geffen playhouse 2014/2015 season
“Each of these plays — whether about singing a hymn, writing a song or righting a wrong — is a battle cry to raise one’s voice.”
Welcome to the 2014/2015 season at the Geffen Playhouse. This wonderfully rich and varied group of plays intersects at the resounding theme of how a person chooses to use his or her voice. As artists, we too are charged with that very question. How are we using our voices to tell a story that resonates? How are we participating in a larger conversation with the plays we choose to produce? From playwrights Tarell Alvin McCraney to Joanna Murray-Smith, each of these plays — whether about singing a hymn, writing a song or righting a wrong — is a battle cry to raise one’s voice. Your voice is an essential part of the accord we hope to create year after year. Without your voice — your questions, reactions, ovations — the art cannot thrive. Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director Randall Arney in the Gil Cates Theater Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography
Randall Arney Artistic Director
Sing out proud.
“Exhilarating!” — The Guardian
“Jaw-dropping!” “Musical interludes induce goose bumps!” — Theatermania
choir boy Written by Tarell Alvin McCraney Directed by Trip Cullman Featuring Jeremy Pope Additional cast to be announced September 16 – October 26, 2014 west coast premiere At the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a young black man knows what is expected of him. Work hard, fall in line and if you’ve got the voice for it, use it to praise God in the school choir. Within these walls, Pharus Young, with the voice of an angel and a keen mind, should be a star. But in the face of Drew’s time-honored traditions, can music overcome silence? Award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney navigates expectation, alienation and the overwhelming desire to be heard.
gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
Jeremy Pope
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A spirited debate.
“Funny and thought-provoking!” — Los Angeles Times
“A philosophical marvel!” — LA Examiner
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, CHARLES DICKENS AND COUNT LEO TOLSTOY:
DISCORD
Written by SCOTT CARTER Directed by matt august Featuring Larry Cedar, David Melville & Armin Shimerman october 7 – november 16, 2014 A Founding Father, a Victorian novelist and a Russian revolutionary walk into a … stop me if you’ve heard this one. Thomas Jefferson (yes that one), Charles Dickens (the very same) and Count Leo Tolstoy (who else?) are brought together in a blistering battle of wits for the ages. From Scott Carter (Executive Producer of Real Time with Bill Maher), this whip-smart comedy examines what happens when great men of history are forced to repeat it.
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Larry Cedar
David Melville
Armin Shimerman
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A musical story of America.
“Irving Berlin has no place in American music — he is American music.” — Jerome Kern
HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN Written by Hershey Felder Directed by Trevor Hay Featuring Hershey Felder November 11 – December 21, 2014 world premiere Hershey Felder brings to life the remarkable story of Irving Berlin, “America’s Composer.” From the depths of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia, to New York’s Lower East Side, and ultimately all of America and the world, Berlin’s story epitomizes the American Dream. Featuring the composer’s most popular and enduring songs from “God Bless America,” to “White Christmas” and beyond, Hershey Felder’s masterful creation of character and musical performance makes this evening with Irving Berlin an unforgettable journey.
gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
Hershey Felder
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“A spellbinding and absolutely gorgeous new play by one of the true poets of the theater!” — Time Out New York
“Extraordinary!” — The New York Times
the night alive Written by conor mcpherson Directed by RANDALL ARNEY FEBRUARY 3 – MARCH 15, 2015 west coast premiere Tommy owes more than he earns. When he is unexpectedly compelled to help Aimee, a young woman with much harder luck than his own, the taste of turmoil he suffers becomes a full-blown meal. With his trademark humor and humanity, Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, The Weir) makes Phoenix Park, Dublin a place where anyone can rise from the ashes.
gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
You only get a few goes at life.
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Photo by Robert Schlatter
“Obsessions are the only things that matter.” — Patricia Highsmith
“One closes Highsmith’s books with a feeling that the world is more dangerous than one had imagined.” — The New York Times
switzerland Written by joanna murray-smith march 3 – april 12, 2015 co-world premiere Patricia Highsmith, master of the macabre, is racing to finish her novel when an attractive young man arrives representing her impatient publisher. Anxious to be rid of him and return to self-imposed exile, she attempts to terrorize him into fleeing. But he has a dark agenda of his own and will not leave until the final chapter is written. In this new Geffen Playhouse commission, Joanna MurraySmith (The Female of the Species), with her unique brand of humor and mystery, brings to life this literary giant best known for Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. A Geffen Playhouse commission funded by the Edgerton Foundation
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The father, the son and the local host.
