DON'T MISS THE 2026 GALA
☆
DON'T MISS THE 2026 GALA ☆
The Board of Directors of Chicago Opera Theater
and
General Director Lawrence Edelson
invite you to
MURDER AT THE OPERA
benefiting Chicago Opera Theater’s artistic, educational,
and community engagement programs
Saturday, May 2, 2026
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Venue West
221 N Paulina Street
Chicago, IL
honoring
Dorothy Osborn
for over twenty years of passionate and dedicated and leadership
Festive Cocktail Attire
Complimentary on-site parking
Gala Tickets will go on sale in March,
but you can join the Honorary Committee Today!
CHIEF INSPECTORS - $50,000 ($48,250 tax deductible)
Premiere table with up to 10 gala tickets, and prominent lead sponsor recognition
LEAD INVESTIGATORS - $25,000 ($23,600 tax deductible)
Premier table with up to 8 gala tickets, prominent lead sponsor recognition
SPECIAL AGENTS - $10,000 ($8,950 tax deductible)
Shared table with up to 6 gala tickets, prominent sponsor recognition
PRIVATE DETECTIVES - $5,000 ($4,300 tax deductible)
Shared table with up to 4 gala tickets, sponsor recognition
FIELD OPERATIVES - $1,750 ($1,400 tax deductible)
Shared table with 2 gala tickets, sponsor recognition
SINGLE TICKETS - $500 ($175 tax deductible)
Single gala tickets will go on sale in March
As an Honorary Committee member, you will receive:
* Premium seating for you and your guests *
* Recognition on the printed invitation (for commitments received by March 1) *
* Recognition on our website and in the event program *
* And most importantly, the knowledge that your support directly fuels COT’s mission to present bold productions, champion new voices, empower creativity in Chicago’s youth, and serve our city through opera that sparks connection and conversation. *
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, Chicago Opera Theater will transform Venue West into the setting for Murder at the Opera—an immersive, theatrical gala that blends music and mystery in equal measure. Guests will step into a glamorous operatic whodunnit, where famous opera characters mingle among you, secrets unfold over cocktails and dinner, and musical clues are woven throughout the evening. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the mystery or simply enjoy watching the drama unfold, the evening promises elegance, surprise, and no shortage of intrigue—all in support of the daring work that defines Chicago Opera Theater.
The festivities begin with a jubilant cocktail reception at 5:00pm, followed by a sumptuous dinner prepared by J&L Catering. Thrilling performances by our operatic suspects will be woven throughout the evening, alongside a hand-selected auction of exclusive experiences and a paddle raise—offering you the chance to champion the COT programs closest to your heart.
This year’s gala will also honor Dorothy Osborn—beloved former Board President, longtime trustee, and tireless champion of COT.
GALA COMMITTEE
Ron Bauer and Queta Rodriguez Bauer, Co-Chairs
Liz Branch
Lawrence Edelson
Erika Erich
Dorothy Osborn
Virginia Tobiason