MAGAZINE
THE AUDREY SKIRBALL KENIS THEATER AT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
welcome to the geffen playhouse
Photo by Andrew Southam
play dead
From the artistic Director Welcome to Play Dead. You are in for the ride of your life. Todd Robbins and Teller have created an evening that follows in a long and popular tradition of interactive theater. In Play Dead Robbins is an illusionist, a telepath and possibly a sociopath, but above all, he is a captivating storyteller, here telling the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Having had the experience of working with Teller on The Exorcist, with pleasure we welcome him back for an evening he cocreated and directs. In the capable hands of Robbins and Teller, a journey with the dead becomes a veritable thrill. Embracing what separates live theater from the screens to which we are all so attached, Play Dead is immersive and all-encompassing and plays upon the viewer’s senses to create an environment that is both titillating and terrifying. When the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis theater was built, we knew it would facilitate our desire to create work that draws outside the lines. Play Dead follows our mandate for this theater in offering a non-traditional theatrical event and, in doing so, introduces audiences to artistry that defies categorization. Sometimes art — in order to thrive — has to find its own path. We’re happy to provide one step on that path for new works such as these. Mr. Robbins will warn you as the show begins about the frightening events you are about to witness, but let me assure you that the most terrifying aspect of this show comes from within our own minds. Participation, as with all good theater, is what makes Play Dead the exciting ride that it is. Enjoy the show.
Randall Arney Artistic Director
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letter from the chaiRman
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Frank G. Mancuso Chairman
FRANK G. MANCUSO We are honored to welcome you here to our theater
and to the West Coast premiere of Play Dead created by Todd Robbins and Teller. Thank you for your support and participation in one of the oldest and most precious art forms there is: live theater. As we come to the second anniversary of the sudden passing of our founder, Gil Cates, I am reminded once again, what a treasure of an organization he created. Additionally, I think how incredibly fortunate we were to have had time with this gifted and humane man, and to share in the joy of building an organization that continues to bring so much to all of our lives, and will, for future generations to come. I would also like to take this time to thank you, our incredible Board, Advisory Board, corporate and foundation funders, our staff, and other individuals who have so clearly stood with us, during a time of great loss and transition. You have not only helped keep Gil’s vision and values alive, you have helped us build an organization that will continue to chart new territory and grow beyond original expectations. As you watch Play Dead, I hope it will remind you what a precious and remarkable gift and art form live theater is for all of us. I also hope it will remind you to continue to support this one-of-a-kind theater and institution, founded by a one-of-a-kind man, and built by all of us. From all of us on the Board of Directors, our profound gratitude to all who have stepped forward to keep this gem of a theater and institution growing and going. This will be my last open letter to you as your Chairman. I have decided after seven years of leading the Board that it is time to turn over the reins to someone else. We leave the theater in excellent financial shape, free of debt and producing an eight show season with additional entertainment coming from our newly created Spotlight Series. It has been a pleasure to serve our community and the Geffen in this capacity. I know the new leadership will continue to maintain the values that have been created for this special place and will continue to create a “little bit of magic” here on Le Conte. Now, I invite you to sit back, hold on tight to the hand of your date and enjoy Play Dead. With gratitude,
Frank G. Mancuso Chairman, Geffen Playhouse P2 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney Behnaz Ataee beth behrs dr. Gene d. Block Harold A. Brown Gil Cates jr. Mary Ann Cloyd Dennis Doty John Ebey dr. brad edgerton Mark Fleischer Herbert M. Gelfand Chairman Emeritus
Patricia L. Glaser Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Martha Henderson Pamela Robinson Hollander Joan Kaloustian Glorya Kaufman Loretta Kaufman Dr. Gerald S. Levey carla malden Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini barry meyer Susanna Midnight Regina Miller Ken Novice Steven A. Olsen Loren Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Fred Specktor lorraine spurge deeanna staats Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum michael walsh
FOUNDING TRUSTEES Suzanne Deal Booth Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Ron Meyer Leslie Moonves Jerry Moss Jerry Perenchio Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chairman
Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch Dr. Charles E. Young Chairman Emeritus
IN MEMORIAM gilbert cates founder
marcia israel-curley audrey skirball kenis charles kenis Karl Malden lawrence j. ramer Edie wasserman lew wasserman Peter rosen
LEGAL COUNSEL, latham & watkins LLP
our obsession with the dead by amy levinson
Pennhurst Asylum
Throughout history people from every culture have sought to commune
with the dead. Our desire — to know if an afterlife exists, if our departed loved ones are within our grasp — quickly evolved into crowd-pleasing entertainment. The need to know what lies beyond allowed showmen to capitalize on an audience’s fear and intrigue and have kept psychics and spiritualists in business. From these roots grew a genre that continues to be among the most popular in the world. Here is just a sampling of the entertainment borne out of our obsession with the dead.
Stage mediumship One of the most infamous practitioners of séance for audiences was Paschal Beverly Randolph. An 1800’s occultist who specialized in contact with the dead, he performed public séances wherein he conjured the spirits of family members of the audience who had since died. In keeping with Randolph’s tradition, medium John Edward, in his long running television talk show Crossing Over, questions audience members using information he says is communicated by their deceased friends and relatives. From “the other side” Edward receives images and clues which the audience must assist him in interpreting. The audience does not supply Edward with any prior information about themselves, or the person with whom they are trying to make contact (although they do fill out questionnaires prior to taping). His show’s popularity suggests there are many who believe in his power to connect with “the other side.”
Haunted Experiences During the month of October, everywhere one turns there is another haunted funhouse to be found. One extraordinary example is Pennhurst Asylum. What is most terrifying about this deserted sanitarium turned horror house is that it mixes terrible truths with frightening fiction to create an all-in experience. The facts: Pennhurst State School in Spring City, PA opened in 1908 and operated for almost 60 years before allegations of mistreatment of residents surfaced.
Complaints stated that conditions were unsanitary, inhumane and dangerous and that the medical staff used cruel and unusual punishment. After a lengthy investigation and trial, prosecutors concluded that the conditions at Pennhurst were negligent at best and dangerous at worst, and in its 80 year history, the mentally impaired population deteriorated rather than improved. The fiction: For several years Pennhurst was alive again with activity but no one knew what was going on behind the walls and under the complex. Stories of evil doctors performing experiments and fires that killed patients and staff are all part of the lore that lures those with morbid curiosity. There are four different tours of Pennhurst that include underground tunnels, and a morgue which are all part of the original building. Among the scariest of haunted venues, Pennhurst’s popularity grows exponentially every year.
Murder-minded tourists In London, on any given evening, tours are given following the murderous path of Jack the Ripper. Experts on Ripper’s methodology lead terror tours down dark alleys and abandoned streets to recreate an approximation of the original scene of his crimes. In Los Angeles, patrons take tours via hearse to places where celebrities have died, where Manson slaughtered Sharon Tate and where the Hillside Stranglers left their victims. These macabre entertainments appeal to us because nothing scares us more than death and that fear makes us feel unmistakably alive. PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P3
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE Presents
Featuring
Todd Robbins Written by
Todd Robbins & Teller Set Designer
Tom Buderwitz
Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Kathryn Shemanek
Elizabeth Harper
Magic Designer
Illusions Engineer
Johnny Thompson Associate Director
Jim Millan
Sound Designer
Cricket S. Myers
Thom Rubino
Production Stage Manager
Young Ji
Casting by
Phyllis Schuringa, CSA
Ensemble
Julie Marie Hassett • Brianna Hurley • Shar Mayer • Rick Williamson
Directed by
Teller
Original Off-Broadway stage production by Alan Schuster, Cheryl Wiesenfeld and Pat Blake in association with Frank and Jono Gero and Ethan Silverman.
running time Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes There will be no intermission.
