Steppenwolf to Tribute Artistic Director Martha Lavey at Gala 2015 This May

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-renowned ensemble will join more than 600 members of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural communities for Gala 2015 on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Steppenwolf, 1650 N Halsted St. The Gala will offer guests a unique opportunity to connect with Steppenwolf ensemble members in their artistic home while enjoying a preview of upcoming productions, cocktails, a gourmet dinner, auction, music and dancing with Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.

Gala 2015 begins with a special tribute to Martha Lavey in celebration of her leadership as Artistic Director of Steppenwolf. Following the tribute, guests will view an exclusive showcase of scenes from Steppenwolf's U.S. premiere production of The Herd by Rory Kinnear, directed by ensemble member Frank Galati and featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan, John Mahoney, Molly Regan and Lois Smith.

Following cocktails and performance, guests will make their way to a theatrically-designed tent created by Event Creative to enjoy a gourmet dinner and the annual live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime adventures with Steppenwolf ensemble members and artists. The evening wraps up with dancing and live music by Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band and a late night DJ set.

Single tickets starting at $1,000 and tables for Gala 2015 are currently available by contacting Steppenwolf's Special Events Department at 312-654-5632 or specialevents@steppenwolf.org. The annual Gala benefit raises more than $1 million for Steppenwolf's artistic, educational and community programming.

The Gala 2015 Co-Chairs are Eileen and Christopher Murphy and Rhonda and Scott Swanson.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America's longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theater spaces-the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat Garage Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 44 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming at Steppenwolf includes a five-play Subscription Season, a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season and two repertory series: First Look Repertory of New Work and Garage Rep. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Off-Broadway, Broadway, London, Sydney and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Martha Lavey is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Managing Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.