League of Chicago Theatres Partners For Mayoral Candidate Debates 2/17/11

The League of Chicago Theatres announces its unprecedented partnership with Chicago community organizations for a mayoral candidate debate to be held on Thursday, February 17, at 7:00 pm. The hour-long, commercial-free debate will be broadcast live on ABC 7, from Broadway in Chicago's historic Oriental Theatre. It will also be streamed on abc7chicago.com and broadcast live on Univision, WGBO-TV. The debate will be moderated by ABC 7 anchor/reporter Ron Magers,

The League of Chicago Theatres is co-partnering with Chicago Foundation for Women, Chicago Loop Alliance, Chicago Urban League, League of Chicago Theatres, League of Women Voters, Metropolitan Planning Council, Mikva Challenge, National Council of La Raza and Univision Chicago.

"We believe that it is important as leaders of the community to support this debate. The quality and quantity of theater, arts and culture in Chicago is a source of pride for this City," says Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. "Only in Chicago would so many organizations work together for a mayoral candidate debate. It is a testament to the strength and commitment of our cohesive cultural community as part of the greater fabric of Chicago."

Eileen LaCario, Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres adds, "Theater is a large part of the economic and cultural success of our City. Mayor Daley was a huge supporter of the arts not just because he appreciated the arts but because he knew it was the right thing for Chicago. With a new Mayor on the horizon, it is important for the theater community to support for the process and ensure that each and every candidate and voter understands the very real economic impact that the theater community provides Chicago. We are delighted to partner with so many impressive organizations for what will truly be an historic event."

About Chicago theater
Chicago is the cultural leader in the U.S. with the largest and most diverse theater community that produces more world premieres than anywhere else in the world. Chicagoland boasts more than 250 professional theaters and consists of a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 4 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago's theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million - and no other city in the country has such a creative, respected and thriving theater community. Chicago's theater industry, with both its exceptional theater and an extraordinary talent pool, has long been the envy of the world's top theater cities and is second to none in number and innovation.

The League of Chicago Theatres' Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

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