“Hilarious!” — Broadwayworld
“Smart and intriguing!” — The Boston Globe
“Really quite extraordinary!” — WGBH
the power of duff Written by STEPHEN BELBER Directed by PETER DuBOIS april 7 – may 17, 2015 west coast premiere Charlie Duff’s nightly newscast makes him a voice to be heard, so why isn’t his teenage son listening? When an on-air prayer for his father goes viral, Duff finds himself at the center of a firestorm over God’s place in the newsroom. When his prayers turn prophetic, Duff suddenly has the power to reach everyone — except his own son. Stephen Belber’s sharp new play asks if there is anything more vital than the faith we have in one another.
gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
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exchange tickets into other performances* *Within the same production run.
They put the laughter in manslaughter.
“A hilarious musical whodunit!” — The New York Observer
“Ingenious! A snazzy double-act!” — The New York Times
“A must see jolt of caffeinated creativity!” — NY1
murder for two Book and Music by Joe Kinosian Book and Lyrics by Kellen Blair Directed by Scott Schwartz may 27 – july 7, 2015 Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed … fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills — with the help of his silent partner, Lou. Everyone is a suspect in Murder For Two, a hilarious musical murder mystery with a twist. One actor investigates the crime. The other plays all the suspects. And they both play the piano.
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“The best comedy of the season!” “Delectably savage humor!” “Bad Jews crackles with energy!” — The New York Times
bad jews Written by Joshua Harmon Directed by Matt Shakman June 9 – July 19, 2015 west coast premiere In the Feygenbaum family, Daphna is the most devout. Just ask her. But her cousin Liam has the rights of the first born grandchild. Just ask him. When their grandfather dies leaving a treasured family heirloom, a battle ignites, escalating to Old Testament proportions. Hailed as one of the funniest plays of the year, Bad Jews can’t resist pointing out the worst in all of us.
gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
Chai anxiety.
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ACCESS SPOTLIGHT EVENTS BEFORE GENERAL PUBLIC* *Subscribers have the opportunity to purchase tickets to most Spotlight Entertainment Series events before they’re announced to the general public.
The Geffen Playhouse’s innovative education and outreach programs use theater arts to ignite positive change in the most in need communities and disadvantaged schools in Los Angeles. We believe theater is a one-of-a-kind tool for learning, healing, connecting and profoundly enriching the lives of children and adults. We currently have a wait list of more than 50 social service organizations, veterans groups and low-income public schools in Los Angeles that have no other access to the arts and are eagerly waiting to be a part of our inspiring education and outreach programs. And we need your help. Subscriptions and single ticket sales cover only half of our expenses each year. Become a donor today and help us bring creativity, inspiration and the healing power of theater to over 15,000 underserved children, at-risk teens, homeless adults, lowincome seniors and rehabilitating veterans in Los Angeles who otherwise have no opportunities to experience the arts.
“The Geffen’s work with our students has given them permission to feel free and to think outside the box. Students now see themselves as thinkers, writers and creators. The sustainability your donors provide to our school and community is priceless.” — Elizabeth Martinez, Ed.D 3rd Grade Teacher Lorena Street Elementary, Boyle Heights
The National Endowment for the Arts indicates through intensive research that high-quality arts education is essential to prepare young people to fully participate and compete in today’s complex, dynamic and creative global economy.
