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GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE GIL CATES THEATER
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MATT SHAKMAN
WELCOME TO THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE Photo by Jeff Lorch
WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO LOS ANGELES, I LIVED IN AN APARTMENT BUILDING IN Hancock Park that had been owned by Nat “King” Cole. It consisted of four units—one for each member of his quartet. There were secret doors linking each unit—presumably so they could keep the party going all night long. When Nat moved into Hancock Park—purchasing a home for his family and the nearby apartment building for his band—he was the first African-American to own a house in this exclusive part of Los Angeles. The neighborhood tried to prevent the purchase from going through and when that failed, they burned profanities on Nat’s lawn and poisoned his dog. Hardly the party he had in mind when he linked all those apartments. This was 1948. Nat “King” Cole was one of the most popular entertainers in America. White Americans were all too happy to listen to his music. They just didn’t want to live near him. In Lights Out, co-writers Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor delve deeply into the incredible story of a talented man struggling against a hostile world that loved his artistry but rejected the color of his skin. They question how Nat could maintain a dignified façade in the face of such hostility. Lights Out takes place on a night where Nat’s dignified façade just might break—where a man who has inspired us through music to build a better world may stop believing that it is possible. Though we live in a time that has taken great steps since 1948, our front pages confront us daily with the limits of acceptance. Patricia and Colman have not shied away from the powerful resonance of their story for today’s world, but they have pulled off a miracle—one that is right out of Nat’s playbook. Emotional, lyrical, theatrical, Lights Out is as entertaining as it is impactful. This is a big-hearted look at one of our biggest-hearted talents. With the incredible Dulé Hill and Daniel J. Watts leading the way, under Patricia’s sparkling direction, Lights Out is exactly the kind of theatre we need. I couldn’t be prouder to share this production with all of you. Enjoy the show!
Matt Shakman Artistic Director 2 PLAYBILL
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Howard Tenenbaum CHAIR
Patricia Kiernan Applegate
Jerry Moss
Beth Behrs
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN
Bruce M. Ramer
Dr. Gene D. Block
Victoria Mann Simms
Kevin Bright
Andy Spahn
Harold A. Brown
Steven Spielberg
Gil Cates Jr.
Steve Tisch
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Centeno
Dr. Charles E. Young CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Mary Ann Cloyd Merle Dandridge
IN MEMORIAM
Dr. Brad Edgerton
Gilbert Cates
Mark Fleischer Sue Fleishman Patricia L. Glaser Adi Greenberg VICE CHAIR
FOUNDER
Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden
Arthur Greenberg
Jerry Perenchio
Martha Henderson
Edie Wasserman
CHAIR EMERITUS
Lew Wasserman
Loretta Everett Kaufman Jason Delane Lee
LEGAL COUNSEL
Carla Malden
Peter Rosen
Barry Meyer Holly Rice Pamela Robinson CHAIR EMERITUS
Linda Bernstein Rubin
LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
ADVISORY BOARD Miranda Tollman CHAIR
Teri Schwartz
Natasha Barritt
Matt Shakman
Stephanie Carson
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Richard Sherman Fred Specktor Lorraine Spurge Cynthia P. Stafford Kimberly Steward Marc Weinstock
Lori Collins Ellyce R. Cooper Debra Davis Ann Gianopulos Priscila Giraldo Kirsten Hansen Eric Heer
FOUNDING TRUSTEES
Laura Kennedy
Kirsten Combs
Yvonne Lee
Robert A. Daly
Hannah Linkenhoker
David Geffen
Tiffany Mayberry
Herbert M. Gelfand
John McCrite
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Glorya Kaufman Ginny Mancini Frank G. Mancuso
Wendy Kurtzman
Danny Passman Jessica Queller Eric Rollins Allen Shay John Sonego
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Kevyn Wynn
Ron Meyer
Laurie Ziegler
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GIL CATES, JR. Photo by Jeff Lorch
WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US today to experience the West Coast premiere of Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole. In this poignant and timely piece, playwrights Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor have created a boldly original homage to the renowned performer who struggled to break through America’s color barrier in the early days of television. As we begin 2019, there is much to look forward to in the new year, including our annual Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser on Saturday, May 18. I am excited to share that award winning actor, singer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte will be accepting the Artistic Impact Award this year, with an additional honoree to be announced. Backstage at the Geffen is our single largest fundraiser of the year, helping to support the Geffen’s Education and Community Engagement programs, which serve more than 15,000 low-income youth, veterans, seniors and community members each year. In addition, we are also very excited to announce that Tony Award nominee Rory O’Malley will be the new host of the Geffen Playhouse: Unscripted podcast, now entering its third year in partnership with PodcastOne. Listeners around the world can not only enjoy exclusive, behind-the-scenes audio tours of widely acclaimed Geffen productions, but also hear conversations with some of today’s most compelling creative voices. For more information about what Geffen Playhouse has to offer throughout the year, please be sure to visit geffenplayhouse.org for updates. Thank you again for your loyalty and support of the Geffen Playhouse!
Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 3
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF
WRITTEN BY
Colman Domingo & Patricia McGregor DIRECTED BY
Patricia McGregor MUSIC SUPERVISION, ARRANGEMENTS & ORCHESTRATIONS BY
John McDaniel
SET DESIGN BY
COSTUME DESIGNER
Clint Ramos & Ryan Howell
Katherine O’Neill
LIGHTING DESIGNER
SOUND DESIGNER
Alan C. Edwards
Alex Hawthorn
MUSIC DIRECTOR / CONDUCTOR
CHOREOGRAPHER
David Witham
Edgar Godineaux
TAP & ADDITIONAL CHOREOGRAPHY BY
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Jared Grimes
Dennis Whitehead Darling
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
Ross Jackson
Lindsay Lowy
CASTING DIRECTOR
Phyllis Schuringa, CSA
OPENING NIGHT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019 Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole is produced with the generous support of Bill & Katie McNabb, Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum, Linda B. Rubin Productions, LLC, Susan Vargo and Theatre Corner Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole was originally commissioned and produced by People’s Light, Malvern, PA. Abigail Adams, Artistic Director/CEO; Ellen Anderson, General Manager/CFO; Zak Berkman, Producing Director The original development and premiere of Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole was supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS CIRCLE MEMBERS
Laurie & Bill Benenson • Martha Henderson • Pamela Robinson Hollander & Robert Hollander Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman • Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin Kimberly Steward & Josh Godfrey • Miranda & Brett Tollman 4 PLAYBILL
CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER) Eartha Kitt and others ���������������������������������������������������������� Gisela Adisa* Billy Preston and others . ......................... Connor Amacio Matthews* Producer and others ......................................................... Bryan Dobson* Candy and others ............................................................ Mary-Pat Green* Nat “King” Cole ............................................................................... Dulé Hill* Betty Hutton, Peggy Lee and others ��������������������������������� Ruby Lewis* Perlina and others ................................................................... Zonya Love* Stage Manager and others ������������������������������������������� Brandon Ruiter* Sammy Davis Jr. ............................................................... Daniel J. Watts* *Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
MUSICIANS Conductor / Keyboards .................................................... David Witham Guitar ............................................................................................. Greg Porée Bass . ................................................................................... Edwin Livingston Drums / Percussion / Orchestra Contractor .................. Brian Miller TIME December 17th, 1957 at 7:44pm
RUNNING TIME Approximately 90 minutes. There will be no intermission.
PLEASE NOTE There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed in the theater. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones. Thank you!
OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 5
SONGS “Nature Boy” Written by Eden Ahbez “It’s A Good Day” Written by Peggy Lee, Dave Barbour “Smile” Music by Charles Chaplin Words by John Turner, Geoffrey Parsons “Somewhere Along The Way” Written by Sammy Gallop, Jimmy Van Heusen “Caroling, Caroling” Written by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson “Anything You Can Do” Written by Irving Berlin “I Wish I Didn’t Love You” Written by Frank Loesser “Orange Colored Sky” Written by Milton DeLugg, William Stein “Blueberry Hill” Written by Al Lewis, Vincent Rose, Larry Stock “What’s Wrong With Me” Lyrics by Shirley Henry, Music by Nelson Riddle
OFFICIAL RADIO STATION 6 PLAYBILL
“I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter” Written by Fred E. Ahlert, Joseph Young “Me and My Shadow” Words by Billy Rose Music by Al Jolson, Dave Dreyer “Mona Lisa” Written by Ray Evans, Jay Livingston “Unforgettable” Written by Irving Gordon “How Mild” Written by John McDaniel “Straighten Up and Fly Right” Written by Nat King Cole, Irving Mills “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Poem Written by James Weldon Johnson Music by John Rosamond Johnson “The Christmas Song” Written by Mel Tormé, Robert Wells “The Party’s Over” Written by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
GISELA ADISA (Eartha Kitt and others) Gisela Adisa makes her Geffen Playhouse debut. Broadway: Beautiful (Lucille). National Tour: Sister Act (Michelle, Deloris u/s). New York credits include Trial, directed by Lori Petty at New York’s Beckmann Theatre, as well as Caroline, or Change (The Moon) and Marie Christine (title role). Regional credits include the world premiere of Light’s Out: Nat “King” Cole (People’s Light), for which she earned a Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Supporting Performance. Gisela recently appeared in Man of La Mancha at Westport Country Playhouse (Aldonza), earning a Broadway World nomination for Best Actress. Television/ film credits include Younger, Royal Pains, Shield and Ride by Night. Gisela holds a B.A. in Drama with an African Studies minor from Fordham University. She is a proud member of the non-profit organizations Broadway Inspirational Voices and Vocal Ease. She thanks her brother Eric for his unbending support. More at www.iamgisela.com. Instagram: @imgisela
CONNOR AMACIO MATTHEWS (Billy Preston and others) Connor Amacio Matthews, aka Connor Amacio, is a twelveyear old actor, singer, dancer and horseman. He lives in California with his mother Renay Matthews-Delgado and his father Ricardo Delgado. Early recognition by family as a precocious child, equipped with innate willingness to entertain, shaped his affable fit with acting, dancing, rapping and singing. This led to the creation of In the Flow with Connor Amacio, his own Youtube show at the age of seven. After professional training, he achieved roles in short movies and commercials. A master at improv and a natural in front of the camera and on stage, Connor loves the arts. He is also a singer and songwriter. He released his anti-bullying song “Buzzin’ Bee” in 2018. In his spare time, he plays games with his dad, writes with his grandfather and trains in horseback riding in the English style at TES in Burbank.
