The Engagement Party Program

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ENG

E E N M H E T AG RT T PA Y EN F F GEOUSE H LAY

WELCOME TO

BOARD CHAIR

PHOTO BY TRISH ALISON PHOTOGRAPHY

ADI GREENBERG

Welcome to Geffen Playhouse and the launch of our 2023/2024 Season in the Gil Cates Theater.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to share with you a full lineup of inspired storytelling in our Gil Cates and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theaters, beginning with the West Coast premiere The Engagement Party.

This season marks an exciting next chapter as we welcome Tarell Alvin McCraney as our new Artistic Director. As an award-winning writer, producer and educator, Tarell is a force of creativity and uniquely suited to lead our theater’s artistic vision. Together with Gil Cates, Jr., they are a powerhouse team who will embrace the evolution taking place in the industry, make bold, innovative choices and ensure Geffen Playhouse is well-positioned for the future. Please join us in welcoming Tarell to the Geffen.

2 P L AY B I L L

In a time where nonprofit arts organizations and regional theaters across the country are facing extreme challenges and making difficult decisions, your presence today is the very foundation for Geffen Playhouse.

Without the support of our patrons, donors and subscribers, we could not realize our commitment to produce compelling theater, as well as continue our robust education and community engagement programs. Thank you for being here.

We can’t wait for you to experience all that 2023/2024 has in store at the Geffen.

With gratitude, Adi Greenberg Board Chair

POTUS

OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE

01.17–02.18.2024

BLACK CYPRESS BAYOU 02.07–03.17.2024

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

Gil Cates Theater

NS O I T P I R C SUBS JUST $90!

START AT 3 10.2 0 8

The Broadway Production of

FAT HAM

03.27–04.28.2024 Gil Cates Theater

GEFF .2 0 2 8 •

ENPL A

YHOUS

E .O R G

THE HOPE THEORY

TINY FATHER

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

Gil Cates Theater

04.25–06.09.2024

06.12–07.14.2024

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

AMY LEVINSON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adi Greenberg CHAIR

Dr. Gene D. Block Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO Mary Ann Cloyd Vice Chair PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

Merle Dandridge

It was 2019 when we began the conversation with Darko Tresnjak and Samuel Baum about their production of The Engagement Party. The play’s world premiere was a hit at Hartford Stage, and we were excited to reunite the director, writer, and design team for its West Coast premiere. Little did we know we’d have to wait four years for the Geffen production to finally come to fruition.

Thankfully, good things come to those who wait.

We are delighted to welcome Darko and Samuel to the Geffen for the first time and to finally share this tightly-crafted play with our audience. Together, Darko and Samuel have reassembled a tremendous design team to execute a breathtaking display of wealth writ large. The sheer scope of the scenic design is as bold as we have ever undertaken, and the process has been thrilling for us all. In addition, this talented ensemble cast makes a play requiring absolute precision look as natural and effortless as can be.

As we launch the Gil Cates Theater 2023/2024 Season, I want to take a moment to welcome our new Artistic Director, Tarell Alvin McCraney. He is an artist we have long admired and love collaborating with, and I cannot imagine a better artistic leader to move the Geffen into its next phase. As we launch this season, we also begin our plans for the future.

We look forward to sharing our exciting vision to build upon the Geffen’s legacy and expand it beyond what we have yet to dream.

Enjoy the show!

Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director 4 P L AY B I L L

Dr. Brad Edgerton Bonnie E. Eskenazi Mark Fleischer

FOUNDING TRUSTEES Harold A. Brown Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Herbert M. Gelfand Chair Emeritus Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg

Susan Nahley Fleishman

Glorya Kaufman

Brenda Garcia

Frank G. Mancuso Chair Emeritus

Patricia L. Glaser Eric Heer Carla Malden Brian Mann Tiffany Mayberry Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director Mary Osako Danny Passman Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin Matt Shakman Richard Sherman Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus

Ron Meyer Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch Dr. Charles E. Young Chair Emeritus

IN MEMORIAM Gilbert Cates Founder Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden

JaHan Wang

Ginny Mancini

Marc Weinstock

Jerry Moss Jerry Perenchio Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman

LEGAL COUNSEL Nikki Kerman Venable LLP

NOW ON VIEW IN THE LOBBY

ART LIVES HERE

Geffen Playhouse celebrates 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.

Four Los Angeles artists have been invited to create original art works to be displayed in our lobby welcoming audiences. Our 2023/2024 Season is curated by Terrell Tilford (Band of Vices), the Creative Director of Art Lives Here and Geffen Playhouse alumnus.

FEATURED WORK #9 The Mused ARTIST Edyta Pachowicz ON VIEW Oct. 4 – Nov. 5, 2023

The figures in this piece lean on one another capturing the intimacy of expression. It is a testament to the Geffen Playhouse’s commitment to inclusivity and the belief that the arts have the power to bring people together, transcending barriers and fostering understanding. This painting invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of diversity, the magic of theater, and the unifying force of art that can be found

ABOUT THE ARTIST

within the walls of the Geffen

Edyta Pachowicz is a Los Angeles based painter specializing

Playhouse. As a visual artist, I

in oil painting. Her work can best be described as figurative

am so inspired by the layers of

impressionistic realism. It is at once expressive and mysterious,

creativity, the artistic nature

realistic, and abstract, maintaining figures as her prime subject

of costuming, makeup and

matter. A Polish immigrant with French heritage, she attributes

casting, like layers of paint, all

her influence to her European roots. Being immersed in a clas-

woven into an elegant story.

sical art-driven culture had a profound impact on her creativity.

Each performance playing its

Her work continues to evolve in intricacy by creating provoca-

own part in history.

tive work that invites intimate interpretation.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT VISIT GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/ARTLIVESHERE

BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A

SECRETS, LIES & MISPERCEPTIONS

Playwright Samuel Baum

PHOTO BY ALAN WEISSMAN

AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT SAMUEL BAUM

BY AMY LEVINSON, ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A M Y L E V I N S O N : I’d love to talk a little bit

Kennedy. She was incredibly inspiring and

about how you came to writing.

really taught us to go for it, as she does in her

SA M U E L BAU M : Ultimately, I think it goes back to childhood. When you’re a kid, growing up is a little like walking into a movie an hour late. You’re just trying to figure out what the hell is going on—in your own family and out in the world. You’re trying to understand the behavior and relationships around you. And it’s

own work. I was also a theater actor, which is how I first met Darko Tresnjak at the Williamstown Theatre Festival almost twenty years ago. I think it’s very helpful for a playwright to have acted before. It helps you understand that no matter how much you may focus on theme or social commentary, at the end of the day,

mystifying because you’ve missed so much,

it’s about writing great scenes for actors, and

so much has happened before you were even

giving them something to sink their teeth into.

born. For me, that’s why I write—to try to make

A L : In your estimation, what do you feel has

sense of the world around me.

changed since you wrote the play, and do you

A L : So did you get into writing when you

feel like the play meets the audience in a differ-

were in college? And did you start with plays?

ent way based on those changes?

Screenplays?

S B : Well, the initial impetus for the play was

S B : I started with plays. In college, I was really

my interest in the nature of trust. There’s that

fortunate to study with the playwright Adrienne

old saying, that trust takes a lifetime to build,

6 P L AY B I L L

BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A

but it can be destroyed in an instant. I wanted

are ethically, morally or politically diametri-

to understand how that happens, why that hap-

cally opposed without commenting on their

pens. Since the time I wrote the play, sadly the

points of view?

erosion of trust has only become more salient.

