®
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AUDREY SKIRBALL KENIS THEATER
WELCOME TO
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
MATT SHAKMAN
I saw Anna Ouyang Moench’s Man of God at its closing performance at East West Players in Los Angeles in 2019. Anna’s play stuck with me for many months, and when we had the opportunity to produce it at the Geffen, I jumped at the chance. Then, two nights before our production was set to open in March of 2020, we shut down the theater for the safety of our artists and patrons. Little did we know it would be eighteen months before anyone would again step foot on this stage. So, the joy in finally bringing back Man of God is particularly sweet. Man of God posits that privacy is endangered. Social media—and the misuse of it by hostile entities—has pulled back the curtain on everyone’s personal life. Put a Post-it over your laptop camera, right? You never know who might be watching. Anna has taken this pervasive digital unease and built an intimate, funny, and ultimately 2 P L AY B I L L
riveting story about friendship, cultural tradition, and the misuse of authority. Part comingof-age story, part comedy of displacement, and part thriller, Anna’s story entertains even as it asks big questions. We welcome back director Maggie Burrows who expertly balances a wild array of tones, from high comedy to deeply unsettling reality. Maggie, the cast, and the designers have brilliantly immersed us in the many points of view of Anna’s protagonists. I’m grateful to East West Players (Snehal Desai, Artistic Director) for supporting Anna’s play and for launching this bold new piece. I am also thrilled that we can finally bring it back to you. Enjoy the show! Matt Shakman Artistic Director
O WA R D C
L S TO N
II
N O S A E S 3 2 0 2 2022/ L EE ED
IH K ATO R
EW M AT T H
ALL
LÓ P E Z
V IN N Y
D EP O N
TO
AMAS R D C I P E , WERFUL RES O P , S R E REMIE Y WINN 2021 TON& THREE WORLD P L AU R E
R A M IZ
M O NSE
EN N PAT T
F
ZO E S A
OE JOS H K
R AC H E
RG N IGS B E
THE INHERITANCE PART 1 & PART 2 09.13 – 11.27.2022 Gil Cates Theater
THE ANTS
09.06 – 10.16.2022
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
L BOND
RNAK
S
THE FIRST DEEP BREATH
THE MOUNTAINTOP
Gil Cates Theater
Gil Cates Theater
01.31 – 03.05.2023
06.06 – 07.09.2023
MINDPLAY
THE LONELY FEW
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
11.08 – 12.18.2022
01.31 – 03.05.2023
One additional Gil Cates Theater production to be announced.
S U B S C R I P T IO N S S T A R T A T J U S T $9 0! G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E.O R G · 310.2 0 8.2 02 8
BOARD CHAIR
ADI GREENBERG
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adi Greenberg CHAIR
Victoria Alonso
PHOTO BY TRISH ALISON PHOTOGRAPHY
Patricia Kiernan Applegate
Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair Victoria Mann Simms
Beth Behrs
Andy Spahn
Dr. Gene D. Block
Steven Spielberg
Kevin Bright
Steve Tisch
Gil Cates Jr. Executive Director
Dr. Charles E. Young Chair Emeritus
Mary Ann Cloyd Vice Chair
IN MEMORIAM
Merle Dandridge Dr. Brad Edgerton Bonnie E. Eskenazi Mark Fleischer Sue Nahley Fleishman Patricia L. Glaser
Gilbert Cates Founder Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden Ginny Mancini
Welcome to Geffen Playhouse and Anna Ouyang Moench’s funny feminist thriller Man of God, directed by Maggie Burrows. We are thrilled to present this play in our 2021/2022 Season, as it was originally scheduled to open on March 12, 2020.
Martha Henderson Chair Emeritus
Brian Mann
As we celebrate our return to live theater and the first 25 years as Geffen Playhouse, we continue our mission to push boundaries and foster bold, brave, and relevant works by a vibrant artistic community that will inform, entertain, and inspire.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Tiffany Mayberry
Nikki Kerman
Danny Passman
Venable LLP
On behalf of the Geffen Playhouse Board and Advisory Board, thank you for being here and for your ongoing support of our artistic endeavors. Your support enables the theater to further develop our Education & Community Engagement programs across Los Angeles.
Linda Bernstein Rubin
Miranda Tollman Chair
Matt Shakman Artistic Director
Stephanie Carson
These programs seek to encourage and uplift the students and community members we serve, to develop a lifelong relationship with the theater, deepen our common sense of humanity, and increase our sense of agency in the world. We thank you for embracing the exciting return to in-person performances and hope you leave the theater with a new sense of wonder, curiosity, and passion for the performing arts.
Loretta Everett Kaufman Carla Malden
Holly Rice Pamela Robinson Chair Emeritus
Richard Sherman Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus Marc Weinstock Kevyn Wynn
FOUNDING TRUSTEES Harold A. Brown Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Herbert M. Gelfand Chair Emeritus Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg
With gratitude, Adi Greenberg Board Chair
4 P L AY B I L L
Glorya Kaufman Frank G. Mancuso Chair Emeritus
Jerry Perenchio Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman
ADVISORY BOARD
Lori Collins Ellyce R. Cooper Debra Davis Giovanna Desselle Brenda Garcia Ann Gianopulos Priscila Giraldo Kirsten Hansen Eric Heer Laura Kennedy Wendy Kurtzman Hannah Linkenhoker John McCrite Audrey Povar Eric Rollins Scott Sandler Allen Shay John Sonego Cela Devine Sutton
Ron Meyer
Rebecca Vail
Jerry Moss
Laurie Ziegler
NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE LOBBY
ART LIVES HERE
As part of Geffen Playhouse’s inaugural Art Lives Here project, four Los Angeles artists have been invited to create original art works to be displayed in our lobby welcoming back audiences during our 25th Anniversary Season. We celebrate the diversity in our audiences and our productions, and it is our mission to create, foster, and nourish an environment that is open and welcoming for all. We are a home for the arts, and we believe our physical space should also reflect and be representative of our ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do and the communities we support.
FEATURED WORK #3 The Endless Open Sky Above Us ARTIST Luciana Abait ON DISPLAY Apr. 19 – Jun. 19, 2022
The work is a metaphor for the magic that the theatre evokes in audiences. As theatergoers watch a play, or performance, they feel transported into another world. The physical walls and ceiling of the theatre disappear and a new world emerges
Los Angeles where she is
Selected exhibitions include
where anything is possible.
a resident artist of 18th
A Letter to the Future at Los
This mixed media depicts
Street Arts Center in Santa
Angeles International Airport
theatre seats placed on the
Monica. Her photo-based
and Sur Biennial in Cali-
surface of a vast landscape
two- and three-dimensional
fornia; Flow, Blue at Rock-
that is surreal and fantastic.
works deal with climate
ford College Art Museum
The open landscape points
change and environmental
and Luciana Abait at Jean
to the expansiveness of our
fragility, and their impacts
Albano Gallery in Illinois;
natural world, with arms
on immigration in particular.
Nest at Lehigh University in
open to all its inhabitants.
Abait's artworks have been
Pennsylvania; and ARCO in
shown widely in the United
Spain. Abait's works are held
States, Europe, Latin Amer-
in private, public and corpo-
Luciana Abait was born in
ica, and Asia in solo shows
rate collections from the
Buenos Aires, Argentina
in galleries, museums,
United States, Europe, Latin
and is currently based in
and international art fairs.
