Gee's Bend Stagebill by Arden Theatre Company

resents Company p e tr a e h T Arden

r7 October 9 - Decembe

Arden Theatre Company presents

GEE’S BEND By ELYZABETH GREGORY WILDER Scenic Designer MARJORIE BRADLEY KELLOGG

Costume Designer ALISON ROBERTS

Lighting Designer LES DICKERT

Sound Designer CHRISTOPHER COLUCCI

Music Director WALTER DALLAS

Stage Manager STEPHANIE COOK*

Assistant Director NA TANYÁ DAVINÁ STEWART Directed by ELEANOR HOLDRIDGE October 9 - December 7, 2008

Gee’s Bend is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. Gee’s Bend received its world premiere on January 21, 2007 as part of the Southern Writers’ Project at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival Geoffrey Sherman, Producing Artistic Director * Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S.

Arden Theatre Company receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Applause, please, for our Media Partners:

WELCOME FROM THE PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

photo by John Flak

Welcome. My mom is a quiltmaker. My wife Amy comes from a long line of quiltmakers. Throughout our house, on our walls and our beds, we have their quilts. For years, Amy made baby quilts for friends and family. There is no more heartfelt gift – a handmade work that is both beautiful and practical. Some friends would apologize when we’d see the quilt months later and it was worn and faded, but Amy would always assure them that the quilts were made to be used. She took pride in both their creation and their use.

Terrence J. Nolen

Several years ago I first saw the Gee’s Bend quilts at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, and they took my breath away. There is something about their design that reminds me of the Amish style of quiltmaking, but with their bold use of color and shape, the Gee’s Bend quilts are strikingly original. They are so beautiful, so infused with life – they seem to vibrate. It was through Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s play that I learned the story behind these quilts. This play was recently awarded the M. Elizabeth Osborn Award for a play by an emerging playwright by the American Theatre Critics Association (the year prior, Michael Hollinger’s Opus received the American Theatre Critics Association New Play Citation). Reading this play, I was struck by the fact that the need to create burns so strong in us as human beings. The Gee’s Bend quiltmakers made these quilts to keep their kids warm. Yet like all parents, they must have also wanted to wrap their children in beauty. How wonderful to be able to produce Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s Gee’s Bend while The Philadelphia Museum of Art is presenting the exhibition Gee’s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt. We are honored to bring the story of this family, this community and the art that they created to our stage. I encourage you to see the quilts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, on display now through December 14. These quilts tell a most remarkable story. Thank you for being here. Enjoy.

Terry

P.S. My thanks to the late Anne d’Harnoncourt, director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, for working to schedule the Gee’s Bend quilt exhibition concurrent with the run of this play. Her commitment to this city and to a thriving cultural community is part of her extraordinary legacy.

CAST Macon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kes Khemnu* Sadie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwina Findley* Nella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kala Moses Baxter* Alice/Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marjorie Johnson*

Part One - 1939 Part Two - 1965 Part Three - 2000

UNDERSTUDIES Katrina Yvette Cooper, Juanita Frederick, Michael J. Harris, Wendy Staton

Original Quilt Design by Michael Schweikardt

Arden Theatre Company is a professional company employing members of Actors’ Equity Association. *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the U.S. Please check houseboards for program changes. Taking pictures and/or making visual or sound recordings is expressly forbidden. The Arden operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org

Arden Theatre Company proudly participates in the Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre, a program of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

I am thrilled to be working on Gee’s Bend at the Arden. In rehearsals as I write this, I find that the play creates a world much richer and more complex than the slim pages would indicate. With each day that goes by, the characters grow larger and deeper, the resonances of what it means to be an artist hit home, and our human striving to forge a better world finds root in Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s wonderful language.

Eleanor Holdridge

It is a play about resilience, about strength of will, about the individual’s ability to affect change and about our human need to express ourselves through art. It is a story filled with gritty and determined characters, told with rich metaphor and imagery-laden language that has the power to illuminate the heart of our American and African-American spirit. We see as both mundane and transcendent the simple stitching of a quilt—something to keep us warm and the expression of the self in creation. Gee’s Bend takes us through some of the most turbulent periods of our civil history, times when great sacrifice, determination and courage made progress possible. Spanning over sixty years, the play focuses on times of great strife: 1939 recovering from the extreme poverty of the great Depression and 1965, when civil disobedience and the words of Dr. Martin Luther King began to loosen the yoke of oppression and steps toward equality were made. Through these times we see the struggles and triumphs of the characters of Gee’s Bend who grapple with the conflicting forces of their dreams and harsh reality. Finally Gee’s Bend takes us to the present and our future potential for survival, courage and daring. This is a play where a simple and courageous choice seems to have the ability to impact a nation and it celebrates our very human ability to affect change. Eleanor

WHO’S WHO KALA MOSES BAXTER (Nella) Hallelujah! Kala feels blessed to be working with the Arden again. She is excited to tell the story of the amazing women of Gee’s Bend. She has performed with Freedom Theatre, the Arden, Wilma Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Venture Theatre, Arizona Repertory Theatre, The Philadelphia Black Theatre Festival, and Walt Whitman Center. Kala is a 2008 Barrymore Finalist for the F. Otto Haas Award. Special thanks to her Mother, Father, Husband, Children, Sister, Best Friends, Family, Babysitters, and Praise 103.9FM for their love and support. She is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, and AEA. EDWINA FINDLEY (Sadie) is an honors graduate of NYU and her television credits include two seasons on HBO’s The Wire, Law and Order, Conviction, One Life to Live, New Amsterdam, and pilots for both NBC and FOX. Favorite plays include Henry IV, Winter’s Tale, Cyrano de Bergerac (Shakespeare Theatre Company, dir. Michael Kahn), Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Baltimore Centerstage, dir. David Schweizer), and Crowns (Cleveland Playhouse, dir. Dianne McIntyre). She has also toured musically, and is the founder of Abundant Life, an organization providing arts and personal development workshops for young people. Edwina’s performance is dedicated to her late great-grandmother, Sadie Hackett, and to the other powerful shoulders on which she stands. www.edwinafindley.com MARJORIE JOHNSON (Alice/Asia) has created and recreated a wide range of characters across the country and abroad. She has portrayed the role of Candylady in Hoodoo Love (Best Supporting Actress Audelco Award) at the Cherry Lane Theatre in N.Y. Other roles include Tituba in The Crucible at the Capital Rep, Albany; Queen Clytemnestra at the Hangar Theatre, Ithaca, N.Y.; Mrs. Antrobus in The Skin of our Teeth at Delaware Theatre Co., Wilmington (Phila Critics’ Award nomination), Winnie Mandela in M:The Mandela Saga (Lead Actress Audelco Award), Elizabeth in The Old Settler at Studio Arena, Buffalo, N. Y., Rose in Fences at StageWest, Springfield, Mass and at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival,Portland. Ms. Johnson also performed at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland in The Pen and the Podium as Zora Neale Hurston & Sojourner Truth. TV and Film credits include Law & Order, NYPD Blue, As the World Turns, The Boiler Room Duplicates, Chrome Soldiers and American Gangster.

