gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
welcome to the geffen playhouse
Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography
hershey felder as irving berlin
From the artistic Director Welcome to Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin. Hershey Felder is a longtime member of the Geffen family, and we are thrilled to be premiering his newest work about the life and music of this tremendous American icon. For years, Gil Cates suggested to Hershey that he take on Berlin as a subject. In the midst of exploring heroes in the world of classical music, Hershey wasn’t inclined toward the subject. But in the last couple of years, Hershey has discovered and developed a story — a true “American dream” story that, needless to say, has a soundtrack we all know and love. As Hershey’s passion for the subject grew, he began a relationship with Berlin’s daughters and has been able to gain tremendous insight into the man he is portraying. As always, he has combined biography, musicality and personality to create a rich and multi-faceted character. Through his storytelling, we are introduced to this complicated man behind America’s most beloved and enduring music. As director, Trevor Hay, a longtime collaborator of Hershey’s, has helped to create the elegance and fluidity that is so crucial with this type of storytelling. With a team of superb designers, Trevor is able to transport us with ease through 101 years of Berlin’s extraordinary life. We have produced many of Hershey’s plays, each unique and lovely in their own right. But having begun with Gershwin, Berlin feels like an appropriate next step in the American Songbook, and we are so pleased to be part of that journey. Enjoy the show! Randall Arney Artistic Director
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letter from the co-chairs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martha Henderson Co-cHAIR
Pamela Robinson Hollander Co-cHAIR
Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney Beth Behrs Dr. Gene D. Block Harold A. Brown Gil Cates Jr. Vice Chairman
michael centeno Mary Ann Cloyd Dennis Doty Dr. Brad Edgerton Mark Fleischer Herbert M. Gelfand Chairman Emeritus
martha henderson
pamela robinson hollander
It is our pleasure to welcome you to the second show of what is already an incredible season, and to welcome back our dear friend Hershey Felder for this world premiere, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin. We are so glad that you could join us. The season opened with Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney, which surely touched you as it did us. We are proud to share that we were able to educate and inspire hundreds of students from Jordan, Roosevelt, Mendez and Westchester High Schools through our powerful production of Choir Boy. Students participated in a pre-show workshop, attended a performance of the show, and were invited to participate in a post-show talk back with the cast. The students were thrilled and enthralled by this beautiful new play. Choir Boy is not the only show these high school students will be seeing this season. As part of the Geffen Playhouse Literacy Project and High School Partnerships program, students in some of the most disadvantaged areas in Los Angeles will be seeing our full season offering in the Gil Cates Theater. Thank you for helping us inspire these youth through your support, which helps bring our art to the stage and our work to the community. The holidays are a time for gratitude. With that in mind, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you who support our work here at the Geffen Playhouse. It has allowed us to have remarkable growth within our community outreach programs. We now serve more than 15,000 low-income students, youth, seniors, veterans and community members through our various programs, including the high school partnership program we mentioned earlier. To learn more about these programs, please visit geffenplayhouse.com/education. None of this would be possible without your support, generosity and kindness — and for that we are truly grateful. We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at the theater in the new year. Martha Henderson Co-Chair, Geffen Playhouse P2 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Pamela Robinson Hollander Co-Chair, Geffen Playhouse
Patricia L. Glaser Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Joan Kaloustian Glorya Kaufman Loretta Everett Kaufman Dr. Gerald S. Levey Carla Malden Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini Barry Meyer Scott Minerd Ken Novice Steven A. Olsen Holly Rice Loren Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Fred Specktor Lorraine Spurge DeeAnna Staats Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum
founding trustees Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Frank G. Mancuso Chairman Emeritus
Ron Meyer Leslie Moonves Jerry Moss Jerry Perenchio Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chairman
Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch Dr. Charles E. Young Chairman Emeritus
IN MEMORIAM Gilbert Cates Founder
Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman Peter rosen
LEGAL COUNSEL, latham & watkins LLP
hershey felder: artists and repertoire he explains them, he embodies them, he plays their music well. The great composers have been good to him, and he’s returning the favor. by hedy weiss
Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein. Photo by Michael Lamont.
Reprinted with permission from American Theatre (November, 2014).
WHEN PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY welcomed an audience of Nobel laureates to the White House in 1962, he famously remarked that it was the most extraordinary collection of talent that had ever gathered there, “with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” That quip easily could be reworked to apply to Hershey Felder: actor, pianist, writer, director, composer, conductor, mentor, producer and conjurer of the spirits of George Gershwin, Frédéric Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Leonard Bernstein and Irving Berlin. Felder, 46, the Canadian-born artist whose solo shows have been seen across America — at the Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, American Repertory Theater and Cleveland Playhouse, as well as in long runs at Chicago’s Royal George Theatre and in brief engagements at New York’s Town Hall, among many other venues — is in a category all his own. Felder has devised a type of performance that feeds on his unique gifts as a seductive portraitist, compelling storyteller and superb concert pianist. Musical biographies? That doesn’t come close to suggesting what it is Felder does. It would be one thing for an actor to arrive onstage, as Felder does in his show George Gershwin Alone, and present a
self-penned study that captures alluring if often anguished aspects of the composer who died far too young. It is quite another to also sing and play your way through the story — including an aria from Porgy and Bess — and then top it all off with a knockout rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue.” Similarly, it’s conceivable that you might be able to find an actor who could capture a sense of the polymorphous talent that was Bernstein, an impression of his ability to teach and perform in the most seamless way, a suggestion of the man’s desperate energy, intellect and neuroses. But it is the rare performer who also possesses the profound musical understanding that could bring this legend to life — or the ability to sit at the piano, as Felder does in Maestro Bernstein, and play and sing excerpts from West Side Story and Candide as if had composed them himself. And then there is the way Felder finesses an enthralling performance of the “Moonlight Sonata” in his show Beethoven As I Knew Him, a portrait that draws on the memoir of Gerhard von Breuning, a friend of the composer in his later years. Felder can captivate an audience with little or no background in classical music while at the same time satisfying aficionados. And, when he is dealing with masters of the great American songbook, he can easily leave a crowd unable to suppress the desire to sing along. PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P3
artists and repertoire FELDER HAS BECOME A SORT OF one-man cottage industry. At the same time he’s busy creating a new show — most recently, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, slated for its world premiere November 11 – December 21 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles — he keeps his other productions in rotating repertory. Over the course of the past 15 years, he has given more than 4,500 performances and never canceled a single date. Work ethic? Call Felder for a chat at 9 a.m. and he might tell you he has just completed three hours of practicing the piano. “I’ve been working on an interesting project for myself,” says Felder. “I’m playing all the preludes in Bach’s ‘WellTempered Clavier,’ and all the Chopin preludes, and have been looking for the connections and dramatic through lines in them. I’ve also been consulting what has become my greatest teacher now, YouTube, which gives me access to so many archival recordings and rare videos of great artists. I study them, and they help keep me on the ball pianistically.” So which came first, the acting or the piano? They seem to have blossomed in tandem. Felder was born into an observant Jewish immigrant family in Montréal, Quebec, in 1968, the child of a Polish father and Hungarian mother, and was educated at the city’s Hebrew Academy Day School. He admits to being something of a ham from the start. “I was a quiet child, but I loved telling stories, and my parents would put me in the center of the room where I would repeat things I’d heard in funny ways,” he recalls. “Friday nights we observed the Sabbath, so there was no television or Atari, just singing and storytelling at the table. The fascination with music began when I was four and visited my grandmother at a senior home in Montréal. They had a piano there, and I would escape the adults and pound on it. The lady in the gift shop at the place finally said: ‘Kill that kid or give him piano lessons.’” His grandfather gave him an upright piano as a Passover gift and a friend of his mother’s began giving him lessons. He took to it, but confesses, “I wanted to be accomplished right away, and I struggled with the discipline you need to make that happen. I also had an ability to read music very quickly, which could have been my downfall, because while that enabled me to learn things easily, I would also muck things up just as easily, and blur the details.” Acting also came naturally. He began playing roles in a semiprofessional Yiddish theatre in Montréal from the age of nine, and loved the whole environment of the stage. Still, he says, “My childhood was far more of a rabbinic world than a cultural world. I went to the synagogue, and unlike my secular friends, I saw only a couple of musicals. P4 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Mona Golabek in the Pianist of Willesden Lane. Photo by Michael Lamont.
