Yoshimi Battlesthe Pink Robots Know Before You Go Guide

KNOW 2012 BEFORENovember YOU GO

World Premiere Musical

BATTLES YOSHIMI THE PINK ROBOTS

november 6 december 16

BEFORE YOU GO

KNOW

We look forward to seeing you at La Jolla Playhouse at your upcoming performance of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.

Below is some additional information about the production and the venue to enhance your theater-going experience.

Parking Parking is free for all subscribers. For all others parking is $2 (subject to change), Mon-Fri. Upon arrival to campus, please purchase your parking permit from one of the automated pay stations located next to the information kiosk. Simply park, note your space number, and pay $2 at the pay station. Pay stations accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express or cash ($1 and $5), and do not give change. You will not need to return to your car. Parking is free on the weekends.

Dining JAI by Wolfgang Puck is located at La Jolla Playhouse as part of the theatre complex. The restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 pm on performance dates only. JAI’s menu features diverse Asian fusion cuisine ranging from miso sake broiled butterfish to crispy Cantonese duck. Executive Chef Ben Hong works closely with Chef Puck, drawing on his experience as executive chef at Puck’s Red 7, to create this extraordinary menu. Reservations Online: http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/fine-dining/3896 Other recommended nearby restaurants include: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 8970 University Center Lane, San Diego, CA 92122 www.flemingssteakhouse.com Aroma Café 909 Prospect St, Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92037 http://aromalajolla.com/ Pamplemousse Grille 514 Via de la Valle Ste 100, Solana Beach, CA 92075 http://www.pgrille.com/ Dolce, Pane E Vino 16081 San Dieguito Rd, Suite G1 A-B, PO Box 3484, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 www.dolcepanevino.com Guiseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering 700 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037 http://www.giuseppecatering.com/

Audience Engagement Events The Playhouse offers unique opportunities for audience members to delve deeper into the play with these special performance series options: Insider: Meet with a staff member 1 hour prior to the performance for an insider’s discussion.

- Wednesday, November 28 at 6:30 pm

- Sat, December 1 at 1:00 pm Talkback Tuesday: Join cast and crew for a discussion following the performance.

- Tuesday, November 13 following 7:30 pm performance

- Tuesday, November 20 following 7:30 pm performance Discovery Events: Explore the themes of the production with special guest speakers.

- Sunday, December 2 following the 2:00pm performance ADDITIONAL EVENTS The Art in Science Panel Discussion, Sunday, November 11 at 5:00 pm A conversation about creativity among San Diego’s leading scientists and La Jolla Playhouse artists Foodie Friday, Friday, December 7 at 6:00 pm Buy a ticket to Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and enjoy a complimentary microbrew tasting from Stone Brewing Company. Plus, food trucks God Save The Cuisine and Ms Patty Melt will be there with authentic British cuisine and classic griddled fare.

Innovation Night, Wednesday, December 5 at 5:30 pm The premier networking event for San Diego’s biotech, hgigh-tech and clean-tech industries.

Accessibility A golf cart is available to assist patrons with accessibility issues to and from the parking lot. Please notify the Box Office prior to your performance if you are in need of this service; additionally, you may pull into the five minute parking in front of the theatre, and a friendly La Jolla Playhouse greeter will assist you.

MISSION: La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form and as a vital social, moral and political platform by providing unfettered creative opportunities for the leading artists of today and tomorrow. With our youthful spirit and eclectic, artist-driven approach, we will continue to cultivate a local and national following with an insatiable appetite for audacious and diverse work. In the future, San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse will be considered singularly indispensable to the worldwide theatre landscape, as we become a permanent safe harbor for the unsafe and surprising. The day will come when it will be essential to enter the La Jolla Playhouse village in order to get a glimpse of what is about to happen in American theatre.

La Jolla Playhouse has received La Jolla Playhouse has received the the highest rating from Charity highest rating from Charity Navigator, Navigator, the nation’s premier the nation’s premier charity evaluator. charity evaluator.

P4 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe

CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

OUR MISSION

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR As our 2012/2013 subscription season draws to a close, it’s a natural time to take stock of the work we’ve shared with you over the last year. What I am most struck by is how each show in our season deals, in various ways, with battles. All good drama contains conflict, of course, but these six shows highlight war in its various incarnations: real and mythological; local and global; political and personal; gritty and magical.

The contestants in Hands on a Hardbody engage in an all-or-nothing battle of wills in order to secure their version of the American Dream; the spies at the center of Blood and Gifts attempt to sway the outcome of the Soviet war in Afghanistan; the emperor in The Nightingale walks away from love to save his kingdom from war; An Iliad explores humanity’s addiction to rage through a re-telling of the story of the Trojan War; Glengarry Glen Ross pits desperate salesman against each other in a brutal contest.

To end our season, we present Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots – a brand-new musical that explores a different kind of war: a fight that happens inside our bodies, and a biological vulnerability that we all, in some form, eventually face. But while the technology you will see tonight is innovative and revelatory, what attracts me to this story is the human component: this is, at its core, a love story with a beating heart.

The music is provided by The Flaming Lips, an iconic alt-rock band whose songs take listeners on a sonic adventure. Wayne Coyne’s introspective lyrics tackle themes of morality and mortality, and yet the band’s beautiful, lush music is nothing less than a celebration of the time we have on this planet.

The other creative catalyst for this project is someone with whom you are quite familiar. For nearly two decades, Des McAnuff’s was the defining vision and voice of La Jolla Playhouse. When the reins of this theatre were entrusted to me five years ago, I felt it was important that the Playhouse remain an artistic home for one of the major theatre artists of our time. Des’s productions are – like the concerts of The Flaming Lips – emotional, exciting events that have to be seen to be believed.

Thank you for your support of new American plays and musicals throughout this season; our commitment to new works would not be possible without you.

A MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR Thank you!

This has been another incredible season of new works and re-imagined classics. And we have continued our tradition of sending works on to other theatres around the country: An Iliad to Berkeley Rep, while the Playhouse-commissioned musical Hands on a Hardbody will be joining Jersey Boys and Chaplin on Broadway in February.

Our great success is entirely due to the phenomenal women and men who work here at the Playhouse. We literally could not do it without their artistry, acumen, knowledge, professionalism and commitment.

So to every artist, technician, staff member, volunteer and trustee – thank you for making La Jolla Playhouse the perfect place to see what is new and next in the American Theatre!

Twitter: @MrMikeRosenberg

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE presents Michael S. Rosenberg Managing Director

Christopher Ashley Artistic Director

STORY BY

Music and Lyrics by

Wayne Coyne & Des McAnuff

The Flaming Lips

Directed by

Des McAnuff Music Direction, Vocal/Dance Arrangements and Incidental Music

Ron Melrose ChoreographY BY

Bradley Rapier Featuring Mary Antonini*, Michael Balderrama*, Emmanuel Brown*, Richard Bulda*, LaMae Caparas*, Christopher JAMES Cortez, ‡ Chelsea Diggs-Smith, Kimiko Glenn*, Albert Guerzon*, John Haggerty*, Tom Hewitt*, KAREN LI, KatHERINE McGehee , ‡ Jack Mikesell , Vasthy Mompoint*, Paul Nolan*, Laurin Padolina*, Ian Paget*, Catherine Ricafort*, Jaz SealEy*, Jason Sermonia*, Julius Sermonia*, Pearl Sun*, Vaden Thurgood*, Nik Walker*, Jonny Wexler*, Jesse Wildman*

Conductor Orchestrator Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Video and Projection Design PuppetRY Design Fight Director HAIR AND WIG DESIGN Associate Choreographer Dramaturg Casting Production Stage Manager Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager Local Casting Director Associate Producer Production Manager