BRYAN DOBSON (Producer and others) Bryan Dobson is delighted to make his debut at the Geffen. Most recently, he was seen as Santa in Elf for Musical Theatre West. European/National Tours: Jesus Christ Superstar (Herod), The Rocky Horror Show (Brad), Man of La Mancha (Tenorio). Regional shows include: Yankee Doodle Dandy (Old Lou), Footloose (Shaw), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jacob/Potiphar), Carrie (Stephens), The Spitfire Grill (Caleb), Noises Off (Lloyd), My Fair Lady (Higgins), On Golden Pond (Bill), The Diviners (Ferris). Proud member of Actors’ Equity. Many thanks to Patricia, Colman, John and the entire Geffen team!
MARY-PAT GREEN (Candy and others) Broadway credits include: Sweeney Todd (original cast) and Candide (original cast revival). Off-Broadway: Nunsense, Marcy in The Galaxy. Kennedy Center: Showboat. Regional: The Cripple of InishGEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 7
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES maan (Antaeus Theatre Company), Steward of Christendom (Mark Taper Forum), Fallen Angels (Pasadena Playhouse), The Women (The Old Globe), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Juno and the Paycock, Deathtrap, First Lady Suite. National Tour: Godspell, South Pacific. Film: Fantastic Four (2015), Yes Man, The Breakup, In Her Shoes, xXx, My Best Friend’s Wedding. Television: Mom, American Horror Story: Asylum, The Middle, Anger Management, Castle, Cold Case, The West Wing, The Mentalist, Desperate Housewives, Friends.
DULÉ HILL (Nat “King” Cole) Dulé Hill is thrilled to reprise this role after starring in the People’s Light production of Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole. Hill can currently be seen in the eighth season of Suits and previously appeared in Ballers and the film Sleight. Hill portrayed Burton “Gus” Guster in Psych for eight seasons, in which he served as a producer and was nominated for seven NAACP Image Awards. Hill first came to prominence as The Kid in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk (Broadway). Additional stage credits include the Tony-nominated musical After Midnight (Broadway), Stick Fly (Broadway), The Tap Dance Kid (Broadway), Black 8 PLAYBILL
and Blue (Broadway) and The Little Rascals (Goodspeed Opera House). Hill is best known for his work as Charlie Young on The West Wing, for which he garnered an Emmy Award nomination, four Image Award nominations and two SAG Awards. Dulé would like to thank Wilkie Ferguson and Liz Himelstein for all of their help in preparing him to step into the iconic suit of Mr. Nat “King” Cole.
RUBY LEWIS (Betty Hutton, Peggy Lee and others) Ruby Lewis has made headlines in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and across the country as a versatile singer, actress and dancer. She starred as Indigo in Cirque du Soleil’s premiere Broadway show Paramour, which led to features on Nightline, Build Series and two Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades. Most recently, Ruby played the title role in Marilyn! The New Musical at the Paris Theater in Las Vegas, backed by the Marilyn Monroe Estate. Prior to Marilyn, Ruby had become known for the role of Daisy in the critically-acclaimed production of BAZ as a member of the Los Angeles-based company “For the Record.” National Tours: Gypsy, Grease, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You. Television: Girl Meets
World, Masters of Sex, Heart of Dixie, Desperate Housewives, Entertainment Tonight, among others. She performs her own one-woman show A Golden Hour across the country, soon in Los Angeles. Stay up to date: www.rubylewis.com Instagram: @rubylewla.
ZONYA LOVE (Perlina and others) Zonya Love is elated to make her debut at the Geffen Playhouse with Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole. She was recently seen in the Todd Solondz play Emma and Max at The Flea Theater in New York City. Some favorite credits include Broadway: The Color Purple (Celie). Off-Broadway: Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), first National Tour of Avenue Q, The Devil’s Music (Bessie Smith at Milwaukee Rep), Dreamgirls (Effie at Theatre Under the Stars), The Wiz (Evilene at Maltz Jupiter Theatre), The Parchman Hour (Lucretia Collins/Others at Guthrie Theater), Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier at Broadway at Music Circus), Intimate Apparel (Mayme at Nevada Conservatory). Television: Blue Bloods, Smash, The David Letterman Show. Proud member of Broadway Inspirational Voices Romans 8! www.zonyalove.com @lovezonya on IG & Twitter.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
BRANDON RUITER (Stage Manager and others) Brandon Ruiter makes his Geffen Playhouse stage debut after having understudied the 2016 production of Sex with Strangers. He spent much of his professional career on stages in Chicago, where he is a company member with The House Theatre of Chicago. Los Angeles theater: Failure: A Love Story (Center Theatre Group, Coeurage Theatre); A Picture of Dorian Gray as understudy of Dorian (A Noise Within); Macbeth (The Vagrancy ensemble). Film/television: Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (Netflix), Into the Storm (WB), Crisis (NBC), Law and Order: The Menendez Murders (NBC). Education/ training: B.A. in Theatre from Hope College, Holland MI.
DANIEL J. WATTS (Sammy Davis Jr.) Daniel is thrilled to make his Geffen Playhouse debut reprising the role of Sammy, for which he won a Barrymore Award. Broadway credits include: Hamilton, In the Heights
and Memphis. Off-Broadway: Suzan-Lori Parks’ Death of the Last Black Man in the Entire World AKA the Negro Book of the Dead (Signature Theatre), Whorl Inside A Loop (Second Stage Theater). Television credits include: NBC’s Blindspot; HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, The Deuce and The Night Of; CBS’ The Good Wife, Blue Bloods; Broad City (Comedy Central); and “Felony” in The Last OG (TBS). “Daniel J. Watts’ The Jam,” an homage to his great-grandmother who made homemade jam and gave away what she couldn’t eat herself, is a spoken word/ storytelling experience where Watts encourages audiences to focus on social similarities as opposed to differences. He is featured in the young adult anthology “How I Resist.” B.F.A. Graduate Elon University Music Theatre Program. Original work at www.wattswords.com. @dwattswords Instagram and Twitter.
COLMAN DOMINGO (Playwright) A Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk and Drama League Award nominated artist, Mr. Domingo’s plays include Dot (Samuel French), Wild with Happy (Dramatist Play Service) and A Boy and His Soul (Oberon Books), among others. He cowrote the Broadway musical
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. His work has been produced by the Public Theater, Vineyard Theatre, Humana Festival of New American Plays, New York Stage and Film, A.C.T, Tricycle Theatre in London, Brisbane Powerhouse in Australia, among others. He is the recipient of a Lucille Lortel, Obie, Audelco and GLAAD Award. His theater career of over 26 years spans the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Australia, France and regional theaters across America. The multi-hyphenate has two television series in the works for AMC and HBO, which he will executive produce and write. He stars in the Golden Globe-nominated film If Beale Street Could Talk and on television on AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead.
PATRICIA McGREGOR (Playwright / Director) Patricia McGregor is a director and writer from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She has been profiled by The New York Times three times for her direction of world premieres. Recent credits include Place (world premiere at BAM Next Wave Festival), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Old Globe), Skeleton Crew (Geffen Playhouse), Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole (People’s Light), Skeleton Crew (Studio Theatre), Measure for Measure GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 9
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES (The Old Globe), The Parchman Hour (Guthrie Theater), Hamlet (Public Theater), Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout Theatre Company), brownsville song (b-side for tray) (Lincoln Center Theater) and the world premieres of Good Grief (Center Theatre Group), Stagger Lee (Dallas Theater Center), Hurt Village (Signature Theatre), Holding It Down and Blood Dazzler (Harlem Stage) and The House That Would Not Stand (Berkeley Rep/Yale Rep). Other credits include A Raisin in the Sun, The Winter’s Tale, Spunk, Becky Shaw, Adoration of the Old Woman, Four Electric Ghosts and Nothing Personal. She served as tour consultant on J. Cole’s World Tour, directed the 24 Hour Plays on Broadway and staged readings for HBO’s writer’s Access program. McGregor is a co-founder of Angela’s Pulse and a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop. She was a Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow at Yale School of Drama where she earned her M.F.A. and served as Artistic Director of the Yale Cabaret. JOHN McDANIEL (Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations) John McDaniel is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning Music Director, Composer, Arranger, Orchestrator and Producer and is an Artistic Director at the Tony Award-winning O’Neill Theater Center. Recently he has directed Sondheim Originals at 54 Below, Piano Men at Birdland and HAIR in Concert at the historic Patchogue Theater. On Broadway: Bonnie and Clyde (Drama Desk Nomination for Best Orchestrations), Catch Me 10 PLAYBILL
If You Can, Brooklyn (Producer and Orchestrator), Annie Get Your Gun (Grammy Award), Taboo, Chicago, Grease, Patti LuPone on Broadway and Company – the Original Cast in Concert at Lincoln Center. Television: The Rosie O’Donnell Show (two Emmy Awards). John has collaborated with Cab Calloway, Shirley MacLaine, George Burns, Joel Grey, Carol Burnett, Betty Buckley, Bette Midler and has guest conducted at 15 Symphony Orchestras across America, including five concerts with his hometown St. Louis Symphony. John received a B.F.A. in Drama from Carnegie Mellon University. CLINT RAMOS (Set Design) Geffen Playhouse: The Power of Duff. Broadway: sets and/or costumes: Eclipsed, Once on This Island, Torch Song, Six Degrees of Separation, Sunday in the Park with George, In Transit, Elephant Man, Violet. Over 200 Off-Broadway, regional, and international credits. Awards: Tony, Obie, 2 Lortels, 3 ATW Henry Hewes. Head of Design at Fordham University. M.F.A. from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. @clintramos RYAN HOWELL (Set Design) Broadway (Associate): Latin History for Morons; (Studio 54), Eclipsed (Golden Theatre). Off-Broadway: Pretty Hunger, Teenage Dick (Public Theater); Adoration of the Old Woman (INTAR); Polkadots (Atlantic Theater Company); All Over The Map, Thao’s Library (Lion Theatre); Propaganda! The Musical (New York Music Festival).
New York: Dialogue of the Carmelites, L’enfant et les Sortileges (NYU Steinhardt), The Wedding Singer (New York Film Academy). Regional: Idomeneo (Wolf Trap Opera); Loving vs. Virginia (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Evita, Annie (Westport Country Playhouse); The Marriage of Figaro (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra); Amahl & The Night Visitors (Philadelphia Orchestra); Altar Boyz (The Cape Playhouse); Dreamgirls, A Gentleman’s Guide…, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Rock of Ages, Hand to God (Playhouse on the Square); Nice Work if You Can Get It, Rock of Ages, Merrily We Roll Along (Summer Repertory Theater); Cosi Fan Tutte, The Magic Flute, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Giulio Cesare In Egitto, A Little Night Music (University of Cincinnati). Film/television (Asst. Art Director): Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 2 (Netflix), The Affair Season 2 (Showtime), Gotham Season 5 (Fox). Website: www.ryanmhowell.com. Instagram:@ryanmhowell KATHERINE O’NEILL (Costume Designer) Previous credits include: The Parchman Hour (Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, MN), Blood Dazzler (Harlem Stage, NY), The Unfortunates (ACT, San Francisco, CA and Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland, OR), The House That Will Not Stand (Berkeley Rep, CA and Yale Rep, New Haven, CT), The Taming of the Shrew (California Shakespeare Festival, Orinda, CA), Becky Shaw (Round House Theatre, Washington, D.C.), Death of a Salesman (New Haven, CT).
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES ALAN C. EDWARDS (Lighting Designer) Off-Broadway: Harry Clarke (Vineyard Theatre, Lucille Lortel Award); Kill Move Paradise (National Black Theatre, Drama Desk Award nomination). Regional: Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole (People’s Light); Dutchman, Antigone, Macbeth, The Tempest (Classical Theatre of Harlem); Twisted Melodies (Centerstage Baltimore); Henry IV Part 2, Fingersmith (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Stagger Lee (Dallas Theatre Center); We Are Proud To Present (Guthrie Theater); Man of La Mancha (Westport Playhouse); Sweeney Todd (Connecticut Rep); Jeremy McQueen’s Madiba (The Kennedy Center). Broadway: The Testament of Mary (Assoc. to Jennifer Tipton). His work has been seen at Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Center Stage Baltimore, Asolo Rep, Yale Rep, Cleveland Play House, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Miami New Drama, Berkshire Theatre Group, Chautauqua Theatre Company, People’s Light, Madison Opera, Mill City Opera and the Kennedy Center. He received his M.F.A. from the Yale School of Drama. www.alancedwards.com ALEX HAWTHORN (Sound Designer) Alex is a Brooklyn-based sound designer and composer for theater, film and digital media. His theatrical work has taken him to six continents and he’s currently figuring out how to get to the seventh. Off-Broadway/New York City: Ordinary Days (Keen Company); The Mad Ones (Prospect Theater at
59E59); Fly By Night, A Strange Loop (Playwrights Horizons); The Great Immensity (The Civilians and the Public Theater); Straight (Acorn Theater); My Heart Is In the East (LaMaMa); Rhinebecca, NY, You On The Moors Now (Theater Reconstruction Ensemble); A Dream Play (NAATCO); REMNANT, Juárez: A Documentary Mythology, Death of a Salesman, Medea, DR.C (Or How I Learned To Act In Eight Steps), HAIR (Associate Artist with Theater Mitu); Old Comedy from Aristophanes’ Frogs (Target Margin Theater). Regional: Baltimore Center Stage, Engeman Theater, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, People’s Light and Theater, Portland Center Stage. National Tour: Golda’s Balcony. Podcasts: Naked Radio for Naked Angels. Film: Go Tell Your Fathers. Numerous concerts and live events. IG: AFHawthorn www.alexhawthorn.com. DAVID WITHAM (Music Director / Conductor) David Witham studied piano with Jaki Byard at the New England Conservatory of Music and with Alan Broadbent in Los Angeles. He was Musical Director for NEA Jazz Master George Benson from 1990-2007, and has served as a producer for Tom Scott and Grover Washington. Broadway show credits include Wicked Los Angeles (Associate Music Director), The Lion King Los Angeles (Assistant Conductor), and These Paper Bullets (Associate Music Supervisor). Recording and performance credits include Barbra Streisand, Patti Austin, Betty Buckley, Keely Smith, Joe
Sample, Wayne Brady, Chaka Khan, Chick Corea, Jose Feliciano, Nels Cline, Randy and Michael Brecker. Since 1999, David has turned some of his creative energies towards the visual, and created, produced and hosted Portable Universe, an award-winning cable access television show in Long Beach centered around music and performers that has featured artists from around the world. The program can be viewed at www.portableuniverse.tv. EDGAR GODINEAUX (Choreographer) Edgar Godineaux is excited to be working alongside the dynamic duo of Patricia McGregor and Colman Domingo. He was nominated for a NAACP Theatre Award for Best Director/Best Choreography for Memphis, The Musical (regional larger theatre). His choreography can been seen in projects such as a pilot for Comedy Central starring Awkwafina, Dancing with the Stars with Jason Taylor and Edyta, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Nona Gaye videos/tour BET Entertainment, the movie The Five Heartbeats in collaboration with the legendary Michael Peters, Color Me Bad tour, Jersey Boys the movie and Motown 30th Anniversary. He is the Associate Choreographer for the Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations opening March 2019, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Memphis, the Musical (Olivier Award for Best Choreography in the UK) and Leap of Faith on Broadway. Big thanks to Lexikat Artists and William Morris Endeavor. Follow Edgar’s IG @egoconcepts. GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 11
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES JARED GRIMES (Tap & Additional Choreography) Signature Theatre: Jelly’s Last Jam (Helen Hayes Award). Broadway: After Midnight on Broadway (Tap Mathematician), Holler If You Hear Me (Associate Choreographer). Off-Broadway: Radio City New York Spring Spectacular (Marshall), Cotton Club Parade, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Himself); Cirque Du Soleil’s Banana Shpeel (Choreography). Regional: Drury Lane: 42nd Street (Jeff Award); Goodspeed Musicals: Babes N Arms (Ivor); The Prince Music Theater: Stormy Weather (Avon Long); Pasadena Playhouse/Alliance Theater: Twist (Roosevelt King). Film: Breaking Brooklyn (Choreography), The Marc Pease Experience (Ben Stiller), First Born (Elizabeth Shue). Television: NBC: Manifest (Adrian); Boardwalk Empire (Grover); Fox: Fringe, 30 Seconds to Fame, Star Search, Showtime at The Apollo; ABC Family: Dance Fever. Live concert performances: Mariah Carey, Common, Busta Rhymes, Salt N Peppa, En Vogue, Wynton Marsalis. Special performances for: Barack Obama, Ted Kennedy, Justin Timberlake. Shows produced: Broadway Underground, Run The Night Dance Competition. Awards: 2014 Astaire Award winner for outstanding performer in a Broadway show. www.jaredmgrimes.com DENNIS WHITEHEAD DARLING (Associate Director) Dennis Whitehead Darling is a stage director in both theater and opera. Directing credits include: Movin’ Up in the World (Opera Memphis), Sunset Baby (Hattiloo Theatre), James and 12 PLAYBILL
the Giant Peach (Circuit Playhouse), Blue Viola (Opera Memphis), Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Hattiloo Theatre), Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Hattiloo Theatre). Upcoming projects include: Jack the Ripper (English National Opera – London), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Spazio-Teatro NO’HMA – Milan), The Parchment Hour (Hattiloo Theatre), Jelly’s Last Jam (Hattiloo Theatre). Associate/assistant directing credits: Skeleton Crew (Geffen Playhouse), Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole (People’s Light), Triumph of Honor (Opera Memphis). Dennis has been named Opera Memphis’ first McCleave Fellow in Directing. B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, M.A. in Theatre, M.F.A. in Directing. denniswhiteheaddarling.com ROSS JACKSON (Production Stage Manager) Ross Jackson is excited to continue his work with the Geffen Playhouse! Proudly hailing from New Orleans, LA, Ross is now based in Los Angeles. Recent Geffen credits: A Christmas Carol, The Untranslatable Secrets of Nikki Corona, Skeleton Crew, Sell/Buy/ Date, Ironbound and A Funny Thing Happened... Other credits: Five Guys Named Moe (Ebony Repertory Theater); The Tempest and Deferred Action (Dallas Theater Center); The Crucible and A Lesson Before Dying (Clarence Brown Theatre); Aladdin and His Winter Wish and Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight (Lythgoe Family Panto); Nickel Mines (New York Musical Theatre Festival); The Lady Onstage, Orlando and True West (Profile Theater) and several produc-
tions with the University of California, Irvine, from which he holds his Master of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. Love to Mom, Tom and Megan. LINDSAY LOWY (Assistant Stage Manager) Lindsay Lowy is excited to return to the Geffen, having previously worked on Skeleton Crew last summer. She has just completed her fourth consecutive season with Lythgoe Family Panto, and recently took part in the kickoff of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Centennial season with Celebrate LA! as a Site Producer for Community Arts Resources. Some of her additional credits include: The Tempest, A Trip to the Moon, The Oscar® Concert, Bernstein’s Mass, War of the Worlds, Night and Dreams: A Schubert & Beckett Recital, Nixon in China and Alice in Wonderland (Los Angeles Philharmonic); Black Super Hero Magic Mama (Workshop, Geffen Playhouse); The Final Girl (The School of Night); Meat Puppet: The Filmed Experience (The Last Monarchy Theatre); ...Y Tu Tango? (L2 Dance Theatre); Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood. Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Design and Technical Production from California State University, Fullerton. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA (Casting Director) Phyllis is an Artistic Associate and the Casting Director for the Geffen Playhouse. Recent
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES casting includes Ironbound, Skeleton Crew, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Guards at the Taj, Outside Mullingar, Bad Jews, The Night Alive, Switzerland and American Buffalo at the Geffen, and Shiv at The Theatre @ Boston Court. She has received 5 Artios nominations: Significant Other, Actually, Barbecue, Barcelona, The Country House. Before joining the Geffen, she was the Casting Director for Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago where her favorites include Frank Galati’s adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath (also La Jolla Playhouse, National Theatre in London and Broadway, where it received the Tony Award for Best Play), the original production of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile (and subsequent productions including Westwood Playhouse and Briar Street Theater in Chicago), Austin Pendleton’s Orson’s Shadow and Charles L. Mee’s Time to Burn. Broadway transfers include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Tony Award for Best Revival) and The Song of Jacob Zulu. She is a member of the Casting Society of America and the Ovation Rules Committee. PEOPLE’S LIGHT (Abigail Adams, Executive Artistic Director; Zak Berkman, Producing Director) Founded in 1974, People’s Light is one of Pennsylvania’s largest professional non-profit theatres, known for their resident company of artists, eclectic mix of productions,
and innovative work with young people. Each season they present stories drawn from ancient times through tomorrow that have direct relevance to their communities and their concerns. They produce classics and contemporary plays, as well as commission and produce new work: of their 444 productions, over a third (167) have been world or regional premieres. Recent world premieres include Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole by Colman Domingo and Patricia McGregor, Project Dawn by Karen Hartman, Mud Row by Dominique Morisseau, Barcelona by Bess Wohl and Such Things As Vampires by Zak Berkman, Stuart Carden, Jessie Fisher, and Mary Tuomanen. www.peopleslight.org
MATT SHAKMAN (Artistic Director) Matt Shakman has directed three highly acclaimed productions for the Geffen Playhouse: the West Coast premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People, the world premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of Wait Until Dark and Joshua Harmon’s Bad Jews. His theatrical work has also been seen at Primary Stages in New York and South Coast Repertory. Matt founded and
was the artistic director of the Black Dahlia Theatre in Los Angeles, which was named “one of a dozen young American companies you need to know” by American Theatre magazine and “Best Small Theatre” by Los Angeles magazine. Under his leadership, the Black Dahlia garnered numerous Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and LA Stage Alliance nominations and awards. In 2011, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle awarded him the Milton Katselas Award for Career Achievement in Direction. Matt is also well-regarded for his achievements in television and film. He is a director and producer for FX’s long-running show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and has directed episodes of Game of Thrones (DGA nomination), Mad Men, Fargo and The Good Wife. His feature film debut, Cut Bank, starring John Malkovich, Billy Bob Thornton and Bruce Dern, premiered at the Toronto International and Los Angeles Film Festivals and was released by A24. Shakman is a graduate of Yale University and holds a B.A. in History of Art and Theater.
