Volume 35 Spring 2023
Gammage ASU Gammage announces simply the best Broadway Season
Inner Circle
ASU
The support of our donors and subscribers year after year makes it possible for us to bring the Best of Broadway to Tempe and the Valley, and this year is no different! Thank you for your generosity and loyalty to ASU Gammage.
We’ve had a wonderful season of shows that have made us laugh, cry, and maybe even see the world from a new point of view, and the season is not over yet! We still have three amazing shows to round out the 2022–2023 Broadway season — A SOLDIER’S PLAY starring Norm Lewis (May 16–21), HAIRSPRAY (June 20–25) and BEETLEJUICE (August 22–27)!
We are so excited to announce our 2023–2024 season is “simply the best!” Loaded with direct hits from Broadway such as TINA — The Tina Turner
Musical and MJ The Musical and favorites like HAMILTON and THE WIZ. We just know you are going to love these amazing shows and will want to share the experience with your friends and family!
We hope you will join us next season with a subscription. We are committed to providing the best price for the best seats for our subscribers. Season subscribers also receive exclusive benefits including advance purchase opportunities, flexible payment plans, ticket exchange options and more!
While our subscribers enjoy all the above benefits, we provide even more benefits for our ASU Gammage VIP Donors. VIP Donors enjoy reserved parking at ASU Gammage, preferred seating areas and exclusive VIP Donor experiences. Please take a look at a full listing of our VIP Club Donor benefits at the back of this magazine. If you have any questions, please contact 480-727-4262, opt. 2.
Most importantly, our ASU Gammage VIP Donors help us fulfill our mission of Connecting Communities™ by sustaining our award-winning Cultural Participation programs, helping to provide critical in-school arts curriculum and live theater experiences for underserved schools and community support organizations.
Thank you for your continuous support of ASU Gammage. We can’t wait to see you at the theater soon.
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage
ASU Gammage Rising Star Awardee
Caelan Creaser
ASU Gammage awarded the 2023 Rising Star Award to Caelan Creaser from Disney’s FROZEN. The Rising Star Award is given to a performer with Arizona connections at the beginning of their career celebrating the work they are currently in and the possibilities ahead.
Caelan is currently the understudy for Elsa and a member of the ensemble in the national tour. Caelan is an Arizona State University School of Music alumna. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in musical theater and a minor in communication in 2019.
“We really believe that the Rising Stars are just at the beginning of their career and are moving on to greater glory,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, executive director of ASU Gammage. “We’re having them take the name of Arizona along with them. We are so honored to add ASU Alumna Caelen Creaser to our collection of Rising Stars.”
Photo by Christine Johnson
2 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
WHAT’S
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
MANAGING EDITOR Theresa Dickerson
EDITORIAL TEAM
A lexis Alabado; Kari Amarosso; Killian Blakemore; Michelle Johnson; Arayah Larson; Megan Loponen; Tim Walling
A lexis Alabado; Kari Amarosso; Stacey Bailey; Kimberly Carson; Emily Mai; Jack O’Brien; Arianna Reyna
EDITOR IN CHIEF AND PROJECT MANAGER Erica Lin
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
GRAPHIC DESIGN Sophie
Pallissard
ASU Gammage Inner Circle
Cover Photo: Zurin Villanueva as Tina Turner in the North American touring production of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade, 2022
INSIDE 2023–2024 Broadway Season HAIRSPRAY 2023–2024 Beyond Season BEETLEJUICE COMPASS Staff profile: Meet Theresa Dickerson 2023 Gammy and Jerry Award Winners VIP Donor Photos ASU Kerr ASU 365 Community Union VIP Donor Club Volume 35 Spring 2023 04 09 10 12 14 18 20 22 23 24 16 04 04 16
National Touring Company of AIN’T TOO PROUD. Photo by © 2021 Emilio Madrid
Myles Frost and cast in MJ. Photo by Matthew Murphy
10 asugammage ASUGammage asugammage ASUGammageFan ASUGammage asugammage 3 VOLUME 35 | 2023
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham An Untitled Love promo Donovan Reed. Photo by Carrie Schneider
4 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE BROADWAY
MJ, HAMILTON and TINA — The Tina Turner Musical among lineup for ‘Simply the Best’ of Broadway at ASU Gammage.
ASU Gammage is excited to unveil its 2023–2024 Desert Financial Credit Union Broadway Across America — Arizona season that includes six Tempe premieres, a pre-Broadway tour of THE WIZ, family favorite PETER PAN, and back by popular demand, HAMILTON and LES MISÉRABLES.
“ASU Gammage is ready to bring ‘simply the best’ of Broadway for the upcoming season,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage. “We’ve lined up an eight-show package that will keep you rocking in your seats and excited about coming to see live theater at ASU Gammage.”
Kicking off the 2023–2024 Broadway season is the story of the Queen of Rock n’ Roll in TINA – The Tina Turner Musical , which will make its Tempe premiere Oct. 10–15, 2023 . One
of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Next up, get ready because here they come! AIN’T TOO PROUD will make its way to the ASU Gammage stage Nov. 14–19, 2023 . AIN’T TOO PROUD – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts
creating an amazing 42 Top-10 hits with 14 reaching number one. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards® and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award® for Best Choreography, AIN’T TOO PROUD tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff (JERSEY BOYS), and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS, ON YOUR FEET!), the unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.
5 VOLUME 35 | 2023
Myles Frost and Cast in MJ photo by Matthew Murphy
You’re going to want to “ease on down” to 2024 with the preBroadway tour of THE WIZ playing Jan. 2–7, 2024 at ASU Gammage. The highly anticipated Broadway revival of THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, the first one in 40 years. Director Schele Williams ( THE NOTEBOOK , revival of Disney’s AIDA), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), William F. Brown (book), Charlie Smalls (music and lyrics), Amber Ruffin (additional material) and Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations and music arrangements) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway — from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and finger-snapping 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Audiences get to enjoy the epic grooves of such beloved, timeless hits as “Ease on Down the Road,” which became the show’s break-out single, and the bona fide classic “Home” in this spectacular revival.
And then prepare for some joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, life and
Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (WAITRESS, PIPPIN, 1776) with a Tony-Award®-winning book by Diablo Cody (“Juno”) and Grammywinning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). “Redemptive, rousing and real, JAGGED LITTLE PILL stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway” (The New York Times). You live, you learn, you remember what it’s like to feel truly human … at JAGGED LITTLE PILL.
Now, hold on to your diamondstudded glove for the music — the icon — the moves — and the story of the greatest entertainer of all time with MJ, coming March 12–17, 2024 . MJ, the Tony Award®winning new musical is centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/ Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
of friendship that follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Afghanistan is a divided country and two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither of the boys can foresee the incident which will change their lives forever. Told across two decades and two continents, THE KITE RUNNER is an unforgettable journey of redemption and forgiveness, and shows us all that we can be good again.
Keep looking up and this time for the second star on the right, and straight on to PETER PAN at ASU Gammage
June 11–16, 2024
Join the Darling family as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell take them on a soaring adventure all the way to Never Never Land. All you have to do is believe. Featuring a timeless score that includes “I’m Flying,” “I’ve Got To Crow,” “Never Never Land,” “I Won’t Grow Up,” and so many more, PETER PAN is now updated for a new generation of thrill seekers — and more spectacular than ever. Come witness the new definitive version of a story that never grows old. Your whole family will be hooked!
Coming in Spring 2024, THE KITE RUNNER will make its Tempe premiere April 9–14, 2024. One of the best-loved and most highly acclaimed novels of our time, THE KITE RUNNER is a powerful play
Back by popular demand and to close out the 2023–2024 Broadway season, HAMILTON returns to Tempe June 25–July 28, 2024 , with subscriber week being June 25–30. HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater — a musical that
Jade McLeod and Lauren Chanel in the North American Tour of JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade, 2022
7 VOLUME 35 | 2023
Warren Egypt Franklin — HAMILTON National Tour © Joan Marcus 2021
You can renew your season tickets now at asugammage.com.
Renewal deadline is April 7, 2023.
has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Want more Broadway? You are in luck!
ASU Gammage is welcoming back an all-time favorite as a season option. LES MISÉRABLES is returning Dec. 5–10, 2023
Season subscribers will receive priority access to this show before the general public. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as
“Les Mis for the 21st Century” (Huffington Post), “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph) and “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune). Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22
languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.