Opening Night: Wednesday, November 20, 2013 OPE N I N G N I G HT SPO N SOR s
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production biographies
Julie Marie Hassett (Ensemble) Julie Marie Hassett’s love of and work on the stage has thrived from Chicago to Los Angeles. She directed and performed in The Vagina Monologues at
Brianna Hurley (Ensemble) Brianna Hurley is thrilled to be making her West Coast debut! Hailing from New York City, Ms. Hurley has well over twenty-five Off and Off-Off Broadway credits, most recently including The Theater Project’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the East Coast run of Play Dead. She also holds international credits with Teatro Jaco and the Walt Disney Company. She is both a graduate of The American Musical and Dramatics Academy and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. She would like to thank her family, Matt and all of her friends for their love and support. www.briannahurley.com
Shar Mayer (Ensemble) Shar Mayer is a New Yorker who now lives in Southern California. Shar began doing magic shows as a child. She played “Magicgal” in a touring vaudeville show where she found her love of performing. Shar enjoys working in theater on both sides of the curtain. Her obsession with horror makeup and scare-acting took her on a 30 year journey working in the haunt industry. Shar has performed monster roles in live haunted events and TV/movie projects, including Zombies VS Vampires. She’s been featured in national haunt commercials, billboards, bus and print ads. Shar has worked on many interesting projects like Star Trek: The Tour and Glory of Christmas. She also designs makeup for DWI programs and is the production manager for ScareLA. Shar thanks Jerry and Rosie for their love and support. Thank you to Teller for this wonderful opportunity. Also thanks to Harry Houdini for showing us the way.
Rick Williamson (Ensemble) Rick Williamson is an actor, writer, director, stunt man and puppeteer. He is very honored to work with Teller and the Geffen Playhouse. His other stage performances include awardwinning productions of Loot at The Odyssey Theatre, Bleacher Bums at The Century City Playhouse, Flight of the Penguin at The Limelight Playhouse and
his own The Puppet Show at The Company of Angels. TV credits include Reno 911, The Conan O’Brien Show, Firefly and a recurring role on General Hospital. Film credits include Born to be a Star, Houndz from Hell and Death Factory where he played the infamous Albert Fish. He is currently in pre-production to direct and star in his very own Combat Nuns. Previously he directed and wrote the awardwinning A Short Film which has won over audiences worldwide. Rick went into the arts because it was easier than pulling a nun through the eye of a needle.
Teller (Director / Co-Writer) Teller has been the smaller, quieter half of Penn & Teller since 1975. With Penn Jillette, he has played off and on Broadway, toured in North America and Britain, and is currently the longest-running headline act in Las Vegas. Penn & Teller have written and starred in television series and specials, including eight seasons of the Emmynominated Showtime series Penn & Teller: Bullshit!; Penn & Teller Tell a Lie on Discovery; Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular on FX; Behind the Scenes, a PBS children’s series on the arts; The Unpleasant World of Penn & Teller, a magic and comedy series on England’s Channel 4; and the recent ITV variety series, Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Teller has written for The Atlantic Monthly, Smithsonian, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire, GQ, The New Yorker; as well as three books with Penn Jillette and two on his own. He’s also a frequent contributor to All Things Considered on NPR. In 2008, Teller co-directed a version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, conceived as a supernatural horror thriller that employed stage magic to represent the
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play dead
Todd Robbins (As Himself / Co-Writer) Todd Robbins is an award winning performer and creative artist who has worked in many areas of popular entertainment and the performing arts during a thirty year career. If Todd looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you have seen him on one of the more than 200 TV shows he has done. These include all the major network morning shows, the late night talkfests of Letterman, Leno and Conan O’Brien and the NBC special Extreme Variety. Classically trained as an actor, he has put his performing abilities to good use in the two Drama Desk nominated theater pieces that he created for off-Broadway. The first one, Carnival Knowledge, was a behind the scenes look at the world of the American sideshow and chronicled his experiences working in places like Coney Island. The second show is Play Dead. Currently, Todd is working with Discovery Studios on developing a TV series based upon dark chapters of history. And he is also reviving the 1923 musical Poppy. This was the show that made W.C. Fields a star.
the Hermosa Beach Playhouse for the V-Day Campaign to end violence against women. Leading feature film roles include a police detective (Measure), a dominatrix (Salesgirl) and a werewolf (Blood Redd). She wrote and performed in the film, Joy. She looks forward to playing Frieda in next year’s The Joy Division, a WWII feature developed from a Cannes recognized short film telling the story of a Polish resistance fighter who triumphs over oppression after being forced into concentration camp prostitution. Julie is a partner in Red Love Film and founding member of Foundation of Joy, a nonprofit which raises funds and awareness for the welfare, education, and artistic development of women, children and young adults through art. She is grateful to the Geffen Playhouse and Teller for this opportunity.
production biographies play’s uncanny hallucinations and manifestations. He directed the original Off-Broadway production of Play Dead and co-directed the performance film. In 2014, Teller’s dark, magical vision of Shakespeare’s The Tempest (with music by Tom Waits) will run at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge; and the feature documentary Teller directed, Tim’s Vermeer, will be released in theaters internationally by Sony Picture Classics. TOM BUDERWITZ (Set Designer) Previously designed Under The Blue Sky and Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress for the Geffen Playhouse. Tom has designed for South Coast Repertory, Center Theater Group, Pasadena Playhouse, Denver Center Theatre Company, Intiman Theater, Portland Center Stage, Laguna Playhouse, Chautauqua Theater Company, Arizona Theatre Co., San Diego Repertory, Artists Repertory Theater, The Antaeus Co., Reprise Theatre Co., The Theatre @ Boston Court, P.C.P.A. Theaterfest, Riverside Theater, Florida Studio Theater, Rogue Machine, DeafWest Theatre and A Noise Within among many others. Tom has been honored with 4 Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Awards (24 nominations) and 3 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards. For Television, Tom has designed specials and series for every major broadcast and cable network and has 3 Emmy Award nominations and an Art Director’s Guild Award nomination. www.tombuderwitz.com Kathryn Shemanek (Costume Designer) My high school drama teacher is the person I have to thank for introducing me to the theater. I became a stage manager, dedicating my life to all its facets. In 1974, I was hired by the Guthrie Theater Costume Shop. In 1988, I joined Prince’s PRN Productions which led to pursuing work in film and TV in the Los Angeles area. My focus was mostly TV movies, but found the greatest reward in designing costumes for historical recreations including Fox’s Big
