The White City: Burnham's Dream

The White City: Burnham’s Dream, a musical, tells the story of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the Columbian Exposition, inspiration for the Plan of Chicago, planned and constructed under the leadership of Daniel Burnham. For that Fair, Chicagoans worked together to create a temporary city that drew millions of visitors. After the turn of the 20th century, Burnham was asked to develop a plan for Chicago’s future growth. What he learned in creating the White City was the foundation of his vision for the Plan of Chicago.

In the 1909 Plan of Chicago, Burnham wrote: “This same spirit which carried out the Exposition in such a manner as to make it a lasting credit to the city is still the soul of Chicago, vital and dominant….This spirit—the spirit of Chicago—is our greatest asset. It is not merely civic pride: it is rather the constant, steady determination to bring about the very best conditions of city life for all the people…” The play depicts how Burnham, despite great personal challenges and loss, succeeds in creating the great Fair, a safe, efficient, and beautiful temporary city.

This play is a glimpse into the past, and an inspiration for the future, revealing how obstacles were overcome and how Burnham’s Dream -- Chicago’s dream, is being fulfilled. Written by June Finfer, the musical or songs from it are available for presentation to groups and organizations beginning spring 2009.To arrange for a concert presentation as your special event, contact June Finfer, Lost and Found Productions, 773-929-7367 x260 or by email  info@writersblocfest.org .