“We cannot wait to share this season with you. We look forward to welcoming you back to ASU Gammage for this fantastic 2023–2024 season,” said JenningsRoggensack.
(L –R) Harrell Holmes Jr., Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Jalen Harris, Marcus Paul James, James T. Lane from the National Touring Company of AIN’T TOO PROUD. Credit © 2021 Emilio Madrid
8 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
“Bring Him Home” — Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean and Gregory Lee Rodriguez as Marius in Les Misérables. Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Photo Credit from page 4: Zurin Villanueva as ‘Tina Turner’ in the North American touring production of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade, 2022
(L–R) Marcus Paul James, Jalen Harris, Elijah Ahmad Lewis, Harrell Holmes Jr., James T. Lane from the National Touring Company of AIN’T TOO PROUD by © 2021 Emilio Madrid
Preston Truman Boyd as Javert in LES MISÉRABLES. Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Myles Frost in MJ. Photo by Matthew Murphy
Stephanie Jae Park, Pierre Jean Gonzalez — HAMILTON National Tour. Photo by © Joan Marcus 2021
Backcombing Hairspray
By Original Director Jack O’Brien
How is it that the creation of certain theatrical events seems as unfeasible as mining uranium on Mars, and others rush by with the blitheness of an afternoon at Disneyland? And what distinguishes one event from the other?
I suppose if we knew the answer, all musicals would be as energized and filled with joy as HAIRSPRAY is. I know it must have happened. I was there when the balloon went up, but to define exactly what it was that produced the alchemy that has survived decades, of having been transferred onto film and yet remains as one of the world’s most beloved musical works is beyond my powers of analysis.
I do know that the chicken came before the egg; in other words, each of us, Jerry Mitchell, Tom Meehan and Mark O’Donnell, and that array of gifted designers were all borne instantly aloft by the brilliance of Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s breathtaking score. This was an instance when one listened to the very first musical cut offered for
consideration, and before Tracy had finished her first oh…oh…oh… one was irretrievably hooked. If only the rest of the score could be anywhere near that good!
It wasn’t, of course. It was even better! And that template, that footprint for innocence, sass, and foot-tapping contained in this remarkable score suffused every single collaborator, every moment in the rehearsal hall, and finally permeated that out-of-body experience we later were able to identify as our Seattle try-out.
Oh yes. Alchemy, I believe, involves the perfect blend of secret ingredients, like the Coca-Cola formula, lost somewhere in the mists of time. In this case, the music, the lyrics, the book and the physical world created by the Messrs. Rockwell, Ivey Long and Posner were fueled by a secret weapon others would identify as perpetual motion. That element belonged to choreographer Jerry Mitchell, and the zip, the fasterthan-light and lighter-than-fast stepping he created gave us the beat you can’t, according to Tracy and her gang, stop.
History hasn’t been able to stop it, either, and for that, we are all grateful, all proud, and truly thrilled to have it back on stage, where it belongs.
Don’t miss HAIRSPRAY at ASU Gammage June 20–25, 2023! Tickets are on sale now at asugammage.com
Photos by Jeremy Daniel
“Run and Tell That” — Charlie Bryant III as Seaweed J. Stubbs and Company in HAIRSPRAY
“Good Morning, Baltimore” — Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY.
9 VOLUME 35 | 2023 BROADWAY
“Welcome to the 60s” — (from L) Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Company in HAIRSPRAY.
beyond
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, acclaimed American choreographer, returns to ASU Gammage with Abraham’s newest work, AN UNTITLED LOVE , on Sept. 23. Drawing from the catalogue of Grammy Awardwinning R&B artist D’Angelo, AN UNTITLED LOVE serves as Abraham’s creative exaltation of Black love and unity. Personifying love in all forms, this feel-good dance work shines through devotion to detail in the music and through movement.
Next, Ethiopian-American singer Meklit Hadero will take the stage on Oct. 5 to host MOVEMENT, a show she co-created and co-developed to tell the story of global migration through music and the lives of musicians. Combining the dynamic energy of a concert with the experience of first person storytelling, MOVEMENT will transport you with rich visuals and immersive sound design.
How do you eat? Why do you eat? These are the questions that theater artist Geoff Sobelle poses in his newest interactive work, FOOD, coming to ASU Gammage
on Oct. 20–21. Sobelle invites the audience to consider its personal relationship to food, from soil to dining table, in a dinner party performance of smell, taste and touch that features audience interaction.
Composer Paola Prestini returns to ASU Gammage on Nov. 4 with THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA , a multi-lingual opera, created with librettist Royce Vavrek and director Karmina Šilec. The new work blends Hemingway’s iconic tale interweaving stories of daily life to create a unique look at aging, legacy and our relationship to oceans.
Renowned choreographer Dianne McIntyre brings her sound and language-based work IN THE SAME TONGUE to the ASU Gammage stage on Jan. 27, 2024. The piece features poetry by Ntozake Shange, a composition by Olu Dara and original music by Deidra Murray and explores dance and music “speaking” to each other. The company of five dancers and five musicians brings theatrical expression to every move, note and word.
Õkāreka Dance Company from New Zealand takes the stage with its all-female work MANA WAHINE (Powerful Woman) on March 23, 2024. Drawing strength from traditional Māori culture and inspired by the true stories of powerful women, the show incorporates bold projections, chant, original music and costuming to create a thoroughly contemporary work that celebrates female endurance and strength.
Rounding out the season, Malpaso Dance Company returns to ASU Gammage on March 30, 2024. Based in Cuba, Malpaso emphasizes a collaborative creative process, working with top international choreographers while also nurturing new voices in Cuban choreography.
Tickets are now available for the ASU Gammage 2023–2024 Beyond season at asugammage.com/beyond
Malpaso by Nir Arieli
10 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE BEYOND
Beyond is back with a season of performances that will encourage you to change the way you see the world
23–24 season
LOVE
Sept. 23, 2023
Meklit Hadero MOVEMENT
Oct. 5, 2023
Geoff Sobelle FOOD
Oct. 20–21, 2023
Paola Prestini / Beth Morrison Projects THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA
Nov. 4, 2023
Jan. 27, 2024
Õkāreka Dance Company MANA WAHINE (Powerful Woman)
March 23, 2024
Malpaso Dance Company
New works
March 30, 2024
Õkāreka Dance Company MANA WAHINE ( Powerful Woman)
For information about becoming a Beyond sponsor, please contact our development department at 480-965-9915
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham AN UNTITLED
Dianne McIntyre IN THE SAME TONGUE
A.I.M by Kyle Abraham AN UNTITLED LOVE Promo Claude CJ Johnson and Tamisha A. Guy. Photo by Carrie Schneider
Malpaso Despedida by David Garten
FOOD photo by Maria Baranova
Malpaso Being (Ser)
11 VOLUME 35 | 2023
photo by Nir Arieli
Story by Emily Mai
BEETLEJUICE is based on the classic Tim Burton movie of the same name but with a cast of colorful characters both ghouls and humans alike. These same characters are given a whole new life — and death — on the Broadway stage.BEETLEJUICE makes its ASU Gammage premiere on Aug. 22, 2023.
This musical focuses on the story of a strange and unusual girl named Lydia Deetz, who just lost her mother and feels like she’s losing her father when he quickly remarries. Her only solace comes in the form of a newly deceased couple that used to own the new home she now lives in, who at first want her and her family out of their house. Along the way she meets Beetlejuice, a demon that promises to help her out of her lonely situation one way or another.
Lydia and the people around her embark on an emotional journey to figure out who they are and rediscover the amazing things that life and even death have to offer.
“Many people see BEETLEJUICE as just a quirky show with this array of bizarre characters, but, in the end, it’s really about so much more. It’s about loss and just trying to fit in and be seen and heard by those around us,”
said BEETLEJUICE cast member Karmine Alers.
While BEETLEJUICE features characters that were in the original movie, it also gives a lot of extra insight into some characters we’ve never seen before.
“I think it is good to come in knowing the movie a little bit so you’re not completely in the dark, but it’s not the same. I feel like
Photos by Matthew Murphy, 2022
No matter who a person is or what they do or how they look or how they act, everyone has a heart and everyone wants to be loved in one way or another — even Beetlejuice, a degenerate demon.
“
”
— KARMINE ALERS, BEETLEJUICE CAST MEMBER
BEETLEJUICE the musical. The musical. The musical. So good you can’t just see it once
Pictured (L-R): Isabella Esler (Lydia) and Justin Collette (Beetlejuice)
12 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE BROADWAY
Isabella Esler (Lydia)
these other characters have been amped for days and I can’t wait for people to meet the new them,” Alers said.
