You are invited
to Music Theater Works’ Annual Producers’ Gala

Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence

Marilyn and Robert Arensman have been life-long pediatric care givers. They have had long and fulfilling careers at Chicago’s outstanding pediatric facilities including Wyler Children’s Hospital, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Cook County Hospital, and the University of Illinois.

Lynn Arensman was born in Manila, attended Silliman University and Lucena Nursing School before arriving in Chicago to begin pediatric nursing at the Cook County Hospital. Bob Arensman was from “deep” Southern Illinois, attended Trinity College of Hartford and the UIC Medical School. Their paths intersected one night at the Cook County Hospital, and the rest, as they say, is now history.

Bob and Lynn lived for many years in New Orleans where Bob opened the division
of pediatric surgery at the Ochsner Clinic and Hospital. They raised three children
(Lisa, Roby, and Elena) there before transferring to the University of Chicago in 1990. They have been in Chicago since that employment and first encountered
Light Opera Works when they set up a home in Hyde Park. Their relationship blossomed into a long and close association with the unbelievable leadership Light Opera Works –
Bridget McDonough, Rudy Hogenmiller, and a very young Kyle Dougan. Through those many years we have seen that organization transform to today’s Music Theater Works.

With a transfer to Northwestern and Children’s Memorial, Lynn and Bob established a home in downtown Chicago which fortunately has a roof deck overlooking Lake Michigan. This has proven an excellent venue for Music Theater Works’ benefits over the years, at which we have met many of the people attending this year’s Producers Gala.

Their children and seven grandchildren have been faithful supporters of our Music Theater Works, too. One of the most cherished memories is the yearly benefit at which their
primary grade school grandchildren charged guests arriving for the party with trays
of canapés–their belief clearly that one needed food in hand before having a chance to deposit coats. Thus, they have had a very enjoyable, momentous, and enduring 34-year association with Music Theater Works that proudly continues to this day. Lynn and Bob are deeply touched and pleased to have these memories.
The fourth annual Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence will be awarded to Dr. and Mrs. Bob and Marilyn Arensman for their years of dedicated and generous support of Music Theater Works. The Joyce Ruth Saxon Award for Excellence is named in honor of the longtime supporter of Music Theater Works who passed away in 2022. The award is given each year to an individual who has made an impact on the art of music theater in Chicago, through artistic expression, public advocacy or significant financial support; recognizes the importance of engaging the entire community in the public, private, arts and business sector; is instrumental in the creation of great art and has demonstrated through their actions, works, and words their personal and profound commitment to our beloved art of musical theater in Chicago. The award has previously honored Howard Hallengren (2023) and Bridget McDonough (2024).

To pay by check, please call Music Theater Works at (847) 920-5360 to make your reservation.
Checks should be made out to Music Theater Works and be sent to
Chirstopher Riley
Music Theater Works
516 4th Street
Wilmette, IL 60091

To pay on line, please complete form below