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Bad Beetleborgs and Showtime’s Penn & Teller: Bullshit! Currently, I am the Costume Designer for Big History on History 2, Blood Relatives on Investigation Discovery Channel and the movie Unbelievable!!!!! The loves in my life are my two cats, Bunny and Monkey and my parents — who are happy that I am making living at doing what I love. Elizabeth Harper (Lighting Designer) Theatrical design credits and awards include Wait Until Dark (Geffen Playhouse), A Raisin in the Sun, directed by Phylicia Rashad (Kirk Douglas Theatre, 2011 Ovation Nominee, 2012 NAACP Theatre Award Nominee), Good People (Geffen Playhouse, 2012 Ovation Nominee), The TwentiethCentury Way (The Theatre @ Boston Court, 2010 Ovation Nominee), American Misfit (The Theatre @ Boston Court), Crescent City (The Industry), Fraternity (The Ebony Repertory Theatre), It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Family Guy Live (Gibson Amphitheater), How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying (Reprise Theatre Company). Industrial and Event Design: Microsoft, Universal Studios, On-Live, Comedy Central, and Spike TV. Her design work and sketches were selected for display at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial and were part of an exhibit showcasing the work of emerging American designers. Education and Affiliation: Guest Instructor, California Institute of the Arts; MFA, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU; Member United Scenic Artists Local 829. Cricket S. Myers (Sound Designer) Broadway: Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Drama Desk Award, Tony Nomination). Off-Broadway: Marvelous Wonderettes. Regional: Wrecks, Some Girl(s), Emergency (Ovation, NAACP nomination-Geffen); Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Vigil, Burn This, The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Ovation nomination), Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Subject was Roses, The School of Night, Nightingale (Mark Taper Forum); The Wake, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Ovation
nomination), Second City’s Christmas Carol, The Little Dog Laughed (Ovation nomination), Come Back, Little Sheba (Kirk Douglas Theatre); Sideways, The Nightingale (La Jolla Playhouse); Book Club Play (Arena Stage); In the Wake (Berkeley Rep); The Fantasticks, Parisian Woman, Elemeno Pea, Three Days of Rain, The Trip to Bountiful (South Coast Rep); Crowns, Orson’s Shadow (Pasadena Playhouse); Marvelous Wonderettes (Laguna Playhouse). Other selected L.A. theaters include The Colony Theatre, Boston Court, Ghost Road Theater Company, The Celebration Theater, Ford Amphitheater, The Shrine Auditorium and Circle X. www.cricketsmyers.com Johnny Thompson (Magic Designer) Johnny Thompson is a Las Vegas illusionist who performs under the stage name “The Great Tomsoni” with his wife, Pamela Hayes. They have a comedic slapstick act with the well-dressed Thompson and his gum-popping assistant, Pam, performing illusions while enduring a series of mishaps. Of Polish ancestry, he is also known as “Poland’s Finest Magician.” Within the magician community, Tomsoni is considered a virtuoso, widely known as a mentor and teacher of magic and a creator of tricks, as opposed to simply a performer. He has worked behind the scenes with magicians such as Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton and Doug Henning. He was the magic consultant for the Off-Broadway production of Play Dead and in conjunction with Teller, designed the magic effects for the Geffen’s production of The Exorcist. In 1999 he was awarded one of the highest honors in the magician community, a Master Fellowship with the Academy of Magical Arts. thom rubino (Illusions Engineer) Thom Rubino started designing illusions, theatrical effects and displays 28 years ago. Originally from Long Island, Thom worked with local magicians creating effects for their award-winning acts. In 1999 he moved to Las Vegas to continue his journey. His
company, Thom Rubino Illusions has a prestigious list of clients that include Armani Exchange, Goldman Sachs, Gucci, Sephora, Myth Busters, Siegfried and Roy Productions, Cirque du Soleil, & Teller, to name a few. I would like to thank my great friend Johnny Thompson for introducing me to Teller in 2009 when my journey with Play Dead began. jim millan (Associate Director) Jim Millan is one of Canada’s most versatile and sought after stage directors and innovators. He worked alongside Todd Robbins and Teller on Play Dead Off -Broadway. Among his various recent credits, Jim teamed with Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman to create Mythbusters Live which continues to sell out across North America. He collaborated with Alton Brown on his Edible Inevitable tour. He wrote with and directed Larry King to create his solo show Standing Up. As a comedy writer/ director he created SPANK! The 50 Shades Parody that has played over 140 cities in the last year and has a sequel SPANK HARDER opening in January. He has directed three tours with sketch comedy legends The Kids in the Hall. In fact he has directed on 5 continents in 35 countries in 17 languages. He has multiple new projects opening in the next year in the USA, Australia and Asia. Young Ji (Production Stage Manager) Most recently, Assistant Director for Robert Falls, The Jacksonian at The New Group (NYC). Geffen Playhouse: Rapture Blister Burn, Yes, Prime Minister, American Buffalo, Nothing to Hide, Build, The Exorcist, The Jacksonian, Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Extraordinary Chambers, In Mother Words, Love Loss & What I Wore, Ricky Jay: A Rogue’s Gallery; Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara. Other Regional: Center Theatre Group: The Cherry Orchard (Taper); Wrecks, Trial of the Catonsville Nine, Pyrenees, A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (Kirk Douglas Theatre). Other Los
production biographies
PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA (Casting) Phyllis has been the Casting Director at the Geffen for 12 years and now is also an Artistic Associate. Recent plays are American Buffalo, Yes, Prime Minister, The Gift, Coney Island Christmas, Build and the Los Angeles production of By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. Before joining the team at the Geffen, she was the Casting Director for Steppenwolf Theatre 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 for Best Revival) and The Song of Jacob Zulu. She teaches auditioning at Steppenwolf West and is a member of the Casting Society of America.
RANDALL ARNEY (Artistic Director) Randall Arney has been a theater professional for over 30 years, and has served as Artistic Director of the Geffen Playhouse since 1999. In addition to his artistic programming and oversight at the Geffen, Arney has helmed more than 10 productions for the theater, most recently American Buffalo,
Superior Donuts, The Female of the Species, The Seafarer, Speed-the-Plow and All My Sons. Arney is an ensemble member and former Artistic Director of Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre where his directing credits include: The Seafarer, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Death and the Maiden, Curse of the Starving Class, Killers and The Geography of Luck, among others. Arney also directed Steppenwolf’s world premiere of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile, as well as the subsequent national and international acclaimed productions. Mr. Arney’s acting credits with Steppenwolf include Born Yesterday, Ghost in the Machine, The Homecoming, Frank’s Wild Years, You Can’t Take it with You, Fool for Love, True West, Balm in Gilead and Coyote Ugly. As the Artistic Director for Steppenwolf from 1987 to 1995, he oversaw the creation of a new state-of-the-art theater which is Steppenwolf’s current home. Broadway transfers under his leadership include The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, The Song of Jacob Zulu (six Tony Award nominations) and The Grapes of Wrath (1990 Tony Award, Best Play). Mr. Arney has an MFA degree in Acting from Illinois State University and has taught master classes and workshops at UCLA, Steppenwolf, around the U.S. and in Tokyo.
KEN NOVICE (Managing Director) Ken Novice’s career in the professional theater spans 25 years and over 250 productions. Prior to joining Geffen Playhouse, he served as Managing Director and Director of External Affairs at Pasadena Playhouse where his credits include the revival of Fences starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Basset and the world premieres of Sister Act
the Musical, Ray Charles Live, Stormy Weather starring Lesley Uggams and many others. He was Director of Marketing and Public Relations for San Diego’s Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre where his credits include Jack O’Brien’s acclaimed revival of Damn Yankees, the Tony Award-nominated musical The Full Monty, Henry IV starring John Goodman and Sheldon Epp’s Tony-nominated hit Play On! among many others. His credits also include marketing and public relations for the Tony Award-winning Denver Center Theater Company and New York’s Circle Repertory Company. As Director of Programming for YouthStream Media Networks he developed national marketing and public relations programs for most of Hollywood’s major motion picture studios. Novice also served as Head of the Theatre Management MFA/MBA program at California State University, Long Beach and has been a guest lecturer at San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. He holds a BA from the Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from San Diego State University.