Alers plays two very different roles in BEETLEJUICE — you might not even recognize her. One is Maxine Dean, an outspoken and flamboyant wife to major business investor Maxie Dean. The other role she portrays is Juno, an ancient demon that works in the Netherworld and acts as the Maitlands’ afterlife caseworker.
“I love to be able to switch from this quirky, ditzy kind of housewife persona to then being this 2000-year-old demon,” Alers said. “The two are so different and I love going from total glam to this curmudgeon woman who is just awful. It’s really a lot of fun.”
Alers is a native New Yorker who moved to Arizona three years ago to reunite with her boyfriend. Their love story has persevered through time and distance and finally flourished here in the desert.
Alers has been in many New York productions including RENT and IN THE HEIGHTS, but while living in Arizona, she also debuted at the Phoenix Theater Company with her role as Gloria Fajardo in ON YOUR FEET! The story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan.
“I have really embraced Arizona like a warm blanket. I was so worried about being used to living in New York but now I feel much better about it. If I can still work, I’ll live in Arizona the rest of my life,” said Alers.
Director Alex Timbers and BEETLEJUICE’s team of cast and creatives have spent countless hours behind the scenes fleshing out all of the characters and working side-by-side to make this production what it is.
“This experience has been grueling in a way because all the creatives are wonderful, and they didn’t settle for anything less than what they wanted to see which was perfection. They really worked with the actors and if something didn’t work, they tried something else. You don’t always get that luxury when a show has already been set to find your own voice in the characters that you portray. I feel like every show has a different pulse for me. And this one certainly has taken on an all new pulse. I’ve never done anything like this before,” Alers said.
While this show has some solemn moments surrounding the reality of death, grief and the feeling of being truly alone in this world, it also offers genuine moments of relief and hope that arises from
the strangest of circumstances, showing that family can come from the least likely of places.
“No matter who a person is or what they do or how they look or how they act, everyone has a heart and everyone wants to be loved in one way or another — even Beetlejuice, a degenerate demon,” Alers said. “Everyone just wants to be loved and be seen and I think that that is the message people should take away. Of course, there’s the silliness and so much fun throughout the whole show, but there’s so much more to it than that.”
Don’t miss BEETLEJUICE at ASU Gammage Aug. 22–27, 2023! For more information, visit asugammage.com/beetlejuice.
Pictured (L-R): Karmine Alers (Juno), Tour Company of BEETLEJUICE, Jesse Sharp (Charles) and Isabella Esler (Lydia)
VOLUME 35 | 2023 13
Pictured (L-R): Isabella Esler (Lydia), Will Burton (Adam) and Britney Coleman (Barbara)
COMPASS
transforms how we think about leadership in America
By Alexis Alabado
What is your earliest memory of a person in your life taking charge? What’s the angriest you’ve ever been and why? If you could transform the world, what would it look like?
These are some of the questions employed by COMPASS, an interview-based performance piece that tackles advocacy, system change and intersectional feminism that will have its world premiere at ASU Gammage April 22, 2023.
“It’s not a play in the traditional sense of being a play, and it’s not a dance in the traditional sense of seeing dance. It’s somewhere in-between,” said Rachel Dickstein, artistic director of Ripe Time company and creator of COMPASS. “What people are
watching is about the emotional landscape of what it is to become and realize one’s own agency.”
Ripe Time company is devoted to creating theater based on adaptations from literature and centering around work from women-identifying writers or those writing about the female experience. Originally titled CANDIDATE X, the idea of COMPASS came to Dickstein about five years ago during an especially raucous political climate in America.
“[COMPASS] was originally going to be about folks running for elected office or already elected that defy standards of the white male patriarchal leadership structures,” Dickstein explained.
However, during the interview process Dickstein found herself gravitating toward stories from people who were leaders in local community settings, schools and community advocacy capacities. The piece also evolved from interviewing only women-identifying individuals to interviewing non-binary and transgender people as well. It was no longer just about the political context.
“We wanted to broaden our investigation into all individuals offering alternatives to oppressive patriarchal structures,” Dickstein said.
Interview-based theater is the idea that you can create a play out of verbatim testimony from individuals, rooted in a
January 2023
COMPASS Lumberyard residency
14 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE BEYOND
particular moment in time and the constellation of people who provide different points of view of that particular event.
“COMPASS is a little bit different in that it is not rooted in a single event, but more so a phenomena. The phenomena that is having alternative leadership structures,” Dickstein said.
Instead of featuring the obstacles individuals faced in taking on leadership roles, Dickstein said she wanted to highlight where their successes were. Questions asked during the interview and the piece as a whole focused more on the positives, such as asking, “who is the first person in your life who inspired you by taking agency for themselves?”
Over 40 interviews are represented in the piece. Dickstein made sure to include local voices from the community in Tempe, hoping the piece evolves with each city it visits.
Dickstein invites theatergoers to connect with the experience through choreography, imagery and text storytelling. Just like its
name, COMPASS is very much about the strength and mettle one must have to stand up against severe obstacles imposed by society.
After experiencing the piece, the hope is to inspire audience members toward advocacy in their own communities.
“We hope that coming to see the performance will be an immersion into a psychological landscape of what it is to become and realize one’s own agency,” Dickstein said. “When I interview folks, I feel completely lifted up by their own experience. That’s the experience I want to give the audience.”
Don’t miss COMPASS at ASU Gammage on April 22, 2023 Tickets are on sale now at asugammage.com
“COMPASS is a little bit different in that it is not rooted in a single event, but more so a phenomena. The phenomena that is having alternative leadership structures.”
—RACHEL DICKSTEIN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF RIPE TIME COMPANY
COMPASS Lumberyard residency January 2023
15 VOLUME 35 | 2023
COMPASS Lumberyard residency January
2023
Home is where the HEART is Meet ASU Gammage’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Theresa Dickerson
By Arianna Reyna
From college intern to director of marketing and communications, Theresa Dickerson is not only a woman who loves her job and the many hats she’s worn over the years, but views ASU Gammage as her “hometown.”
“I am a born and raised Army brat,” said Dickerson. “I was born in Germany and was raised moving from base to base, so I never lived in one place for very long. I’ve actually worked at ASU Gammage longer than any place I have ever lived, and I have really grown up here. I have never had a hometown, but that’s what I consider ASU Gammage as — it’s my hometown.”
In her role, Dickerson oversees all of the marketing and communications efforts at ASU Gammage.
“Any way we can get information out to the general public usually falls under marketing and communications, from social media, advertising, signage, public relations, the website and more,” explains Dickerson, “Our focus
isn’t just ticket sales — we are a department of relationshipbuilders and communicators.”
Dickerson graduated in 2010 from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a degree in journalism and mass communication and an emphasis in public relations.
While in pursuit of her degree, Dickerson began her journey with ASU Gammage as a public relations intern.
“I accepted the internship the first semester of my junior year, and I didn’t realize how much someone could love what they do,” said Dickerson. “I have always loved Broadway shows, I love theater, and I love being in the theater. So, the fact that I could have an internship where I got to work on Broadway shows, listen to Broadway tunes and go to news stations and tell them about Broadway — it was just my two worlds colliding, and was truly a dream come true.”
From the start of her internship at the age of 19, Dickerson confidently knew ASU Gammage was where she was meant to be.
“I was an intern my junior and senior year, and when I graduated, I remember everyone asking me ‘what’s your goal?’ ‘what’s your dream?’ And I said, I’d like to work for ASU Gammage,” said Dickerson. “ASU Gammage truly is a family, and when I said I wanted to work in the theater, the ASU Gammage team at the time helped me get my first job out of college at Phoenix Theatre. And when the opportunity came to return to ASU Gammage nine months later, I did.”
Over the past 12 years, Dickerson has served as promotions specialist, marketing and communications manager, and assistant director, until becoming director of marketing and communications in January of 2019.
“I’m so lucky to work here. It is a great feeling when you’re at the theater and you see people leaving
1 2 3
1 Theresa in the iconic ruby slippers from THE WIZARD OF OZ.
2The Dickerson family.
Back: Theresa and Chris
Front: Juliet, Josh and Sydney
16 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE STAFF PROFILE
3Theresa with her husband, Chris, at Old Main. Both are ASU alumni!
a show and you can just tell they’ve had the best experience. The marketing and communications team is a part of that. We help provide that experience, and that is something that makes me very proud,” said Dickerson.
