Warm thanks go out from Chicago Dramatists to all those who joined us at the 2011 Blue Moon Ball, where we honored 25 years of leadership by Artistic Director Russ Tutterow. It was a lovely evening of drinks, dinner, and dancing at the beautiful Galleria Marchetti.
(Click here to see for yourself!)

More than 200 guests mingled, chatted, dined, drank, and bid on unique silent-auction prizes, including a five-night stay at a beautiful beach home in South Hampton; getaway trips to New Orleans, Minneapolis, and Door County; original artwork and jewelry; tickets to the Lollapalooza and Pitchfork music festivals; and dining, hotel, and theatre packages... many of which were provided by our generous partners.

The evening featured a program honoring Russ Tutterow with testimonials from various playwrights and theatre artists whom Russ has worked with and nurtured over the past 25 years—including Chicago Dramatists’ first Managing Director, Gary Brichetto, who shared tales of Russ and the early years and Gary's successor, Ann Filmer, who joined with a group of musical theatre artists in a dance number specially designed for Russ. Current Managing Director Brian Loevner closed the program with the special announcement that May Street, behind the theatre, is to be designated by the City of Chicago as “Russ Tutterow Way.”

And then we danced... the rest of the night away to Lynne Jordan & The Shivers, who wowed everyone with their amazing energy and Lynne’s divine vocals.

The 2011 Blue Moon Ball was made possible, in part, by the generous support of Cole Taylor Bank, DePaul University and Vertical Incorporated... and was brought together by tireless work of Gala Co-Chairs, Carla Salvo and Maaike Almeida, and our wonderful Gala Committee!

Kudos to all for a wonderful job!