Award-winning actor John Goodman led the festivities at the Loretto-Hilton Center to Rally for The Rep, a special event held Sunday, Dec. 17, in support of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
(See more photos below, courtesy of Repertory Theatre of St. Louis)
A VIP meet-and-greet with the St. Louis-born actor took place prior to a special holiday program, which began with a performance by The Lovettes. The Chicago-based singing trio belted out songs by iconic female artists and girl groups of the ‘50s and ‘60s, as well as classic holiday tunes. Also appearing on stage to welcome guests were The Rep managing director Danny Williams, former KTVI/KSDK news anchor Dan Gray, St. Louis SC forward Nicholas Gioacchini and baseball Hall-of-Famer Ozzie Smith.
Following intermission, Goodman took the stage to participate in an intimate discussion with Rep artistic director Becks Redman about his work in TV, movies and on stage, as well as to name-drop some of his local favorites, such as Imo’s Pizza, Ted Drewes and the Cardinals.
To conclude the evening, Goodman treated the audience to a reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more commonly known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Proceeds from the event support the organization’s Rally for The Rep campaign, in an effort to raise $2.5 million by the end of the year to fill an anticipated budget shortfall.
photos courtesy of Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
John Goodman and St. Louis SC forward Nicholas Gioacchini
Rep managing director Danny Williams
The Lovettes
The Lovettes perform a holiday classic from the islands.
St. Louis TV newsman Dan Gray
John Goodman participates in an on-stage discussion with Rep artistic director Becks Redman.
Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith
Ozzie Smith and John Goodman
John Goodman reads "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
John Goodman reads "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
John Goodman acknowledges a standing ovation from the audience after his reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
Friends and supporters of The Rep fill the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Holiday Benefit.