Thanks to her parents, Dickerson’s love for theater and Broadway began at a young age.
“My dad and mom found it important that my sister and I experienced the arts everywhere we lived. We had community theater tickets, we would go see ballets, and when we would visit my grandparents in New Jersey, we would go to New York City and see various shows. I also did theater growing up. Theater and the arts were always a part of what we did together as a family,” said Dickerson.
It is because of Dickerson’s experiences as a military brat that THE WIZARD OF OZ is one of her favorite musicals. In fact, one of her most memorable experiences throughout her 12-year career at ASU Gammage is when the show came to the theater in February 2014.
“THE WIZARD OF OZ always felt like home to me because the whole show is about her finding her way back to her family and knowing that home is with her Aunty Em and Uncle Henry. When the show came to ASU Gammage, we presented
Heroes Night, where we brought military families to a performance. I’m really, really proud that I could do that for a group of people that I had a connection with. But the highlight truly was when they let me try on the ruby red slippers from the show,” laughed Dickerson.
Aside from her role as director, Dickerson is a mother to three children — 8-year-old Sydney, 5-year-old Juliet, and 2-year-old Josh — and is married to her high school sweetheart, Chris.
“Chris and I met in high school and then came to ASU together. He solves and creates mathematical formulas to help set rates for state Medicaid and Medicare, and I have a drawer of glitter in my office, so we are very different. But we have a great partnership; being a working mom, I feel supported both at home and in the office,” said Dickerson. “I love my three kids. Together we are a big ASU football family and we have a lot of fun.”
Through her work at ASU Gammage, Dickerson is grateful to have the opportunity to share the arts with her children.
“I think the highlight of my career is having my kids experience shows. There’s nothing like theater and watching a live-performance, and as adults we take small things for granted. When I took my girls to THE LION KING they were just
amazed. They even took their souvenir programs to their summer camp because they wanted to share with their friends everything they had seen,” said Dickerson.
Dickerson is immensely grateful to not only have the job of her dreams, but to work for a team filled with both creative and supportive individuals.
“I have the best team; we all enjoy working together, and we treat each other like family. We have each other’s backs, and we challenge each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Our amazing team does incredible things,” said Dickerson.
Dickerson is grateful for ASU Gammage for shaping her career and growth into the woman she is today.
“I started here at 19, and I’ve gotten married and had all my kids while working here. I’ve worked here for over 12 years, and I’ve never once been bored. Every show is different, every show has its own challenges, and we get the exciting job to be creative with every title we work on,” said Dickerson. “I am so blessed to be here.”
— THERESA DICKERSON
“I’m so lucky to work here. It is a great feeling when you’re at the theater and you see people leaving a show and you can just tell they’ve had the best experience. ”
17 VOLUME 35 | 2023
Theresa and her daughter, Juliet, at the FROZEN themed 2022 ASU Gammage Homecoming tent.
The 2023 Gammy and Jerry Award Winners
Meet Larissa FastHorse and JO Finks
On Monday, March 13, 2023 ASU Gammage held its annual Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner on the ASU Gammage stage for the first time in person since 2019. At this annual event, ASU Gammage recognizes arts advocates whose dedication to the arts have touched many lives.
ASU Gammage honored award-winning writer and choreographer Larissa FastHorse and ASU Gammage supporter JO Finks.
2023 Gammy Winner
Larissa FastHorse
In addition to her accolades as writer and choreographer, Larissa FastHorse is a 2020 MacArthur Fellow and co-founder of Indigenous Direction, the nation’s leading consulting company for Indigenous arts and audiences.
“Larissa is an amazing and inspirational creative on Broadway,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Executive Director of ASU Gammage and ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs. “We had the great honor of working with her and presenting NATIVE NATION as part of our 2018–2019 Beyond series. Her commitment to telling the stories of Indigenous people and making space for Indigenous artists is so important. As the first Native American female to have a play go to Broadway, she is paving the way for a new era of Broadway.”
A member of the Sicangu Lakota Nation, FastHorse combines a keen sense of satire and facility with dramatic forms in plays that are funny, incisive and, at times, deeply unsettling for audiences faced with the realities of the Native American experience in the United States.
Her satirical comedy, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY (Playwrights Horizons/Geffen Playhouse), is one of the top 10 most produced plays in America this season. She is the first Native American playwright in the history of American theater on that list.
Additional produced plays include WHAT WOULD CRAZY HORSE DO? (KCRep), LANDLESS AND COW PIE BINGO (AlterTheater), AVERAGE FAMILY (Children’s Theater Company of Minneapolis),
TEACHING DISCO SQUAREDANCING TO OUR ELDERS: A CLASS PRESENTATION (Native Voices at the Autry), VANISHING POINT (Eagle Project), and CHEROKEE FAMILY REUNION (Mountainside Theater).
Over the past several years FastHorse has created a nationally recognized trilogy of community engaged plays with Cornerstone Theater Company. The second project created with ASU Gammage, NATIVE NATION, was the largest Indigenous theater production in the history of American theater with over 400 Native artists.
FastHorse’s company, Indigenous Direction, recently produced the first land acknowledgement on national television for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC.
18 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE GAMMY AND JERRY AWARDS
Another important contribution to the Broadway Touring industry is her work with the new production of PETER PAN. Though Jerome Robbins’ adaptation of Barrie’s original script will also be used, this new tour will feature a revised book by Larissa who was brought on to tackle the musical’s depiction of Native Americans.
“Each year we award the Gammy to someone who is making a great impact on the Broadway community.
2023 Jerry Winner JO Finks
JO Finks, the 2023 Jerry Award winner, has been a longtime supporter of ASU Gammage, a 50th Anniversary board member, a Return to the Stage board member and a Valley arts advocate. Finks is passionate and enthusiastic about her commitment to the performing arts.
“JO is a one-of-a-kind person,” said JenningsRoggensack, Executive Director of ASU Gammage and ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs. “From her unique style to her ability to make you feel special, she adds sparkle to everything she touches. Whenever we need support or someone to champion an idea, JO rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. During the COVID-19 shutdown, JO was one of the first who reached out and said whatever you need, I am here. She is an advocate for the arts, and we are so lucky to have her.”
At an early age, living in Chicago, Finks became a fan of musical theater. Every summer her family attended summer stock performances and touring Broadway shows. Her passion for the theater grew, and at the age of 19 she became a volunteer usher at the Shubert Theater and has fond memories of seeing the preview performances of HAIR as well as Carol Channing in HELLO DOLLY!
Finks has been a supporter of ASU Gammage since 2003. Her first experience visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright building was in 1971, when she came to visit her brother who was on a full ASU scholarship to play in the marching band. In 1986, Finks moved to the Valley and became an active participant in the arts community, supporting and attending the ballet, opera and performances at ASU Gammage.
Finks greatly enjoys the energy of each experience attending the theater; she feels it from her fellow patrons, donors and cast members, as well as the ASU Gammage staff.
Larissa is opening doors, helping voices to be heard and not only making an impact now on Broadway, but her profound work will continue to grow and change our industry for good for generations to come,” said Jennings-Roggensack.
While enjoying everything that is on the stage at ASU Gammage, Finks is an ardent supporter of the work that ASU Gammage does in the community, especially with children and schools. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of the arts and that it is important to continue the work to bring new audiences to the theater.
“We are so honored to present the 2023 Jerry Award to JO Finks,” said Jennings-Roggensack. “Through her passion and giving, ASU Gammage can further our mission of Connecting Communities™.”
Proceeds from the Gammy and Jerry Awards Dinner benefitted ASU Gammage Cultural Participation Programs. If you would like more information about supporting these programs, please visit asugammage.com/support.
19 VOLUME 35 | 2023
Dance Theatre of Harlem VIP Donor Lunch
ASU Gammage — Sponsored by Anonymous, Doug Ball and Connie Stine, Brian C. Jones and Vaughn A. Lovell, Jeff and Leslie Rich, Lorri and Stephen Smith, and Frank and Ginny Palamara | Photos by Tim Trumble
Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, presented with the first ever ASU Gammage Legacy Award from Colleen Jennings-Roggensack.
L–R: Arthur Pelberg, Dr. Duane Wooten, Linda Pelberg
L –R: Alexandria Hutchinson (Dance Theatre of Harlem Ballerina), Susan Ahearn, Bill Ahearn, Peter Means
Front L-R: Jeff Rich, Leslie Rich, Virginia Johnson, Connie Stine, Doug Ball, Brian Jones, Vaughn Lovell Back L-R: Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Stephen Smith, Lorri Smith
Joining us for this special VIP lunch are members of Black Philanthropy throughout the Valley!
