I had no intention of attending this year’s 25th anniversary gala event benefiting Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, or “gglasquerade,” held on March 2, 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, but about a week prior some obstacles preventing me from attending cleared up, and I found myself making arrangements to go. Tickets were not made available until the last minute, and I didn’t have a “date.” I reached out to an old friend, who coincidentally lives close to hotel and was more than excited to see Stephen and attend the gala.
Joey Slotnick, Stephen, and David Schwimmer at the 2013 ‘gglassquerade.’ | © HMS Media
The annual event is intended to support the theatre, which was founded in 1988 by 8 Northwestern students, including current Director Andy White, and Friends star David Schwimmer. According to the theatre’s website, “Lookingglass propels its unique artistic vision with three primary venues: the creation of new work through ‘gglassworks,’ the staging of world premieres on the ‘Lookingglass Mainstage,’ and the outreach of our education and community programs. Lookingglass’ primary commitment is to produce new theatrical works.” Lookingglass heavily emphasizes creating original, inventive theatre, using big, dramatic staging and set pieces. It’s serious theatre, y’all.
As I drove into Chicago, and the Willis Tower (well Sears Tower, if you are an old seasoned Chicagoan like me) came into view, I found myself getting excited at the prospect that somewhere near that building was Stephen, finally back in town preparing for this event. I then realized that I had been crazy for being so ambivalent about going before. Now, a herd of wild buffalo would not keep me away from this gala. Well, maybe that. But Chicago traffic is worse than stampeding buffalo.
I finally got to my friend’s place, and we then embarked for the Four Seasons. Hilariously, we seemed more than ready for this kind of event, we both had dresses, shoes, etc. we wanted to try out, and assembled our looks in record time. I think we looked pretty dapper! We went upstairs to the cocktail hour, where they had some actors in costume perched on these kind of rafters, and then tables of silent auction items. Prizes like, “Meet Rachael Ray!” “Get a tour of the GMA set!” Etc. We had a drink and I tried to mentally prepare myself for what was ahead. After all, anxiety levels are significantly higher in these kind of situations for those afflicted by Stephen Fangirl Syndrome, but I bravely rallied myself. No turning back now.
Time to ‘Gglasquerade’
The doors opened to the ballroom, and quite a beautiful set up was before us. In the video below, you can see how the tables looked. Before we really had time to take it all in, the the program was already underway. Then, Stephen was announced, and came bounding up the stage from the back of the room (he doesn’t walk up to anything, does he? Always a bouncy jog.) My friend told me, “he was right behind our table” (as we were in the “nosebleed” part of the back of the room) and I tried to stifle my reaction.
Stephen addressed the crowd, and of course I can’t remember everything he said. (I truly wished I could be at this event as more of a press person than a guest, because I could unabashedly try to record everything.) He made fun of the bank sponsors, BMO, for how their name was pronounced “B-MO.” He made fun of the name of the event, saying that David Schwimmer was choking on something when they came up with “g-g-g-glassquerade.” My favorite joke was him listing a bunch of silent auction items, like “Michael Jackson’s fedora,” and then stating, “whoops! That was Jesse Jackson’s list” -referring to the extravagant items he was indicted for buying with campaign funds.
There was a pre-produced segment about Lookingglass, (courtesy of HMS Media, who did a great job), celebrating its 25-year history. The clips featured Chicago TV news icon Bill Kurtis, lots of troupe footage and lots of David Schwimmer. Stephen appeared in some new clips produced for the video, one of them he was wearing this black cloak, it was very arty and avant garde kind of stuff. I can’t remember what was said – if HMS/Lookingglass posts the video, I will certainly put it up here.
Stephen appeared in some avant-garde pieces in a pre-produced segment shown at the gala. | © HMS Media
There was a funny moment when a gentleman who was helping to present approached the mike and started singing a song – I think it was “Fly Me to the Moon” or something like that. It was kind of random, so when Stephen bounded back up to mike the first thing he did was sing that song, and then launched into a duet with the same guy of the “National Anthem.” It was like, check mate, brother.
Next, there was bidding for the live auction items, which Stephen participated in. (You can see the bidding action going on in the first screen grab.)
Civic Engagement Award
David Schwimmer came up to present, and got in some pretty good zingers at Stephen. The best one was when he referenced Stephen’s declining a role in the The Master and Margarita “to take that second shift at Scoozi” (referring to the restaurant where Stephen waited tables.) Stephen came to accept, embracing Schwimmer, and he looked touched to be receiving the award. He talked about how he had been traveling in Europe as a young(er) man, and found himself penniless in I think it was Scotland, like he had zero dollars, wearing clothes so filthy they were “wet” (sounds pretty gross ;)) and how the Lookingglass troupe staging a show at the time received him so warmly and treated him well. (I do apologize if I am mixing this story up.) It seemed like he was saying “you guys were there for me, so now I am here for you.” He articulated best of all the presenters, in my view, why this theatre is so important in its core mission and outreach. Overall, his enthusiasm for all aspects of the event was quite evident and appreciated by all in attendance.
