star in Wicked, Rondi Reed, a prior recipient of the same award.

To a standing ovation, John Mahoney accepted the Sarah Siddons Award from his presenter, Richard Christiansen, Former Chief Critic and Senior Writer of the Chicago Tribune.

The Gala was chaired by Dorothy Fuller, Susan Glick, and Anthony Rossi.

Money raised by the Gala and silent auction to benefit the scholarship fund.

Star Sponsors

The Sarah Siddons Society gratefully acknowledges our Star Sponsors

Tessa Craib Cox

John Culbert

Mrs. William N. "Greta Wiley" Flory

Dorothy Fuller

Susan Glick

Mary Lou Bilder-Gold

Donna Hannay

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Andrew Hayes

Betty Stuart Rodgers Jeffreys

Mimi Lappin

 Lori Lennon

Merle Reskin

Holly Rodgers

Scott Rodgers

Otto Schulz and Valerie Kunz

Karen Zupko Stuart

Betty Sue Wharton

Star Donations

Kathleen Amatangelo

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bohn

Mrs. William N. "Greta Wiley" Flory

Irwin Noparstak

Mrs. Henry Vandenbergh

J. Zelde

 Spamalot

On June 1, 2006, members and guests of Sarah Siddons Society attended a performance of Monty Python's Spamalot, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago.  Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, the show describes itself as a "musical lovingly ripped off from the motion picture Monty Python and the Holy Grail."  With the book and lyrics by Eric Idle, Spamalot is funny and delightfully silly in true Python fashion. Music is by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. The director is Mike Nichols.

Stars in this Chicago production included Michael Siberry (King Arthur) and Pia Glenn (Lady of the Lake).

A reception and dinner were held at Hotel Allegro prior to the show.

The 25th Annual Putnam County  Spelling Bee

On May 24, 2006, members and guests of Sarah Siddons Society attended a performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, at Drury Lane Theatre, Water Tower Place.  Spelling Bee is based upon the play, C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, which was conceived by Rebecca Feldman.  It was adapted into a Tony award-winning musical comedy by William Finn (Music/Lyrics) and Rachel Sheinkin (Book). This funny and engaging production is directed by James Lapine.

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at The Casino.

75th Anniversary Celebration

WAA-MU

"Jubilee!" 

On May 4, 2006, members and guests of the Sarah Siddons Society attended the 75th anniversary of the Waa-Mu show at Northwestern University.  A reception, program, and dinner were held prior to the show.

Standing in for Dominic Missimi at the pre-performance program was Co-Chair of Waa-Mu, Charles Siebert, who performed, along with other Waa-Mu stars, Catherine Brookman, Andrew Keltz, and Morgan Weed.  Also featured was Waa-Mu Conductor, Dr. Mallory Thompson, who announced that Emily Thompson is the 2006 Sarah Siddons Scholarship Winner.

"Jubilee," celebrates 75 years of acclaimed stage productions by extraordinary Northwestern talent. Chairs for the fantastic Waa-Mu  2006 were: Charles Siebert;  Antonette Balestreri, 2005 Sarah Siddons Scholarship Winner; and Liz Kimball, 2005 Sarah Siddons Scholarship Winner.

The Sarah Siddons Society congratulates Northwestern and all the talent responsible for 75 years of fabulous shows.  The Waa-Mu stage has literally been a stage to the stars!

Emily Thompson, 2006 Sarah Siddons Scholarship Winner,  Northwestern University

and

Dr. Mallory Thompson, Professor, Conducting & Ensembles, Northwestern University School of Music,

and  Conductor of  Waa-Mu

A Marvelous Party: The Noël Coward Celebration

 On January 5, 2006, members and guests of Sarah Siddons Society attended a performance of A Marvelous Party: The Noël Coward Celebration , at Northlight Theatre.  The rights to design this world premiere Coward revue were received by Northlight and its Artistic Director, B.J. Jones. A Marvelous Party was created from Coward's music, plays and journals by David Ira Goldstein(director of the production), Patricia Wilcox(choreographer), and Carl Danielsen and Mark Anders, who were featured in the show.  Anna Lauris also starred in the revue, which captured the sparkling fun associated with Coward.

Prior to the performance, a reception and dinner were held at the Daily Grill at the NorthShore Skokie Hotel. Highlighting the evening was a visit with B.J. Jones, who welcomed the Sarah Siddons group and discussed Northlight Theatre.

B. J. Jones, Artistic Director Northlight Theatre;  Merle Reskin;  Stanley Paul

Sarah Siddons Society members and guests enjoying the Coward event