The event: 150 theater aficionados gathered at the Northlight Theatre in Skokie to enjoy “The Northlight Spectacular: A Vaudeville Extravaganza” on Oct. 6. Former “Saturday Night Live” castmember Tim Kazurinsky and “Cheers” actor George Wendt lent their support to the annual gala fundraiser, alongside the mayor of Skokie and other luminaries.
Every year, Northlight stages five productions that are a mixture of classics, musicals and original work. They will add a sixth work this year, called “Charm,” opening Oct. 18 inside Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre.
Cause célebre: Jeff Award Equity Wing Chairman Merril Prager called Northlight “very courageous in their choices,” praising the theater on its commitment to producing new works.
Now entering its 41st season, Northlight boasts an enviable 188 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 31 awards. Part of its mission is to fearlessly champion novel themes.
“They do amazing work, great variety and always quality production,” said John Levine, of Northbrook.
In addition to its quality productions, Northlight has an extensive outreach program that provides arts education to more than 2,000 students across 24 school districts.
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“We all know that the arts not only improve science and math scores, but also the self-esteem of kids,” said executive director Tim Evans.
Evans explained that after witnessing extensive cuts of arts programming from school curriculums over the past six years, Northlight’s management decided to make it their mission to be the go-to destination for theater arts in the community.
“Not every kid is going to play a sport and, those that don’t, I think can find their way [in school and life] through the arts,” Evans said.
Development director Kimberly Hoopingarner summed it up: “Northlight is a fabulous treasure on the North Shore that everyone should come and enjoy.”
Bottom line: The benefit raised $55,000 for Northlight’s programming.