BEHNAZ ATAEE (General Manager) Behnaz Ataee is a financial professional with more than 25 years of experience in forprofit and nonprofit financial management and auditing. Behnaz joined the Geffen Playhouse in 1999 and this marks her ninth season as the theater’s General Manager. She began her career in the Bay Area as a partner in a small family start-up before joining FBS Management where she acted as Director of Accounting, overseeing the finances of more than 25 nonprofit organizations. Behnaz continued her work with non-
profits as an auditor for Trump and Van Sloten CPA and then returned to the for-profit sector at Ultratech, before ultimately landing at the Geffen Playhouse. Behnaz has a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University.
REGINA MILLER (Chief Development Officer) Regina has been a development professional for over 18 years, working with non-profit institutions, foundations and corporations on strategy, analysis and fundraising. She has worked for Simon Wiesenthal Center, The Clinton Foundation, Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative, Hank Azaria’s Determined to Succeed, The Millan Foundation and Whole Child International, among others. Prior to the Geffen, Regina served as the Director of Partnerships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire where she led strategic planning and development while executing policies that advanced the organization’s visibility and growth. Regina also has a strong passion for teaching. After graduating from University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she taught in preschools and kindergartens in New York. From the age of 13, Regina worked as a professional dancer on Broadway as well as with a number of prominent modern dance ensembles. Fusing two of her interests, she created a highly successful program which incorporated dance therapy and creative movement into an early childhood curriculum as well as wrote and produced a television show based on this concept. In addition to being a published author and photographer with Tallfellow Press and Prometheus Books, Regina has taught and lectured at numerous schools in New York, Los Angeles and abroad.
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play dead
Angeles: Cousin Bette, King Lear, The Autumn Garden (Producer); La Ronde, The Glass Menagerie (Director); Tonight at 8:30, Phaedra (Getty Villa), Mother Courage and Her Children, Pera Palas, Chekhov X 4.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GEFFEN AT A GLANCE ADDRESS
PRODUCTION STAFF FOR PLAY DEAD Assistant Lighting Designer Jonathan A. Lebovic Assistant Set Designer Jamie Lew Production Assistant Leia Crawford Production Electrician Dan Tuttle Sound Operator Amy Poliner Wardrobe Supervisor Carol Ann Sparks Stage Crew Brad Hernandez ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Management for Penn & Teller Glenn S. Alai and Peter Adam Golden Metal fabrication by Bryan Schuette, United Machine & Tool Set provided by Scenic Highlights Lighting Equipment provided by Entertainment Lighting Services Sound Equipment provided by Jon Sound Inc. Prosthetic Fabrication Frank Ippolito Lobby Marionettes Michael Curry Production Photographer Michael Lamont Media Filming Four Leaf Media Key Art Fraver SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Scene Prop, Sound and Costume Shops; London Cleaners; Peet’s Coffee & Tea; T. Gene Hatcher; Laura Foley; Ezekiel Zabrowski; Penn Jillette UCLA SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM AND TELEVISION The Geffen Playhouse is affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles, specifically the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The 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. The Geffen Playhouse also draws upon the distinguished experts in the university to enhance the theater’s programs and research. 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. The director is a member of the society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union. The Geffen Playhouse is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. This project was also funded in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles. The Geffen Playhouse, a non-profit theater company, is proudly affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.
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Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 Administrative Offices.......... 310.208.6500 Weekdays.........................10:00 am — 6:00 pm Box Office Phone Line........... 310.208.5454 Daily......................................7:00 am — 6:00 pm Subscriber Hotline.................. 310.208.2028 Weekdays.........................10:00 am — 6:00 pm Weekends........................ 12:00 pm — 6:00 pm Please visit geffenplayhouse.com for hours, parking and more information TICKET SERVICES Box Office Window When shows are not in performance, the box office window is open: Weekdays.........................10:00 am — 6:00 pm Weekends........................ 12:00 pm — 6:00 pm During the run of a show, the window will be open until curtain. Please note: the box office is unable to process exchanges and future sales one hour prior to curtain time on any performance day. access
ASL
Accessible Accommodation The 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.
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 sat into the first available location by the house staff even if different from your assigned seat. Be advised that some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating.
2013 honoree Bruce Ramer with presenter Clint Eastwood
2013 honoree Billy Crystal with storyteller Morgan Freeman
Save the Date
Backstage at the Geffen Saturday, March 22, 2014 You never know who will tell a story ... who will perform ... and who will steal the show! For more information please contact Regina Miller at 310.208.6500 ext. 112 or reginam@geffenplayhouse.com Title Sponsor
Rita Wilson and Jackson Browne performing
outreach
your impact The Geffen Playhouse’s extensive education and outreach programs work with student, senior, low-income and veteran groups to ensure the most underserved of our community participate in the artistic work done at the Geffen Playhouse and beyond.
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Your support brings unparalleled strength, insight, humanity and hope to those working hard to transition out of homelessness, through season-long work with Geffen artists and performances.
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Your gift will give more than 25,000 profoundly disadvantaged children, youth, seniors and adults access to the one-of-a-kind beauty, power and inspiration of live theater.
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Your support gives recently emancipated foster youth, women and families living in domestic violence shelters, and many other isolated populations the opportunity to feel connected to society, experience relief through entertainment, and gain renewed strength and perspective through plays and workshops with our artists and casts.
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Your support improves the quality of life for all of us.
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Play a role in bringing the transformative power of live theater to as many people as possible in the coming year. Support the arts and access to the arts for all.
to learn more about the education and outreach programs visit geffenplayhouse.com/outreach P10 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe
Photo by Lorman Photography
Here are the top ten reasons to support the work:
Imagine being a 14-yea r-old who, on top of the normal angst and pre age, was also surround ssure most young peo ed by the lure of gangs, ple experience at this drugs and more in a nei high school diploma. How could you believ ghborhood where mo e you would make it st adults do not have neighborhood did so? to graduation when so a few, if any, adults in yo ur Boyle Heights is only 11 miles from the Geffe n Playhouse, but it mi brought the first buslo ght as well be 11,000 mi ad of our students to a les away. In fact, when play at the Geffen a few different state. They cou we months back, some ask ldn’t believe how green ed if we had travelled it was here. They had never been east of Down to a nev town Los Angeles. Fou er been to such a beauti rteen-year-olds who had their neighborhoods. ful building. They had never been more than a few miles outside of I am the principal of the se students who attend Mendez High School — Angeles. My parents bro a public high school in ught me here to Boyle Boyle Heights, East Lo Heights when I was fiv elementary school. Bu s e. Neither of my parent t they knew the powe r of education to chang s had completed more a Master’s in education e than liv es. Several years ago, . I am back in Boyle He I graduated from UCLA ights to give back, to hel with p more kids get on a gre We were shocked when ater path in life. the Geffen Playhouse answered our call for schools in economical help last year at this tim ly depressed neighbor e. As is the case for mo hoods across LA and acr each year who decide st high oss the US, we were los d to give up because the ing too many 14-year-o y didn’t think they cou high school diploma. lds ld ever make it to 12th This is abysmal not on gra ly de. for footsteps and in this do Less than 50% obtain them, but for all of us, a wnward spiral if nothi and for the generations ng is done. who will follow in the ir One of the top reasons 14-year-olds make the disastrous decision to of how far behind the drop out of high school y are academically and ? They are acutely aw are convinced they wo to graduate. One of the are n’t be able to catch up most painful reminders to meet the requirement of how far behind the tasks. Kids so far behind s y are? Daily struggles they don’t even know wi th even basic writing how to write one senten coherent essay. ce in response to a tea cher’s question, let alo ne a Writing is a complex ski ll, as we all know. Even the most celebrated, pro writing. How can we help kids who are so fro lific writers of all time zen with fear about wr have shared their dread having to learn how to iting that they will dro for do it? p out of high school ins tead of The Geffen answered our call for help. The org anization worked with and classroom work wi us to develop a year-lo th teaching artists and ng runway of experienc experts from UCLA to critical thinking and wr es gradually build studen iting — skills that will ts’ comfort and succes jet propel them for life. s with Leveraging the rich and no world-class teaching art vel experience of seeing each Geffen play thr oughout the year, and ists to decipher and int working with the Geffe erp express their thoughts n’s , these young people dev ret the plays in ways that comfortably forced them to organize and eloped muscle, clarity and con fid enc e in writing, in speaki I can tell you that becaus ng, in life. e of the Geffen Playhou track to graduate. Our se program at our school school was just cited as thi s past year, 70% of the one of the top in LA for youth are now on improvements in the lite We have to share this mo racy scores of its studen del and get it out to mo ts. re schools across Los An understand the precious, geles. With your help, on we will. We know you Please include the Geffen e-of-a-kind value of live theater. Hopefully, thi s letter has underscored Playhouse in your yea r-end charitable giving its value even more. gratitude to you for rea this year. We have a lot ding this long letter, and more work to do. My dee for considering an invest pest me nt in these children and Sincerely, in their futures.