Jasper Grant Bill Brendle Robert Brill Paul Tazewell Michael Walton Steve Canyon Kennedy Sean Nieuwenhuis Basil Twist Steve Rankin CHARLES G. LaPOINTE Nicola Pantin Gabriel Greene Tara Rubin Casting Frank Hartenstein* Kelly Martindale* Erin Gioia Albrecht* Marike Fitzgerald Dana I. Harrel Linda S. Cooper

THE CAST (in order of appearance)

Kimiko Glenn..................................................................................................................................................Yoshimi Paul Nolan............................................................................................................................................................ Ben Nik Walker....................................................................................................................................................... Booker Jesse Wildman................................................. Secretary, Dr. Hart’s Wife, Patient, Shopper, Resident, Pink Robot Michael Balderrama..............................................................Sam, Orderly, Resident, Traveler, Trader, Pink Robot Jaz Sealey........................................................................................................ Ronnie, Resident, Trader, Pink Robot Julius Sermonia................................................... Head Waiter, Medical Technician, Hospital Worker, Pink Robot Jason Sermonia.............................Waiter, Medical Technician, Dr. Harvey’s Son, Bagger Boy, Trader, Pink Robot Mary Antonini............................................................................................................Waiter, Nurse, Biotech, Trader Jack Mikesell.......... Ambulance Driver, Dr. Hart’s Son, Cashier, Shopper, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot Albert Guerzon............................................................................................ Paramedic, Biotech, Trader, Pink Robot Jonny Wexler................................................................Paramedic, Dr. Hart’s Son, Medical Technician, Pink Robot Katherine McGehee..............................................................................................................................Kate, Trader Vasthy Mompoint...................................................................................................Nurse, Dr. Harvey’s Wife, Trader Laurin Padolina........................................................................................................Nurse, Orderly, Traveler, Trader Catherine Ricafort................................................................................................................................Nurse, Trader Pearl Sun............................................................................................................................................Mrs. Yasukawa John Haggerty................................................................................................................. Mr. Yasukawa, Pink Robot Tom Hewitt..............................................................................................................................................Dr. Petersen Emmanuel Brown.............................................................. Security Guard, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot Ian Paget............................................................................ Security Guard, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot LaMae Caparas........................................................ Karate Girl, Dr. Harvey’s Daughter, Patient, Flying Pink Robot Richard Bulda....................................................................................... Dr. Harvey, Medical Technician, Pink Robot Vaden Thurgood.............................................................................................. Dr. Hart, Traveler, Trader, Pink Robot Christopher James Cortez, Chelsea Diggs-Smith, Karen Li....................................................................Swings Setting An American city and another planet in the recent past Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is performed with a 15-minute intermission.

First Assistant Director...........................................................................Hunter Bird Second Assistant Director.................................................................. Hannah Ryan Associate Scenic Designer.................................................................Steven Kemp Associate Sound Designer/Production Engineer........................Walter Trarbach Associate Sound Designer.......................................................................Drew Levy Associate Puppetry Designer...............................................................Chris de Ville Assistant Costume Designer......................................................... Erick Sundquist First Assistant Lighting Designer........................................... Christian DeAngelis Second Assistant Lighting Designer.......................................... Sherrice M. Kelly Moving Light Programmer.......................................................................Bob Going

Assistant Video Designer............................................................................ Eric May Choreography Assistant................................................................................Karen Li Directing Assistant................................................................................Micah Frank Scenic Design Assistants........................................Brandon Kleiman, Julia C. Lee, Divya Murthy Kumar Production Assistants...................Kai Ling Clark, Katie Chen, Leighann Enos, Frankie Kraft Music Assistants................................................Cherie B. Tay, Russell Angelico Certified Athletic Trainer.................................................................Brad Matthews Flying by Foy

Dance Captain: Jason Sermonia; Fight Captain: Julius Sermonia Understudies Catherine Ricafort (Yoshimi); Ian Paget (Ben); Jaz Sealey (Booker); Julius Sermonia (Dr. Petersen) Chelsea Diggs-Smith (Mrs. Yasukawa); Richard Bulda (Mr. Yasukawa)

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE

» Fight Test » Mr. Ambulance Driver » Approaching Pavonis Mons By Balloon » Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part I » Goin’ On » Race for the Prize » Vein of Stars » Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Part II » One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21 » Waitin’ for a Superman » What Is the Light? » Suddenly Everything Has Changed » The Sound of Failure/It’s Dark… Is It Always This Dark?? » Satellite of You » The Gash » Are You a Hypnotist??

ACT TWO

» The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song » Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell » When You Smile » Sunship Balloons » Feeling Yourself Disintegrate » A Spoonful Weighs a Ton » In the Morning of the Magicians » All We Have Is Now » It’s Summertime » Do You Realize??

MUSICIANS Conductor/Keyboards .................................................................................................................................................................Jasper Grant Keyboards...............................................................................................................................................................................Taylor Peckham Guitars.........................................................................................................................................................................................Mark Shapiro Drums/Percussion..............................................................................................................................................................................Brian Dall Contractor.....................................................................................................................................................................................Lorin Getline Musical Sequences/Synthesizer Programming............................................................................................................................. Bill Brendle Musical Transcriptions.................................................................................................................................................................. Daniel Maté

Acknowledgements Ivor Royston, M.D. – Medical Consultant • Brian Donald – Paramedic Consultant • Ralph Bryan – Financial Market Consultant Kai Ling Clark – Martial Arts Consultant • Rancho Valencia • Hal and Debby Jacobs • Jeff and Deni Jacobs Sound and Video Equipment by Sound Associates • Sharp Business Systems • GP Motorcycles • Leather Magic Creativeconners.com – affordable, elegant automation for live theatre • Vespa Motorsports • Hugo Arellano and Fine, Shoe and Leather Repair Genesee Dry Cleaners • Gaspar Gloves – Theatrical Glove Maker • Anita Waxman • Chunsoo Shin • Ben Nelson • Cristina Benedetti Flipz Entertainment • Scrub Mart • UC San Diego Radiation Oncology • Amanda Friou • Samuel Hunter Production Transport• Donna Langman Costumes NYC • LJ Window Tinting This production is dedicated to the memory of Scott Alter

* Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association. ‡

UC San Diego M.F.A. Candidates in residence at La Jolla Playhouse.

All musicians are represented by the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

La Jolla Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre.

CONFIRMED FOR NEXT SEASON Re-Imagined Musical

SIDE SHOW

Book and lyrics by Bill Russell Music by Henry Krieger Directed by Bill Condon In Association with The Kennedy Center

Meant to Be Together

In the re-imagining of this cult Broadway musical, conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton are beautiful, talented sisters on the rise. But as they transform from circus novelties to famed stage stars, the strength of their bond is tested. Academy Award winner Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Chicago, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 and 2) directs this ground-breaking musical.

Winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play

2013 2014 SEASON

TRIBES

By Nina Raine

Learning to Listen

From rising British playwright Nina Raine, this contemporary new play is a savage, funny look at family dynamics and the challenges of communication. As the only deaf member of his sharp-tongued family, Billy has spent much of his life feeling out of place. But when he finds a new family in the deaf community, tensions reach an all-time high. A provocative and touching play about membership in your tribe – and hearing what isn’t said.

PLUS, 4 MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED!

Allison Case and Hunter Foster in Hands on a Hardbody; photo by Kevin Berne.

Packages start as low as $118 – Don’t wait, order your seats today!

Order at: (858) 550-1010 or LaJollaPlayhouse.org/Subscribe

WE’RE SO SURE YOU’LL LOVE NEXT SEASON— We’re Offering a Money-Back Guarantee on All Subscription Packages!

P10 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe

PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P10

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PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P11

P13 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe

P14 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe

In Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, an amazing synergy and R&D process is happening among the Playhouse production departments. Starting with the Costume Shop fashioning a robot suit that can light up and meet the demands of the choreography, to the Scene Shop facilitating the 3-D shell modeling, to the Electrics team building wireless LED light packs inside the costumes, to the Sound/Video department implementing custom-created technology to synchronize the scenery and projections in a whole new way – every department has been working together to make this thrilling, world-premiere musical come to life.