S B : I focus on what my characters want. Be-

A L : Can you speak a bit about the collabora-

cause we’re all pursuing something, and rarely

tion with Darko and what it looks like when the

are we judging ourselves for that pursuit. So,

two of you build a new play together?

if I focus on the character’s objective, it usually

S B : Darko is the ideal director for this play, in

keeps my mind from wandering to a critical

part because it takes place in a single evening,

place. And I think that we’re all just overgrown

almost in real time—so pacing and rhythm are

children running around trying to seem a little

incredibly important. Darko’s stellar work in

better or a little more than we really are. Just

musical theater gives him a flawless sense of

terribly afraid that if anyone discovered how

timing. Not to mention the gorgeous produc-

limited or flawed we are, we wouldn’t be loved.

“THERE’S THAT OLD SAYING, THAT TRUST TAKES A LIFETIME TO BUILD, BUT IT CAN BE DESTROYED IN AN INSTANT. I WANTED TO UNDERSTAND HOW THAT HAPPENS, WHY THAT HAPPENS... SADLY THE EROSION OF TRUST HAS ONLY BECOME MORE SALIENT.” — PLAYWRIGHT SAMUEL BAUM

tions he creates alongside the amazing design

And that applies to people who have perhaps

team of Alexander Dodge, Joshua Pearson,

made some morally ambiguous choices. It

Matthew Richards, and Jane Shaw. It’s just an

helps me refrain from judging them.

extraordinary group of artists.

A L : Are there subjects or ideas that you feel you return to in your work?

S B : Absolutely. Issues of class, status and privilege. And from a story perspective—secrets, lies, and misperceptions. The tragic and comic ways we misjudge other people all the time.

A L : From whom or what do you draw inspiration?

S B : For me, the greatest luminary is Arthur Miller. When I look at a play like All My Sons, I’m in awe of the rigor of construction, the moral clarity, the insight into human nature. It’s astounding. There’s a reason his plays are timeless. He shows us who we really are, you know?

A L : The Engagement Party is populated with

And when you’re able to hold up the mirror like

complicated characters. And I heard Darko

that—that never goes out of fashion.

say at one point that you succeed in refraining from villainizing anyone. I’m wondering, how do you achieve writing people with whom you

To read more about The Engagement Party, visit geffenplayhouse.org/blog.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 7

THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF

THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY WRITTEN BY

SAMUEL BAUM DIRECTED BY

DARKO TRESNJAK SCENIC DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

ALEXANDER DODGE

JOSHUA PEARSON

LIGHTING DESIGNER

ORIGINAL MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN BY

MATTHEW RICHARDS

JANE SHAW

UNDERSTUDY DIRECTOR

INTIMACY & FIGHT DIRECTOR

VELANI DIBBA

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

EDWARD KHRIS FERNANDEZ

SASHA NICOLLE SMITH ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

MIKAYLA BETTNER

CASTING DIRECTOR

PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA

OPENING NIGHT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2023 OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS

World Premiere Production Presented by Hartford Stage, Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Managing Director 8 P L AY B I L L

THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Conrad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RICHARD BEKINS Katherine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BELLA HEATHCOTE Kai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRIAN LEE HUYNH † Alan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MARK JACOBSON Gail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WENDIE MALICK Johnny. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRIAN PATRICK MURPHY Josh.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JONAH PLATT Hayley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAUREN WORSHAM †Intimacy & Fight Captain

UNDERSTUDIES

Alan / Johnny.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DANIEL BONJOUR Gail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SUSAN DENAKER Conrad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MATTHEW KIMBROUGH Josh / Johnny. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETHAN KIRSCHBAUM Kai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ROBERT M. LEE Katherine / Haley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SARA LINDSEY 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.

TIME/SETTING

PLEASE NOTE

January, 2007 Manhattan’s Upper East Side

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

80 minutes There will be no intermission.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 9

MUSIC CREDITS “Where Or When” Performed by The Benny Goodman Trio Written by Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers Courtesy of Columbia Records By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment “How Am I To Know?”

Performed by Benny Golson Written by Jack King, Dorothy Parker Courtesy of Verve Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises “Duke’s Place” Performed by Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong Written by Edward Kennedy Ellington, William Katz, Ruth Roberts, Robert Thiele Courtesy of Capitol Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises “Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now“ Performed by Ruby Braff, Pee Wee Russell, Bud Freeman Written by Thomas Waller, Andy Razaf Courtesy of Nagel Heyer Records “Let’s Get Lost” Performed by Chet Baker Written by Frank Loesser, Jimmy McHugh Courtesy of Capitol Records under license from Universal Music Enterprises “Cool Blues” Performed by Charlie Parker Written by Charlie Parker Courtesy of Columbia Records By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment “Previous Convictions” Performed by Jason Rebello Written by Jason Rebello Courtesy of Audio Network US “How Am I To Know?”

Performed by Rosemary Clooney with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra Written by Jack King, Dorothy Parker Courtesy of RCA Records By arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 0

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

RICHARD BEKINS Conrad

B E L L A H E AT H C OT E (she/her) Katherine

B R I A N L E E H U Y N H (he/him) Kai

Broadway: Happy New Year,

Bella Heathcote played the

He has appeared in War Horse

Love! Valour! Compassion!, Tar-

lead role of “Andy Oliver” in the

(Lincoln Center Theater) on

tuffe. Off-Broadway: Too Much

original series Pieces of Her op-

Broadway. His off-Broadway

Sun, Somewhere Fun (Vineyard

posite Toni Collette (Netflix). She

credits include Romeo and

Theatre); The Maddening Truth

recently wrapped production on

Juliet (National Asian Amer-

(Keen Company); The Normal

Australian series C*A*U*G*H*T

ican Theatre Company), A

Heart (The Public Theater);

and Scrublands as well as two

Clockwork Orange (New World

among others. Regional, partial

independent films Roof and The

Stages), and The Light Years

list: The Engagement Party

Moogai. Additionally, Heathcote

(Playwrights Horizons). Re-

(Hartford Stage, directed by

performed as “Lisa” in the Acting

gional credits include Pride and

Darko Tresnjak), Other Desert

for a Cause reading of The Room

Prejudice (Long Wharf Theatre),

Cities (Alley Theatre), Glengarry

Returns! opposite Bob Odenkirk

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern

Glen Ross (Actors Theatre of

which will be released later

Are Dead (The Huntington),

Louisville), A Number (The

this year. She starred alongside

Vietgone (Denver Center for the

Wilma Theatre), A Question

Emily Mortimer as “Sam” in Relic

Performing Arts), The 39 Steps

of Mercy (Long Wharf Theatre

which received rave reviews

(Triad Stage), Sherlock Holmes:

and Bush Theatre, London),

at its premiere at Sundance

The Final Adventure (Portland

Heartbreak House (The

2020. Previously, Bella starred

Stage), Auctioning the Ainsleys

Huntington Theatre, direct-

as “Susan Parsons” in drama

and A Single Shard (People’s

ed by Darko Tresnjak). Film:

series Strange Angel (CBS All

Light). Television credits in-

Armageddon Time, The Sixth

Access) with Jack Reynor and as

clude appearances on Instinct,

Reel, Vampires Vs. The Bronx,

“Nicole Dörmer” in the acclaimed

Gotham, Madam Secretary, and

You’re Not Alone, Unintended,

original drama series The Man in

Elementary. He holds a B.F.A.

