Pullman Porter Blues extends through October 27; Six performances added by popular demand

Opening night benefit event raises $370,000 for the theater, kicks off The Goodman’s 2013/2014 “Dream” Season on a high note, honoring Director Chuck Smith and longtime Goodman Executive Director Roche Schulfer

Also added: October 7 Blues Showcase Event at Katerina’s (1920 W. Irving Park Rd.) And the chance to win a 1^st Class round-trip for two on Pullman Rail Journeys

CHICAGO, IL -  It’s “a story that belongs in downtown Chicago” (Chicago Tribune). By popular demand, Goodman Theatre adds six performances of Cheryl L. West’s Pullman Porter Blues, directed by Chuck Smith: October 23 at 7:30pm; October 24 at 7:30pm; October 25 at 8pm; October 26 at 2pm and 8pm; and October 27 at 2pm (closing). Tickets ($30 – $78) for the added performances are on sale now and can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org/Pullman, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).

The September 24 opening night of Pullman Porter Blues launched the Goodman’s 2013/2014 “Dream” Season and raised $370,000 to support the theater. More than 450 guests—including Mayor Rahm Emanuel—attended the Season Opening Night Celebration at The Standard Club, The event was chaired by Lester N. Coney and Elaine Leavenworth was the Corporate Chair. To honor Executive Director Roche Schulfer for his 40 years at the Goodman, the Goodman unveiled the new “Roche Schulfer Executive Fellowship”—a salaried, year-long, holistic immersion into the workings of Chicago’s largest not-for-profit producing theater in which the fellow gains exclusive hands-on management experience in all aspects of producing, fundraising and promoting a 9-play subscription season. To honor Resident Director Chuck Smith for his 20 years at the Goodman and his great achievements in the Chicago theater community, the theater named Smith a Goodman Trustee. The festivities began at The Standard Club at 5pm with a cocktail reception in the Living Room followed by a three-course meal in the Grand Ballroom, where Kehoe Designs brought the railways to life with tabletops featuring vintage train track components that evoked the glamorous era of train travel. Guests were then transported to the Goodman to attend the opening night performance of Pullman Porter Blues.

Audience Events and Opportunities Around Pullman Porter Blues

Context: Chicago Bound: The Great Migration
A showcase of blues travelers and their works, featuring the band Autumn in Augusta with Ernie Adams (drums), Marcin Fahmy (piano), Donovan Mixon (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Lucy Smith (vocals).
Monday, October 7 at 7pm | Katerina’s (1920 W. Irving Park Rd) | $10 at GoodmanTheatre.org

Pullman Rail Journeys

Purchase a ticket to Pullman Porter Blues and be automatically entered to win a first class round-trip package for 2 from Chicago to New Orleans on a restored Pullman rail car. All Pullman Porter Blues single ticket purchasers and Goodman subscribers will be entered in the drawing. One (1) winner will be selected by random drawing on October 28, to receive a package that includes round-trip train travel for two from Chicago to New Orleans, courtesy of Pullman Rail Journey. Winner will be notified by phone or email. Prize is valued at $3,700.Valid for B-class double occupancy accommodations only. All on-board meals (food and beverages/spirits) are included. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. One entry per household.