P
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