THE WAY WEST, Gary Sinise and More Set for Steppenwolf Theatre's 2014 GALA Tonight

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-renowned ensemble will join more than 600 members of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural communities for Gala 2014 tonight, May 3, 2014. This year, Steppenwolf's premier fundraising event takes place entirely on the theater's North Halsted campus, offering guests the unique opportunity to connect with Steppenwolf artists in their artistic home while enjoying theatrical entertainment, cocktails, a gourmet dinner, music and dancing with Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band, the opportunity to bid on once-in-a-lifetime auction items-and much more! Following cocktails and a special performance in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre, guests will make their way to a theatrically-designed tent created by Event Creative.

Single tickets starting at $1,000 and tables for Gala 2014 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.

Gala 2014 kicks off at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with a showcase of scenes from Steppenwolf's world-premiere production of The Way West by Mona Mansour, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, 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 Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band and a late night DJ set.

The Gala 2014 Co-Chairs are Lawrence Gill and Christine Albright, and Terry and Kathleen Jenkins.

Gala 2014 is set for Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 6:30pm.

Performance: An exclusive showcase of scenes from the world-premiere production of The Way West, dancing and a rock concert with Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band plus a late-night DJ set.

Highlights: A cocktail reception, dinner and live auction with members of the Steppenwolf ensemble.

Tickets: To purchase tickets, contact Steppenwolf's Special Events Department at 312-654-5632 or specialevents@steppenwolf.org.

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 43 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 Hawkanson is the Executive Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf's Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Pictured: Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band at last year's gala.