ASU Gammage Inner Circle Magazine Volume 18

ASU Gammage

Inner Circle Volume 18 | Spring 2018

Just announced! 20182019 Broadway season

New name for Broadway’s title sponsor

Go back to school with SCHOOL OF ROCK

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We always say that “we bring the best of Broadway to the Valley” and the truth is we wouldn’t be able to bring the best year after year without loyal subscribers and donors like you. Thank you for your loyalty and support of ASU Gammage.

This season has been packed with shows that have made audiences laugh, cry, cheer and most importantly, create memories that will last a lifetime. Now the stage is set for another amazing season at ASU Gammage with our newly announced 2018-2019 season. Packed with hits direct from Broadway like DEAR EVAN HANSEN and Disney’s ALADDIN and classics like HELLO, DOLLY! We know you’ll love these amazing shows and want to share them with your friends and family! This is another season you will not want to miss!

Now more than ever it pays to be a Season Subscriber. This season, on average, Season Subscribers saved 53% off day-of-show pricing! ASU Gammage is committed to ensuring that our subscribers benefit from their loyalty with the best price for the best

seats! Additionally, Season Subscribers get exclusive benefits, including flexible payment, ticket exchange options, advance purchase opportunities and more!

Season Subscribers get many great perks, but we offer additionnal benefits exclusive to ASU Gammage donor VIPs. VIPs enjoy benefits from preferred seating areas and VIP experiences.

ASU Gammage VIP memberships also support our award-winning Cultural Participation programs, which provides critical in-school arts curriculum and live theater performances for underserved schools and community support organizations.

Thank you for your constant support of ASU Gammage. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack Executive Director of ASU Gammage ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs

ASU Gammage’s most “popular” musical returns

The National Touring Company of WICKED. Photo: Joan Marcus

Photo: Tim Trumble

We wouldn’t be able to bring the best year after year without loyal subscribers and donors like you.

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Contents THE HUMANS is headed to ASU Gammage 21 Historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center gets adobe facelift 22 VIP Club Benefits 23 Desi Oakley as Jenna in the National Tour of WAITRESS. Photo: Joan Marcus

VIP Club 25

2018-2019 Broadway Season 4

Upcoming VIP Events 28

Photo: Denny Collins

New Name, Same Amazing Title Sponsor 10

ASU Gammage Inner Circle

Providing the best service in the business: Karie Lurie 16 An ocean of possibility 18

Photo: Josh Soskin

Volume 18 | Spring 2018 Executive Editor: Colleen Jennings-Roggensack Editor In Chief and Project Manager: Theresa Dickerson Managing Editor: Victor Hamburger Creative Director: Sarah Moore Editorial Team: Kari Amarosso, Cheryl Amick, Michelle Johnson CAP-OM, Erica Lin Contributing Writers: Theresa Dickerson, Catherine Hathaway, Emi Kamezaki, Scott Seckel Cover: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and Anthony Murphy (Genie). Disney’s ALADDIN North American Tour Original Cast. ©Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer.

March 22 is Sun Devil Giving Day 11 Casting the children in SCHOOL OF ROCK 12 VIP Event Photos 14 The cast of the SCHOOL OF ROCK Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy

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ASUGammage VOLUME 18 | 2018

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2018-2019 Broadway Season

ASU Gammage will bring

the best of Broadway to Tempe

again in the 2018-2019 ASU Gammage Desert Financial

Broadway Across America - Arizona Season.

The season features everything you’d wish for including the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards® and 2018 Grammy Award® winner DEAR EVAN HANSEN; beloved Broadway hit Disney’s ALADDIN; and the 2017 Tony Award® winner for Best Revival, HELLO, DOLLY! The season will also include Broadway favorites WAITRESS and ON YOUR FEET!, a family favorite CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and the smash-hit comedy THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. In addition, ASU Gammage is thrilled to welcome back three Valley favorites as season options including RENT, THE BOOK OF MORMON and Arizona’s most “popular” musical WICKED.

ur o y w e n n e o R i t p i cr s b u 3 s 1 l i r p

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“This season is packed with Broadway’s biggest hits and I can’t wait for the Valley to experience these amazing productions,” said Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Executive Director of ASU Gammage & ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs. “There is something in this season for everyone! Great family shows, fun date nights, Broadway classics and fan favorites.”

Isabelle McCalla (Jasmine) and Adam Jacobs (Aladdin). Disney’s ALADDIN North American Tour Original Cast. ©Disney. Photo: Deen van Meer

“THE WOMEN OF WAITRESS ARE CHANGING BROADWAY!” Charity Angel Dawson, Desi Oakley and Lenne Klingaman in the National Tour of WAITRESS. Photo: Joan Marcus

Time Magazine WAITRESS October 2-7, 2018 Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (LES DANGEREUSE LIASONS, WAITING FOR GODOT) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (HAIR, PIPPIN, FINDING NEVERLAND).

“It's an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna–a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood and the magic of a well-made pie.

Maiesha McQueen, Desi Oakley and Bryan Fenkart in the National Tour of WAITRESS. Photo: Joan Marcus

ON YOUR FEET! November 6-11, 2018 From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything.

ON YOUR FEET! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet.

Directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (KINKY BOOTS), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (JERSEY BOYS) and an original book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), ON YOUR FEET! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century—and one of the most inspiring stories in music history.

Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan and Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan and Company, ON YOUR FEET! Photo: Matthew Murphy

VOLUME 18 | 2018

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2018-2019 Broadway Season

DEAR EVAN HANSEN November 27-December 2, 2018 A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in.

“One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history,” says The Washington Post. Rolling Stone calls DEAR EVAN HANSEN, “a game-changer that hits you like a shot in the heart” and NBC News raves “An inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”

DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award® winner Steven Levenson, a score by Academy Award and Tony Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and direction by four-time Tony Award® nominee Michael Greif.

Winner of 6 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The Washington Post calls DEAR EVAN HANSEN “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”

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HELLO, DOLLY! January 8-13, 2019 Tony Award®-winning Broadway legend Betty Buckley stars in HELLO, DOLLY!—the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” Winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records week after week and receiving thunderous raves on Broadway, this HELLO, DOLLY! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion­—hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. Rolling Stone calls it “a must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow, indeed!”

HELLO, DOLLY! Original Broadway Company of the 2017 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical Revival. Photo: Julieta Cervantes

ALADDIN January 31-February 17, 2019 Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical.

From the producer of THE LION KING comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

See why audiences and critics agree, ALADDIN is “Exactly What You Wish For!” (NBC-TV).

Michael James Scott (Genie). © Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer VOLUME 18 | 2018

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2018-2019 Broadway Season THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

L-R Harrison Unger, Jonathan Fielding, Clifton Duncan, Amelia McClain, Alex Mandell in the Olivier and Tony Award® winning production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Photo: Jeremy Daniel

March 19-24, 2019 What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, Broadway & London’s awardwinning smash comedy! Called “A GUTBUSTING HIT” (The New York Times) and “THE FUNNIEST PLAY BROADWAY HAS EVER SEEN” (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania delivering “A RIOTOUS EXPLOSION OF COMEDY” (Daily Beast). Welcome to opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor” where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “TONS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES” (HuffPost) and “COMIC GOLD” (Variety)—sure to bring down the house!