Sue Makkoo, Costume Shop Manager We started with a design rendering, which is an idea the designer would like to realize. One of the things that the robots had to do is go from being pink to white, so we first had to find a light source, and we decided on LED lights housed in shells. We then had to figure out what to build these out of and we explored a lot of different options – silicones and plastics and different molding techniques – and we landed on a vacu-formed plastic to give the suits optimal movement as well as lighting functionality.

Chris Borreson, Technical Director The robot pieces started as a sketch, then were turned into 3-D models that we created by programming our shop router to carve out shapes made of foam, called blanks. The blanks were then vacu-formed out of plastic. The small robots have 15-20 pieces, and the larger robot have 30-40 pieces, and each of those pieces needed its own specific mold, which was cut out, vacu-formed and then put together on the costume. And it was all done here at the Playhouse, which is really exciting.

Mike Lowe, Light Board Operator/Programmer It takes quite a bit of programming for the robot LED lights because there’s some very complicated choreography. We used the dolls as test models so that the choreographer could come in and we could work together to pre-program a lot of the lighting before we got the actors in on stage. The dolls each had a set-up of 3-color LEDs, allowing us to mix any color we wanted. Each one of the dolls had 8 different sets of lights that we could use, so we could light them separately – arms, torso, head, or legs. Everything reacted nice and quick, so we could do a lot of effects – a lot of bouncing, a lot of flashing, a lot of color changes.

Joe Huppert, Sound/Video Supervisor In this show, video is built into costumes and props, and also projected onto moving scenery. This required precise coordination with the projectors located all the way at the back of the theatre. We went to one of our vendors and had software custom built, which allowed us to create tightly coordinated scenery and projection moves, easily. Normally we’d have to program the piece of scenery to move and then program the video projection to move and hope that they line up. But if the director makes a change or if a motor fails, the video – if it’s pre-programmed – won’t be able to track the change in scenic movement. With this software, if the scenery movement changes, the video will stay with it, which is a new and inexpensive way to integrate projections on stage.

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

HISTORY

In 1947, three Hollywood legends – Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer – founded La Jolla Playhouse (originally called “The Actors Company”).

For 18 summers, Hollywood actors honed their craft on the stage – luminaries such as Vincent Price, Eartha Kitt, Ginger Rogers, David Niven, Eve Arden and Groucho Marx. It was “the place to be,” according to Peck, until 1959, when production was suspended to focus on fundraising to build a permanent, world-class theatre.

Leading these fundraising efforts was La Jolla Playhouse Women’s Committee president Marion Longstreth. The project came to the attention of Dr. Roger Revelle, UC San Diego Provost at that time, and the new venue found its home on the university campus.

In 1972, future Playhouse Trustee and Professor Emeritus Arthur Wagner was recruited to start a graduate acting program at UC San Diego, and with its establishment came more serious discussions about building an exciting theatre district on campus. With contributions from generous donors across the county, the new La Jolla Playhouse was born in 1983.

That same year, the Board appointed a young Artistic Director named Des McAnuff, who went on to lead the Playhouse for nearly 20 years. His adventurous vision and leadership established the Playhouse’s reputation as a nationally-renowned theatre dedicated to the development of new work.

His first few seasons included such productions as Big River, which went on to win seven Tony Awards on Broadway, The Who’s Tommy and Lee Blessing’s A Walk in the Woods. This tremendous body of bold work earned the Playhouse the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

In 1997, McAnuff stepped down, and the theatre appointed UC San Diego MFA graduate Michael Greif as Artistic Director, who brought with him the Broadway smash hit Rent to the Playhouse on its first national tour. In 2001, Des McAnuff returned to the helm for a second stint, and for six more years he brought his inimitable touch to the Playhouse, directing such productions as Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, an acclaimed revival of The Wiz and the international mega-hit Jersey Boys.

To date, La Jolla Playhouse has sent 23 productions to Broadway, commissioned 40 new works, and launched 70 world premieres, all of which have garnered more than 300 awards, including 35 Tony Awards for Playhouse productions on Broadway.

During this time the theatre also launched its signature Page To Stage Play Development program, inaugurated with Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife, which later went on to win the Pulitzer Prize. The program’s recent offering, Peter and the Starcatcher, went on to Broadway and won five Tony Awards in 2012.

McAnuff also initiated the Playhouse’s Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour which commissions and tours a brand new show for young audiences each year.

Following a hugely successful capital campaign, ground was broken in 2003 on the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center for La Jolla Playhouse, which included the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, new administrative offices and enhanced rehearsal and production facilities.

In 2007, Christopher Ashley was appointed Artistic Director. Since coming on board, he has directed several new plays, musicals and classics, including the world premiere of Claudia Shear’s Restoration, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, his Tony-nominated Broadway production of Xanadu and the hit musical Memphis, which transferred to New York and won the 2010 Tony Award for Best Musical.

Ashley established the Resident Theatre Program, which offers a temporary home to up-and-coming local performing arts groups. He also enhanced the Playhouse’s commissioning program, currently featuring 10 artists under commission, which made possible the development of the world-premiere musical Hands on a Hardbody this season.

In 2011 Ashley launched the Playhouse’s acclaimed site-based performance series, “Without Walls” (WoW). The first three WoW productions have been sold-out successes, and the program will culminate in a major WoW Festival in October, 2013.

To date, La Jolla Playhouse has sent 23 productions to Broadway, commissioned 40 new works, and launched 70 world premieres, all of which have garnered more than 300 awards, including 35 Tony Awards for Playhouse productions on Broadway. The theatre’s deep roots in the community, along with its mission of developing new work and serving as a safe harbor for artists, have helped establish the institution’s tremendous international reputation and have made the Playhouse the place to look for what’s next on the American Theatre landscape.

La Jolla Playhouse founders (L-R): Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer. Playhouse Trustee Arthur Wagner with wife Molli; Playhouse Director Emeritus Des McAnuff; The Who’s Tommy; photo by Ken Howard. Ron Choularton and Christian Borle in The Playhouse’s Page To Stage production of Peter and the Starcatchers; photo by Ken Jacques. Tatyana Petruk in Midsummer Night’ts Dream; photo by Craig Schwartz. Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley; photo by Carol Rosegg; Montego Glover and the cast of Memphis; photo by Kevin Berne. Playhouse’s Without Walls production of Susurrus; photo by David Leddy.

THE COMPANY Mary Antonini, Waiter, Nurse, Biotech, Trader is so thrilled to be back at La Jolla Playhouse with the pink robots. She was part of Jesus Christ Superstar at The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse and recently on Broadway. Ms. Antonini has worked at Stratford for three seasons, including West Side Story, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Camelot, Peter Pan, as well as originating the role of Tina in King of Thieves. She was also a company member of Helix Dance Project and graduate of The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts.

Thank you so much to DaCosta, mum and Christine, and love to the ladle.

Christopher James Cortez, Swing is thrilled to have Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots as his first professional theatrical production. Mr. Cortez graduated from UC San Diego in June 2012 with a B.A. in Theatre and Dance. UCSD credits: Michal in The Pillowman, Kudryash in The Storm, The Messenger in Seven Against Thebes, Friar Timoteo in La Mandragola and King Ferdinand in Sexual Selection. TV credits: Zoey 101, Unfabulous, Tony Park in It Ain’t Right. Film: Harold Cisneros in Fifth Form. Commercial credits: Nike, Skype, Suzuki, Hewlett Packard and Target. In memory of my friend Jesus Perez and for my Auntie Christina, keep fighting.