Mauro Bautista
Principal, Mendez High
School
to donate or for more information Please call development 310.208.6500 ext. 128 PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P11
World Premiere Limited Engagement Begins January 3 How can one evening at the theater change history? The unfolding of events of April 14, 1865 did just that as the lives of those in the audience and those in our country would never be the same. Uncovering Abraham Lincoln’s White House piano and many of the era’s personalities to tell these stories best, Hershey Felder regales us with a stunningly new and insightful look at the artistry, politics and individuals surrounding that fateful night at Ford’s Theatre. From vaudeville to minstrel shows to American hymns and songs of patriotism, Felder’s signature storytelling and music reminds us of our collective history and how the history of the brave emboldens us all.
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annual donors In appreciation, donors enjoy a host of special benefits including house seats, complimentary drinks, receptions and much more. For more information, please call Jamie Sherman at 310.208.6500 ext. 128.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE $50,000+
Anonymous Patricia Kiernan Applegate Aria Resort & Spa Audi of America, Inc Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation City National Bank Mary Ann Cloyd Susan & John Ebey Edgerton Foundation Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Melvin Keefer Fox Entertainment Group Herbert M. & Beverly J. Gelfand In Memory of Alice Ghostley & Felice Orlandi Jim & Ann Gianopulos Adi & Jerry Greenberg Guggenheim Partners Carole & Bill Haber Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Martha Henderson J.P. Morgan Private Bank Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg Glorya Kaufman Keyes Automotive Group Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald Latham & Watkins LLP Mr. and Mrs. Jason & Yvonne Lee Ginny Mancini Fay & Frank Mancuso John McCrite & Juan Lopez Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos Ron & Kelly Meyer Ann & Jerry Moss Moss Foundation OneWest Bank PricewaterhouseCoopers Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Madeline & Bruce Ramer Linda Bernstein Rubin & Tony Rubin Richard & Barbara Sherman Shubert Foundation Skirball Foundation Karen & Vic Smith Kate Capshaw Spielberg & Steven Spielberg DeeAnna Staats, Staats & Co. Cynthia P. Stafford & Lanre Idewu Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum The UCLA Dream Fund Deborah & Michael E. Walsh The Walt Disney Company Westfield Group Judy & Chancellor Charles E. Young Dirk & Natasha Ziff
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
$25,000 - $49,999 Anonymous The Backyard Robert C. Baral Bulgari Corporation of America Stephanie & Jonathan Carson CBS Corporation Classic Party Rentals Dan Hartman Arts & Music Foundation The Douglas Foundation The Edward A. & Ai O Shay Family Foundation
Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown, Inc. Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Loretta & Victor Kaufman The Lear Family Foundation Los Angeles County Arts Commission Los Angeles magazine Louis XIII de Remy Martin Susan & Peter Mallory Marcia Israel Foundation, Inc. Nancy & Sir Paul McCartney Susanna Midnight & Charlie Midnight Montage Hotels & Residences Leslie Moonves & Julie Chen Morgan Stanley Napa Valley Grille Northern Trust, NA The Richenthal Foundation Judith & Bruce Stern Shel & Cynthia Stone Transamerica Insurance & Investment Group Universal Studios Variety W Hotel Westwood Warner Bros. Entertainment
PRODUCER
$10,000 - $24,999 Ariel Investments, LLC Charles A. Black, Jr. James L. Brooks Brotman Foundation of California Eileen & Harold Brown Brunello Cucinelli Mark Burnett & Roma Downey The Capella Resorts Capital Group Companies Valarie de la Garza & Michael Centeno City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Carole Bayer Sager & Robert A. Daly DreamWorks Studios Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Susan & Mark Fleischer G.E. Foundation Patty Glaser & Sam Mudie Arthur Greenberg C. Curtis Grisham In Memory of Morrie Hazan HBO Eric & Samantha Heer Mellody Hobson Cindy & Alan Horn Joseph Drown Foundation Joan Kaloustian Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation Peter & Janine Lowy Carla Malden Mona Malden Malibu Family Wines Nancy & Michael McClelland Sandra E. Milken The Muse New York, a Kimpton Hotel & Nios Restaurant Anna K. Nupson Occidental Petroleum Corp Paramount Pictures Rollin Ransom & Chris Lacroix Readers Fine Jewelers Dr. Judith Reichman Pamela Robinson Hollander & Robert Hollander
Loren Rothschild & Hon. Frances Rothschild Richard Ruskell Pastries Ronen Levy Events The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Sony Pictures Entertainment Fred Specktor & Nancy Heller Tanino Ristorante Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham Steve Tisch Union Bank U.S. Bank Wells Fargo Foundation William Morris Endeavor Entertainment Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Ruth Ziegler Ziffren Brittenham LLP Ken & Ellen Ziffren
DIRECTOR
$5,000 - $9,999 Jehan F. Agrama & Dwora Fried Amgen Foundation Jack & Hilary Angelo Anschutz Film Group/Walden Media Annette Blum Mara & Jonathan Blum Bobcat Productions, Inc. Jerry Breslauer, Mickey Rutman & Tammy Anderson Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Glenn & Lynn Cardoso Creative Artists Agency Creative Intelligence Incorporated Fielding Edlow & Larry Clarke Mica Ertegun Andrew Fickman Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle Four Seasons Gary Sinise Foundation George Hoag Family Foundation Priscila Giraldo Gloria & Peter Gold Stanley & Ilene Gold Jay Gordon & Meyera Robbins Brian & Myra Greenspun Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher Lynne & Michael Heslov Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark Hugh Jackman & Deborra-lee Furness Wendell & Bernice Jeffrey Mannon Kaplan Wendy Kurtzman La Valencia David & Susan Leveton Drs. Gerald & Barbara Levey LuxFit Spa Marlene & Sandy Louchheim LucasFilm LTD Des & Bryna McAnuff Tobias Meyer & Sotheby’s Kate Moran & Mikki Rosenberg MOCA Foundation Morris & Libby Singer Foundation My Vienna Gelato Neda Nobari Foundation Christine Marie Ofiesh Carol & Bill Ouchi Shana & Don Passman Lee & Lawrence* J. Ramer Kay & Bob Rehme Joyce Rey
Mayor Richard Riordan Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Jay D. Roth & Sherry E. Grant Thomas L. Safran Judi & Bruce Schindler Jody & Arthur Schmid Sidley Austin LLP Mr. & Mrs. Keong Sim Simon Strauss Foundation Sondheimer Foundation St. Regis Bora Bora Resort St. Regis Princeville Resort Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor Larry & Kiki Taylor Larry & Barbara Tenan Thomas Safran & Associates David Tillman, MD & Karen Zoller, MD Miranda & Brett Tollman The Travel Company Alice & Norman Tulchin UBS Private Wealth Management US Playing Card Company Jennifer Young & Katrina Nason Gail Zappa Robert & Leslie Zemeckis Ruth & Stan Zicklin
sponsor
$3,000 — $4,999 Anonymous Janis Adams & John Lyons Connie Kramer Alexander Chancellor Gene D. Block & Mrs. Carol Block Susan Booth & Christopher Wadden Marcy Carsey & Leo Yoshimura Terri ann Cooper Konheim Victoria Dummer Dora & Neil Kadisha Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig Julie & David Kavner Thea & Neal Koss Robin & Seth Kugler Phyllis & Ken Lemberger Pam, Amanda, Lianna & Eddie Renee & Meyer Luskin Michael & Cecil Pulitzer Paula & Allan Rudnick Anne C. Taubman & David Boyle William & Karen Timberlake Leslie White & Al Limon Karen & Rick Wolfen Uniworld River Cruises, Inc.