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Ryan Sell in ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Photo: Joan Marcus

June 11-16, 2019 Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Tempe’s golden ticket! It's the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of HAIRSPRAY. Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory...to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before—get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

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Ben Crawford, Emma Pfaeffle, Kathy Fitzgerald, F. Michael Haynie, Alan H. Green, Christian Borle, Trista Dollison, John Rubin in ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Photo: Joan Marcus ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Season Options WICKED April 3-May 5, 2019 WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.

Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”

Mary Kate Morrissey & Ginna Claire Mason in WICKED. Photo: Joan Marcus

RENT May 28-June 2, 2019 In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway…and forever changed the landscape of American theater. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s LA BOHÈME, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

The Company of the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour. Photo: Carol Rosegg

THE BOOK OF MORMON

THE BOOK OF MORMON Company. Photo: Julieta Cervantes

August 6-11, 2019 The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius.

Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award®winning Best Musical.

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language. l VOLUME 18 | 2018

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New Name,

Same Amazing Title Sponsor The title sponsor of the Broadway Across America - Arizona series and Arizona’s largest credit union has a new name. Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is now Desert Financial Credit Union.

To celebrate a bright future with a new name, and to honor those who helped them to be successful in the Valley for 79 years, Desert Financial has announced its first-ever non-profit entity, The Desert Financial Foundation. The foundation will partner with Desert Financial in its upcoming “Year of Giving,” an initiative that outlines plans to give back an extraordinary $7 million to the community through grants, charity fundraisers and surprise giveaways, of which $5 million is earmarked to return to members in the form of membership rewards.

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“Our credit union has always been known for giving back to the community,” said SVP of Marketing Cathy Graham. “Moving forward, we want to be very clear that the only thing that is changing is our name. Desert Financial Credit Union is positioned to do exceptional things in 2018, and we’re making sure that it’s going to be a fantastic year for our members, our employees and the community we serve.”

They are a fierce supporter of the community and the arts, and we are proud to have such an amazing organization as our title sponsor.

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

As the title sponsor of the Broadway Across America - Arizona series, Desert Financial believes in the power of the performing arts and the impact it has on the community.

“Desert Financial makes what we have at ASU Gammage possible,” said Victor Hamburger, Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications. “They are fierce supporters of the community and the arts, and we are proud to have such an amazing organization as our title sponsor.” l

ASU Gammage invites you to make a difference on MARCH Sun Devil Giving Day is March 22. It is ASU’s sixth annual day of giving, when the ASU community celebrates and encourages gifts in support of Arizona State University. All members of the ASU community—alumni, parents, fans, friends, faculty, staff and students—are invited to give to the areas of ASU they care most about.

Your support

We ask that you join us on Sun Devil Giving Day by supporting ASU Gammage.

You can make a difference on Sun Devil Giving Day that will have a lasting impact in our community. Your donation will ensure that:

brings theater

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Thousands of school-aged children from across the state are able to view high-level performances for only $3 a ticket.

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Teachers receive hands-on experience with quality artsintegration workshops through the Kennedy Center.

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Incarcerated women receive a chance to explore their personal identities and express themselves in new ways.

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Camp Broadway scholarships are given to children with a passion for the performing arts that may not be able to afford to attend.

The work that we do at ASU Gammage is only possible because of our supporters who understand and believe in the power of the arts. Making a gift on Sun Devil Giving Day impacts many community members in a profound and positive way. l

to life

Visit

asugammage.com/sundevilgivingday VOLUME 18 | 2018

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W.C. Fields famously remarked “never work with animals or children,” because they’re invariably scene stealers. SCHOOL OF ROCK, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Julian Fellowes musical, based on the Richard Linklater movie, doesn’t have any animals. But it has children…a lot of them.

And many of them play musical instruments. Very well. Rob Colletti, who plays Dewey Finn on the national tour—the role made famous by Jack Black— doesn’t mind sharing the stage with a bunch of pre-teens.

“Honestly, it is so surprisingly wonderful,” he says. “They are so much more adept at music than so many of the musicians I've played with professionally.”

Finding these quadruple threat kids—they all need to sing, act and dance, in addition - Rob

to playing rock and roll—is casting director Merri Sugarman’s task. With a couple of associates, she’s constantly scouring videos, going to open calls and looking at agent submissions in New York and around the country, to find the children who perform in each company of School of Rock. Sugarman puts in long hours, but says “it's incredibly joyful because it's kids, you know? When you see kids who love to make music, or you meet a kid who's so special that you decide to tailor something for that kid.”

The c a Tour. P st of the SC Sugarman and her team looked hoto: M atth e at 22,000 children for the initial production of SCHOOL OF ROCK, which opened on Broadway in December of 2015. All the kids they cast are between the ages of 9 and 12—if they’re any older, their voices and bodies are changing; if they’re any younger, they may not be up to the physical demands of the show. Sugarman says the first

They are so much more adept at music than so many of the musicians I've played with professionally.

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Colletti

The cast of the SCHOOL OF ROCK Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy

Casting the children in

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It's extraordinary for their age, just how great they are and how together they play.

- Andrew Lloyd Webber

Theo Mitchell-Penner in the SCHOOL OF ROCK Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy

thing they look at is the level of musicianship. “Normally, what we do is we put the acting and the singing on the back burner, just at the top of the process,” she explains. “And we look for instrumentalists. As long as a kid can carry a tune, we can get them there.

And we can certainly get them there, as far as the acting goes. It’s a lot of material to learn, and it’s much more about the personality of the kid, than their skill set as an actor.”

And the musical skill set of these children can be very impressive. Take 10 year-old Theodora Silverman, who plays Katie, the bass player, on the national tour.

A native New Yorker, she already played piano, ukulele man S chu oenix K Tour. h P and flute, when she came in to audition. How long had d t ti a n O F RO C C olle R o b S C H O O L M u r p hy she played bass? “I played for maybe a week—that’s it,” e in th : M at thew she says at a press preview for the SCHOOL OF ROCK P h o to tour. But she picked it up, fast…along with a little cello.

In addition to regular rehearsals and tutoring—these are elementary school age kids, after all—there are also separate band rehearsals. “It’s really fun,” says Silverman. “All the kids that play instruments, we all jam out. We'll plays some songs from the show, but if we're, like, really spot on with those, then we’ll play something Rob Colletti and Phoenix Schuman like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” the Guns in the SCHOOL OF ROCK Tour.

Photo: Matthew Murphy N’ Roses song, she adds, laughing.

The P ho c a s t of to: M the at t h S C H ew M O O urph L O F RO y

CK

Tou r.

“You know, they really can play,” says composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. “It’s extraordinary for their age, just how great they are and how together they play. I mean, you would you close your eyes and you say ‘Oh gosh, this is a band that's played together for years.’

You wouldn't really think that it’s 10 and 11 year olds!”