you Impact Arts Education THE FACT: Arts education results in higher graduation rates, increased academic performance and improved community engagement.* The result: “This play (Good People) at the Geffen was the first play I have ever seen. Seeing it changed my outlook on my future. The story let me see how important education is. I now understand from this play that it would be a lot better for me to go to college.” — Desiray H., Student Roosevelt High School, East Los Angeles
you Impact the Economy THE FACT: 1 in 10 jobs in California is part of the creative industries.* The result: “Once these young people view the superior professional productions at the Geffen and get to interact with the artists and teaching artists, these students really get to know what it is to have a career in the theater. I’ve had several students express interest in learning more about a career in acting, playwriting and even lighting and set design.” — Jim Pentecost, High School Drama Teacher Santee Education Complex, South Los Angeles
you Impact Our Future THE FACT: Creativity is the top attribute sought by today’s CEOs.* The result: “I learned that writing doesn’t have to be the same all of the time … and that writing can be joyful. The Geffen taught us how to be more creative. Writing and reading are important because they are lifelong skills.” —Storm R., 5th Grade Student Toluca Lake Elementary, North Hollywood
Students attending a performance in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR IMPACT AT geffenplayhouse.com/OUTREACH
Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography *Source: California Arts Council. arts.ca.gov
donor benefits Support the Geffen Playhouse today and become part of our family. You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits at all levels of giving, including the following:
Producer Gifts of $10,000+
Receive four tickets to all Opening Nights in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season, which are by invitation only and include valet parking, a pre-show cocktail reception and a post-show cast party. Plus, you’ll receive four complimentary house seats per show for the three-play Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater season.*
Director Gifts of $5,000+
Receive two tickets to all Opening Nights in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season. Plus two complimentary house seats per show for the three-play Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater season.*
Sponsor Gifts of $3,000+
Receive two complimentary center orchestra house seats to each show in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season.*
Education Advocate Gifts of $1,000+ Enjoy exclusive access to the Marcia Israel-Curley Founders Room, featuring complimentary snacks, beverages and private restrooms. Also receive recognition on our glass wall and access to purchase house seats throughout the season.*
Artistic Advocate Gifts of $500+
Access to VIP Parking directly across the street from the Geffen Playhouse.*
Associate Gifts of $250+
Receive recognition in all programs and a season-long coffee card good for unlimited coffee and tea at our bar.*
Affiliate Gifts of $150+
Enjoy two complimentary drinks and a snack at our bar.*
2014 Backstage at the Geffen Host Committee donor dinner.
BECOME A DONOR today! geffenplayhouse.com/donate
Photo by Jordan Strauss *Additional benefits for each level of giving available online. See the full list at geffenplayhouse.com/benefits.
subscriber benefits spotlight entertainment series events Geffen Playhouse subscribers and donors receive early ticket access to most Spotlight Entertainment Series events. Past productions have included the sold-out run of Bette Midler in I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, the hit magic show Nothing to Hide starring Derek DelGaudio and Helder Guimarães (directed by Neil Patrick Harris), the world premieres of Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane and Hershey Felder in Abe Lincoln’s Piano as well as one-night-only performances from Mel Brooks, Jackson Browne and Rita Wilson. Don’t miss the next Spotlight Entertainment Series Event! DIXIE’S TUPPERWARE PARTY | On stage now!
signature series Geffen Playhouse subscribers can subscribe into our Signature Series dates at no additional cost.
Tgif at the geffen
Welcome the weekend and join us as we celebrate the first Friday preview for each main stage production. DJs spin classic and contemporary tunes pre-show and set a festive, end-of-workweek vibe.
TALK BACK TUESDAYS
Enjoy complimentary Peet’s Coffee & Tea before the show and dig deeper into plot, characters and themes with Geffen artists post-performance.
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Grab friends or a date and turn your ordinary Thursday evening into a scintillating one-of-akind night out with this post-show party featuring delicious buffets, a hosted bar, photo booth and much, much more!
LOUNGE FRIDAYS
Fast paced Angelenos will ease into their weekend and unwind at this cultural, bubbly happy hour. Complimentary sparkling wines and refreshments are served pre-show.