20 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE VIP
Front L-R: Delaney Washington, Frank Palamara, Ginny Palamara Back L-R: Mark Leeper, Christion Smalley, Anita Handelsman, Alan Handelsman, Tim Walling
DONOR PHOTOS
ASU Gammage Legacy Event
Commissioning Club Dinner With Kristina Wong
Janet Cussler’s Car Collection – Sponsored by Lee Bowman | Photos by Tim Trumble
The Henry
Larry and Lisa Rogoff looking at the historic, vintage vehicles.
Special thank you to Brian Neilson, Chief Advisor to ASU Foundation for Estate Gifts and Charitable Planning for an amazing presentation on the impact of legacy giving!
Mark Halberg, Laurie Goldstein, Chuck Goldstein, and Joanne Halberg talking with residency artist Kristina Wong.
Front L to R: Chuck Goldstein, Joanne Halberg, Kristina Wong Back L to R: Peter Means, Mark Halberg, Michael Reed, Chris Rodriguez, Laurie Goldstein, Colleen JenningsRoggensack, Joan Cremin, Michelle Jung, Megan Loponen, Timothy Walling.
Mickey and Cheryl Laurent
21 VOLUME 35 | 2023
L–R: Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Lee Bowman, Janet Cussler, Whitney Lind, and furry guest Duke!
ASU Kerr launches brand refresh and new website
ASU Cultural Affairs venue in Scottsdale is “where hip meets historical”
By Stacey Bailey
Thanks to generous gifts from The Abbett Family Foundation and Bill and Sue Ahearn, ASU Kerr in Scottsdale has undergone some major updates to its visual style, interior design, website and more.
At the ASU Kerr brand liftoff and midseason preview on Friday, Feb. 4, the venue’s staff gathered with old and new patrons to share some of the changes.
“The ASU Kerr brand refresh was in the works for many months, starting with a soft launch at the close of 2022 when the beautiful new asukerr.com was launched,” said ASU Kerr General Manager Tracey Mason. “The venue staff has been working with several branding experts and designers to showcase ASU Kerr as the hip and historical place it is.”
In addition to the venue website being rebuilt, ASU Kerr also infused its promotional materials with major visual style changes. Working within the extended ASU color palette, ASU Kerr’s graphic designs now feature fun and funky colors mixed with unique shapes from the Kerr property. Wrought iron flourishes from doors and gates, patterns carved into wood and other details from the house and studio were translated into
forms that accent the vibrant new promotional art. Stylized colorful venue and artist images can be found showing off the wide variety of exciting musical genres ASU Kerr presents, from eclectic global sounds and indie folk to the jazz and classical music many previous generations have come to associate with the venue.
The new visuals and materials also shine the spotlight on ASU Kerr namesake Louise Lincoln Kerr’s fascinating life, her musical compositions and the history of the venue, Mason said. One of the goals of the brand refresh is to draw in new audiences with the way the venue honors the pioneering spirit of the property’s roots — bringing musicians and audiences together to relax and enjoy enriching, unexpected experiences with the arts and our area communities.
Inside the venue, some of the many upgrades include new comfortable cushions for the pew seating, colorful custom windows featuring the star and Mrs. Kerr’s initials from the wrought iron of the famous studio door flanked by beer bottles, striking Hopi paintings, new curtains and shades, updated lighting and more.
“None of this would have been possible without the passion and consideration of our incredible donors,” Mason said. “These changes are reinvigorating the venue and already attracting a diverse new crop of adventurous, taste-making audiences that are essential to our success.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday Morning Music & Tea
ASU saxophones
Tuesday, April 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Tea service begins at 9:30 a.m. FREE Event
Bridge Initiative and ASU Kerr co-present
Broadway Curious: Musical Eater
Saturday, May 20 at 7:30 p.m.
22 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE ASU KERR
ASU 365 Community Union presents first ASU
alumna mural artist at Sun Devil Stadium
By Kimberly Carson
With the support of Coca-Cola, ASU 365 Community Union has commissioned a mural on the free-standing structure located on the Coca-Cola Sun Deck of Sun Devil Stadium. This new work was designed to celebrate a theme of global diversity and world culture, along with ASU’s mission of inclusion. Guided by a mission of Connecting Communities™, ASU 365 Community Union builds creative and meaningful programming for the communities it serves including Sun Devil students, ASU departments and the surrounding community.
This artwork was designed and painted by ASU alumna Camila Ibarra, a graduate of the Fulton School of Engineering. Ibarra’s previous mural work has been published in multiple magazines, a book by the NY Times and even featured in the show “Betty” on HBO. In 2020, Ibarra donated a Black Lives Matter mural to Hotel Congress in Tucson to show support to the Black community.
With this new mural commissioned for the unique outdoor stadium space, Ibarra hopes to continue strengthening community involvement and highlighting the importance of cultural diversity
and inclusion. The art vision came to life with the support of ASU 365 Community Union’s Programs and Relationship Manager, Sianna Kent.
“After interviewing multiple candidates, Camila was the perfect fit for this project,” said Kent.
“When we saw the initial mock-up and learned more about Camila, she really understood the vision, as well as what we are trying to do with the reinvention of the stadium spaces.”
The four-sided art piece shows quadrants of diverse people connecting in the center of each face. The bright and colorful mural opens to the Coca-Cola Sun Deck and will be visible at future football games and special events. This initial mural will help to launch the Coca-Cola Community Art Program, which begins in Spring 2024 and will evolve into a student scholarship program to showcase student works of art on the Sun Deck.
This is not the first new work or art to come to Sun Devil Stadium. In Spring 2022, the Coca-Cola Sun Deck was home to the premiere of “Banking While Black,” an experiential art piece showcasing an original 1930’s bank, designed
This artwork is available for the public to enjoy during the stadium open hours program, which opens Sun Devil Stadium to the public Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (excluding game days and special event days).
Be sure to check out the beautiful new mural for yourself by visiting Sun Devil Stadium this spring!
You can learn more about stadium open hours, about artist Camila Ibarra and about the special events and programs happening at Sun Devil Stadium by visiting asu365communityunion.com
by Creative Capital artist Paul Rucker.
365 Community Union Event Coordinators prepare the Coca-Cola Sun Deck structure for muralist painting
Alumna Camila Ibarra paints new mural on the Coca-Cola Sun Deck at Sun Devil Stadium
Coca-Cola Sun Deck structure before
23 VOLUME 35 | 2023 ASU 365CU
ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club as
Golden Gammage Investors
These individual donors and foundations cumulative giving have totaled $100,000 or more.
benefits
VIP Donor Club Guidelines: You must maintain your annual VIP Donor Club contribution at or above the Directors Club level in order to enjoy VIP donor seating. Special subscription seating and location is offered to VIP donors in the Orchestra level in rows 3–20 in the VIP and A price levels dependent on donation level. VIP Donor Club benefits may be available only upon your request, at your expense (if any) and subject to availability. Benefits are effective immediately and are subject to change without notice. Annual donation of $1500+ is required in addition to the cost of the tickets.
^To be announced
* Subject to availability
Corporate Foundation Sponsors
Abbett Family Foundation
Susan and William Ahearn
Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation
Pat and Bill Andrew
Jerry Appell
APS
Carol Barmore
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Baughman
Barbara, Irv and Jeremy Berger
Carmen and Michael Blank
F. Richard Bloechl Family
Lee Bowman
George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical
Broadway Across America
Joan Cremin
Cathy Dickey
JO Finks
Karen and Grady Gammage, Jr.
