p l ayw se ON STAGE AND OFF
January 29 through february 28, 2016
P H I L A D E L P H I A T H E AT R E CO M PA N Y at the
PH IL ADE L P H I A TH E ATR E CO MPANY at the
Sara Garonzik
Priscilla M. Luce
Executive Producing Director
Executive Managing Director
in association with
PRIMARY STAGES
Casey Childs
Founder & Executive Producer
Andrew Leynse
Artistic Director
presents
Written by
ike holter featuring
michael cullen deirdre madigan Set Design andrew boyce
aimĂŠ donna kelly
christina nieves Costume Design jessica pabst
Production Stage Manager leslie S. allen
rey lucas
brandon j. pierce
Lighting Design thom weaver
Director of Production roy W. backes
Casting stephanie klapper casting
Sound Design daniel perelstein PTC Dramaturg carrie chapter
PTC Casting Amy dugas brown
Directed by
kip fagan EXIT STRATEGY was first produced in Chicago, IL by the Jackalope Theatre Company in 2014.
ryan spahn
We put our energy into the arts. Arts and culture organizations have an impact of more than $1 billion on our local economy. Through PECO-sponsored programs we help people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy and experience the arts throughout our region. PECO is proud to support Philadelphia Theatre Company. Thank you for presenting entertaining and imaginative contemporary theater, focused on the American experience, that ignites the intellect and touches the soul. Find out more at www.peco.com/community Š PECO Energy Company, 2015
from the executive producing director Dear Friends, You are about to experience Exit Strategy, a thematically urgent and linguistically sparkling new play by Ike Holter, a young playwright from Chicago, whom we are pleased to be introducing to East Coast audiences with our partnering theatre, New York’s Primary Stages. Exit Strategy kicks off six months of new plays and special events here at PTC that place our passion for developing new work exactly where it belongs - center stage. Holter’s play details a year in the life of an urban high school targeted for closure and its impact on a group of deeply invested faculty members who are exploding with feelings at the potential fate of the dilapidated building they call home. Perhaps it is the sense of compression that gives the play its kinetic force - time is running out, and most of the scenes take place in the faculty lounge. But it is also Holter’s writing, which some have likened to that of the young David Mamet, as well as his clear-eyed depiction of people under pressure, that also provide an ideal environment for combustible drama. Throughout the run, PTC has created numerous opportunities for audiences to collectively examine and discuss the state of public education today, clearly one of the most pressing social issues of our time. We are offering an array of talkbacks and engagement activities that will be posted in our lobby and on our website, and we hope you will participate in one or more. Exit Strategy is one of several plays we have produced over the years such as Race and The Scottsboro Boys that are not only works of art but platforms for civic conversation where the audience is an integral part of the experience. On an exciting and related note, we are proud to be presenting for one night only (Feb. 8) excerpts from the latest work created and performed by Anna Deavere Smith, which we have been developing for the last two years in tandem with two other theatres—Berkeley Rep and Baltimore’s Centerstage. Notes From the Field: Doing Time in Education is a brilliant evening from one of our country’s most singular artists that represents years of research and performance around a once unheard of topic - the schools-to-prison pipeline. The evening is conceived in two parts: performance and audience participation. Together the two halves make up one profoundly affecting experience that you can help shape, even as it shapes you! We are also happy to announce that our annual new works festival PTC@Play is back March 3–6 with four evenings of fresh new readings by playwrights from Philadelphia and beyond. Look for new work that includes Mark St. Germaine, who made quite a splash a few seasons back with his play Freud’s Last Session, as well as local playwright/actor Sam Henderson. In May, the intriguing Hillary and Clinton by the red-hot Lucas Hnath premieres here at nearly the exact time it debuts as Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater. Our director, Ken Rus Schmoll, has a long history with Hnath who, like Ike Holter, will be with us in rehearsal shaping the script and readying it for production at a time when our nation has its eyes trained on the upcoming elections. Regardless of the resultant political outcome, Hnath’s unique take on love, partnerships, and politics helps to demonstrate the incredible inventiveness and range of American playwriting today.
Sara Garonzik
P H I L A D ELPHIA T HEATRE COM PANY at the
presents
monday february 29 7:00 PM
monday march 21 7:00 PM single tickets on sale now!
subscriber discounts available! Call Audience Services for details and pricing: 215.985.0420 x102
from the executive MANAGING director Dear Friends, The start of a new calendar year means new beginnings – a time to update our priorities and set new goals. PTC ended 2015 on a high note after reacquiring the Suzanne Roberts Theatre thus ensuring the company a permanent performing home. That was certainly a critical step in PTC’s evolution but what’s next? First, we promise to continue providing you – our valued subscribers and patrons – the best in new American plays and musicals delivered by creative teams that blend the finest national theatrical talent with exceptional artists, designers and actors from right here in Philadelphia. Second, we pledge that your overall experience with PTC, from ticket purchase to box office to house management and amenities when you come for a performance, will meet your highest expectations. As a member of the PTC family, you deserve – and we aim to provide you – with the best possible service. Third, we intend to enhance our offerings of programming that extends your enjoyment of the work on stage, including artist and playwright talkbacks, discussions of the topics suggested by the productions, and more interviews and special evenings with some of the country’s most exciting theatrical performers such as Anna Deavere Smith, Bill Irwin, Kathleen Turner and Billy Porter. We plan to make PTC your vibrant theatre go-to place – you won’t want to miss a thing! So please join us for thrilling theatre in 2016 and bring your friends! Thank you for your support and enjoy Exit Strategy.
Priscilla M. Luce
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Samuel S. Fels Fund
cast ARNOLD .................................................................................................................. MICHAEL CULLEN* SADIE ................................................................................................................... AIMé DONNA KELLY* LUCE ........................................................................................................................................ REY LUCAS* PAM ........................................................................................................................ DEIRDRE MADIGAN* JANIA ...................................................................................................................... cHRISTINA NIEVES* DONNIE ............................................................................................................... BRANDON J. PIERCE* RICKY ................................................................................................................................... RYAN SPAHN* * Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association
EXIT STRATEGY is performed without an intermission SETTING Chicago, IL
TIME Present Day
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited. All electronic devices such as beepers, cell phones, and watch alarms must be turned off prior to the performance. THE ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS EMPLOYED IN THIS PRODUCTION ARE MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES.
THE SCENIC, COSTUME, LIGHTING AND SOUND DESIGNERS IN LORT THEATERS ARE REPRESENTED BY UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS LOCAL USA-829, IATSE. PRODUCTION EMPLOYEES ARE REPRESENTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES, MOVING PICTURE TECHNICIANS, ARTISTS AND ALLIED CRAFTS OF THE UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES AND CANADA, LOCAL 8. PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF REGIONAL THEATRES (LORT), A CONSTITUENT MEMBER OF THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INC. (TCG), A MEMBER OF THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA CULTURAL ALLIANCE (GPCA), THEATRE ALLIANCE OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA (TAGP), THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. ONE OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCE IS PROVIDED FOR EVERY PRODUCTION TO OUR DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PATRONS. ONE AUDIO DESCRIPTION PERFORMANCE IS PROVIDED FOR OUR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATRONS. LARGE PRINT, AND AUDIO CASSETTE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Support for Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Accent on Accessibility Program Comes From: Independence Foundation Louis N. Cassett Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation
PEP Events
for all of our pep events for the season, visit:
PhilaTheatreCo.org/pep
Our FREE Patron Enrichment Programing (PEP) gives the audience an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of each production and to discover more about the themes and issues suggested by each production.
american playwrights in context 1/31, post-show Philadelphia playwright and actor, James Ijames, will interview Exit Strategy playwright, Ike Holter.