KES KHEMNU (Macon) TV: Law and Order and SVU. Regional: Sciatica Jenkins in Ouch My Back at Garage Rep, NY; closed the last week and a half of The Piano Lesson as Boy Willie at Delaware Theater Co. two days after closing The Piano Lesson as Boy Willie at the Arden; Grant Wiggins in Lesson Before Dying at Triad Stages in NC; William in Lobby Hero at Hartford TheaterWorks in CT; Jason Posner in Wit at Philadelphia Theater Co; TopDog Underdog as Lincoln and Booth at Alliance Theater in Atlanta, GA. Baconian roles include Puck, Oberon, Petruchio, Hotspur, Macduff, Mercrutio, Othello (twice), Sir Toby and Don John, in CT. MARJORIE BRADLEY KELLOGG (Scenic Designer) Recent work: world premiere of Margaret Garner (Michigan Opera). Broadway credits include: Any Given Day, George C. Scott’s revival of On Borrowed Time, Lucifer’s Child, American Buffalo with Al Pacino, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Resident Designer, National Actors Theatre, 1992-93. Circle in the Square: Spokesong, Heartbreak House, The Misanthrope, Present Laughter. Off-Broadway: New York Shakespeare Festival, Signature Theatre, Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout Theatre. Awards include: 2006 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Scene Design; 2002 Ruth Morley Design Award; the 1995 Mary L. Murphy Award for Excellence in Design. ALISON ROBERTS (Costume Designer) is in her ninth season as Arden’s Costume Supervisor. She has a BA in Theatre Arts from Rowan University and an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Illinois State University. In addition to her staff position, she has designed costumes for The Pavilion, Northeast Local, Proof, Franklin’s Apprentice, The Underpants, Dancing at Lughnasa, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Assassins and The Piano Lesson. She has worked as a freelance artist for companies including Theatre Exile, 1812 Productions and Jeanne Ruddy Dance. LES DICKERT (Lighting Designer) Recent: Hamlet (National Tour, Shakespeare and Company), Steve and Idi (Rattlestick), Tides of the Moon (Thresh). OffBroadway: Rattlestick Theater, P73, Clubbed Thumb, SPF, Theater Row, others. Regional: Adirondack and Great Lakes Theater Festivals, Geva Theater, The Hangar, Perseverance, Syracuse Stage, Triad Stage, others. International: the National Ballet companies of Italy, Germany, Denmark, Australia, England, Belgium, Russia, and the Netherlands. Les is a very amateur vegan chef who recently ran the Amsterdam Marathon. Graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829.

WHO’S WHO CHRISTOPHER COLUCCI (Sound Designer) makes sound and music as a theater artist, composer, producer and guitarist. Last season, he designed shows for the Walnut Street Theater, Theatre Exile, InterAct, People’s Light, the Delaware Theater Company, the Lantern Theater, 1812 Productions, Azuka, UArts, the National Constitution Center, Luna, EgoPo, Arcadia University, and Indiana Rep. This season, Christopher has designed Karen Getz’s Disco Descending for The Philadelphia LiveArts Festival, The Hothouse at the Lantern, and Long Days Journey Into Night at Villanova. Upcoming projects include The War Party at InterAct, Dark Play for theatre exile, Picasso at the Lapin Agile for the Delaware Theater Company, and A Streetcar Named Desire at the Walnut. With this production, Christopher is very pleased to be making his first appearance as designer at the Arden. ELYZABETH GREGORY WILDER (Playwright) Plays include: Fresh Kills (Royal Court Theatre, London), Gee’s Bend (ASF, KCRep, Cleveland Play House, Denver Center, Northlight), The First Day of Hunting Season (Ensemble Studio Theatre), and The Spirit of Ecstasy. Her play The Furniture of Home will premier at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in 2009. She is currently completing commissions for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Denver Center Theatre. Elyzabeth recently won the 2008 Osborn Award for an Emerging Playwright given by the American Theatre Critics Association. A graduate of New York University, she currently resides in Alabama. For Pat Wilder, who told great stories. ELEANOR HOLDRIDGE (Director) Off-Broadway productions include Steve & Idi at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, Cycling Past the Matterhorn at the Clurman Theatre, The Imaginary Invalid, and Mary Stuart at the Pearl Theatre Company. Among her regional productions are Hamlet, As You Like It, Lettice and Lovage, The Tempest, Twelfth Night (Shakespeare & Company); The Crucible and Much Ado About Nothing(Perseverance Theatre); Noises Off and Art (Triad Stage); Julius Caesar and Macbeth (Milwaukee Shakespeare); The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis); Henry V (Shakespeare on the Sound); The Taming of the Shrew and The Tempest (Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival); Betrayal (Portland Stage Company); The Lion in Winter (Northern Stage); and The Cenci, The Two Noble Kinsmen, Dido and Aeneas (Red Heel Theatre Company). In the past Eleanor has held positions as Artistic Director for the Red Heel Theatre Company, Resident Assistant Director at the Shakespeare Theatre and Resident

Director at New Dramatists. She has directed and taught students at the Yale School of Drama, NYU’s graduate program and the Juilliard School, among others. She holds an MFA from Yale School of Drama. Upcoming productions of note: The Blonde, The Brunette and The Vengeful Redhead at Triad Stage. TERRENCE J. NOLEN (Producing Artistic Director) is the Producting Artistic Director and co-founder of Arden Theatre Company. Favorite Arden productions include all-Philadelphia casts of All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, The Grapes of Wrath and Hedda Gabler and such musicals as Sweeney Todd, Pacific Overtures, Falsettos, Violet and Caroline, or Change. Terry directed the inaugural production of Arden Children's Theatre, Charlotte's Web. He has directed six world-premiere plays by Michael Hollinger, three by Dennis Raymond Smeal, and Michael Ogborn's Baby Case. Terry has been nominated for 19 Barrymore Awards, including a recent nomination for Outstanding Director of Assassins. He was also honored with awards for both Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Winesburg, Ohio) and Outstanding Direction of a Play (Opus). His short film The Personal Touch was nominated for an Emmy Award. Terry directed Michael Hollinger’s Opus at Primary Stages, for which he received a nomination for the 2008 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Director. WALTER DALLAS (Music Director) is pleased to return to the Arden where he directed August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson last season. Dallas’ other music projects include his direction of Porgy and Bess at the Philadelphia Opera Company and his own gospel opera, Lazarus, Unstoned. Dallas was lead-writer for Standing in the Shadows of Motown featuring Chaka Khan which won several major awards including Best Non-Fiction Film from the New York Film Critics Circle and four Grammy Awards. This year Dallas, a graduate of Morehouse College and the Yale School of Drama, began a five-year guest-artist residency in the Theatre Department of the University of Maryland. STEPHANIE COOK (Stage Manager) is excited to be back at the Arden after working on last season’s Assassins and Go, Dog. Go! A past apprentice of the Walnut Street Theatre, most recently, she stage managed Theatre Horizon’s production of Working. Stephanie is grateful for the opportunity and thanks her family for their support. Love to Colin. NA TANYÁ DAVINÁ STEWART (Assistant Director) is a performance artist and former Arden Theatre Professional Apprentice (2001). In 2007, she assistant directed the Arden’s Philadelphia premiere of Tony Kushner’s Caroline, or Change. Daviná is a recipient of the Leeway Foundation Transformation Award (2006) which provides financial support for women and trans