Stephen accepts the Lookingglass Civic Engagement Award | © HMS Media
Meeting People Is Easy
As the event concluded, the Mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, started up towards us. I had seen him earlier and was surprised that he was there, but apparently he is a big fan of Lookingglass and sees all their shows. As soon as he came by, I was like, “hey Mayor, would you take a picture with me?” rather artlessly. He obliged, and then kind of squeezed my shoulder and moved on. I was pretty awestruck, I’ve always admired people like him who have to contend the immense pressure of running a city like ours, I mean that sincerely. And of course, his friendship with our President is pretty cool too. Emmanuel seemed relaxed and pleased to be there.
CN & Mayor Rahm
Suddenly we see Stephen making his way towards us, with a lady accompanying him, a handler, presumably. I could recognize him by those dark, smiley eyes flashing through the dim lighting. I thought, well, what the heck, met the Mayor, why not take a stab at meeting Stephen? I asked to take a pic with him, but the handler was like “he’ll be at the after party” referring to the little get together downstairs. Ok, thought I, so my friend and I make our way there.
A few minutes after arriving downstairs, Stephen once again materialized. You knew he was there, because there were flashbulbs going off in the dark space. I kind of felt for him there, as this was all a charity event for him, not really social thing per se, but he here was obliging every person who asked with a picture. It was like, take a step, person, picture. Step, person, picture. I honestly wasn’t determined to take a picture with him so much as say hello, if I could, but getting a picture seemed to be a way to get some kind of interaction. So, I went up, looked at the handler, and I think I blurted out, “I need to talk to him,” and before I knew it, I was shaking Stephen’s hand.
I leaned in and told him with great pride that I was with Colbert News Hub. He said “you are!” and stepped back, smiling broadly, as if surprised by this pronouncement. My friend quickly snapped our pic and then of course she wanted a pic. I then told Stephen hi from Katt in Sydney, and before I knew it, he was off to the races again.
After this brief encounter, the evening had peaked for us to be sure, so my friend and I made our way home. My friend, noting Stephen’s interesting reaction, asked me, “what did you say to him?” Ummm. Long story.
Stephen Is Awesome
To be honest with you, the older I get, the more useless the concept of celebrity becomes to me. I have very little interest these days in the comings and goings of famous people. People who do something that make the world a better place, in whatever field it is, are the ones I like to learn more about, famous or no. With Stephen, I admire the fact that he uses his celebrity to promote good causes, do good works, and give back to the organizations that have helped him become who he is today. He takes time to spend a moment with fans and admirers not because he has oodles of time and energy to spare, but he does so all in the spirit of service to this event. He will do it without fail.
Stephen poses with the cast of ‘Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo’ | courtesy Lookingglass’ facebook page
I was pleased to be there because, like at the Second City reunion event I attended a few years earlier, it seemed to be a very familial, warm gathering of old friends. It was great that Stephen was being honored for his civic engagement at the event, because I think what sets him apart from other comedians or actors or what have you, aside from his lightning fast wit (which is even more apparent and daunting in person), is his commitment to the civic side, the part that compels him to travel to Chicago at the most miserable time of year to help support a Theatre near and dear to his heart.
Indeed, Stephen is a favorite son of South Carolina, but I dare say, we are equally willing to claim him as a favorite son here in Chicago. The Theatre community here is absolutely bonkers about him. So Mr. Colbert, thanks for making the trip, I am sure it was not easy, but greatly appreciated. Don’t be a stranger.
Finally…
Here we are at the event, so nice to take a pic with Stephen in fancy dress! And I will note that I am paler than Stephen. Didn’t think that was possible, I’ m not even .000001% Irish:
Stephen’s gleeful expression can only mean he loves Colbert News Hub! (Or desperately wishes escape.)
For more information about the Lookingglass Theatre, they have a great website. Also on facebook. Follow @gglasstheatre on the twitter. If you are in Chicago, you know where to go now for a ground breaking, profound theatre experience. After such an evening, I am looking forward to catching my first performance.
**post script. I received a thank you note in the mail today. Lookingglass indicated that they raised one million dollars as a result of this benefit. What wonderful news for the theatre. Congrats to Lookingglass!