America and East Asia.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT VISIT GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/ARTLIVESHERE
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF
MAN OF GOD WRITTEN BY
ANNA OUYANG MOENCH DIRECTED BY
MAGGIE BURROWS SCENIC DESIGNER
COSTUME DESIGNER
SE OH
DENITSA BLIZNAKOVA
LIGHTING DESIGNER
ORIGINAL MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY
LAP CHI CHU
JONATHAN SNIPES
FIGHT DIRECTOR
INTIMACY DIRECTOR
THOMAS ISAO MORINAKA
MIA SCHACHTER
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
CASTING DIRECTOR
ELIZABETH A. BROHM*
PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA
OPENING NIGHT
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022 East West Players produced the World Premiere of Man of God in 2019
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS CIRCLE MEMBERS
In 2020, Man of God was produced at Geffen Playhouse, but cancelled after 9 performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We thank the original cast: Shirley Chen, Camryn Kim, Natasha Tina Liu, Albert Park & Jenapher Zheng, and original stage management team: Samantha Cotton & Bryan P. Clements for beginning this journey.
Adi & Jerry Greenberg
Jerry & Terri Kohl
Martha Henderson
Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin
6 P L AY B I L L
Pamela Robinson Hollander & Robert Hollander Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman
Miranda & Brett Tollman
MAN OF GOD CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
SHIRLEY CHEN† JEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EMMA GALBRAITH * MIMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ERIN RAE LI * PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALBERT PARK † KYUNG-HWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JI-YOUNG YOO SAMANTHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
†Fight Captains
UNDERSTUDIES
LEESA KIM * KYUNG-HWA / SAMANTHA ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� KRISTEN LEE * PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . THOMAS ISAO MORINAKA JEN / MIMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Understudies never substitute for listed players unless specified. *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. SETTING
PLEASE NOTE
A mid-range Bangkok hotel room.
There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones. Thank you!
RUNNING TIME
90 minutes There will be no intermission. 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON SPONSOR
OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 7
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
S H I R L EY C H E N
Samantha
Shirley Chen was awarded “Best Acting in a Narrative Short” at SXSW for her work in Krista and made her Sundance debut in 2020 as a lead in the feature Beast Beast (dir: Danny Madden, EP: Alec Baldwin). Select credits: The Resident (Fox), Man of God (Geffen Playhouse), Speechless (ABC), Gamer’s Guide (Disney XD), and Parenthood (NBC). Shirley is currently a student at Harvard University, where she pursues a double major in History & Literature and Theater, Dance & Media, with a focus in Asian American Studies. On campus, she was one of the first six women cast in the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, a nearly 200-year-old musical production by America’s oldest theatrical group. Shirley practices Long Fist style Chinese martial arts at the National Wushu Training Center. She is an alumnus of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Shirley is represented by KMR and Echo Lake Entertainment. IG: @surelyimshirley
EMMA GALBRAITH
Jen
Emma Galbraith is thrilled to make her debut at Geffen Playhouse in Man of God. 8 P L AY B I L L
Originally from Austin, Texas, she starred in the SXSW award-winning independent film Inbetween Girl (2021) before moving to Los Angeles, where she is completing her first year at Occidental College. She was recently seen in good friday (New Manifest Theatre Company/The VORTEX). When not on the stage or the screen, she works as a community organizer for local and statewide climate justice initiatives in Texas and California. Emma is eternally grateful to her family, friends, faculty, and coach Jolie Jenkins for their tireless support, love, and guidance.
ERIN RAE LI
Mimi
Erin Rae Li is an Asian American actor based in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from UC San Diego with degrees in Theatre and Communications in 2019. Erin has performed in multiple San Diego regional productions as well as participated in new work development at Cygnet Theater, San Diego Repertory Theatre, and Chance Theater. Most recently, her feature film Balloon Animal premiered internationally at Manchester International Film Festival and will be premiering in the U.S. at Cinequest later this summer. Erin is so excited make her Geffen Playhouse debut in Man of God! She would like to thank her friends, family, and her coach and mentor Craig Archibald for their endless love and support. More info at erinraeli.com, and on Instagram @erinnnli.
A L B E R T PA R K
Pastor
Albert Park is beside himself for his return to Man of God at Geffen Playhouse. Select regional credits: Bina’s Six Apples (Children’s Theatre Company/ Alliance Theatre); The Supreme Leader (Dallas Theater Center); Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (South Coast Repertory); Cambodian Rock Band (City Theatre Company/Merrimack Repertory Theatre); The Winter’s Tale and All’s Well That Ends Well (The Old Globe); Flower Drum Song and BFE (SDAART/La Jolla Playhouse). Select theater credits: Yoga Play and A Man, His Wife, and His Hat (Moxie Theatre); Vietgone (East West Players); The Oldest Boy (San Diego Rep); Extraordinary Chambers and Yellow Face (Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company); The Odd Couple (North Coast Repertory Theatre); Golden Child (Chinese Pirate Productions). Select film credits: Last Summer of Nathan Lee and Borrowed Light. Select VO credits: Starfield (Bethesda Game Studios); Forecasting Love and Weather (Netflix); Fuel House (Jack in the Box). Up next: Hamlet’s Big Adventure! (a prequel) (Reduced Shakespeare Company) at Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He especially thanks Geffen Playhouse, the cast, and crew. Albert is eternally grateful to Jenny, Felix, Henry, and Coral. This one goes out to Jenapher, Natasha, and Camryn. Mr. Park is represented by CESD. Oft-neglected IG: @heyalbertpark
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
JI-YOUNG YOO
Kyung-Hwa
Ji-young Yoo co-stars in the upcoming Amazon limited series Expats opposite Nicole Kidman for director Lulu Wang. She can be currently seen in Josephine Decker’s feature The Sky is Everywhere for A24 / Apple TV+. Ji-young is also an accomplished dancer and musician who appeared in the Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance campaign. She starred as “Samantha” in the East West Players world premiere of Man of God and is delighted to return to the show as “Kyung-Hwa” for her Geffen debut. She attended USC and lives in Los Angeles.
Award from the Kennedy Center, BETC’s Generations Award, and East West Players’ 2042: See Change Award. She is an alum of UCSD’s Playwriting M.F.A. program, the Emerging Writers Group at The Public Theater, Youngblood at Ensemble Studio Theatre, the Jam at New Georges, and writers groups at East West Players and the Echo Theater Company. In television and film, Anna has worked with HBO, Netflix, and Universal, and currently writes for Severance (Apple TV+). This season, her plays can be seen at theaters across the country, including The Public Theater/NAATCO, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Theater Mu. She lives with her husband and two children in Los Angeles.
M AG G I E B U R R OWS
Director
A N N A O U YA N G M O E N C H
Playwright
Anna Ouyang Moench is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Her plays include Mothers, Man of God, Birds of North America, and Sin Eaters. Anna has received fellowships and residencies from The Playwrights Realm, New York Foundation of the Arts, the Jerome Foundation, and the Van Lier Foundation, among others. Awards include the Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting
Maggie Burrows is a theater and film director living in New York City. She received her B.A. from Yale University, where she was a nominee for the Sudler Prize for Excellence in the Arts. She is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, the inaugural 2018-2019 BOLD Resident Director at Northern Stage, and the recipient of the 2018 Boris Sagal Directing Fellowship at Williamstown Theatre Festival. In 2020, in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, Maggie co-conceived and produced James and the Giant Peach with
Taika and Friends to benefit Partners in Health. Select theater credits: TRAYF (Geffen Playhouse), On Your Feet! (The Muny), Indecent (Juilliard), Damsels (Williamstown Theatre Festival), The Sound of Music (Northern Stage), Spacebar (Wild Project). Film work includes her short Condolences and a GOTV video for Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote organization. Upcoming: Man of God (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Legally Blonde (The Muny), Zoe Sarnak and Alexis Scheer’s Shook, and Mark Sonnenblick’s new musical Devotion. SE OH
Scenic Designer
Se Oh is a set designer based in NYC. Selected regional credits: Rooted (Cincinnati Playhouse); Man of God, Underneath the Lintel (Geffen Playhouse); Hold These Truths (People’s Light); Tiger Style!, A Doll’s House, Part 2, Cambodian Rock Band, Yoga Play, Office Hour (South Coast Repertory); Silent Sky (Perseverance Theatre). Broadway associate credits: Dana H. and Is This A Room (Lyceum Theatre); Clyde’s (Hayes Theater), Cost of Living (Manhattan Theatre Club). Off-Broadway associate credits: For Colored Girls… and Office Hour (The Public Theater); Cambodian Rock Band (Signature Theatre); The Great Leap (Atlantic Theater Company). Northwestern University M.F.A. www.sehyunoh.com D E N I T SA B L I Z N A KOVA
Costume Designer
Denitsa Bliznakova is a Bulgarian born costume designer whose design work has been seen nationwide at regional venues including Pasadena Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, The Old Globe, La G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 9
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Jolla Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Kennedy Center, Cleveland Play House, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and others. Denitsa’s work for opera includes productions at Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Opera, and Santa Fe Opera. Costume design credits for other media include films and music videos. At Geffen Playhouse, she previously designed: TRAYF, Constellations, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Big Sky, and Guards at the Taj (Ovation Award nomination). Nominations for Outstanding Costume Design: LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award and Colorado Theatre Guild Henry Award. She is the 2020 recipient of the Costume Design Award from Costume Society of America. Denitsa is a member of local USA 829, United States Institute for Theatre Technology and Costume Society of America. Denitsa is a Professor and the Head of the M.F.A. Design and Technology program in the School of Theatre, TV, and Film at SDSU.