WHO’S WHO artists to create social change in their lives and communities. She is currently working on a multidisciplinary installation piece entitled Terror is Umm… in observance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. She is excited to be at the Arden taking part in this dynamic creative process. AMY L. MURPHY (Managing Director) A Philadelphia native, Amy co-founded the Arden in 1988 with Terry Nolen and Aaron Posner. Amy is responsible for the Arden’s operations including fundraising and financial management. She is especially proud of the Arden Professional Apprentice program and their contribution to the Philadelphia cultural community. A graduate of Susquehanna University, Amy received the university’s first-ever Young Alumni Achievement Award. She completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders-Arts which is a joint program of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Center for Social Innovation and National Arts Strategies. Amy has served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Jersey State Arts Council and the Executive Committee of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). Amy was named a Hepburn Fellow 2008-9 by the Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center at Bryn Mawr College.

Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and Old City Arts Association. The Arden operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Designers in LORT theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.

SPECIAL THANKS • East End Salon • Ricola USA, Inc.

The Arden would like to extend special thanks to: Hether and Don Smith Helen Cunningham and Ted Newbold for opening their homes to our artists.

ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY Founded in 1988, Arden Theatre Company is dedicated to bringing to life the greatest stories by the greatest storytellers of all time. We stage five productions each season as part of our mainstage series and offer young people and their families two productions through Arden Children’s Theatre, the city’s first resident professional children’s theatre program. We create and produce new work through our new-work development program, the Independence Foundation New Play Showcase. The Arden Professional Apprenticeship program trains future theatre leaders, and our theatre classes teach children and teens about the craft of making plays. Our access program, Arden For All, makes our work available to the entire community through subsidized tickets and books for economically disadvantaged young people. We also offer sign language-interpreted, captioned and audio described performances and PayWhat-You-Can final dress rehearsals that benefit other nonprofits. The Arden has received six Philadelphia Magazine “Best of Philly” Awards, the Arts & Business Council’s Arts Excellence Award, five City Paper “Reader’s Choice” Awards, four Philadelphia Inquirer “Theatre Company of the Year” citations, and 38 awards and 211 nominations from the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia’s Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre. Arden Theatre Company, a professional, nonprofit 501(c)(3) theatre company, is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the League of Resident Theatres, the Theatre Alliance of Greater

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Mr. Frederick W. Anton, III Assassins Audience Mr. and Mrs. Albert M. Greenfield, III Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A, recommended by Carole Haas Gravagno Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A, recommended by John Otto and Dr. Janet Haas Mr. and Mrs. N. Peter Hamilton Nancy and Alan Hirsig Holly Kinser The Suzanne F. and Ralph J. Roberts Foundation

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Arden For All is supported by a generous gift from

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The Sylvan Society recognizes individuals who make annual gifts of $1,000 or more. The exceptional generosity of these donors enables the Arden to tell great stories by having the resources to achieve the highest level of artistic quality. Sylvan Society benefits bring members closer to our work and deepen their appreciation for the role they play in the Arden’s success. To join the Sylvan Society or for more information, please contact Manager of Individual Giving, Angela DuRoss, at 215.922.8900, ext. 25 or aduross@ardentheatre.org.

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Jeffrey Farenback-Brateman Shannon and Edward Farmer Michael and Peter Farrell Ruth and Andre Ferber Dick and Happy Fernandez Malcolm & Martha Fick Law Offices of Fine and Staud Paulette and Paul Freeman Charles Gear Terry Gillen Bob & Jan Goren Bernie & Carole Gottlieb Bill Hendrickson Brian Husowitz Nancy Kane Susan Kellogg and Dick Hoffman Patty & Michael Kirschner in honor of Pat and Jean Canfield Patricia and Charles Kling Barbara and Leonard Klinghoffer Marilyn & David Kraut Mary Ellen Krober Stephen and Helene Kunkel Joan & Marc S. Lapayowker Joanne Lawson Lorraine and late Richard Leff Barbara Patterson Lobb Frank & Sally Mallory Ted & Ronnie Mann Linda S. Mill Ken and Moira Mumma Paul Nutaitis and Robert Clark Lynn, Andrew, Jared and Orli Ozer Michael & Judy Paul Judy & John Peeler Vincent and Carmen Pezzullo John & Pinkie Philbrick Dan Promislo Sherri and Abe Reich Faye & Daniel Ross Ellen Schwartz Alex and Stefanie Seldin Frank and Catherine Signorello James Akerberg and Larry Simmons James L. Smith Drs. Richard and Rhonda Soricelli Marilyn and Dean R. Staats Anonymous Eric Tamulonis and Deirdre Gibson Hella & Lew Volgenau Marvin & Diane Waxman Jim and Suellen Weiner Fred & Arleen Weinstein Edward Wilk Allison Wilson & John Maher Tom & Jackie Zemaitis

$125-$249 Carol and Bennett Aaron Janet & Roger Alwang Peggy Amsterdam Charles Andrews Alan & Sandy Ault Joe and Susan Baltake Ron Baron Judith Barrett Ron and Joyce Bayer Susan Becker & Aaron Rubin Joann White and William Beckett Bikki Bevelhymer-Chiang Thomas H Blackburn Fran Freedman and Jon Blum Linda & Alden Blyth Craig H. Boddorff* Joseph & Mary Lou Breidenstine Bernard & Pamela Brownstein Robert J. Butera John and Lucille Byrne Bob Carfagno Caroline Castagno Paula Castagno Arminta & William B. Collins Dr. W. Robert and Margaret Cook Zoe Coulson Angelina & Michael DeAngelis Larry & Pat Dixon Ellen & Max Dooneief Marie and Peter Dooner Kathy & Jerry Drew Donald & Geraldine Duclow Lois S Durso Sylvia Egnal Linda V Ellsworth Paul and Adele Epstein Sue & Robert Evans Paul & Judith Farber Helen Faust Cynthia Heininger & James Feeney Mark & Rene Feitelson Jonathan and Catherine Fiebach Fund of the Jewish Federation Marian and Elliott Fisher Dr. John & Elaine Frank Drs. Barbara and Len Frank Mr. Allan P. Freedman Ellen and David Freeman Nancy and Richard Gabel Buzz & Linda Gamble Mark Garvin David K. Gifford Micki and Larry Goldberg Earl Morgenstern & Esther Gushner Judge Marvin R. & Mrs. Marcia O. Halbert Jeanne & Murray Halfond