SPECIAL TOPICS 2/9, post-show
Backstage Tour 2/13, post-matinee
Schooled: Are We Learning our Lesson About Education in Philadelphia? A discussion panel composed of experts and thought leaders.
Join a member of PTC’s staff for a post-matinee backstage tour of the set. Learn how the set was conceived and built, and how the crew runs the show!
Meet-theArtists (MTA) 2/18, post-show Stay with us right after the show for a talkback and audience Q&A with the cast of Exit Strategy.
added special events! 1/22: PTC Open House featuring live music by ill doots and the opportunity to meet playwright Ike Holter, director Kip Fagan, and the cast of Exit Strategy. 2/4: School Closures, School Climate, Then and Now - A conversation with Philadelphia Young Playwrights.
1/30 @ 6:30 PM: The Brothers’ Network Pre-show reception and interview with playwright Ike Holter conducted by The Brothers’ Network Creative Director, Gregory Walker. 2/8 @ 7:00 PM: Special performance of excerpts from Notes from the Field: Doing Time in Education presented by Anna Deavere Smith.
visit our website for more information:
PhilaTheatreCo.org
2/2: Community Leaders Meet Ike Holter.
LAST WEEK of the run: Audience Response Week - following the evening performances We want to hear from you!
who’s who Michael Cullen (Arnold) NY Stage: King Liz (Second Stage Theater), Finks (Ensemble Studio Theater), Bug (Barrow Street Theater-Obie Award), Len, Asleep in Vinyl (Second Stage Theater), Cobb (Lucille Lortel Theater - Drama Desk Award, Best Ensemble), Dark Matters (Rattlestick Theater), One Shot, One Kill (Primary Stages), The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow (Atlantic Theater), Bus Stop (Circle In The Square). Regional Theater: Actors Theater of Louisville - Humana Festival, Denver Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Penguin Theater, Buffalo Studio Arena, The English Theater of Frankfurt, Germany. TV : Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: SVU, Life On Mars, A Gifted Man, Ed, Third Watch, NY Undercover, Flesh and Bone, The Black List. Film: The Place Beyond The Pines, Margot At The Wedding, Dead Man Walking, Clockers, Malcolm X.
Rey Lucas (Luce) is so happy to be making his Philadelphia Theatre Company debut! Theatre: The Roundabout Theatre Company, The Public Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, INTAR Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens, Arena Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Alliance Theatre, and The Denver Center Theatre Company. Television: The Path (upcoming), Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black (upcoming), Blue Bloods, Believe, American Odyssey, The Mysteries of Laura, The Blacklist, The Following, Golden Boy, Elementary, Person of Interest, Weeds, Army Wives, Law & Order, and 100 Centre Street. Film: Keep in Touch (upcoming), About Alex, Allegiance, On the Job Training, and The Doghouse. B.A.: Wesleyan University, CT. M.F.A.: The Yale School of Drama. www.reylucas.com.
Aimé Donna Kelly (Sadie) Off Broadway: Witch in Macbeth (Epic Theatre Ensemble). Regional: Jory in Disgraced (Philadelphia Theatre Company); Lady Macduff/ Weird Sister in Macbeth (Arden Theatre Company); Petrushka in Moon Man Walk (Oribiter 3); Noxolo in The Dangerous House of Pretty Mbane (Barrymore Award nominee - Best Actress), Black Woman in We are Proud to Present… (InterAct Theatre Company); This is the week that is (1812 Productions); Cleopatra in unsex me Here (Theatre 4the People); Sharon in We are Bandits (Applied Mechanics); Georgia in The Exonerated (Delaware Theatre Company). BFA: University of the Arts. This is her second time at PTC this season. She is so excited to be back, working on this fabulous and important play with this amazing group of talented artists!
Deirdre Madigan (Pam) is delighted to be back at PTC were she was seen as Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Barrymore Nominated). Broadway: A Delicate Balance, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, After the Night, and The Music. Off-Broadway: Barbra’s Wedding and Major Crimes. Regional Theatre: Bucks County Playhouse, Westport Country Playhouse, Two River Theatre, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Denver Center, Intiman, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, George Street Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Virginia Stage, and Pioneer Theatre. Television: Elementary, The Good Wife, Law & Order, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Christina Nieves (Jania) Theatrical credits include: The House on Mango Street (Steppenwolf Theatre), El Nogalar, The Sins of Sor Juana (Goodman
Education at Philadelphia Theatre Company The mission of PTC Education is to give students multiple and varied opportunities to:
ENGAGE directly with the dynamic worlds of PTC productions.
CREATE theatre that is relevant to their lives and communicates their passions.
DEVELOP skills of collaboration, compassion and creativity that will help them become successful human beings.