nature Theatre, Second Stage Theatre, Performance Space 122, and Kitchen Theatre Company. His awards include the Obie for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design, the Lucile Lortel Award, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Angstrom Award for Career Achievement in Lighting Design, the Ovation Award, and multiple Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards. He is a professor and the Head of Lighting Design at University of Los Angeles. lapchichu.com
LAP CHI CHU
Thomas Isao Morinaka is an actor, writer, stunt performer, director, and an award-winning stage combat/fight choreographer. He earned a B.A. with Honors in Theater from the University of Hawai’i with an emphasis in stage combat, Japanese theater, Japanese theater movement, Japanese history, and Japanese classical literature. He has performed as an actor and stunt person in television shows, films, and regionally on stages throughout the West Coast. He has performed as a voice-over artist for several projects, such as the movie Kubo and the Two Strings and
Lighting Designer
Recent designs at the Geffen include Power of Sail and TRAYF. He has designed regionally for Mark Taper Forum, Williamstown Theater Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Contemporary Theater, Goodman Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, and the Alley Theater. His New York design credits include The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Sig1 0 P L AY B I L L
J O N AT H A N S N I P E S
Original Music & Sound Design
Jonathan Snipes is a Los Angeles-based composer and sound designer. He teaches sound design at UCLA and is a member of the rap group “clipping,” currently signed to Sub Pop Records. Other Geffen Playhouse credits include Good People (2012), Wait Until Dark (2013), Bad Jews (2015), Mysterious Circumstances (2019), Man of God (2020), and Power of Sail (2022). T H O M AS I SAO M O R I N A K A
Fight Director
other various animated shows and video games. His awards include an LADCC Award for Distinguished Achievement in Fight Choreography (2018) and a nomination for an Ovation Award for Fight Direction (2019). Morinaka is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA and Equity. M I A S C H AC H T E R
Intimacy Director
Mia Schachter is an Intimacy Coordinator for TV, Film, and Theater, a podcaster, and writer living in their hometown of Los Angeles. Their credits include Perry Mason (HBO), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC), Twenties (BET), and the upcoming Season 2 of Blindspotting (Starz). Mia runs Share the Load, a consent education school they founded during the pandemic. This is their second production at the Geffen following Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. www.sharetheloadinc.com ELIZABETH A. BROHM
Production Stage Manager
Man of God marks Liz’s 30th production at Geffen Playhouse as a member of the Stage Management team. Highlights include: Underneath the Lintel; Thom Pain (based on nothing); Bad Jews; Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress; Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks; Looking for Normal; The Weir; and Wit. National Tour/ Kennedy Center: Wit. Other: Production Manager, Geffen Playhouse 2019; Production Coordinator, Geffen Playhouse 2001-2007; Cup Coordinator, X-Prize Foundation; Lecturer in Stage Management, UCLA since 2005. M.F.A. in Stage Management from UCSD. Love to Gino & Mack.
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES P H Y L L I S S C H U R I N G A , C SA
Casting Director
Phyllis is an Artistic Associate and the Casting Director for Geffen Playhouse. Recent casting includes Power of Sail, Paradise Blue, Mysterious Circumstances, Black Super Hero Magic Mama, Skeleton Crew, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Guards at the Taj, and American Buffalo at the Geffen, and Put Your House in Order at La Jolla Playhouse. She has received 6 Artios nominations: Witch, Significant Other, Actually, Barbecue, Barcelona, The Country House. Before joining the Geffen, she was the Casting Director for Steppenwolf Theater 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.
M AT T S H A K M A N
Circumstances for the Geffen in 2019 and prior to joining as Artistic Director in 2017, Shakman directed three acclaimed productions at the Playhouse: the West Coast premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People (2012), the world premiere of Jeffrey Hatcher’s new adaptation of Wait Until Dark (2013), and Joshua Harmon’s Bad Jews (2015). 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. Matt is a director and producer for FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and has directed episodes of Game of Thrones (DGA nomination), Mad Men, Fargo, The Good Wife, and Succession. He helmed the pilot episode for Hulu’s The Great (Emmy nomination) starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult and produced and directed all episodes of WandaVision (Emmy nominations for Direction and Limited Series, DGA nomination), a Marvel Studios event series for Disney+ starring Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen. Matt is currently directing Star Trek for Bad Robot and Paramount Studios.
G I L CAT E S, J R .
Artistic Director
Executive Director
Matt Shakman is Artistic Director of Geffen Playhouse. Matt last helmed Mysterious
Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive Director of Geffen Playhouse. In this role, he is responsible
for managing the Geffen’s day-to-day operations; developing new, ongoing theater partnerships and leading its mission to inform, entertain and inspire diverse audiences with live theater of the highest caliber. Prior to being named Executive Director in 2015, Cates served as Geffen Playhouse Board Vice Chairman since 2012 and served as a producer and director in theater, film and television. His theater credits include the award-winning Names (Matrix Theatre Company) and Three Sisters and David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre (both at Syracuse Stage). Cates’ 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 feature film Lucky (starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor and Ann-Margret). In addition, Cates co-produced and co-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 Jessica Capshaw and Geffen Playhouse alumnus Neil Patrick Harris). Cates’ 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.
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 1
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES for accounting functions of the
CPA, after holding the position
theater, including operating and
of Director of Accounting at
capital budgets. In addition,
FABS Management, where she
she supports all IT and HR activ-
was responsible for overseeing
ities. Behnaz was named Chief
the finances of more than 25
Financial Officer in 2015 after
non-profit organizations. As
serving as General Manager
a financial professional with
since 2002. She first joined
more than 30 years’ experience
Geffen Playhouse in 1999. Previ-
in for-profit and non-profit
ously, Ataee worked as a senior
financial management and au-
financial analyst for Ultratech
diting, Ataee began her career
Behnaz “Nazy” Ataee is Chief
Inc., an international semicon-
in the Bay Area as a partner in
Financial Officer of Geffen
ductor company based in San
a small tech startup. She holds
Playhouse. In this role, she
Jose. Prior to Ultratech, she
a master’s degree from Pepper-
has oversight responsibility
was an auditor for Van Sloten
dine University.
B E H N A Z ATA E E Chief Financial Officer
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 MICHAEL GOLAMCO MEGHAN KENNEDY MATTHEW LOPEZ MARTYNA MAJOK
CHELSEA MARCANTEL STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR JIEHAE PARK JOHN POLLONO ZOE SARNAK ROBERT SCHENKKAN
JEN SILVERMAN 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 this city. 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. VIVIAN BARNES LISA SANAYE DRING WESTON GAYLORD
ALEXANDRA KALINOWSKI, TOVA KATZ, & KATIE LINDSAY
NICHOLAS PILAPIL MICHAEL SHAYAN
The Writers’ Room 2021/2022 is made possible through the generous support of Jerry and Terri Kohl. For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom.