ANNUAL DONORS 2008/09 $125-$249 continued Ona and Stephen Hamilton* Mary C. Harbison Marcy Hasbrouck Charles Head Douglas & Harriet Heath Betsy & Ted Hershberg Daniel and Monica Hilferty Isidore & Sharon Hofferman Mr. Frank Hollick Arnold & Esther Horn Palmer and Priscilla Hughes Lynda and Paul Hummer Timothy and Carol Johnson Mr. Philip Kalodner Lucy Kaufman Steven & Patricia King Lonnie and Howard Klein Bernadette Koller Joan Kremer and Jim Luther Alice Milrod & Tony Krol Robert & Leslie LaRocca Jeff Larsen Richard Lee Lisa Lee Murray & Lonnie Levin Robert & Laurel Lipshutz Karen Lisker Perry Watts & Samuel Litwin Will & Sandy Lock Mike and Helene Loeb William Lutz Donald and Nancy Maclay Mrs. Grace Madeira Anonymous Richard Maimon and Susan Segal Robert Manning Mary Louise Martin Linda McAleer and Maitlon Russell Tom McCarthy George & Judy McCarthy Patrick and Judith McCoyd Gloria McNutt Emmett & Patricia McVey Paul & Lee S Miller Ilene and Steve Miller Keith and Liz Mosley Claire Moyer Jerome Napson William Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor Laura Offutt Stanton and Bernice Oswald Mr. Richard Pariseau Sydney S. Pasternack Ms. Sandra Paul John & Judith Peakes Douglas and Mary Peck Bob and Leila Peck

David and Carolyn Peyster Helen Phillips Rhoda Polakoff John & Margaret Preg Mark and Susan Promislo Joy Rickabaugh Clifford Ridley and Betsey Hansell Sharon & Mark Robb Francoise and Louis Rollmann Dulcie Romm Chad and Jennifer Rosenberg Edwin and Sally Rosenthol Janet Rupert Ruth & Marvin Sachs Joan and Bill Saidel Warren and Carole Lee Schwomeyer Joseph & Louise Shaffer Wallace M. Shaw In Memory of Ruth Soloman Smith Anonymous Corinne Stahl John & Susan Stedman Leon Steinberg Bob and Tina Tate Richard & Anne Tax Doris M. Toll John Urofsky Malin Van Antwerp* Martin & Dorothy Vogel Emily and Charles Wagner Clifford & Ann Wagner Bob Weinberg and Eleanor Wilner Leslie and Ellen Welson David and Betsy Wice Bertram and Lorle Wolfson Harry & MaryAnn Woodcock Kent and Rayenne Zehner $75-$124 Maureen Alexander Jennifer & Brian Allebach & Family Dr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Andrews Helen Aster May & Ethan Ball Roberta Berg Constance and Richard Berman Michael & Rosalyn Bernstein Sydney & Doris Beshunsky Steve Zettler and Cordelia Biddle Doris and Aaron Bitman Lily & Newman Bortnick Hazel Bowers Frank Boyer Michael P. Boyle Mr. & Mrs. Thomas and Mary Pat Boyle Rosemary & Lee Brahin Gary Bramnick Charles Brennan

Mary & Billy Brooks David Brownlee Harold & Camille Buchanan Carol Buettger Joanne Bursich and Randy Giancaterino Karen Marston and Greg Buzan Jessica Calter Ronald J. Campbell Ms. Sarah J. Campbell Francis and Christine Caravella Barbara Carmine Ronald and Christina Chang Elissa & Norman Chansky Rhoda and Michael Coben Jennifer Coffey Sue Cohen John Condello Piper Mary Ann Coon Robert and Frances Corlies Charles J. Coyle James Crawford and Judith Dean Tom Culbreth S.M. Curlik Daniel Dagle Michael Daly Rita and Grace Denbo Daniel Devlin Carole Dichter Rhonda Dickey Ellen Dipinto Mr. Jerome Dortort Beverly Dotter Catherine Dougherty William & Joan Douglas Judith Drasin Anonymous Marcia Eisenberg Beth Elkin Debbie and Jerry Epstein Wendy Epstein William Ewing Susan L Extein Stephanie & Stanton Felzer Mitchell & Pia Fenimore Ms. Joanne E. Fields Ronald and Barbara Fink Leonard & Leila Finkelstein John Fischer Deborah and Martin Fishbein Mr. and Mrs. Dan & Beth Fitzpatrick Kenneth Frank Ms. Judy Frank Helene and Michael Freidman Paula Freilich Paula Fuchsberg Miriam Galster Caroline Simon & Louis Gambaccini

ANNUAL DONORS 2008/09 $75-$124 continued Stan Gibell Marilyn Gilroy Carrie Glasby & Kathleen Karhnak Ms. Joan Gmitter Grace Gonglewski & Eric Schoefer Maxwell Gorson Len & Eve Gottesman Anonymous Priscilla Grosick Joyce K Hackman Nancy Hartenstine Linda Fowler Hartnett Barbara & Robert Hauptfuhrer Sue Heckrotte Jane Henderson Joseph Herbst Susan W Herron Grace Hershman Jim & Carolyn Hessinger Marcia and John Hiehle Eric Hoffman & JoAnne Fischer Dr. Charles K Hordis Kerry Huntsman Sarah C. Jordan Barbara & Charles Kahn, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Susan Kaiden Kenneth S. Kaiserman Thomas Lloyd & Jane Kamp Ginny & Len Karabell Sandra R Karlson Scott and Margie Kasner Anonymous Margaret Keller Gregory Kleiber Judy Kornfeld Margaret Ann Kowalski James Kronzer Sherryl Kuhlman and Louis Thompson Ferne Kuhn Kathryn Lee Russell Leib Marlies Levenger Jack and Donna Levin Edward Lichtenberg Barbara and Dick Linde Robert and Joan Ludwig Lynn & Joe Manko Ronnie and Larry Margel Betty Margolis & Sidney Arenson Joseph A Marrazzo, Jr Gerald Marrington Mary Martello Richard and Julie May Donald McKay Deborah McKinley & David Rich Celeste McMenamin

Tom & Helen McNutt Pat and Gerald Mergen Samuel and Cecile Merion Alan & Susan Miller Madeline Miller Marianne Miller Martin & Sandra Miller Daniel P. Monbourquette Ellen Monsees CJ Moore Jeff and Maxine Morgan Kathleen Moyer Dr.& Mrs. Stevens Munzer Kenneth & Susan Myers John and Shirley Neff Bonnie and Eliot Nierman Diane Nissen Etta & Chuck Nissman Kathy Nolen Edwards Alan & Caroline Novak Burton & Diane Nussbaum Carol L. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien James P. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Anonymous Dave & Arline Olim Brenda J. Oliphant Linda Osler Clare and Dwayne Osman Sandra Packel Alice and Albert Packman Art Panfile Mary Jo Pauxtis David & Sylvia Perelman Mary and F. Laurence Pethick Dan & Lisa Pliskin Leslie and Curt Pontz Aaron Posner Nancy Post Avra and Harry Pressman Dr. S.H. Putman Linda Quam Anonymous Robin Ratliff Karen & Mark Reber Mary Lou and Pace Reich Mary Jo Reilly Eleanor Reinhardt Leslie Rescorla Kelly Resinger and John Beirne David & Diane Richman Lorraine Riesenbach Scott Righter Nancy and Sam Roberts George & Zara Roberts Linda Robinson & Peter Krill Ph.D. Claire Rocco John and Claire Rodgers Jane A. Rose, CPA/PFS