In 2015, PTC Education PrOVIDEd 763 Hours of programming
provided by PTC Teaching Artists for 712 Unique Students
who’s who Theatre), West Side Story, Les Miserables (Drury Lane), In The Heights (Paramount Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Broadway Playhouse), Song for the Disappeared (Passage Theatre), Depraved New World (Second City), Welcome to Arroyo’s (American Theatre Company), Romeo & Juliet (Apollo Theater), All My Sons (Cardinal Stage), Lunaticas & S-E-X-OH! (Teatro Luna). Christina is an ensemble member with Teatro Vista and a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University. Endless gratitude to her family and her love, J., for their endless support, and many thanks to Mr. Stadelmeyer for being the best music teacher ever. www.christina-nieves.com Brandon J. Pierce (Donnie) Regional: Metamorphoses, Charlotte’s Web (Arden Theatre Company); Hands Up (Flashpoint Theatre Company); Dutch Masters (Azuka Theatre); Milk Like Sugar (Simpatico Theatre Project); Sunjata Kamalenya (Experiential Theatre Company); Fair Maid of the West (Philadelphia Artists’ Collective); Romeo and Juliet, Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Theatre of NJ); The Winter’s Tale, Henry IV (Shakespeare in Clark Park); Macbeth (Revolution Shakespeare) BFA: University of the Arts. Love to Mom and Dad. Ryan Spahn (Ricky) This is Ryan’s Philadelphia Theatre Company debut. He recently graduated from the acting program at The Juilliard School where he wrote, produced and starred in He’s Way More Famous Than You, Grantham & Rose, and Woven. Ryan co-created and starred in the digital comedy series What’s Your Emergency (Stage17.tv). Off Broadway: Gloria (Vineyard Theatre). Regional: Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Group. Ryan was an LA Weekly Award winner for his performance
in Stupid Kids (Celebration Theatre). TV/Film: Ugly Betty, Star Trek: Voyager, Tanner on Tanner and David Letterman. Ike Holter (Playwright) Ike Holter’s work has been produced at The Steppenwolf Garage, A Red Orchid, The New Colony and The Inconvenience, where he is a founding member and resident writer. He has received fellowships and commissions from The Goodman Theater, The Kennedy Center and The Playwrights Center. His show, Hit the Wall, played at Steppenwolf Garage and Off-Broadway at The Barrow Street Theater in New York. Jackalope Theater premiered his new play, Exit Strategy, which played to sold-out houses and transferred to Michigan at 3oaks Theater. He was recently named the “Chicagoan of the Year in Theater” by the Chicago Tribune, and his monologues have been published in The New Yorker and several editions of Applause Books. Holter was recently named one of Victory Gardens newest ensemble playwrights. Kip Fagan (Director) mostly recently directed Sheila Callaghan’s Women Laughing Alone With Salad at Woolly Mammoth and Erin Courtney’s I Will Be Gone at the Humana Festival. NYC credits: Heidi Schreck’s Grand Concourse (Playwrights Horizons); Ariel Stess’s I’m Pretty Fucked Up, Sheila Callaghan’s Roadkill Confidential, and Rachel Hoeffel’s Quail (Clubbed Thumb); Jesse Eisenberg’s The Revisionist (starring Eisenberg and Vanessa Redgrave), Halley Feiffer’s How to Make Friends and Then Kill Them, Eisenberg’s Asuncion, Heidi Schreck’s There Are No More Big Secrets, and Sheila Callaghan’s That Pretty Pretty; or, The Rape Play (Rattlestick); Carlos Murillo’s A Thick Description of Harry Smith and Samuel D. Hunter’s Jack Watt’s Precious Moment (Page 73); Reggie Watts and Tommy Smith’s Radio Play (P.S. 122); Zayd Dohrn’s Reborning and Cory Hinkle’s Cipher (SPF); Sheila Callaghan’s Recess and Christopher Durang’s Not a Creature Was Stirring (The Flea); Greg Keller’s The Young Left (Cherry Lane); Sam Marks’s Nelson (Partial Comfort).
MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR of our 2015/16 season DAVID HOLLENBACH
grew up on the eastern shore of Maryland before studying at Pratt Institute. Since graduating with a BFA in illustration, his work has appeared in publications such as: Sports Illustrated, Time Asia, Forbes, and The New York Times, among others. His unique approach has also been utilized in a variety of corporate projects, CD covers, and book jackets. David’s work has achieved honors such as inclusion in Communication Arts illustration annual and American Illustration annual, and he has received a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators. He currently resides in Philadelphia and is proud to be working with the Philadelphia Theatre Company. www.davidhollenbach.com.
Host your next event at the beautiful
Suzanne Roberts Theatre For more information, contact Danielle Commini, Venue Services Manager 215.985.0420 x105 dcommini@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
who’s who Regional credits include: Alliance Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Humana Festival, Sundance Theatre Lab, George Street Playhouse, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Portland Center Stage, Marin Theatre Company, and City Theatre, among others. Taught and/or directed at Juilliard, NYU, SUNY Purchase, NTI, Strasberg Institute. Co-founder of Printer’s Devil in Seattle; affiliated artist at Clubbed Thumb. Upcoming: Jenny Rachel Weiner’s Kingdom Come at Roundabout Underground. Andrew Boyce (Set Designer) Select Design: Road Show (Signature), L.M.N.O.P. (Goodspeed), Pregnancy Pact (Westin), “Ghost” Light Sessions, The Memory Show (Barrington), Fugitive Songs, Broadway Bares. Select Associate Design: Matilda (Tony Award winner), Ghost (Tony Award nominee), If/ Then, The Elephant Man, Finding Neverland, Soul Doctor, Godspell, Moonshine, Wicked (Tour), Sister Act (Tour), Sweeney Todd (Tour), productions in Argentina and China, and at 2nd Stage, Lincoln Center, A.C.T., A.R.T., Roundabout, Westport, D.T.C.
in Fur (Philadelphia Theatre Company); Wilma; Arden; People’s Light; EgoPo; Lantern; Walnut; Headlong; DTC; InterAct; Azuka; Curtis Opera; New Paradise; Theatre Exile; 1812; PSF; Flashpoint Theatre Company (Artistic Director). Regional: Chicago Shakespeare, Milwaukee Rep, Shakespeare Theatre, Cal Shakes, Children’s Theatre Company, George St., Roundhouse, CenterStage, Folger, Cincinnati Playhouse, Hangar, Cleveland Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Williamstown, Signature, Lincoln Center Festival, Spoleto, Pittsburgh Public, Yale Rep, others. Thomas has received three Barrymore Awards, 21 Barrymore Award nominations, three Helen Hayes nominations and two AUDELCO Awards. Education: Carnegie Mellon and Yale.
Daniel Perelstein (Sound Designer) is a freelance sound designer, composer and musical director in Philadelphia. Regional: Mothers & Sons, Detroit (Philadelphia Theatre Company), McCarter Theatre, Opera Philadelphia, Wilma Theater, Arden Theatre, InterAct Theatre, FringeArts, People’s Light, Kimmel Center, Theatre Exile and others. Jessica Pabst (Costume Designer) Broadway: The Heidi Chronicles. Off Broadway: Daniel is the resident sound designer for the Bearded Ladies Cabaret. He is active in King Liz ( Second Stage); The Qualms, Grand the new play development community as Concourse, Pocatello, Assistance, The Whale conference composer at PlayPenn and as a (Lucille Lortel Award winner) (Playwrights Horizons); The Nether ( MCC); I’m Going to Pray member of the Artistic Circle of the Arden Theatre Writer’s Room. Daniel is honored to for You So Hard (Atlantic Theatre); Fortress of be the recipient of the past two Barrymore Solitude (The Public Theatre); When We Were Awards for Outstanding Sound Design (Don Young and Unafraid, By The Water, Murder Juan…, Wilma Theatre; Knives in Hens with Ballad, Taking Care of Baby (Manhattan Theatre Club); Buyer and Cellar (Barrow Street Christopher Colucci, Theatre Exile). Daniel has received fourteen Barrymore Award Theatre, Tour); The Chocolate Factory (The Rattlestick Theatre), She Kills Monsters (Drama nominations in three categories, including the F. Otto Haas award. Independence Desk nominee, The Flea Theatre). Many Foundation Fellowship, 2013. B.S. productions with The Rattlestick Theatre, The Flea Theatre, Clubbed Thumb (Associate Engineering, B.A. Music: Swarthmore College. In memory of Dad. Artist). Regional: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Long Warf, Leslie S. Allen (Production Stage Manager) Kirk Douglas, Cleveland Playhouse. is very honored to join the Philadelphia Theatre Company family this season with Thom Weaver (Lighting Designer) Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville. Regional: Medea, A Philadelphia: Disgraced, 4,000 Miles, Venus Raisin in the Sun (SM), A Christmas Carol, ’14
February 8th 7:00 PM
Excerpts from
NOTES FROM THE FIELD: DOING TIME IN EDUCATION A Work-in-progress presented by
Anna Deavere Smith Tickets starting at $15
www.philatheatreco.org
215.985.0420
who’s who & ‘12, Rocky Horror Show, Fly By Night, King Lear, Death of a Salesman, The Who’s Tommy (ASM, Dallas Theater Center). Titanic, The Human Comedy; Blue Roses (PSM, Lyric Stage), Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, the Musical (PSM, Wishing Star Productions); Camelot (PSM, Casa Manana); The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; The Neverending Story; And Then They Came for Me; Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type; Madeline’s Christmas (SM, Dallas Children’s Theater); Forever Plaid, A Christmas Carol (ASM, The Walnut Street Theatre). Tours: Barney: Let’s Go Live!; Kelly Clarkson’s Addicted; George Strait, 2007. BFA, Texas State University. Thank you to my family and friends in Dallas and beyond for their love and support. Roy W. Backes (Director of Production) is a top honors graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Conservatory Theater Program in his hometown of Pittsburgh. He began his career as Prop Master for the late, great Fred Rogers on the landmark PBS show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Mr. Backes has spent over three decades in the professional theater, working as a Production Stage Manager, Production Manager, and General Manager, both on and Off-Broadway and at regional theaters throughout the country, including Pittsburgh Public Theater, Philadelphia Drama Guild, Roundabout Theatre Company, Freedom Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bay Street Theatre, Hartmann Theater, Prince Music Theater, Wilma Theater, Walnut Street Theatre, and many more. Roy is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and The Production Managers Forum. Roy thanks his wife, Lisbeth, and son, Oliver, for their love and undying support. Accept grace. Stephanie Klapper Casting (Casting) is thrilled to return to the Philadelphia Theatre Company and to continue her longtime collaboration with Primary Stages. Her work has is frequently seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, internationally and on television, film, and the internet.
