Chicago Shakespeare Theater: CST Insider

GALA 2013 and Spirit of Shakespeare Awards

On June 17, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is honored to recognize the significant accomplishments of Stephen Sondheim and Richard M. Daley with the 2013 Spirit of Shakespeare Awards. The signature fundraising event for the Theater, proceeds from GALA 2013 directly support CST’s wide-reaching education and civic engagement initiatives, including Team Shakespeare and Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and her creative team are planning a one-night-only program, featuring performances by Broadway stars Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley, and recognizing the 2013 Civic and Artistic Honorees.

Stephen Sondheim, one of the most influential and accomplished composer/lyricists in Broadway history, is the 2013 Spirit of Shakespeare Award Artistic honoree. He wrote the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959) and Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965), as well as additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Musicals for which he has written both music and lyrics include: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970–71 Tony Award Music and Best Lyrics), Follies (1971–72 Tony Award Score and New York Drama Critics Circle Award; revised in London, 1987), A Little Night Music (1973 Tony Award Score), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award), Sweeney Todd (1979 Tony Award Score), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday in the Park with George (1984 New York Drama Critics Circle Award; 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama), Into the Woods (1987 Tony Award Score), Assassins (1991) and Passion (1994 Tony Award Score). He composed the songs for the television production Evening Primrose (1966), co-authored the film The Last of Sheila (1973) and provided incidental music for The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation to a March (1961) and Twigs (1971). He has written scores for the films Stavisky (1974) and Reds (1981), and composed songs for the film Dick Tracy (1990 Academy Award for Best Song).

Richard M. Daley, the longest-serving mayor in Chicago’s history, is the 2013 Spirit of Shakespeare Award Civic honoree. Mr. Daley has earned an international reputation as a leading innovator in urban development, fiscal policy and government stewardship. As mayor, Mr. Daley enhanced Chicago’s quality of life, improved the public school system and infrastructure, strengthened the economy, reduced crime, improved transportation and made Chicago one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. A former state senator and county prosecutor, Mr. Daley was elected mayor in 1989 and re-elected five times before deciding to retire from government in May of 2011. He now serves as Of Counsel to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP; the Executive Chairman of Tur Partners LLC, a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy; a Director of the Board of The Coca-Cola Company; a member of the International Advisory Board for the Russian Direct Investment Fund; and a senior advisor to JP Morgan Chase, where he chairs the new "Global Cities Initiative."