Light Opera Works 2013 Benefit Set for 4/6

On Saturday, April 6, 2013, Light Opera Works will host its annual spring benefit at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois. Proceeds will benefit Light Opera Works programming, including the 2013 season, the Musical Theater Summer Workshop, student half-price tickets and Family Talk Backs.

The Light Opera Works benefit committee will host the event: Diane and Tom Blake (Wilmette), Penelope Boukidis (Libertyville), Kyle Dougan (Evanston), Fran Faller (Skokie), Dr. Joseph Greco (Chicago), Electra Kontalonis (Chicago), Pamela T. Pettibone (Chicago), Pamela P. Rosenbusch (Evanston), Catherine Westphal (Glencoe), and co-chairs Jefferson C. Collins (Evanston) and Trudene Westerman (Chicago).

A V.I.P. Gershwin jazz reception with guest performers from the 2013 season will be held before the event, for supporters purchasing tickets at the $245 level and higher. This reception is hosted by Catherine Westphal and Gary Raphael (Glencoe).

The benefit will begin at 5:30 pm with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm with musical theater performances paired with each course, directed by Light Opera Works artistic director Rudy Hogenmiller.

Performers are Dawn Bless, Ryan De Ryke, Lauren Emery, Sarah Kelley, Jenny Lamb, Janell Rinne, David Schlumpf, Lauren Serra, Dane Thomas and Yael Wartens, with Roger Bingaman and Linda Madonia on piano.

A raffle will be held to win a $1000 cash. Raffle chances are 1 for $10, 3 for $25, 7 for $50 and 15 for $100.

Event sponsors include Footlights Magazine, Marcus Promotions, On Track Fulfillment Inc., Davenport Designs with support from Martin and Sue Kozak, and Horizon Photography.

Light Opera Works is a regional professional theater in Evanston, Illinois, founded in 1980. The organization produces four shows a year: three at its Main Stage, a 1,000-seat theater, and one at an intimate 450-seat concert hall.

Tickets for the event are $185, $245 and $380 per person, or tables of 10 for $1,850, $2,450 and $3,800. For benefit tickets, call the Light Opera Works box office at (847) 920-5360.