In addition to being the resident casting director for Primary Stages, in NY she works with numerous companies such as New York Classical Theatre, The Peccadillo, and Pearl Theatre Company, and she has many exciting projects running and upcoming both in NYC and regionally as well in film, and on the web and TV. She is a member of the Casting Society of America and League of Professional Theatre Women. Carrie Chapter (Literary Manager/ Dramaturg) is a graduate of Washington College and Villanova University. Her workshop and production credits include the National Music Theatre Conference and the National Playwrights Conference at the O’Neill Theater Center, PlayPenn New Play Development, Geva Theatre Center, Playwrights Horizons, Primary Stages, and Inis Nua Theatre Company. Ms. Chapter has provided workshop dramaturgy for Broadway’s The Book of Mormon. She is also an instructor at Temple University. Ms. Chapter is a member of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA). Sara Garonzik (Executive Producing Director) has led Philadelphia Theatre Company (PTC ) since 1982. Now celebrating its 41st Season, PTC is a nationally-respected theatre and the only one in its region with a mission dedicated to producing and developing new American plays and musicals. She has introduced more than 140 world and regional premieres, including new work by Terrence McNally, Bill Irwin, Anna Deavere Smith, Christopher Durang, Tracey Scott Wilson, John Henry Redwood, Naomi Wallace, Jeffrey Hatcher, Bruce Graham and others. These productions have garnered 59 Barrymore Awards and 189 nominations. In 2007, PTC opened the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, a universally-designed, fullyaccessible, state-of-the-art facility on the Avenue of the Arts. PTC now serves a diverse audience of more than 60,000, including thousands of Philadelphia public high school students through its award-winning Drama
who’s who Contact program, established in 2004. PTC has won two awards from the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia—one for Arts Management Excellence (1997) and the other for its partnership with developer Carl Dranoff in creating the Suzanne Roberts Theatre/Symphony House development (2008.) In 1991, Sara was named to PTC ’s Board of Directors. She has also served as President of the Board of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (2009-12) and was a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council. Other previous board service includes Artreach and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA). She currently sits on the Advisory Boards of both the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and PlayPenn, a new play development organization. In addition to board service, she has reviewed grant proposals on a number of theater panels for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio State Arts Councils as well as for the Knight Foundation Arts Challenge in Philadelphia, the TCG Fox Foundation Actor Fellowships, the McKnight Foundation Advancement Awards for Playwriting, the O’Neill Playwrights Conference, The Philadelphia Theatre Initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. She is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and was named one of Business Philadelphia’s and Philadelphia Magazine’s “People to Watch.” In 2010, she became a Distinguished Daughter in the Court of Honor at Philadelphia High School for Girls. Other honors include the President’s Award from Philadelphia Young Playwrights, the Achievement Award from the American Association of University Women - an honor she proudly shared with Dawn Staley and Terry D’Alessandro - and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s Arts Pioneer Award. She has lived and worked in Center City Philadelphia since graduating from Temple University. Priscilla M. Luce (Executive Managing Director) has a broad background that covers virtually all aspects of non-profit
management, positioning, philanthropy, and volunteerism. She served for 11 years as Vice President of a national, non-profit, fundraising and management consulting firm, guiding the boards of trustees and staff of more than 50 schools, colleges, museums, performing arts vicinities, hospitals, and other organizations in raising annual, capital endowment and deferred gifts for their institutions. Previously, she held public relations positions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Mount Holyoke College, and she spent the majority of her long career in corporate communications with TRW Inc., a Fortune 100 company based in Cleveland, OH. She served as Vice President of Corporate Communications, leading TRW’s media relations, employee communications, marketing communications, and contributions programs, also serving as Executive Director of the TRW Foundation. She has been listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who of American Women. She is an expert in crisis management, strategic planning, marketing communications, and issue communications. Luce has been volunteer President and Executive Director of The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation in Philadelphia since 2000. She is Executive Producer of a documentary film, Mr. Philadelphia – The Story of Albert M. Greenfield, which aired on WHYY in Philadelphia. Luce has consulted with non-profit organizations as well as companies in the manufacturing and real estate sectors. Her work has included strategic and operational planning, fundraising feasibility analysis and planning, constituency development, organizational positioning, and marketing communications. Luce is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English, and attended executive marketing programs at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, the London Business School, and the J. L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Philadelphia Regional Arts Consortium and is a member of the Union League of Philadelphia.
who’s who Primary Stages is an Off-Broadway notfor-profit theater company dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and sharing the art of playwriting. We operate on the strongly held belief that the future of American theater relies on nurturing playwrights and giving them the artistic support needed to create new work. Since our founding in 1984, we have produced more than 125 new plays. Our productions and artists have received critical acclaim, including Tony, Obie, Lortel, AUDELCO, Outer Critics’ Circle, Drama League, and Drama Desk awards and nominations.
Primary Stages supports playwrights and develops new works through commissions, workshops, readings, and our education and training programs: The Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group, the Marvin and Anne Einhorn School of Performing Arts (ESPA), the Fordham/Primary Stages MFA in Playwriting, and the Primary Stages OffBroadway Oral History Project. Through these programs, Primary Stages advocates for our artists, helping them make important—and often transformative—connections within the theater community.
General information Box Office Hours
prohibited. Please note: The audience may be photographed by PTC staff for archival and publicity purposes. If you prefer that your likeness not appear in PTC materials, please notify a House Manager.
