The Stars Out Front

By Jenny Seidelman, Campaign Manager

If you’ve ever come to the Goodman's North Dearborn Street home, you may have noticed a group of glittering stars that line the sidewalk directly under the marquee. On Thursday, October 13, we added to that group when Goodman Theatre Women's Board received their very own star on the Walkway of Stars in recognition of the collective $2.5 million they raised for the Endowing Excellence Campaign.

The Walkway of Stars features an eclectic group of names—individuals and organizations without whom we wouldn’t be the theater we are today. Check out who else is featured on the walkway:



Most Glamorous: Merle Reskin. A cast member in the original production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, she had a professional Chicago, Broadway and television performing career in the 1950s.

Most Politically Connected: Mayor Richard M. Daley. Chicago’s longest-serving mayor secured support from the city for the Goodman’s new home on Dearborn Street. He and his wife, Maggie, also have seats named for them in the Albert Theatre.

Most Visionary: Susan and Lew Manilow. Mr. Manilow ignited the Loop redevelopment project that saved the Selwyn and Harris theaters (which are now part of the Goodman) and transformed the North Loop into a thriving center of performing arts in Chicago.

Most Notorious: Governor George H. Ryan. During Governor Ryan’s administration, the Goodman received critical funding from the state in support of the Building Campaign, which helped create our North Dearborn Street facility.

Most Missed: Michael Maggio. An anonymous donor funded a star in honor of Goodman Associate Artistic Director Michael Maggio, who passed away in 2000. Goodman Theatre also funds a directing fellowship in Mr. Maggio’s name.