Special Event ReporT: 2013 Lookingglass 'Gglassquerade'
I had no intention of attending this year’s 25th anniversary gala event benefiting Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, or “gglasquerade,” held on March 2, 2013 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, but about a week prior some obstacles preventing me from attending cleared up, and I found myself making arrangements to go. Tickets were not made available until the last minute, and I didn’t have a “date.” I reached out to an old friend, who coincidentally lives close to hotel and was more than excited to see Stephen and attend the gala.
Joey Slotnick, Stephen, and David Schwimmer at the 2013 ‘gglassquerade.’ | © HMS Media
The annual event is intended to support the theatre, which was founded in 1988 by 8 Northwestern students, including current Director Andy White, and Friends star David Schwimmer. According to the theatre’s website, “Lookingglass propels its unique artistic vision with three primary venues: the creation of new work through ‘gglassworks,’ the staging of world premieres on the ‘Lookingglass Mainstage,’ and the outreach of our education and community programs. Lookingglass’ primary commitment is to produce new theatrical works.” Lookingglass heavily emphasizes creating original, inventive theatre, using big, dramatic staging and set pieces. It’s serious theatre, y’all.
As I drove into Chicago, and the Willis Tower (well Sears Tower, if you are an
oldseasoned Chicagoan like me) came into view, I found myself getting excited at the prospect that somewhere near that building was Stephen, finally back in town preparing for this event. I then realized that I had been crazy for being so ambivalent about going before. Now, a herd of wild buffalo would not keep me away from this gala. Well, maybe that. But Chicago traffic is worse than stampeding buffalo.I finally got to my friend’s place, and we then embarked for the Four Seasons. Hilariously, we seemed more than ready for this kind of event, we both had dresses, shoes, etc. we wanted to try out, and assembled our looks in record time. I think we looked pretty dapper! We went upstairs to the cocktail hour, where they had some actors in costume perched on these kind of rafters, and then tables of silent auction items. Prizes like, “Meet Rachael Ray!” “Get a tour of the GMA set!” Etc. We had a drink and I tried to mentally prepare myself for what was ahead. After all, anxiety levels are significantly higher in these kind of situations for those afflicted by Stephen Fangirl Syndrome, but I bravely rallied myself. No turning back now.
Time to ‘Gglasquerade’
The doors opened to the ballroom, and quite a beautiful set up was before us. In the video below, you can see how the tables looked. Before we really had time to take it all in, the the program was already underway. Then, Stephen was announced, and came bounding up the stage from the back of the room (he doesn’t walk up to anything, does he? Always a bouncy jog.) My friend told me, “he was right behind our table” (as we were in the “nosebleed” part of the back of the room) and I tried to stifle my reaction.
Stephen addressed the crowd, and of course I can’t remember everything he said. (I truly wished I could be at this event as more of a press person than a guest, because I could unabashedly try to record everything.) He made fun of the bank sponsors, BMO, for how their name was pronounced “B-MO.” He made fun of the name of the event, saying that David Schwimmer was choking on something when they came up with “g-g-g-glassquerade.” My favorite joke was him listing a bunch of silent auction items, like “Michael Jackson’s fedora,” and then stating, “whoops! That was Jesse Jackson’s list” -referring to the extravagant items he was indicted for buying with campaign funds.
There was a pre-produced segment about Lookingglass, (courtesy of HMS Media, who did a great job), celebrating its 25-year history. The clips featured Chicago TV news icon Bill Kurtis, lots of troupe footage and lots of David Schwimmer. Stephen appeared in some new clips produced for the video, one of them he was wearing this black cloak, it was very arty and avant garde kind of stuff. I can’t remember what was said – if HMS/Lookingglass posts the video, I will certainly put it up here.
Stephen appeared in some avant-garde pieces in a pre-produced segment shown at the gala. | © HMS Media
There was a funny moment when a gentleman who was helping to present approached the mike and started singing a song – I think it was “Fly Me to the Moon” or something like that. It was kind of random, so when Stephen bounded back up to mike the first thing he did was sing that song, and then launched into a duet with the same guy of the “National Anthem.” It was like, check mate, brother.
Next, there was bidding for the live auction items, which Stephen participated in. (You can see the bidding action going on in the first screen grab.)
Civic Engagement Award
David Schwimmer came up to present, and got in some pretty good zingers at Stephen. The best one was when he referenced Stephen’s declining a role in the The Master and Margarita “to take that second shift at Scoozi” (referring to the restaurant where Stephen waited tables.) Stephen came to accept, embracing Schwimmer, and he looked touched to be receiving the award. He talked about how he had been traveling in Europe as a young(er) man, and found himself penniless in I think it was Scotland, like he had zero dollars, wearing clothes so filthy they were “wet” (sounds pretty gross ;)) and how the Lookingglass troupe staging a show at the time received him so warmly and treated him well. (I do apologize if I am mixing this story up.) It seemed like he was saying “you guys were there for me, so now I am here for you.” He articulated best of all the presenters, in my view, why this theatre is so important in its core mission and outreach. Overall, his enthusiasm for all aspects of the event was quite evident and appreciated by all in attendance.