J. Randall Rosensteel Alan Rothenberg Bernard & Barbara Ruekgauer Diane Rurode Thekla Sacksteder Mark Sandberg Peter & Cathleen G. Sapio John and Elaine Schaefer Deanne and Darrel Schmucker Ms. Kim Schmucki Bonnie Schorske Ms. Adeline R Schultz Harold and Sharon Schwalm Jeanne C. Scott Ruth Septee Robert and Karen Serenbetz Susan Greene and Kathleen Sheridan Betty & Arthur Sherman Elaine L. Sherman Marie & James P Shew Anne Shuff and Mike Creech Leslie E. Skilton Jason and Danielle Smereczynski Corey and Jonne Smith Richard Smith Richard and Doranne Smith Arthur P Staddon Robert Stewart and Barbara BarnettStewart Paul Stone Bethy & Vinson Stouck Ruth P. Stuessy Paul Tate Marion and Richard Taxin Pamela Thaxter Sunny and Len Thomas Linda and Keith Thomson Lisa Truckess Thomas & Francine Tudor Arturo Valenzuela Pam Ventrella Michael Walraven and Mary Lou Starling Thomas Watkins Harold Weiner Susan Weiss Samuel and M. Judith Wenzel Anna Whitman Roy A Wilbur Askold Zagars Barbara Zalkind Joan D. Zeidner* Joseph and Renee Zuritsky * Denotes gift made through the United Way + Denotes gift of goods or services The list acknowledges donors as of September 8, 2008. If your name has been omitted or misprinted, please accept our apologies. Notify us by contacting Manager of Individual Giving Angela DuRoss at (215) 922-8900, x. 25 or aduross@ardentheatre.org. Although space does not allow us to list supporters whose gifts are less than $75, we gratefully acknowledge their contributions.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS Board of Directors David Fryman, President N. Peter Hamilton, Vice President Andrea Mengel, Vice President Michael A. Donato, Treasurer Nancy Hirsig, Secretary Brian Abernathy Nancy Burd Karen Butler Regina Canfield Joy L. De Jesús Ellen P. Foster Matthew Garfield Elizabeth H. Gemmill Carole Haas Gravagno Albert M. Greenfield, III Ronna F. Hall Joanne Harmelin Lynn Martin Haskin, Ph.D. Steve Heumann Susan G. Jacobson Barbara Kaplan Virginia Kimmel Holly Kinser Richard L. Maimon John J. McCawley Amy L. Murphy Terrence J. Nolen Aaron Posner Charles H. Rose H. Hetherington Smith Harvey B. Swedloff Joseph A. Tammaro, Jr. Lee van de Velde Diane Dalto Woosnam Ellen Yin Board Executive Committee Lee van de Velde, chair Brian Abernathy Michael Donato David Fryman Ronna F. Hall Peter Hamilton Nancy Hirsig Virginia Kimmel Andrea Mengel Charles Rose Hether Smith Board Development Committee Michael Donato, chair Peter Hamilton Lynn Haskin Lee van de Velde Diane Dalto Woosnam

Education Committee Sheryl Bar Marla Diamond Dr. Dennis W. Creedon Dr. Carol Domb John King Jacqueline Matusow Ilene Miller Judy Paul Ilene Poses Facilities Committee Hether Smith, chair Richard Maimon John McCawley Paul Thais Finance Committee Michael Donato, chair Nancy Burd Elizabeth Gemmill Steve Heumann Martin Rosenthal Ed Stavetski Harvey Swedloff Personnel Committee Lee van de Velde, chair David Fryman Elizabeth Gemmill Charles Rose Advocacy Committee Brian Abernathy, chair David Glancey Terry Gillen Julie Hawkins Susan Jacobson Holly Kinser Institutional Giving Committee Jean Canfield, chair Michael Donato David Fryman Elizabeth Gemmill Carole Haas Gravagno Joanne Harmelin John McCawley Hether Smith Strategic Planning Committee Andrea Mengel, chair Ellen Foster David Fryman Ellen Yin

Individual Giving Committee Virginia Kimmel, chair Charles Rose, chair Sheryl Bar Giséle Bathish John Bitman Joy L. De Jesús Terry Graboyes Wendy Greenfield Lynn Haskin Steve Heumann Nancy Hirsig Jill Kaplan Eric and Winnie Lien Ilene Miller Peggy Morgan Richard Quinn Harvey Swedloff Rosalyn and Steve Weinstein Diane Dalto Woosnam Ellen Yin Special Events Committee Ronna F. Hall, chair Gary Bramnick Tom Burke Karen Butler Chip Capelli Michael Donato Nancy Elfant Carmel D. Ferrandino Ellen Foster Sara Furey David Hackney Marlo Hall Jamie Joffe Barbara Kaplan Joanne Lawson Kelly Lee Barbara Link Bob Marburg Peggy Morgan Michael Norris Betsy Oliphant Dolly Beechman Schnall Brian Seaman Bill Swoope 2008/09 Honorary Producers’ Circle Frederick W. Anton, III Carole Haas Gravagno Barbara and Leslie Kaplan Harvey and Virginia Kimmel

MORE ABOUT GEE’S BEND Gee's Bend is a small rural community nestled into a curve in the Alabama River southwest of Selma, Alabama. Founded in antebellum times, it was the site of cotton plantations, primarily the lands of Joseph Gee and his relative Mark Pettway. After the Civil War, the freed slaves took the name Pettway, became tenant farmers and founded an all-black community nearly isolated from the surrounding world. The town's women developed a distinctive, bold, and sophisticated quilting style based on traditional American and African-American quilts, but with a geometric simplicity reminiscent of Amish quilts and modern art. In 2002, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presented an exhibition of seventy quilts from the Bend. The "Quilts of Gee's Bend" exhibition received tremendous international acclaim, traveling to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and then later touring the U.S. Lola Pettway, "Housetop" variation, 1970s. Courtesy of Tinwood Alliance

The New York Times called the quilts "some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced." Playwright Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder first saw the quilts at the Whitney and was immediately inspired by the women who hailed from the South. “I knew there was a bigger story to be told,” she said. Elyzabeth traveled to Gee's Bend for the first time in December 2004 and was embraced by the quilters. In two years she created the play, heeding the advice of quilter Mary Lee Bendolph to “just write it honest.” Awarded the 2008 Osborn New Play Award by the American Theatre Critics Association, Gee's Bend is based on the true stories of the unique women whose faith and craft transformed suffering into beauty and meaning. The characters in the play are fictional but are based on collective stories, family history and the women's memories. The women of Gee's Bend were affected by the legacy of slavery, the Depression, and the Civil Rights movement. Mary Lee Bendolph tells her story of Martin Luther King’s visit to the neighboring town of Camden:

Loretta Bennett, Work-clothes strips, 2003. Courtesy of Tinwood Alliance

“And when he [King] went to Camden, I had to beg my husband to let me go - but I went. I was in the group with Martin Luther King when he went up to drink the “white” water [at a whites-only water fountain]. When I finally did get to drink that white water, it wasn't no different!” Martin Luther King Jr. visited and spoke in Gee's Bend in 1965. A few days later, Gee's Bend quilter Nettie Young and many of her friends took off their aprons, laid down their hoes and rode over to the county seat of Camden, where they gathered outside the old jailhouse. "We were waiting for Martin Luther King, and when he drove up, we were all slappin' and singin', we were all just happy to see him coming," she said. "Then he stood out there on the ground, and he was talking about how we should wait on a bus to come and we were all going to march. We got loaded on the bus, but we didn't get a chance to do it, 'cause we got put in jail," Young said. Many who marched or registered to vote in rural Alabama in the 1960s lost their jobs. Some even lost their homes. And the residents lost the ferry connecting them to Camden – a direct route to the outside world.

