SHOW TIME

Don’t miss Tony and Grammy award winner—and longtime Chicagoan—Heather Headley as she takes center stage for the July 16 Ravinia Festival Gala hosted by the festival’s women’s board.

With Ravinia Festival’s Chief Conductor Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra also headlining, the performance marks Headley’s return to Ravinia featuring a showcase of her versatility, mastery, and an astonishing musical theater lineup.

The concert program reflects award-winning singing facets of her career, including songs from her Broadway star-launching roles in The Lion King and Aida, plus recent stage hit songs from Waitress and Matilda. Pop standards made famous by Tina Turner and Cyndi Lauper, plus an Elton John track and one of her originals, will round out the program.

“It’s going to be one of the highlights of my summer because I get to do this concert that I love so very much, with Maestra Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, along with the Lawndale Family Choir,” says Headley. “It’s like a girl’s dream! I am so excited to be there, to share these songs from Broadway and beyond with all of the audiences who come to Ravinia.”

Ravinia Women’s Board Gala Co-Chairs Andrea Bechtel and Kelly Epstein, share the excitement.

“We are thrilled that Heather Headley, a remarkable local talent who launched her Broadway stardom from her time at Northwestern, winning both Tony and Grammy Awards, is headlining this year’s gala concert,” says Epstein. “With her passion for music education, Heather Headley’s star shines a light on the need for music education and will delight our audience.”

“Inspiring and uplifting children and communities through the arts has been the longstanding mission of the Ravinia Festival Gala,” says Bechtel.

The gala supports Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play music education programs, engaging more than 75,000 students and community members through interactive musical experiences in Cook and Lake Counties. Distinct programs provide underserved children and families with music education programs and live music performances in schools and communities.

“Ravinia, a gem in our backyard, reaches underserved communities throughout Chicagoland,” adds Bechtel. “For more than six decades, the Women’s Board has played an integral part in bringing music and educational experiences to thousands of people, raising more than $35 million in the process. It is fitting that the gala concert will feature, for the first time ever, members of the Lawndale Family Chorus, highlighting sweet voices that benefit from music education programs.”

Bechtel says Ravinia is excited to welcome generous donors and guests who believe in the power of music and music education.

“If you’re unable to join us, please support Ravinia and its music education programs by making a tax-deductible donation,” she says.

The gala, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, features premium concert seating followed by a George Jewel-catered dinner. New this year: a “cocktail attire” dress code, with Ramsey Prince of Maison du Prince leading the décor design.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ravinia.org/galabenefit.