But I think my sense of storytelling began in that world. And my understanding of how theatre is important — not in the showbiz sense of it being an exclusive universe — is a result of that upbringing. I also think it’s why I create my own work.” The piano began to take precedence as Felder studied with teachers from McGill University in Montréal, then headed to New York while still a teenager to work with pianist Jerome Lowenthal at the Juilliard School. “I wasn’t crazy enough to be an actor at that time, and I wasn’t ready to take those risks,” Felder admits. “Then, at 19, I was hired as a pianist for the workshop of a new musical based on The Master and Margarita being showcased at Hal Prince’s Musical Theatre Program in New York. That’s where I met actress Tovah Feldshuh, and found myself friends in a whole new circle of theatre people.” It was Stu Silver, a film and television writer, who noticed Felder’s energy and told him he should meet his pal, movie director Joel Zwick (who turned out to be a distant cousin
IN RECENT YEARS, FELDER HAS BEEN approached by others inspired by his particular mix of storytelling and live music. His greatest success as mentor has been as the adapter and director of The Pianist of Willesden Lane, in which the superb concert pianist Mona Golabek spins the story of her mother’s experiences as a young pianist sent to England from Vienna as part of the Kindertransport during World War II. “I approached Hershey after I saw him in his Beethoven show, and he just took me under his wing,” said Golabek, who debuted Willesden Lane at the Geffen Playhouse in 2012, and has had successful runs with it in Chicago (also at the Royal George, where Felder’s Gershwin Alone ran), at Berkeley Rep, at New York’s 59E59 Theater and, this past September, at San Diego Repertory.
“Hershey has an incredibly generous spirit, but he also is utterly, painstakingly demanding, and uncompromising in his vision,” said Golabek. “He is adamant in his attention to detail, and insists that every element of the production be at the highest artistic level. Having him as your director is no picnic — I will always remember him telling me, ‘Absolutely no water during the show, and if your mouth gets dry, just use spit.’ But he is the first to say that anything worthwhile is achieved at a tremendous cost. And the way he was able to help me blend the music and narrative of my mother’s story was magic.” If Felder can be hard on his collaborators, he’s no less demanding of himself. Says Randall Arney, artistic director of the Geffen since 1999 and a presenter of most Felder’s shows, as well as Golabek’s, “Hershey does something that no one else does — he has the ability to forge an astonishingly personal, deeply connected relationship with his audience. He can hold an audience at attention, teach them things, bring such nuance to many different characters, then sustain the incredible focus required for playing the most technically demanding music. He is prolific, indefatigable.” It was Arney’s predecessor at the Geffen, the late director/producer Gil Cates, who was not only a fan of Felder’s but made him promise that he would create a show about Irving Berlin. “It is an amazing story, and in many ways the most dramatic piece I’ve done,” Felder ventures. “It’s really the story of this country — about an immigrant kid who created America’s most iconic music, who went with the flow of every style for six decades, who faced anti-Semitism even as he wrote two of the most iconic songs about Christian holidays [“White Christmas” and “Easter Parade”], and then felt completely betrayed when rock-and-roll pushed him out of the picture.” Felder admits that the world of the one-man show can be lonely, but he has a team of offstage collaborators that has worked with him on many productions. And he has begun work on that most collaborative of all endeavors — the stage musical — teaming up with journalist Joshua Hammer to adapt his book Chosen by God: A Brother’s Journey. “I suppose you could call me an auteur,” Felder says, summing up. “But I create and produce my own shows because the only thing I care about is quality. It’s not about ego — it’s about responsibility. I have to keep my promise to the audience.” Hedy Weiss is theatre and dance critic for the Chicago SunTimes and WTTW-TV’s Chicago Tonight. Visit AmericanTheatre.org for more stories about theater in the U.S. and abroad. PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P5
hershey felder as irving berlin
of Felder’s, and who, many years later, would direct him in George Gershwin Alone). At 21, Felder headed to Hollywood, thinking he would get work as a pianist, but instead was asked to do interviews for Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation (in part because he spoke Yiddish). While at the Canadian consulate to get his passport updated, he met the new consul general of Canada, Kim Campbell (who briefly served as prime minister of Canada). The two married in 1997, and now have apartments in New York and Vancouver, and houses in Paris and San Diego. Zwick told Felder to contact him if he had, “anything interesting.” A friend, producer Greg Willenborg, suggested to Felder that he do a play about Gershwin. He spent five years researching what would become George Gershwin Alone, along the way realizing that securing the rights to the music would be difficult. But, as Felder explained, “I just pestered the estate — not to be defiant, but because I had a vision of what the show could be. I asked them to just let me try. I did a reading in Los Angeles, and realized I had something. Then I took it to Florida, and finally, in 2001, to the Helen Hayes Theatre on Broadway. It ran for 12 weeks and got some nice reviews, but it got lost amid the fervor surrounding The Producers, and it suffered from having practically no advertising budget.” That was hardly a setback; in fact, the show got better as it moved forward. “I think my gift is to know when and how to listen to criticism,” says Felder. “I knew how to fix the show. I also learned what it takes to be a producer. Gershwin ran for six months at the American Rep in Cambridge, went on to Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., and in 2004 arrived in Chicago, running for 11 months in a theatre that some had warned me was ‘cursed.’ My time in Chicago marked the launch of the mature part of my career.”
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE presents
the Eighty Eight Entertainment, eva price and Samantha F. Voxakis production of
hershey felder as irving berlin Lyrics & Music by
Irving Berlin Book by
Hershey Felder Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Hershey Felder & Trevor Hay
Projection Design
Christopher Rynne
Sound Design/Production Manager
Production Stage Manager
Erik Carstensen
Dramaturg/Research
Andrew Wilder Rebecca Peters Scenic Decoration
Meghan Maiya
Meghan Maiya, Jordan Hay & Emma Hay
Directed by
Trevor Hay With thanks to Joel Zwick, Production Consultant. Based on an idea by Gil Cates and Eva Price. Presented by permission of Rodgers & Hammerstein: an Imagem Company, on behalf of the Estate of Irving Berlin, www.irvingberlin.com. All Rights Reserved.
running time Approximately two hours. There will be no intermission.
Opening Night: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR s
m e d i a SPONSOR
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CHRISTOPHER RYNNE (Lighting Designer) This marks Chris’ fourth collaboration with Hershey Felder. Other productions with Mr. Felder include An American Story for Actor and Symphony Orchestra, The Pianist of Willesden Lane and Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein. Other theater and opera lighting credits include designs for Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, South
Coast Rep, The Old Globe, San Diego Opera, San Diego Rep, Cygnet Theatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Houston Grand Opera, Madison Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre. Chris also designs lighting for museum exhibitions, special events and lighting systems for new venues. ANDREW WILDER (Projection Design) Andrew’s experience in lighting design, web design, and photography have led him to the world of projection design, and he is thrilled to be a part of the Eighty-Eight Entertainment team, having designed projections for Beethoven, As I Knew Him, Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, Abe Lincoln’s Piano, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, and Franz Liszt in Musik. Andrew also designs websites and consults on internet strategy at BlogTutor.com, writes about being a “healthy foodie” at EatingRules. com, and is the founder of HealthyAds.com. He leads the annual October Unprocessed challenge, which most recently helped more than 20,000 people became healthier by avoiding processed food for the entire month. The challenge has been featured in major publications across the U.S. including The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. He is also the founder of International Kale Day, which is celebrated every year on October 10.
ERIK CARSTENSEN (Sound Designer/Production Manager/Producer) Sound Designer on Beethoven As I Knew Him (2009 Ovation Award Winner, Large Theater Sound Design), Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, An American Story, The Pianist of Willesden Lane (2012 Ovation Award Nomination), Franz Liszt in Musik, Abe Lincoln’s Piano, and Jack Lemmon Returns. Master Sound Technician at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego 1997-2012. Production Engineer on over 60 productions, including Allegiance, Robin and the Seven Hoods, A Catered Affair, Hershey Felder’s George Gershwin Alone, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Chita Rivera-A Dancers Life, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Full Monty, Dirty Blonde, and Floyd Collins. Erik is a member of IATSE Local 122. REBECCA PETERS (Production Stage Manager) After mascotting for a AA baseball team and graduating from the University of Montevallo, a very supportive Mom and Dad suggested a big city move. Chicago became home and a theater techie was born. For the past thirteen years, Becca has been actively involved in the theater community, working at Broadway Costumes and running shows at the Goodman Theatre, Stage 773 and the Royal George Theatre. As wardrobe supervisor, deckhand and PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P7
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HERSHEY FELDER (Irving Berlin/Playwright) Broadway, London’s West End: George Gershwin Alone (Helen Hayes Theatre, Duchess Theatre). Composers Sonata 19992014 — George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin, Beethoven As I Knew Him, Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein, Franz Liszt in Musik — at dozens of theatres across the U.S. and around the world. Winner of 2007 Los Angeles Ovation Awards, Best Musical and Best Actor for George Gershwin Alone. Compositions and recordings include Aliyah, Concerto for Piano and Orchestra; Fairytale, a musical; Les Anges de Paris, Suite for Violin and Piano; Song Settings; Saltimbanques for Piano and Orchestra; Etudes Thematiques for Piano; An American Story for Actor and Orchestra. Worldwide live broadcasts, George Gershwin Alone. As director, Mr. Felder premiered Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane at the Geffen Playhouse in April 2012 and recently premiered Chris Lemmon in Jack Lemmon Returns. Mr. Felder has been a Scholar in Residence at Harvard University’s Department of Music and is married to Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada.