Casting director Merri Sugarman doesn’t mind the logistical challenges, since the rewards are so satisfying. “It’s more a labor of love than any show I’ve ever worked on,” she says. “Because it’s so exhausting and it’s so stressful, that when you kind of see your life’s work up there onstage, you’re like ‘Oh,’” she sighs. “You almost can’t take it! It's beautiful.” l

C HOO L ew M u O F R O C K rphy

C tti in the S Rob C olle erman and at thew M urphy ilv S ra do Theo to: M Tour. Pho OF ROC K

HOO L

Don’t miss SCHOOL OF ROCK, June 19-24!

VOLUME 18 | 2018

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VIP Event Photos

HAMILTON VIP Cast Party at Bar Louie This page: 1. Colleen Jennings-Roggensack welcoming the VIP donors and company 2. Michelle Jung and her son Xavier Rodriguez pictured with Dorcas Leung (U/S Eliza Hamilton) 3. Young fans with Austin Scott (Alexander Hamilton) 5. Sharon Lytle-Breen and Kris Williams pictured with Nicholas Christopher (Aaron Burr) Photos: Tim Trumble

Right: 1. L to R: Gloria Pierce-Garcia, Patricia & Carl Harris, Jill Pierce-Garcia 2. Tamara & Ian McLeod 3. Jacqueline Hufford-Jensen & Greg Kroening 4. Nikhil & Tara Iyengar 5. L to R: Adam Christensen, Macey Clausen, McKenna Clausen; Kneeling L to R: Max Christensen, Tyler Christensen 6. Susan & Richard Bookspan 7. Lynn Speed with her son Brian 8. Mikey Kuklevich & Donna Dichiaro 9. Desert Financial Credit Union guests L to R: Dave & Sharon Berry, Sherry Soltwadel, Bridget L’Italien 10. Anna de Jesus & Laurie Dennhardt Photos: Denny Collins

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VOLUME 18 | 2018

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Staff Profile

Providing

the best

service in the business Karie Lurie

BY EMI KAMEZAKI

It isn’t just the world-renowned Broadway shows that bring audiences back to ASU Gammage time and time again.

The organization’s unparalleled guest services makes it a true home for the arts where everyone is welcome.

For over 10 years, Senior Director of Audience Services Karie Lurie has led the organization in elevating patrons’ experiences and enabling thousands to enjoy the finest performances from around the globe.

Her nurturing personality and business savvy continue to drive countless improvements to both the building itself and the organization’s operation.

“Business was my strength, but theater was my passion,” said the University of Evansville alumna, explaining her degree in theater management.

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

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Photo: Tim Trumble

Business was my strength, but theater was my passion.

As an Arizona native, Lurie was familiar with ASU Gammage’s reputation as a prominent arts organization in the Valley.

She was hired as a group sales manager in 1999. With hard work, she was promoted to ticket manager, and ultimately, senior director of audience services in 2006.

Now, Lurie oversees the box office, house staff, concessions, art displays and any other aspect of ASU Gammage’s operation that relates to the audience.

Without her work in bringing concessions operations inhouse and opening the venue’s first bar, patrons wouldn’t be able to enjoy the themed cocktails tailored to each Broadway performance, or any other alcoholic beverage within the theater.

“It added a lot of comfort for our patrons, but it also really helps us financially,” she added.

“I love nurturing their skills and abilities, and seeing them grow from students to adults,” she said.

Lurie’s caring nature also extends to the animals she rescues as an active animal advocate and president of the Board of Directors for Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue.

“I foster some baby kitties and bottle feed them. I’ve done it all,” she mused. “You know I always had pets growing up and I just love animals.”

Karie (second from right) and the Box Office staff celebrate PETER AND THE STARCATCHER in 2014.

Subscribers are like family you get to see on a regular basis who come together to share the one-of-a kind experience of live theater.

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Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Karie Lurie and Neva Bochenek at the Golden Gammage Gala in 2013. Photo: Denny Collins

Still, Lurie says her greatest accomplishment at ASU Gammage has been mentoring students and helping them transition into adulthood.

“I’ve been thinking my greatest impact would be on the student workers I’ve ‘raised’ over the years. I’ve taken a student to the post office for the first time in their life and taught another how to address an envelope,” she laughed.

In addition to giving advice, writing letters of recommendation, reviewing resumes and coaching students, Lurie often attends her student workers’ performances and thesis defenses.

Karie and her family on a trip to New York City.

I enjoy getting people to the shows, seeing the joy that our shows bring to our audience and how important they are.

In her free time, the wife and mother of two also enjoys travelling.

She has sailed on 21 cruises with her friends and family and her favorite destination was Panama.

Lurie works seamlessly across departments to ensure each patron has a great experience at ASU Gammage. She effectively resolves guests’ concerns and is constantly looking for new ways to improve the Karie and her sons in Tuba City, AZ. venue. “(I enjoy) getting people to the shows, seeing the joy that our shows bring to our audience and how important they are,” Lurie said. l

VOLUME 18 | 2018

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An

ASU researcher Rolf Halden gives Charlie Rolsky a chance to make a difference — and he pays it forward, helps others find their way

ocean of possibility

BY SCOTT SECKEL

Charlie Rolsky seems to be everywhere you look on campus. Tossing carne asada on a fire on a desert camping trip with biology students. Participating in an interpretive dance performance in the Biodesign Institute. Selling biology-inspired T-shirts for charity.

With tattooed sleeves, the beard of a Sumerian general and a passion for the now, he tends to stand out. The impression comes across that he is savoring every moment and making the most of everything life offers.

He’s working on a doctorate in biology with a focus on microplastics, and assessing environmental stressors as an indicator of species, human and ecosystem health.

What the latter means can be summed up in two words: whale poop.

“I have a fascination with the ocean the way some people do with space,” Rolsky said. “When you’re sitting on a boat, you don’t know what’s underneath you. It’s so hard to study things in the ocean. You can’t just take them out and put them in a lab and replicate the same setting.”

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

Killer whales are his favorite animal “Marine mammals—they surface and then they go under,” he said. “You have (just a moment) to study and then what are you going to do?”

He did an internship studying killer whales. Usually to take a sample from a whale, you take a biopsy sample. That involves getting close to the whale and taking a chunk out of its hide.

Needless to say, that stresses the whale. Rolsky and his colleagues used a noninvasive way of taking a biopsy: a trained rescue dog that alerts them when it smells killer-whale poop. The dog stood on the bow of the boat, the boat followed the whale, the dog alerted team members when the whale did its business, team

members scooped up the sample with a net.

Out on the ocean on that internship, getting his hands dirty, Rolsky found his calling. Collecting samples, taking them into the lab and analyzing the data, he saw the whole flow of how the process worked.

“That one internship just blew the roof off for me,” he said.

He knew he wanted to be a scientist.

There was a problem, though. When he was an undergrad, he struggled with grades and a health condition.

“It hindered me in the sense it was overwhelming and I took it on, on my own,” he said. “I needed to ask for help, and I didn’t. It was a battle for me to balance everything. I thought I could balance too many things, and I definitely couldn’t.”

His grades took a hit.

Flash-forward to getting into a research lab as a graduate student. He needed an adviser.

