Photos: Derek Jacobi, Heather Headley Visit CST Gala

Acclaimed artistic guests such as Sir Derek Jacobi and Tony Award winners Heather Headley and Michael Cerveris joined Chicago Shakespeare Theater for its 25th Anniversary celebration on June 6, 2011. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) launched its 25th Anniversary celebration on June 6, 2011, with the Silver Jubilee Gala at its home on Navy Pier. Five hundred of Chicago's civic and cultural leaders attended the event, which raised more than $1,225,000 for the Regional Theatre Tony Award recipient's Team Shakespeare education program. CST inaugurated the "Spirit of Shakespeare Awards" at the Silver Jubilee Gala, honoring those who keep the spirit of Shakespeare alive through community service and artistic leadership.

Civic Honorees were John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe, committed leaders in civic, education and cultural activities, and Artistic Honorees were Sir Peter Hall, founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Sir Derek Jacobi, internationally renowned stage and film actor. The Silver Jubilee Gala featured performances by Tony Award winners Heather Headley and Michael Cerveris, as well as CST veteran actors Kevin Gudahl, Ross Lehman, Greg Vinkler and Larry Yando

Photo by Joan Hackett