Over ninety years ago prohibition, flappers, and speakeasies existed in the town of Porter. In the days of Capone, secret casinos and bootleggers parties were thrown with extravagance. Taking a note from the past, Chicago Street Theatre brought the era back to life for their annual fundraiser, this year titled “Let's Misbehave”, at the newly renovated Spa Convention and Special Events Center.
Hundreds gathered for a colorful and intimate affair that offered musical performances of Indiana’s very own Cole Porter by Chicago Street alum, a silent auction, and comfortable celebration with the theater’s most avid fans.
The event was a different form of a familiar party - it’s Chicago Street’s annual fundraiser, just done a bit different. The theme and concepts of the yearly event change from one to the next, but with the chance to host an event at the historic Spa, the people of CST took up the chance to change the fundraiser to a roaring costumed celebration.
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“This is our main fundraising event for the year, and normally we do a production called ‘Encores’ but this year we wanted to do something a little different.” Eric Brant, Director of Marketing for Chicago Street Theatre, stated. “So we looked into the history of this location at the Spa, which used to be on Al Capone’s bootlegging run, and thought that it’d be a great opportunity to mix things up for this event. It’s a fun way to raise money for the theater and for costs that aren’t covered by ticket sales. When you do a fundraiser every year you want the wrapping paper to be a little different, and this year’s doing that.”
The twenties theme seemed like the perfect way to turn the fundraiser on its head. Almost all of the attendees took the theme to heart, with men and women dressing up in their best twenties garb they could put together in 2016. Sequins, feathers, fedoras and porkpies adorned the guests as they livened up the room. While at the gala they were entertained like any other party-goer would in that era as well.
Six performers took the stage to perform Cole Porter classics, backed up by a full band, and captivated their audience with two different sets. Laura Simmons, one of the handful of singers for the night, said that the event is one that is truly a “winner” in the eyes of the people who came out to have fun in the name of the theatre they love.
“It’s a really fun night, I love every second. I’ve been a part of this event for the past five years now and it’s a blast of a night every time.” Simmons stated. “Every year it’s a great way to get together with friends, dress up and have a good time supporting living art. This really helps a ton with keeping that alive, and I want to do all that I can to help.”
The event wasn’t solely focused on entertainment and flappers, it was a major opportunity to give Chicago Street help in funding their next season. Just outside the main hall there was a silent auction that was filled with memorabilia, beautiful jewelry, artwork, and of course, booze. Along with the auction guests could also donate money to put their friends in the “slammer” as a more amusing way to raise money.
Still, the night went off as something that will be put up at the top of the list of CST’s parties for some time to come. Jim Drader, Chicago Street Theatre Board of Trustees Chair, explained that the event is one that brings the best of both worlds together.
“Everyone in this room is either an actor, a musician, a theatre member, an avid watcher, a supporter, or friends and family of either those from Chicago Street or any other theatre around. Tonight's a night that brings all of those people together to support Chicago Street and that’s what matters.” Drader stated. “It’s all about the ability to get the art out to the general public and without fundraisers like this that wouldn’t be possible. We get to have a bit of fun while doing so, and there’s not a chance we wouldn’t let that pass by.”