TREVOR HAY (Director) Directed the world premieres of An American Story for Actor and Orchestra, Abe Lincoln’s Piano and Hershey Felder As Franz Liszt In Musik. He is Associate Director for Mona Golabek’s The Pianist of Willesden Lane and for Jack Lemmon Returns. Former member of the historic Old Globe Theatre in San Diego where, at the age of nine, his first position was selling Old Globe memorabilia. Over the next 32 years, Mr. Hay went on to various aspects of production on more than 80 presentations, including the Broadway productions of Jack O’Brien’s Damn Yankees, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Twyla Tharp’s The Times They Are A-Changin’. Included in his 23 seasons at the Old Globe were eleven seasons of the Summer Shakespeare Festival Repertory, as well as work on Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County, directed by Sam Gold, and Hershey Felder’s George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin and Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein.
production biographies stage manager, Becca has taken part in productions such as Don’t Dress For Dinner, Black Nativity, Old Jews Telling Jokes, and Late Nite Catechism. She is delighted to be working on her third production with Hershey Felder and the Eighty Eight crew. EVA PRICE (Producer) Eva Price was named one of Crain’s NY 40 Under Forty Rising Business Stars for 2012 as well one of Blouin Art Info’s Top 25 Under 35 Emerging Broadway Players. Current and upcoming productions: The Four Tops & The Temptations (Broadway), The Darrell Hammond Project (La Jolla Playhouse/ Broadway), Found - a new musical (Atlantic Theater Company). Past Broadway credits include: John Grisham’s A Time To Kill, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Lewis Black: Running on Empty, Annie, Peter and the Starcatcher (five Tony Awards), Kathy Griffin Wants A Tony, Colin Quinn Long Story Short directed by Jerry Seinfeld (Drama Desk Nomination), The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Nominations), The Addams Family (Broadway, tour, and Australia), Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Other producing and general management credits include: 50 Shades! The Musical Parody, Voca People, The Judy Show: P8 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
My Life As A Sitcom, The Magic School Bus, Live!, Ella, Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano, The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Eva is the Executive Producer and EVP of Maximum Entertainment Productions, a producing and management company based in New York City. SAMANTHA F. VOXAKIS (General Manager/ Co-Producer) Samantha is a native of Maryland where she spent twelve memorable years with the Baltimore Orioles. Since 2004, Sam has been responsible for the day-today operations of EightyEight LLC, gathering material for what will one day make an entertaining show unto itself. With special thanks to her very supportive family and to Mr. Felder. EIGHTY-EIGHT, LLC (Producer) Eighty-Eight Entertainment was created in 2001 by Hershey Felder and is devoted to the creation of new works of musical theater. Current projects include the new musical plays Abe Lincoln’s Piano, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, and Jack Lemmon Returns. Recordings include Love Songs of the Yiddish Theatre, Back from Broadway, George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin, Beethoven As I Knew Him, and An American Story for Actor & Orchestra.
RANDALL ARNEY (Artistic Director) Randall Arney has been a theater professional for over 30 years and has served as Artistic Director of the Geffen Playhouse since 1999. In addition to his artistic programming and oversight at the Geffen, Arney has helmed more than 10 productions for the theater, most recently Reasons to Be Pretty, Slowgirl, American Buffalo, Superior Donuts, The Female of the Species, The Seafarer, Speed-the-Plow and All My Sons. Arney is an ensemble member and former Artistic Director of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre where his directing credits include: Slowgirl, The Seafarer, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Death and the Maiden, Curse of the Starving Class, Killers and The Geography of Luck, among others. Arney also directed Steppenwolf’s world premiere of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, as well as the subsequent national and international acclaimed productions. Mr. Arney’s acting credits with Steppenwolf include Born Yesterday, Ghost in the Machine, The Homecoming, Frank’s Wild Years, You Can’t Take it with You, Fool for Love, True West, Balm in Gilead and Coyote Ugly. As the Artistic Director
for Steppenwolf from 1987 to 1995, he oversaw the creation of a new stateof-the-art theater which is Steppenwolf’s current home. Broadway transfers under his leadership include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Song of Jacob Zulu (six Tony Award nominations) and The Grapes of Wrath (1990 Tony Award, Best Play). Mr. Arney has an MFA degree in Acting from Illinois State University and has taught master classes and workshops at UCLA, Steppenwolf, around the U.S. and in Tokyo.
KEN NOVICE (Managing Director) Ken Novice’s career in the professional theater spans over 30 years and 300 productions. Prior to joining Geffen Playhouse, he served as Managing Director and Director of External Affairs at Pasadena Playhouse where his credits include the revival of Fences starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett and the world premieres of Sister Act the Musical, Ray Charles Live, Stormy Weather starring Lesley Uggams and many others. He was Director of Marketing and Public Relations for San Diego’s Tony Awardwinning Old Globe Theatre where his credits include Jack O’Brien’s acclaimed revival of Damn Yankees,
production biographies
REGINA MILLER (Chief Development Officer) Regina has been a development professional for over 18 years, working with non-profit
institutions, foundations and corporations on strategy, analysis and fundraising. She has worked for Simon Wiesenthal Center, William J. Jefferson Clinton Foundation, Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative, Hank Azaria’s Determined to Succeed, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Kind Campaign, Jewish Museum of Prague, among others. Prior to the Geffen, Regina served as the Director of Partnerships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire where she led strategic planning and development while executing policies that advanced the organization’s visibility and growth. Regina also has a strong passion for teaching. After graduating from University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she taught in preschools and kindergartens in New York. From the age of 13, Regina worked as a professional dancer on Broadway as well as with a number of prominent modern dance ensembles. Fusing two of her interests, she created a highly successful program which incorporated dance therapy and creative movement into an early childhood curriculum as well as wrote and produced a television show based on this concept. In addition to being a published author and photographer with Tallfellow Press and Prometheus Books, Regina has taught and lectured at numerous schools in New York, Los Angeles and abroad.
special thanks from hershey felder Mary Ellin Barrett, Linda Louise Emmet, Elizabeth Irving Peters, and the entire Berlin family for their support and encouragement. Eva Price, Ted Chapin, Mary G. Campbell, Susan Myerberg, Tim Splain, Sheila and Doug Graves, Jay Shields, Irene Wlodarski, Mona Golabek and Jackie Maduff. Susan and Moses Libitzky, Robert and Fran Birmingham, Gail Gudmundsen and Mead Killion, Richard and Robin Tennant Colburn, Irv and Dena Schechter, Mike and Jean Strunsky. Susie Medak, Tony Taccone, Karen Racanelli, Robert Sweibel and Berkeley Rep; and Todd Salovey and Sam Woodhouse, Sheila and Jeff Lipinsky and San Diego Rep for hosting Berlin concert presentations. Grosses bises à notre famille à Seine-Port — Pierre, Isa, Amandine, et Reglisse. A heartfelt thank you to my team of devoted artisans without whom none of our work would be possible, especially Trevor Hay, Erik Carstensen, Rebecca Peters, Julian Pike, Andrew Wilder, Meghan Maiya, Jordan and Emma Hay, Samantha and the entire Greek Family. Randall Arney, Ken Novice, Behnaz Ataee, Joseph Yoshitomi, Darren Rezowalli, James Grabowski, Jill Barnes, Matthew Carleton, and everyone at the Geffen Playhouse. A special thank you to Candice and Joel Zwick, and Joel Zwick “Alone.” My father Jack, my sister and brother-in-law Tammy and Kevin, and their dear children Avery and Kiley. And of course, Leo and Kim.
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the Tony Award-nominated musical The Full Monty, Henry IV starring John Goodman and Sheldon Epp’s Tony-nominated hit Play On! among many others. His credits also include marketing and public relations for the Tony Award-winning Denver Center Theater Company and New York’s Circle Repertory Company. As Director of Programming for YouthStream Media Networks he developed national marketing and public relations programs for most of Hollywood’s major motion picture studios. Novice also served as Head of the Theatre Management MFA/MBA program at California State University, Long Beach and has been a guest lecturer at San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. He holds a BA from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from San Diego State University. Novice was recently named the Secretary of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) after previously serving as a member of LORT’s Executive Committee.
