Michael Shannon; Jason Robert Brown topline big theater fetes

Michael Shannon will be the co-host of his Red Orchid Theatre’s upcoming gala. | Michael R. Schmidt/For Sun-Times Media

No question about it, A Red Orchid Theatre co-founder and Oscar nominee Michael Shannon has never wavered in his strong, ongoing support for his beloved theater company. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised the actor will be returning to town to co-host the theater’s 22nd anniversary gala next month. The Nov. 8 event will be held at Sunda restaurant, 110 W. Illinois — the eatery owned by the other Red Orchid gala co-host, Billy Dec.

The evening will also include a late-night bash, following the benefit at Underground. The VIP dinner will include live performances from the company’s upcoming season, performed by members of the AROT Ensemble. Ann McCartney and Mollie Stromberg are co-chairing the fundraiser.

†For Northlight Theatre’s upcoming big 40th anniversary party, the company will feature a performance by Tony winner Jason Robert Brown. The Dec. 11 celebration will begin at 7 p.m. at the theater, 9501 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie. Northlight produced the world premiere of Brown’s “The Last Five Years” in 2001, which then played an award-winning run on Broadway and was revived off-Broadway last year. The musical was adapted into a film which will play at the Chicago International Film Festival Wednesday.

Among composer and lyricist Brown’s other award-winning credits are his Tony-winning musical adaptation of “The Bridges of Madison County,” “Parade,” and “Songs for a New World.” He also is the musical supervisor and arranger for the upcoming new musical, “Prince of Broadway,” celebrating the career of Broadway legend Harold Prince.