EDUCATION ADVOCATE $1,000 - $2,999
Anonymous (2) 23rd Street Jewelers Harry & Gay Abrams/Abrams Artists Agency Dr. Richard Ackerman & Miriam Shakter Miriam Aguiar Olga S. Alderson Richard Alonso Merryl & David A. Alpert Patti & Harlan Amstutz Arizona Biltmore Margaret & Howard Arvey D.C. & Carol Ann Bakeman Robert E. & Maria H. Barron
PErFORMANCEs MAGAZINE P13
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The Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Fund and Backstage at the Geffen. Donors are listed at the Associate level and higher for gifts made between August 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013.
annual donors Battista Family Richard Bautzer & David McDowell Richard & Shelley Bayer Susan & Eric M. Bender Peter & Barbara Benedek Patricia & Mark Benjamin Shelly & Libby Bergen Cathy & Bill Bindley Helen Bing The Bordy & Leibovic Families Brenda & Alan Borstein Brentwood School Dr. Wallace P. Brithinee Carolyn & Gerald Bronstein Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Wendy & David Brotman Janet & Mark Brown Mr. & Mrs. Todd Brown & Family Marcia Burnam Timothy J. Carlson Chancellor Emeritus Albert Carnesale & Mrs. Robin Carnesale Dr. Fanya Carter & Dr. Harold J. Delchamps David Cates & Christine Vavak Gilbert Cates, Jr. & Elizabeth Lacey Jane Cates Jonathan & Elena Cates Melissa Cates & Roger Claman The Chatwal Sheldon Cherry & Carolyn Runowicz Rich-Chiocchi Family Roy & Dorothy Christopher Laurel & Aaron Clark Linda & John Coleman Lou Colen Ted Cordes James Costa Carolyn Crandall & Harley Kornblum Shelley Wike Cranley Janine Cristiano In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Ruth Daugherty Lawrence G. David Shirley Lu & Norman Davidson Gavin de Becker Deluscious Cookies Bill & Kate in honor of Blanche Schimmel Daniel & Gayle Devin Carolyn Dirks & Brett Dougherty Dennis & Jeralyn Doty Dr. Laura’s Wholesome Junk Food Jan & Thea Drayer Dream Warrior Group Gerald & Sally Ducot William Duncan Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston Kevin Watts & Christine Enlow Carl & Courtenay Enright Carol & J.B. Esterkin Fairmont Miramar Marc Feldman Donnovan Field Lawrence N. Field Gloria & Morton Field Michael Filerman Burt & Nanette Forester Joan & Charles Fox Steve Freedman Future Lighting G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Pat & Sandy Gage Sharlene & Sol Galper Kathleen Garfield Jeanne & Arnold Geffner Rose Gilbert Kiki & David Gindler Cherna & Dr. Gary Gitnick Charlotte Gold
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Dr. Irene Goldenberg Eric Goodman Adrienne Grant & Paul Jennings Ken Greenblatt & Peter Walsh Heidi Gregg Jill Grey Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Allen & Deborah Grubman Michael Grunwald The Guerin Foundation Harlan D. Gulko Madeline Gussman Andrea & Marc Guth Monty & Marilyn Hall Alan & Michelle Heilpern Mel & Faith Henkin Hernand Family Grant & Lysa Heslov Heys USA Jean Himmelstein & David Coleman Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Gail & Stanley Hollander In Honor of Development Roger & Linda Howard Lisa Ingalls Vicki Iovine Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Jerome & Linda Janger Jordan Strauss Photography Joseph B. Gould Foundation Linda & David Kagel Karney Guren Family Foundation Robert Katz Patricia Keating Lenny & David Kelton Barbara & Stuart Klabin Kent Klavens & Judy Vourlas Klingenberg Family Leslie & Norman Koplof Carol Krause Eric & Melissa Kurtzman Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Las Ventanas al Paraiso Helene & Arthur Laub Laura & Harvey Alpert Charitable Foundation John Liebes Steven & Nancy Lippman Dorothy Lipsky Judith Locke & Dennis Massie Karen & Frederick Lorig William E. Low & Hana Ptacnikova The Jennifer & Greg Malins Foundation Janis B. McEldowney Sue McHugh & Herb Seese Barbara & Fred Miller Andrew & Laura Mintzer Joanne & Joel Mogy Garry Morris & Kent Harrison Hayes Greg Morrison In Loving Memory of Harvey S. Morse Rio & Frank Morse Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse Albert & Barbara Nichols Ornest Family Foundation Guy Oseary London, Alex & Marty Padilla Paradigm Talent & Literary Agency Michael Parks & Judith Hayward Herbert & Marilyn Piken In Memory of Michael Piller Ruth Popkin Popland Studios Portico by Exclusive Resorts Jeanne McDonald-Powers & Travis Powers Pure Cheesecakes Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Harvey & Joyce Reichard
Donald B. & Susan F. Rice In Memory of Frances Richman Esther & Howard Richmond Beth Roberts & Warren Smith Rikki Rosen Brad & Nancy Rosenberg Sue Weiss Rosenwasser Lori & David Rousso Russ August & Kabat Laura & John Saade Sabrina Kay Charitable Foundation David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Richard & Amber Sakai Mark San Filippo Jonathan Schwartz Steve & Paula Schwartz In Memory of Diane Barnett-Shapiro Traci Shelton Sherak Family Showtime Networks Inc. Holly & Larry Shulman Rita & Jose Sigal Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Snyder Family Foundation Drs. Matthew & Marion Solomon Bruce & Patti Springsteen Sprinkles Cupcakes St. Regis Monarch Beach St. Regis Punta Mita Mitch & Sherry Stein Joannie Stern Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis Katy Sweet Fred Tatasciore Family John Teeples & Nicolas Martinez, Jr. Audri & Stan Tendler Daniel Tongbai The Lodge at Torrey Pines Laura Trice, M.D. Peter & Susan Van Haften Anthony Vasek Alan Van Vliet Peter & Denise Walsh Joanne & Ken Weinman Roberta Weintraub Gelena & Seth Weissman Alison Whalen & Steven Marenberg Geoffrey & Susan Wharton Young Family Ms. Patricia Youngman Barbara & Stanley Zax Marcie & Howard Zelikow Ellen & Arnold Zetcher In Loving Memory of Herman Ziegler David & Ellie Zuckerman