Limitless, Young Adult, Julie &

the High Castle (Amazon). Other

from Ithaca College and M.F.A.

Julia, United 93, among others.

credits include Nicolas Winding

from The Old Globe/University

Television: The Girls on the Bus,

Refn’s The Neon Demon, Tim

of San Diego.

The Other Two, Bull, The Sinner,

Burton’s Dark Shadows, and

Mr. Robot, Designated Survivor,

Angela Robinson’s Professor

Madoff, Younger, The Path,

Marston and the Wonder Women.

Madam Secretary, The Blacklist,

@bellaheathcote

Elementary, Boardwalk Empire, Daredevil, Person of Interest, The Good Wife, Law & Order, among others.

1 1 P L AY B I L L

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

M A R K JAC O B S O N (he/him) Alan

B.A. USC School of Dramatic

ination) and The Owl House

Arts, British American Drama

(Peabody Award). She has

Academy, The Groundlings,

recurring roles on Shrinking,

UCB. Thanks to Darko, Sam,

Physical, Billions, and Young

and Phyllis for the opportunity

Sheldon. Favorite film roles:

and Victoria and Jada for filling

7000 Miles, Adventureland, The

his heart and bucket.

American President, Waiting…,

@sirmarkofj

Fifty-Nothing, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and Racing Stripes.

Mark is honored to play in

Malick is on the Environmental

the Geffen sandbox for the

Media Association Board, and

first time with this incredi-

the Advisory Board of Return

ble team. He has appeared

to Freedom, a wild horse sanc-

off-Broadway and regionally,

tuary. Malick and her husband,

including at TheatreSquared,

Richard Erickson, support an

Phoenix Theatre, Rubicon,

orphanage in Tijuana and a

Garry Marshall, A Noise Within,

WENDIE MALICK Gail

Rogue Machine, Kingsmen

Wendie Malick last appeared

Shakespeare, and Coeurage

at the Geffen in The Under-

Ensemble. Recent Film/TV:

pants. Other theater credits

57 Seconds (opposite Morgan

include Big Night (Kirk Doug-

Freeman and Josh Hutcherson),

las Theatre), Closure (New

The 12 Days of Christmas Eve

Jersey Repertory Company),

(opposite Kelsey Grammer),

Blithe Spirit and What is the

Welcome to Chippendales, FBI,

Cause of Thunder? (William-

This Is Us, Good Trouble, 9-1-1,

B R I A N PAT R I C K M U R P H Y

stown Theatre Festival), and

The Rookie, NCIS: Los Angeles,

off-Broadway in North Shore

(he/him) Johnny

The Resident, Speechless, How

Fish and Burleigh Grimes. With

Select Theatre Credits – Re-

to Get Away with Murder, and

over 100 television credits,

gional: The Engagement Party,

Netflix’s upcoming action com-

Malick is a Golden Globe and

Hartford Stage (directed by

edy, Obliterated. Mark has lent

two-time Emmy nominee for

Darko Tresnjak), Connecticut

his voice to Marvel/Insomniac’s

her role as Nina Van Horn

Critics Circle nomination

upcoming Spider-Man 2, Nick-

on Just Shoot Me. She won

for Best Supporting Actor.

elodeon’s I Am Frankie, Final

four CableACE Awards on

Off-Broadway: The Clearing

Fantasy VII Reunion, Genshin

HBO’s Dream On, and she

(directed by Josh Hecht),

Impact, Tower of Fantasy, NBA

and her castmates on Hot in

“Buckingham” in Wars of the

2K21–2K23, and Amazon’s New

Cleveland earned a People’s

Roses (directed by Austin

World. An actor, improviser and

Choice Award and a Screen

Pendleton), Hamlet (“Laertes”),

coach, Mark had the privilege

Actors Guild Award nomina-

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

of teaching the U.S. Army’s first

tion. Animated shows: BoJack

(“Proteus”), Burn This (“Pale”),

on-camera acting class in Kai-

Horseman (Annie Award nom-

Danny and the Deep Blue

serslautern, Germany. Training:

hospital in Congo.

Sea (“Danny”). TV/Film: The G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 2

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Changeling (Apple TV+), Vinyl

Quinn, Tejana. Jonah is a highly

at the Getty Villa, Carnegie

(HBO pilot, directed by Martin

sought-after singer, musician,

Hall, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, and

Scorcese), Billions (Showtime),

emcee, speaker, and arranger,

Merkin Hall. Lauren recurred

Seven Seconds (Netflix), Blue

who has performed at major

on multiple episodes of The

Bloods (CBS), Law & Order:

venues and events all over the

CW’s Valor and she is a found-

SVU (NBC). He is also a former

country. He recently sold an

ing member of the indie rock

Golden Gloves boxer trained by

original TV series to Apple TV+,

band Sky-Pony. Love always to

two-time World Champion Joey

and is currently penning the lyr-

my family, you carry my heart.

Gamache. Special thanks to the

ics and co-writing the music for

www.laurenworsham.com

late Joseph Siravo. @bpm32

the musical stage adaptation of bestselling classic The Giver. @jonahplatt

SA M U E L BAU M Playwright

J O N A H P L AT T Josh

Samuel Baum is a playwright, screenwriter, and producer. He

this theater and is thrilled to be

L AU R E N WO R S H A M (she/her) Haley

making his Geffen debut. Se-

Lauren Worsham was nominat-

with Geffen Playhouse on the

lect stage: Wicked (Broadway),

ed for a Tony and won Drama

West Coast premiere of his

A Walk on the Moon (A.C.T. and

Desk and Theatre World

play, The Engagement Party,

George Street Playhouse), The

Awards for the role of “Phoebe”

directed by Tony Award winner

Heart of Rock & Roll: The Huey

in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love

Darko Tresnjak. The play was

Lewis Musical (2023 Work-

and Murder and is thrilled to

originally produced at Hartford

shop), Floyd Collins (Ovation

be reunited with Darko on this

Stage, where it received four

Award for Best Musical), Hair

production! Other favorites

Critics Circle Awards, an

(Hollywood Bowl). Film: Being

include New York City Center

Edgerton Foundation New Play

the Ricardos, I’ll Be Watching,

Encores! productions of Sun-

Award, and grants from the

Menorah in the Middle, The List,

day in the Park with George,

National Endowment for the

Spread. TV: Uncoupled, The

Call Me Madam, Big River, and

Arts and the Laurents/Hatcher

Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm,

Where’s Charley?; “Lisa” in

Foundation. As a screenwriter,

Parenthood, Country Comfort,

Dog Days at Montclair Peak

Baum was nominated for a

Jesus Christ Superstar: Live

Performances and LA Opera;

WGA Award for the Emmy–no-

in Concert, A Million Little

“Flora” in Turn of the Screw

minated HBO Film The Wizard

Things. Select Voice: Trolls: The

at New York City Opera; and

of Lies, starring Robert DeNiro.