Michael Balderrama, Sam, Hospital Worker, Resident, Traveler, Trader, Pink Robot Broadway: Saturday Night Fever (Cesar); Urban Cowboy (T. “Trouble” Williams); Movin’ Out (performed Tony & Sgt. Oleary); Hot Feet (Anthony); In the Heights (performed Usnavi & Graffiti Pete); Ghost (Willie Lopez). Regional: West Side Story (Bernardo); The King and I (Simon). Directing/Choreography: Chicago, Annie, Rent, Hairspray, The Drowsy Chaperone, Phantom of the Opera (Starlight Theater). CEO/Founder: Silver Towers Productions LLC. Co-Founder: R.Evolucion Latina (revolucionlatina.org).

Chelsea Diggs-Smith, Swing is honored to return to La Jolla Playhouse! She was recently seen in the Playhouse’s Page To Stage production of The Nightingale. Favorite credits include: Hot Box Girl/Sarah u/s in Guys and Dolls (Lamb’s Players Theatre); The Producers and Evita (Theatre By the Sea); Seven Brides... (Show Palace Theatre); Isabelle in Amour and Katherina in Taming of the Shrew (Shenandoah Conservatory). B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, Shenandoah Conservatory. Special thanks to the cast and the creative team for their support, and endless love to her husband and family. All glory to God!

Emmanuel Brown, Security Guard, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot is proud to be making his La Jolla Playhouse debut with Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots! Broadway: Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Other credits include: Sucker Punch (Studio Theatre); Bruce Lee: Journey to the West (42nd St. Theatre); Layla’s Dream (New Federal Theatre); Lyrical Arts (American Theatre of Actors); Don Omar: King of Kings International Tour; Pepsi Smash; Latin Billboards; ABC Primetime, Rescue Me. B.F.A. (Acting) - University of Florida, 2004. Thanks to God, family and friends for their continued love and support.

Kimiko Glenn, Yoshimi La Jolla Playhouse: The Nightingale. Off-Broadway: Freckleface Strawberry (New World Stages). First National Tour: Spring Awakening. Film: Hairbrained, Nous York and Construction (all upcoming). Other theatre: Yeast Nation (Fringe Festival). Favorite workshops/ readings include: The Nightingale (NY Stage & Film), The Pregnancy Pact, Crossing Over (NAAP), Diary of a Teenage Girl (Sundance Lab) and ABC’s 2011 Diversity Showcase. www.kimikoglenn.com

Richard Bulda, Dr. Harvey, Medical Technician, Pink Robot makes his La Jolla Playhouse debut! Regional credits include: Cats (Macavity), West Side Story (Action, Bernardo), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Benjamin Pontipee), A Chorus Line (Al Deluca), Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie), Gigi (Duclou), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Levi), Damn Yankees (Linville), Evita (Mario). Los Angeles Opera: The Ring Cycle, Eugene Onegin, Romeo et Juliette, Fidelio, Falstaff, The Merry Widow. San Diego Opera: Moby Dick, Aida, Samson and Delilah, Faust, Tannhauser, Der Fledermaus. Love to Michelle, Renee and Kendall, BFF Katerina, and friends and family for their support! And to Peggy, who fought her own pink robots victoriously!

LaMae Caparas, Karate Girl, Dr. Harvey’s Daughter, Patient, Flying Pink Robot is thrilled to be a warrior in this spectacular production!

Broadway: The Lion King, South Pacific. First National Tours: Fosse (Lead), The King & I. Other: Miss Saigon, Chita Rivera & Friends, Disney, The Real Live Show, The Knocks (A&M/ Interscope). Film & TV, appearances as the Jedi Princess Ahsoka Tano of The Clone Wars (LucasFilms). Choreographer, teacher and mentor with non-profit orgs: The Bridge educational & arts program and Make A Better Place. B.A. in Corporate Communications & Sociology. Special thanks to Bradley, Flipz Ent., Moshe and the wonderful Yoshimi team. For Dad!

Albert Guerzon, Paramedic, Biotech, Trader, Pink Robot is thankful to return to La Jolla Playhouse. Broadway credits: Mamma Mia! and Ghost. Other favorite credits: Mamma Mia! (2nd national tour); the world premiere of The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Twyla Tharp (Old Globe); The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse); Flower Drum Song (AMTSJ); Prison Dancer (NYMF); Cutman (Goodspeed); David Byrne’s Here Lies Love and Miss Saigon. He has also danced and choreographed for Emii feat.

Snoop Dogg, Kaci Battaglia, Ludacris and NY Fashion Week. Love you ES! www.albertguerzon.com John Haggerty, Mr. Yasukawa, Pink Robot Les Miserables on Broadway, Toronto, National Tour.

New York theatre includes The Directors Company, EST, Mirror Rep, MultiStages, TACT, York, Wings, et al.

Regional: Barnstormers, Forestburgh Playhouse, North Carolina Shakespeare Festival, Media Theatre, Red House, Wheelock. London: Union Theatre, Wimbledon Studios. Paris: voiceover/dubbing for features, docs. B.A., Brown University.

Tom Hewitt, Dr. Petersen La Jolla Playhouse: Zhivago, Dracula: The Musical. Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar, Chicago, Dracula: The Musical, The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk nominations), The Boys from Syracuse, The Lion King, School for Scandal, The Sisters Rosenzweig. National Tours: Urinetown, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Touring Broadway Award), Peter Pan. Off-Broadway: Treasure Island, Jeffery, Beau Jest (Outer Critics nomination), Richard III, Othello.

Recent regional credits: Kiss Me, Kate (Reprise!, Muny); Flea in Her Ear (Williamstown); Private Lives and Travesties (Long Wharf; CT Critics Circle Award); Compleat Female Stage Beauty (Old Globe); Uncle Vanya (Arena

THE COMPANY Stage); Racing Demon and Blithe Spirit (Guthrie); Antony and Cleopatra (Shakespeare Theater). Performances throughout Japan, Europe and the U.S. with the Suzuki Company of Toga. TV/Film: Law & Order, Third Watch, Frasier, All My Children, narration for the Discovery, History and National Geographic channels and Julie Taymor’s Fools’ Fire. Training: PTTP currently at U. of Delaware. Tom is a native of Montana.

KAREN LI, Swing graduated from UC San Diego with a double major in Theatre and Dance. She is the assistant coach of the nationally-ranked UCSD Dancesport team and has appeared as a competitor on Dancing with the Stars. Recent credits: Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, Golden Child, Gas House Baby (UCSD).

Katherine McGehee, Kate, Trader La Jolla Playhouse: Ether Dome (reading). Off-Broadway: Wounds to the Face (Chashama/Room5001 Theatre). Film: Due Date, Lucky Stiff. Television: As the World Turns. UCSD credits: Gas House Baby, Spring Awakening, Bodies in the Park, Threepenny Opera (UCSD). Other NYC theatre: The Children, Have I None, God of Happiness. Ms. McGehee was also the co-founder and co-artistic director of Room5001 Theatre in New York City.

She is a proud member of UCSD’s M.F.A. in Acting program and will be graduating in March of 2013. Much love to her family, Mom, Dad and Rachel, for all their support. www.katherinemcgehee.com Jack Mikesell, Ambulance Driver, Dr. Hart’s Son, Cashier, Shopper, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot is a third year M.F.A. candidate in Theatre Performance at UC San Diego. Originally from Idaho, Mr. Mikesell earned his B.A. at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Recent credits include: Fred Stevens in June Moon, Khonan in The Dybbuk, Walt Dreary in The Threepenny Opera, Map Quest (UCSD); Small Prophecies, Santa Barbarians (Baldwin New Play Festival); Alex in The Little Dog Laughed; King of France in King Lear and Peter Van Daan in Anne Frank (UNLV).