Stephen accepts the Lookingglass Civic Engagement Award | © HMS Media
Meeting People Is Easy
As the event concluded, the Mayor, Rahm Emmanuel, started up towards us. I had seen him earlier and was surprised that he was there, but apparently he is a big fan of Lookingglass and sees all their shows. As soon as he came by, I was like, “hey Mayor, would you take a picture with me?” rather artlessly. He obliged, and then kind of squeezed my shoulder and moved on. I was pretty awestruck, I’ve always admired people like him who have to contend the immense pressure of running a city like ours, I mean that sincerely. And of course, his friendship with our President is pretty cool too. Emmanuel seemed relaxed and pleased to be there.
CN & Mayor Rahm
Suddenly we see Stephen making his way towards us, with a lady accompanying him, a handler, presumably. I could recognize him by those dark, smiley eyes flashing through the dim lighting. I thought, well, what the heck, met the Mayor, why not take a stab at meeting Stephen? I asked to take a pic with him, but the handler was like “he’ll be at the after party” referring to the little get together downstairs. Ok, thought I, so my friend and I make our way there.
A few minutes after arriving downstairs, Stephen once again materialized. You knew he was there, because there were flashbulbs going off in the dark space. I kind of felt for him there, as this was all a charity event for him, not really social thing per se, but he here was obliging every person who asked with a picture. It was like, take a step, person, picture. Step, person, picture. I honestly wasn’t determined to take a picture with him so much as say hello, if I could, but getting a picture seemed to be a way to get some kind of interaction. So, I went up, looked at the handler, and I think I blurted out, “I need to talk to him,” and before I knew it, I was shaking Stephen’s hand.
I leaned in and told him with great pride that I was with Colbert News Hub. He said “you are!” and stepped back, smiling broadly, as if surprised by this pronouncement. My friend quickly snapped our pic and then of course she wanted a pic. I then told Stephen hi from Katt in Sydney, and before I knew it, he was off to the races again.
After this brief encounter, the evening had peaked for us to be sure, so my friend and I made our way home. My friend, noting Stephen’s interesting reaction, asked me, “what did you say to him?” Ummm. Long story.
Stephen Is Awesome
To be honest with you, the older I get, the more useless the concept of celebrity becomes to me. I have very little interest these days in the comings and goings of famous people. People who do something that make the world a better place, in whatever field it is, are the ones I like to learn more about, famous or no. With Stephen, I admire the fact that he uses his celebrity to promote good causes, do good works, and give back to the organizations that have helped him become who he is today. He takes time to spend a moment with fans and admirers not because he has oodles of time and energy to spare, but he does so all in the spirit of service to this event. He will do it without fail.
Stephen poses with the cast of ‘Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo’ | courtesy Lookingglass’ facebook page
I was pleased to be there because, like at the Second City reunion event I attended a few years earlier, it seemed to be a very familial, warm gathering of old friends. It was great that Stephen was being honored for his civic engagement at the event, because I think what sets him apart from other comedians or actors or what have you, aside from his lightning fast wit (which is even more apparent and daunting in person), is his commitment to the civic side, the part that compels him to travel to Chicago at the most miserable time of year to help support a Theatre near and dear to his heart.
Indeed, Stephen is a favorite son of South Carolina, but I dare say, we are equally willing to claim him as a favorite son here in Chicago. The Theatre community here is absolutely bonkers about him. So Mr. Colbert, thanks for making the trip, I am sure it was not easy, but greatly appreciated. Don’t be a stranger.
Finally…
Here we are at the event, so nice to take a pic with Stephen in fancy dress! And I will note that I am paler than Stephen. Didn’t think that was possible, I’ m not even .000001% Irish:
Stephen’s gleeful expression can only mean he loves Colbert News Hub! (Or desperately wishes escape.)
For more information about the Lookingglass Theatre, they have a great website. Also on facebook. Follow @gglasstheatre on the twitter. If you are in Chicago, you know where to go now for a ground breaking, profound theatre experience. After such an evening, I am looking forward to catching my first performance.
**post script. I received a thank you note in the mail today. Lookingglass indicated that they raised one million dollars as a result of this benefit. What wonderful news for the theatre. Congrats to Lookingglass!