Ravinia 2026 Issue 5

Ravinia acknowledges support from the IllinoisArtsCouncil. OFFICIAL PARTNERS: Audi USA, Named Automotive Partner • Discover byCapital One, Official Card MidtownAthleticClubs, Official Club • TerlatoWines, Official Wine Sponsor LeadReachTeachPlaySponsor: @raviniafestival Connect With Us . , . Aug. – Sept. SWEETENING TRIXIES ’CELLAREDSONGS CHRIS DIFFORD & GLENN TILBROOK Squeeze DR.SEUSS GOESTO THEOPERA KOOL& THEGANG GETDOWN ON IT SHIRLEYRYAN ABILITYLAB SUPPORTING ARTSAND ABILITY ONTHECOVER Squeeze Photo: Dean Chalkley Program notes start on page 67 4 Welcome from the President and the Chairman 6 Spirit of the Boogie The Gang’s all here when Robert “Kool” Bell gets down on it. By Tricia Despres 10 Freshly Squeezed Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook sweeten their catalogue with the fruits of cellared songs. By James Turano 18 Could You, Would You, Hear Them Sing? Dr. Seuss stories plate up opera with kid-focused bells and whistles. By Kyle MacMillan 22 Celebrating Arts and Ability Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is on call with performing arts medicine, supporting Ravinia artists and the wider community. F E AT U R E S 16 Wellness with Music By Kate Hogan Berger 17 Lavender and Lemon Poppyseed Cake By Elisa Sunga 27 Crossword Puzzle By Aimee Lucido I N F O RM AT I O N 28 Steans Institute 30 Reach Teach Play 33 Salute to Sponsors 42 Setting the Stages 45 Ravinia Supporters 63 Ravinia Festival Association 88 Park Information and Park Map Aug. 24 – Sept. 6 Contents 6 18 17 RAVINIAMAGAZINE • AUGUST 24 – SEPTEMBER 6 , 2026 2 NANCY DEGATA (KOOL); LARK CREATIVE (OPERA);ANDRIA LO(CAKE)