Open Caption Performance 2/20/16 at 2pm
Group Ticketing & Events
During Productions: Mon. - Sun.: 12:00 pm - curtain Between Productions: Mon. - Fri.: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat. & Sun.: Closed
For audience members who are hearing impaired. A large LED captioning screen, positioned beside the stage, scrolls text of the lyrics/dialogue in tandem with the lyrics/ dialogue of the performance.
Assisted Listening Devices
State-of-the-Art assisted listening headsets that wirelessly deliver all dialogue, music, and sound from the show at a personally adjustable volume are available for free at every PTC performance through the House Manager or concessionaire.
Audio Description Performance & Sensory Workshop 2/17/16 at 1pm
For audience members who are blind or low vision. Through provided assisted listening devices, a trained audio describer fills in the visual details and action on stage while it is performed live. A sensory workshop is provided before the show in which teaching artists provide in depth explanations of the visual aspects of the show, with patrons often invited on stage to touch and experience the set and costumes. Large print programs available upon special request. Contact the box office to make a reservation for this workshop and/or performance.
Support for Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Accent on Accessibility program comes from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ Accessibility to the Arts in Pennsylvania for Individuals with Disabilities Program, VSA arts of Pennsylvania, Barra Foundation, Louis N. Casset Foundation, Independence Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, Philadelphia Cultural Fund, R.K. Mellon Family Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Photography
The use of photographic/recording devices is strictly
Carol Flannery, Sales Director, 215.985.0420 x104
Student Matinees, In-School Workshops & Summer Camp Will Dennis, Manager of Education & Community Programs, 215.985.1400 x122
Facility Rentals
Danielle Commini, Venue Services Manager, 215.985.0420 x105, or dcommini@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
Volunteer Opportunities
Danielle Commini, Venue Services Manager, 215.985.0420 x105, or dcommini@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
Advertising Opportunities Carol Flannery, Sales Director, 215.985.0420 x104
Parking and Public Transportation
The theatre is easily accessible by the Walnut/Locust and Lombard/South SEPTA, Broad Street Subway stations, 15th/16th PATCO station, Route “C” bus, or taxi. On-site parking is available at the LAZ lot, as well as at nearby garages along Broad Street. PTC Subscribers can pick up $2-off parking vouchers for the Interpark at the Box Office.
Rest Rooms, Elevator, Water Fountains
LADIES’ & MEN’S ROOMS are located on the orchestra level of the theatre. All rest rooms are ADA compliant. The ELEVATOR is located to the left of the concession stand which may be used to reach the mezzanine level. WATER FOUNTAINS are located outside the rest rooms.
Lost & Found
If you have lost or found an item, please see the Box Office or House Manager. PTC is not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings.
Getting to Know Playwright
Ike Holter
“
I like surprising people, and I think perhaps I grew up in such a way that gave me a lot of empathy for a whole lot of different people.
Photography by Jeffrey Marini
– Ike Holter
”
I
ke Holter found his theatre “gateway drug” in the form of the Sondheim musical Sweeney Todd at age 11. In time, his artistic passion grew and he made his way to Chicago to attend DePaul University –and, over a decade later, the city is so besotted with Holter and his work he has become a hometown hero. This past summer, the Chicago Park Service appointed him the Artistic Curator for Theater on the Lake. In 2014, the Chicago Reader featured him as one of the People of the Year, and Chicago Tribune critic, Chris Jones, named him “Chicagoan of the Year in Theater,” extolling his ascendant talents as a playwright, and spoke to his ability to “record life in multifarious voices.” As his play, Exit Strategy, makes the first leg of its East Coast premiere here in Philadelphia, it is easy to understand Chicago’s rapture. Holter finds the people in the politic, and in this power of ensemble storytelling, his works transcend, even defy, the categorization of a “political play.” He says that, in his own theatergoing, he likes to watch people fight back, and, in his own work, there is the strength of the human will propelling the stories forward, which is as clear in Exit Strategy as it is in his 2012 play, Hit the Wall, about the 1969 Stonewall riots. He embodies the idea of an “action playwright.” His writing moves the way a muscle flexes – with a robust, natural instinct and vigor. Holter accomplishes many tasks as a playwright: His tone is civic-minded without being didactic, and his characters draw sympathy without the crutch of sentimentality. This is new American drama in the making.
The Cash-Strapped Saga of Public Education in Chicago By Carrie Chapter, PTC Dramaturg
“The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action.” - Herbert Spencer (1820–1903) English philosopher, political theorist, and sociological theorist.
T
he play Exit Strategy chronicles the embattled spirit of Chicago teachers who find themselves in the throes of an impending school closure. With its production here in Philadelphia, it has found a comrade fighting the same war. The “twinning” quality of these education systems is unmistakable, and, by looking at Chicago’s recent history while we track our own crisis in the morning Philly paper, there is the hope that lessons will soon be learned.
The City Talks Back In 1988, the Chicago School Reform Act was passed to enact a change in governance for the school system. In addition to Education Secretary Bill Bennett’s remarks on Chicago’s schools being the worst in the nation, 1987 was a tumultuous year; the teachers went on strike for 19 days, with a march on City Hall. With the Reform Act, the power resided with local school councils, comprised of teachers, principals, and parents, to supervise budgets, create curricula, and launch new standards for public education. By 1995, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) new CEO, Paul Vallas, instituted a new policy of accountability, in which schools and students were rigorously evaluated on a system of quantitative metrics that would measure overall performance. Numerous schools were placed on academic probation as a result of this initiative, calling attention to a growing achievement gap. The following year, the city approved 15 charter schools after passing the Illinois Charter School Law; the first one opened in 1997. In 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act stressed the importance of standardized testing to track student progress, and CPS followed suit under
new CEO, Arne Duncan. With Mayor Daley, Duncan instated Renaissance 2010, which involved the plan to shutter dozens of schools and create 100 new schools by 2010. In total, 82 schools were closed; 116 schools did open, which included 9 contract schools and 72 charter schools.
Chicago Teachers strike, September 2012: “Fair Contract Now”. Photo credit: Brad Perkins – Flickr.
The Rahm-ifications Rahm Emanuel was elected mayor in 2011. Frustrated with a yearlong contract negotiation, the Chicago Teachers’ Union (CTU) went on strike in September 2012 for the first time in 25 years. After seven days, the union representatives suspended the strike to offer new terms to the teachers which included an annual salary increase, longer school days, cooperation between teacher evaluations and standardized test scores, as well as career guidance for teachers who have been laid off. However, leading up to the strike, Mayor Emanuel was condemned for his unilateral thinking on the Chicago schools, and accused of showing preference towards the privatization of education. By 2013, CPS closed 49 elementary schools – the most on record – with 3,000 teachers losing their jobs; during this year, CPS had converted to a “student-based” budgeting process, where a specific sum of money was allotted for every enrolled student as an alternative to
paying for more teachers to be on staff. A year later the Academy for Urban School Leadership, a private management nonprofit favored by Emanuel, was given authority over failing public schools on the West and South sides of Chicago, the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city. In June 2014, 550 teachers and 600 school staff had been let go by CPS. A dramatic turn of events occurred in April 2015, when a Federal investigation put the CPS CEO, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, at the center of a kickback scheme involving a $20.5 million no-bid deal with SUPES Academy, her former employer. After her resignation in June, Byrd-Bennett was indicted and pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Recently, it was revealed that, despite costing CPS $900,000, she is still entitled to about $140,000 in public pensions. CPS teachers have not retreated in their continuing efforts for the future of public education. Their goals remain steadfast: to reduce the dependency on performance data and standardized testing; to stop cuts to public schools in favor of authorizing new charter schools; and, to propose a progressive taxation to help school funding. At this time, there is an imperative from management officials that either CPS undergoes massive layoffs, or teachers accept a substantial pay cut. This ultimatum has prompted CTU to make an appointment with the state labor board. In January 2016, after 50 schools closed under his term in office – with most of those schools populated with students of color from the impoverished West and South Sides of Chicago – a #ResignRahm hashtag floods social media. Teachers and students rally in protest and call for Emanuel’s resignation amid the recent news that he waited to release video of the shooting death of Chicago teen, Laquan McDonald, prompting accusations of where he truly stands as a city leader.