Beat Goes On!, Harry Potter:

“Cunegonde” in New York City

Previously, Baum created and

Magic Awakened, Call of Duty:

Opera’s Candide. She performs

executive produced the Fox

Black Ops Cold War, Harley

frequently in concert including

television drama Lie to Me,

Jonah Platt grew up a mile from

1 3 P L AY B I L L

is thrilled to be collaborating

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES which ran for three seasons. He

F. Murray Abraham at TFANA

Theatre Club); Lips Together,

also co-created and executive

and the RSC, Titus Andronicus

Teeth Apart (Second Stage

produced the ABC series The

with John Vickery and Dion

Theater); Rapture, Blister,

Evidence, as well as television

Johnstone at the Stratford Fes-

Burn (Playwrights Horizons);

pilots for Amazon, Netflix,

tival, Cyrano de Bergerac with

The Understudy (Roundabout

Showtime, and CBS. He is

Patrick Page at The Old Globe,

Theatre Company); Measure

currently an executive producer

The Skin of Our Teeth with

for Pleasure, Paris Commune

of the NBC series The Irrational,

Marian Seldes at Williamstown

(The Public Theater); Observe

inspired by the work of behavi-

Theatre Festival, and Anasta-

the Sons of Ulster Marching To-

oral psychologist Dan Ariely.

sia (Broadway, National Tour,

wards the Somme (Lucille Lor-

Originally from New York,

Spain, Germany, Netherlands,

tel winner), Chaucer in Rome

Baum is a graduate of Harvard

Brazil, Japan, Mexico). Upcom-

(Lincoln Center). International:

College.

ing productions: Russian Troll

Disney’s The Hunchback of

Farm by Sarah Gancher, Noir by

Notre Dame (La Jolla Playhouse,

Kyle Jarrow and Duncan Sheik,

Paper Mill Playhouse / Japan

and Der Zwerg at Los Angeles

/ Germany / Austria); All New

Opera with Rodrick Dixon. He

People (London West End /

wrote the book and the lyrics of

Manchester / Glasgow). Opera:

a new musical comedy, Ask for

Samson et Dalila (Metropolitan

the Moon, with the composer

Opera); The Thirteenth Child

Oran Eldor. You can find out

(Santa Fe Opera); The Ghosts

more about Darko, his work,

of Versailles (LA Opera); Il

and his French bulldogs, Hector

trittico (Deutsche Oper Berlin);

Berlioz and Bruce, on Insta-

Lohengrin (Budapest). Upcom-

gram @darkotresnjak.

ing: I Need That (Broadway/

DA R KO T R E S N JA K Director

Darko Tresnjak directed the world premiere of The Engagement Party at Hartford Stage, where he was the Artistic Director from 2011-2019. Favorite productions: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, LA Drama Critics Circle, SD Critics Circle, CT Critics Circle awards), The Killer with Michael Shannon at Theatre for a New Audience (2015 Obie Award), The Ghost of Versailles with Patti LuPone and Patricia Racette at Los Angeles Opera, Rear Window with Kevin Bacon at Hartford Stage, The Merchant of Venice with Kate Forbes and

Roundabout Theatre Company); ALEXANDER DODGE Scenic Designer

Geffen: The Underpants; Rabbit Hole; Rapture, Blister, Burn.

Broadway: Anastasia (Outer

Russian Troll Farm: A Workplace Comedy (Vineyard Theatre).

Training: M.F.A. Yale.

Critics Circle nomination); A

J O S H UA P E A RS O N (he/him) Costume Designer

Gentleman’s Guide to Love and

Regional: The Engagement

Murder (Tony, Drama Desk, and

Party, A Midsummer Night’s

Outer Critics Circle nomina-

Dream, Private Lives, La Dispute

tions); Present Laughter (Tony

(Hartford Stage); and Eurydice

nomination); Old Acquain-

(Williamstown Theatre Festi-

tance; Butley; Hedda Gabler.

val). Associate Design: A Mid-

Off-Broadway: Whisper House

summer Night’s Dream, Twelfth

(59E59); Harry Clarke (Vineyard

Night (Oregon Shakespeare

Theatre/Audible’s Minetta Lane

Festival); Titus Andronicus

Theatre); Ripcord (Manhattan

(Stratford Festival); Limelight:

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 4

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES The Story of Charlie Chaplin

Theatre; Goodman Theatre;

Sound Designers and Compos-

(La Jolla Playhouse). Assistant

Hartford Stage; The Hunting-

ers Association) and Local USA

Styling/Wardrobe: campaigns

ton; La Jolla Playhouse; Long

829. www.janeshaw.com

for Adidas, Adidas Tennis,

Wharf Theatre; The Old Globe;

Converse, St. Lucia, AARP, Bud

Shakespeare Theatre Company;

Light, New York Life, History

Westport Country Playhouse;

Channel’s Investigating History.

Williamstown Theatre Festival;

TV: Assistant Design for Man-

and Yale Repertory Theatre.

hunt. Professional Positions:

V E L A N I D I B BA (she/her) Understudy Director

Velani Dibba is an LA based director whose work focuses on the collision of cultures through

JA N E S H AW (she/her) Original Music & Sound Design

design-focused and ensem-

Geffen: debut! With Darko

include Pride and Prejudice

Tresnjak: Multiple productions

(The Dramat at Yale Repertory

including The Killer, Macbeth,

Theatre), we need your listening

MATTHEW RICHARDS (he/him) Lighting Designer

Hamlet, and Rear Window.

(New Ohio Theatre Ice Factory

Recently Ms. Shaw composed

Festival), Apologies to the

Geffen Playhouse: Rabbit Hole

A Christmas Carol (Guthrie

Bengali Lady (Edinburgh Fringe

and A Funny Thing Happened

Theater); Our Daughters, Like

Festival, The Tank NYC, The

on the Way to the Gynecologic

Pillars (The Huntington); and

Gathering), I Pledge Allegiance

Oncology Unit at Memorial

was the co-composer/lyri-

(UNESCO International Theatre

Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

cist for The Railway Children

Festival and World Congress,

of New York City. New York

(Northern Stage). She has

TCG National Conference),

credits include: Ann starring

toured dance shows from Perth

Space Odyssey (Columbia

Holland Taylor (Broadway);

to Shanghai, and designed

School of the Arts). She is an

Rock & Roll Man (New World

across the country from The

Inaugural Fellow at the Labora-

Stages); Is God Is (Soho Rep);

Old Globe to Asolo Repertoy

tory for Global Performance &

The Absolute Brightness of

Theatre. Collaborations on the

Politics in Washington D.C., a

Leonard Pelkey and Curvy Wid-

West Coast include shows at

former Global Cultural Fellow

ow (Westside Theatre); The Kill-

the Mark Taper Forum, Theatre-

at the University of Edinburgh,

er, Tamburlaine the Great, and

Works Silicon Valley, A.C.T., and

a founding member of The

Measure for Measure (Theatre

this fall a production of Little

SuperGeographic Ensemble

for a New Audience); Atlantic

Women with Seattle Rep. Rec-

Theatre, and a former SITI

Theater Company; BAM; MCC

ognition includes a Drama Desk

Company Artistic Associate.

Theater; Playwrights Hori-

Award, Connecticut Critics

Her work has been reported on

zons; PlayCo; Primary Stages;

Circle Awards, Henry Award,

by The New York Times, Vulture,

and Second Stage Theater.

Bessie Award, and a Meet The

The Scotsman, and various other

Regional credits include: Actors

Composer Grant. Born and

outlets. M.F.A. Columbia Univer-

Theatre of Louisville; Arena

raised in Kansas, a graduate

sity, B.S.F.S. Georgetown School

Stage; Baltimore Center Stage;

of Harvard and Yale School

of Foreign Service. She will be

Cincinnati Playhouse in the

of Drama, Ms. Shaw makes

associate directing the Geffen’s

Park; Cleveland Play House;

her home in Brooklyn. Proud

upcoming Black Cypress Bayou

Dallas Theater Center; Ford’s

member of TSDCA (Theatrical

opening February 2024.

former co-owner / designer of BOSIE New York; former Costume Shop Manager for Williamstown Theatre Festival.

1 5 P L AY B I L L

ble-driven pieces. Select credits

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES SAS H A N I C O L L E S M I T H (she/her) Intimacy & Fight Director

Sasha is thrilled to be working at the Geffen again! Other theater credits include: The Mountaintop, The Lonely Few, and The First Deep Breath (Geffen Playhouse); The Notebook (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Ms. Blakk For President (Steppenwolf Theatre); Familiar (Steppenwolf Theatre); How To Catch Creation (Goodman Theatre); A Raisin in the Sun (Guthrie Theater); The Bluest Eye (Virginia Stage Company); Toni Stone (Milwaukee Rep); Trading Places (Alliance Theater); Smart

West Players; Clyde’s at Mark

Country House. Before joining

Taper Forum; Clyde’s at Good-

the Geffen, she was the Casting

man Theatre; In the Heights

Director for Steppenwolf The-

and Songs from the Border at

ater Company in Chicago where

Colorado Springs Fine Arts

her favorites include Frank Gala-

Center; The Garden at La Jolla

ti’s adaptation of The Grapes of

Playhouse; A Christmas Carol

Wrath (also La Jolla Playhouse,

at A Noise Within; Plot Points

National Theatre in London, and

in Our Sexual Development at

Broadway, where it received

Diversionary Theatre. Opera

the Tony Award for Best Play),

credits include Roméo et Ju-

the original production of Steve

liette and Cosí fan tutte at San

Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Ag-

Diego Opera. Proud member

ile (and subsequent productions

of Actors’ Equity Association

including Westwood Playhouse

and new member of American

and Briar Street Theater in

Guild of Musical Artists. More

Chicago). Broadway transfers

at www.ekfsm.com.

include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Tony Award for Best

People (Writers Theater). Film/

M I K AY L A B E T T N E R Assistant Stage Manager

Television: Daisy Jones & The

Mikayla Bettner is an AEA Stage

Six (Amazon), Swarm (Amazon),

Manager based in Los Angeles.

Beef (Netflix), Tiny Beautiful

Excited to make her Geffen Play-

Things (Hulu), Your Place or

house debut in The Engagement

Mine (Netflix), That ‘90s Show

Party. Recent credits include

(Netflix), How I Met Your Father

The Tempest at Antaeus Theatre

(Hulu), Random Acts of Flyness

Company; Stew and Sunday in

(HBO), The Rookie: Feds (ABC),

the Park with George at Pasade-

The Chi (Showtime), Truth Be

na Playhouse; On This Side of

Told (Apple TV+).

the World at East West Players;

E DWA R D K H R I S F E R N A N D E Z (he/him) Production Stage Manager

Edward Khris Fernandez is a

and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. She is a member of the Casting Society of America.

A Christmas Carol, Animal

TA R E L L A LV I N M c C R A N E Y

Farm, and Metamorphoses at A

(he/him) Artistic Director

Noise Within.

Tarell Alvin McCraney is Artistic

ager based out of Southern Cal-

P H Y L L I S S C H U R I N G A , C SA (she/her) Casting Director

ifornia and a graduate of San

Phyllis is an Artistic Associate

Diego State University. Excited

and the Casting Director for

to make his Geffen Playhouse

Geffen Playhouse. She has

debut in The Engagement

received 8 Artios nominations:

Party. Regional credits include

Power of Sail, Man of God,

On This Side of the World,

Witch, Significant Other, Actual-

Interstate, and Vietgone at East

ly, Barbecue, Barcelona, and The

Filipino-American Stage Man-

Revival), The Song of Jacob Zulu,

Director of Geffen Playhouse.

In this role, he is responsible for identifying, developing, and programming new works and re-envisioned classics. He sets the strategic artistic course for the Geffen’s Gil Cates and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theaters.

McCraney is an award-winning writer, producer, and educator, G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 6

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES best known for his acclaimed

entertain and inspire diverse

arrive in the U.S. after escaping

trilogy, The Brother/Sister Plays.

audiences with live theater of

the Russian invasion. He studied

His script In Moonlight Black

the highest caliber. Prior to being

at the National Theatre Institute

Boys Look Blue is the basis

named Executive Director in

in Waterford, Connecticut, and

for the Oscar–winning film

2015, Cates served as Geffen

holds a B.F.A. in Drama from

Moonlight directed by Barry

Playhouse Board Vice Chairman

Syracuse University.

Jenkins, for which McCraney

since 2012 and served as a

and Jenkins also won a Best

producer and director in theater,

Adapted Screenplay Oscar. He

film and television. His theater

is an ensemble member at Step-

credits include the award-win-

penwolf Theatre and a member

ning Names (Matrix Theatre

of Teo Castellanos D-Projects in

Company) and Three Sisters and

Miami, a graduate of New World

David Mamet’s A Life in the The-

School of the Arts, The Theatre

atre (both at Syracuse Stage).

School at DePaul University,

Cates’ film credits include The

and the David Geffen School

Surface (starring Sean Astin and

of Drama at Yale. He received

Geffen Playhouse alumnus Chris

an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick. He was recently Co-Chair of Playwriting at the David Geffen School of Drama, where he remains on faculty. He is an associate at the Royal Shakespeare Company, London, and a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Writers Branch).

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

A M Y L E V I N S O N (she/her) Associate Artistic Director

During her tenure at the Geffen, Amy has spearheaded numerous programs for commissioning and developing new plays and has shepherded more than 150 plays into production. Dramaturgy credits include the commissions and world premieres of Donald Margulies’ Time Stands Still and Coney Island Christmas, Jane An-

the critically acclaimed Life

derson’s The Quality of Life and

After Tomorrow, featuring Sarah

The Escort, Amanda Peet’s Our

Jessica Parker, which premiered

Very Own Carlin McCullough,

on Showtime. His other films

and Michael Mitnick’s Mysterious

include Deal (starring Burt Reyn-

Circumstances. Other drama-

olds, Bret Harrison and Charles

turgy credits include Actually,

Durning) and The Mesmerist

Invisible Tango, Extraordinary

(starring Jessica Capshaw and

Chambers, Build, Equivocation,

Geffen Playhouse alumnus Neil

Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress

Patrick Harris). Cates’ television

by a Life in Progress, Guards at

Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive Direc-

directorial debut was an episode

the Taj, and Geffen Stayhouse

tor / CEO of Geffen Playhouse.

of the NBC comedy Joey, star-

virtual shows including Helder

In this role, he is responsible for

ring Emmy winner Matt LeBlanc.

Guimarães’ The Present and The

managing the Geffen’s day-to-

He recently directed Displaced,

Future, and David Kwong’s Inside

day operations; developing new,

a documentary short chronicling

the Box. She holds an M.F.A. in

ongoing theater partnerships

the journey of one of the first ref-

Dramaturgy from the University

and leading its mission to inform,

ugee families to flee Ukraine and

of Massachusetts, Amherst.

G I L CAT ES, J R .

Executive Director / CEO

1 7 P L AY B I L L

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY Production Assistant Juliet Park

Lead Scenic Carpenter Philip Rossi

Dialect Coach Paul Wagar

Wardrobe Supervisor Michayla Van Treeck

Associate Scenic Designers Jessica Baldinger, Clayton Dombach

Lighting Programmer Nicole Jaja Light Board Operator Jesus Cambero Elias

Assistant Sound Designer Maddi Deckard

A1 Bob Gilmartin

UCLA Scenic Intern Michelle Joo

A2 Stephanie Yackovetsky

UCLA Lighting Intern Gabriel Rodriguez

A1 Swing Ilana Elroi

Deck Crew Abigail Cheadle, Greg Mueller

Properties Artisans & Carpenters Christopher R. Baab, Sigourney Chin, Danny Dolan, Greg Mueller

Automation Operator Enrique Garcia

Carpenters Philip Rossi, Oliver Brink, Abigail Cheadle, James Chew, Chris Cowan, David Foubert, Enrique Garcia, Mason Irwin, Rowan Knight, Shadow LaValley, Greg Mueller, Jacob Nava, Lyn Nguyen, James Stanley, Eiden Weissblum, Madeline Wilson Scenic Painter Chandish Nester Wigs Meghan Gottschalk Wardrobe Swing/Stitcher Stephanie Castro Electricians Shannon Barondeau, Ezra Fisher, Justin Kelley-Cahill, Ezra Muthiah, Christiana Saldibar, James Tatsch, Benjamin Wendel

PRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery Built & Painted By F&D Scene Changes

Production Photographer Jeff Lorch

Design + Art Direction Base Design

Lighting Equipment Provided By Kinetic Lighting

Media Filming Ramon Garcia

Photography Justin Bettman

Sound Equipment Provided By Jon Sound Inc., DnB Design, Launch

SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television Scene, Prop, Sound, and Costume Shops; Geffen Playhouse thanks Hartford Stage Theatre Costume Collections & Rentals

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.

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.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 8

GEFFEN AT A GLANCE CONTACT Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

310.208.6500 Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 6:00pm AUDIENCE SERVICES

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.

310.208.2028 Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm

The Geffen Playhouse’s New Play Development Program

Please visit geffenplayhouse.org for hours, parking and more information.

generosity of donations from: The Edgerton Foundation,

BOX OFFICE WINDOW Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm, as well as on performance days up until 15 minutes after curtain.

is made possible, in large part, through the leadership and 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:

Please note: the box office window is unable to process exchanges or future sales one hour prior to curtain time on performance days.

LUIS ALFARO

STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR

JONATHAN CAREN

JIEHAE PARK

COLMAN DOMINGO

JOHN POLLONO

ACCESSIBILITY

MICHAEL GOLAMCO

ROBERT SCHENKKAN

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, visit geffenplayhouse.org/access or call Audience Services.

MEGHAN KENNEDY

JEN SILVERMAN

MATTHEW LÓPEZ

DAVID WIENER

MARTYNA MAJOK

CRAIG WRIGHT

QUI NGUYEN

LAUREN YEE

For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/newplays.

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. Some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating. To minimize disturbances 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.

NO PHOTOGRAPHY There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance.

Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.

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.

1 9 P L AY B I L L

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.

We are proud to have the following artists in the 2023/2024 Writers’ Room: ASHLEY AUGUST

CHRISTINA HAM

JENNIFER CHANG & INARA GEORGE

PALOMA NOZICKA

PARIS CRAYTON III

ALEXIS ROBLAN

The Writers’ Room is made possible through the generous support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and Jerry & Terri Kohl.

For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

STORYTELLING IN ACTION: HOW DO WE TELL STORIES? COMMUNITY LITERACY WORKSHOP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 9:00AM–12:30PM Los Angeles families are invited to Geffen Playhouse to enjoy a free morning at the theater! Parents, caregivers, and children will participate in storytelling activities with Geffen Playhouse teaching artists.

This family literacy workshop is hosted by Geffen Playhouse and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

F R E E TO AT T E N D • R EC O M M E N D E D F O R AG E S 8+ RESERVATION IS REQUIRED TO SAVE YOUR SPOT!

geffenplayhouse.org/tellstories

N S I IDER N A E B DONORS ENJOY A VARIETY OF BENEFITS THAT BRING THEM CLOSER TO THE THEATER THEY LOVE, INCLUDING:

ACCESS TO THE MARCIA ISRAEL-CURLEY FOUNDERS ROOM BEFORE SHOWS

INVITATIONS TO BEHIND-THE-SCENES TALKS WITH ARTISTS & STAFF

INVITATIONS TO OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCES & CAST PARTIES

COMPLIMENTARY DRINKS, PARKING, AND OTHER TOKENS OF OUR APPRECIATION

DONATE TODAY Geffen Playhouse is a non-profit theater. With ticket sales only covering 40% of expenses, we rely on the generosity of our audiences to make theater happen. Your gift supports Geffen Playhouse’s artistic and educational initiatives, including new play development, access for audiences, in-school partnership programs, and much more. Become a donor today!

Geffen Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal Tax ID# 95-4492653).

Donations are tax deductible under the fullest extent of the law.

G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E.O R G/ D O N A T E · 310.2 0 8.65 0 0 x 11 3

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 Partner’s Circle level and higher for gifts made between July 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors ^ Geffen Playhouse Founding Trustees In appreciation, Annual Fund donors enjoy a host of special benefits including house seats, complimentary drinks, receptions, and much more.

For more information, please call Tracy Reich at 310.208.6500 ext. 113.

PREMIERE CIRCLE

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE

Anonymous (4)

Anonymous

The Ahmanson Foundation

Capital Group

Jana & Trevor Bezdek

Marcy Carsey

Bonnie E. Eskenazi† / Greenberg Glusker

Kevin & Claudia Bright

City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll

$100,000+

California Arts Council City National Bank Edgerton Foundation The David Geffen Foundation The Adi† & Jerry Greenberg Foundation William Randolph Hearst Foundation Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg Fund for Arts Education at the Geffen Playhouse Jerry & Terri Kohl Linda Bernstein Rubin† & Tony Rubin Shubert Foundation

$25,000 – $49,999

The Walt Disney Company

Marcy Gross

Susan & Mark Fleischer† Carol & Paul Frimmer The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Patty Glaser† & Sam Mudie Samantha & Eric Heer† Martha Henderson Cindy & Alan Horn Marcia Israel-Curley Foundation Carla Malden† & Norman Beil

UCLA

Paramount Pictures

UCLA Health

Allen Blue & Kira Snyder

INNOVATOR CIRCLE

State of California, Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Holly Rice† & Vince Gilligan Matt Shakman† & Maggie Malone Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation

Alexander & Katie & Grey Grosvenor In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark David & Martha Kadue Julie & David Kavner Lyn & Norman Lear Karen & Walter Loewenstern Mr. & Mrs. Frank Mancuso Jr. National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with Mid-America Arts Alliance Benedicta & Geoffry Oblath Carol & Bill Ouchi Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Thomas L. Safran

Judith & Bruce Stern

Scott Sandler

U.S. Bank Foundation

Carol ‘Jackie’ & Charles Schwartz

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer

John McCrite & Juan Lopez

Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg

Los Angeles County Arts Commission

Loretta Everett Kaufman & Victor Kaufman

Merle Dandridge†

Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.

