Jeff Award winner Doug Peck accompanied cast members Rob Lindley and Rebecca Finnegan as they treated attendees to a selection of songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story, On the Town and Wonderful Town. Lori Kleinerman, Goodman’s director of marketing and public relations, explained that this type of outreach to specific communities is part of the organization’s audience development efforts and mission to diversify their theatrical offerings. “We already have a strong fit with the LGBT community because of their overall education, vibrancy and interest in theatre,” she said. “A musical made it a really super-perfect fit.” Candide is directed by Mary Zimmerman, winner of a Tony and multiple Jeffs, and runs through Oct. 31. Photos and text by Micki Leventhal
LGBT fans of musical theatre came out at The Goodman Sept. 24 for “Glitter and be Gay,” a special reception prior to a sparkling performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Candide. The event, which was co-sponsored by Windy City Times, featured cocktails; hot and cold hors d’oeuvres; schmoozing with cast and crew; and a special musical program.