ARTISTIC ADVOCATE $500 - $999
Anonymous (2) Norman & Toshka Abrams Terry & Richard Abrams Katherine Amber Ross & Lindsey Avner Sheila & Raymond Bangs Lucia Barbaro Janet & Irwin Barnet Dawn & Marshall Bein James & Diane Berliner Diane & Richard Birnholz Ruth & Jake Bloom Frances & Thomas Booth Dr. R.W.G. Bugental David & Kathy Burke The Busch-Schifino Family Howard Bushinsky Ms. Martha Chase JP Cherry Beverly & Dennis Chester
Carole & Leslie Cohen Donald & Zoe Cosgrove Gail Cottingham Cameron Crowe Jeffrey S. Davidson The Milton L. & Betty J. Dranow Family Foundation Richard & Lauren Donner Patricia L. Eisenberg Roni & Ethan Eller The English Language Center Mimi Feldman Abby & Malcolm Field Marjorie & Arthur Fine Sydney M. Finegold, M.D. Michael & Lynne Flynn Myrna Forest Glenn & Jane Fowler Fran Fredella & Scott Rubin L.T. Friesen Lois & Gerald Gallop Benita & Bert Ginsberg Louis & Linda Goldsman Ellie & Barry Goldstein Abner & Roz Goldstine Ellie Goodman Lori & Robert Goodman Robert & Gabrielle Greenberg Lance Hagenbuch Mary & Alan Halkett Peter E. Hall Ronald Hansen Ms. Tess Harper Sheila Hasday Barbara & Bud Hellman Murray & Gail Heltzer Helene Hendrickson Andy Heyward Mrs. Dorothy Hoffman Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Kelley M. Hogan Judith Hohman Mr. & Mrs. John Huber Gerald Isenberg Robert & Gail Israel Jackie & Warren Jackson Bill & Tiiu Jacobson Edward & Aya Jakobovits Ruth & Marvin Kalin Trudy & Albert Kallis Drs. Elaine & Jeff Kamil Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kamine Roy Kaufman Rima & Saul Rima Kay Susan & Greg Kay Milly & Robert Kayyem Ann & Jonathan Kirsch Kouy T. Kolar Mary Koppel Ron & Joanne Kramar Jay & Billie Kubrin Carol & Richard Kurland Tam & David Lachoff Joan & Christopher Larkin Jeanne & Christopher Lavagnino Joyce Lederer Peter Levin & Audrey Davis Levin Marla E. Levine Barry Levinson Burton & Anita Levinson Dr. Isaac & Barbara Levy Charles & Lydia Levy Donald Lipschutz Loris & Kory Lunsford Neil L. & Ora D. Macfarlane Mr. & Mrs. Phillips H. Marshall Jim & Kathryn McCaffery Cindy Mediavilla Robert Mercer Philip & Joan Miller
annual donors
ASSOCIATE $250 - $499
Anonymous (5) Herbert Ehrmann & Constance Abell Elaine & Michael Agran Theo Alexander Charles & Annick Allen Sylvia Almstadt Jan Altemus Robert C. Anderson
Elise Andrews Philip Angerhofer & Stephen A. Jones Nancy Antoniou Eloise Appel Audrey & Martin Appel Barbara & Ethan Aronoff Marc & Betsy Axelrod Lynne & Lee Babbitt Anne Barry Cecile Bartman Randall C. Bassett Arnold & Susan Becker Carole A. & Charles Bennett Barbara Bereny Roger P. Berg Richard N. Berger Karen Berkowitz JoAnn Bernard Mr. & Mrs. William Birnkrant Adrienne & Michael Blackman Joe Blackstone & Jamie Mohn Pamela & Bill Bohnert Toby Bornstein Mary Bosak Wanda Boulgarides Paula Brand Mona Brandler Laura Brawner The Schifino Family Laura D. Campbell Marlene & David Capell Cindy Carlin & Jeff Rousso Barry Charles David Conney, M.D. Dino Conte Susan Georgine Craig Hedva & Dr. Dudley Danoff Jaye T. Darby Diana Davidow & Deborah Constance Debra Davis Ruth B. Davis & Pearl Schultz Hal & Roberta Delevie Virginia DiBona Carol Jean Doehring Fred & Marilyn Dorer Steven & Beverly Dorfman Daryl & Paul F. Doucette Ms. Susan Downey Dr. & Mrs. William M Duxler Mr. Chris Easley David & Joyce Evans Exxon Mobil Corporation/ Matching Gifts Programs Alan & Barbara Faiola Carole Faxon Carolyn Fernandez Lila & Fred Fink William & Elisabet Fleischman In Loving Memory of Frank & Eileen Flood Janet Fourticq Francine Freid Kenneth J. Friedman & Marilynn J. Friedman Family Foundation Ms. Laurelle Frome Yury & Yelena Furman Lee Gardenswartz Adleen & Richard Gibbs Karen Berko Gibson Diane Glazer Ann M. Goldberg Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman Marilyn & Allen Golden Dr. Peter Goldman Mark Gordon Roger Gordon Susie & Bruce Goren Susan & Michael Gregory Gary Gross Marcy & Edgar Gross Eve Haberfield & David Johnson
Mark & Monica Haloossim Carolyn & Bernard Hamilton Kay Harrington Salli Harris Dr. & Mrs. Samuel Haveson Mr. & Mrs. William Hellman Jackson Henry Carla & Alan A. Herd Michael & Candice Herman Neal Hersh & Lynda Klein Cina Hodges Jackie & Dr. Irwin Hoffman Dr. Sharron Holman Josh Jacobstein Fred & Nancy Jacobus Mr. & Mrs. Vernon D. Jones Marlene Kane Harris Katleman Owen Kato Claudia Kazachinsky & Richard A. Sherer Jordan & Nicola Kerner Family Irwin Kishner Phyllis Klein Dr. Phyllis Klein Donna & Jeffrey Klein Annette & Charles Kleeman Laurie & Milton Klorman Judy Knapp Charles Kolstad Donald Kottler Barbara & Stan Krasnoff Janice White & Eugene Krieger Charles Kristenson Dr. & Mrs. Eric Leibovitch Ann Leland Dr. Isaac & Barbara Levy Nan Lewis Mae & Hugh Lichtig Lee & Therese Linden Victor & Madeline Lindenheim Joanne Lindsay Irma & Allen Lipin Leslie & Adam Lobel Geri Loe Lori & Tom Low Ann & Bill Lucas Anne L. Lynch Teresa L. Maguire Jeannette & Mervyn Mandelbaum Myrna & Irving Margol Phyllis & Bert Massing Stewart Mayeda David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone Cheryl McCormick Kimberly Meye Teddie J. Milner Ankica Milosavljevic Thomas Mitchell Andrew Molasky Susanna Morgan Shelagh Moriarty John Moschitta Bill Mullins Bonnie Nash David Neilan Fran Neiman Mark & Diane Neubauer Sheila Newman Robert & Anita Nitta Napoleon & Afra Nobay Shelby Notkin Elad Offer Sandy & Alan Olick Judy Orlanski