WINE DOWN SUNDAYS Bette Midler in the 2013 Spotlight Entertainment Series production of I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers. Photo by Richard Termine
Sunday nights provide the perfect pairing — complimentary wine sampling, world-class theater and classic sounds of Southern California courtesy of 100.3 The Sound spinning vinyl.
at a glance about the geffen playhouse Founded by theater, film and television luminary Gil Cates, the Geffen Playhouse has been an integral part of Los Angeles theater since opening our doors in 1995. Our groundbreaking education and outreach programs serve everyone from students to seniors who otherwise would not have access to live theater. There are two theaters in the playhouse: the Gil Cates Theater, a 512-seat theater, and the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, a flexible space which can seat up to 150. 10886 Le Conte Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90024
mezzanine
orchestra
stage
gil cates theater The Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse seats 512 patrons including 388 in the orchestra, 116 in the Frank Mancuso Mezzanine and 8 in mezzanine box seats. It’s only 65 feet from the stage to the rear mezzanine, guaranteeing that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
audrey skirball kenis theater The Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse boasts an intimate setting that showcases productions in a wide variety of seating configurations. With variable seating for up to 150 patrons, each Audrey production promises audiences a unique, unforgettable and up-close experience.
fixed seating
performance space (includes variable seating locations)
parking Palazzo Parking Structure 1010 Glendon Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90024 Subscribers and donors of $500 or more receive complimentary parking passes for each season production. The Palazzo Parking Structure is located 1.5 blocks away and even closer to many restaurant partners. Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography
Brochure Art Direction Brian dunning
subscription packages geffen playhouse 2014/2015 season
choir boy September 16 – October 26, 2014 gil cates theater THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, CHARLES DICKENS AND COUNT LEO TOLSTOY:
DISCORD
october 7 – november 16, 2014 audrey skirball kenis theater
HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN open
November 11 – December 21, 2014 gil cates theater
the night alive FEBRUARY 3 – MARCH 15, 2015 gil cates theater
switzerland march 3 – april 12, 2015 audrey skirball kenis theater
the power of duff april 7 – may 17, 2015 gil cates theater
murder for two
8-play season subscriptions
rear Mezzanine
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sun – fri evening
$472
$424
$372
$334
$372
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previews
sat & sun Matinees, Saturday Evening
$512
$456
$437
$391
$387
$346
sun – fri evening
$577
$510
$527
$465
$402
$355
sat & sun Matinees
$592
$528
$542
$483
$467
$418
Saturday Evening
$617
$553
$567
$508
$467
$418
Other packages are available for as low as $175 for a five-play Gil Cates Theater season subscription. Call 310.208.2028 for other pricing and added benefits.
save over 10% vs single ticket prices • reduced fees convenience fees waived receive free parking Includes one parking lot pass per pair of subscriptions to each play purchased. access best seats before general public • reserve seats for future seasons exchange tickets into other performances Within the same production run.
enhance your evening out at no additional cost with a signature series subscription 8-play signature series subscriptions TGIF at the geffen friday PREVIEW OF EVERY MAIN STAGE RUN
WINE DOWN SUNDAYS EVERY SUNDAY AFTER PREVIEW WEEK
TALK BACK TUESDAYS EVERY TUESDAY AFTER PREVIEW WEEK
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MAIN STAGE RUN
bad jews
FOURTH & FIFTH FRIDAY OF EVERY MAIN STAGE RUN
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front Mezzanine
previews
may 27 – july 7, 2015 audrey skirball kenis theater
June 9 – July 19, 2015 gil cates theater
orchestra & boxes
LOUNGE FRIDAYS
orchestra & boxes
rear Mezzanine
front Mezzanine
Full Price
Subscriber
Full Price
Subscriber
Full Price
Subscriber
$472
$424
$372
$334
$372
$334
$577
$510
$527
$465
$402
$355
$577
$510
$527
$465
$402
$355
$577
$510
$527
$465
$402
$355
$577
$510
$527
$465
$402
$355
Signature Series events are offered for all Gil Cates Theater productions and a limited number of Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater productions.
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geffenplayhouse.com/subscribe 310.208.2028
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Accessible Accommodation
The Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to ensuring a satisfying theater experience for patrons with special needs or disabilities. ASL
Please contact the box office or our usher staff at 310.208.2028 for details.
Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography
season subscriptions * start as low as $175!
Annette Bening’s curtain call during the production of Ruth Draper’s Monologues in the 2013/2014 Geffen Playhouse season.
what will you say, l.a.?