Unsung Heroes:

Lisa Wolfe-DiGanci, Citadel Theatre Donor

In this month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight - where we recognize those who make magic happen from behind the curtain - we honor Lisa Wolfe-DiGanci, a Citadel Theatre Donor.

Citadel Theatre succeeds because of passionate supporters who deeply believe in the power of live theatre, and few personify that spirit more than Lisa Wolfe-DiGanci. A committed subscriber, donor and member of Citadel’s Gala Committee, Lisa has played a key role in supporting the theatre’s biggest fundraiser of the year while also promoting the arts in our community.

With a long-standing love of theatre that dates back to childhood and experience serving on the board of a Chicago theatre company, Lisa brings both personal passion and a deep appreciation for what it takes to keep live theatre vibrant. We asked Lisa to share a few thoughts about her connection to Citadel Theatre and why supporting the arts is important to her.

1. What first inspired you to become involved with Citadel Theatre?

Coming from the city, we were subscribers to Steppenwolf Theatre and fans of the little independent theatres that often played in the back of a bar. After serving on the board of a smaller theatre in Chicago and seeing firsthand the financial struggles and near-death moments theatres can face, I realized how fragile the theatre landscape can be.

Citadel is Lake Forest’s only live theatre, and if we want it to thrive and remain part of our community, it’s important to support it every way we can. I truly can’t imagine Lake Forest without Citadel. That would be a real tragedy.

2. What does live theatre mean to you personally?

I’ve always been involved in theatre, either as a six-year-old wannabe performer or as an adult patron. Nothing compares to seeing a show live: the energy in the room, the occasional flubs, the triumphs when everything comes together. It’s completely different from watching something on a screen.

3. Do you have a favorite Citadel production or memory?

Easy. The first show we ever saw was Cabaret. It was one of the best productions we’ve ever seen — anywhere.

The only seats left were in the front row, so we were literally inches away from the actors. Now that we’re subscribers, we still request those same seats! We were blown away by the level of talent — the acting, the singing, the stage design — and the fact that it was all happening right here in our backyard. We subscribed instantly.

4. Why do you feel it’s important to support the arts in our community?

You often don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. The arts are a vibrant and necessary part of our town, bringing people together for an evening of entertainment, connection, and shared experience.

5. What would you like others to know about why you choose to give?

Live theatre is a privilege and having it right in your backyard is a gift. Choosing not to support it means leaving Citadel’s future up to someone else.

But on a lighter note, if you haven’t been to a Citadel show yet, you’re truly missing out on a spectacular evening filled with talent and storytelling that rivals some of the best theatre in Chicago. Citadel works hard to keep ticket prices reasonable and make it an affordable night out.

When you consider that many city theatre tickets can run $200 or more for less-than-great seats, plus a three-hour round trip downtown, a night at Citadel becomes an opportunity you simply shouldn’t pass up.