A last-minute gala venue cancellation is a non-profit’s nightmare, but thanks to the determination of staff and student interns, the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts in the Western Suburbs had a pivotal triumph. The curtain raised recently just as planned for the “Night of Broadway” featuring seven stars as well as skillful students, raising record funds for high-level arts education for Chicagoland youth.
“We found out we needed to pivot the Thursday prior to the event, which gave us just over one week to swap location from a club that closed abruptly. This was a tight timeline, but luckily we have great friends at Hotel Arista in Naperville. We are very lucky that they had the space for us that we needed and their team was exceptional at making it a fast switch. Then, thanks to our incredible student intern team, we went straight to communicating to our guests and constituents.”
— Dylan Ladd, Executive Director, ICA
Brittney Mack, who originated the role of Anna of Cleves in Six and was recently seen on the Goodman stage as Celie in The Color Purple, hosted the gala. The evening featured Eden Espinosa, one of the original Elphabas in Wicked and a 2024 Tony Award nominee for Best Leading Actress in Lempicka; Joaquina Kalukango, 2022 Tony Award winner for Best Leading Actress in Paradise Square; Kecia Lewis, 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in Hell’s Kitchen; Michael Longoria, whose Broadway credits include Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys; Samantha Pauly, who played Katherine Howard in the North American premiere of Six at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and currently stars in Broadway’s The Great Gatsby; and Christine Sherrill, a familiar Chicago name currently portraying Donna in Broadway’s Mamma Mia. Veteran Broadway music director Matthew Croft led the orchestra.
After the concert, dinner, and paddle raise, the Broadway performers, students, and audience mingled at a DJ-led afterparty. Laurinda Dodgen serves as Board Chair and Chadaé Nichol is Artistic Director.
More from the Night of Broadway
The full cast: Chadaé Nichol, Brittney Mack, Kecia Lewis, Christine Sherrill, Eden Espinosa, Michael Longoria, Samantha Pauly, Joaquina Kalukango, and Dylan Ladd.
Tony Nominee Eden Espinosa performs at the ICA Gala.
Tony Award Winner Joaquina Kalukango performs at the ICA Gala.
Tony Award Winner Kecia Lewis performs at the ICA Gala.
Broadway’s Michael Longoria performs at the ICA Gala.
Broadway’s Samantha Pauly performs at the ICA Gala.
Broadway’s Christine Sherrill performs at the ICA Gala.
The ICA Gala orchestra, led by Matthew Croft.
Matthew Croft and Joaquina Kalukango at the ICA Gala.
ICA Student Maddie Martin enjoying the concert.
ICA students perform at the Night of Broadway Gala.
ICA students perform at the Night of Broadway Gala.
ICA Artistic Director Chadaé Nichol presides over the paddle raise.
ICA Advisory Board Member Mary Ann Bobosky with husband Brand Bobosky.
ICA Executive Director Dylan Ladd with ICA Supporter Ross Decent.