Please contact Kim Hoopingarner at khoopingarner@northlight.org to inquire about current ticket availability .

We look forward to celebrating with you on August 15. Arrive on the red carpet in front of the theatre at 6:00 PM on August 15, 2026! Plan to enjoy cocktails, passed appetizers and hearty fare from food stations located throughout the building. The performance kicks off promptly at 8:00 PM in the Finnegan Theatre followed by a live auction, film and paddle raise. The evening ends with dancing, dessert and a DJ in the Greenberg Pinkert Rehearsal Hall

Northlight is 100% accessible. Please reach out to khoopingarner@northlight.org with questions related to accessibility.

The attire is festive cocktail; valet parking is complimentary and the drop off spot is directly in front of the theatre at 1012 Church Street. There’s also four hours of free parking at 1800 Maple (bring your ticket to the event for validation).

Can’t attend the gala but still wish to support Northlight? Click here to make a donation!

6:00 PM Appetizers, Cocktails, and Food Stations

8:00 PM Entertainment, Live Auction, and Paddle Raise

9:30 PM Dessert, DJ, and Dancing

Cocktail Attire • Complimentary Valet Available

Northlight Theatre’s Board of Trustees proudly presents the Grand Opening of the new Northlight Theatre as well as the premier fundraising event for the 2025/26 season. Join us in celebrating the completion of our new building and a year full of intensely entertaining productions, along with dinner, libations, and song.

Please note that $300 of each ticket price is tax deductible.

Space is limited!

Please act quickly to join us for an evening that is sure to sell out.

Musical Performances

Our gala will feature vocal performances by siblings Abby, Andrew, Jessie, and Matt Mueller, with music direction by Ian Weinberger. These five born and bred Evanstonians hold numerous theatrical credits throughout Chicagoland, Broadway, Off-Broadway, and more. Career highlights include:

Abby Mueller: Originated the roles of Jane Seymour in Six: The Musical on Broadway (Drama Desk Award) and Carole in the First National Tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Broadway: Beautiful and Kinky Boots.
Andrew Mueller: Chicago credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Jeff Award), Little Shop of Horrors, and Leopoldstadt. Off-Broadway: Peter and the Starcatcher and Alice by Heart.
Jessie Mueller: Originated the roles on Broadway of Carole in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Tony, Drama Desk, Grammy Awards) and Jenna in Waitress. Also on Broadway: The Minutes and Carousel.
Matt Mueller: Played Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. National Tours: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Play That Goes Wrong. Performed in Northlight’s production of Shining Lives.
Ian Weinberger: Music directed Chess on Broadway. Prior to Chess, he music directed the Broadway production of Hamilton.

Northlight’s gala marks the first time in a decade that the Mueller siblings will perform together on stage.

Musical Performance: Mueller Siblings

Music Director: Ian Weinberger

Master of Ceremonies: Rob Lindley

Auctioneer: Chris Hensley

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Northlight's Grand Opening Gala

Celebrating our past, building our future