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AT THE THEATER
This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Actors Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. P10 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Late Seating Should you arrive late to the theater or vacate your seat during the performance, please expect to be held in the lobby until an appropriate pause in the action on-stage. To minimize disturbance to other patrons, you may be sat into the first available location by the house staff even if different from your assigned seat. Be advised that some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating.
SCENE AT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
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Opening Night of Choir Boy Sponsored by Audi of America, Inc., Keurig, Los Angeles magazine, Malibu Family Wines and Napa Valley Grille 2
Photos by Jordan Strauss
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1. The cast of Choir Boy with Managing Director, Ken Novice, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Chief Development Officer Regina Miller 2. Chancellor Albert Carnesale, Geffen Board member Glorya Kaufman, Geffen friend and Robin Carnesale on the Glorya Kaufman Patio 3. Chairman Circle donors Donna McKenna and Flynn Chernos 4. Geffen friend Kim Marshall with her husband Laz and friend 5. Geffen Board Co-Chair Pamela Robinson Hollander with Founding Chairman Bruce Ramer 6. Geffen Board Vice Chair Gil Cates Jr. with Geffen friend, Sharon Lawrence 7. Geffen Board member Harold Brown with his wife, Eileen 6
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be a part of the scene at the geffen and attend our opening night celebrations Call the Development Department at 310.208.6500 ext. 128 PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P11
“One closes Highsmith’s books with a feeling that the world is more dangerous than one had imagined.” — The New York Times
Deadlines are murder. Written by joanna murray-smith
A Geffen Playhouse commission funded by the Edgerton Foundation.
co-world premiere begins march 3
audrey skirball kenis theater at the geffen playhouse
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Photo by Robert Schlatter
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. Joanna Murray-Smith (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.
share your voice @theworldofbilal
Just saw #choirboy again, front row this time! And was even more amazed than the first time. Support theatre! @jrmypope @GeffenPlayhouse #choirboy Sally Stevens
A powerful and interestingly conceived play with important issues dealt with in a sensitive and original way. The entire cast is superb, every single one! Outstanding. @sabrina1590
#choirboy
@nessawilliams
DON’T miss #ChoirBoy @GeffenPlayhouse #jeremypope #michaelAshepperd #nicholasLashe #calebeberhardt @granthamcoleman Bethany Werber Fields
A fabulous, creative, innovative play! BRAVO to the entire cast ... you were all amazing! #choirboy #choirboy
#choirboy
@hellojerrika
#ChoirBoy at @GeffenPlayhouse is transformative and ground-breaking theatre executed flawlessly. Hours later, I’m still moved. #choirboy
Engage with us this season! Post, smile and share during your next visit to the Geffen! @trevorjackson5
#GeffenPlayhouse #IrvingBerlinGP PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P13
hershey felder as irving berlin
#choirboy
outreach
back to school back to play The Geffen Playhouse’s High School Partnership program engages underserved high school students from five of the lowest performing high schools. Unlike one-day and other limited field trips to the theater, this season-long partnership means the Geffen Playhouse education staff members have recently gone, “back to school,” as well. Disadvantaged youth will experience world-class productions in the Gil Cates Theater and respond to their experiences through writing and other workshops about the artform. Students work with Geffen Playhouse teaching artists in pre-show sessions which prepare them to attend each play. Thought-provoking study guides amplify themes and topics from the plays and the students participate in creative activities that help them access and express their voices. The program serves over 500 high school students throughout the Los Angeles Unified School district (East and South Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and Westchester). Geffen Playhouse donors, subscribers and other recent attendees recently received a mailing containing more information on this collaborative program and an invitation to support it. Visit geffenplayhouse.com/education to join the effort.
P14 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
outreach “The Geffen has always placed a high value in bringing quality stage performances to high school students. But what is more striking is the effort they make to enrich the student experience by creating and offering relevant and engaging lessons, workshops and activities that heighten the impact and relevance of my students’ experience. We have yet to leave a Geffen play or a classroom workshop where my students did not show overwhelming gratitude for the experience.”
— Alan Sacks, 11th Grade English Teacher, Westchester High
“It is a really excellent program and so valuable to my students. Most of them have never attended a professional production and this is a life changing experience.”
— Jim Pentecost, Drama Teacher, Santee Education Complex
“One student who is completely not interested in academics and had never seen a live play had a strong emotional response and said that he would like to see more plays. They all thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the art form.”
— Brendan Schallert, Principal, Roosevelt Academy, East Los Angeles
“The students felt more confident about expressing themselves.”
— Carlos Montes, Principal, Jordan High School
Photos by Jeff Lorch Photography
“One student saw The Pianist of Willesden Lane and was so inspired that she began practicing piano more and taught herself to play a Chopin piece amongst others! Awesome!”
— Nancy Reeves, Drama Teacher, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnet High School
see more results of these programs and donate to their continuted success at geffenplayhouse.com/education PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P15
welcome new board members
Martha Henderson, Pamela Robinson Hollander and the Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors welcome new Board members Michael Centeno, Scott Minerd and Holly Rice. Michael Centeno
Michael Centeno is Vice President of Transamerica Retirement Services. Michael manages two departments: Single Premium Group Annuity Participant Administration Services as well as Defined Contribution Settlement Operations. Michael has a BA in Sociology and Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Michael and his wife Valarie are long-time volunteers and philanthropists, with a vested interest in serving the Latino community. They have been part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters “family” for almost 20 years. In Los Angeles, Michael was a dedicated Big Brother to Miguel for 10 years. Michael has been on the Board of Directors for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles for 10 years, serving as Treasurer and member of the local Latino Advisory Board. In addition, he serves on the National Hispanic Advisory Council for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Michael served as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for three years and continues his service on the Board.
Scott Minerd
Scott joined Guggenheim in 1998. In his role as Global Chief Investment Officer, Scott guides the firm’s investment strategies and oversees client accounts across a broad range of fixed-income and equity securities. Previously, Scott was a Managing Director with Credit Suisse First Boston in charge of trading and risk management for the Fixed Income Credit Trading Group. Mr. Minerd also works with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), advising on research and analysis of private sector infrastructure investment, and is a contributing member of the World Economic Forum (WEF). He is a regularly featured guest and contributor to leading financial media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg, and CNBC, where he shares insights on today’s financial climate. Scott holds a B.S. degree in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and has completed graduate work at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. P16 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Holly Rice
Throughout Holly Rice’s career in public education, she continuously sought ways to combine academics with the arts in an integral, meaningful way. As Director of Instructional Support for Chesterfield County Schools in Virginia, she oversaw curriculum development in a number of areas including Visual Arts, Performing Arts and English; additionally, she coordinated partnerships between the school system and the surrounding community to address school improvement issues, directed the Summer School program, and represented the school system on a number of Metro Richmond councils. Holly was a trustee for over 10 years of Theatre Virginia. She was also a director on the board of the Arts Council of Richmond for a decade and, through that association, was one of the founders and a co-chair of Partners in the Arts. Currently, Holly is a docent at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art where she conducts tours for school children of varying ages as they explore the museum. She also serves on the advisory board of Art Matters.
welcome and gratitude to Miranda Tollman, longtime Advisory Board member, and new advisory board chair. Miranda Tollman
Miranda Tollman hails from Los Angeles and New York City. She is the daughter of a stage actress and the granddaughter of a playwright, theater being a passion that runs in the family. She graduated with honors from Northwestern University, earning a BA in Communications. Miranda has worked for SmartMoney Magazine and independently for investigative reporters covering high profile stories for Vanity Fair. Miranda has focused her research and writing skills for the documentary unit at the History Channel, working on an historical series entitled Wealth and Power. She is married with three children, aged 7-14. Her husband Brett runs an international hotel and travel company. Miranda also holds positions on the Board of The Brentwood Art Center, as well as Village School in the Pacific Palisades. Miranda enjoys travel, hiking, cooking and working as a volunteer for her children’s schools, and she is thrilled to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the 2014/2015 season. PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P17
“Quite possibly the finest playwright of his generation!” — The New York Times
“A spellbinding and absolutely gorgeous new play by one of the true poets of the theater!” — Time Out New York
“Another raw and beautiful entry in this great Irish playwright’s stunning ongoing series of dramatic meditations.” — Chicago Tribune
Written by conor mcpherson Directed by randall arney 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.
