You are invited to
Music Theater Works’ Annual Producers’ Gala
Sasha Gerritson and Steven Alessandro
Co-Chairs
YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT
Benefiting Music Theater Works’ 2026 Season and YouthREACH programs
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Michigan Shores Club
911 Michigan Ave, Wilmette, IL
Cocktail Reception at 5:00pm
On the Second Floor
The reception includes an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and dancers
Sit Down Dinner and Award Presentation at 6:30pm
In the Ballroom
The dining portion of the evening includes presentation of the fifth annual Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence to Lyn Dickey, a live auction, a paddle raise, and big band music and entertainment from Music Theater Works’ artists.
Immediately Following Dinner
The Casino is Open
The evening concludes with the opening of the casino with craps and blackjack tables, roulette wheels, a Texas Hold ’Em table, and more music.
With admission to the Gala, each attendee receives chips to play with, and may win additional chips to redeem for a variety of prizes.
The 2026 Producers Gala Committee is Steven Alessandro (co-chair), Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc, Sasha Gerritson (co-chair), Valerie Romano Larson, Rachel Pethiyagoda, Amrit Singh, and Kate Waldinger.
Funds raised at the Producers’ Gala support Music Theater Works education and artistic programming.
Dress: 60’s inspired or black tie/cocktail attire welcomed!
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets
Single Tickets are $300 each or $3000 for a table of ten
VIP Tables
$5000 per table
VIP Tables include additional chips for each of the ten guests, specialty wine served during dinner and champagne with the dessert course.
Sponsorships
Download information on sponsorship levels here
For more sponsorship information, contact Lisa McGowan at Lisa@AWAMeetings.com.
Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence
The Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence is named in honor of the longtime supporter of Music Theater Works who passed away in 2022. The award is given each year to an individual who has made an impact on the art of music theater in Chicago, through artistic expression, public advocacy or significant financial support; recognizes the importance of engaging the entire community in the public, private, arts and business sector; is instrumental in the creation of great art and has demonstrated through their actions, works, and words their personal and profound commitment to our beloved art of musical theater in Chicago. This year, we honor Lyn Dickey with the award; previous honorees include Ms. Saxon (2022), Howard Hallengren (2023), Bridget McDonough (2024) and Dr. and Mrs. Bob and Marilyn Arensman (2025).
“All of us at Music Theater Works look forward to celebrating another incredible year with our supporters at this year’s 60s-themed Producers Gala,” said Producing Artistic Director Kyle Dougan-LeBlanc. “And as our guests enjoy all the performances and celebrations, we will also shine a spotlight on the incredible Lyn Dickey, whom I call the “grandmother of Music Theater Works,” not because of age, but because of the way she shows up: with constancy, wisdom, generosity and a deep belief in the power of family. From the earliest days of this company, Lyn has been a steady presence, supportive, encouraging and fiercely committed to the idea that theater is not just something we produce, but something we build together. We encourage all to join us for this unforgettable night.”
Reserve Tickets Now
Checks should be made out to Music Theater Works and be sent to
Chirstopher Riley
Music Theater Works
516 4th Street
Wilmette, IL 60091
To pay on line, please complete form below