The ICONS Gala
SAVE THE DATE
The ICONS Gala: Celebrating the work of Award-winning composer Alan Menken
October 4, 2026
11AM
At Venue West (221 N Paulina St.)
Honorary Co-Chairs Felicia P. Fields and Anthony Rapp
Co-Chairs Michelle & Steve Cucchiaro and Genevieve Thiers & Dan Ratner
Each year, we honor an artist whose work has left a lasting mark on American music theatre—visionaries who have shaped the industry and inspired generations.
Join us on October 4, 2026 at Venue West as we celebrate the career of multi-award winning composer ALAN MENKEN (Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, and so many more) as our 2026 Icon Award recipient. Enjoy a brunch celebration featuring musical performances from Alan’s iconic catalogue by Porchlight favorites, plus, we will honor Tamara & Jay Sims as the 2026 Luminary Award Recipients.
This is where Chicago comes together, to celebrate artistry, elevate excellence, and invest in what’s next. We hope you’ll join us.
Learn more about sponsorships.
Please email us at development@porchlightmusictheatre.org with any questions.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
MARQUEE SPONSORS
Genevieve Thiers & Dan Ratner
PREMIERE SPONSORS
Anonymous
Michelle & Steve Cucchiaro
Joe Higgins & Scott Hoesman
SIGNATURE SPONSORS
Brandon John Harrington
Tamara & Jay Sims
SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS
William Bergfalk and Roland Hansen
Bill Gilmer & John Blackburn
Rhona Frazin
Art Garwin
Mardee and Bob Gramen
LIMELIGHT SPONSORS
Kit Barbaro
Scott Vandermyde
GALA PARTNERS:
ALAN MENKEN
2026 Icon Award Recipient
Legendary composer Alan Menken has created some of the most beloved songs and musical scores of our time, with his unique voice as a composer capturing the imagination of audiences for over 35 years. Known for his music on stage and screen, he is noted for his multiple works with the Walt Disney company (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), as well as Broadway stage musicals Sister Act and Little Shop of Horrors. With eight Academy Awards, Alan has received more Oscars than any living person, and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards, and a Tony Award.
TAMARA & JAY SIMS
2026 Luminary Award Recipients
Tamara and Jay Sims are among Porchlight Music Theatre’s most devoted champions— philanthropic leaders, tireless volunteers, and beloved members of the Porchlight family for more than two decades. Their service to Porchlight has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Tamara has served on the Porchlight Board since 2012 and has held critical leadership roles, serving as Board Secretary, Gala Chair, and has been an active member of both the Development and Marketing Committees—shaping the organization’s growth and helping ensure its artistic mission thrives. Whether guiding strategy in the boardroom or rallying support at a fundraiser, their shared commitment has been a driving force behind Porchlight’s continued success.
And then there’s the role only Tamara could fill: the organization’s beloved “unofficial lobby greeter,” welcoming audiences before every performance with her signature warmth, infectious smile, and boundless enthusiasm. For countless patrons, Tamara is the first face of Porchlight—a personal ambassador who makes every guest feel like family from the moment they walk through the door.
Beyond their dedication to the stage, Tamara and Jay are proud owners of Elegant Event Lighting, which they have led since 2008. Tamara is a respected voice in the events industry, serving as Membership Committee Chair of NACE Chicago and maintaining active memberships with WIPA Chicago and MPI Chicago. Their professional expertise and generous spirit extend seamlessly into everything they do for the arts community.
Together, Tamara and Jay embody the very best of what it means to give back. Their unwavering commitment to Porchlight Music Theatre, to the performing arts, and to the broader Chicago community has made them indispensable leaders, advocates, and friends—and their impact will be felt for generations to come.