west coast premiere begins FEBRUARY 3 gil cates theater at the geffen playhouse
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310.208.5454
annual donors In appreciation, donors enjoy a host of special benefits including house seats, complimentary drinks, receptions and much more. For more information, please call Jamie Mikelich at 310.208.6500 ext. 128.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Anonymous Audi of America, Inc Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation City National Bank Elizabeth Lacey & Gilbert Cates, Jr. Mary Ann Cloyd David Geffen Foundation Edgerton Foundation Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Melvin Keefer Herbert M. & Beverly J. Gelfand In Memory of Alice Ghostley & Felice Orlandi The Adi & Jerry Greenberg Foundation Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC Carole & Bill Haber Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Martha Henderson Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher Cindy & Alan Horn Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Glorya Kaufman Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation Keyes Automotive Group Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald Latnham & Watkins LLP Mr. and Mrs. Jason & Yvonne Lee Ginny Mancini Fay & Frank Mancuso Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Fund for Arts Education at the Geffen Playhouse John McCrite & Juan Lopez Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos Kelly & Ron Meyer Scott Minerd Ann & Jerry Moss Moss Foundation PricewaterhouseCoopers Madeline & Bruce Ramer Pamela Robinson Hollander & Robert Hollander Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin Richard & Barbara Sherman Shubert Foundation Skirball Foundation Karen & Vic Smith Kate Capshaw Spielberg & Steven Spielberg DeeAnna Staats Cynthia P. Stafford & Lanre Idewu Judith & Bruce Stern Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum UCLA The Walt Disney Company Judy & Chancellor Charles E. Young Dirk & Natasha Ziff
Anonymous Aegon Transamerica Foundation Patricia Kiernan Applegate Aria Resort & Spa Robert C. Baral Beth Behrs Stephanie & Jonathan Carson CBS Corporation Classic Party Rentals Daedalus Foundation, Inc Designer 8 Event Furniture Rental The Douglas Foundation The Edward A. & Ai O. Shay Family Foundation Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc. Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association InterActive Corp (IAC) J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Laurents / Hatcher Foundation The Lear Family Foundation Los Angeles County Arts Commission Los Angeles magazine Louis XIII Louis Vuitton Marcia Israel Foundation, Inc. Leslie Moonves & Julie Chen Napa Valley Grille Mike Nichols & Diane Sawyer Anna K. Nupson SOCIAL by Samantha Sackler & Tammy Ratner Shel & Cynthia Stone Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz Deborah & Michael E. Walsh Warner Bros. Entertainment Wells Fargo Foundation
$50,000+
$25,000 - $49,999
PRODUCER
$10,000 - $24,999 J.J. Abrams & Katie McGrath Ariel Investments Charles A. Black, Jr. Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham Brotman Foundation of California Eileen & Harold Brown Brunello Cucinelli Bulgari Corporation of America Roma Downey & Mark Burnett The Capella Resorts The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Marcy Carsey & Leo Yoshimura Valarie de la Garza & Michael Centeno City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Carole Bayer Sager & Robert A. Daly DreamWorks Animation Susan & John Ebey
Fielding Edlow & Larry Clarke Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Susan & Mark Fleischer Fox Entertainment Group Carol & Paul Frimmer Gagosian Gallery, Inc Dr. Hilary Garland Jim & Ann Gianopulos Patty Glaser & Sam Mudie Arthur Greenberg C. Curtis Grisham In Memory of Morris A. Hazan HBO Samantha & Eric Heer Mellody Hobson Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Vicki Iovine Joseph Drown Foundation Joan Kaloustian Janine & Peter Lowy Carla Malden Mona Malden Malibu Family Wines Susan & Peter Mallory Martin Katz, Ltd Nancy & Michael McClelland Wendy & Barry Meyer Sandra E. Milken Marcia & Brett Molotsky Montage Hotels & Residences Northern Trust, NA Occidental Petroleum Corp Paramount Pictures Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes Popland Studios Rollin Ransom & Chris Lacroix Judith Reichman, MD Holly Rice Loren Rothschild & Hon. Frances Rothschild Richard Ruskell Pastries The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Sony Pictures Entertainment Fred Specktor & Nancy Heller St. Regis Princeville Resort Lynda Thomas Steve Tisch U.S. Bank Union Bank W Hotel Los Angeles Westfield Group William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Lynn & Mark Williams Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Linda Yellin Ruth Ziegler Ellen & Ken Ziffren Ziffren Brittenham LLP PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P19
hershey felder as irving berlin
The Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Fund and Backstage at the Geffen. Donors are listed at the Associate level and higher for gifts made between August 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014.
annual donors DIRECTOR
$5,000 - $9,999 Jehan F. Agrama & Dwora Fried Amgen Foundation Hilary & Jack Angelo Laurie & Bill Benenson Annette Blum Mara & Jonathan Blum Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Glenn & Lynn Cardoso Dr. Fanya Carter, PhD Comcast | NBC Universal Creative Artists Agency Directors Guild of America Lauren Shuler Donner & Richard Donner Mica Ertegun Lawrence N. Field Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Lela Rochon & Antoine Fuqua Michael Gendler & Jessica Teich Priscila Giraldo Gloria & Peter Gold Goldman Sachs Andy & Carlo Brandon-Gordon Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort Jill Grey Alan Hergott & Curt Shepard Gail & Stanley Hollander Tracey Jacobs Libby & Arthur Jacobson Bernice & Wendell Jeffrey Marvin Jubas & Janet Wald Mannon Kaplan Julie & David Kavner Kissick Family Foundation Wendy Kurtzman La Valencia Leo S. Guthman Fund Susan & David Leveton Drs. Gerald & Barbara Levey Marlene & Sandy Louchheim MOCA Foundation Kate Moran & Mikki Rosenberg Natural Resources Defense Council Christine Marie Ofiesh Mo Ostin Carol & Bill Ouchi Brenda R. Potter Kay & Bob Rehme Carl Reiner Michele & Rob Reiner The Residences at Kapalua Bay Joyce Rey Mayor Richard Riordan Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Nadine & Fredric D. Rosen Thomas L. Safran Hon. Nicole A. Avant & Ted Sarandos Jody & Arthur Schmid Ken & Carol Schultz Foundation Steve & Paula Mae Schwartz Sidley Austin LLP Simon Strauss Foundation Sondheimer Foundation Lorraine Spurge & Patrick Mitchell
P20 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Start Media Arnold Stiefel Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor Tanino Ristorante Tanzy Restaurant Barbara & Larry Tenan Thomas Safran & Associates Karen Zoller, MD & David Tillman, MD Karen & William Timberlake Dan Tishman Miranda & Brett Tollman The Travel Corporation Alice & Norman Tulchin UBS Private Wealth Management United Talent Agency Karen & Rick Wolfen Jennifer Young & Katrina Nason Gail Zappa Leslie & Robert Zemeckis Ruth & Stan Zicklin In Loving Memory of Herman Ziegler
sponsor
$3,000 — $4,999 Janis Adams & John Lyons Pat & Sandy Adams Connie Kramer Alexander Shelly & Libby Bergen Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block Susan Booth & Christopher Wadden Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Lisa, Michael & Rachel Chalfin Terri ann Cooper Konheim Scott, Susan & Joshua Corwin Perry Goldberg Bucky Hazan, Teles Properties Yvonne & Damien Jordan Dora & Neil Kadisha Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig Thea & Neal Koss Robin & Seth Kugler Phyllis & Ken Lemberger Renee & Meyer Luskin Merle & Jerry Measer Benedicta & Geoffry Oblath Lori & David Rousso Paula & Allan Rudnick Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Vernon, Barry & Dale Tyerman In Honor of Ruth Tyerman Lentz Uniworld River Cruises Inc Jennifer von Schneidau The Waterman Family Foundation Leslie White & Al Limon