“There’s not a lot of easy options to get into a research lab,” Rolsky said. “My grades weren’t the best when I was an undergrad, so I had to rely on my resume

to get me places. I shopped myself around to a lot of different professors, but their ruler for measuring success is usually your GPA. I got shot down left and right.”

He connected with a student of Rolf Halden’s who worked in aquaculture. All three of them went to lunch, where Rolsky showed his ideas to Halden.

Halden is an expert in determining where mass-produced chemicals wind up in the environment, how they affect health and how to remove them from contaminated water and soil. The Food and Drug Administration recently banned the sale of personal-care products containing antimicrobials that contaminate the environment—a direct result of Halden’s research. He is the director of the ASU Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering. A lanky German with a winning smile, he stands out for also being sharply dressed on campus.

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ASU is a place where people with different learning styles have a better chance finding the right niche.

-Rolf Halden

“Once I learned who he was, I didn’t think I had a chance in hell of working with him,” Rolsky said. “I sat down and I said, ‘Here’s my resume. I’m really sorry. Back when I was an undergrad—’ And he said, ‘I don’t care about that. What are you doing now?’ That’s when the conversation started. He looked at me as more than a GPA. Who are you? What are your passions? What’s your work ethic? Stuff like that.”

Rolsky walked away from lunch without a good feeling.

Charlie Rolsky is working on a doctorate in biology with a focus on microplastics, and assessing environmental stressors as an indicator of species, human and ecosystem health. Photo: Josh Soskin

“He basically crapped all over (my ideas), in a really good way because I was new,” he recalls. “I left and called my mom and said, ‘Well, that was a massive failure. Now I feel like an idiot.’ Then he sent an email saying something like, ‘We’re excited to have you. Welcome to the team.’”

Rolsky had won Halden over with his enthusiasm. Grades don’t always convey a person’s capacity.

“Sometimes bad grades can be a reflection of an educational environment that is not ideally suited for an individual,” Halden said. “Being a very large university, ASU is a place where people with different learning styles have a better chance finding the right niche. A history of having not-so-great grades doesn’t mean he couldn’t do great work. Charlie is proving this more and more.”

Assembling a scientist Halden said he looks for people who like what they’re doing. Passion makes a difference. He explains why he invited Rolsky into his lab. “(People) can be extremely smart, but absent of motivation, what should be an exciting journey of discovery becomes a chore only,” he said. “It’s much easier to work with people who are self-motivated and just direct them, to give them pointers on what they might be doing next. It was beneficial to us both. He already had the motivation, and all he needed was a little more instruction on how to apply his skills.

Halden pushed Rolsky toward microplastics. He will finish his doctorate in about a year and a half. He wants to be back on the water, getting his hands dirty at a place like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Currently he is working on a survey of plastics in California waters.

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“We’re encountering negative stuff,” Rolsky said. “Not a surprise.”

It’s an area where very little research has been done, making it a ripe career field.

“We don’t know much about it, and it’s one of those problems where it’s so expansive, that once we do learn bad things, it’s not good,” he said. “It’s not one little problem in one little area.

Microplastics are all over the world. Every country can get worried.”

Halden said with some nudging Rolsky has come into his own.

“I think he’s really broadened his horizons and focused in on a major challenge that is the mass production of unsustainable materials that have become part of our way of life and we don’t want to do without,” Halden said.

Rolsky said he didn’t know where he’d be if Halden hadn’t encouraged him in that direction. A good scientist is assembled from different pieces.

“I had done the field work, I’d gotten decent at writing, but he taught me how to be a scientist,” Rolsky said. “He taught me how to ask the right questions and see things through the glasses of a scientist.

“You can think you’re good at things, but it takes someone like that to show you the proper way of executing stuff. He really opened my eyes to how to be the best scientist possible. You can see from your perspective all angles of a certain concept, but then you take it to him and he adds 10 more things to it.” To Rolsky, Halden represents what’s needed in science.

The students like him and can relate to him, which makes learning so much easier and fun.

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Anna Guerrero and Charlie Rolsky help connect people to science. Photo: Mark Lipczynski

“A lot of people don’t know how to communicate or to find creative ways of communicating science to non-science people,” he said. “He can communicate well, he brings creativity out of people, and he pushes you to be the best researcher possible.”

Now Rolsky is reaching out. He gets samples sent to him from all over the world by ordinary people interested in science.

“Everyone has a generic idea of what a scientist should be and how they should talk and what they should look like,” he said. “When you can be the opposite of that, it’s a positive thing to me. ‘Oh, he doesn’t talk like a scientist, and he’s funny and has tattoos and looks weird.’ If you can be an exception to that and get people to care about science in a funny way, then I think that’s pretty cool.”

Paying it forward As a teaching assistant, Rolsky tries to get as many students into research labs as he can because it helped him so much.

Over the past three years, he has helped 28 students get into lab positions.

“I had to figure out how to get into research labs on my own,” he said. “Now it’s like an equation I can pass off to anyone and it’s pretty successful. I haven’t had a student fail yet.”

Rolsky is a natural teacher. He has received awards and recognition for his contributions to education at ASU. “He is a sought-after instructor people go to repeatedly,” Halden said. “This is all very impressive. The students like him and can relate to him, which makes learning so much easier and fun.”

Rolsky said his journey has been about finding a niche and a place to make his mark.

“You find the right people,” he said. “I tell my students about finding your pod— you find the right people who are always going to lift you up and provide you with opportunities. As long as you’re nice to people and make an effort to reach out and talk to them, I think that should be the standard.”

This story appeared in the January 2018 issue of ASU Thrive magazine. l

THE HUMANS

is headed to ASU Gammage

May 29 – June 3, 2018

The national tour of the 2016 Tony Award® winning Stephen Karam play THE HUMANS will hit the ASU Gammage stage May 29-June 3, 2018.

Richard Thomas, Pamela Reed, Daisy Eagan, Luis Vega and

The cast of THE HUMANS is led by Emmy winner Therese Plaehn in THE HUMANS. Photo: Julieta Cervantes and Tony Nominee Richard Thomas (Last seen at ASU Gammage in 12 ANGRY MEN, and beloved at John-Boy in The Waltons) as Erik, Pamela Reed (Parks and Recreation) as Deirdra and Tony Winner Daisy Eagen (THE SECRET GARDEN) as Brigid.

The cast will also feature Lauren Klein as Momo, Therese Plaehn as Aimee, and Luis Vega as Richard.

Garnering the most ecstatic reviews of any play in recent memory, and heralded in 2016 as “The Best Play of the Year” by The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Record, Time Out New York, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and The Wrap, the tour will feature the entire creative team from the Broadway production, led by Tony Award®-winning director Joe Mantello and including Tony Award®-winning scenic designer David Zinn, costume designer Sarah Laux, lighting designer Justin Townsend, and sound designer Fitz Patton.

The angst, anguish and amity of the American middle class are first coaxed– then shoved–into the light in this uproarious, hopeful, and heart-breaking play that takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving. Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate and give thanks at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside the ramshackle pre-war duplex, and eerie things start to go bump in the night, the Blake clan’s deepest fears and greatest follies are laid bare. Our modern age of anxiety is keenly observed, with humor and compassion, in this new American classic. l For more information or for tickets visit asugammage.com.

