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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.

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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

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Leslie Uggams and Kenny Ingram

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Michael Weber, Brenda Grusecki, Leslie Uggams, James Grusecki, Jenna Deja

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Brenda Grusecki, James Grusecki, Michael Weber

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Ava Stovall, Aerie Williams, Juwon Tyrel Perry, Bethany Thomas

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Felicia P. Fields

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
The audience

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Leslie Uggams

Photos: Porchlight Music Theatre Celebrates Leslie Uggams at its ICONS Gala Image
Paul Lisnek





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