EDUCATION ADVOCATE $1,000 - $2,999
Anonymous (5) Gerald Abrams Harry & Gay Abrams/ Abrams Artists Agency Dr. Richard Ackerman & Miriam Shakter Miriam Aguiar Laura & Harvey Alpert Charitable Foundation
Merryl & David A. Alpert Patti & Harlan Amstutz Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum Margaret & Howard Arvey AudioQuest Russ, August & Kabat Carol Ann & D.C. Bakeman Alec Baldwin Foundation Irene Baron Robert E. & Maria H. Barron Richard Bautzer & David McDowell Richard & Shelley Bayer Jerry Beckman Susan & Eric M. Bender Peter & Barbara Benedek Patricia & Mark Benjamin Wendy & John Bergquist Cathy & Bill Bindley Helen Bing John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey Joe Blackstone & Jamie Mohn The Bordy & Leibovic Families Brenda & Alan Borstein Helen Breitwieser & James Jacks Dr. Wallace P. Brithinee Wendy & David Brotman Marcia Burnam The Busch-Schifino Family Timothy J. Carlson Chancellor Albert Carnesale & Mrs. Robin Carnesale David Cates & Christine Vavak Jane Cates Jonathan & Elena Cates Melissa Cates & Roger Claman Laurel & Aaron Clark Sachiko T. Cochran MD & Joseph T. Araki Linda & John Coleman Lou Colen Ted Cordes James Costa Carolyn Crandall & Harley Kornblum Shelley Wike Cranley Janine Cristiano In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Ruth Daugherty Pam Dawber Gavin de Becker Deluscious Cookies Bill & Kate In Honor of Blanche Schimmel Susan & Jonathan Dolgen Carolyn Dirks/Brett Dougherty Dennis & Jeralyn Doty Jan & Thea Drayer Gerald & Sally Ducot Victoria Dummer William Duncan Dr. & Mrs. William M Duxler Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston The English Language Center Kevin Watts & Christine Enlow Carl & Courtenay Enright Elizabeth J. Enyart, Mark Doyle & Sarah Daniels Carol & J.B. Esterkin
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Feldman Donnovan Field Gloria & Morton Field Michael Filerman Marjorie & Arthur Fine Joan & Charles Fox Robert & Sonia Freedman Ben & Susan Friedman Gwen & Jacob Friend Thomas Fuller & William Kelly G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Pat & Sandy Gage Jeanne & Arnold Geffner Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Geoffrion Diane & Bruce Gewertz Kiki & David Gindler Cherna & Dr. Gary Gitnick Charlotte Gold Dr. Irene Goldenberg Marion Goldenfeld Eric Goodman Helene Gordon Adrienne Grant & Paul Jennings Heidi Gregg Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Sunny & Alvin Grossblatt Craig Grosvenor Deborah & Allen Grubman The Guerin Foundation Harlan D. Gulko Madeline Gussman Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors, LLC Monty & Marilyn Hall Salli Harris Alan & Michelle Heilpern Mel & Faith Henkin Neal Hersh & Lynda Klein Jean Himmelstein & David Coleman Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox In Honor of Development Toni Hoyt Lisa Ingalls Jason & Courtney Janda Jerome & Linda Janger Carrie Johnson Lori Johnson Joseph B. Gould Foundation Linda & David Kagel Joyce & Don Kaiserman Karney Guren Family Foundation Patricia Keating Lenny & David Kelton Gerrold & Nina Kessler Lauren & Richard King Barbara & Stuart Klabin Kent Klavens & Judy Vourlas Judy Knapp Leslie & Norman Koplof Carol Krause Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Las Ventanas al Paraiso Helene & Arthur Laub John Liebes Steven & Nancy Lippman Dorothy Lipsky Jeffrey & Elisabeth Lipsman
annual donors Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Snyder Family Foundation Joan & Jerry Snyder Sold Out Crowd Drs. Matthew & Marion Solomon The Somaini Family Bruce & Patti Springsteen Mitch & Sherry Stein Joannie Stern Susan Stockel Jordan Strauss Photography David & Katherine Stritzinger Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis Aaron & Melissa Stroud Alec Sulkin & Tal Rabinowitz Elaine F. & Radoslav L. Sutnar Katy Sweet The Tatasciore Family Anne C. Taubman & David Boyle John Teeples & Nicolas Martinez, Jr. Audri & Stan Tendler Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Paul Tetreault Daniel Tongbai Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Alan Van Vliet Peter & Denise Walsh Rhonda & Mark Wapnick David Weber and the Arnold & Edna Weber Foundation Joanne & Ken Weinman Roberta Weintraub Gelena & Seth Weissman Alison Whalen & Steven Marenberg Marcia Williams & Gene Lucero Lesley & Jeffrey Wolman Cherie Wrigley Anna & Stephen Yallourakis Patricia Youngman Debra Zavala Barbara & Stanley Zax Marcie & Howard Zelikow Ellen & Arnold Zetcher Mrs. Richard Ziman Anthony P. Zinge David Zuckerman & Ellie Kanner-Zuckerman
ARTISTIC ADVOCATE $500 - $999
Anonymous (3) Dale Adrion Katherine Amber Nancy Antoniou Ares Management LLC Janet & Irwin Barnet Jim & Diane Berliner Beverly Bierer Ruth & Jake Bloom Janet & Mark Brown Marilyn & Anshel Brusilow Becky & David Brusilow Dr. R.W.G. Bugental JP Cherry William Chin Michael Collins
Phil Johnston & Jill Cordes Donald & Zoe Cosgrove Robert Cushnir Morgan Dameron Muriel Dance Diana Davidow & Deborah Constance Daniel Dodson The Milton L. & Betty J. Dranow Family Foundation David & Joyce Evans Myrna & Howard Fabrick Sydney M. Finegold, M.D. Myrna Forest Burt & Nanette Forester Lois & Gerald Gallop Sharlene & Sol Galper Benita & Bert Ginsberg Donna & Lee B. Gold, M.D. Carol & Neil Goldberg Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman Louis & Linda Goldsman Abner & Roz Goldstine Lori & Robert Goodman Roger Gordon Diana & Ronald Granit Mike & Elaine Gray Susan Green Carolyn & Bernie Hamilton Stanley Handman Ronald Hansen Kay Harrington Richard Hart Sheila & Chester Hasday Barbara & Bud Hellman Mr. & Mrs. William Hellman Murray & Gail Heltzer Mrs. Dorothy Hoffman Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Kelley M. Hogan Jonathan Howard Gerald Isenberg Jackie & Warren Jackson Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Nancy & Len Jacoby Terry & Marc J. Jacoby Mary James Josh Jones Trudy & Albert Kallis Avi Kamienny Drs. Elaine & Jeff Kamil Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kamine Marcy Kaplan-Gold Anita Karbelnig Laurence O. Karsh Saul & Rima Kay James Kelly Dr. Ann Kirsch & Mr. Jonathan Kirsch Charlene Kodimer Ron Kolar Dr. Marina Kovalevsky & Yana Kovalevsky Jeffrey Kramer Carol & Richard Kurland Tam & David Lachoff Joan & Christopher Larkin Jeanne & Christopher Lavagnino Sandi Lawless Mary Shannon Little Neil L. & Ora D. Macfarlane
George Manet Elizabeth Marcellino Mr. & Mrs. Phillips H. Marshall Geoff & Seema Miller Thomas Mitchell Allan M. Mohrman Jr. Bill & Gail Morino Sandra Moss John & Sandy Murdock My Vienna Gelato My-Petite David Neilan Sherri & Arnold Nelson Adrienne & Arthur Omansky Barbara & Gary Pasquinelli Donna & Paul Pekar Mr. John Perkins Rebecca Perlow Jimi & Inna Petulla, Film Connection Ruth Pilot Jon Polito Jack & Jane Pollock Michael Post Gary & Gail Racheletsky William Ray Amy Richards Steve & Linda Richman Linda & Manny Rider Carlene Ringer Dolores Rogers Ronda & Fred Rose Maxine & Gene Rosenfeld Diane Ross-Glazer Barry & Nancy Sanders Susan & Martin Schmitt Nancy & Steven Schneider David & Margaret Schwanke Bob & Susan Schwartz Mr. Charles Schwartz & Mrs. Carol Schwartz Dr. & Mrs. Jack Schwartz Susan Schwarz Michele & Peter Serchuk Peggy & Robert Shapiro Melinda & Yossi Sidikaro Arthur & Carol Silbergeld Robin & Robert Sills Martin & Leah Sklar Trudy Sokol Edith L. Stoell & Linda Gach Ray Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Nancy Thomas Judy & Art Tompkins Catherine Unger Deborah Valdez Anthony Vasek Ira & Laurie Waldman Marcia & Dr. Charles Wasserman Jay Weinstein & Lori Woldar Pat West Annabelle Weston & Steven Shulman John Weston Bruce Whizin Rae Jeane Williams Lauren Wing & Luke Brown Kyra Woo
PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P21
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Judith Locke & Dennis Massie Karen & Frederick Lorig The Jennifer & Greg Malins Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Frank Mancuso Jr. Eric G.C. Mark Edina Somlai & Rob Markus Sherry Martin Marlene Matlow & Family Jeanne McDonald-Powers & Travis Powers Janis B. McEldowney Sue McHugh & Herb Seese The Miles Family Barbara & Fred Miller Andrew & Laura Mintzer Joanne & Joel Mogy In Loving Memory of Harvey S. Morse Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse Rio & Frank Morse Lawrence Nelson Patricia Newcomb Joan & Fred Nicholas Albert & Barbara Nichols Bobbi & Rory O’Donnell Deborah & Stacey Olliff Ornest Family Foundation Charles Ortner Anne Osberg London, Alex & Marty Padilla Gia Paladino & Michael Wise Michael Parks & Judith Hayward Philip & Leslie Paton Julie Piepenkotter Tara & Robert Pietri In Memory of Michael Piller Ruth Popkin Stephen Prudhomme Lee Ramer Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Harvey & Joyce Reichard Rabbi Steven & Didi Carr Reuben Donald B. & Susan F. Rice In Memory of Frances Richman Esther & Howard Richmond Christy Ritts Beth Roberts & Warren Smith Joseph & Cynthia Rodriguez Craig E. Rogers Rikki Rosen Brad & Nancy Rosenberg Sue Weiss Rosenwasser Laura & John Saade David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Mark San Filippo Nancy & Ted Sanborn Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Jill Sattinger Dawn & Joel Scherer Toni & John Schulman Joanna & Jonathan Schwartz Carole Server & Oliver Frankel Annette & Leonard Shapiro In Memory of Diane Barnett-Shapiro John & Lori Shaw Phyllis & Martin Shephard Holly & Larry Shulman Steven Siegel & Lily Carey Rita & Jose Sigal
annual donors ASSOCIATE $250 - $499
Anonymous (10) Norman & Toshka Abrams Terry & Richard Abrams Barbara Adams Elaine & Michael Agran Joan Akins AKW Helen Allan Charles & Annick Allen Sylvia Almstadt Jan & David Altemus Robert C. Anderson Philip Angerhofer & Stephen A. Jones Audrey & Martin Appel Eloise & Mark Appel Steven D. Arias Michael & June Ariff Bonnie Arnold Barbara & Ethan Aronoff Bert & Ruth Arons Charles & Tana Axelrod Marc & Betsy Axelrod Lynne & Lee Babbitt BabyShakes Deborah Baine Betsy Baker Edward Barad & Carol McCully Cecile Bartman Randall C. Bassett Lynne & Bernie Bassey Sheila Spiro & Dr. Gregory Bearman Lois & Paul Bechely Dawn & Marshall Bein Marshall Bell Carole A. & Charles Bennett Nancy & Scott Bennett Wayne Biswurm & Brock Bennett George E. Berger Ellen Bergeron & Gary Ottoson Laurie Bernhard Brad Bishop Michael & Adrienne Blackman Mrs. Marilyn Blank Marjorie Blatt Larry & Julie Blivas In Memory of Maxine Handelman Ruth & Donald Blumkin Susan Boiko & Martin Schwartz Michael J. Bordy Toby Bornstein Betsy Bosak Burt Boyar Carol J. Bradshaw Paula Brand Mona Brandler Felix Brenner Dr. & Mrs. Neal & Ruth Bricker Dr. Gerald Buckberg G & Ashley Buonanno Daniel & Ellen Burgess David & Kathy Burke Mark & Penny Burley Howard Bushinsky Michael & Sandy Buttitta Grace Diekhaus & Pauline Canny Marlene & David Capell Anthony Carbone Andrew Carlberg Cindy Carlin & Jeff Rousso Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo Barry Charles Beverly & Dennis Chester Carole & Leslie Cohen Donell Cohen Ginger Conrad Gail Cottingham Norman & Nancy Cravens Sandy & Alan Croll Judith & Mel Croner Ingrid Curtiss, MD
P22  PERFORMANCES  MAGAZINe
Ames C. Cushing Else Dahl Hedva & Dr. Dudley Danoff Jaye T. Darby Jeffrey S. Davidson In Memory of Beryl Davis Nancy & Arthur Day Hal & Roberta Delevie Susan & Kevin Dobson Bruce & Suzanne Dodds Carol Jean Doehring Traci Donat Fred & Marilyn Dorer Daryl & Paul F. Doucette Paul Dowling Sharon & Ron Dunas Chris Easley In Loving Memory of Howard Eichen Mr. & Mrs. Epelbaum Larry Ereshefsky Amy & Richard Fass Barbara & Denny Federman Mimi Feldman Abby & Malcolm Field Paul & Karen Finkel Fran Flanagan Edward Flores Michael & Lynne Flynn Loren Ford Jackie Fox Sandy Francis Fran Fredella & Scott Rubin Marilyn Freeman Lora Fremont Kenneth J. Friedman & Marilynn J. Friedman Family Foundation Lynn & Barry Friesen Ms. Laurelle Frome Tatiana Froud Yury & Yelena Furman Gina Furth Lee Gardenswartz Larry & Judith Garshofsky Laura Gianni Linda Gibbs Lorain Goldberg Marilyn & Allen Golden Denise Goldfarb Dr. Peter Goldman Ellie & Barry Goldstein Frances Goodman & William Kobin David Goren Gigi & Don Grant Glenn & Debbie Gray Ellen Greene Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gregory Gary Gross and Keith Vanderlaan Marcy & Edgar Gross Suzi & Bob Guerin Lawrence J. Guli Eve Haberfield & David N. Johnson Mary & Alan Halkett Peter & Sarah Hall Tess Harper Nancy Harrison Diane Hart Judy L. Hartley HBC Protocols Inc. Richard Hefner & Greg Hoffman Allan Heinberg Zvia Hempling Carla & Alan A. Herd Michael & Candice Herman Matthew Herrmann Hella Hershson Ms. Kathryn Hibbs Charles Harder & Kathleen Hirose Shirley Hoff Jackie & Dr. Irwin Hoffman Dr. Sharron Holman Mr. & Mrs. John Hopmans Lynn & David Horowitz Anna Horsford Roger & Linda Howard
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Hubbard Mr. & Mrs. John Huber InSight Consulting Partners Lonnie Levi Israel Robert & Gail Israel Craig & Lynn Jacobson Fred & Nancy Jacobus Martha Jones Carolyn & Dan Jordan Peter & Cynthia Joyce Martha Kadue Jean Kaplan Jo Ann Kaplan Dr. & Mrs. Mitchell Karlan Harris Katleman Judith P Katz Morgan Kay Stuart Kessler Irwin Kishner Dr. Phyllis Klein Laurie & Milton Klorman Mary Koppel Mr. & Mrs. Richard Korchien Dolph Kornblum & Florence Robins Barbara & Stan Krasnoff Eugene Krieger Charles Kristenson John & Kimberly Kruse Jay & Billie Kubrin Doctors Mark & Lena Labowe Michelle & Bob Laemmle Carol D. Lande Jill & Michael Lasky Rhonda Lawrence Larry Layne & Sheelagh Boyd Dr. & Mrs. Eric Leibovitch Ginger Leibovitz Ann Leland Matthew Lessall Donna Levi Marla E. Levine Wayne Levine Dr. & Mrs. Isaac Levy Richard & Vivian Levy Lawrin & Linda Lewin Lee & Therese Linden Victor & Madeline Lindenheim Molly & Peter Lindgren Joanne Lindsay Irma & Allen Lipin Chaz Littlejohn Leslie & Adam Lobel Anne L. Lynch Kenji & Sara Machida Guillaume & Crystal Maillet John & Susan Mamer Carol & Doug Mancino Jeannette & Mervyn Mandelbaum Robert B. & Dona Martin Sylvia Mason Doug & Cindy Maxwell Stewart Mayeda David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone Jim & Kathryn McCaffery Sheri & Jim McCashin Cheryl McCormick Katrina McLean Lawry & Charles Meister Nicolas Miccolis Teddie J. Milner Peter Minarik & Sharon Vera Pamela & Mark Mischel Dr. & Mrs. Leon Mizrahi Andrew Molasky Shelagh Moriarty John Moschitta Carol & Jerry Muchin
Bill Mullins Fran Neiman Mark & Diane Neubauer Mark Neveu Robert & Anita Nitta Shelby Notkin Sandy & Alan Olick Dr. Ronald & Iris Onkin Andrea Ordin Victor J. Owens Anton & Olivia Pacino The Palm Family Bill Palmer Edward Parker Kathy & Jeff Perkins Michael Perlstein Naidu & Jane Permaul Susan Petelik Bruce Peters Frank Pfizenmayer & Josh Brown Joy & Gerald Picus Beverly Pine Frank Piontek Dr. Ronald & Alyson Podell Zazi Pope Michael & Rose Porterfield Diane & Michael Poryes David Posner Astrid & Howard Preston Philip Pritchett Susan Raphael Jody Rath & Shannon McIntosh Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Rennick Robyn Ridgley Natalie Roberts Elizabeth Roewe Mr. Avi & Mrs. Janis Rojany Rose Brand Robert Rosania Rose Brand George M. Rosen Adrienne Rosenthal Beverly & Melvin Rosenthal Dr. Martin & Lorraine Ross Lawrence Ross & Linda Nussbaum Georgina & Alan Rothenberg Bert Royal & Clay Black Adrienne & Stanford Rubin Tyler Rubin Terry Ryan Joyce Hokin Sachs Mr. & Mrs. Simon Salloom Penny Salomon Janet Salter In Memory of Hon. Maxwell Hillary Salter Laurie & Gary Samson Tawny & Gerry Sanders Karen Sandler Dr. Victor Sands & Mrs. Charlene Sands Janet Sasson Maxine Savitz Robert Schad Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scheinberg Joel & Sonia Schneider Gary & Karen Schneider Jane & Bill Schopf Barbara Schulman Susan & Peter Schwab Janet Schwartz John H. Scott Alvin Segel Rodolfo Segovia Barbara Seidman Earlene & Herb Seymour Bob & Sue Shadur Scott Shagrin
Melanie Sharp and Kevin Miller Tom & Judy Sharp Muriel F. Sherman Shelly & Greg Sherwin Pearl Shultz Sideshow Rare & Remarkable Books, Art & Curiosities Renee & Joe Siegel Seymour & Dorothy Siegel Joan Silver Ronald & Linda Slates Stephanie Small, MFT & Constance Kaplan, MFT Evelyne & Joel Smason Diane Good & Frank Smith Diane Smith James Smith & Loreen Ayer Jennie Smith Marcia L. & Mark J. Smith Pamela Smith Bill Smitrovich Karen Smits Michael & Millie Sondermann Debra & Bruce Spector Rita Spiegel M Leslie Stearns Dr. Jay Stein & Mrs. Carol Stein Tom & Kerstin Stempel Arthur Stern Gloria Stroock Ms. Sally Stevens Stanley & Dee Stone William Stringer Bonnie Sturner, PhD In Memory of Peter Silton Teresa L. Sufana Mr. Kayser Sume & Dr. Renee Sabshin Katherine Sung I.H. Sutnick Deepak Swarup Lance & Maureen Tan Phyllis & Franklin Tell Mr. & Mrs. Asadour Terterian Donna Thompson Dorothy Thornhill Jay & Courtney Tobin Brigitta Troy Laura & John Lincoln Uelmen Robin & Gary Ungar Leon & Stephanie Vahn Pia & Steve Vai Scott VanGerpen Arnold & Carol Vinstein Mandana Visi Vital Research LLC Lois Von Morganroth Carole Wagner-Vallianos & Peter Vallianos Dr. & Mrs. William Walsh Bunny & Jay Wasserman Julie & Peter Weil In Memory of Eunice Weiner Marion & Russell Weis Marsha & Steven Weiss Bruce & Marci Wiseman Marc Wishingrad Deborah Wiss Elaine & Donald Wolf Rowie & Jeffrey Wolf Jess Womack Lynn Woods Karen & Frank Wurtzel Arnold Zane Harriet Zaretsky Carol L. Zelden Lynn & Meir Ziv Dayle & Abram Zukor Sandy Zwirn
Have we made an error? To report a misspelling or omission in these listings, please contact the Development Department at 310.208.6500 ext. 128
dates to note
oct 7 – nov 23
nov 11 – dec 21
audrey skirball kenis theater
saturday morning - nov 15
gil cates theater
audrey skirball kenis theater
OVATION AWARDS
11/2/14
DISCORD Talk Back Tuesday
11/11/14
The Los Angeles Stage Alliance hosts the 25th Annual Ovation Awards at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. The Geffen Playhouse received 17 total nominations including 11 (a record for a single production) for The Country House.
Geffen Playhouse artists and complimentary coffee enliven post-performance discussion.
story pirates The Flagship Show
Saturday, 11/15/14 at 11:00am
The Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates set sail with their signature show — perfect for the kid in all of us.
DISCORD Closing Performance
11/23/14
Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy spend their last night together.
COUNTRY HOUSE Closing Performance on Broadway 11/23/14 The Geffen Playhouse co-production of The Country House closes at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway.
irving BERLIN Thanksgiving Week Performance
Monday, 11/24/14
Moved in observance of Thanksgiving, subscribers should note this performance day/date change.
irving BERLIN Student Matinee
12/4/14
Students from Mendez, Jordan, Santee, Roosevelt and Westchester High Schools attend a special matinee performance featuring a post-show discussion with Geffen Playhouse artists and staff.
irving BERLIN Talk Back Tuesdays
11/25/14 – 12/16/14
irving BERLIN Wine Down Sundays
11/23/14 – 12/21/14
Join Geffen Playhouse artists and staff for a post-play discussion and complimentary beverages courtesy of Keurig.
Complimentary wine samplings pre-show courtesy of UVAGGIO, California wines with an Italian heritage. Lobby opens at 6:00 pm with music courtesy of 100.3 The Sound.
this time in Geffen Playhouse history December 5, 2013 Geffen Playhouse opens the West Coast premiere of I’ll Eat You Last, written by John Logan, directed by Joe Mantello and featuring Bette Midler. January 17, 2011 The Geffen Playhouse production of Bill Cain’s Equivocation wins the season’s Ovation Award for Best Play. November 9, 2011 Geffen Playhouse launches its first three-play season in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater with Alan Alda’s Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie. December, 2006 The original run of Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking extends. The play would later open in New York at Studio 54.
enhance your evening at the geffen!
Attend one of our Signature Series and enjoy the FREE festivities with your ticket purchase. Event details at geffenplayhouse.com/signatureseries
tgif at the geffen
talk back tuesdays
girls night out
lounge fridays
wine down sundays
friday of preview week
every tuesday after preview week
third thursday of every run
fourth & Fifth friday of every run
every sunday after preview week
PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P23
geffen playhouse staff Randall Arney Artistic Director
Ken Novice Managing Director
ARTISTIC
Regina Miller Chief Development Officer
MARKETING & SALES
Mary Garrett Amy Levinson Phyllis Schuringa Shannon Noel Nick Johnson
Artistic Manager Artistic Associate / Literary Director Artistic Associate / Casting Director Artistic Coordinator Literary Associate
DEVELOPMENT Ellen Catania Director of Major Gifts & Corporate/Foundation Partnerships Jessica Brusilow Rollins Director of Education Partnerships & Donor Relations Jamie Mikelich Associate Director of Individual Giving Kristen Smith Eshaya Grants Manager & Major Gifts Executive Assistant Scott Kriloff Development Associate & Donor Database Administrator Jessie Sherman Development Assistant Ava Bogle Development Assistant
Joseph Yoshitomi Director of Marketing & Communications Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Sponsorships Mark San Filippo Ticket Services Director & Database Administrator Stephanie Strand Audience Services Manager Brian Dunning Graphics / Production Artist Jodi Feigenbaum Advertising & Promotions Assistant Janice Bernal Associate Box Office Manager Bryan Martin Associate Box Office Manager Korie Benavidez, Audrey Cain, Joshua Davis, Clay Dzygun, Natalie Gregory, Zack Hamra, Richard Martinez, Lilach Mendelovich, Alyssa Tyson Box Office Staff
COMMUNICATIONS Tim Choy, Peter Goldman, David Barber, Niki Blumberg Davidson & Choy Publicity
EDUCATION
FRONT OF HOUSE
Jennifer Zakkai Director of Education & Community Outreach Connor White Resident Teaching Artist & Education Associate
Jeni Pearsons Director of Special Events David Gerhardt Supervising House Manager Michelle Cantrell, Kevin Cernansky, Josiah Davis, Amy Farkas, Brennan Kelleher, Roxana Meyers, Erik Odom House Managers Sevana Baghdasarian, Kailey Bray, Taylor Cerny, Vianney Cossyleon, Brett Donaldson, Brigid Donovan, Dan Foote, Chelsea Fryer, Kari Hall, Mariel Higuera, Sean Jones, Netta Lee Joseph, Erica Keller, Caroline Harrison Kohler, Nathaniel Meek, Keith Mitchell, JoJo Nwoko, Chase O’Donnell, Cassandra Orrantia, Jonathan Schwartz Oliver Vaughn Ushers Rob Mersola Bar Manager Manuel Mayorga Weekend Bar Manager Adam Carr, Brenda Davidson, Lyndsi LaRose Bartenders
ADMINISTRATION Frankie Ocasio Executive Assistant to the Managing Director Maryam Meehan Accounting and Payroll Manager Peter Banachowski Accounts Payable Marguerite Harris Receptionist
PRODUCTION Daniel Ionazzi Jill Barnes Matthew Carleton Thomas Watson Rich Gilles James Grabowski Darren Rezowalli
Production Manager Associate Production Manager Technical Director Assistant Technical Director Properties Master Sound Master Master Electrician
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Miguel del Castillo Mario Santillan-Perez Juan Carlos Umaña
Facility Manager Custodial Cleaning Custodial
The Geffen Playhouse is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. This project was also funded in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. The Geffen Playhouse, a non-profit theater company, is proudly affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.
P24 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe