The Joffrey Celebration honoring Anne L. Kaplan and Fred Eychaner
Curiouser and curiouser…
Inspired by the Joffrey's season-closing production, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Joffrey Celebration transported guests through the looking glass, where time bends, couture reigns, and nothing is quite as it seems. We emerged with something extraordinary: $3 million raised for Joffrey for All.
The evening honored Anne Kaplan and Fred Eychaner, two champions who shaped the Joffrey into the vibrant organization it is today. Their belief in the Company, even in its most uncertain moments, laid the foundation for everything that followed. They are our curators of magic and makers of dreams.
Anne Kaplan, Audrey Weaver
If there's one place built for magic, it's Wonderland. Partygoers entered through a keyhole-shaped portal, following the White Rabbit into a world turned upside down. The revelry began with honoree and Board Chair Anne Kaplan at the turntables, spinning Lady Gaga's Abracadabra as Company Artists made their grand entrance. Living Frames, a Parisian Caterpillar, Swinging Tulips, and Lampshade Gals added to the entrancement.
The celebration featured a free-flowing format with pop-up restaurants throughout the venue, including Anne and Fred's all-American diner, Left Bank French Bistro, and Dionysus, a lively Greek tavern.
Christopher Wheeldon, Victoria Jaiani; Sabina Szyller, Lauren Harper, Sandra Caspariello, Melanie Deromedi, Natalie LaRocca; Farissa Knox, Brendan Fernandes.
Company Artists Amanda Assucena, Alberto Valazquez, Max Dawe, Nae Kojima, Natali Taht, Zachary Manske, Coco Alverez-Mena.
The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet
Part spectacle, part soiree, it was Chicago's most daring party of the year. See photos here.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful to Presenting Sponsors: Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, Fred Eychaner, and the Charlie Kaplan, Michael Kaplan, and Beth Karmin Families, and our Queen of Hearts Sponsors: Chicago Free for All, The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet, and the Zell Family Foundation. Special thanks to President and CEO Greg Cameron, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, and Board Chair Anne Kaplan.
Feeling inspired to increase the Joffrey's impact? Make a gift here.