Vasthy Mompoint, Nurse, Dr. Harvey’s Wife, Trader La Jolla Playhouse debut! Original Broadway shows include Good Vibrations, Hot Feet, Fannie in Mary Poppins and Orticia in Ghost. She also appeared in the national tour of Ragtime. Select regional credits include: Aida in Aida; Dionne in Hair; Helene in Sweet Charity; New Rhythm in My One and Only; Marteka in Robin and the 7 Hoods; Wendy Joe in Footloose; Gladys in 42nd Street and Brenda in Smokey Joe’s Café. Vasthy was also the voice of Layla for two seasons of Fox Kids’ The Winx Club and has worked with Gloria Gaynor, Edwin Starr and Michael Jackson. She sends love to PGC, teachers, friends and family here and in Haiti.

Paul Nolan, Ben Broadway: Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar; Radames in Aida (also at Kansas City Starlight). La Jolla Playhouse: Jesus Christ Superstar. Stratford Shakespeare Festival: Jesus Christ Superstar, Orlando (As You Like It), The Winter’s Tale, Tony (West Side Story), Valvert (Cyrano), Bobby (Cabaret), Slim (Oklahoma!), King Lear. Elsewhere: Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Persephone); Curly in Oklahoma! (Aquarius); Henry in Jasper Station (Lighthouse Festival); Danny in Grease (Stage West Mississauga); Bill in Kiss Me, Kate (Sunshine Festival); Huck in Big River (Drayton); Young Hercules in Hercules (Disney); Lucentio in Romancin’ the One I Love (Winter Garden); Rafe in One Night Stand (London, England); Mamma Mia! (Mirvish). Film/TV: Bridegroom (The Gospel of John), Alex (Shapeshifter), Schumacher (Strike!), Cruel Intentions 2, On My Mind. Training: Birmingham Conservatory (2009), Randolph Academy. Awards: John Hirsch Guthrie Award (2010). Big thanks to Allan Detsky and Rena Mendelson.

Laurin Padolina, Nurse, Hospital Worker, Traveler, Trader Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar. Workshop: Super Fly The Musical directed by Bill T. Jones. Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (La Jolla Playhouse, Stratford Shakespeare Festival); Camelot (Stratford Shakespeare Festival). Film: Spectacular!, Sur Le Rythme, Centre Stage: Turn It Up, Reefer Madness. TV: 2012 Tony Awards, The View, The L Word. Other: Broadway Bares XXII, Cirque Fantastic. Et cetera: Ms. Padolina is happy as a clam to be returning to La Jolla Playhouse and her beloved west coast roots. Gratitude to Des, Ron and Bradley for allowing me to partake in the dazzling world of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Love you MOM! Ian Paget, Security Guard, Medical Technician, Trader, Pink Robot is so excited to be joining the La Jolla family and is extremely honored to be working on this project with such an amazing cast and creative team! His recent credits include: original Broadway cast of Leap of Faith (Dance Captain); Mamma Mia! (Pepper u/s). West End: West Side Story (Arab). TV/Film: Rock of Ages, Step Up Revolution, America’s Got Talent, The 2012 Tony Awards, Betty White’s 90th Birthday Special (NBC) and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Special thanks to my agents at CTG, Tara Rubin Casting and the entire creative team. Infinite love to Mom, Dad and all my friends for their endless support!

Follow me @ijpaget!

Catherine Ricafort, Nurse, Trader is excited to join La Jolla Playhouse! She comes straight from Mamma Mia! on Broadway, where she played Ali in the 10th anniversary cast. She originated the lead role of Cherish in Prison Dancer, an original web series and stage musical (2012 NYMF Award). Ms. Ricafort appeared on NBC’s The Sing-Off as a soloist with The Backbeats (Top 3). Other favorites: A Chorus Line (Connie, 1st national tour); On the Town (Ivy u/s, Paper Mill Playhouse). B.S. Industrial Engineering, University of Southern California. Thanks to God, Des, Ron, Bradley, KSR and Tara Rubin Casting. Hugs to my family, Scott, friends, teachers. www.catherinericafort.com Jaz Sealey, Ronnie, Resident, Trader, Pink Robot is extremely happy to be returning to La Jolla Playhouse after appearing in last year’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar (Neil Simon Theatre). Selected theatre credits: Twelfth Night, Kiss Me Kate, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Misanthrope (Stratford Shakespeare Festival); Dirty Dancing (Mirvish); Chad in High School Musical (Drayton); Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (Theatre Aquarius); Guys and Dolls (MTC, Citadel, Theatre Calgary) and six productions with Rainbow Stage in his home town of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Love to my Mignon. Habbagoodah Mom! Jason Sermonia, Waiter, Medical Technician, Dr. Harvey’s Son, Bagger Boy, Trader, Pink Robot Thrilled to be back at La Jolla Playhouse! Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar (John) – Broadway, La Jolla Playhouse, Stratford Shakespeare Festival; Disney’s The Lion King (Las Vegas company); Dirty Dancing, We Will Rock You, Disney’s The Lion King (Mirvish Productions); Luis in West Side Story, Noodler in Peter Pan (Citadel Theatre); Camelot, Anything Goes and Guys and Dolls (Stratford Shakespeare Festival). Film & TV: Chicago, Honey and A Brave New Girl. Always a pleasure and honor to work alongside my brother Julius. Many thanks to my family, fiancé Melanie, friends and The T. House Gang for their love and support.

THE COMPANY Julius Sermonia, Head Waiter, Medical Technician, Hospital Worker, Pink Robot La Jolla Playhouse: James in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Broadway/National Tours: James (u/s Peter) in Jesus Christ Superstar; Mistoffelees in Cats; Contact. Stratford Shakespeare Festival: Chino in West Side Story; Luke in Anything Goes; New Rhythm Boy in My One and Only; Protean in A Funny Thing…Forum; Evita; Cabaret; Camelot; Kiss Me Kate; Oklahoma; Guys & Dolls. Selected theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (MTC); Miss Saigon (PCLO); Beauty and the Beast (Grand Theatre); West Side Story (Citadel); Hair (CanStage). Mr. Sermonia wishes to thank Des and Bradley for this opportunity, also love and gratitude to family and friends. Twitter @JuliusSermonia Pearl Sun, Mrs. Yasukawa Recent credits include: Merrily We Roll Along (City Center Encores); over 50 performances in the Tony Award-winning role of Diana Goodman in Next to Normal (1st National Tour) and Happiness (Lincoln Center Theatre). Broadway: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Off-Broadway/ Regional: tick, tick... Boom! (Westport Country Playhouse); Long Story Short (City Theatre Pittsburgh, TheatreWorks Palo Alto - Bay Area Critics Award nomination); The Seven (NYTW/La Jolla Playhouse); Walmartopia (Minetta Lane). TV: The Good Wife (CBS). Special thanks to Tara Rubin, Talent House, Johannes and Mamma.

Vaden Thurgood, Dr. Hart, Traveler, Trader, Pink Robot is honored to be at La Jolla Playhouse and part of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Let this epic ride begin! Other regional credits include: Rocky in Damn Yankees: Red Sox Version (Ogunquit Playhouse); Vernon in Damn Yankees (Paper Mill Playhouse, 5th Avenue Theater). Cruise Line credits: Singer/Dancer (Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Holland America Lines). Theme Parks: Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. Original Album: Ideal Find (iTunes). Mom, Pop, Fred and Becky: Thank you so much for your love, encouragement and support of me in all areas of life. Thanks also to Mr. Craig Holzberg, friends and family.

Nik Walker, Booker is overjoyed to make his La Jolla Playhouse debut, especially in a show by a band he’s been jamming to since 8th grade!

Recent street cred includes Into the Woods (Baltimore Centerstage/Westport Country Playhouse, dir. Mark Lamos); Rio the Musical (New York Musical Theater Festival); Miss Saigon (Ogunquit Playhouse). Love and thanks to God, Mom, Smolowe and the boys and all fam/friends, The Mine Talent Agency, Tara Rubin Casting, Des and all the talented mofos in this show, and Christoph Waltz, Tarantino and J-Foxx for bringing us Django Unchained. Nik dedicates his performance to Sarah. www.nikwalkersworld.com.