An “exit strategy” is defined as a pre-planned means of extricating oneself from a situation that is likely to become difficult or unpleasant. It is a phrase commonly applied in matters of business and warfare - something to suggest tactical urgency with an enterprising flair in the foreseeable worst of times. In the world of education, this belongs to the will of the individual against the challenges of an institution. Here, strategy is reform, and its process takes many shapes, walks through many fires, in order to discover what works and what gives every student the best chance to succeed.
Contributions from individuals like you help enrich and inspire Philadelphia High School Students every year! “I never would have thought that theatre could affect my life so much. Making a play and working with other people has brought me out of my shell.� - Qaadir, age 16, Furness High School, South Philadelphia
Support PTC today!
Your contributions to PTC benefit the following: Exciting new American plays and musicals brought to life by the finest creative teams at our beautiful Suzanne Roberts Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts
PTC@Play our Annual New Play Festival Drama Contact Education Program that serves hundreds of Philadelphia students every year
P H I LA D EL P HIA THE ATR E COMPA NY at the
2015/16 meMbership Benefits $50 Stagehand •
Quarterly E-Newsletter
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$100 ensemble
($60 tax-deductible) • New Benefit! Invitation for two to attend the Terrence McNally New Play Award Ceremony • Donor listing in Playwise performance programs • Voucher for two complimentary glasses of wine at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre Lobby Café
$250 StaR ($190 tax-deductible) •
New Benefit! Be a PTC Apprentice: Invitation for two to attend a back-stage workshop with special theatre insights from PTC’s production team. A great way to introduce the joy of theatre to a child or grandchild.
$500 impresario
($330 tax-deductible) • New Benefit! Invited Dress Rehearsal: See how it all comes together with your invitation for two to attend a special look-in at a PTC dress rehearsal • Invitation to attend PTC’s Season Celebration Party
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Preferred subscription seating Opening Night Cast Parties: An invitation for two to attend all PTC Opening Night Cast Parties (tickets to opening night performance not included) New Benefit! Annual Artists Circle Celebration Reception: Invitations for two to attend a special evening celebrating PTC and our most generous patrons. On The Boards Bi-Annual Newsletter
$1,000+ the artists circle make the biggest impact enjoy the closest access The Artists Circle is for our loyal patrons who share our passion for the very best theatre and artists. As a member of the Artists Circle, you will not only play a major role in our success, but you will also become a part of the close group of donors who call PTC home. For a complete list of Artists Circle benefits, visit PhilaTheatreCo.org/ donate/artistscircle.
Patron Enrichment Programs (PEP) that bring audiences closer to the artists they love
To make a difference through Theatre
Accessibility Programs that ensure that everyone has access to our productions and programs
Send your gift in the envelope inside this program, make a gift online, or call our office 215-985-1400 x117.
The cast of Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery with Executive Producing Director, Sara Garonzik, on Opening Night. Left to Right: Matt Zambrano, Adam Green, Crystal Finn, Sara Garonzik, Henry Clarke, Ron Menzel.
On December 4, 2015, we held an exciting Artists Circle Happy Hour event at The Rosenbach Museum and Library with Playwright Ken Ludwig. Artists Circle Members were treated to a Show and Tell of The Rosenbach’s Sir Arthur Conan Doyle collection, led by Associate Curator, Kathy Haas (right).
Great Support
Exclusive Access
Bill Irwin (center) after his performance of On Beckett with Howard (right) and Vesna Sacks (left), who graciously hosted the Artists Circle donor reception at the Symphony House Condominiums.
Playwright Ken Ludwig (right) with PTC Board Chairman, Jerry Riesenbach (center), and his wife, Cookie (left).
Photography by Paola Nogueras
ANNUAL FUND 2015-2016 Philadelphia Theatre Company is deeply grateful for the support it receives from the many generous individuals, corporations, foundations and government partners who contribute to the Annual Fund. For more information about PTC’s artists, productions, and programs, please call the Development Office at 215-985-1400 ext. 117. This list acknowledges donors as of January 8, 2016. The Artists Circle Where great theatre and great theatre friends meet Executive Producers Circle ($25,000+) David & Rhonda Cohen David & Nancy Colman Julia & Eugene Ericksen Victor Keen and Jeanne Ruddy Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Lenfest Daniel M. Ritt Suzanne F. Roberts Marcia & Ronald Rubin Harriet & Larry Weiss Alan & Janet Widra June & Steve Wolfson Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Producers Circle ($10,000 - $24,999) Marilyn & Robert Birnhak David & Linda Glickstein Glenn Gundersen and Susan Manix The Estate of Kenneth S. Kaiserman Sally Lyn Katz Tom Kirdahy Monika Krug Dale Penneys Levy and Richard Levy Directors Circle ($5,000-$9,999) Anonymous Dorothy J. del Bueno Alice L. George Jane & Joe Goldblum Tracy & Rick Burke John & Meredith Hanamirian Monika Krug Stephen J. McConnell Susan & James Meyer Jerry & Cookie Riesenbach Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott Elliot Schwartz James T. Smith & Debra Klebanoff Laura & Richard Steel Shel & Karen Thompson
Stephen & Rosalyn Weinstein Designers Circle ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous Dr. Peter H. Arger Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Block Linda & Jonathan Chorney Lee Ducat Lynn & Joe Manko Don & Lynne Rosenblit Christine Kanter David Lerman and Shelley Wallock Bettyruth Walter, PH. D. Playwrights Circle ($1,000-$2,499) Jim & Kim Balaschak Mr. Bernard Brownstein Teresa Gavigan and Larry Besnoff Sandra A. Bloch Arthur & Janice Block Louis Bluver John Clement Michael & Ellen Singer Coleman Brigitte F. Daniel, Esq. Esther Flaster Mr. and Mrs. Alan S. Fellheimer Sally Walker and Thomas Gilmore Henry & Sheila Gladstone Mr. Jack Hewes Tom & Wendy Hibberd William Lake Leonard Diane Cribbs & Arthur M. Mann Seymour Millstein Robin Palley Barbara Rice and Tina Phipps Mr. and Mrs. David B. Pudlin Esq. Maureen E. Pugh Noel Rosales and Vic Spain Sue Perel Rosefsky Vesna & Howard Sacks Kristen Phillips and Matt Schreck David A. Schwartz Bryna & Andrew Scott Mr. and Mrs. Richard Sheerr
