Academy of the Arts, a new west-suburban non-profit academic and art school projected to open in fall 2025, will host its first fundraising gala and concert at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at North Central College's Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. The concert will feature stars from some of Broadway's biggest shows.

Performers include Julia Murney (Wicked); former gymnast turned actress Cathy Rigby (Peter Pan); Karen Mason (Halston on Netflix); Zonya Love (The Color Purple); Stephen Wallem (Nurse Jackie); Chadae Nichol (Motown the Musical); and Meecah (Hamilton).

Tickets include a cocktail hour, concert, silent auction and a reception, and can be ordered at www.illinoisartsacademy.org/gala. Hotel Arista, Naperville's only AAA Four Diamond hotel, is offering a special group rate for gala ticketholders. Call 630-579-4100 to request the Academy of the Arts rate.

Learn more about the Academy, its gala and other opportunities to support its mission at www.illinoisartsacademy.org.