Janet and Chip Glaser
Laurie and Chuck Goldstein
Joanne and Mark Halberg
Ronald H. Harten
Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez
Patricia Kaufman
Gail and John Krueger
Patricia Langlin-Brazil
The Hugh W. Long, Jr. Family
Rae and Richard S. Love
Robert Machiz
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Manning
Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation
Marcia and Andrew Meyer
Lesley and Paul Monfardini
Margaret T. Morris Foundation
Jeffrey D. Oliver
Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey
Jeff and Leslie Rich
Rosenbluth Family Foundation
Jana and Charles Sample
Christy and Richard Schust
Ticketmaster
Marsha and Charles Van Dam
Mary and Bill Way/Way Family Charitable Foundation
Ray and Sue York
Legacy
Susan and William Ahearn
Nancy Anderson and Curt McLees
Anonymous
Carol Barmore
Weasley Beckley
Larry Berentzen
In Memory of Nan Beyer
George and Patricia Brazil
Linda Broomhead and Terese
Sanchez
Marlene Bushard
of Feb. 13, 2023
Member • $120 and above Contributing Member • $300 and above Supporting Member • $600 and above Directors Club • $1,500 and above Kathryn Gammage Circle • $3,000 and above Grady Gammage Society • $6,000 and above Producers Academy • $10,000 and above Investors Guild • $25,000 and above Subscription to Inner Circle Magazine l l l l l l l l Opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public (when available) l l l l l l l Visits to the VIP Donor Lounge 2 4 unlimited visits Recognition in show programs l l l l l l Invitation to behind-the-scenes events and cast parties^ l l l l l Great seats and private VIP Donor Club ticketing concierge services* l l l l l For Season Ticket Holders: Priority seating in VIP Donor Club subscriber seats (number of tickets and location based on donor level)* 2 4 6 8 10 For Single Ticket Buyers: Priority seating available (number of tickets and location based on donor level)* 2 4 6 8 10 Reserved parking at ASU Gammage l l l l Annual luncheon with the ASU Gammage Executive Director l l l l Invitations to exclusive events l l l l Your photo in the ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club Leadership Gallery l l l Special opportunities tailored to your individual needs and interests l l Special lobby and website recognition l
$100,000+ Desert Financial Credit Union $99,999–$75,000 Abbett Family Foundation Broadway Across America George Brazil Plumbing and Electrical The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation $50,000–$25,000 J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation Margaret T. Morris Foundation $24,999–$10,000 APS Arizona Community Foundation Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Inc. Tim Trumble Photography, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation $9,999–$2,500 Airpark Signs Arizona Business Magazine Bell Bank Gammage & Burnham Target
indicates $50K cumulative giving to ASU Gammage *denotes multi-year commitment 24 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
BOLD
Kim Cahow
Angela and David Conwell
Carl J. Cross
Cyndi and Terry DeBoer
Leonard and Emily Dudziak
Raylan and Beverley Evans
JO Finks
Mary Flora
Marilyn and Jim Foley
Phillip Gillies
Alan and Anita Handelsman
Henry and Mary Hansen
Ronald H. Harten
Jay and Rojon Hasker
Robert and Jeanette Heacock
David N. Horowitz
Jacqueline HuffordJensen and Greg Kroening
Donald and June Julen
Pat Kaufman
Sue Larsen
Cheryl and Mickey Laurent
Rae and Richard S. Love
Douglas Lowe
Larry Mattal
Cathy Mazur
Ellis and Kiran Means
Merrily Metzger
Ron and Vickie Neill
Stephanie Nowack
Clyde C. Parker Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pollay
Russell A. Robbins
Dr. Lynn Robershotte
Mitchell and Heather Ross
Brenda and Jim Rowland
Virginia Schantz
Margaret Schulz
Tamara Scrivner
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Smith
Ava Spanier
Jo and Frank Stockman
Bruce C. Thoeny
Brinley Thomas
Mollie C. Trivers
John and Joyce Webb
John O. and Betty Whiteman
Investors
Guild
Susan and William Ahearn*
Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation
Carmen and Michael Blank*
Lee Bowman*
Joan Cremin*
Janet and Chip Glaser
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Goldstein*
Great Clips
Ronald H. Harten*
Brian C. Jones and Vaughn A. Lovell*
Gail and John Krueger
Producers Academy
Buffie and Ray Anderson
Anonymous
Reginald M. Ballantyne III
Carol Barmore and Phil Hineman
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Baughman*
Howard and Lisa Bell
Dawna and Dan Calderone
Dr. James Cord and Charles Brazeal
Jacqueline Chadwick, MD
Dr. Mindi and Anthony D’Elia
The Desmarteau Family
Joanne and Mark Halberg*
Jay and Rojon Hasker
Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez*
Patricia Kaufman*
Rosey and Justin Kerchal
Evelyn and John Lucking
Cheryl Mandala
Marcia and Andrew Meyer
Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey*
Rosenbluth Family Foundation*
Brenda and Jim Rowland
Jana and Charles Sample
Joanne Schust
Donna and Philip Stover
Karen S. Wood-Nackard
Ray and Sue York
Grady Gammage Society
Anonymous
Doug Ball and Connie Stine
Barbara, Irv and Jeremy Berger*
Karen and Gary Bethune
Joe and Rose Circello
Crystal Family Foundation
Lee Eberle and Lisa
Vivian
Daniel Eng
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Farber
JO Finks
Sophia and Mike Fong
Neil G. Giuliano
Davie Glaser In Loving
Memory of David H. Glaser
Carl and Patricia Harris*
Marilyn and Paul Harter
Ralph and Ellen Hirsch
Renee and Philip Hoffman
David N. Horowitz and Damon J. Bolling
Thomas P. Houlihan
Mike Hughes and Dr. Kevin Mendivil*
Margot and Dennis Knight
John Kras and Timothy
Walling
Bill and Stacey
Langhofer
Aaron and Brenda LaTowsky
Barbara and Don Leffler
Hope and Steven
Leibsohn
Richard S. and Rae Love
Merrily Metzger
Jeffrey D. Oliver
Arthur and Linda
Pelberg
Sandie and Hollis Phillips
Rod and Julie Rebello
Linda and Chuck Redman
Jeff and Leslie Rich
Richard and Christy Schust
The Scollick Family
Enid and Michael Seiden*
Lorri and Stephen Smith
Tiller Family Foundation
Kerry Turner
Marsha and Charles Van Dam*
Patrick and Amy Vance
Michelle and Henry Villeda*
Greg Yagi and Alan Paulson
Patrick H. Zanzucchi
Barbara and Barry Zemel
Kathryn Gammage
Circle
AADS Office Solutions Int’l, LLC and Kathleen Cullen
Mariana and Richard
Abelson
Helene and Marshall
Abrahams
Nancy and Warren Alter*
Anderson, Chavet and Anderson Inc.
Donna and Jim Anderson
Andrew Family Foundation
Rhet and Marcia Andrews
Anonymous
Felice Appell
Tran and Glenn Appell
Linda and Richard Avner
Kevin Axx
James and Sandra Bach
Lory Baraz and Robert Zucker
Lisa and Harley Barnes, Jr.
Craig and Barbara Barrett
Bassett Family
The Julie Bennett Family
In Memory of Michael
Kristy and David Benton
Mr. and Mrs. John Berry
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Bickes, Jr.
Leslie and Alan Bird
Col. Jody Blanchfield
The Blunck Family
Jon and Jennifer Bohnert
BOK Financial
Tara and Todd Bookspan
Teresa and Mark Borota
Dr. Robert and Lorrin Bowser
Michael and Sarah Braun
Shirley F. Brown and Fred L. Brown
Steve and Belinda Brown
In Honor of Debra Burk
Elizabeth Burm
Greg and Sarah Byrne
Robert Caldwell II and Rebecca PelbergCaldwell
Lou and Melissa Caramucci
Linda Carneal
Carstens Family Funds
Matt and Jill Casperson
Causenta Wellness and Cancer Care Center
Children’s Dental Village
Helen Cho
Dan Churgin
Traci and Philip Cilliers
Marilee and David Clarke
Sasha and Christopher Clements
Lee Baumann Cohn and Mike Cohn
Dr. and Mrs. Lance Cohen
John H. Cole III M.D. and Patrick T. Boyhan
Angela and David Conwell
Michael Cordova and Patricia Quinn
Andrea and Matt Cowley
James L. Cramer and Allen C. Kalchik
Barbara Crisp and Mark Nemschoff
Eileen Curtin
Ellen and Andy Dauscher
Beth and Ed Dawkins
Nancy Dean and Lorree Ratto
In Loving Memory of Terry DeBoer and Cody Meckstroth*
Mr. and Mrs. Tom DeBonis
Amena Deluca, MD and David Jackson, MD
Bette DeGraw
Teresa and Michael Dempsey
In Loving Memory of Laurie Dennhardt*
Dr. Wendy Dickerson
Erika and Russ Dickey
Jackie and James
Disney
Robert Donat
C.P. and Elizabeth Drewett
Michael Drexler
Carmen and Mike Duffek
David Dyer
Andrea and Jerome Elwell
Cynthia Emmons
Michele and Chris
England
Virgina and Ron Erhardt
Michele and Michael Etheridge
Ardie and Steve Evans
Jane P. Evans
Ray and Bettijune
Fanning
Wendy and Skip Farrell
Mary Farrington-Lorch and Martin Lorch*
Justin Fernstrom
For Those Without A Voice
Sandra J. Fromm*
Mimi and Sandford
Furman
Kathleen Gariboldi and Denis Fallon
Angela and Christopher Fylak
Karen and Grady
Gammage Jr.
