Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala
Attendees saw multi-award winner Leslie Uggams, in-person, accept the 2025 ICON Award and join WGN’s Paul Lisnek in a one-on-one interview.
By: Chloe Rabinowitz Sep. 19, 2025
Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre launched its 31st season with the ICONS GALA: Celebrating Leslie Uggams, Sunday, Sept. 14 at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago at Water Tower Place. See photos here!
The more than 135 guests of Porchlight’s deluxe brunch special event, directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, music directed by Linda Madonia and co-hosted by Weber and Broadway veteran Kenny Ingram, raised more than $200,000 that supported Porchlight’s mission of celebrating the past, present and future of music theatre through its artistic, educational and community programming.
Attendees saw multi-award winner Leslie Uggams, in-person, accept the 2025 ICON Award and join WGN’s Paul Lisnek in a one-on-one interview. In addition, the festive afternoon included performances highlighting Ms. Uggams’ incredible career and the presentation of the 2025 Luminary Award for Exemplary Leadership and Support of Music Theatre to philanthropists Brenda and James Grusecki.
Photo credit: Sarah Elizabeth Larson Photography
Leslie Uggams and Kenny Ingram
Michael Weber, Brenda Grusecki, Leslie Uggams, James Grusecki, Jenna Deja
Brenda Grusecki, James Grusecki, Michael Weber
Ava Stovall, Aerie Williams, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Bethany Thomas
The audience
Chicago Awards - Live Stats
Best Musical - Top 3
1.
HAIRSPRAY (Uptown Music Theater of Highland Park)
7.3% of votes
2.
RENT (Highland Park Players)
7.3% of votes
3.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (Up and Coming Theatre/Elgin Summer Theater)
6.6% of votes
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