GIL CATES, JR. (Executive Director) As Executive Director, Gil Cates, Jr. leads the Geffen GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 13
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Playhouse in its mission to inform, entertain and inspire diverse audiences with live theater of the highest caliber—both within and beyond the non-profit theater’s walls. He has proudly served on the Geffen Playhouse Board since 2012. Gil’s theater credits include the award-winning Names (Matrix Theatre Company) starring Dixie Carter and Greg Mullavey, Three Sisters and David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre (both at Syracuse Stage). Gil’s film credits include The Surface (starring Sean Astin and Geffen Playhouse alumnus Chris Mulkey), Jobs (starring Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot Mulroney, as well as Geffen Playhouse alumni Matthew Modine and Ron Eldard) and the 2011 fea-
ture film Lucky (starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, Ann-Margret and Golden Globe winner Jeffrey Tambor). In addition, Gil produced and directed the critically acclaimed Life After Tomorrow, featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, which premiered on Showtime. His other films include Deal (starring Burt Reynolds, Bret Harrison and Charles Durning) and The Mesmerist (starring Geffen Playhouse alumnus Neil Patrick Harris). Gil’s television directorial debut was an episode of the NBC comedy Joey, starring Emmy winner Matt LeBlanc. He studied at the National Theatre Institute in Waterford, Connecticut, and holds a B.F.A. in Drama from Syracuse University.
REGINA MILLER (Chief Development Officer) Regina Miller has advised non-profit institutions, foundations and corporations on strategy, analysis and fundraising. She has consulted for Array Alliance, The Entertainment Industry Foundation, The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Charlize Theron’s Africa Outreach Project and Kershaw’s Challenge, among others. Prior to the Geffen, Regina worked for the Simon Wiesenthal Center/Mu-
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PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES seum of Tolerance, where she produced an innovative human rights exhibition that traveled to 14 international destinations around Europe, Asia and the U.S. She also 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. Additionally, Regina has a strong passion for teaching. After gradu-
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.
ating 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 that incorporated dance therapy and creative movement into an early childhood curriculum as well as writing and producing a television show based on
LINDA B. RUBIN PRODUCTIONS Linda Bernstein Rubin: Geffen Playhouse Producing Partner Ruth Draper’s Monologues. Broadway: Angels in America (Tony Award for Best Revival), Network and the upcoming Hadestown (opening April 2019).
THE NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Supporting artists is central to the mission of the Geffen Playhouse, and play commissions are a cornerstone of that support. To commission a playwright to write a play means making a commitment to their voice, craft and vision, with the hope of sharing the fruits of their work on our stage. The Geffen Playhouse’s New Play Development Program is made possible, in large part, through the leadership and generosity of donations from: The Edgerton Foundation, The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Fay & Frank Mancuso, Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald, Hilary & Jack Angelo and Mary Bianco, The MOCA Foundation. We are proud to have the following artists under commission: Rachel Bonds Colman Domingo Lindsey Ferrentino Michael Golamco Meghan Kennedy Matthew Lopez Martyna Majok
Michael Mitnick Jiehae Park John Pollono José Rivera Zoe Sarnak Robert Schenkkan Shaka Senghor & Daniel Beaty
Erika Sheffer Jen Silverman Nick Stafford The Vampire Cowboys David Wiener Lauren Yee Anna Ziegler
For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/newplays.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM A group for Los Angeles-based playwrights, The Writers’ Room is a product of the Geffen’s deep commitment to supporting new plays and specifically to fostering bold, relevant work by the vibrant artistic community of Los Angeles. During this one-year residency, playwright members gather monthly at the Geffen to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and the Geffen’s artistic staff, culminating in a play reading series. Angelica Chéri Dipika Guha
Chelsea Marcantel Brian Otaño
Liza Powel O’Brien Matt Schatz
For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom. GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 15
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GEFFEN AT A GLANCE
PRODUCTION STAFF FOR LIGHTS OUT: NAT “KING” COLE
ADDRESS
Wig Design by Raquel Bianchini Assistant Costume Designer Marly Hall Wardrobe Supervisor Liz Rose Dresser Kiko Cheyenne Assistant Lighting Designer Alexander LeValliant Freer Light Board Programmer Trae Hartman Light Board Operator Eric Mitchell Follow Spot Operators Allison Mamann, Michael Hampton Assistant Sound Designer Mike Deyo Front of House Mixer James Grabowski Audio Deck Hand Austin Taylor Automation Technician Alex Norkus Stage Crew Oliver Brink Properties Artisan Cami Viand Properties Artisan Miriam Levenson Properties Carpenter Patrick Squibb Production Assistant David Robinson Hicks Studio Teacher Amanda Ragge SDCF Directing Observer Melissa Mowry Scenic Carpenters Philip Rossi, Tyler Brogla, Austin Bosley, Reese Siedlecki, Tyler Harlow Scenic Artists Marianna Wnorowski, Arielle Rossi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 Administrative Offices ................. 310.208.6500 Mon – Fri ................................. 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Box Office Phone Line ................. 310.208.5454 Daily ............................................ 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Audiences Services ...................... 310.208.2028 Daily .......................................... 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Please visit geffenplayhouse.org for hours, parking and more information.
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UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Scene, Prop, Sound and Costume Shops; London Cleaners; Scott Kalata; SDC Foundation Observership Program
UCLA SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM AND TELEVISION Geffen Playhouse is affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles, specifically the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Geffen Playhouse values its role as an important educational resource by providing students with master classes, workshops and internships. Students are also able to work and learn from distinguished visiting Geffen artists such as Alan Ayckbourn, Jon Robin Baitz, Annette Bening, Ed Harris, David Ives, Neil LaBute, David Mamet, Donald Margulies, Terrence McNally, John Rando and Kathleen Turner in areas of directing, playwriting, acting, design, dramaturgy, management and production. Geffen Playhouse also draws upon the distinguished experts in the university to enhance the theater’s programs and research.
ACCESS ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to ensuring a satisfying theater experience for our patrons with special needs or disabilities. Please contact the Box Office or an usher to discuss your needs. Partial support for open captioning provided by Theatre Development Fund.
AT THE THEATER 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 seated in the first available location by the house staff even if it is different from your assigned seat. Be advised that some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating.
NO PHOTOGRAPHY
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. The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of 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.
16 PLAYBILL
There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed in the theater. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.
STEPPING INTO THE HOUSE THAT NAT BUILT An interview with actor Dulé Hill Photo by Jeff Lorch
By Amy Levinson
WHEN CAPITOL STUDIOS INVITED US TO INTERVIEW DULÉ HILL IN STUDIO, with Nat “King” Cole’s piano just feet from where we spoke, we knew it would be a wonderful way to recognize Mr. Cole’s centennial year. What we weren’t prepared for was the overwhelming sense of history and
Amy Levinson: So, here we are at Capitol Studios where Nat “King” Cole famously recorded, and you are sitting next to his piano. How does it feel? Dulé Hill: It feels as if I’m on hallowed ground. Sacred—it feels anointed. To be here with the actual instrument he used is an absolute honor. I couldn’t really ask for a better way to re-embark on the journey of telling Mr. Cole’s story.
genius that emanates from the walls of Capitol Studios. For a music-lover sitting where
AL: What drew you to Lights Out? Why a Nat
the greats created the soundtracks of our
“King” Cole play?
lives, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
DH: Originally, two names drew me to Lights
As Mr. Hill prepared to once again take on the
Out: Patricia McGregor and Colman Domingo.
role of Mr. Cole, we talked music, history and
I’ve been a fan of theirs for years. Their artist-
how, 100 years later, Nat “King” Cole remains
ry, their brilliance, what they bring to the stage
unforgettable.
and to every piece of work of theirs I’ve seen—I GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 17
wanted the opportunity to get into the same sandbox with them. Then one day Colman called me up and said they were working on a piece about Nat “King” Cole—and I am a huge fan! He’s a trailblazer for all of the artists who have come after him, including myself. I feel I follow in the footsteps of Nat “King” Cole. The fact that I can be on television doing what I do is a direct result of what he did (and endured) in his time. When those three things came together—Patricia, Colman and Nat “King” Cole—I jumped at it. Now, I will say, Colman kind of tricked me. At first he said “It’s a play. We’re doing a PLAY about Nat “King” Cole.” In my mind I’m thinking, “Okay, I can do a play about him. Maybe I’ll have to hum a little tune.” But as time went on, more and more music was added to the point where I told Colman he’d kind of pulled a fast one on me here. Honestly, if Colman would have hit me up and told me we were doing a musical about Nat “King” Cole I would have said no thank you! I mean, it’s Nat “King” Cole! I haven’t been in this business for this long by making stupid decisions! And I think anyone who tries to sing Nat “King” Cole—well, that can be chalked up to a stupid decision. But I’m so glad I did because it’s been a journey of a lifetime. AL: Can you talk about the creative vision behind Lights Out and what it means to bring his life and legacy to the stage? What attributes of his make the role most interesting for you? DH: With Lights Out, Patricia and Colman have taken the past and have viewed it through the lens of today. The story that is being told back then is the same story we need to be telling now. I appreciated that it wasn’t just a cradleto-grave story of Nat “King” Cole. The play really pulls the layers back. Nat “King” Cole was known as a man of grace. He was so elegant and smooth. But what does it cost to be that? Just because I appear to be a gentleman doesn’t mean I don’t hurt. It doesn’t mean I haven’t had frustrations and had to go through things to get to where I am. It doesn’t mean it’s not costing 18 PLAYBILL
me to extend that grace to you. We’re looking at a great historical figure, but this figure was still a man. His story is not that different from anyone walking on the street today. That’s what really attracted me to the role. For anybody who has had to suck up anything in this world—to see that in an American icon—I think people will be able to relate to the cost of it all. AL: How did you first discover Nat’s music? DH: It started first with my grandfather during the holidays. He’d sit at the piano and play Christmas tunes and, of course, one of the songs was always “The Christmas Song.” To this day, that is still one of my favorite songs ever and that was from an age so young I can’t even remember. Then, in high school, I got a compilation album of Nat “King” Cole and I fell in love with his voice— the ease, the way he could express emotion. And it’s been a love affair ever since. To this day, I love playing Mr. Cole’s music. It speaks to my inner being in a way that most artists do not. AL: Do you have favorite songs of his? DH: Yes, but I have so many favorites—at some point, if you have so many, are they really favorites or do you just enjoy Nat “King” Cole’s music? I just enjoy it all. Of course on the list is “The Christmas Song,” “Unforgettable,” “Nature Boy.” “L.O.V.E.”—I really love that one. [sings a bit] “L is for the way you look at me.” “Let There Be Love” is another one that speaks to me. I think I’m someone who tries to live my life extending love, so maybe that’s why these songs really touch me. Also, “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter”—that is one of my favorite, favorite Nat “King” Cole songs. Because, you know, you have your favorites but then you have you favorite-favorites! Since I started doing this show, I’ve come to know and love “The Party’s Over.” I love singing it, I love hearing it and I’m looking forward to performing it come February. AL: His music is often called timeless. Why do you think that is? And what songs do you feel best illustrate that timeless quality?
DH: He has a unique ability to tap into emotion—
movement even though he wasn’t the public
we all feel the same things. Yes, time changes
face of it. He was a major funder for the NAACP
but the way the human spirit feels is constant.
during that time. He did what he did because he
The songs of his that I’m most attracted to are
believed it was right, but there’s always a cost
the songs about love—who doesn’t yearn for
and this play explores that cost. With Mr. Cole,
love, who doesn’t love love, who doesn’t know
his story is not so different from many stories of
what it is to be enamored by another? He has
today. Do I extend grace or do I extend fire? And
a melodic ease when tapping into emotion and
I always say unless you are an extraordinarily
that makes it timeless.
wealthy, white male, there has been some point
AL: As you mentioned earlier, Lights Out is much more than a typical jukebox musical. It explores Nat “King” Cole’s struggle to find his place in the predominantly white world of 1950s television. Can you talk a bit about how his career and his struggle are represented in this play?
in your life when you have had to make a choice. If you are trying to achieve success in anything, there are going to be opposing forces. So unless you are the one running it all, you are going to have to suck it up at some point in your life. And when you make that choice, there’s always a cost. Patricia and Colman go to the heart of that
DH: I appreciate that Lights Out is not a typical
question, one we still constantly ask today: do
jukebox musical because there is so much more
we burn it all down or do we extend love? That’s
to this man than his songs. Martin Sheen always
a story I appreciate.
told me, “If it’s going to matter, it’s going to cost you something.” As we look at Mr. Cole’s story, we see that there was a cost in achieving all he did. Leadership is lonely. You can’t be a trailblazer at the forefront of a movement and expect to
AL: Nat “King” Cole’s centennial year is 2019. 100 years after his birth, how do you feel his music and legacy inform the work of today’s artists, yourself included?
be in a crowd. If you’re there in the front, you
DH: Just look around and see all of the artists
will look to your left and right and you won’t see
who are out there. Whether you’re talking John
many people beside you. I think with Mr. Cole,
Legend, Anthony Hamilton, Beyonce—go on the
particularly being the first African-American to
top 100 of the R&B list and they are all directly
have his own variety show, being able to achieve
connected to Nat “King” Cole. And, as an actor
that level of success—it’s a lonely place and that
on television, I would not be here if not for him.
loneliness will cost you. A neighborhood that
Sammy Davis Jr. used to say, and I’m paraphras-
doesn’t want you—right here in Los Angeles,
ing here, that he would never walk through a
one of the most liberal places in the country,
door unless he was absolutely certain that door
right down the road. They didn’t want him there.
would stay open for those who came after him.
What is it like to have your dog poisoned be-
I believe that’s what Mr. Cole has done. He en-
cause you want to have a nice home for your
dured during that time. He broke down barriers
family? What is it like to have a bullet through
just by being in people’s living room, by being
your window because you want a safe place for
in their ear as they listened to his music. It has
your family? How does it feel to know that when
allowed us to all be here now doing what we do.
the homeowners’ association is talking about
There’s a line in the play that says “Kill me now,
not wanting “undesirables” in the neighbor-
there will be ten more.” We are the ten more. I
hood they’re talking about you? To still be able
know, for myself, that I am one of those ten.
to walk on stage and extend grace, and extend love—what does that cost? The thing with Nat
To read more about Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole,
“King” Cole is that he was at the forefront of the
please visit blog.geffenplayhouse.org. GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 19
BACKSTAGE at the GEFFEN Saturday, May 18, 2019
PHOTO BY PAMELA FRANK
HONORING
HARRY BELAFONTE ARTISTIC IMPACT AWARD Additional honoree to be announced.
JOIN THE FUN MEZZANINE TICKETS $1,500 ORCHESTRA TICKETS $3,750 All tickets include pre-show and post-show parties. For more information or to purchase tickets email development@geffenplayhouse.org or call 310.208.6500 ext. 112 TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
PAST HONOREES INCLUDE:
Elton John with surprise performer Lady Gaga
Mellody Hobson and George Lucas
Alan Horn and Steve Martin
Quincy Jones and Mel Brooks with presenter Barbra Streisand
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Dick Van Dyke
Morgan Freeman and Jeff Skoll
WORLD PREMIERE WRITTEN BY INDA CRAIG-GALVÁN DIRECTED BY ROBERT O ’ HARA
REIKO AYLESWORTH
WALTER BELENKY
DARYL C. BROWN
KEVIN DOUGLAS
KIMBERLY HÉBERT GREGORY
CEDRIC JOE
CYNTHIA KAYE McWILLIAMS
MAR 5 – APR 14
When reality becomes too much to bear, a mother retreats into her son’s action-packed comic book world of superheroes and arch-villains.
geffenplayhouse.org | 310.208.5454 Major support provided by the Edgerton Foundation New Play Production Fund, with additional support from The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation and The David Lee Foundation.
PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
NOAH ABBOTT
ANNUAL DONORS 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 October 15, 2017 and December 15, 2018. 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.
ANGELS $100,000+
Anonymous (2) Patricia Kiernan Applegate Natasha & Nick Gross Claudia & Kevin Bright City National Bank Mary Ann Cloyd David Geffen Foundation Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton Edgerton Foundation Find Your Grind Foundation The Adi & Jerry Greenberg Foundation Martha Henderson K Period Media Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Fund for Arts Education at the Geffen Playhouse Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman Keyes Automotive Group L&N Andreas Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Jason & Yvonne Lee Shubert Foundation Judith & Bruce Stern Kimberly Steward & Josh Godfrey Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum UCLA
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
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$50,000 - $99,999
ARTISTIC CIRCLE
Audi of America, Inc Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation Elizabeth & Gil Cates, Jr. Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Melvin Keefer Herbert M. & Beverly J. Gelfand In Memory of Alice Ghostley & Felice Orlandi Karen & Russell Goldsmith Guggenheim Partners Investment Management Holdings, LLC Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust
$25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous (2) Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Hilary & Jack Angelo Robert C. Baral Laurie & Bill Benenson Berlanti Productions Bright Rentals The Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation Valarie De La Garza & Michael Centeno City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs David Lee Foundation GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 23
ANNUAL DONORS Dwight Stuart Youth Fund The Edward A. & Ai O. Shay Family Foundation Twentieth Century Fox Carol & Paul Frimmer The Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Foundation Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Los Angeles County Arts Commission Susan & Peter Mallory Patty Glaser & Sam Mudie Marcia Israel Foundation, Inc. Bradley Mindlin Napa Valley Grille James L. Nederlander & Margo MacNabb Nederlander Matt Shakman & Maggie Malone Sherwood Foundation The Simms/Mann Family Foundation STK Los Angeles Shel & Cynthia Stone Elaine Wynn
PRODUCER $10,000 - $24,999 Anonymous (3) Ariel Investments Hank Azaria Cathy & Shel Bachrach Beam Suntory Beth Behrs & Michael Gladis The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Charles A. Black, Jr. Bliss Spa Board of Supervisors County of Los Angeles Eileen & Harold Brown Roma Downey & Mark Burnett California Arts Council The Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Stephanie & Jonathan Carson Janice & Billy Crystal Carole Bayer Sager & Robert A. Daly Merle Dandridge & Christopher Johnston Edward Avedis Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Fellow Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle Susan & Mark Fleischer Susan Fleishman The Friedman Group Gagosian Gallery, Inc Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. Ann & Jim Gianopulos 24 PLAYBILL
Goldman Sachs Andy & Carlo Brandon-Gordon Manuela & James Goren Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association Arthur Greenberg Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger, LLP C. Curtis Grisham In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Eva Aaronson & Bucky Hazan Samantha & Eric Heer Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Liberty Ross & Jimmy Iovine Julie & David Kavner Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall The Lear Family Foundation The Lowy Family Carla Malden & Norman Beil Mona Malden Ginny Mancini Jonathan Manahan Nancy & Michael McClelland Wendy & Barry Meyer Steve McInnes Mary Bianco & The MOCA Foundation Northern Trust, NA Mo Ostin Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency Paramount Pictures Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes Popland Studios Judith Reichman, MD David Robinson PricewaterhouseCoopers Monica & Philip Rosenthal, Rosenthal Family Foundation Richard Ruskell Pastries Thomas L. Safran Dr. Bernard & Gloria Salick Hon. Nicole A. Avant & Ted Sarandos Susan & Martin Schmitt In Memory of Diane Barnett-Shapiro Sony Pictures Entertainment Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor Sugarfish Thomas Safran & Associates Thompson Coburn LLP Mike Thaxton Steve Tisch Daniel Tongbai & Henry Clancy Sandy & Kevin Tsujihara U.S. Bank Foundation Uniworld River Cruises Inc Joanne & Ken Weinman Aurora & Marc Weinstock Well Done Catering Westfield Group Richard & Mae Ziman David Zuckerman & Ellie Kanner-Zuckerman
DIRECTOR $5,000 - $9,999 Anonymous (2) 1WMN/OCTV Pat & Sandy Adams Jehan F. Agrama & Dwora Fried AMC TV Amgen Foundation Annapurna Pictures Hilaria & Alec Baldwin Mara & Jonathan Blum Yael & Scooter Braun Mara W. Breech Foundation Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham The Eli & Edythe L. Broad Foundation Cindy & Bob Broder Brotman Foundation of California Amanda Brown & Justin Chang Maya Burkenroad & Tai Lopez Glenn & Lynn Cardoso Marcy Carsey Dr. Fanya Carter, PhD Comcast | NBC Universal Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Ellyce R. Cooper & Barry Cohen Creative Artists Agency Debra Davis Robin Dearden & Bryan Cranston Nikki Dubose & Tara Nicole Dubose Gayle & Dan Devin Susan & Jonathan Dolgen Dream Warrior Group Nikki Dubose & Tara Nicole Dubose Fielding Edlow & Larry Clarke Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea G.E. Foundation Jennifer Garner Kiki & David Gindler Priscila Giraldo Sue & Steve Glusker Gloria & Peter Gold Mary Ann & Irwin Gold Lori & Ken Goldman Leo S. Guthman Fund Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Waren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman LLP HBO ICM Partners Linda Janger Bernice Jeffrey Sir Elton John & David Furnish Marvin Jubas & Janet Wald Jubas Melina Kanakaredes Mannon Kaplan Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig KIND Bars Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald Samantha Kurtzman-Counter & Alex Kurtzman
ANNUAL DONORS Wendy Kurtzman Susan & Yair Landau Drs. Gerald & Barbara Levey Lionsgate Jody Lippman Los Angeles magazine Anne Stringfield & Steve Martin Merle & Jerry Measer Marcia & Brett Molotsky Kate Moran & Mikki Rosenberg Rio & Frank Morse Newmeyer & Dillion LLP Benedicta & Geoffry Oblath Orlando Hotel Carol & Bill Ouchi Shana & Don Passman Soundis & Danny Passman Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Pink Sands Club, Canouan Marc Platt The Poker People Mark E. Pollack Pottash/Ferguson Family Foundation Kim & Dale Reed Kay & Bob Rehme Joyce Rey The Richenthal Foundation Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Ronen Levy Events In Memory of Rikki Rosen Lori & David Rousso Jackie & Jeff Schaffer Jody & Arthur Schmid The Michael Schwab Family Carol ‘Jackie’ & Charles Schwartz Steve & Paula Mae Schwartz Tina & David Segel Sidley Austin LLP Lorraine Spurge & Patrick Mitchell Randy Stabler Michael Taylor Audri & Stan Tendler Karen Zoller, MD & David Tillman, MD Karefinkeln & William Timberlake The Travel Corporation Stan Vashovsky/AMBULNZ Paul Wachter Warner Bros. Entertainment Lynn & Mark Williams Samantha & John Williams Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Karen & Rick Wolfen Kevyn Wynn In Loving Memory of Herman Ziegler Ruth & Stan Zicklin Ziffren Brittenham LLP Zimmerman Advertising LLC
SPONSOR
PARTNER
$3,000 – $4,999
$1,500 - $2,999
Janis Adams & John Lyons AGBO Films Amy Aquino & Drew McCoy Aversa Foundation Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson Paula & Bruce Bennett Shelly & Libby Bergen Carolyn & Marty Bloom Susan J. Booth & Christopher Wadden VJ Boyd Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Jason Clodfelter Scott, Susan & Joshua Corwin Victoria Dummer Jacob Fenton & Phil Kastel Calista Flockhart & Harrison Ford Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family Grand Solmar Resort Andrea & Ari Greenberg Madeline Gussman Deidre Hall Shana Harris Alan & Michelle Heilpern Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Gail Hollander Ali Jahangiri Meg & Lawrence Kasdan Lenny & David Kelton Marla & Daniel Klein Thea & Neal Koss La Valencia David & Tam Lachoff Keith Legoy Sandy Little Parise Livanos Walter & Karen Loewenstern Renee & Meyer Luskin Vicki Magasinn & Robert Somer Jane & Rand Marlis Stewart Mayeda Sheila & Joel Mendelsohn Bruce Nowel Michael R. Oppenheim Michael Parks & Judith Hayward Tom Politowski Bill Prady & Jessica Queller Craig E. Rogers Sue Rosenwasser Andrea & Peter Roth Sarah Schecter Renee & Biff Sherman Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Susan & Peter Van Haften Jennifer von Schneidau Jennifer Tilly Denise & Peter Walsh The Waterman Family Foundation Leslie White & Al Limon Pam Williams
Anonymous Miriam Aguiar Olga S. Alderson Patti & Harlan Amstutz Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum Bonnie R. Arnold Marcos Barron Robert E. & Maria H. Barron Richard Bautzer & David McDowell Eric Baydian Michael Beerman Patricia & Mark Benjamin Gregg Bernstein Jamie & Robert Blume Nancy Boxwell Dr. Wallace P. Brithinee James L. Brooks Chancellor Albert Carnesale & Mrs. Robin Carnesale Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo Jo Champa William & Patricia Chin Darcy & Dean Christal Richard Clareman Jason Clodfelter In Recognition of Carl & Barbara Cohen Linda & John Coleman Ted Cordes In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Janine Cristiano Payam Daneshrad Pam Dawber & Mark Harmon Danny DeVito & Rhea Perlman Steven Doren Anne Dougherty Rich S. Eisen El San Juan Hotel & Casino in Puerto Rico FENDI Americas Alex Ferrari Lawrence N. Field Burt & Nanette Forester Jackie Fox Steve Freedman Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Helen & Arthur Geoffrion Charlotte Gold Dr. Irene Goldenberg Louis & Linda Goldsman Jill Grey Sunny & Alvin Grossblatt Deborah & Allen Grubman The Guerin Foundation Karney Guren Family Foundation Faith Henkin Lysa & Grant Heslov Lynne & Michael Heslov In Honor of Development Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Brian Irving & Dayna Cussler Nancy & Len Jacoby Carrie Johnson Trudy & Albert Kallis Meredith & David Kaplan Willette & Manny Klausner GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 25