1 2 P L AY B I L L
GEFFEN AT A GLANCE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CONTACT
PRODUCTION STAFF FOR MAN OF GOD
Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024
Assistant Stage Manager Lucy Houlihan
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
310.208.6500 Monday through Friday, 10:00am – 6:00pm AUDIENCE SERVICES
310.208.2028 Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm Please visit geffenplayhouse.org for hours, parking and more information.
BOX OFFICE The box office window is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00pm – 6:00pm, as well as on performance days up until 15 minutes after curtain during the run of a show. Please note: the box office window is unable to process exchanges and future sales one hour prior to curtain time on any performance day.
ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to providing access to patrons with mobility, visual and hearing impairments. Parking spaces directly outside the theater are zoned for drop off and pick up, as well as disabled parking spots for patrons with appropriate placards and plates. For more information about our Accessibility services and programs, visit geffenplayhouse.org/ access or call our box office.
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 There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance. Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.
Assistant Costume Designer Jenny Deck Associate Lighting Designer Sara Gosses Stage Supervisor Tyler Brogla Light Programmer & Board Operator Skye Mahaffie A1 Oliver Brink
Carpenters Christopher R. Baab, Christopher Bowe, Austin Bosley, Oliver Brink, James Chew, Chris Cowan, Ryan Fischer, Erin Galloway, Melissa Hartman, Rob Hille, Ryan Howard, Sarah King, Vanessa Lara, Chandish Nester, James Stanley, Eiden Weissblum Properties Artisans Christopher R. Baab, Danny Dolan, Ryan Howard
Dresser Britney Campbell
Electricians Miri Henerson, Emma Inglehart, Nicole Jaja, Justin Kelley-Cahill, Alannah Lasiter, Emily Moore, Keanu Ross-Cabrera, James Tatsch, Caleb Wildman
Lead Carpenter Philip Rossi
COVID-19 Compliance Manager Bella Luna
Wardrobe Supervisor Kiko Cheyenne
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery Provided by Scenic Highlights
Production Photographer Jeff Lorch
Lighting Equipment Provided By Kinetic Lighting, Inc.
Media Filming Ramon Garcia
Sound Equipment Provided By DnB Design
Photography Justin Bettman
SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television Scene, Prop, Sound, and Costume Shops; London Cleaners
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 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.
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 Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 3
BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A
WRITING THE MALE GAZE
PHOTO BY IDRIS ADEMOLA
AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT ANNA OUYANG MOENCH
Playwright Anna Ouyang Moench
BY RACHEL WIEGARDT-EGEL
Set in a hotel room on a mission trip to
subject for a while, but wasn’t quite sure
Thailand, Man of God explores fluctuating
what the specific setting or situation would
power dynamics as four young women
be. Then, a friend in the Korean American
grapple with the dangers of the outside
Christian community here in L.A. told me
world and with each other. During rehearsals in 2020, I had a chance to chat with playwright Anna Ouyang Moench about this pressure cooker of a play that manages to be fantastical and funny along the way.
about a college mission group going on a trip and discovering their leader put a camera in their bathroom. While the play is not based on that story, the premise was certainly inspired by it. I always want to be clear that this is not the true story of what happened.
R AC H E L W I E G A R DT- E G E L : What was
your original inspiration for the piece? A N N A O U YA N G M O E N C H : I wanted to
I don’t know anything about the real people involved, or the details of their experience, so I am not trying to speak for them. In that light, I made the characters high
write something about the moment girls
school kids, rather than college kids. I went
come to realize that the male gaze exists,
to an all-girls high school, and as a result
and has been watching them for longer than
I’m really fond of and familiar with the way
they realized. I’d been thinking about the
girls figure out the world together. There’s
1 4 P L AY B I L L
BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A
a freedom, a boldness, a way in which girls take up so much space when they’re together that is amazing and fun. Then there’s a contracting when a man is in the room and a sort of shrinking that can happen, especially in fraught situations. So the inspiration of this play was a coalescing of my own lived experience, the experiences of friends of mine who have suffered various levels of sexual abuse and assault and harassment, and the true story that was the jumping off point. The hidden camera is such a great metaphor for the male gaze, and its discovery is the perfect metaphor for that time in childhood when you realize, “Oh wait, I’m being seen as a sexual being before I’m ready.”
with the buzzwords, but they don’t have a huge depth of understanding of feminism. When they’re trying to figure out the world and the rules and what they should expect for themselves, they need more information than they have access to, and they’re kind of at a loss. So they reach for the same buzzwords we all reach for when we’re trying to talk about these things. RW: The play also seems very much in conversation with the ongoing dialogue about digital privacy and violation. What made you want to explore the ways that this specifically affects teenage girls? AO M : I truly cannot imagine coming of age in the time of Instagram and TikTok and all
“THE HIDDEN CAMERA IS SUCH A GREAT METAPHOR FOR THE MALE GAZE‚ AND ITS DISCOVERY IS THE PERFECT METAPHOR FOR THAT TIME IN CHILDHOOD WHEN YOU REALIZE‚ ‘OH WAIT‚ I’M BEING SEEN AS A SEXUAL BEING BEFORE I’M READY.’” – PLAYWRIGHT ANNA OUYANG MOENCH
RW: Did the #MeToo era coming into the national consciousness impact the way you ended up writing the play? AO M : I actually wrote this play before the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, and before the #MeToo movement exploded into the national consciousness, but the subject matter of the play didn’t change based on the #MeToo movement. If anything, I just had to be sure that the girls in the play were aware of the #MeToo movement existing, which they weren’t in my early drafts. In the play’s current iteration, all of the girls are familiar
that. I feel simultaneously fortunate that I grew up without that pressure but also filled with dread because now I have kids who are growing up with all of that stuff around. I have no idea how to equip them for it. There is a level of being on display, being watched, that high school kids today are more aware of than when I was in high school. And at that age, even without technology, there is a sense of always being watched by other people. I certainly felt that. You feel awkward in your body; you feel insecure about all kinds of things; G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 5
BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A
you’re pretty narcissistic, so you’re sure that
RW: I’d love to hear more about the play’s
everyone else is thinking about you all the
relationship to religion and how you ap-
time. Social media only serves to enhance
proached writing these characters to whom
that existing feeling.
faith is so important.
One thing that I’m not sure everyone is aware of is that there is a huge problem right now, especially in South Korea, of hidden cameras in toilets in public bathrooms. It’s such a problem that cities in South Korea are employing tens of thousands of public employees whose entire job is to go into public restrooms and sweep them for hidden cameras. There’s a whole online porn industry of videos taken of women using the bathroom without their consent. It’s so creepy. When I read about that epidemic, it was again after I had written the play and again I thought, “Wow, this play is onto something.” RW: What was the development process
like for this play?
AO M : I have written these characters very
specifically as Korean American Christian kids from Southern California, in part because of the story that inspired the play, and in part from elements of my own experience. I grew up in a progressive protestant Christian household and congregation and I went to a more conservative Catholic high school (during those high school years I was getting a lot of religion between school, home, and Sundays). But this upbringing wasn’t scarring or difficult for me. I found it to be a supportive community, and I still think that elements of the Christian faith are very positive. Even though I’m not very religious as an adult, I have a familiarity with organized religion,
AO M : I wrote the play while I was in grad
and Christianity in particular. I’ve written
school and I sent it to Jesca Prudencio, who
a couple plays that take place in Christian
ended up being the director at East West Players. We had always wanted to work together, and she really responded to Man of God. She had spent a year doing the Julie Taymor directing fellowship, spending many months working on a project about sex workers in Thailand, so she was very familiar with the setting of this play. When Snehal [Desai, the Artistic Director at East West Players] asked her what she was interested in, she sent him this play and that’s how it found its way to East West. Some of my plays have had needed a long development process, but this play hasn’t changed a ton since its first iteration. Certainly I have changed things, expanded things, but this was one of those plays that came out really fast and really strong. I knew the characters, I knew the world, I knew the problem, and it was just about keeping up with the play as I wrote it. I love when it goes that way. 1 6 P L AY B I L L
communities—but to be honest, I don’t see these plays as being “about” Christianity. I have no interest in writing about whether God exists, or whether Christianity is good or bad. My plays are about gender roles, structural injustice, coming of age, love, growth, fear—universal things that all people deal with. But there’s something theatrical about the way that religion allows people to grapple publicly with the things we’re all grappling with privately. In some ways, religion is very inflexible in how it tells you to handle difficult situations. But people are infinitely flexible. And I find it fascinating to watch characters go through contortions to fit themselves into the rigid container their religion gives them… or the moment when they strike out on their own to find a way forward. To read more about Man of God, visit geffenplayhouse.org/blog.
SAVE THE DATE!
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN SATURDAY‚ JUNE 4‚ 2022
Backstage at the Geffen honors those who continue to shape and innovate the arts today with never-before-shared stories about life backstage, as well as surprise, unannounced performances that span the live arts spectrum. Celebrate the Geffen Playhouse’s 25th Anniversary Season with exceptional food and an unforgettable show to raise funds for access to world-class theater. us
he
202
1 hos t Tone B el
l
ll
or
m
er
sB
lue1
3 Danc e C om
pa
ny
20
21
s tor y
. t e ll e r J o n M
Ch
u
20
21
sto
r y tel
ler Sha
aw ron L
TICKET PACKAGES & MORE INFORMATION GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/BACKSTAGE
ren
ce
PHOTOS BY JORDAN STRAUSS
iB
rf
rm er N an d
pe
p er fo
21
21
20
20
2 5B TE HH IANNDN IT VH EE R SS CA ER NY E SS E QA &S AO N
25 YEARS AND COUNTING Founder Gilbert Cates with Trustee Kristen Combs at the soon-to-be Geffen Playhouse (formerly Westwood Playhouse)
“ONWARD AND UPWARD WITH THE ARTS.” That was the mantra of Geffen Playhouse Founder and Producing Director Gilbert (Gil) Cates, a visionary and a showman who brought this theater to life a quarter of a century ago. And it remains our mantra today. With the launch of our 2021/2022 season, we celebrate 25 years of storytelling, opening nights, world premieres, standing ovations, and all the artists and audiences who have passed through our doors since we first raised our curtain with Four Dogs and a Bone in 1995. We did not just begin life as Geffen Playhouse—there’s more to our story. It was the early 1990s and, as a lover of the arts, then-Dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Gil Cates had a dream and a vision. The goal was to create a new non-profit professional theater company that 1 8 P L AY B I L L
OCT 10, 1995 — John Patrick Shanley’s Four Dogs and a Bone, directed by Lawrence Kasdan, featuring Brendan Fraser, Elizabeth Perkins, Parker Posey, and Martin Short opened the Geffen Playhouse
Founder Gilbert Cates with philanthropist David Geffen and UCLA Chancellor Emeritus Charles E. Young
Geffen Playhouse is excited to celebrate 25 years with its 2021/2022 Anniversary Season
would enrich the cultural life of Greater Los
of an endowment gift from philanthropist
Angeles and the UCLA community through
David Geffen) to begin the creation of a
plays and educational programs that in-
permanent professional non-profit theater
form, entertain and inspire.
in Westwood. The university created an
UCLA had a long history of working closely with professional theaters as an extension of its academic mission and, for many
independent board, helmed by Cates, which would assume all costs and risks of operating the theater. And the rest is history.
years, owned and operated the Doolittle
Since opening, Geffen Playhouse has
Theater in Hollywood to fulfill this mission.
staged nearly 200 productions, held more
Cates recognized the Doolittle’s geographic
than 9,000 performances, and entertained
distance from campus created a barrier to
countless audiences from around the world
any meaningful relationship with UCLA and
and every walk of life. Each year has brought
argued a better partner would be the West-
with it new stories, new artists, new laugh-
wood Playhouse, located right across from
ter, new tears and new challenges—and we
campus. Compelled by the proximity and
grow as a theater, and as a family, with every
potential of the historic theater, Chancellor
one of them.
Charles Young agreed to sell the Doolittle and pledged the proceeds of the sale to assist Cates with the purchase and refurbishment of the Westwood Playhouse.
It has been an honor to be a home for the arts in this remarkable city of Los Angeles, and we are excited for what the next 25 years will bring. We hope you will continue
UCLA leased the theater to the newly
to join us on this journey, as we go onward
named Geffen Playhouse (in recognition
and upward with the arts. G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 9
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY
THEATER IN EDUCATION HAS THE POWER TO IGNITE CHANGE
Geffen Playhouse is deeply committed to creating powerful and impactful arts education and engagement experiences that amplify, inspire, and encompass our diverse Los Angeles community. Our programs provide unique, in-depth access to theater and the arts for under-resourced and under-represented groups of youth and adults. the continued growth and expansion of our programs.
DONATE TO SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/DONATENOW
PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH
We invite you to support the vitality of education by contributing to
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 January 1, 2021, and April 15, 2022. In appreciation, donors enjoy a host of special benefits including house seats, complimentary drinks, receptions, and much more. For more information, please call Christine Drew Benjamin at 310.208.6500 ext. 195. ANGELS
ARTISTIC CIRCLE
Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle
$25,000 – $49,999
Susan & Mark Fleischer
Anonymous (2)
Anonymous (2)
Susan Nahley Fleishman
Kevin & Claudia Bright
Jack & Hilary Angelo
City National Bank
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
$100,000+
Mary Ann Cloyd Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton Edgerton Foundation David Geffen Foundation The Adi & Jerry Greenberg Foundation Martha Henderson Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Fund for Arts Education at the Geffen Playhouse
Robin Dearden & Bryan Cranston The Walt Disney Company Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Melvin Keefer Carol & Paul Frimmer
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Fox Entertainment Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. Ann & Jim Gianopulos Goldman Sachs Marcy & Edgar Gross
Herbert M. & Beverly J. Gelfand
Bryan Hawkins
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
ICM Partners
Patty Glaser & Sam Mudie Samantha & Eric Heer
In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Liberty Ross & Jimmy Iovine Peggy Jones & Parise Livanos Kat Judd
Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman
Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
Jerry & Terri Kohl
Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark
Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin
Marcia Israel Foundation, Inc.
Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall
LA County Department of Arts and Culture
LA Unified School District
Matt Shakman & Maggie Malone Shubert Foundation Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum UCLA UCLA Health
CHAIRMANʾS CIRCLE $50,000 – $99,999
California Arts Council Elizabeth & Gil Cates, Jr. Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation Fay & Frank Mancuso John McCrite & Juan Lopez Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos Tina & Jerry Moss / The Moss Foundation Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Madeline & Bruce Ramer Holly Rice & Vince Gilligan Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Shel & Cynthia Stone Miranda & Brett Tollman Ken Willner & Jim Stine
Cindy & Alan Horn
Laurents / Hatcher Foundation
Glorya Kaufman Julie & David Kavner Willette & Manny Klausner Lyn & Norman Lear
Paramount Pictures
Carla Malden & Norman Beil
The Edward A. & Ai O Shay Family Foundation
Wendy & Barry Meyer Ron Meyer
State of California, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Conan & Liza O’Brien
Judith & Bruce Stern
Soundis & Danny Passman
STK Steakhouse
Mo Ostin Carol & Bill Ouchi Judith Reichman, MD
PRODUCER
Pamela Robinson Hollander & Robert Hollander
Anonymous
Fredric D. Rosen & Nadine SchiffRosen Family Foundation
$10,000 – $24,999 Eva Aaronson & Bucky Hazan Pat & Sandy Adams Patricia Kiernan Applegate Audi of America, Inc. Cathy & Shel Bachrach
Thomas L. Safran Hon. Nicole A. Avant & Ted Sarandos Carol ‘Jackie’ & Charles Schwartz Jessica & Jerry Seinfeld Richard & Barbara Sherman
Mary Bianco & The MOCA Foundation
Marcia & Robert Shuwarger
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Sitrick Group, LLC
Cindy & Bob Broder
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Eileen & Harold Brown
Wendy Stark
Stephanie & Jonathan Carson
Steve Tisch
Comcast NBCUniversal
U.S. Bank Foundation
Merle Dandridge
Dannelle Ward / Acropolis Investment Management
The Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation
Martha De Laurentiis & Randy Sherman M.D.
Judy & Chancellor Charles E. Young
Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg
Aurora & Marc Weinstock
Dirk & Natasha Ziff
Bonnie E. Eskenazi
Kevyn Wynn
Joanne & Ken Weinman
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 1
ANNUAL DONORS DIRECTOR
$5,000 – $9,999 Jehan F. Agrama & Dwora Fried In Honor of Laura Alpert Aversa Foundation The Hilaria & Alec Baldwin Foundation Bank of America Pamela & Dennis Beck Judith & Thomas Beckmen Carolyn Benson Mara W. Breech Foundation Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Butterfly Equity Captive8 Glenn & Lynn Cardoso Marcy Carsey Mary Jo & Caleb Deschanel Susan & Jonathan Dolgen Lauren Shuler Donner Fielding Edlow & Larry Clarke Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation Erika Fiore Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family Steve Freedman & Helen Sideris Bob & Diana Friedman Kiki & David Gindler Waterman & Glicksteen Families MaryAnn & Irwin Gold Dr. Irene Goldenberg Lori & Ken Goldman Greenberg Traurig Alexander & Katie & Grey Grosvenor Star Gutman Cindy Hanson Mellody Hobson / Ariel Investments, LLC Ann Husvar Sir Elton John & David Furnish David & Martha Kadue Barbara & Ronnie Kahn Mannon Kaplan Laura Kennedy Kling Family Foundation / Allen & Jessica Kling Wendy Kurtzman Karen and Walter Loewenstern Padma & Rao Makineni Stewart Mayeda Merle & Jerry Measer Hillary Messenger Microsoft Marcia & Brett Molotsky Rio & Frank Morse Benedicta & Geoffry Oblath Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes PCCP, LLC Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Allison & Birk Rawlings The Michael Schwab Family Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor 2 2 P L AY B I L L
Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham Karen Zoller, M.D. & David Tillman, M.D. William & Karen Timberlake Olympus Theatricals Town & Country Event Rentals Gayle & Barry Tyerman Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz The Waterman Family Foundation Benjamin Weisman Sandra Willen Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Karen & Rick Wolfen YPO Golden West Gold In Loving Memory of Herman Ziegler
SPONSOR
$3,000 – $4,999 Anonymous Janis Adams & John Lyons Alligator Pear Catering Robert E. & Maria H. Barron Beam Suntory Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson Paula & Bruce Bennett Shelly & Libby Bergen Laurie Bernhard Susan Bloch-Kay & Stephen Kay Thomas & Nancy Boxwell VJ Boyd The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation Noora Raj Brown Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Carillon Miami Wellness Resort Adam & Lin Cheyer Ellyce R. Cooper & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP Lawrence N. Field Lisa Firestone & Caspar Von Winterfeldt Lynn T. Franklin Larry Gagosian Sue & Steve Glusker Manuela & James Goren Karney Guren Family Foundation John & Ann Daly Gustafson Deidre Hall Michael Hayden Gallery Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Vicki Iovine & David Coiro Marla & Daniel Klein Thea & Neal Koss Nancy Koven Renee & Meyer Luskin Ginny Mancini Jane & Rand Marlis Cara Gardenswartz & David Melnick Robin Mitchel & Kathleen Marshall Morgan Stanley Michael R. Oppenheim Jennifer von Schneidau Peter & Denise Walsh
Julie & Peter Weil Leslie White & Al Limon Susan & Dan White
PARTNER
$1,500 – $2,999 Anonymous Miriam Aguiar Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Allen Basch Family Foundation Shelley & Rick Bayer Patricia & Mark Benjamin Yvette Bergeron & Dean Bailey Susan J. Booth & Christopher Wadden Dr. Wallace P. Brithinee Diana Buckhantz and the Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert Kristen & Jake Carlson Lexy & John Carroll Kasey Carrothers Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo The Christal Family Cindy Clark Linda & John Coleman Lori & Jerry Collins Phil Davis Noah Dinkin Rich & Christina Doren Anne Dougherty Jacki & Murray Drechsler Edward Avedis David & Joyce Evans Barbara Fairchild Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Charlotte Gold Linda & Louis Goldsman Kelly Gonda Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Penny Grosz & Eugene Korney The Guerin Foundation Zvia Hempling Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Freya & Marc Ivener Deborah & Ivan Kallick Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith Carol Leif & Jeff Parker Lydia & Chuck Levy Elisabeth & Jeff Lipsman Judith Locke The Malins Family Foundation Sue & Anthony Marguleas Sue McHugh & Herb Seese Cookie Miller Joan & Phil Miller Laurie & Chuck Mondrus Tal Oren & Liana Morgado-Oren Carol & Alan Ostroff
ANNUAL DONORS In Memory of Robert & Stephen Paskus Daniel & Denise Perlstein Ruth Popkin Clark & Kathryn Porter Drs. Laurence & Isabell Purdy Joyce & Harvey Reichard Pamela Ribon Louis & Laura Rohl Wil Rosser Amy & Andy Schwartz Susan Schwarz & Stuart Berton Snyder Family Foundation Tom & Melanie Staggs Andrew Stearn Deborah Tavlin Franklin David Tell Catherine & Leonard Unger Union Bank Susan & Peter Van Haften Kathryn & Alan Van Vliet Gelena and Seth Weissman Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg Richard Yaffe David Young Alissa & Jordan Zachary Ellen & Arnold Zetcher
EDUCATION ADVOCATE $1,000 – $1,499
Anonymous (3) Dr. Richard Ackerman & Miriam Shakter Jan & David Altemus Bonnie R. Arnold Margaret Campbell Arvey Elissa & Scott Ashwood Karen Bell & Robb Cox Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck Wendy & John Bergquist Diane & James Berliner Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block Broadway Wine Club Janet & Mark Brown Katherine Brown Chancellor Albert Carnesale & Mrs. Robin Carnesale Margaret Casey Jane Cates Shelby & Lee Chaden Danny & Lisa Charnes-Sarokin Stephen Cook Honorable Candace Cooper Jan & Thea Drayer Ed & Barbara Dreyfus Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler Elizabeth A. Evans Bill Fagerbakke Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Lynne & Michael Feldman
Dr. Kimberly Finney Shari Foos Burt & Nanette Forester Steven Forness In honor of Frank & Betty Fouce Tomas Fuller & William Kelly Pat & Sandy Gage The Glass Family Hannah & Barrie Godwin Roz & Abner Goldstine Ellie Goodman Jill Grigsby & Rett Bull Harris Family Foundation Scott Hartle Murray & Gail Heltzer Jackson Henry Michael & Candie Herman Robin & Edgar Hirst Rob & Cassie Holmes Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Gary T. Izumi Victoria Jackson & Bill Guthy Marcie & Marc J. Jacoby Nancy & Len Jacoby Carrie Johnson Linda & David Kagel Mark Kaplan Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig Patricia Keating King Nutronics Corporation Barton H. Kogan Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick Lena & Mark Labowe Sherry Lansing Foundation Steven & Nancy Lippman In Memory of Effie Lucero & Anne Ettinger Martin S Appel Survivors Trust Sheri & Jim McCashin James and Ana Miles Family Foundation Mintz Family Fund Andrew & Laura Mintzer Craig Morrison Dr. Paula C. Moseley Ron Myrick Mieke & Spencer Neumann Albert & Barbara Nichols Ornest Family Foundation London, Alex & Marty Padilla Jacalyn & Paul Pepperman Peters Family Fund at Chicago Community Foundation Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer Dolores Rogers Nancy Stephens & Rick Rosenthal and The Rosenthal Family Foundation Peymaneh Rothstein & Emad Asfoury Lori & David Rousso David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Nancy & Ted Sanborn Gerald Sauer
Peggy & Robert Shapiro John Shaw Sherry Lansing Foundation Robin & Robert L. Sills Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Aaron & Ross Smith-Knight Jerome & Joan Snyder John Sonego & Thomas Faughnan Lisa Stonich Melora Sundt & Rob Kadota Rose Tarlow The Tatasciore Family John M. Teeples & Nicolas Martinez, Jr. Marjorie Thomson Tito + Craig John Turmes Leon & Stephanie Vahn Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Marcia & Charles Wasserman Ph.D In Honor of Sid & Sheila Weiss John & Connie Weston In Loving Memory of Gareth Wigan Judith & Philip Winik Cherie Wrigley Linda Yellin Elena & Drew Zager Bobbi & Walter Zifkin
ARTISTIC ADVOCATE $500 – $999
Anonymous (5) Toshka & Norman Abrams Sylvia Almstadt Henry Alpert Don Bacigalupi The Bordy & Leibovic Families Carol J. Bradshaw Paula Brand Marlene Bronson Mary Ellen Callahan Anthony Carbone Sean & Martha Carey Family Sylvie & Peter Cartmell Julianna & William Cellini Julie Chait James Clark Laurel & Aaron Clark The Clements Family Dr. Mara Cohen Ginger Conrad Ted Cordes & Bill Derby Joanna Davis Julie & Don Davis Dale Dickey Jane DuBovy Stephen Duncan Brian & Krista Fleming Charles Flippen Carol & John Fox Diane Futterman Benita & Bert Ginsberg G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 3
ANNUAL DONORS Tina & Michael Gittelson Ellen & Reginald Golla Adrienne Grant & Paul Jennings Gaby Allen & Rob Greenberg Dean Haas Lonnie Hamerman & Kenneth Freundlich Mary Hartley Drex Heikes Hella Hershson Winifred C Hervey Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Mrs. Dorothy Hoffman Paul Gordon Hoffman & Sue Caren Hoffman In Loving Memory of Stan Hollander Drs. Sharon & Lou Ignarro Robert & Gail Israel Brenda Marie Izzi Dr. Carole & David Jones Judith & Steaven Jones Linda Kaplan Nancy Kenney Sharon Kerson Dr. Leonard & Stella S. Kleinrock Dorothy Klinger Sharon & Joel Koppelman Millicent Sanchez Hisao Kushi Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Christo & Jeanne Lavagnino David Lee Ann Leland Gina Maria Leonetti Marla E. Levine Hannah Linkenhoker & Carter Cohn Jeffrey Lipp Deborah Marsten Kathy & Jim McCaffery Vickie McCorkendale Nick & Vaughan Meyer Norma & Larry Meyers Lee & Jeff Milman John Moschitta, Jr. Robert Nelson & Marguerite Renner Charles Owens Ralph Page Naidu & Jane Permaul Tami Pflug The Poker People Ron Rafay Catherine Raneri Fred & Denise Reimer Carol Risher Ronda & Fred Rose Peter Rose Barry Rosen & Neil Bokal Arlene & Peter Sacks Susan & Kenneth Sarno Joel & Sonia Schneider Melanie Sharp & Kevin Miller 24 P L AY B I L L
In Memory of Michael Sherman Karen & Bill Skinner Amy Jo & Jeff Smith Diane Good & Frank Smith South Pasadena Arts and Music Academy Jill & Scott Spiwak Sarah Stegemoeller Sandra Stewart Dr. Margaret Stuber Robert & Kristie Svaleson Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Audri & Stan Tendler David & Cathy Thomas Brigitta Troy Richard Vance Bradley & Natalie Wallace Jennifer Weiser Elizabeth Wheat Gia & Michael Wise Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Marc Zachary
ASSOCIATE $250 – $499
Anonymous (7) Terry & Richard Abrams Shannon Ahl Charles & Annick Allen Eden Alpert Robert C. Anderson Peter Anderson Bonnie Ank Claudia Apelfeld Joseph D. Argilagos Barbara & Ethan Aronoff Behnaz Ataee Lisa Austin Elizabeth & Marc Axelrod Cecilia Ball Cindy & Jeff Ballard Donald Balzano Anthony Bellasalma & Susan B. Katz Jeme Benadon Karen Berko-Gibson Barbara Berkowitz Marilyn R. Blacker Marjorie Blatt Bonnie & Cary Blume Toby Bornstein Jill Boyd & Jarid Sumner Doug & Arlene Braun Howard Brightman The Broderick Family Laurrie Brooke Raegan Brunson Laura D. Campbell Karla Campbell Marlene & David Capell Lorena Carlson Ellen Castleman
The Claman/Cates Family Sandra Chan & Richard Pezner Diane Chernansky Nancy Chess The Chisolm Family Caroline Choi Lori Christopher Shirley Churgin Pam Coats Carl Cohn Jennifer Colantuoni Lynn Comer Nessa Cooper Heidi Jo Corey Shawn Cunningham In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Muriel Dance & Alvin Martin J. Jason Daunter Jeffrey & Louise Davis Judith Delafield Hal & Roberta Delevie Gayle & Dan Devin Kristin Diehl Tom & Diane Duralde Michael East & Tanisha Gonzalez Ken Egel & Liz Wiegardt Joan & Jerry Elledge Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston Carl & Courtenay Enright Lidia & Mauricio Epelbaum Stephen Falk Carol Fatuzzo Wilbur Faulk Diedre Feehan Terry Feuerborn Lisa & William Finkelstein Ruth Fisher Geralyn Flood Melissa Ford Christopher & Claire Forsyth Rosella Forte Dennis & Jackie Fox Jean & Jerome Friedman Lynn & Barry Friesen Laurelle Frome & Brady Frome Mr. Scot McIntosh & Dr. Ruchira Garg Corinne B. Garson Daniel Giesberg Jarrod Gilbreath Priscila Giraldo Linda & Tom Givvin Dr. Diane & Michael Glazer Lori Glickman Lorain Goldberg Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman The Goldfarbs Gretchen Goldsmith Dina Goldstein AnaAlicia Gonzalez Roger Gordon
ANNUAL DONORS Liz Gottainer & David Sadkin Andrea Gozali Howard Gradet Michael A. Green Trudi Green Jana & Randall Greer Kimberly Grieger Annika Guy Eve Haberfield & David N. Johnson Ross & Lindsey Avner Louise Halevy & Kenneth Erlich Keith Hall Pamela Halle Chris Hardeman Lorraine Hartman Brian & Karen Hatch Erica & Madison Hatchett Diane Haun Kam Hekmat Jacqueline Heller & Gabriel Kahana Sue Herbers Gary & Jane Hewer Karen Higgins Penny Hildebrand Melvin Horowitz Tamara Horwich & Gerry Lipshutz Michael Infiesto Jackie & Warren Jackson In Memory of Joseph Jacobs Frederic A. & Nancy Jacobus Stephen & Erica Jamieson Sheila Johnson-Brousseau Philip Angerhofer & Stephen A. Jones Arlene Kageyama Jessica Kaltman & Robert Reznik Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kamine Julia Kantrowitz Victoria Kapitany Harris Katleman Owen Kato Jim Keily Stuart Kessler Sarah Kilpatrick Cynthia King Phyllis H. Klein Leana Kleinman & Jerald Johnson Allison Krensky The Kriloff Family Charles Kristenson Barbara Kroll & Ruth Spielman Mona Lands John & Sandra Langfitt Donald LaPlante Joan Larkin