Kyla and Michael Garrison*
Vicki Gibbons
Andy and Carolyn Gilb
Mrs. Saul Ginsberg
Ed Grabowski
John and Deanne Greco
Kimberly and John Grubb
Joan and Al Gudriks
Gretchen and Jim Haahr
D. Hall, PhD
Sharon and Ollie Harper
Nora and Tim Hart
Beth and Bill Hicks
Katie and Tim Hill
25 VOLUME 35 | 2023
ASU Gammage VIP Donor Club continued
Jacki and Charles Hoagland
Andrea and Herbert Hodes
Bruce Hopkins and Carol Walters
Jacqueline HuffordJensen and Greg Kroening
Christine Hughes
The Ironwood Foundation
Tara and Nikhil lyengar
Jaburg and Wilk, P.C.
Bonnie and William Jaeger
Kim Jameson and Jon Ann Hockersmith
Colleen JenningsRoggensack and Dr. Kurt Roggensack*
Dr. Lyndy Jones
Peggy R. Joslin and Nicholas Joslin
Jane and Tom Joynt
Brian and Terri Katz
The Kerr Family
Norman and Teresa Klein Family
Stacy and Alan Klibanoff*
Shirley Kruger
Michelle Laiss-Lipner*
Patricia and Mark Landay
Cheryl and Mickey
Laurent
Deb and Frank Law
Machrina and Dale Leach*
Mark Leeper
Kathy and Albert Leffler
Katie and Mark Leinweber
Edward and Emily Lesser
Herb and Nancy Lienenbrugger
Regan and Rigo Lopez
Keli and Kurt Luther
Kalidas and Darlene
Madhavpeddi Foundation
Bonnie Maffi, Julia Burke, Nancy Singer and Marci Symington
Kristen and Doug Magnuson
Mike C. Malloy and Shandee Chernow
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Mandell
Dr. Celia Maneri*
Ana and Hans Maron
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Marotta
Paul Mashani
Steve and Rhonda Maun
Leslie McDonnell In Memory of Jack McDonnell
Christopher McDowell and John Warford
Kasia and Patrick McPhilomy
Geri and Christopher Mette
David Meyer and Elite Cleaners
Bruce Meyerson and Mary Ellen Simonson
Kathleen A. Mickle, Karen
B. Roth and Erica Lloyd
Paulette and Michael Miller
Lina and Raymond Mogensen
Lesley and Paul Monfardini
Kathleen and Barry Monheit
Larry and Virginia Morrison
Teresa and James Mortensen
Loraine and Jim Mottern
Dawn and John Mulligan
Rafael and Mary Munoz
Christine and Frank
Nechvatal
Dick and Jane Neuheisel
Karen Nordstrand
Diane and Steve Norris
Eric Novack and Tracy Contant
Linda and Kevin Olson
R.G. Olson PhD and Peggy Steele
Jill Ormond & Jay Kramer
Mr. and Mrs. Enrique Ortega
Darcy and Mark Ortiz
Frank and Ginny Palamara
Leah Pallin-Hill and Bryan Hill
Papp Family Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Donald Patterson
Kathy and Dwight Peters
Pat Piazza
Jennifer and Noah Plumb
MaryLee and Glen Poole
Practice Strategies
The Prygocki Family
Susan and Mike Pucelik
Dr. Coral Quiet and Mr. Jerry Weinberg
Dr. Carolyn Ragatz and Mr. Phillip Ragatz*
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Rawlings
Kristina Reese and Chris Reese
In Memory of Angela Renedo
Keri and Steven Richardson
Suzanne and Nick Rinker*
Dr. Lynn Robershotte and Bryce Franz
Ilana and Alan Roga
John, Dee and Paul
Rogers
Larry and Lisa Rogoff
Mario Trejo Romero and G. Lewis Penrose
Mitchell and Heather Ross
Dr. Kyle Rowland
Norm and Pam Saba
Judy and Harold Samloff
Larry and Cathy Sanders
Bryan and Katherine Sandler and Janis Merrill
Dr. Joel Schein and Dr. Diana LaulainenSchein
Ellen and Paul Schifman
Lyrna and Michael Schoon
Paul and Jan Schrage
Ursula and Rick Schultz
Jesse and Jennifer Schwarz
Tamara Scrivner and Bill and Kathy Aichele
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Sharaby/Tickets
Unlimited
Carolyn and William Shine III
Michele Shipitofsky and Eric Rosenberg
Jeffrey and Deborah Smith
Spracale Family
Frances and Unni Sreekumar
Dr. Cheri St. Arnauld
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Starkman*
Judith and Louis Stein
Dr. Barry and Judith Stern
Morgan Stewart and Barbara Page
Cheryl Sucato
Donald Tapia
Brinley Thomas and Charles Bentley
Mollie C. Trivers
Melissa Trudelle
UMB Bank
Mark and Lynn Vanderlinde/ VRealty Advisors
Susan Van Dyke MD
Dr. Robert and Julia Wacloff
Dale and Sheryl Wanek
Col. Alexander Warschaw
Suzanne and Craig Weaver
Leesa and George Weisz
Gary and Kristi West
Maidie G. Westlie
Jana and Mark Wilcke*
Christine and Emery Wiggs
Todd and Tammy Wilkening
Daryl and Karly Williams
Wyatt and Bobbi Wood
Martha Scales Zachary
In Loving Memory of Charlie Zarrelli*
Directors Club
Brian and Paula Aleksa
Howard and Wendy Allenberg
John and Jamie Alston
Jennifer, Zoe and Dustin Anderson
Anonymous
Meng Ansley
Louraine Arkfeld
Christine and Rocky Armfield
Karen and Bob Armknecht
Char and Alan Augenstein
Michael and Judith Awender
Kemal Aygun and Jonnie
Aygun
Gail and Michael Baer
Jim Barash and Dr. Tamar
Gottfried
The Barron Silva Family
Anthony and Scott
Barshay
Karen Beckvar and David
Sprentall
Chris and Dana Benner
Gina and Gregory Berman
E.M. Berry
Amy and Robert Bessen
Michelle and David Bianchi
Scot and Dawn Bingman
Suzanne and David Black*
Michelle and John Bonano
The Bonnett Family
Kelley, John and Justin Bonowski
Adam Bowman
Melissa and Jonathan
Boyd
Gail Bradley
Kelly Brandt
Elna M. Brown
Patti and Rick Brown
Stephanie and Brad Butler
Frank and Karen Buntschuh
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Byers
Cathy and John Calhoun
Elaine and Paul Campbell
Dr. Caroline Carney and Mr. Nick Adamakis
Kent Cattani
Dr. David and Mrs. Georgiana Cave
Ann Chafoulias
Chan Family
Kathryn A. Christmann
Christopher Coffer
Sam and Heidi Cohen
Alison Cole
Mary Gwen Connor
Andrew Cox
Heidi Cox and Tracey
Bryce
Rebecca and Jon Crawford
Carl J. Cross
Marisa and Kerwin Danley
Gene Denison
Drs. Fred and Suzie DePrez
Brenda and Gary Deutsch
Donna Dichiaro In
Memory of
Bob Dichiaro
Dilemma Hair Salon
Michael and Julie Dillon
Janice Donnelly and John King
Matthew and Terra Duke
Cheryl Eames
Nancy and Dave Edwards
Lou and Rick Ender
The Empey Family
Jody Epperson
Edward Evans
Dino and Linda Farfante
Dr. Allen W. Flores
Dr. Cynthia Foss
Stanley Fuelscher
Megan Gailey and Michael Brown
Linda and Joseph Garcia
Monica Garnes
Marybeth and Jimmy Garrett
Barbara and Gregory Geidel
Dr. Philip E. and Roseann
M. Geiger
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Giovan
Joe and Helen Goldblatt
Vicki Greener
Gary and Jacque Griffith
Lani and Scott Grone
Jill and Jim Gruler
Brent M. Gunderson
Hunter Hammond and Matthew Scarnecchia
Alan and Anita Handelsman
Lynlie and Myron Hansen
Diane Harrison
Dottie and Mark Harshbarger
Ms. Helene A. Harty
Col. and Mrs. Paul Harwood
Joseph and Jamie Hedgecoth
Hensley Beverage Company
Dr. Maria L. Hesse
Blake and Kristina Honiotes
The Hooppaw Family
Sharon Hendrix
Teresa and Darrel Huish
The Jackson Family
Sandra Johnson
The Keller Family
Thomas and Carly Kelly
Alan and Cynthia Kempner
Casey and Clara Khaleesi
Kierland Mortgage Group, Inc.