ANNUAL DONORS Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith Joyce Lederer Lydia & Chuck Levy Elisabeth & Jeffrey Lipsman Jennifer & Robert Lopata Sonia Luna Padma & Rao Makineni Todd Makurath Deliz Martinez Jill Mazursky Janis B. McEldowney Sue McHugh & Herb Seese Catherine Miller Patrice & James Mitchell Jonathan Moonves John Murphy Austin Musick The New York Palace Bruce Nowel Oberheiden & McMurrey, LLP Liza & Conan O’Brien Carol & Alan Ostroff Tara & Robert Pietri Herbert & Marilyn Piken Craig Piligian Tom Politowski Drs. Laurence & Isabell Purdy Ronald Raznick Joyce & Harvey Reichard Blair Rich In Memory of Frances Richman Leslie & Doug Robinson Susie Rome Nancy Stephens & Rick Rosenthal and The Rosenthal Family Foundation Wil Rosser Lawrence Rudolph Nancy & Ted Sanborn Susan Schwarz & Stuart Berton Jed Seidel Sempra Engergy Foundation Peggy & Robert Shapiro John & Lori Shaw Victor Snider Joan & Jerry Snyder Snyder Family Foundation Bruce & Patti Springsteen Susan & Donald Starr Mitch & Sherry Stein Nora Stines Patricia Strange Aaron Stroud Tanino Ristorante Rose Tarlow Catherine & Leonard Unger Union Bank Craig Wakehouse Julie & Peter Weil Ophelia & Adam Weiss Gelena & Seth Weissman John & Connie Weston Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg Betty White William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Chris Williams 26 PLAYBILL
Pam Williams Fred Wolf Cherie Wrigley Drs. Anna & Stephen Yallourakis Patricia Youngman Elena & Drew Zager Barbara & Stanley Zax Leslie & Robert Zemeckis Ellen & Arnold Zetcher
EDUCATION ADVOCATE $1,000 - $1,499 Anonymous (2) AnonyMoose Foundation Harry & Gay Abrams/Abrams Artists Agency Dr. Richard Ackerman & Miriam Shakter Merryl & David A. Alpert Laura & Harvey Alpert Charitable Foundation Ares Management LLC Margaret Campbell Arvey Judith Ashmann-Gerst & Robert Gerst Russ, August & Kabat Shelley & Rick Bayer Sigrid & Alan Belinkoff Karen Bell & Robb Cox The Belles Family Susan & Eric M. Bender Wendy & John Bergquist Diane & Jim Berliner Sharon & Arthur Berrick John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey Joe Blackstone & Jamie Mohn The Bordy & Leibovic Families Brenda & Alan Borstein Nina & Hon. Anthony Borwick Helen Breitwieser & James Jacks Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug Prevention Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer The Busch-Schifino Family C&O Trattoria Andrew Carlberg Scott Carter & Bebe Johnson Peg Casey David, Christine & Leah Cates Jane Cates Elena & Jonathan Cates & Family Melissa Cates, Roger Claman & Family Cindy Clark Becky & Mike Clements Sachiko T. Cochran MD & Joseph T. Araki Marc Cohen Ivonne Coll Phil Johnston & Jill Cordes Ruth Daugherty Christina Doren Carolyn Dirks/Brett Dougherty Jan & Thea Drayer Barbara & Ed Dreyfus
Dr. & Mrs. William M Duxler In Honor of Education & Community Engagement Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston Ari Emanuel Kristin & Robert Farr Lynne & Michael Feldman Susanna Felleman & Erik Feig Jacqueline Fox Sterling Franklin Ben & Susan Friedman Pat & Sandy Gage Jeanne & Arnold Geffner Diane & Bruce Gewertz Cherna & Dr. Gary Gitnick Roz & Abner Goldstine Ellie Goodman Jonathan Greenberg Grey Management, INC. Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Penny Grosz & Gene Korney Kay Harrington Harris Family Foundation Murray & Gail Heltzer Zvia Hempling Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Lynda & Neal Hersh Jean Himmelstein Jim Hliboki & Hildi Snodgrass Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Roger & Linda Howard Toni Hoyt Vicki Iovine & David Coiro Victoria Jackson Terry & Marc J. Jacoby Joseph B. Gould Foundation Linda & David Kagel Mali Heled Kinberg Barbara & Stuart Klabin Judy Knapp Leslie & Norman Koplof Carol Krause Lena & Mark Labowe Vivian Lee Barbara & Andrew Leigh Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder Steven & Nancy Lippman Joe LoTruglio Judith Locke Karen & Peter Locke The Jennifer and Greg Malins Foundation Sue & Anthony Marguleas Eric G.C. Mark David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone Jeanne McDonald-Powers & Travis Powers The Miles Family Hillary & Lance Milken Cookie Miller Catherine & Craig Miller Philip & Joan Miller Andrew & Laura Mintzer Joanne & Joel Mogy
Thaine & Elizabeth Morris Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse Carol & Jerry Muchin Albert & Barbara Nichols Katie & John Norris Deborah & Stacey Olliff Ornest Family Foundation London, Alex & Marty Padilla Jacalyn & Paul Pepperman Daniel & Denise Perlstein Christopher Petrossian Sari L. Polinger Ruth Popkin Alex Register Rabbi Steven & Didi Carr Reuben Donald B. & Susan F. Rice Adam Richards Carrie & Ken Richman Esther & Howard Richmond Dr. Robert Rigg Judi & Tim Ritchie Lindy Robbins Beth Roberts & Warren Smith Dolores Rogers Eden & Steven Romick Brad & Nancy Rosenberg David Rosenberg Allison & Bennett Rosenthal Charitable Foundation Virginia Ross Daryl & Steven Roth Philip & Janet Rotner David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Ajay Sahgal Amber & Richard Sakai Janet Salter In Memory of Maxwell Hillary Salter Mark San Filippo Gerald Sauer Dawn & Joel Scherer Jane & Bill Schopf Toni & John Schulman David Schwartz Foundation, John S. Schwartz John Schwartz Phyllis & Martin Shephard Doris & Michael Sherman Sherwood Country Club Rita & Jose Sigal Robin & Robert L. Sills Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Drs. Matthew & Marion Solomon The Somaini Family Arleen & Llyod Sorkin Jordan Strauss Photography Barbra Streisand & James Brolin David & Katherine Stritzinger Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis Chana Taft The Tatasciore Family Steve Taub Anne C. Taubman & David Boyle John Teeples & Nicolas Martinez, Jr.
ANNUAL DONORS Phyllis & Franklin Tell Barbara & Larry Tenan Andrea & David Tenenbaum Robyn Tenenbaum Nancy Thomas Marjorie Thomson Martin Tobias Triada Palm Springs John Turmes Leon & Stephanie Vahn Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Kathryn & Alan Van Vliet Marcia & Dr. Charles Wasserman, Ph.D. Marcia Williams & Gene Lucero Kevin Williamson Judith & Philip Winik Jan & Edward Woods Christina Wren Bobbi & Walter Zifkin
ARTISTIC ADVOCATE $500 - $999 Anonymous (3) Norman & Toshka Abrams Sylvia Almstadt Bonnie Arnold Irene Baron Joanna & Miles Benickes Yvette Bergeron & Dean Bailey Laurie Bernhard Nat & Robin Bernstein Michael J. Bordy Krisena & Scott Borenstein Rolando Boyce Carol J. Bradshaw Paula Brand Janet & Mark Brown Karen Cane Shelby & Lee Chaden Sandra Chan & Richard Pezner Cindy Clark Lalique Cohen Ginger Conrad Candace Cooper Bruce Cormicle Shawn Cunningham Robert Daseler Muriel Dance & Alvin Martin Marcia Diamond John Dominguez Joan & Jerry Elledge Roni & Ethan Eller David & Joyce Evans Elizabeth A. Evans Helen Fielding Marjorie & Arthur Fine Judith R. Forman & Richard N. Weiner Lois Gallop Sharlene & Sol Galper Gertrude Garfield Benita & Bert Ginsberg Lori & Robert Goodman Gabi & Rob Greenberg Vicki Greene Roni & David Greenwalt
Beverly Hanson Richard Hart Mary Hartley Sheila & Chester Hasday Hella Hershon Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Hilton Union Square hotel Dorothy Hoffman Paul Gordon Hoffman & Sue Caren Hoffman Kelley M. Hogan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Holmes Brett Johnson Judith & Steaven Jones Robert Jones Yvonne & Damien Jordan Avi Kamienny Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kamine Marcy Kaplan & Eric Gold Patricia Keating Beverlee Bickmore & James Kelly Dr. Louanne Kennedy Nancy Kenney Dr. Ann & Mr. Jonathan Kirsch Steven Klein Joel Koppelman Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Joan & Christopher Larkin Cristo & Jeanne Lavagnino In Memory of Katie Layman Marla E. Levine Anita & Burton Levinson Lola Levoy Lawrin & Linda Lewin Robin Lewin Tracey Lewin Brenda & Warren Lincoln Joe LoTruglio Dr. Linda Maeder Marcus Mancini Goran Marnfeldt Mr. & Mrs. Phillips H. Marshall Gina Martino Kathy & Jim McCaffery Sara Miller Sue & Monty Mohrman John Moschitta Paula Moseley, EdD Bill Mullins Norma Myers Mark & Diane Neubauer Robert & Anita Nitta Justin Okin Gia Paladino & Michael Wise Carol Parry & John Fox Karen Peter Ruth Pilot Astrid & Howard Preston Dr. Stephen & Lani Rabin Redbury New York Mildred Reid Carlene Ringer Ronda & Fred Rose Joyce & Dean Ross Blanche & Bruce Joel Rubin Anne Sacks Tawny & Jerry Sanders
Chris T. Schmidt Nancy & Steven Schneider Susan & Peter Schwab Janet & Michael Schwartz John H. Scott Nicole Sexton Ed Shaughnessy Carol & Arthur Silbergeld Manish Singh Martin & Leah Sklar Trudy Sokol Donald B. Spradlin Irina & Alex Stavchanskiy Arthur Stern Stevens & Associates Cost Reduction Specialists. Inc. William Stringer Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Meg Thomas In Memory of Ginny Truesdale Baron Vaughn Ira & Laurie Waldman Bill & Kate Walsh Polly & Herb Weinberg Pat West Bruce & Marci Wiseman Anthony P. Zinge
ASSOCIATE $250 - $499 Anonymous (11) Terry & Richard Abrams Barbara Adams Loren Adams Elaine & Michael Agran Geraldine & Harold Alden Helen Allan Charles & Annick Allen Peter Anderson Robert C. Anderson Val Andler Philip Angerhofer & Stephen A. Jones Eloise & Mark Appel Jc & Jack Appelbaum Barbara & Ethan Aronoff David Atkinson Marc & Elizabeth Axelrod Lynne Babbitt Robert Baker Cecilia Ball Thomas Barad Elizabeth & Barry Bar-El June Bartczak Jonathan Baruch Judith & Thomas Beckmen Patricia Belcher Ronit & Gil Benjamin Katia Benthale & Josh Lewensohn Richard N. Berger Marsha C. Berkowitz Joane Berlin Adam Bialow Brian Borello Toby Bornstein Armida Brashears Leah Lynn Broidy