Miranda & Brett Tollman

The Berlanti Family Foundation

Ellyce R. Cooper & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum†

$50,000 – $99,999

Mary Ann Cloyd†

Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer

PLAYWRIGHTS’S CIRCLE

Kate Capshaw Spielberg & Steven Spielberg^

Anonymous

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

$10,000 – $24,999

Eva Aaronson— In Memory of Bucky Hazan Pat & Sandy Adams Beth Behrs & Michael Gladis The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Deborah Tavlin Daniel Tongbai & Henry Clancy Joanne & Ken Weinman Susan & Dan White Ken Willner & Jim Stine G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 2

ANNUAL DONORS CREATOR’S CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Anonymous Debbie Allen & Norman Nixon Aversa Foundation

Bradley & Lisa Mindlin— In Memory of Sandra Tenenbaum

Leonard Sharzer

Dan & Margie Mintz

Zackery Alexzander Stephens

Rio & Frank Morse

Aurora & Marc Weinstock†

Olympus Theatricals Shana & Don Passman

Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck

Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer

Shelly & Libby Bergen

Judith Reichman, M.D.

Mara W. Breech Foundation

Gil Schwartz Foundation

Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff

Steve & Paula Mae Schwartz

Katherine Brown & Rene Mendoza

Richard† & Barbara Sherman

Glenn & Lynn Cardoso

John Shustitzky & Christine Chakoian

Marissa Caudill & David Merrill

Jerome & Joan Snyder

Dan Clivner

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor

Mary Jo & Caleb Deschanel

Johnese Spisso, MPA

Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin

Anne C. Taubman

Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation

William & Karen Timberlake

In Honor of Virginia Field

Kathryn & Alan Van Vliet

Lynn T. Franklin

JaHan Wang†

Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family

Julie & Peter Weil

Steve Freedman & Helen Sideris

Karen & Rick Wolfen

Bob & Diana Friedman

Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras

G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Larry Gagosian Ann & Jim Gianopulos David & Kiki Gindler Waterman and Glicksteen Families Sue & Steve Glusker MaryAnn & Irwin Gold

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $2,500 – $4,999

Snyder Family Foundation

Gelena & Seth Weissman Leslie White & Al Limon Ellen & Arnold Zetcher

DESIGNER’S CIRCLE $1,000 – $2,499 Anonymous (2) Miriam Aguiar Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Allen Henry Alpert Laura & Harvey Alpert Jan & David Altemus Patti Amstutz Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum Eloise & Mark Appel Margaret Campbell Arvey Rob Bailis Wendy & John Bergquist Yvonne Bernard & Henry De Priest & Lookout Entertainment Artie & Ellie Berrick

Robert E. & Maria H. Barron

John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey

Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson

Larry & Julie Blivas— In Honor of Phyllis Blivas

Philip Blumenshine VJ Boyd Noora Raj Brown

Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block†

Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert

Paula Brand

Cindy Clark

Dr. Adrienne Brandriss

Linda & John Coleman

Howard Brightman

Comcast NBCUniversal

Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer

Don Dorsey

Lexy & John Carroll

Sir Elton John & David Furnish

Jacki & Murray Drechsler

Stephanie & Jonathan Carson

Mannon Kaplan

Charlotte Gold

Dr. Fanya Carter, Ph.D.

Laura Kennedy

Manuela & James Goren

Sylvie & Peter Cartmell

Willette & Manny Klausner

Karney Guren Family Foundation

Gil Cates, Jr.†

Marla & Daniel Klein

Barbara Herman

Jane Cates

Kling Family Foundation / Allen & Jessica Kling

Jean Himmelstein

Shelby & Lee Chaden

Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt

Martha J. Chase

Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick

Linda & David Kagel

Ginger Conrad

Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald

Jane & Rand Marlis

Stephen & Erin Cook

Marcia E. Williams & Gene Lucero

Norma & Larry Meyers

Honorable Candace Cooper

Renee & Meyer Luskin

Cookie Miller

In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert

Stewart Mayeda

Thaine & Elizabeth Morris

J. Jason Daunter

Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams

Michael R. Oppenheim

Dr. Joanna & Jeff Davis

Cara Gardenswartz & David Melnick

Carol Risher

Phil Davis

The Goldenberg Family In Honor of Richard Sherman— From Ken & Lori Goldman Noble & Jacquelynn Hansen Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Mellody Hobson / Ariel Investments, LLC

2 3 P L AY B I L L

ANNUAL DONORS Pam Dawber & Mark Harmon

Mindy Lauerlevin & Ed Levin

Mitch & Sherry Stein

Brock Dewey

Tricia Lee

Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis

Jan & Thea Drayer

Rena & Craig Leeds

Melora Sundt & Rob Kadota

Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler

Carl Levinger

Cela Devine Sutton

Colleen M. Ellis

Trini Lewis

Audri & Stan Tendler

Terri & David Elston

Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder

Marjorie Thomson

Carl & Courtenay Enright

Steven Llanusa & Glenn Miya, M.D.

Rebecca Vail

Lynne & Michael Feldman

Judith Locke

Susanna Felleman

Tania Lotia

Theodore H. Sweetser & Jane L. Valentine

Dr. Kimberly Finney

Dr. Jennifer Lucero

In Honor of Frank & Betty Fouce

The Malins Family Foundation

Joan & Charles Fox

Eric & Eva Plaza Mandel

Dennis & Jackie Fox

Michael N. Marks

Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman

David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone

Catherine Froloff Diane Futterman Mary & Rick Genow Bruce & Leslie Gifford Michael Gintz Priscila Giraldo Linda & Louis Goldsman Ellie Goodman Jill Grigsby & Rett Bull Penny Grosz & Eugene Korney Harris Family Foundation Scott Hartle Mary Hartley Murray & Gail Heltzer Jackson Henry Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Michael & Jay Ireland Iris Tuesday Productions Victoria Jackson & Bill Guthy Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig Patricia Keating Beverlee Bickmore & James Kelly Corrinne Mann Kempinsky & Louis Kempinsky Van Khanna King Nutronics Corporation Ann & Jonathan Kirsch

S. McQueen & D. Whalen Ali Meghdadi Anne & Ronald Mellor Hillary & Lance Milken Joan & Phil Miller Andrew & Laura Mintzer

Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Ira & Laurie Waldman Marcia & Charles Wasserman Ph.D Judith Leslie Waxman & Leo Stytle Westmount Asset Management Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg Judith & Philip Winik Richard Yaffe Bobbi & Walter Zifkin

PARTNER’S CIRCLE

Ron Myrick

$500 – $999

Blake Neely

Anonymous (6)

Mark & Diane Neubauer

Robert C. Anderson

Michael Nicklin

Bonnie R. Arnold

Ornest Family Foundation

Don Bacigalupi

Carol & Alan Ostroff

Corey Barash

Ralph Page

In Memory of Patricia Beals

Philip & Leslie Paton

Michael & Susan Bordy

Sallie Patrick Jacalyn & Paul Pepperman Phil & Agnes Peters Ruth Popkin Clark & Kathryn Porter Joyce & Harvey Reichard Dolores Rogers Allison & Bennett Rosenthal Oren Rosenthal The Ross Family Peter & Andrea Roth David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Susan Schwarz & Stuart Berton John Shaw Rita & Jose Sigal

Carol J. Bradshaw Marlene Bronson Laura D. Campbell Anthony Carbone Elena & Jonathan Cates Sandra Chan & Richard Pezner Mike Clements Pam Coats Hedva & Dr. Dudley Danoff Susan Dashe Gail Dershewitz Kristin Diehl Jeff Eckerle & Marilyn Osborn Elizabeth A. Evans Katherine A. Evans Carol & John Fox

Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross

Kenneth J. Friedman & Marilynn J. Friedman Family Foundation

Dr. Phyllis H. Klein

Marlene Sklar & Joel Moskowitz

Stephen Galloway

Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith

Dr. Ira & Dawn Smalberg

Corinne B. Garson

Ronald Smith

Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman

Lena & Mark Labowe

John Sonego & Thomas Faughnan

Howard Gradet

Wendy Kirshner

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 24

ANNUAL DONORS Roberta L. Haft

Elyse Resch

In Memory of Jane Hall

Dr. Alexander Rivkin

Steven & Sylvia Harrison

Julie Rogers

Michael & Candie Herman

Eric Rolnick

Hella Hershson

Douglas Ross

Winifred C. Hervey

Wil Rosser

Dr. Shelley Hill

Valerie & Bennett Roth

Robin & Edgar Hirst

Lisa Rowley

Mrs. Dorothy Hoffman

Maxine Savitz

Paul Gordon Hoffman & Sue Caren Hoffman

Joel & Sonia Schneider

Kristin Hoover Todd Humphrey & Dr. Anne Ichiuji Linda Kaplan Elodie Keene Sharon Kerson Dr. & Mrs. Klausner Leana Kleinman & Jerald Johnson Dr. Leonard & Stella S. Kleinrock Patricia Klous Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Sharon & Joel Koppelman Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta

Nancy & Steven Schneider

HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

Thank you to our year-round in-kind hospitality sponsors for their incredible generosity and support of the arts: Skylight Gardens STK Steakhouse W Los Angeles — West Beverly Hills

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

The Chairman’s Circle acknowledges

Lester Schwartz

the historical contributions of the

John H. Scott

following individuals, whose

Susanne Shallon Peggy & Robert Shapiro In Memory of Michael Sherman Nancy & Bruce Silverman Donna & Mark Simon Karen & Bill Skinner Karen Smits Jill & Scott Spiwak Sandra Stewart Mr. & Mrs. David Tann

support of Geffen Playhouse made the original vision of our founder, Gil Cates, Sr., possible: Anonymous Annenberg Foundation Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block† City National Bank Kirsten^ & Donald Combs Maria Israel-Curley & Jim Curley Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown &

Christo & Jeanne Lavagnino

Gloria Tapanes

Rhonda K. Lawrence

The Tatasciore Family

Gina Maria Leonetti

Barbara & Larry Tenan

Lydia & Chuck Levy

David & Cathy Thomas

Lawrin & Linda Lewin

Johnson Thurston

Renee Lonner

Brigitta Troy

Elizabeth Luster

Elizabeth Wheat

Brian† & Renee Mann

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Whitman

Barbara Marshall

Albert Wolsky

Linda May

Arnold & Tricia Zane

Tina & Jerry^ Moss /

IN-KIND SUPPORTERS

Perenchio Foundation

Kayla Allen / Pure Barre

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

Christina Medigovich

Cyrus Batchan / Camphor

Skirball Foundation

Cynthia Melville

Ashton Easter / Playground LA Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

University of California, Los Angeles

Thomas W. Mitchell John Moschitta, Jr.

The Friedman Group

Andrea & Patrick Murray

The Hammer Museum at UCLA

Bonnie Nash

Stephanie Jones / Fairmont Express

Colleen O’Beirne Brydon

Tom Kenny

Janie & Allan Orenstein

Gavin D. Pak / East West Players

Carol F. Phillips

Paramount Pictures

Ron Rafay

Pasadena Playhouse

Lise Ransdell & Eric Augusztiny

Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique

Rollin Ransom & Chris Lacroix

The Lodge at Torrey Pines — Evans Hotels

Douglas McAvoy, Jr. Kathy & Jim McCaffery Jeanne McDonald-Powers & Travis Powers

Gloria & Michael Rausch 2 5 P L AY B I L L

Passman, Inc. The David Geffen Foundation Herbert M.^ & Beverly J. Gelfand Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher Audrey & Charles Kenis Lincy Foundation Fay & Frank^ Mancuso The Moss Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

Wasserman Foundation Judy & Chancellor Charles^ E. Young

Donors at the $150 level and up are recognized on our website at geffenplayhouse.org/thankyou.

If your name has been misspelled or omitted from the list in error, please contact Tracy Reich, Director of Individual Giving at 310.208.6500 ext. 113.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Gil Cates, Jr.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO

ARTISTIC Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Daniel Ionazzi Producer Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director Bella Luna Company Manager Olivia O’Connor Literary Manager & Dramaturg Lexy McAvinchey Artistic Coordinator Dionn Richardson Assistant to the Artistic Director

PRODUCTION Renee Duron Director of Production Jill Barnes Artistic & Production Administrator Melissa Hartman Technical Director Patty Squibb Technical Director Alexandre Norkus Automation Supervisor Philip Rossi Lead Scenic Carpenter Rick Gilles Properties Master Daniel Lynn Associate Properties Supervisor Audrey Lastar Costume Supervisor Sarah Lindsley Costume Shop Supervisor Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Supervisor Jesus Cambero-Elias Assistant Lighting Supervisor James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor Bob Gilmartin Resident A1 Chloe Shi Production Assistant

ADMINISTRATION Erick R. López General Manager

Jake Jones Staff Accountant

Rachel Jacoby, Anika Waco Donor Relations Ticketing Associates

Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator

Brianna Barrett, Rachel Jacoby, Lauren Machain, Katie Sparks, Sara Turken, Anika Waco, Dennis Woullard Box Office Staff

Marguerite Harris Receptionist

DEVELOPMENT Sarah Weinberg Chief Development Officer Elizabeth Kegley Director of Institutional Giving Tracy Reich Director of Individual Giving Christine Drew Benjamin Director of Donor Engagement

EDUCATION Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement Mark J. Chaitin Manager of Education & Community Engagement Paloma Nozicka Education Associate Sean Michael Boozer, DeJuan Christopher Conner, Lyssa Deehan, Sidney Edwards, Ryan Hallahan, Aja Houston, Bethany Koulias, BJ Lange, Tara Ricasa, Kenzo Rice, Gerry Tonella, Maddy Wager 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 Director of Audience Services & Ticketing Isaak Berliner Social Media & Communications Manager

Berenice Campos Director of Human Resources

Alyssa Tyson Audience Services Manager

Janice Gompers Payroll Manager & HR Admin

Janice Bernal Box Office Manager

Youra Kim Accounting Manager

Jacob Feller Box Office Manager

Theater Direct Outbound Sales

OPERATIONS Jeni Pearsons Director of Operations Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Sarah Chute, Anya Pryjmak, Emir Yonzon Part Time House Managers Cristiana Barbatelli, Savanna Chute, Elizabeth Fritsch, Alia Mahboob, Shannon Noel, Autumn Oyemade, Adam Simers Guest Services Brynn Allen, Lulu Altabbakh, Blaire Battle, Avery Brown, Marlon Campos, Matt Clark, Sofia Constantine, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Cecily Dowd, Camille Edwards, Blake Elder, Sydney Fleischman, Aja Hinds, Dylan La Rocque, Cassidy LeClair, Meredith McClure, Austin Merrill, Kenneth Sambula Jr., Elena Scaringe-Peene, Lanae Wilks, Weiyi Zhang 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 G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 6