Jill & Michael Lasky Mindy Lauerlevin & Ed Levin Alyce LaViolette Pamela Lawler Rhonda Lawrence Miriam & Eli Lebental Doreen & Bruce Leddy Johanna Leovey Jerry & Eve Lerman Suzann & Jimmy Levine Lawrin & Linda Lewin Mae & Hugh Lichtig Joanne Lindsay Hugh & Gail Linstrom Andria Litto The Taylor Family Foundation Fran & David Loew Renee Lonner Bryan Lourd Mactarun & Risha Malik Jain Malkin Eric & Eva Plaza Mandel Phillips & Emily Marshall Gina Martino Laura Maslon Phyllis & Bert Massing George Mayer Douglas McAvoy, Jr. John McClure Kelly McDevitt Joel & Sherry McKuin Kathleen McMullin Sharon McQueen Anupama Menon Eileen & Paul Meshekow For Everett Mikelich In Memory of Gregory Millar Julie Miller-Phipps Denise V. Moore Howard J. Morris Linda Muccitelli Anita Nagler Bonnie Nash Stephen Nathan David Neilan Sherri & Arnie Nelson Dan Newman Andrew Newman Helen Nightengale Doreen & Donald Nortman Susan Oka Louise Olin Cory & Bill Oppenheim Sharon Oxborough Jorge Paganin Steven Papazian Sylvia & Robert Paris Edward Parker Sun Parmeshwaran Kelly & Abhilash Patel Susan Petelik
Vanessa Pizzuto Darcy Pollack Jack & Jane Pollock Heather M. Porter Gloria & Michael Rausch Kay & Bob Rehme Mike Resnick Marianne Reynolds Linda & Erin Rice Lindy Robbins Edwin Robinson Jaime & Linda Rodriguez Julie Rogers Eric Rolnick Robert Rosania Brad & Nancy Rosenberg Margaret Rosenthal Laurie Ross Becca Rothschild Liz Ryan Terry Ryan Nancy Sacks Noriko Salamon Susan & Wayne San Filippo Tawny & Jerry Sanders Jennifer Saunders Maxine Savitz Carole & Michael Scheinberg Marilyn Schmitter Gary & Karen Schneider Ian Schorvitz Toni & John Schulman Heidi & Mickey Schulman Linda Schwarz Marc Scott Morton & Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz Barbara Vickery & Martin Shapiro Robin Share Tom & Judy Sharp Alex & Ben Dashwood Elizabeth Silberlicht Nancy & Bruce Silverman David B. Simons Sandra & Irwin Sitkoff Marlene Sklar & Joel Moskowitz Leah Sklar Tricia Small Ethan & Joanna Smith Jon Snow Susan Solomon The Somaini Family Melvin Spears
Barbara Kroll & Ruth Spielman Donald Spradlin Andrea & David Stanley M Leslie Stearns Cydney Stewart Frances & Sy Strasberg Frances Strasberg Arthur Streeter Mr. Kayser Sume & Dr. Renee Sabshin Ann & Paul Sunderland Katherine Sung Neely & Larry Swanson Robin & David Swartz Andrea & Jay Swerdlow Susan Szambelan Katherine Szopa Joanne Takahashi Lance & Maureen Tan Ilisa E. Tanner Gloria Tapanes Tenenbaums & Schoenfelds The Thayer Family Allison Thomas Daniel Tongbai & Henry Clancy William Toth Barbara Tuchi Karen Van Kirk Robin Venturelli Paul Verdon & Michael Haight William Wallace Fern Wallach Chris Walther Louise Wannier Jill Waterman Andrew & Cathy Watts Kelly Weber Williams Donna Weiss Lisa Welch John & Sherry West Aaron Widera WME Albert Wolsky Karen Woo Jennifer & Randy Wooster Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras David & Christine ZeBrack Will Miller & Anna Ziegler Steven Ziel Dr. & Mrs. Darin Detwiler Laura Zucker & Allan Miller
HAVE WE MADE AN ERROR?
To report a misspelling or omission in these listings, please contact the Development department at 310.208.6500 ext. 195
G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 5
Matt Shakman
Gil Cates, Jr.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARTISTIC
Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Daniel Ionazzi Producer Ross Jackson Artistic Producer Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director Abby Weston-Mark Company Manager Carly Plasha Assistant to the Artistic Director
PRODUCTION
Isaac Katzanek Production Manager Jill Barnes Artistic & Production Administrator Evan Friedman Technical Director Patty Squibb Assistant Technical Director Alexandre Norkus Gil Cates Theater Stage Supervisor Tyler Brogla Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater Stage Supervisor Rick Gilles Properties Master Karin Rabe Associate Properties Master Audrey Lastar Costume Supervisor Sarah Lindsley Wardrobe Supervisor Julie Cowger Assistant Lighting Supervisor James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor Jake Delgado Associate House Sound Supervisor
ADMINISTRATION Behnaz Ataee Chief Financial Officer
Berenice Campos Director of Human Resources Peter Banachowski Accounting Manager Youra Kim Junior Accountant Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator Marguerite Harris Receptionist 2 6 P L AY B I L L
DEVELOPMENT
Elizabeth Kegley Director of Institutional Giving Tracy Reich Director of Individual Giving Mark San Filippo Director of Donor Stewardship Christine Drew Benjamin Director of Donor Engagement Jessica Brusilow Rollins Grant Writing Consultant Allie Reasol Development Assistant
EDUCATION
Brian Allman Interim Director of Education & Community Engagement Rudy King Manager of Community Engagement Paloma Nozicka Education Associate Sean Michael Boozer, DeJuan Christopher Conner, Lyssa Deehan, Ramy El-Etreby, Tara Ricasa, Maddy Wagner Teaching Artists
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Patrick Brown Director of Marketing Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative Zack Hamra Associate Director of Audience Services & Ticketing Kevin O’Brien Marketing Manager Janice Bernal Box Office Manager Alyssa Tyson Box Office Manager Lexy McAvinchey Assistant Box Office Manager & House Seat Manager Vaneh Assadourian, Brianna Barrett, Jacob Feller, Sean James, Alan Kistler, Lauren Machain, Sara Turken, Yua Watanabe, Dennis Woullard Box Office Staff
FRONT OF HOUSE
Jeni Pearsons Director of Operations Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Adam Carr Hospitality Captain Anya Pryjmak, Emir Yonzon Part Time House Managers Sam Baker, Ron Burch, Sigourney Chin, Sarah Chute, Savanna Chute, Ki Duncan, Elizabeth Fritsch, Tony Jose Garcia, Angelo Herrera, Joe Maldonado, Simon Martin, Taylor McClain, Adam Simers, Kari Solum, Taneal Williams Guest Services Brynn Allen, Lulu Altabbakh, Anya Banerjee, Hannah Battersby, Blaire Battle, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Sydney Fleischman, Charlene Herrella, Aja Hinds, Keo Lacebol, Alia Maboob, Clayton McInerney, Austin Merrill, Ana Nguyen, Autumn Oymade, Michael Rosenberg, Elena ScaringPeene, Areaney Tolentino, Titus VanHook, Steven Vargas, Ben Wendel, Paulyne Youri Ushers
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Karim Bouzzit Cloud System Administrator Dream Warrior Group System Administrator
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Art Guillen Facilities Manager Martin Ayala, Felipe Ayala Building Maintenance Mario Santillan-Perez Custodial Juan Carlos Umaña, Camerina Martinez Cleaning Custodial
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.