Louisiana Bendolph, "Housetop" medallion, 2003. Courtesy of Tinwood Alliance

When King was assassinated in 1968, mules from Gee's Bend pulled his casket.

GEE’S BEND QUILTERS VISIT THE ARDEN Quilters from Gee's Bend visit Arden Theatre Company. Front row (L-R) Sarah Benning, Mary Lee Bendolph, Nettie Young, Lucy Mingo, Ruth Kennedy. Back row (L-R) Mary L. Bennett, Loretta Bennett, Revil Mosley, Louisiana Bendolph, China Pettway. Photo courtesy of Matt Arnett, Tinwood Alliance

Quilters with cast members of Gee’s Bend. Front row (L-R) Nettie Young, Twanda Turner Hawkins, Lucy Mingo, Mary L. Bennett. Back row (L-R) Edwina Findley, Kala Moses Baxter, Marjorie Johnson, Mary Lee Bendolph

Arden Theatre Company is proud to present the Philadelphia premiere of Gee's Bend. On September 14, a group of Gee's Bend quilters, visiting Philadelphia in conjunction with the opening of Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visited the Arden to talk to the artists involved with our production. Lucy Mingo, one of the quilters, remarked “we never thought these quilts were anything special. We used them to keep our families warm. I had ten kids. The only two things I never wanted to hear my kids say was ‘I'm hungry’ or ‘I'm cold’.” Louisiana Bendolph, Mary Lee Bendolph's daughter-in-law, described how touring to various cities has made her realize the importance of the quilts. "And as we traveled and the more we talked about it, the more I found out this was about me. This was about my inheritance that had been passed on from my great – grandmother down to my mom and her mom and my aunts and this was something that should be continued….we should hold on to that because that is who we are – what we learn when we’re growing up. See, I learned this. I played on the quilts. I picked the cotton that went on the inside of the quilts....So this was about who I was.” When asked if they would be home in time for November’s Presidential election, the women all said yes. “This election is one for history,” said Nettie Young, a quilter who is now 91 years old. The election turnout rate in Gee's Bend is 100%.

ONE MORE HOUR OF THE BABYSITTER EATING ALL YOUR FOOD THE NEW LATE NIGHT TRAINS. SEPTA now has late night trains on Friday and Saturday to and from Center City. Take the R5 to Paoli or Malvern along the Main Line, the R6 to Norristown via Manayunk, and the R7 to Trenton or NYC via NJT rail. Just remember to stock the fridge. To learn more visit www.SEPTA.org or call 215.580.7800

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UPDATES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT The Arden has always been committed to kids. In Philadelphia, many schools are lacking arts education and to help combat this shortage, the Arden visits eight schools in the Greater Philadelphia area throughout the school year. The arts have also been proven to increase test scores. At a time when testing has become a priority in schools, the Arden can make a significant difference. Arden Children’s Theatre gives us a great opportunity to reach families and school students from the entire Greater Philadelphia area. Now in our 11th season, we are excited to produce two favorites, adapted from beloved children’s books. This year we will produce James and the Giant Peach and remount one of the most popular Arden Children’s show in history, A Year with Frog and Toad. Our outreach program Arden in Class and Onstage (AICOS) serves students in Philadelphia, Ridley Park, and Camden, NJ. Working with third, fourth and fifth graders, the Arden provides in-class lessons related to our Children’s Theatre productions. We visit each participating classroom four times a year with lessons and activities designed to connect an Arden Children’s Theatre performance to classroom curriculum. Each child attends two shows and receives a show related book. We also provide additional lesson plans and study guides to teachers for use in the classroom. In addition to our in-school program, the Arden provides free tickets to area students who would most likely not attend a theatre event due to their family’s economic situation. This program, Arden for All, provides tickets to more than 5,000 students each year through schools and community groups. Arden Kids’ Crew programs give students in kindergarten through fifth grade the opportunity to take theatre classes after school and on Saturdays at the Arden. This year we have expanded our classes to include our new Teen Company serving students in sixth through twelfth grade. Together these two programs make up Arden Drama School. This fall we have added more after school classes and Saturday classes in all the areas that kids love, such as Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre, Puppet Making, Costume Design and Technical Theatre. If you would like to learn more about Arden Drama School, bring your child to our Open House Day on Saturday, October 25th, 12pm-2:30pm where your child can take a free “mini class”. For questions about programs or to RSVP for the Arden Drama School Open House contact Maureen at 215.922.8900, ext. 28 or mmullin@ardentheatre.org. We have also added our first ever Family Salon Series. Mirroring our adult salon series, these family friendly salons will occur in conjunction with our Arden Children’s Theatre productions allowing families to get an insider view of how we create our productions. Lively activities will give kids and parents a peek at how we create our sets, costumes and other technical aspects of our shows. Family Salons are Saturday, January 17, 2pm-3pm for James and the Giant Peach Salon and Saturday, April 4, 2pm-3pm for A Year with Frog and Toad. This is an exciting time for the Education Department and I am honored to be here for it. -Maureen Mullin Fowler Education Director

Students from Teen Company Musical Theatre Summer Camp 2008

215.922.1122 ardentheatre.org

Check out our new microsite for kids! www.ardentheatre.org/ardendramaschool

Kindergarten - 5th grade AFTER SCHOOL DRAMA SHOP - Every Monday JAN 5 through FEB 9 • $120 per session Grades 1 - 2 from 4pm - 5:30pm • Grades 3 - 4 from 4pm - 6pm • Grade 5 from 4pm - 6pm

PLAY PRACTICE - Every Tuesday JAN 6 through FEB 10 • $120 per session Grades 3 - 5 from 4pm - 6pm ACTING A SCRIPT - Every Tuesday JAN 6 through FEB 10 • $120 per session Grades 3 - 5 from 4pm - 6pm EIGHT-WEEK SATURDAY CLASSES Every Saturday from JAN 17 through MAR 7 • $160 per session TREASURE TRUNK from 10am - 11am for Kindergarten STORYCRAFTERS from 10am - 11:30am for Grades 1 - 2 ACTING from 10am -12noon for Grades 3 - 4 and Grade 5

Take an Arden Drama School class for FREE! OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Oct 25 from noon - 2:30pm

PLAY IN A DAY 10am - 3pm • $50 per class One day classes offered JAN 10, 19 (MLK Day), 31, FEB 21 or MAR 14

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 1 pm - 4 pm • Grades 1 - 5 • $30 per class OCT 25 - Improv NOV 22 - Puppet Making

JAN 10 - Musical Theatre

Stop by for a taste of our new theatre classes. RSVP to 215.922.8900, ext. 28 or mmullin@ardentheatre.org. JAN 24 - Costume Design

6th - 12th grade ONE DAY WORKSHOPS Saturdays 1pm - 4pm • $30 per class NOV 8 - Shakespeare NOV 22 - Audition Workshop JAN 17 - Performing a Song FEB 28 - Musical Theatre

AFTER SCHOOL Every Monday JAN 5 through FEB 9 • $120 per session A playful and creative class that teaches students specific acting tools, such as character development, improvisation and collaboration. MUSICAL THEATRE 4pm - 6pm for Grades 6 - 8 6pm - 8pm for Grades 9 - 12

ACTING 4pm - 6pm for Grades 6 - 8 6pm - 8pm for Grades 9 - 12

2008/09 HEPBURN FELLOW AMY MURPHY

The Katharine Houghton Hepburn Center recently honored Amy Murphy as a Hepburn Fellow for their 2008 - 2009 academic year. Bryn Mawr College began the Hepburn Fellows Program as a way to bring individuals to their campus who bridge academics and practice in nontraditional or unconventional ways in the areas of film and theater, women's health or civic engagement. Amy will work with the college for a year, drawing on the resources of the college and the cultural community. She will arrange a set of campus events as well as events at the Arden that will consist of discussions with playwrights, directors, and actors involved with each of the productions at Arden Theatre Company as well as other members of the theatre community. We are delighted that Bryn Mawr College has recognized the extraordinary efforts of our Managing Director and are pleased to have the opportunity to deepen our connection to their students, faculty and alumnae. Amy L. Murphy, Managing Director, Arden Theatre Company

We Want You Back! Loved Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend? Convert your Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bend ticket purchase into a 3-show subscription! Select two more mainstage shows and become a 3-show subscriber! You'll save tons of money compared to buying individual show tickets. Plus, as a subscriber you are eligible for easy exchange privileges (can't make your performance? Just call and exchange!), parking and dining discounts plus exclusive behind-the-scenes information.

Become an Arden subscriber today. Stop by the box office or call us at 215.922.1122. Stephanie Berry and Ernest Perry, Jr. in Fences. Photo by Mark Garvin.

Ceramic arts are our passion at The Clay Studio, a non-profit learning center in the heart of Old City, Philadelphia. Our exhibitions, retail shop, classes, artist residencies and community outreach programs educate and inspire locally, nationally and internationally.

Image credits: Hiroe Hanazono, top; Heather Mae Erickson, right; Andy Shaw, left. U

Newly renovated galleries

Classes and workshops held year-round

Artist studios

Shop online at

Fantastic shop, featuring the latest work of more than 100 North American artists

www.theclaystudio.org

Home of the original Claymobile community outreach program

Exhibition opportunities

Resident Artist Program

Visiting Artist Program

Associate Artist Program

1 3 7 - 1 3 9 N O R T H S E C O N D S T R E E T, P H I L A D E L P H I A , P E N N S Y LVA N I A 215.925.3453 info@theclaystudio.org

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ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY Harmelin Media is celebrating our 25th anniversary with the singular purpose of planning and buying the most efficient, effective and innovative media for our clients.

Corporate Office 525 Righters Ferry Road Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 P 610.668.7900 www.harmelin.com Joanne Harmelin, CEO Mary Meder, President

ANTHONY GALASSO 62 N. 2ND ST., PHILA., PA 19106

215-625-9542

SALONS

2008/09

SALONS

Get up close and personal with the Arden’s favorite artists! Salons are a lively, intimate way to get the inside scoop while sharing a glass of wine with the regions hottest theatre professionals. Hosted by Arden’s Associate Artistic Director Amy Dugas Brown, nothing is offlimits during these fun-filled, provocative evenings at the Arden.

COSTUME DESIGN THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 7pm - 8:30pm Come meet the costume designer of the gorgeous clothes in Candide! Barrymore Award winner Rosemarie E. McKelvey joins director Terry Nolen and Arden Costume Supervisor and costume designer Alison Roberts in this very hands-on salon about creating a world of clothes for 20 bodies and over 50 characters.

THE ART OF ADAPTATION Date and time to be determined How does a beloved novel, such as Chaim Potok's My Name is Asher Lev come to life on the stage? Get the inside perspective on developing a theatrical adaptation.

A CRITIC’S PERSPECTIVE Thursday , April 2, 6pm - 7:30pm What inspires a critic and what makes them cringe? What are the steps they take from the moment they take their seat in the theatre to the moment the article goes to press? Join David Anthony Fox (City Paper) and Howard Shapiro (The Philadelphia Inquirer) for a dynamic and convivial discussion from a critic’s point of view.

BRUCE GRAHAM Monday, May 11, 6pm - 7:30pm Bruce Graham, the playwright of Something Intangible and one of our most popular salon guests, returns for an in-depth discussion with Amy Dugas Brown. An accomplished playwright (Coyote on a Fence, The Philly Fan, Belmont Avenue Social Club, According to Goldman) and screenwriter (Anastasia, Steal this Movie), he will share insights into his process and stories ranging from stage to TV set to film screen.

SOMETHING INTANGIBLE Thursday, May 28, 6pm - 7:30pm Actors Scott Greer and Ian Merrill Peakes, two of Philadelphia’s most dynamic actors, often share the stage. How did they work together to create the roles of these two brothers at odds? How has their onstage relationship changed as this new work developed from a reading to a full production?

THE SEAFARER Thursday, June 11, 6pm - 7:30pm Conor McPherson’s twisting tale set in Baldoyle, Ireland presents several challenges for the actors. How do they balance humor and suspense in this story of an out-of-work chauffeur and the mysterious stranger who visits him? How do they inhabit the lives and language of these men? Join us as Bill Zielinski and Greg Wood share their experiences. Salon dates and times are subject to change.

Space is limited; reservations are encouraged by calling the Arden box office at 215.922.1122. Salons are $25 each, buy three or more for $15 each, $10 for students In addition to the discussion, the ticket price includes a delicious array of hors d’oeuvres generously provided by Whole Foods.

OLD CITY DINING PARTNERS PLUS

Looking for a great place to eat in Old City? Try one of these fine establishments. Be sure to mention you heard about them from us!

Bookbinder’s

125 Walnut St. • 215.925.7027 • www.bookbinders.biz Old Original Bookbinder's has long been a Philadelphia landmark. For Joe DiMaggio, Lillian Russell, Richard Nixon, The Rat Pack, Bob Hope and a host of other celebrities, Old Original Bookbinder's was a special place to enjoy seafood, cocktails, and friendship. A complete renovation at the original location in 2005 ensured success for a new generation of luminaries and locals. Bookbinder's Executive Chef, David Cunningham drives famous classics such as Snapper Soup and Strawberry Shortcake to some very modern shores, while adding such signature dishes as Bouillabaisse, Seafood Cobb Salad and more.

Campo’s 214 Market Street • 215.923.1000 www.phillyhoagie.com A legacy of quality, this classic, deli-style restaurant has been churning out delicious sandwiches since 1947. Order any of the special soups, salads, and sandwiches from this Philadelphia kitchen and you’ll see why it’s “where the locals go.” –USA Today

Fork and Fork: etc 306-308 Market Street • 215.625.9425 www.forkrestaurant.com Fork continues to set the standard for New American bistro dining. The fresh, seasonal cuisine reflects international influences with an original twist. Part of Fork’s allure is its sophisticated interior, where the dining experience is anything but stuffy and uncomfortable. Open seven days a week, there is plenty of time before or after the show to enjoy lunch, dinner, or even just dessert. Come in to Fork:etc, our gourmet café for a quick and satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A private dining room and catering are also available. Reservations are recommended.

Patou 312 Market Street • 215.928.2987 www.patourestaurant.com From acclaimed French chef/owner Patrice Rames, Patou offers a menu ranging from casual hearth baked gourmet pizzas to the most elegant dishes from the Cote D’Azur. City Paper Reader’s Choice Award “Best New Restaurant”. Visit www.patourestaurant.com for all information.

Ristorante Panorama 14 N. Front Street • 215.922.7800 www.pennsviewhotel.com Featuring contemporary authentic Italian cuisine such as homemade pastas, tender veal and daily seafood specialties, Ristorante Panorama is located in the charming Penn’s View hotel, Front and Market Streets, Philadelphia. The wine program offers over 120 wines by the glass, and has received Sante’ Magazine’s “Wine Hospitality Award for Fine Dining,” Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence,” Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly,” and Decanter Magazine’s “Best Wine by the Glass Program in North America.”

Serrano 20 S. 2nd Street • 215.928.0770 Serrano has been a fixture in Old City since 1985. With a reputation for serving international fare at neighborhood prices, it is the perfect place to visit, kick back and enjoy, to bring friends and make friends. After dinner, move the evening upstairs to the Tin Angel, our intimate acoustic café. Tin Angel has presented an astonishing array of stars from the world of blues, rock, folk and country and has earned a reputation as the best club of its size in the country.

Triumph Brewing Company 117 Chestnut Street • 215.625.0855 www.triumphbrewing.com Triumph Brewing Company is a sophisticated restaurant & brewery featuring regional American cuisine and hand-crafted freshly brewed beer. Triumph is located in the heart of Old City.

Craft Show

32nd Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art

November 13-16, 2008 • Pennsylvania Convention Center Preview Party November 12th

T HE A RT & D ESIGN

Jaclyn Davidson

E VERYDAY L IFE

Gary Genetti

Gail Crosman Moore

Renee Harris

Natalie Blake

RENEE HARRIS

Samy D

See and purchase the work of 195 of the best contemporary craft artists in the United States. This year, 53 of the artists are new to the show. The Guest Artist

Program will feature 23 artists from Israel. Visit the website for show and online

auction information. Proceeds of the Show benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 215.684.7930 • www.pmacraftshow.org Present this ad at the door and receive $1 off one adult admission (not to be used/combined with any other coupons).

ARD

STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Producing Artistic Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terrence J. Nolen Managing Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy L. Murphy Associate Managing Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amanda Ditsky Associate Artistic Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Dugas Brown Artistic Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Decker Artistic Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Stroud-Goodrich Literary Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis Smeal Director of Marketing and Public Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth Yeagle Marketing Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigael Reed Public Relations Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janine Zappone Design Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristy Giballa Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maureen Mullin Fowler Education and Group Services Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Wojcik Manager of Individual Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Angela DuRoss Manager of Institutional Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Rosenbaum Development Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tina Morrison General Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Peck Associate General Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Beth Simon Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Spiker House Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryane Studivant Box Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Keily Assistant Box Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tamesha Hawkins Box Office Assistants . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Choinacky, Carla Emanuele, Shari English, Joanna Falcone, Amanda Grove, Michael McElroy, Erin Read, Ryane Studivant, Vanda Thomas, Aubrie Williams Arden Professional Apprentices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bobby Bangert, Katherine Fritz, Hillary Rea, Maura Roche Richard Sonne, Gary Thayer Arden Volunteer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jean Markovitz

PRODUCTION STAFF Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Riggar Technical Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glenn Perlman Assistant Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Day West Master Carpenter/Shop Foreman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Will Lambrakos Production Stage Managers . . . . . . . . .Stephanie Cook, Alec Ferrell, John David Flak, Katharine M. Hanley, Elana Wolff Assistant to the Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hillary Rea Costume Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alison Roberts Wardrobe Intern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asaki Kuruma Prop Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Ward Master Electrician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Stutzman Electricians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christy Clouse, Brendon Gawel, Christine Richards, Georgia Schlessman Sound Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie Lynne Simons Scenic Charge Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristina Chadwick

Attention Arden Theatre Company Subscribers Provide us with the names and addresses of the people who subscribe with you who are not in your household, and we’ll thank you with a coupon that may be redeemed for a free cup of coffee at the Arden’s concession stand anytime this season!

NAME OF PRIMARY SUBSCRIBER Names and addresses of people who subscribe with you: NAME ONE ADDRESS CITY PHONE

STATE

ZIP

NAME TWO ADDRESS CITY PHONE

STATE

ZIP

NAME THREE ADDRESS CITY PHONE

STATE

ZIP

NAME FOUR ADDRESS CITY PHONE

STATE

ZIP

You can detach this page and turn in to the box office in person or mail it to the box office at: Arden Theatre Company box office, 40 N 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. We will provide one coffee coupon for each page of names turned in.

Don’t miss the rest of

ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY’S

2008/09 SEASON My Name is

MY NAME IS ASHER LEV January 8 - March 15 World Premiere! By Aaron Posner, adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok Directed by Aaron Posner

Asher Lev is a young Hassidic artist torn between his observant Jewish community and his need to create. His artistic genius threatens his relationship with his parents and community and weighs heavily on his conscience.

SOMETHING INTANGIBLE April 9 - May 31 World Premiere! By Bruce Graham Directed by Terrence J. Nolen

Intangible

It’s Hollywood, 1940. Two brothers – Tony, an extravagant visionary, and Dale, a plainspeaking numbers man – run a studio on the brink of major movie innovation. As Tony labors to create his latest and greatest work of art, Dale struggles to deliver the ever-escalating funds to realize Tony’s vision. It’s all for one and one for all – but will they kill each other in the process?

THE SEAFARER May 14 - June 14 By Conor McPherson Directed by David O’Connor

The Seafarer

Broadway’s recent smash hit features a collection of misfits on Christmas Eve in Ireland. A group of men, tied loosely together by their affiliation with misfortune, spend a boozy night playing poker. As the evening progresses, the game playing takes a sinister turn and the stakes rise higher than anyone could have expected. Don’t miss this expert comedy and chilling ghost story that ups the ante on anyone running from their past.

3-show subscriptions available! 215.922.1122 • ardentheatre.org