Daisy Eagan and Therese Plaehn in THE HUMANS. Photo: Julieta Cervantes

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Historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center

gets adobe facelift Preservation and maintenance work gives ASU Kerr venue new vitality The historic ASU Kerr Cultural Center, a beloved Scottsdale performing arts venue and part of the ASU Gammage family, has returned its adobe to a more historically accurate look. For the first time since 1993, extensive maintenance work has been completed on the historic studio and house, the former home and studio of celebrated composer, violist and ethnomusicologist Louise Lincoln Kerr.

“We were seeing deterioration of exterior and interior walls due to past maintenance techniques,” said ASU Kerr Cultural Center General Manager Tracey Mason.

Through the scientific expertise of Adobe Technology, LLC and its president, adobe preservation specialist Reggie McKay, ASU Kerr’s goal was to restore the cultural center to a historically authentic state.

“This effort restores the original splendor of the buildings, while providing the very best protection against time and the elements,” Mason explained. “The beautiful, individual adobe bricks of the structure are no longer hidden behind an inappropriately flat façade.”

The goals of the project included removal of the delaminated surface coating and the filling and brushing of all voids and

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imperfections of the adobe surfaces using local, on-site material. It was a timeconsuming process because the work cannot be done in temperatures over 100 degrees and works best during high-humidity times, said McKay. The identification of the need for adobe maintenance took place in 2010. Communication with the university side, including the Office of the University Architect at ASU and the State Historic Preservation Office, began in 2012. The physical work started in September 2013 and was recently completed in 2017, Mason said.

“Patrons attending shows appreciate and are amazed at the new look,” Mason said. “The buildings are more photogenic than ever and the beauty Mrs. Kerr originally created here is back for everyone to see and enjoy.”

Visit asukerr.com to learn about ASU Kerr’s history and upcoming shows. l

This effort restores the original splendor of the buildings, while providing the very best protection against time and the elements.

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

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

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Recognition in show programs

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VIP Guidelines: You must maintain your annual VIP contribution at or above the Directors Club level in order to enjoy VIP seating. ASU Gammage VIP subscription seating is offered in the Orchestra Level in rows 3–20. VIP 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. To join, call 480.965.9915 or visit asugammage.com.

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100K Milestone

Photo: Teddy Wolf

Taylor Mac

A 24-DECADE HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC ABRIDGED Saturday, April 7, 2018 7 p.m. • ASU Gammage asugammage.com A 24-DECADE HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC ABRIDGED is a highly immersive and outrageously entertaining crash course in the 240 years (and counting) of the history of American culture and dysfunction. Told from the perspective of groups whose stories are often forgotten, the show highlights various musical styles and artistic voices ranging from murder ballads to disco, Walt Whitman to David Bowie and beyond.

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE

ASU Gammage gratefully acknowledges these individual donors and foundations whose cumulative giving totaled $100,000 or more as of December 2017. The contributions of these generous benefactors, in partnership with those of other visionary patrons, sponsors and volunteers, have incalculably enriched our community.

Abbett Family Foundation Susan & William Ahearn Pat & Bill Andrew Jerry Appell APS Arizona Lottery Carol Barmore Barbara, Irv & Jeremy Berger Carmen & Michael Blank F. Richard Bloechl Family Lee Bowman George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical Broadway Across America JO Finks Laurie & Chuck Goldstein Joanne & Mark Halberg Patricia Kaufman Patricia Langlin-Brazil Hugh W. Long, Jr. Family Rae & Richard S. Love Robert Machiz Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Lesley & Paul Monfardini Margaret T. Morris Foundation Sarah Nolan Jenny Norton & Bob Ramsey Rosenbluth Family Foundation Stinson Leonard Street LLP and Michael Manning Ticketmaster VMI Holdings Mary & Bill Way/Way Family Charitable Foundation

Corporate/Foundation Sponsors $100,000+ Broadway Across America Desert Financial Credit Union $99,999-$50,000 George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical Ticketmaster $49,999-$25,000 Abbett Family Foundation National Endowment for the Arts $24,999-$10,000 Andrew Family Foundation APS Arizona Business Bank Stinson Leonard Street LLP/Michael C. Manning

ASU Gammage VIP club $9,999-$2,500 Abbot Downing Arizona Business Magazine Arizona Lottery Macy’s The New England Foundation for the Arts Penrose Academy The Reflective Designer Target Tim Trumble Photography, Inc. USAA

Legacy Anonymous Susan & William Ahearn E.G. & Carol Barmore Weasley Beckley Larry Berentzen Charley Beyer George & Patricia Brazil Linda Broomhead & Terese Sanchez Marlene Bushard Kim Cahow-Harmon Angela & Dave Conwell Carl J. Cross Leonard & Emily Dudziak Raylan & Beverley Evans JO Finks Mary Flora Marilyn & Jim Foley Phillip Gillies Alan & Anita Handelsman Henry & Mary Hansen Carl & Patricia Harris Rojon & Jay Hasker Robert & Jeanette Heacock David N. Horowitz Lucille Hudgens Donald & June Julen Sue Larsen Richard S. & Rae Love Douglas Lowe Larry Mattal Ellis & Kiran Means Merrily Metzger Paul & Janet Morrison Vickie & Ron Neill Clyde C. Parker Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Michael Pollay Russell A. Robbins Mitchell & Heather Ross Virginia Schantz Margaret Schulz Mr. & Mrs. Russell Smith Ava Spanier Jo & Frank Stockman Bruce C. Thoeny Mollie C. Trivers John & Joyce Webb

Investors Guild

Susan & William Ahearn* Barbara, Irv & Jeremy Berger* Molly Blank Fund and Carmen & Michael Blank Lee Bowman* Dr. & Mrs. Charles Goldstein* Beth & Mike Kasser Patricia Langlin-Brazil & James Cord MD* Ray & Sue York Producers Academy Anonymous Janet & Doug Baughman James L. Cramer & Allen C. Kalchik* Joan Cremin* Eileen Curtin* Nelson Faux Karen & Grady Gammage Jr.* Janet & Chip Glaser Peter Harries* Ronald H. Harten Patricia Kaufman* Gail & John Krueger Hope & Steven Leibsohn Andrew & Marcia Meyer Lesley & Paul Monfardini* Jenny Norton & Bob Ramsey* Jeff & Leslie Rich Jana & Charles Sample Joanne Schust Dr. Frederick T. Wood & Mrs. Kim Wood* Grady Gammage Society Bill & Cindy Abbott* Anonymous Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation Reginald M. Ballantyne III* Mary A. Barrett Jacqueline Chadwick, MD Michele & Chris England Dr. & Mrs. Steven Farber* Sophia & Mike Fong Davie Glaser In Loving Memory of David H. Glaser Judy & Herb Gold Carl & Patricia Harris Jay & Rojon Hasker* Ralph & Ellen Hirsch David N. Horowitz & Damon J. Bolling Michelle Jung & Chris Rodriguez Norman & Teresa Klein Family Aaron & Brenda LaTowsky Richard S. & Rae Love Douglas Lowe Bonnie Maffi & Mara Kotansky Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Mandell Merrily Metzger* Jeffrey D. Oliver* Anita & Armand Ortega Arthur & Linda Pelberg Rod & Julie Rebello* Rosenbluth Family Foundation* Richard & Christy Schust Enid & Michael Seiden* Lorri & Stephen Smith Roxane Smyer & Bailey Smith BOLD indicates $50K cumulative giving to ASU Gammage * denotes multi-year commitment

as of 2/18

Chris & Adela Sommer Tiller Family Foundation Melissa Trudelle Marsha & Charles Van Dam Kristi Vasquez & Jeff Roberts Veteran Tickets Foundation The Way Family Patrick H. Zanzucchi Kathryn Gammage Circle

AADS Office Solutions Int’l, LLC & Top Priority Messenger Service, Inc. Benjamin Alon Nancy & Warren Alter Anderson, Chavet and Anderson Inc. Buffie & Ray Anderson Rhet & Marcia Andrews Anonymous Felice Appell Tran & Glenn Appell Arizona Glaucoma Specialists - Jeffrey S. Kay, M.D. Alan & Char Augenstein Linda & Richard Avner Harrison & Laura Bachrach Carol & E.G. Barmore Craig & Barbara Barrett Michael & Julie Bennett Kristy & David Benton Mr. & Mrs. John Berry Karen & Gary Bethune Janet Bioletto Corilee & Kevin Bishop Col. Jody Blanchfield The Blunck Family Jon & Jennifer Bohnert Tara & Todd Bookspan Oonagh & John Boppart Susan & David Brachman Shirley F. Brown & Fred L. Brown Steve & Belinda Brown Elizabeth Burm Pam & Bryan Cadoo Jim Cairns & Dani Stanton Dawna & Dan Calderone California Community Foundation Linda Carneal Rick & Kathy Cartell Renee Cermak & Fred Auzenne* Dawn Cernak Susan & Steven Charney Children’s Dental Village Kelly & Julia Christensen Rose & Joseph Circello Marilee & David Clarke* Carol & Larry Clemmensen Dr. & Mrs. Lance Cohen Lee Baumann Cohn & Mike Cohn Susan Cohn John H. Cole III M.D. & Patrick T. Boyhan Marilyn & Bob Colvert Angela & David Conwell Andrea & Matt Cowley Barbi Crisp & Mark Nemscoff Crystal Family Foundation Michele Davis Beth & Ed Dawkins Nancy Dean & Lorree Ratto Cyndi & Terry DeBoer Mr. & Mrs. Tom DeBonis Bob Demaine Teresa & Michael Dempsey Laurie Dennhardt & Anna de Jesus* Wendy & Todd Dickerson Cathy Dickey VOLUME 18 | 2018

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ASU Gammage VIP club Erika & Russ Dickey Mr. & Mrs. Robert Donat Jane Dowling Carmen & Mike Duffek Daniel Eng Ardie & Steve Evans Jane & Andrew Evans II Ray & Bettijune Fanning Mary Farrington-Lorch & Martin Lorch Dayna and Eric Feldman Bela Patel Fernandez & Miguel Fernandez JO Finks Phyllis & Jack Finney Mike & Becky Fish Sophie & Doug Freedman Judy & Howard Garr Natalie & Ed Gaylord Susan Carlson Gilbert & Paul Gilbert Terry Gimmellie & Brooks Hull & Paula Kampinski Mrs. Saul Ginsberg Neil G. Giuliano Mark & Sherry Goldberg Christine & Luis Gonzalez Don & Justine Good Jan & Dick Govig* Ed Grabowski & Matt Basham John & Deanne Greco Joan & Al Gudriks & Mary & Dan Stamp Gretchen & Jim Haahr Joanne & Mark Halberg* In Memory of Ada Halbreich Mr. & Mrs. Don Hall Liesa Harkness* Jeffrey E. Harper Jennifer & Stuart Hetrick Beth & Bill Hicks Denise & David Higgins Tim & Katie Hill Les & Marfa Holland Bruce Hopkins Jacqueline Hufford-Jensen & Greg Kroening Christine Hughes Mike Hughes & Dr. Kevin Mendivil Tara & Nikhil Iyengar Dr. Ellie & John Izzo Jaburg & Wilk, P.C. Bonnie & William Jaeger Kim Jameson & Jon Ann Hockersmith Colleen Jennings-Roggensack & Dr. Kurt Roggensack Brian Jones Dr. Lyndy Jones Peggy R. Joslin & Nicholas Joslin Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kaehr Judson Karlen Stacy & Alan Klibanoff* John Kras & Timothy Walling Michelle Laiss-Lipner Patricia & Mark Landay Machrina & Dale Leach Kathy & Albert Leffler Herb & Nancy Lienenbrugger Lynn Londen Keli & Kurt Luther Kristen & Doug Magnuson Cheryl & Johan Magnusson Cheryl Mandala Marketline Mortgage Ms. Michelle Matiski & Dr. Alan Snyder 26

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Steve & Rhonda Maun* Cathy Mazur Celia & Kent McClelland Leslie McDonnell In Memory of Jack McDonnell Tahnia McKeever Patrick McPhilomy & Kasia Lukaszczuk Kathleen A. Mickle, Karen B. Roth & Laurie Kaptur Bruce Meyerson & Mary Ellen Simonson Paulette & Michael Miller Christine & John Minch Glenn & Stephanie Mitchell Lina & Raymond Mogensen Kathleen & Barry Monheit Larry & Virginia Morrison Loraine & Jim Mottern Carl C. Mueller Kenneth & Donna Muller Dawn & John Mulligan Rafael & Mary Munoz Mutual Management Services The George and Karen Nackard Foundation Tina Neisch Dick & Jane Neuheisel Nathan & Betty Norris Novack Family NuVentures Limited Linda & Kevin Olson R.G. Olson PhD & Peggy Steele Dr. Hong Ong & Doris Ong Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Ortega Barbara & Donald Ottosen PRM Association Management Frank & Ginny Palamara Leah Pallin-Hill & Bryan Hill* Dr. John Parente Alisa & Glenn Park Dr. & Mrs. Donald Patterson Jeffrey Perlmeter Dwight & Kathryn Peters Sandie & Hollis Phillips Pat Piazza Debbie & Tobie Pirone Jennifer & Noah Plumb MaryLee & Glen Poole Carol A. Poore, Ph.D. Dr. Bradley T. Porter & Dr. Brinks Austin Practice Strategies Nathanael Pretlow In Memory of Dr. Jeannette Pretlow The Prygocki Family Dr. Coral Quiet & Mr. Jerry Weinberg* Dr. Carolyn Ragatz & Mr. Phillip Ragatz Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Rawlings Russell A. Robbins Dr. Lynn Robershotte & Bryce Larry & Lisa Rogoff* Johnna & Glenn Roland Mario Trejo Romero & G. Lewis Penrose Mitchell & Heather Ross Jim & Brenda Rowland Cheryl Rubbelke Karen & John Runberg Lori K. Ryan, MD Norm & Pam Saba Bryan & Katherine Sandler & Janis Merrill Ellen & Paul Schifman

Jesse & Jennifer Schwarz The Scollick Family Tamara Scrivner & Bill & Kathy Aichele Mr. & Mrs. Danny Sharaby/Tickets Unlimited Slack Family Jeffrey & Deborah Smith Zahnie L. Soe Myint, Esq. Ava Spanier & Steve Garland Nicole Spracale Frances & Unni Sreekumar Dr. Cheri St. Arnauld & Family Mr. & Mrs. Ron Starkman* Steffie & Millie Dr. Barry & Judith Stern Morgan Stewart & Troy Homewood Jennifer & Tim Storey Cheryl & Ed Sucato John & Monica Suriano Donald Tapia Bruce C. Thoeny Brinley Thomas & Charles Bentley Alicia Torruella Violet Toy & Betsy Toy Yee UMB Bank Susan Van Dyke MD/Van Dyke Aesthetics Mark & Lynn Vanderlinde/VRealty Advisors Laura & Richard Varner M.A. Verso MD Doug Walters Col. Alexander Warschaw Jeffrey & Dian Weisman Wilhelm Automotive Todd & Tammy Wilkening Jana & Mark Wilcke* Myra & Donald Wilhite Daryl & Karly Williams Diane Willian Dr. Judith G. Wolf Greg Yagi Pamela & Larry Yellen Martha Scales Zachary Charlie & Judy Zarrelli* Barbara & Barry Zemel

Directors Club

Mariana & Richard Abelson Helene & Marshall Abrahams Lou Anne & Keith Alexander Alive at Work, LLC Marilyn & Richard Alsager Anonymous Louraine Arkfeld Christine & Rocky Armfield Tarah Ausburn Kevin Axx & Cameron Goebeler AZ Obstetrics & Gynecology Douglas Ball & Connie Stine Jim Barash & Dr. Tamar Gottfried Lory Baraz & Robert Zucker Kelly & Don Beattie Fredric D. Bellamy Deborah Benedict Mary & Scot Benefiel Laura & Justin Bercovich Ross & Shirley Berg Gina & Gregory Berman The Besonen Family Suzanne & David Black Katherine & John Boisvert Kelley, John & Justin Bonowski Susan & Richard Bookspan Teresa & Mark Borota

Linda Broomhead & Terese Sanchez Patti & Rick Brown Kerie S. Trindle Byrne & Derek Byrne Camelview Physical Therapy Elaine & Paul Campbell David E. Cantrell & Glenn W. Eyet III Dr. Caroline Carney Kent Cattani Dr. David & Mrs. Georgiana Cave Kristin & Mark Chase Sophia Chiang & Wayne Gaafar Helen Cho Kathryn A. Christmann Grainger Cole Paula & Dan Coleman Kathleen Cullen Marilee & Zach Dal Pra Diane & Phil Daspit Bette DeGraw Lloyd Dennington Drs. Fred & Suzie DePrez Donna & Bob Dichiaro Jackie & James Disney Karen & David Divine Janice Donnelly & John King Michael Drexler Cheryl Dworman David Dyer Cheryl Eames Jim Edmonds Cynthia Emmons Lou & Rick Ender Christine English & Lenard Hailey Jody Epperson Michele & Michael Etheridge Thomas Fannin Dino & Linda Farfante Susan & Stewart Feldman Penny & Charles Fine Dr. Allen W. Flores Eric Fox & Raymond Hebert Sandra J. Fromm Marybeth & Jimmy Garrett Kyla & Michael Garrison Barbara & Gregory Geidel Dr. Philip E. & Roseann M. Geiger Carole & Ronnie Gilbert Sue & Joe Gilleland Joe & Helen Goldblatt Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Goldstein Vicki Greener Michelle & Roy Grimm Brent M. Gunderson Lindsey, Victor & Henrik Hamburger Alan & Anita Handelsman Lynlie & Myron Hansen Kathy & Marty Harper Diane Harrison Dottie & Mark Harshbarger Nora & Tim Hart Marilyn & Paul Harter Florence & Joe Hauer Jane & Daryl Haugen Larmon & Linda Haugen Hensley Beverage Company Andrea & Herbert Hodes Donna & Scott Hopman Christopher & Judy Hossack Dr. Scott Howell & Mr. Sean Smith Teresa & Darrel Huish Margo Hull & L.E. Kowal

Marcie & Michael Hutchinson The Til Hutchison Family Jacqueline E. Jackson Nancy & Jeffrey Jacobs Dr. & Mrs. Ron Jenks Douglas Johnson Gwen Johnson Andrea & Mark Johnston In Memory of Steven R. Jonas M. Joann Jundt Shari & Irwin Kanefsky Rona & Allan Kasen Deana Katz Casey & Clara Khaleesi Terri & George Kief Allison & Alan Kierman Jo Krueger Julianne & Thomas La Porte Lawrence R. Lathom Linda & Jim Lee Sandi & Eric Lemnitzer Drs. Sonia & Thomas Lenzmeier Patty & Matthew Lernor Sara & Salvatore Lettieri Pat & Paul Lewis, Kelsey & David Henz Sara & David Lieberman Fuyu Lin & Samuel Anderson Law Office of Christina M. Lopez, PLLC Tiffany Ana Lopez Robert Louchheim Sharon Lytle-Breen Rita & Nicole Mann John Martell & Cathy Thuringer Elisa Segal Mashal Alice Mason Lindsay & Morgan Mathie Julie & Scott McCallister Laurie & James McDonald Robbyn McDowell Dr. Geoffrey McKinzie & Tabitha McKinzie Tamara & Ian McLeod Azar Mehdizadeh & Justin Reynolds John Mertens & Kim Cantor In Memory of J. Eric Miller Kathryn Morrison Niles Moser M.R. Designs & Gifts Blanche & Kevin Munnelly Mary Murphy & Kurt Meyer Nagle Law Group Brenlie & Jim Nagy Diane Nastro Christine & Frank Nechvatal Pamela & Tom Ng Debbie & Jim Nixon Keith Norton Michael Obert & Enzo Armetta In Memory of Cindy Olstein Shannon Olwine & Mohit Mehta Dr. & Mrs. Donald A. Opila Robin & John Piatak Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Piemme Gloria & Jill Pierce-Garcia The Powers Family Hari Puri Stephanie & Matt Raiff Carol & Gregory Rath Dean Rennell Herschel & Valerie Richter Rebecca P. Ripley & Tara D. Swinehart Sharon & James Robbins John & Dee Ann Rogers Theresa & Rene Romero

Kristine Romine Meryl & Rich Rose Rosedale Hair Design Kent & Mira Rossman Jessica & Kyle Rowland Julie & Joseph Russomanno Beth Saiki-Olsen & Morgan Olsen Jeff Salomone Judy & Harold Samloff Christine & Frank Scarpati Mark Schiavoni Katherine & Bryan Schlueter Katherine & Randall Schmidt Lyrna & Michael Schoon Ursula & Rick Schultz Ken Schutz & Craig Thatcher Catherine Scott Christa & Donald Scott Judy Sera-Windell & Robert Windell Suzanne & Jay Simon Karen Stein Alan Stoff Katherin & Mark Strumpf Laura & Michael Suriano Christina & Tim Tarter Toby Teret Taylor Carla & Gary Tenney Tina Marie Tentori Holly, Kristen & Lauren Terrell Tewksbury Financial Group/John & Sunny Tewksbury Karen Thorn Kartika & Eric Thornbrew Susan Thrasher & Chuck Schwartz Mollie C. Trivers Zeena Ubogy M.D. & Millard Thaler M.D./Papillon Cosmetic Dermatology Center Julia & Robert Wacloff Barbara & Brian Waddoups Colleen Smith-Walters & Dave Walters Joseph Walters Dale & Sheryl Wanek Shari & Chuck Warshaver Phyl Wason Suzanne & Craig Weaver Lori & Neal Weinstein Kris & Dale Wendt, Jr. Kristi & Gary West Betty & John Whiteman Wilhelm Automotive (Thomas Gyder) Dr. Brian & Dawn Williams Doris & Duly Winkler Coral & Thomas Wood Michelle & Chris Zachar Breann & Stephen Zapytowski, Jr. Joseph Zavislak

Supporting Member

Natalie & John Ahearn Andrea Alley Donna & Kirk Anderson Anonymous Melanie & Patrick Burm Stephanie & Brad Butler Ann Chafoulias Carl J. Cross Julie & Michael Dillon Susan Dowhie Jan & Leo Dressel Kerry & Jim Engbarth Virginia & Ron Erhardt Priscilla Ethier Gail Fawcett Mr. & Mrs. Armando Flores Jane & Bob Franek

Gary & Jacque Griffith Katrina Hanna Col. Paul Harwood Kimberly & Dale Hopely, Jr. Dr. Patty & Ron Horn William Hosking Michelle Louise Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Jozoff Ellen & Howard Katz Karen J. Killoren Survivors Trust Cheryl Laurent Evelyn & John Lucking Suzan Makaus Marilyn & Mark McCall Chandra McClelland Ellis & Kiran Means Julie Mooney Vickie & Ron Neill New Electric, Inc. Sharon & Howard Paley Pam & Gary Passey Valerie & Gregory Patten Natalie & Robert Petrucelli Toni Ramsey & Mark Mulligan William Rase Marliese & Glen Reeves Beverly & Ron Richards Alison & David Riddiford Debra Rinell Dawn & Michael Sandlin Jacob Schwarz Elvia Senter & Norman Buckner, Jr. Ciby & Michael Shaw In Memory of Judith Signeski Marvin E. Smith Richard P. Stahl Chris & Geri Swahn Vicki & Tom Taradash Dr. Jerome & Dr. Selma E. Targovnik VIP Tours of New York LLC Sandy Wagner Leesa & George Weisz Dr. Syd Wilson & Dr. Carol Wilson Yubeta Family

Sue Klein Diane Kreizenbeck Leola & W. Brian Krueger Donna Kucinski William & Linda Langer Raenelle & William Lees Mr. & Mrs. Brian Leiphart Florence & Paul Libin Steven Lofgren Karie Lurie Christine Mackay Cynthia McClymont Tina Minchella Eve & James Morse JoAnn Mulvihill & Mary Jane Lipshie Mr. & Mrs. Chetan Nayak Jane Nicholls Jordan Nimura Karen Nordstrand David Novarina James Overturf Amanda Panagakis In Honor of Melissa Phelan Valleria Pickett Ann & Richard Porras Suzanne Ramsey Nathalie Rennell Beth Reynolds & Bradley Burt Camille Ridley/Nico & Malina Peter & Jeane Robbeloth Virginia Savage Barbra Schwartz & Jeremy M. Helfgot Jessica Scianna Raj Sivananthan Tony Skrbek & Beverly Sloane Marilyn Slovak Daniel L. Smith Leslie Standerfer Margaret Stone & Jonathan Dee Trisa Summers Kathleen Sumner Orin & Mary Svarc Sherri Tanis Patricia Taylor Celia Vasfaret Tasha Vatistas Mary Walker Wilmore Washington Dayna Weary Jo & Don Wilson Cindy & David Winston Darcey Winterland & Blake Bulloch Peggy & Bob Withers Tandy Young Lisa Zelasko Linda Zeman Gayle Zerkel

Contributing Member

Ted Allmon Teresa Amabisca Teresa & Eugene Anderson Wayne & Julie Anderson Anonymous Association of the United States Army, Arizona Territorial Chapter Sheryl & Fred Barlam Teresita & Neil Barnett Jackie Barone David Bayliff William Becker Rosemary Berg Kristine Black Neva & Jim Bochenek George & Mary Ann Bradbury Dan Brown Saundra Bryn Ellen & John Buzga Mary & Ray Byke Cathy & John Calhoun Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cash, Jr. Brent Collins Christopher Cropley Karen & Harold Crutcher Susan & John Curtis Cheryl & John Dailey Michele F. Davis Doorenbos Family Richard Duke Flo & Paul Eckstein Rhonda Elifritz-Rix Patricia & Fred Farsjo Patricia Fimbres Ethan Fox Mary Ann Gallagher Ami Giardina Sarah & Brad Glenn Alyssa Ann Goldstein Morton L. Goodman & Kathleen Niederst Jennifer Greenberg Sharon & Tim Gregory Jeffrey Haggerty Eva & James Hamant Barbara & Joel Hanania Barbara & Ken Hand Maren Hanson Susan Harrison Linda & James Hazelwood Timothy Hill Kathy & Kenneth Hudson Elizabeth Hulst Frances Johnson-Gibbs Javae & John Jordan Dawn Kemp-Moye & Gordon Moye

Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan and Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan, ON YOUR FEET! Photo: Matthew Murphy

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ASU GAMMAGE INNER CIRCLE PO Box 870205 Tempe, AZ 85287-0205 480.965.5062 asugammage.com

Upcoming VIP Events Dance Theatre of Harlem

Tuesday, April 12 Performances for Students: Dance Theatre of Harlem 10:30 a.m. (performance) • 11:30 a.m. (reception) See your donation at work and join us for a special performance for students followed by a donor reception and Q&A. Exclusive VIP Club member benefit.

Tuesday, April 17 Opening Night Party: THE COLOR PURPLE 10:00 p.m. (approx) Join ASU Gammage and cast members from THE COLOR PURPLE for beverages and light hors d’oeuvres on Opening Night. Exclusive VIP member benefit (Directors Club Member and above).

Photo: Rachel Neville

THE COLOR PURPLE

Friday, April 20 Spring Donor Lunch: THE COLOR PURPLE 11:30 a.m.

Join ASU Gammage and cast members from THE COLOR PURPLE for lunch and conversation. Exclusive VIP member benefit (Kathryn Gammage Circle and above).

Adrianna Hicks (Celie) and the North American tour cast of THE COLOR PURPLE. Photo: Matthew Murphy

Please send your VIP Event RSVPs to Camille Ridley at camille.ridley@asu.edu or 480.965.9915