Kristi and Scott Kreiner
Kerry Kuehn
Mary and Dave Kurrasch
Dr. Robert R. Kuske, Jr.
Donna and Joel Laubscher
David Ledbetter
Susan and Brian Lee
Katie and Mark Leinweber
Patty and Matthew Lernor
26 ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE
Sara and Salvatore
Lettieri
Patricia and Paul Lewis
Fuyu Lin and Samuel Anderson
Tonia and Trent Litchy
Lisa Loo
Ms. Austin Lopez
Janet and Leo Lora
LOWY’s Tax Planning & Accounting, PLLC
Ronaldo Luanzon and William Jeffery
Sharon Lytle-Breen
Risa Mallin and Dr. Bruce Mallin (of blessed memory)
John Martell and Cathy Thuringer
Lindsay and Morgan Mathie
Ms. Michelle Matiski and Dr. Alan Snyder
Sheran and Doug Mattson
Dave and Marnie Maza
Marilyn and Mark McCall
Celia and Kent McClelland
Robbyn McDowell*
Carol McElroy and Mari Connor
Karri and Joseph McInerney
Tamara and Ian McLeod
Azar Mehdizadeh and Justin Reynolds
John Mertens and Kim Cantor
Mary and Kurt Meyer
Roz Monahan and Melissa Davis
Ariana and Daniel Mormino
Kathryn Morrison
Seamus and Joanne Mulloy
Angela and Jesus Navarro
Emily and Cory Nelson
Georgia and Ronald Nelson
Vickie and Ron Neill
Debbie and Jim Nixon
Di and Danielle Obergh
Lisa and James Olson
Simon Olstein*
Shannon Olwine and Mohit Mehta
Barbara and Catherine O’Neill
Dr. and Mrs. Donald A. Opila
Jill Ormond & Jay Kramer
Pam and Gary Passey
Valerie and Gregory Patten
Pam Peacock – Superior
Real Estate Services
Maryellen and Mark Pendleton
Suzie and David Perkinson
John Phebus
Cynthia Pino
Nathanael Pretlow
Hari Puri
Carol and Gregory Rath
Marliese and Glen Reeves
Dean Rennell
Rebecca P. Ripley and Tara Ripley Swinehart
Sharon and James Robbins
Russell A. Robbins
Chad Robert
Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Rockow
Theresa and Rene Romero
Dr. Kristine
Romine|KRMD
Advanced Medical Skin Care
Rosedale Hair Design
Mark and Dena Ross
Richard Ross
Kent and Mira Rossman
Jeremy and Andrea Rowlett
Julie and Joseph Russomanno
Beth Saiki-Olsen and Morgan Olsen
Jeffrey P. Salomone, M.D.
Sherilyn and Joseph Sandor
San Roman Family
Noone Savage and Sefaattin Tongay
Amy and Mark Schiavoni
Jim and Adalyn Schillaci
Katherine and Bryan Schlueter
Katherine and Randall Schmidt
Amber and Shaun Schultz
John and Rachel Schurz
Ken Schutz and Craig
Thatcher
Christa and Donald Scott
Judy Sera-Windell and Robert Windell
Nelma and Jim Shearer
The Sheinin Family
Connie and Darin
Shryock
Martin L. Shultz
Jennifer and Reagan Sims
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Smith
Jared and Linzie Smith
Jeff Smith and Kevin Smith
In Memory of Juanita Stein
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Stein
Katherine and Mark Strumpf
John and Monica Suriano
Tasha and Sharon
Toby Teret Taylor
Carla and Gary Tenney
Karen Hoffman Tepper
Karen Thorn
Dr. Susan Thrasher and
Dr. Charles Schwartz
Mr. & Mrs. Sefaatin
Tongay
Carol Toy
Zeena Ubogy M.D. and Millard Thaler M.D./ Papillon Cosmetic Dermatology Center
Chris and Diane Unanue
Steven Urke
Colleen Smith Walters and Dave Walters
Doug Walters
Phyl Wason*
Mr. and Mrs. David Weinberg
Jolene and Harv Weisblat Philanthropic Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Bruce Wenger
Dave and Rose Wertheim
Robert Whyte
Dr. Brian and Dawn Williams
Suanne Woo and Dana Bearinger
Brigid Wright and John Patton
Michelle and Chris Zachar
Joseph Zavislak
Supporting Members
Donna and Kirk Anderson
Anonymous
Pam and Jeff Bell
Janet Bioletto
Neva and Jim Bochenek
Judy and Charles Boehmer
In Memory of Jewel Burdsal
Rhonda Elifritz-Rix
Patricia Fimbres
Rhonda Fournier
Friedel Family Foundation
Eva and James Hamant
Barbara and Chris Howard
Patty and Ronnie Horn
Betty Hum
Michelle Louise Johnson
In Memory of Jeffrey Killoren
Sue Klein
Jo Krueger
Eve and Jim Morse
Ali Odeh
Timbra and Kevin Peace
Valleria Pickett
Polly Pinney and Connie Dierks
Karen and John Runberg
Jacob Schwarz
Elvia Senter and Norman Buckner, Jr.
Sherri Tanis
Vicki and Tom Taradash
Dr. Jerome and Dr. Selma
E. Targovnik
John Eric Thomas and Dr. John Migliaro
Vicky and James Van Dyke
In Loving Memory of Vicky Van Dyke by Elna Brown, Mary
LaRue Walker, Robbyn
McDowell
VIP Tours of New York
LLC
Yubeta Family
Contributing Members
Ted Allmon
Teresa Amabisca
Kristin Bean
Jeremy Bennington
George and Mary Ann
Bradbury
Burton Cagen PC
Phillip Catone and Nicholas Catone
Michelle and Carl Chasse
Hercules Dellas
Ellin Abbot Hayes
Jill Ford
Alyssa Ann Goldstein
Sharon and Thomas Gregory
Elaine and George
Heredia
Chris Hurst and Roxanne Stockton
Michelle Kauk
Kerry Kuehn and Chad Biffle
Anonymous
William and Linda Langer
Steven Lofgren and Kelsey Mohn
Sheila and Rodger McKain
Judith Mente
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Pugsley
Nathalie Rennell
Leslie Standerfer
JoAn Tonniges and Janet Dixon
Jo and Don Wilson
Stacy Wince
Meg and Jim Wolfe
Duane Wooten
Lisa Zelasko
ASU Gammage wishes to thank the hundreds of donors who are not listed due to space limitations.
27 VOLUME 35 | 2023
PO Box 870205
Tempe, AZ 85287-0205
480-965-5062
asugammage.com
Upcoming VIP Donor Events
Tuesday, April 11
The Molly Blank Fund Performances for Students
Jarabe Mexicano
10:30–11:30 a.m.
Jarabe Mexicano invites audiences on a joyride through a versatile songbook of Mexican Folk as well as Rock & Roll, Tex-Mex, Latin Rock, and Reggae-Cumbia. Performing on stringed folk instruments accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s dramatic, harmonized vocals in Spanish and English have gained them the admiration from audiences across the country.
Saturday, May 27
ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards
7:00 p.m.
Join us for the red-carpet event of the season! The ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards celebrates the achievements of young Valley artists in a world-class performing arts center. The event demonstrates the enthusiasm, dedication and talent of high school musical theatre programs and encourages participating schools to grow and continue improving their programs.
The ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards is sponsored by The Molly Blank Fund, Lee Bowman, Brenda and Jim Rowland and a gift by the Julie Bennett Family in memory of Michael. Cash awards are sponsored by Ronald H. Harten, Amber and Shaun Schultz, Jeremy Bennington and a gift made in loving memory of Patricia Langlin-Brazil.
Please send your VIP Donor Event RSVPs to Tim Walling at tim.walling@asu.edu or 480-965-9915.
The Molly Blank Fund Performances for Students is also sponsored by the Abbett Family Foundation, Arizona Community Foundation, APS, Target and the Seiden Family Foundation.