A Night of Broadway 2027

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About the Event

Saturday, February 20, 2027 
Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre
2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, IL

The Evening
One night. Six extraordinary artists. A 20-piece live orchestra.

A Night of Broadway is the annual signature fundraising gala of the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts - a one-night-only concert experience that brings the world of Broadway to the Chicago suburbs for an unforgettable evening of music, community, and purpose.

This isn't a typical gala. It's a full concert event, with some of the most celebrated performers on Broadway today taking the stage backed by a live 20-piece orchestra, conducted by Music Director Matthew Croft. Every seat in the room is the best seat. Every moment is live. And every dollar raised goes directly to ensuring that young artists across Chicagoland can train at the highest level - regardless of their family's financial situation.

ICA has never turned away a qualified student for financial reasons. A Night of Broadway is how we keep that promise.

Why It Matters

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts was founded on a belief that access to world-class arts training should never be determined by a zip code or a family's income. Since 2020, we've served 200+ students across 95 communities throughout Chicagoland, with more than 50% receiving need-based financial assistance. Our students train alongside Tony Award-winning performers, Broadway casting directors, and professional talent agents - building not just artistic skills, but confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that lasts a lifetime.

A Night of Broadway makes all of it possible. Join us.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 20, 2027
Venue: Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre, 2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, IL 60563
Format: Benefit concert gala with live orchestra
Music Director & Conductor: Matthew Croft

EVENING TIMELINE

5:30 PM - Doors Open & Cocktail Reception Enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a silent auction in the lobby. Meet fellow supporters and members of the ICA community.

7:00 PM - Doors to Main Ballroom Open Guests are seated for the evening's program.

7:30 PM - A Night of Broadway Begins The concert opens with a welcome from ICA's leadership, followed by a full evening of performances by our six featured artists, each performing with ICA's 20-piece live orchestra.

10:00 PM - Evening Concludes A final celebration with the artists, guests, and ICA community.

Timeline is subject to change. All times are approximate.

A Note on Seating

A Night of Broadway 2027 will feature assigned theater-style seating - a first for this event. Seats will be assigned in the order tickets are purchased, so the earlier you reserve, the closer you'll be to the stage. Your seat assignment will be provided at check-in on the evening of the event. We encourage you to secure your tickets early to ensure the best placement for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. 

Featured Artists

Michelle Williams
A founding member of Destiny's Child, Grammy Award-winner Michelle Williams is one of the most celebrated performers of her generation. Her artistry spans music, stage, and advocacy - including her 2015 Broadway debut as Shug Avery in The Color Purple and her recent starring role in Death Becomes Her. A Chicago-area native and passionate advocate for arts education and mental health, her presence at A Night of Broadway 2027 is as meaningful as it is unforgettable.

 
Nichelle Lewis
One of Broadway's most remarkable stories, Tony-nominated Nichelle Lewis was discovered through viral TikTok videos and cast as Dorothy in the 2024 Broadway revival of The Wiz after an open search of more than 2,000 submissions. She earned a Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway Debut and Grammy and Drama League nominations. She went on to earn a 2026 Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress for her shattering performance as Sarah in the Tony-winning revival of Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater.

 
Jessica Vosk
Jessica Vosk is one of Broadway's most beloved vocal powerhouses, celebrated for her soaring voice and deeply personal connection with audiences. Her Broadway credits include Wicked (Elphaba), Finding Neverland, and The Wanderer. A sought-after concert artist across the country, Vosk brings extraordinary range and humanity to every performance - making each evening feel like something rare and intimate.

 
Emily Skinner
Tony-nominated for her legendary dual lead performance in Side Show, Emily Skinner is one of Broadway's most treasured artists. Her credits include Billy Elliot, The Cher Show, Suffs, and New York New York. A celebrated concert performer at Carnegie Hall, 54 Below, and symphony stages nationwide, Skinner brings warmth, wit, and vocal brilliance that never fails to bring down the house.

 
Jenn Colella
Jenn Colella earned a Tony nomination for her electrifying performance in Come From Away, where her portrayal of Captain Beverley Bass and the showstopping "Me and the Sky" became one of the defining Broadway moments of its era. Her additional credits include Chaplin, If/Then, and High Fidelity. An artist of remarkable range and emotional depth, Colella makes every concert feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 
Kate Baldwin
A two-time Tony Award nominee - for Finian's Rainbow and Big Fish - Kate Baldwin is one of Broadway's most exquisite voices. Pure in tone, flawless in phrasing, and deeply connected to every lyric she sings, Baldwin has captivated audiences on Broadway and concert stages across the country. Her credits include Hello, Dolly! and She Loves Me. Simply put, there is no one quite like her.

Can't Join Us in Person? Watch Live.

A Night of Broadway 2027 will be available via livestream for those who cannot be in the room. For $85, you can watch the full concert from anywhere in the world - and every dollar goes directly to supporting the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts. Your livestream purchase is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

A streaming link will be sent to you approximately 12 hours before the event begins on February 20, 2027. All you need is a device and a love of great music.

If you can't make it to Naperville, this is your front-row seat. We'd love to have you with us.

Purchase Livestream Access!