Paul & Aviva Silberberg Gayle & David Smith Kathleen Stephenson, Esq. Barbara & Robert Tiffany Bernie & Marilyn Weidenaar PTC Performers Impresarios ($500-$999) Scott & Abby Applebaum Charlotte & Dirk Ave Jane & Peter Cohen Lynn & Don Haskin Marc & Susan Howard Geoffrey and Susan Kahn Bruce McKittrick and Wendy E. Wilson Paul Nutaitis and Robert Clark Chris & Cecelia Ross Patricia Saddier Neal & Sheila Schneider Mr. Leon C. Sunstein Jr. Tom & Jackie Zemaitis STAR PERFORMERS ($250-$499) Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Aaron Dr. Ronald Abraham Barbara Abrahams Dr. Victor & Arlene Adlin Ms. Tamica Allen Drs. Alice Hausman and Jesse Berlin Andrea Biondo Ms. Beverly M. Dotter Andrea & Alexander Ehrlich Mark Garvin Kenneth L. George Edwin & Judy Gerber Ron & Marcia Goldstein Joel Greenberg & Marcy Gringlas Paul D. Green Fred Hamilton and Jill Porter Fred & Beth Jacoby Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kleinman George F. Koch, Jr. & Santo A. DiDonato Jim & Nina Korsh
Seth & Ellyn Lehranne Dr. Joseph Lex Ms. Maryanne Lyons David S. Miller Mr. Cesar Orosco Avery Rome and Jeff Price Mary Jo Reilly Eric & Robin Settle James L. Smith Robert Taglieri and Timothy Moir Ensemble Performers ($100-$249) Anonomous (7) Alan Aarons Dr. Christina Ager Ms. Janet M. Andereck Robert & Betty Anderson Ann Auerbach Mrs. Liesel Baker Dr. William F. Barr Rochelle & Herbert Bass Robert & Sandy Clay Bauer Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Bernstein Esq. Ann & Tom Blackburn Mr. Jonathan Block Mr. Alvin Brothers David & Ann Brownlee Ms. Sarah Carmalt Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Carozza John & Teresa Cavenagh Scott & Nelly Childress Saul & Sandra Clair Matt & Barbara Cohen Mr. and Ms. Stephen D. Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Colter Darlene & John Cooke Rosalie Coombs Sharon Corbin Mr. and Mrs. Neil Courtney James D. Crawford and Judith Dean Mr. and Ms. John L. Culhane Jr. Dr. and Ms. John A. DeFlaminis Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Demarco Ellen Dooneief Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Dorsey Dr. & Mrs. William Douglass Susan J. Ellis Herbert Ershkowitz Sandy & Len Feldman Mr. and Mrs. H. Robert Fiebach Mr. Arthur Fields Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Fine
Mary Flournoy Philip Frank & Clifford Eyler David Furniss Ms. Phyllis Furst & Mr. Bill Davol Marjorie & Sidney Gable Bernardo C. Garcia, PhD Eva Ray and Suresh Ghosh Emilia DeMarco & James F. Giblin Dave & Sandy Gift Dr. and Ms. Alex Glijansky Joan Gmitter Sarita & Morris Gocial Dr. and Mrs. Allan Gold Bill Goldberg Mr. Milton Goldberg Toni Alperin Goldberg Judy & Joel Golden Mr. and Ms. Richard P. Goldman Stewart & Harriet Golen Ms. Brenda Goode Ms. Sandra S. Gordon Rick & Diane Graboyes Mr. and Dr. Marshal S. Granor Esq. Susan V. Greene Marsha Gross Elaine Hamilton Mr. Karl Hardman Ms. Mary Hardwick Sharon Harris Karen & Bruce Harrison Ms. Gail Hauptfuhrer Bob Hedley & Harriet Power Dr. Nancy Aronson and Mr. Mark Herring Terry Hirshorn Drs. Selina Luger & Michel Hoessly Mr. and Mrs. Millage Holloway Jr. John E. Holohan Dr. and Mrs. Marc R. Inver Keneseth Israel Ms. Carol B. Jessup Sandy & Richard Josephs Mr. Jeffrey Josephson Dr. Ernest & Mrs. Marcia Kahn Luci & Edwin W. Kane Rhena & Steven Kelsen Mr. and Mrs. David H. Kilmer Mr. Alan King Mr. Gary King Ms. Linda G. Kirshner Richard & Marcia Klafter Dr. & Mrs. David Koch Mr. and Mrs. Don Kramer Leslie & Marvin Kreithen
Selma & Goncer Krestal Mr. and Mrs. Harry Landrum Magdalyn Y. Lawton Mr. Daniel T. Lee Mrs. Ilene Lefko Joe & Virginia Leonard Harvey & Joan Levitan Ms. Deborah Levy Mr. Stuart Levy Terri Loring & Robert Margolies Ronnie & Larry Margel Jim & Cheryl Marple Dr. Frances G. Martin Dr. Rosalie Matzkin Ms. Barbara Maxwell Jim McCaffery Mr. Michael K. McClure Deborah McColloch & Charles Valentine Judith & Martin Miller Dr. and Mrs. Manley Mincer Mr. Richard Mitchell Mark & Laura Moffa Mr. and Dr. Brian Mohr Ms. Elizabeth Montserat Jeff & Maxine Morgan Ms. Susan Muller Mr. James R. Murray Jr. Kenneth and Susan Myers Larry and Stephanie Ness Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nissman Stuart & Carol Ockman David Pierson and Pamela Trimingham Mr. and Ms. Lanny Patten Ronald E. Powers Barbara Z. Presseisen Mr. and Mrs. F. Jerome Purcell Mr. Donal Quiring Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Rassas Mr. and Mrs. Michael Rathmill Mrs. Joyce Harwood Ratner Robert & Wanda M. Rauch Lorraine & Marvin Riesenbach George & Zara Roberts Cintra Rodgers Dulcie Romm Tony & Barbara Rooklin Joan & Joel Rosenbloom Sally & Edwin Rosenthol Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Rossio Bernard & Harriet Rothman Dan & Barbara Rottenberg Mr. and Ms. Harvey Rubin Lisette & Jerry Ruderman
Arlene D. Schaller Carl & Mary Ellen Schneider Dr. and Mrs. Daniel B. Schneider Kate & Stanley Schreiner Dr. Louis & Linda Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. David Scott Marilyn & Jerome Segal Bubbles Seidenberg Dr. Larry and Bonnie Seidman Antoinette F. Seymour Keith Shively and Thomas Williams Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shulman Morton Simon and Claudia Pine-Simon Anne C. Singer Mr. Israel Skolnick Peter & Susan Soraruf Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Spallone Judith Spiller Debbie & Gary Stahl Mr. and Ms. Paul Stark Lucille B. Stein Bette Steinberg Ethan and Patricia Stenger Robert Stern Barbara Barnett-Stewart & Robert Stewart Mr. Paul Stone Mr. and Ms. Jim Sumerson Nina E. Tafel Dr. and Mrs. John Taylor Mr. Blair Thompson Mr. Paul Tierney Tom & Joan Tropp Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Trudel Gaylen Uhlich
John R. Urofsky Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Vogel Norman Walker and Christine Shamborsky Linda & Alan Warshaw Thomas E. Watkins Dr. Charlotte C. & Carroll Weinberg Eileen Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. David Weinstein Mr. Peter Wellhofer Mr. and Mrs. Harold B. Wells Jr. Ms. Carolyn L. Whitaker Sherry Shamansky and Wallace Wing Ms. Anne Woodworth Gordon Yasinow Roger & Lillian Youman Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Zutz Gifts in Memory of
Susan Kaiserman From Joel Greenberg and Marcy Ginglas Kenneth and Susan Kaiserman From Jim and Nina Korsh Donald Stanley Wilf and in Honor of Dr. Peter Arger from Elaine W. Baer and Gloria A. Moskowitz Donald Stanley Wilf From Dr. Peter Arger Gifts in honor of
Michael Coleman From Leonard and Ellan Bernstein
Patsy Brandt From Dale and David Brandt