Jonny Wexler, Paramedic, Dr. Hart’s Son, Medical Technician, Pink Robot is thrilled to be appearing in his first La Jolla Playhouse production. Best known for his work on The Doodlebops, including a CBS cartoon, three seasons on Playhouse Disney, performances on The Today Show Concert Series, ABC’s Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, and 600+ shows worldwide. Other credits include: Peter in Peter Pan (Drayton Entertainment); Chad in High School Musical (Neptune Theatre); Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life (Grand Theatre); Winthrop in The Music Man (Stratford Festival). Featured in the upcoming films Awakened and For Billy…. Thanks Des, Alison, Susan, Chris, Mark, Kylen, my parents and my little babe!

THE COMPANY Jesse Wildman, Secretary, Dr. Hart’s Wife, Patient, Shopper, Resident, Pink Robot La Jolla Playhouse: Debut! Broadway: Ghost. Tours: Mona in Chicago; Guys & Dolls. Favorite regional: Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show (ReVision Theatre); Rhoda in White Christmas (TUTS); 42nd Street (Fulton Opera House); Radio City Rockette. Love & hugs to Des, Ron, Jasper, Bradley and Tara Rubin Casting for letting me be a part of something so special. For the strongest warrior I know—my Dad. Wayne Coyne, Co-Author, Story The Flaming Lips, Music & Lyrics The Flaming Lips have become one of the most innovative, influential and respected names in modern rock music. They are perhaps the perfect example of what is possible when a unique artistic vision fueled by a fearless will to innovate is propelled forward by indefatigable and relentless perseverance. “No one works harder than The Flaming Lips,” wrote the Chicago Sun-Times. Since 1983, a world-curious Wayne Coyne formed a band based less on musical proficiency and more on a pure love of rock music and all its possibilities to form what we now know as The Flaming Lips, along with his brother Mark singing lead and Michael Ivins on bass guitar. Various permutations later, they have arrived at the current and definitive line up of Wayne Coyne (vocals, guitar, bass, bullhorn, Space Bubble, etc.), Steven Drozd (guitars, keys, drums, vocals and magic), Michael Ivins (bass and then some), aided and abetted by Kliph Scurlock (drums) and Derek Brown (guitars, keys, percussion). Their albums include Hear It Is, Oh My Gawd!!!, Telepathic Surgery, In a Priest Driven Ambulance, Hit to Death in the Future Head, Transmissions from the Satellite Heart, Clouds Taste Metallic, Zaireeka, The Soft Bulletin, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, At War with the Mystics, Embryonic, The Dark Side of the Moon, The Flaming Lips and Heady Fwends and coming in early 2013, The Terror. DVD releases include: The Fearless Freaks (documentary), VOID (a collection of videos, etc), U.F.O.’s at the Zoo (live performance). Their various recorded collaborations, scores and soundtrack placements are innumerous. The Flaming Lips are well known for their highly-theatrical and emotionally-charged in-concert spectacles, where the audience is empowered to participate in the vividly-hued, multi-sensational experience along with the band to create some kind of utopian higher state of collective awareness and bliss. It is a communal happening like nothing on earth or elsewhere. Through the years, The Lips have performed on Beverly Hills 90210, Charmed, and numerous times on Letterman, Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, MTV, VH1, The Colbert Report and much more. In 2001, Coyne and Co. directed, starred and scored their own independently-produced Holiday Science Fiction concept film, Christmas on Mars, which remains a cult classic in theaters and television every Christmas season since. The Flaming Lips have earned countless nominations and awards throughout their career and are multiple Grammy Award winners in the following categories: “Best Rock Instrumental Performance” in 2003, “Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical” in 2007 and “Best Rock Instrumental” in 2007. More recently, in March 2009 The Flaming Lips’ breakthrough composition, “Do You Realize??” was voted upon and unanimously announced as the prestigious “Official Rock Song of Oklahoma” by the Oklahoma Senate. And now, with the arrival of their first-ever live stage production of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at the celebrated La Jolla Playhouse, the career path of Wayne Coyne, along with The Flaming Lips, appears to have come full circle. What happens in the future, well, you’ll have to wait and see…

THE COMPANY Des McAnuff, Co-Author, Story / Director is director emeritus of the La Jolla Playhouse, where during over 18 years as Artistic Director he directed more than 30 productions of Shakespeare and other classics, new plays, and musicals. During his two tenures, he opened all three of the Playhouse’s theatres and helped develop the graduate residency program, the POP Tour for young audiences, and the Page to Stage program. His adventurous leadership won the Playhouse 200 awards for excellence, including the Tony for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Fifteen productions were sent to Broadway, beginning with Big River in 1985 (which received Tony awards for Best Director and Musical). The two-time Tony, Olivier, and Dora Award-winning director’s other La Jolla productions which went on to Broadway include Jesus Christ Superstar, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award), Dracula, How to Succeed…, The Who’s Tommy (also co-authored with Pete Townshend, Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Director; Olivier: Best Musical), and A Walk in the Woods.

As immediate past Artistic Director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, he mounted 69 productions and filmed Caesar and Cleopatra, The Tempest, and Twelfth Night for Canadian wide theatrical release to sold-out audiences across the country. Opera: Faust at the Metropolitan Opera and English National Opera and Wozzeck at the San Diego Opera. Film: Cousin Bette and The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (director), The Iron Giant (Producer), and Quills (executive producer). This year he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada. In June 2011 he was honored with a doctorate from Ryerson University and in 2005 he received the prestigious Julia Hansen Award for lifetime achievement in directing.

Ron Melrose, Music Direction, Vocal/Dance Arrangements, Incidental Music Thirty-five-years of Broadway music directing/arranging, from The Act to Jersey Boys. In development: Super Fly, A Bronx Tale. Other collaborations with Des McAnuff: The Wiz (LJP); Sinatra (Radio City).

Composer: Superdimensional Microbabes (anime-based chamber musical); Fourtune (Off-Broadway); The Silver Swan (National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship); three theatrical CDs (The Missing Peace, Early One Morning, Songs I Won’t Be Singing); two Harvard Hasty Pudding shows; a gospel-based Requiem; and single songs for church, choir, cabaret and Saturday Night Live. Education: Harvard (philosophy), Westminster (choral conducting). Now Californian. Thanks and love to Alexandra.

Bradley “Shooz” Rapier, Choreographer Credits: Once on This Island (Paper Mill Playhouse); Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway, La Jolla Playhouse, Stratford Festival: associate choreographer). Founder/artistic director/choreographer: The Groovaloos (Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Ellen, Jimmy Fallon, Wayne Brady Show, grand champions on Superstars of Dance). Bespoke Theatricals Motown workshop (co-choreographer). Once on This Island (Reprise Theatre— NAACP Award); City Kid - The Musical (Ovation Award, NAACP Award). Co-creator/director of choreography: Groovaloo - Freestyle (Union Square Theatre, The Joyce, OCPAC, Nat’l tour). Many thanks to Des McAnuff, Julie McDonald, my lovely wife Joanie and beautiful family! God is good! www.bradleyrapier.com

Robert Brill, Scenic Designer Robert Brill’s collaborations with Des McAnuff include Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway, La Jolla Playhouse, Stratford); Faust (Met Opera/ENO); Wozzeck (SD Opera); Sinatra (Radio City) and numerous productions for the Playhouse and the Stratford Festival, including The Wiz, Henry V, The Tempest, Caesar and Cleopatra and Christopher Plummer’s A Word or Two. His other designs for Broadway include Guys and Dolls, Assassins (Tony nominations), Cabaret, Design for Living and Buried Child. Additional credits include White Noise (Chicago); Robin and the Seven Hoods (Old Globe); On the Record (Disney); American in Paris (Boston Ballet); Clockwork Orange (Steppenwolf); The Laramie Project and the world première of Moby-Dick for Dallas Opera, San Diego, San Francisco and others.

Founding member of Sledgehammer Theatre and recipient of the Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration, and 2011 La Jolla Playhouse Honors Award.

Paul Tazewell, Costume Designer La Jolla Playhouse: Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, The Wiz, Private Fittings, Palm Beach. Broadway: A Streetcar Named Desire, Memphis, In the Heights, The Color Purple, Bring in ’da Noise… (Tony nominations); Magic/Bird, Jesus Christ Superstar, Lombardi, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, Caroline, or Change, A Raisin in the Sun, Drowning Crow, Elaine Stritch: At Liberty, On the Town, Fascinating Rhythm, Def Poetry Jam. Off-Broadway: Ruined, McReele, Flesh and Blood, Fame, Boston Marriage, Harlem Song. Stratford Shakespeare Festival: A Word or Two, Pirates of Penzance, Henry V, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Tempest, Macbeth, Caesar and Cleopatra, Romeo and Juliet.

Regional: Guthrie, NYSF, Old Globe, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance, Pasadena Playhouse. Opera: Faust (English National Opera); Porgy and Bess (Chicago Lyric, San Francisco Opera, L.A. Opera, Washington Opera); Magdalena (Théâtre du Châtelet); Little Women (New York City Opera, Glimmerglass Opera); Treemonisha (St. Louis Opera). Awards: Three Helen Hayes Awards plus Lucille Lortel, Jefferson, Princess Grace and Irene Sharaff awards.

Michael Walton, Lighting Designer Mr. Walton has collaborated with Des McAnuff on a number of productions at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, including A Word or Two (starring Christopher Plummer), Henry V, Twelfth Night, Macbeth, As You Like It and The Tempest. His other designs for the Stratford Festival include The Misanthrope, The Matchmaker, The King of Thieves, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. Mr. Walton has designed throughout Canada where his credits include: Next to Normal (TC/ Citadel Theatre); The Rocky Horror Show, Little Women: The Musical, (Citadel); Maria Stuarda (Pacific Opera); And Slowly Beauty, The Year of Magical Thinking (Belfry/ National Arts Centre); The 39 Steps, Blood Brothers (Theatre Aquarius); Cruel and Tender (Canadian Stage Company); The Last Five Years, The Drawer Boy (Grand Theatre), and the upcoming Canadian Opera Company production of Cosi Fan Tutte, directed by Atom Egoyan.

Steve Canyon Kennedy, Sound Designer La Jolla Playhouse: Hands on a Hardbody, Zhivago, Jersey Boys, Rent, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Randy Newman’s Faust, Harmony and The Who’s Tommy. He served as the production engineer on such Broadway shows as Cats, Starlight Express, Song & Dance, The Phantom of the Opera, Carrie and Aspects of Love. His Broadway sound design credits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Catch Me If You Can, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Jersey Boys (Drama Desk Award), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays, Hairspray, The Producers, Aida, Titanic, Big, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Carousel and The Who’s Tommy (Drama Desk Award).

THE COMPANY SEAN NIEUWENHUIS, Video and Projection Designer Selected credits – Theatre: Jesus Christ Superstar (Broadway); A Word or Two, Wanderlust, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cabaret (Stratford); Mythbusters Live, Larry King – Standing Up (Tour); Anne of Green Gables (Confederation Centre); Romeo and Juliet (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre). Opera: Faust (Metropolitan Opera); Nixon in China (San Francisco Opera); Lillian Alling, The Magic Flute (Vancouver Opera).

Event: Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Et cetera: Mr. Nieuwenhuis’ studio, Sensory Overload Productions Inc., designs and produces visual support for industrials, broadcast events and large-scale projections. Thanks to Des for the opportunity to play with robots and be a part of this amazing team.

Basil Twist, Puppetry Design is thrilled to be returning to the Playhouse and working with Des and his team for the first time. Originally from San Francisco, Mr. Twist is a third generation puppeteer who lives and works in New York City, and is the sole American graduate of the Ecole Superieure Nationale des Arts de la Marionnette in France. His original stage and opera creations have included The Araneidae Show, Symphonie Fantastique, Petrushka, Master Peter’s Puppet Show, Dogugaeshi, La Bella Dormente nel Bosco, Hansel and Gretel and Arias with a Twist. His Broadway credits include The Pee Wee Herman Show and The Addams Family. He has partnered with such premiere institutions as The Spoleto Festival, Lincoln Center Festival and The Japan Society, among others. He has received numerous awards including an OBIE, five UNIMA Awards for Excellence in Puppetry, Bessie Awards, a Drama Desk and a Doris Duke Performing Artist Award. He is the Artistic Director of the Dream Music Puppetry Program at HERE in NYC. Twist will return to the Playhouse in fall of 2013 with a site-specific work for the Without Walls project.

Steve Rankin, Fight Director La Jolla Playhouse: Bonnie & Clyde; Memphis; The Farnsworth Invention; The Wiz; Zhivago; Palm Beach; Jersey Boys; Dracula, The Musical; The Who’s Tommy; Elmer Gantry; The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. Broadway: Memphis; Bonnie & Clyde; Guys and Dolls; The Farnsworth Invention; Jersey Boys; Dracula; Henry IV, Parts I and II; The Who’s Tommy; Twelfth Night; Two Shakespearean Actors; Getting Away with Murder and Anna Christie. Off-Broadway: The Third Story; Pig Farm, The Real Inspector Hound, The Night Hank Williams Died and Below the Belt. Stratford Shakespeare Festival: Romeo and Juliet; Caesar and Cleopatra; Macbeth; Henry V. Metropolitan Opera: Rodelinda; Boris Godenov; Faust; Iphegenie at Tauride. Mr. Rankin plays mandolin with the New Folk Artist Susie Glaze and the HiLonesome Band.

CHARLES G. LaPOINTE, Hair and Wig Design is thrilled to be returning to La Jolla Playhouse. Broadway: The Performers; Motown the Musical; Newsies; Clybourne Park; Bring it On; The Columnist; Memphis; The Mountaintop; Magic/Bird; Bonnie & Clyde; Bring It On; Streetcar Named Desire; Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown; Merchant of Venice; Henry IV; The Rivals; Cymbeline; Lombardi; Fences; Looped; Miracle Worker; Superior Donuts; 33 Variations; In the Heights; Jersey Boys; The Color Purple; Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me; Good Vibrations; The Apple Tree; A Raisin in the Sun. Upcoming: Flashdance on Broadway.

Nicola Pantin, Associate Choreographer is thrilled to make her La Jolla Playhouse debut. Credits under the direction of Des McAnuff include: Henry V, Twelfth Night, The Tempest and As You Like It. Other Stratford Shakespeare Festival credits: Hamlet, The Brothers Karamazov, The Count of Monte Cristo and Timon of Athens, among others. She has choreographed work for such theatres as Theatre New Brunswick, Edmonton Citadel Theatre, Harbourfront World

Stage and Toronto Fringe Festival. Her work with Spark/Expect Theatre’s Romeo and Juliet Remixed and LKTYP’s Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang garnered her Dora Mavor Moore awards for outstanding choreography.

Gabriel Greene, Dramaturg joined La Jolla Playhouse’s artistic staff in 2007; since then he has dramaturged nearly a dozen new plays and musicals, including Kirsten Greenidge’s Milk Like Sugar (off-Broadway transfer; Obie Award), Joe DiPietro and David Bryan’s Memphis (Broadway transfer; four Tony Awards), Claudia Shear’s Restoration (off-Broadway transfer), Rick Elice’s Peter and the Starcatchers (Broadway transfer; five Tony awards) and Christopher Curtis and Tom Meehan’s Limelight (Broadway transfer).

While Literary Manager at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, he co-adapted I Sing America (featuring John Mahoney; performed at Millennium Park). Other dramaturgy: UC San Diego’s Baldwin New Play Festival (five years), Playwrights Horizons, New York Theatre Workshop, South Coast Rep, Steppenwolf and TimeLine Theatre (Chicago). He is a graduate of University of Michigan and Trinity College, Dublin.

Tara Rubin Casting, Casting Broadway: Ghost, One Man Two Guvnors (US Casting), Jesus Christ Superstar (US Casting), Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway, How to Succeed.., Promises, Promises, A Little Night Music, Billy Elliot, Shrek, Guys and Dolls, The Country Girl, RockN’Roll, The Farnsworth Invention, Young Frankenstein, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady, Pirate Queen, Les Misérables, History Boys, Spamalot, Jersey Boys, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Producers, Mamma Mia!, Imaginary Friends, Phantom of the Opera, Oklahoma!, Happiness, The Frogs, Contact, Thou Shalt Not. Yale Repertory. Tara Rubin CSA, Eric Woodall CSA, Merri Sugarman CSA, Dale Brown CSA, Stephanie Yankwitt CSA, Lindsay Levine, Kaitlin Shaw.

Frank Hartenstein, Production Stage Manager Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is Frank’s tenth production at the Playhouse: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1990), The Who’s Tommy, (1992), How to Succeed… (1994), Dracula (2000), Palm Beach (2006), Zhivago (2007), The Wiz (2007), Memphis (2008) and Limelight (2010). He has stage managed over 25 productions on Broadway including the original productions of A Chorus Line, Big River, Starlight Express, Into the Woods, The Who’s Tommy and The Farnsworth Invention as well as the revivals of How to Succeed…,The King and I, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Kelly Martindale, Stage Manager Broadway: Jesus Christ Superstar, Million Dollar Quartet, Guys and Dolls; The Farnsworth Invention; Dracula, the Musical; Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème; 42nd Street (revival); The King and I (revival); The Who’s Tommy.

Radio City: Sinatra, His Life, His World, His Way. Off-Broadway: Let Me Down Easy (Second Stage); Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Jane Street); La Jolla Playhouse: Memphis, The Wiz, Much Ado About Nothing, The Glass Menagerie.

Erin Goia Albrecht, Assistant Stage Manager La Jolla Playhouse: Hands on a Hardbody, Milk Like Sugar, Creditors, The Third Story and No Child…. Regional: August: Osage County, Dividing the Estate, Divine Rivalry, Jane Austen’s Emma, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, The Madness of George III, King Lear, Cyrano de Bergerac, Coriolanus, and Bell, Book and Candle at The Old Globe. New York credits: The Third Story (MCC Theater); Marvin’s Room (T. Schreiber Studio); The Great American Desert (78th Street Theatre Lab) and The Chekhov Dreams (Manhattan Theatre Source). M.F.A. in Stage Management from UC San Diego.

PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P22

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since October, 2007. During his tenure, he has helmed the Playhouse’s productions of Glengarry Glen Ross, A Dram of Drummhicit, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Restoration and the acclaimed musicals Xanadu and Memphis, which won four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Prior to joining the Playhouse, he directed the Broadway productions of Xanadu (Drama Desk nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations), as well as the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration productions of Sweeney Todd and Merrily We Roll Along. Other New York credits include: Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla, Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died, Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley also directed the feature film Jeffrey and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.

Michael S.Rosenberg, Managing Director was appointed Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse in April, 2009. During his first three years, he has worked in partnership with Artistic Director Christopher Ashley to produce eleven world premieres and six Playhouse commissions. He was also instrumental in bringing the Page To Stage workshop of John Lequizamo’s Diary of a Madman to the Playhouse, which transferred to Broadway. Additionally, he fostered the growth of the Playhouse’s award-winning Performance Outreach Program (POP) tour, achieving the most performances at local schools in Playhouse history. Previously, Rosenberg was Co-Founder and Executive Director of Drama Dept., a New York non-profit theatre company, where he produced new works by the likes of Douglas Carter Beane, Warren

Leight, Isaac Mizrahi, Paul Rudnick and David and Amy Sedaris. He has been a part of the producing teams for the Broadway productions of Grey Gardens and American Buffalo and the national tour of Little House on the Prairie. He serves on the boards of La Jolla Country Day School and the Theatre Communications Group.

Debby Buchholz, General Manager has served as general manager of La Jolla Playhouse since 2002. She is a member of the Executive Committee and of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT). In 2009, she received a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Previously she served as Counsel to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She was a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution’s program on Legal Problems of Museum Administration. Prior to the Kennedy Center, she served as a corporate attorney in New York City and Washington, DC. She is a graduate of UC San Diego and Harvard Law School. Ms. Buchholz and her husband, noted author and White House economic policy advisor Todd Buchholz, live in Solana Beach and are the proud parents of Victoria, Katherine and Alexia.

PATRON SERVICES PATRON SERVICES is located in the lobby area of each theatre. A representative is available to answer questions and hand out assisted listening devices, restaurant guides, performance schedules and subscription information.

BARS AND CONCESSIONS are open one hour prior to curtain and during intermissions. To avoid the rush, intermission beverages can be ordered before the show. Concessions by: CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES are strictly prohibited in the theatre. Please check these items with the House Manager and turn off your camera phone.

PARKING is free for subscribers; $2 for the general public on weekdays (free on weekends). Upon arrival to campus, please enter your parking space number and pay the automated paystations located by the information kiosk. Spaces that are not paid for are subject to ticketing by UC San Diego Campus Police.

DOCTORS AND PARENTS expecting calls during the performance should leave their names and seat numbers with the House Manager before the show. Leave the following number with your service: (858) 550-1030.

ACCESSIBILITY

La Jolla Playhouse provides wheelchair-accessible seating and parking. Wheelchair seat locations are available for wheelchair users and a companion at all performances; be sure to advise the reservationist that you require a wheelchair location. Additionally, a golf cart is available to assist patrons with accessibility needs to and from the parking lot. Please notify the Box Office prior to your performance if you are in need of this service; additionally, you may pull into the five minute parking in front of the theatre, and a friendly La Jolla Playhouse greeter will assist you.The Playhouse also provides assisted listening devices for patrons who are hard of hearing.

Devices are available, free of charge, at the Patron Services Center prior to performances (subject to availability).

Listening Devices Provided in Part by

ACCESS One performance of each production is designated as an ACCESS performance. These performances feature American Sign Language interpretation for the deaf and hard of hearing and live audio description for patrons who are blind/ low-vision. Pre-show touch tours provide design information to enhance the production experience for blind/low-vision patrons as well. The ACCESS performance for Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots takes place on Saturday, November 24, 2:00 pm performance.

LATECOMERS or PATRONS WHO LEAVE THEIR SEAT DURING THE PERFORMANCE will be admitted to the standing room section of the theatre at the discretion of the House Manager. They may take their assigned seats at intermission. La Jolla Playhouse accepts no responsibility for inconvenience to latecomers.

Safety in the Theatre District La Jolla Playhouse is constantly working with the UC San Diego Police Department and UC San Diego Transportation and Parking Services, which operates the parking lot and security system, to maintain and improve security conditions for patrons and staff members. Additionally, patrons and staff are welcome to use UC San Diego Community Service Officers (CSOs) for an escort to their cars by calling (858) 534-WALK (9255). Further questions regarding security may be addressed to UC San Diego Police at (858) 534-HELP (4357).

BABES IN ARMS Out of respect for fellow audience members and the performers, babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre during performances.

PLEASE SILENCE all electronic devices including cellular phones, watches and pagers before the performance.

THEATRE TOURS Tour the stages and production shops of the Playhouse facilities and learn more about the history of La Jolla Playhouse and the role that it plays in the community.

Contact (858) 550-1070 x101.