Allen Pack & Rikki Gordon Bob Paris Edward Parker Dara & Greg Payne Kathy & Jeff Perkins Naidu & Jane Permaul William Pesetski Frank Piontek Zazi Pope David Posner Philip Pritchett Joan & Martin Ransohoff Karen Reckamp Mildred Reid Vicki Reiss Linda & Steve Richman Lee Rodgers Barbara & David Rognlien Rose Brand Beverly & Melvin Rosenthal Joyce & Deane Ross Blanche & Bruce Joel Rubin Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sackheim Janet Salter In Memory of Hon. Maxwell Hillary Salter Susan & Kenneth Sarno Maxine Savitz Carole & Michael Scheinberg Carole Scherzer Gary & Karen Schneider Nancy & Steven Schneider Jane & Bill Schopf Susan & Peter Schwab Mr. Charles Schwartz & Mrs. Carol Schwartz John H. Scott Scott Shagrin Mary & Paul Shane Tom & Judy Sharp Madeline & Robert Sharples Seymour & Dorothy Siegel Diane Good & Frank Smith Marcia L. & Mark J. Smith Joan Snyder Fanya & Sidney Soll Michael & Millie Sondermann Anne-Marie & Alex Spataru Ms. M.L. Stearns Mr. & Mrs. Tom Stempel Gloria Stroock Stern Holly Strom Mr. Kayser Sume & Dr. Renee Sabshin Katherine Sung Jay Tobin Mr. & Mrs. Art Tompkins David Trainer Anthony Vasek Vital Research LLC Carole Wagner-Vallianos & Peter Vallianos Jane Wang Elisa Wayne Annette & David Weil Julie & Peter Weil Marsha & Steven Weiss John Weston Rae Jeane Williams Bruce & Marci Wiseman Rowie & Jeffrey Wolf George Wolfberg Albert Wolsky Karen & Frank Wurtzel Kevyn Wynn Lynn & Meir Ziv Dayle & Abram Zukor Sandy Zwirn
Have we made an error? To report a misspelling or omission in these listings, please contact the Development Department at 310.208.6500 ext. 128 PErFORMANCEs  MAGAZINE P15
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Pamela & Mark Mischel Allan M. Mohrman Jr. Bill & Gail Morino John & Sandy Murdock Sherri & Arnold Nelson Adrienne & Arthur Omansky Mark Paluch & Bryan Ozamoto Cynthia Palm Dr. & Mrs. Emil & Dolores Pascarelli C. Alexander Payne Carol F. Phillips Lisa Pierozzi Jack & Jane Pollock Gary & Gail Racheletsky Linda & Manny Rider Carlene Ringer Richard Robertson Craig E. Rogers Dolores Rogers Ronda & Fred Rose Maxine & Gene Rosenfeld Lawrence Ross & Linda Nussbaum Paul A. Rudnick, M.D. Nancy & Ted Sanborn Larry & Carole Scherzer Malcolm Schneer & Cathy Liu Elaine Carey & Vincent J. Schodolski David & Margaret Schwanke Bob & Susan Schwartz Dr. & Mrs. Jack Schwartz Susan Schwarz Michele & Peter Serchuk Robert Shadur Annette & Leonard Shapiro Peggy & Robert Shapiro Danelle Sherrod Pearl Shultz Melinda & Yossi Sidikaro Steven Siegel & Lily Carey Significance Foundation Carol & Arthur F. Silbergeld Robin & Robert Sills Steven Sills Don & Marie Sirney Dione & Joe Smith Karen Smits Trudy Sokol Sold Out Crowd Roberta Spero Ms. Rita Spiegel Susan & Alfred Stern Sally Stevens Edith L. Stoell & Linda Gach Ray Lance & Maureen Tan Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Michael E. Tennenbaum Family Brigitta Troy Deborah Valdez Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Ira & Laurie Waldman Marcia & Dr. Charles Wasserman Jay Weinstein & Lori Woldar Deborah Wiss Elaine & Donald Wolf Kyra Woo Pat West Andrew & Kimberly Zakanych Arnold Zane
geffen playhouse staff Randall Arney Artistic Director
Ken Novice Managing Director
ARTISTIC
Behnaz Ataee General Manager
Regina Miller Chief Development Officer
MARKETING & SALES
Mary Garrett Amy Levinson Phyllis Schuringa Shannon Noel Kristina Leach Nick Johnson Maggie Rose
Artistic Manager Artistic Associate / Literary Director Artistic Associate / Casting Director Artistic Coordinator Literary Associate Literary Intern Literary Intern
DEVELOPMENT Ellen Catania Director of Major Gifts & Corporate/Foundation Partnerships Jessica Brusilow Rollins Director of Education Partnerships & Donor Relations Jamie Sherman Associate Director of Individual Giving Kristen Smith Grants Manager & Major Gifts Executive Assistant Scott Kriloff Development Associate & Database Manager Ava Bogle Development Assistant Jessie Sherman Development Assistant
ADMINISTRATION Frankie Ocasio Executive Assistant to the Managing Director Maryam Meehan Accounting and Payroll Manager Francisca Lopez Accounts Payable Marguerite Harris Receptionist
EDUCATION Jennifer Zakkai Education Projects Leader Connor White Resident Teaching Artist & Education Associate
PRODUCTION Daniel Ionazzi Jill Barnes Matthew Carleton Thomas Watson Rich Gilles James Grabowski Darren Rezowalli Leah A. Lewis
Production Manager Associate Production Manager Technical Director Assistant Technical Director Properties Master Sound Master Master Electrician Wardrobe Supervisor
Joseph Yoshitomi Marketing Director Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Sponsorships Mark San Filippo Ticket Services Director & Database Administrator Stephanie Strand Audience Services Manager Brian Dunning Graphics / Production Artist Jodi Feigenbaum Advertising & Promotions Assistant L.J. Stevens Group Sales Janice Bernal Associate Box Office Manager Bryan Martin Associate Box Office Manager Korie Benavidez, Audrey Cain, Clay Dzygun, Zack Hamra, Richard Martinez, Lilach Mendelovich, Alyssa Tyson, Martin Wurst Box Office Staff
public relations Andy Perez
Public Relations Director
FRONT OF HOUSE Jeni Pearsons Director of Special Events David Gerhardt Supervising House Manager Michelle Cantrell, Amy Farkas, Tommy French, Matt Jones, Erik Odom, Julianne Tveten House Managers Abdoulaye N’Gom Head Usher Sevana Baghdasarian, Kevin Cernansky, Vianney Cossyleon, Josiah Davis, Erica Keller, Caroline Harrison Kohler, Brennan Kelleher, Rebecca Zoe Leigh, Nathaniel Meek, Roxana Meyers, Lindsay Nyman, Chase O’Donnell, Jonathan Schwartz, Chelsea Smachetti Ushers Rob Mersola Bar Manager Manuel Mayorga Weekend Bar Manager Adam Carr, Brenda Davidson, Jared White, Lyndsi LaRose Bartenders
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Miguel del Castillo Mario Santillan-Perez Juan Carlos Umaña
Facility Manager Custodial Cleaning Custodial
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 scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. P16 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINe