Saint Patrick High School alumnus Michael Patrick Thornton captured a Jeff Award, presented by the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee – Awarding Excellence in Chicago Theatre, on Monday November 6, 2006. Thornton won the Jeff in a new category, Solo Performance, for his one-man show, “The Good Thief” produced by The Gift Theatre.

Thornton’s accomplishment is particularly amazing given the fact that he suffered two spinal strokes in 2003 that left him almost completely paralyzed. Following the second stroke, Thornton was told that he would never walk again, but he had different ideas. After months of grueling rehab, Thornton began taking steps nearly a year ago, paving the way for his triumphant return to the stage and his first Jeff Award.

An accomplished actor and director, Thornton is the founder and artistic director of The Gift Theatre, located at 4802 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood. Founded in 2002, The Gift Theatre Company rented space before settling into their home in Jefferson Park. The Gift Theatre is now housed in a 31-seat performance space, that they re-modeled from what used to be a shoe store on Milwaukee Avenue.

The Jeff Awards are given annually by The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee to honor excellence in professional theatre produced in the immediate Chicago area. The committee, organized in 1968, consists of up to 45 men and women united by their active commitment to live theatre. They come to the committee with an academic background in theatre, significant professional theatrical experience, a history of theatre involvement, and/or years of consistent theatre attendance in Chicago and other major theatre capitals of the world. The committee evaluates approximately 200 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies annually.