Laurrie Brooke Mitchell Brown Diana Buckhantz David & Kathy Burke Marcia Burnam Melissa Burton Michelle Butler & Mark Blackham Laura D. Campbell Marlene & David Capell Anthony Carbone Richard Cassese Ling Chan Thomas Chappell Barry Charles Martha Chase Diane Chernansky Anselm Clinard Larry Conover Heidi Jo Corey Gail Cottingham Susan Georgine Craig Norman & Nancy Cravens Valerie & Donald Cravitz Ingrid Curtiss, MD Beverly D’Angelo Col. Tony, Donna & Taylor Daniell Hedva & Dr. Dudley Danoff Steven & Linda Darling Jeffrey S. Davidson Elizabeth De Oliveira & Moacyr Da Silva Bert Deixler Hal & Roberta Delevie Dr. Udayakumar Devaskar Denny & Cathy Dietz Carol Jean Doehring Fred & Marilyn Dorer Sandy & Gerry Dorfman Daryl & Paul F. Doucette Linda Dozier The Milton L. & Betty J. Dranow Family Foundation Jacki & Murray Drechsler Chiedu Egbuniwe Arlyne Elliot Ronald Eng Kerry English Lidia & Mauricio Epelbaum Jim Esserman Rena & Peter Falk Judy & Mike Fantasia Dr. Francesco Federico Jo & Larry Feldman Mimi Alpert Feldman Abby & Malcolm Field Paul and Karen Finkel Lisa & William Finkelstein Steven Fleenor Keith G. Fleer Lynne & Michael Flynn Fran Fredella & Scott Rubin Seth Freeman & Julie Waxman Renee Fraser Sandy & Donald French Carolyn Fried Kenneth J. Friedman & Marilynn J. Friedman Family Foundation GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 27
ANNUAL DONORS Lynn & Barry Friesen Catherine Froloff Laurelle Frome & Brady Frome Gina Furth Lee Gardenswartz Corinne B. Garson Patricia Geffner Leslie & Mort Gerson Seth Gettleson Linda & Tom Givvin Jill Glasband Charles Gherardi Dr. Diane & Michael Glazer Amy Glickman Richard & Lori Glucksman Carol & Neil Goldberg Lorain Goldberg Mark & Molly Goldberg Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman Les Goldman Ellie & Barry Goldstein Dina Goldstein Jay Gordon & Meyera Robbins Roger Gordon Liz Gottainer & David Sadkin Julie C. Graham, Olivia C. Zeiden, Liam D. Zeiden Shelley Hill Grant Debbie & Glenn Gray Madelyne Green Gary & Jeannie Greenberg Randi & Jerome Greenberg Marcy & Edgar Gross Dr. Felicia D. Henderson Eve Haberfield & David N. Johnson Roberta L. Haft James Hahn Hanif Haji Kambiz & Sylvia Hakim Mary & Alan Halkett Jane Hall Monica & Mark Haloossim Roberta & Marc Hamilton Padraic Hannon Hanna Heiting Dr. Jacqueline Heller Jackson Henry Michael & Candie Herman Matthew Herrmann Winifred C. Hervey Diane Hight Gabrielle & David Hill Edgar Hirst Cina Hodges Gary Norman Holland Melvin Horowitz InSight Consulting Partners Jackie & Warren Jackson Barbara Jacobs Frederic A. & Nancy Jacobus Carla Janzen Michael Jeppson Jeanne Johnson Robert Jones & Julie Anne Robinson Roz & Jerry Joseph Martha Kadue 28 PLAYBILL
Adriana Kahane Joanne & Larry Kahn Jessica Kaltman & Robert Reznik David Kaminow Linda Kaplan Owen Kato Dana Katz Morgan Kay Jim Kelly Michael Keir William & Renee Kendall Cathy & Bill Kirkpatrick Cynthia King Donna & Jeffrey Klein Joanna Klein Leana Kleinman & Jerald Johnson Laurie & Milton Klorman Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Charles Kristenson Kimberly Kruse Carol Lande Sharon & Lawrence Lavenberg Rhonda Lawrence Learning Encounters Ann Leland Adam Lesh Maxine & Gary Levine Karen & Ron Levine Harla Levitt Dr. & Mrs. Isaac Levy Rick & Vivian Levy Katia Benthale & Josh Lewensohn June Lewin Victor & Madeline Lindenheim Joanne Lindsay Leslie & Adam Lobel Alex Loewenthal Renee Lonner Lori & Tom Low Mr. Eric Lund Loris & Kory Lunsford Anne L. Lynch Barbara Marcus Dean S. Marks Annette Marmalefsky Phyllis & Bert Massing Douglas Mcavoy, Jr. Kathleen McCarthy Sheri and Jim McCashin Derrick McCray Christina Medigovich Marcie & Steven Medof Cynthia Melville Bhaskar & Sumi Menon Robert Mercer & Carol Chanel Mercer Eileen & Paul Meshekow Dr. & Mrs. H. Reed Metzger Sara & Henry Michrowski Lois Miller Judith & Jeff Milman Teddie J. Milner Julien Minard Peter Minarik & Sharon Vera Thomas Mitchell MNM Locations
Marvin & Jean Moore Christopher Morden Howard J. Morris Charlotte C. Myers Sarah & Clifford Nelson Sherri & Arnie Nelson Jeff Newman Margery Nicolson Doreen & Donald Nortman Adrienne & Arthur Omansky Dr. Ronald & Iris Onkin Janie Orenstein Patricia O’Toole Sharon Oxborough Ron Ozur Cynthia & Todd Palm Sylvia & Robert Paris Edward Parker Lawrence Parker Abhilash and Kelly Patel Dr. Kristine Penner & Steven Klein Naidu & Jane Permaul Dr. David B. Peterson Berta & Lou Pitt Jack & Jane Pollock Matthew Pomerantz Naveena Ponnusamy Zazi Pope Cheryl & Mel Posner Susan Poulson Marvin Rapaport Michael & Gloria Rausch Marianne Reynolds Linda & Erin Rice Linda & Steve Richman William & Polly Ridgeway Barbara & David Rognlien Louis Rohl Amy Roland Peter Romwall Robert Rosania Barry Rosen & Neil Bokal Maxine & Gene Rosenfeld Adrienne Rosenthal Beverly & Mel Rosenthal Brad Ross Lawrence Ross & Linda Nussbaum Terry Ross Robert & Susan Rovner Sylvia Ruiz Rand Rusher Terry Ryan Noriko Salamon Susan & Kenneth Sarno Maxine Savitz Linda & Cliff Schaffer Melanie Scher Jennifer Schiff Malcolm Schneer & Cathy Liu Joel & Sonia Schneider Stanley Schneider Dean Teri Schwartz
Brandon Scott Marc Seltzer Annette & Leonard Shapiro Barbara Vickery & Martin Shapiro Melanie Sharp & Kevin Miller Tom & Judy Sharp Steven & Annabelle Shulman Seymour & Dorothy Siegel Randi & Rand Singer Linda & Ronald Slates Diane Good & Frank Smith Marcia L. & Mark J. Smith Ronald Smith Karen Smits Christine Sorgi Stephanie Sourapas Melvin Spears Debra Spector M Leslie Stearns Frances & Sy Strasberg Holly Strom Penny Strowger Mr. Kayser Sume & Dr. Renee Sabshin Miriam & Gene Summ Ann Sunderland Lance & Maureen Tan Deborah Tavlin David & Cathy Thomas Ann Thorvik Judy & Art Tompkins Joyce & Josh Trabulus Marissa Trester Brigitta Troy Janet Tsjihan Dr. Gerald D. Turbow Dr. Harold Urman Deborah Valdez Erich Van Lowe Anthony Vasek Valerie Vetters The Vig Family Bobette Vikan Carole Wagner-Vallianos & Peter Vallianos Elisa Wayne Sherry Weinman & Michael Umansky Marsha & Steven Weiss Karen White Teresa White Bruce Whizin Baker Wiles Lawrence Will Susan Williams Karen & Gary Winnick Dr. Joseph Wu Marlow Wyatt Lisa Yen & Thomas Bajoras Kimberly & Andrew Zakanych Arnold & Tricia Zane Lynn & Meir Ziv 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
Matt Shakman
Gil Cates, Jr.
Artistic Director
Executive Director
ARTISTIC Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Daniel Ionazzi Producer Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director Young Ji Artistic Coordinator / Company Manager Rachel Wiegardt-Egel Manager of New Play Development
PRODUCTION Liz Brohm Hanrahan Production Manager Jill Barnes Associate Production Manager / Company Manager Evan Friedman Technical Director Brandon Mendoza Assistant Technical Director Rich Gilles Properties Master James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor Ramine Ameli Lighting & Projection Supervisor Liz Rose Wardrobe Supervisor
ADMINISTRATION
Mark San Filippo Director of Donor Stewardship
Celia Rivera Assistant Box Office Manager
Taylor Cerny Development Associate
Clifton Adams, Vaneh Assadourian, Britney Campbell, Zoe Halsne, Lexy McAvinchey, Sam Peurach, Jonathan Ramos, Cameron Reck, Bryn Woznicki Box Office Staff
Jessie Sherman Development Assistant Austin Merrill Development Intern
EDUCATION Jennifer Zakkai Director of Education & Community Engagement Joannarae Ibañez Manager of School & Community Programs Celia Rivera Community Engagement Coordinator Brian Majestic Veterans Project Coordinator Brian Allman, Darien Battle, Ramy El-Etreby, David Guerra, Michael McClain, Robert Paterno, Carissa Pinckney, Tara Ricasa, Celia Rivera, Jessica Winward Teaching Artists
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Patrick Brown Director of Marketing Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development
Sue Fleishman Communications Consultant
FRONT OF HOUSE Jeni Pearsons Director of Special Events Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Isaac Jay, Anya Pryjmack, Madison Shamoun, Dennis Woullard House Managers Kailey Bray, Ryan Brophy, Danie Hakimi, Jada Harris, Elza Hofeld, Lucy Houlihan, Otniel Henig, Hunter Lowden, Olivia Lowe, Austin Merrill, Keith Mitchell, Chuck Soo-Hoo, Charley Stern, Charmee Taylor, Adam Turney, Isaac Vaughn, Robin Vega Ushers Rob Mersola Bar Manager & Mixologist
Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative
Adam Carr Bar Captain
Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications
Manuel Mayorga Weekend Bar Manager
Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator
Zack Hamra Associate Director of Audience Services & Ticketing
Skylar Adams, Brenda Davidson, Sarah Drescher, Ryan Turner Bartenders/Event Staff
Marguerite Harris Receptionist
Kevin O’Brien Marketing Manager
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT
Quinn Francis Outreach Coordinator
Karim Bouzzit System Administrator
Regina Miller Chief Development Officer
Ramon Garcia Video Producer
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Ellen Catania Senior Vice President of Development
Kristina Leach Social Media Associate
Miguel del Castillo Facility Manager
Jessica Brusilow Rollins Director of Education Partnerships & Donor Relations
Wendell Pascual Production Artist
Mario Santillan-Perez Custodial
Janice Bernal Box Office Manager
Juan Carlos Umaña Cleaning Custodial
Alyssa Tyson Box Office Manager
Camerina Martinez Cleaning Custodial
Behnaz Ataee Chief Financial Officer Peter Banachowski Senior Accountant & Financial Analyst
Jamie Mikelich Director of Individual Giving & Spotlight Manager
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. Geffen Playhouse, a not-for-profit theater company, is proudly affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE 29