Michael Shannon and Billy Dec Host A Red Orchid Theatre's 21st Annual Gala
Sep 25, 2013
A Red Orchid Theatre's (AROT) Board of Directors and Ensemble, together with Rockit Ranch Productions, proudly announces the 2013 A Red Orchid Gala. The 2013 Gala will celebrate 21 years of creating exceptional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago. The event will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Sunda New Asian restaurant, 110 W. Illinois, with a cocktail party and auction to follow at The Underground, 56 W Illinois. The evening will be co-hosted by A Red Orchid Co-founder and Academy Award Nominee, Michael Shannon and Emmy Award winning television contributor and Rockit Ranch Productions CEO, Billy Dec.
The Gala evening will take place in two of Chicago's hottest venues, beginning with a VIP Dinner at Rockit Ranch's Michelin-recommended Sunda New Asian and continuing with a cocktail party and auction at The Underground, Rockit Ranch's buzzing River North nightclub. The VIP Dinner will feature live performances from the company's upcoming season, performed by members of the AROT Ensemble.
Each year A Red Orchid's critically acclaimed theatrical productions attract diverse audiences from across the country. With the funds raised through the event, AROT will advance its commitment to creating exceptional Ensemble-based theatre and fostering new theatrical works, both at home in Chicago and on the national stage.
The Gala Committee is led by Board Event Chairs Ann McCartney and Mollie Stromberg and AROT Development Director Jennifer Sultz, Managing Director Rebecca Eaton and Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald.
The Presenting Sponsors include Sunda New Asian, The Underground, Rockit Ranch Productions, Grey Goose and Terlato Wines.
A Red Orchid Board of Directors includes Christian Chadd Taylor, Michael Fatall, Darren Guccione, Pam Harrington, Mary Gail Fitzpatrick, Ann McCartney, Rebecca Mills, Michael Shannon, Giulia Sindler, Tamara Solarich, Mollie Stromberg and Guy Van Swearingen.
Michael Shannon, an Ensemble Member of A Red Orchid Theatre since 1993, currently plays the role of Agent Nelson Van Alden on HBO's celebrated drama "Boardwalk Empire." Michael recently starred in Man of Steel as General Zod, and in the award winning film Take Shelter. Michael was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Revolutionary Road. Michael originated the role of Peter in Tracy Letts' Bug, which had its Chicago Premiere at A Red Orchid before playing off-Broadway and being adapted into a major motion picture, also starring Shannon. He has performed on numerous Chicago stages and appeared in Uncle Vanya at New York's Soho Rep. In the fall of 2012 he performed in the Broadway production of Grace, a play written by fellow Red Orchid Ensemble Member Craig Wright, and recently appeared in AROT's critically-acclaimed production of Sam Shepard's Simpatico.
Billy Dec is an Emmy Award-winning TV Personality on ABC TV's "Windy City Live!" and CEO/Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions, which owns and operates award winning venues Rockit Bar & Grill, The Underground, Sunda New Asian, Rockit Burger Bar, Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ and ¡AY CHIWOWA!.
Dec is an alumnus of Chicago-Kent College of Law and The Harvard Business School. He's received numerous awards including the "Excellence in Business Award" from the State of Illinois and the Community Service Award from the Cook County State's Attorney's office. Dec is a fervent supporter of philanthropic organizations including the Make a Wish Foundation, Lookingglass Theatre, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. When not entertaining on TV or in his venues, Dec can be found sharing amazing stories and experiences with a dynamic social media following on his blog www.aChicagoThing.com, www.Twitter.com/BillyDec & www.Facebook.com/BillyDec.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Saturday, November 9, 2013
Where: VIP Dinner at Sunda New Asian, 110 W. Illinois, 6:30 - 9:00pm;
Cocktail Party at The Underground, 56 W. Illinois, 9:00 - 11:00pm (21 yrs and over).
Tickets: VIP Dinner Tickets $275 ($250 if purchased by 10/10/13). Includes admission to the Benefit Cocktail Party at The Underground. VIP Dinner ticket deadline 10/28/13. Limited capacity.
Cocktail Party Tickets $100 ($75 if purchased by 10/10/13).
Space is limited, so order tickets now for this exclusive event by calling A Red Orchid Theatre at (312) 943-8722 or online at www.aredorchidtheatre.org.