Elijah Dornstreich’s Birthday
Ginny From Mark Garvin
Monika Krug
Shep Goldberg From Toni Alperin Goldberg
Lois H. Meyers
Paul Hogan From Mark Garvin
Sonia Triester
Kenneth S. Kaiserman From Susan Balder
From Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott
From Mojdeh Keykhah
From Paul Stone
From Dr. Charlotte C. & Carroll Weinberg
Harriet and Larry Wiess From Herbert and Sissie Lipton
A legacy of theatre The aspirations of Philadelphia Theatre Company have always been fueled by the generosity of theatre enthusiasts from the region. The Visionary Society, named after the theatre’s founders, was formed to pay tribute to the special group of visionary supporters who have remembered Philadelphia Theatre Company in their wills or in other gift plans. When you join the Society you help ensure that PTC’s rich tradition of artistic excellence will be preserved for generations to come. If you have included PTC in your estate plans, please notify us. For more information regarding The Visionary Society and how to include PTC in your estate plans, please contact: Gina Range | Director of Institutional Advancement 215-985-1400, x115 | grange@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
Corporate Partners Let Philadelphia Theatre Company put your business in the spotlight. For more information about corporate memberships, sponsorships and in-kind support, please call 215.985.1400 x117 season Sponsors Center City Film and Video AKA PECO Corporate Sponsors ($25,000+) Lincoln Financial Foundation PECO LG Arts Marketing CRW Graphics Corporate partners ($5,000 - $9,999) Dranoff Properties, Inc. Republic Bank Sage Financial Group Cozen O’Connor Corporate members ($3,000 - $4,999) Samuel T. Freeman & Company Shamrock Clean Spring Garden Construction Company Wells Fargo Foundation Corporate gifts DoubleTree by Hilton, Philadelphia Center City Electronic Ink Firstrust Bank Masque Sound The Safegard Group Inc. Valley Green Bank
Matching Gifts Alliance Bernstein Bank of New York Mellon GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Matching Gifts Program Lincoln Financial Foundation Matching Gift Program Merck Partnership for Giving Sunoco Foundation UBS Employee Giving Program FOUNDATION SUPPORT Ann B. Ritt Charitable Foundation AYCO Charitable Foundation Chatham Foundation The Civic Foundation, Inc. The Charlotte Cushman Foundation Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation Dramatists Guild Fund Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award The Albert M. Greenfield Foundation The Hamilton Family Foundation The Eleanor M. and Herbert D. Katz Family Foundation Independence Foundation Knights Arts Challenge of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts-Education Fund Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater The Lida Foundation Lomax Family Foundation The Miller-Worley Foundation Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. Fund for Children of The Philadelphia Foundation The Suzanne F. and Ralph J. Roberts Foundation The Caroline J. Sanders Trust The Victory Foundation Archie D. & Bertha H. Walker Foundation June and Steve Wolfson Family Foundation The William Penn Foundation The Wyncote Foundation
Government SUPPORT Philadelphia Theatre Company receives State arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a State agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Philadelphia Theatre Company is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Philadelphia Theatre Company gratefully acknowledges the support of the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.
This list acknowledges donors as of 1/8/16 PTC strives for accuracy in its donor listings. If there is a misprint or your name has been inadvertently omitted, please call 215.985.1400 x117
A special thanks to Sally Katz and David Price for their generous donation for the lobby improvements in the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
Contact the development office: 215.985.0420 x117
ANNUAL
MAY 6, 2016 honoring
Chairs k a r e n a n d s h e l t h o m p s o n
P H IL A DE L PHIA THEATRE COMPANY at the
For more information, please contact The Development Department 215-985-1400 x 117 gala@philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
Major GiftS Philadelphia Theatre Company is grateful to the following major donors for their foresight in helping us in achieving a bright future. It is because of their commitment, goodwill and continued generosity that PTC has grown to become one of the finest theatres in the region. Thank you!
$1,000,000+
$50,000 to $99,999
Suzanne F. and Ralph J. Roberts
Dorothy J. del Bueno Sue Perel Rosefsky** Harriet & Larry Weiss Alan and Janet Widra
$100,000 to $999,999 Dr. Peter H. Arger* David and Nancy Colman Julia & Eugene Ericksen The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation The Kaiserman Family Kaiserman Company, Inc. Victor Keen and Jeanne Ruddy H.F. and Marguerite Lenfest The Miller Worley Foundation Daniel M. Ritt William Penn Foundation
$20,000 to $49,999 Tracy and Rick Burke Alice L. George Estate of Ellis K. Ginsberg Patricia Imbesi Sally Lyn Katz Monika Krug Dale Penneys Levy & Richard Levy
Susan & James Meyer Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott Ann B. Ritt Charitable Foundation Ronald and Marcia Rubin Bryna and Andrew Scott James T. Smith and Debra Klebanoff June and Steve Wolfson Family Foundation *The Peter Arger and Donald Wilf New Play Fund **Kenneth S. Kaiserman Fund for Artistic Excellence This list acknowledges major gifts from 1/01/10 through 1/8/16
*The Peter Arger and Donald Wilf New Play Fund ** Kenneth S. Kaiserman Fund for Artistic Excellence
Capital Campaign Contributors 2004-2009
Philadelphia Theatre Company applauds these major donors for their generous support of the campaign to help bring Philadelphia Theatre Company and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre to the Avenue of the Arts.
LEAD DONORS
Aileen K. and Brian L. Roberts
The Arcadia Foundation
Diane and Douglas A. Roberts
Marilyn and J. Robert Birnhak
Sue Perel Rosefsky
City of Philadelphia
Lisa S. Roberts and David Seltzer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Anita and Terry Steen
The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation The Kaiserman Family
Shel and Karen Thompson U.S. Airways Community Foundation
THE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY PATRONS Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Tracy and Rick Burke Citibank Michael M. Coleman David and Nancy Colman Dorothy J. del Bueno
Harriet and Larry Weiss
Roberta and Carl Dranoff
Alan and Janet Widra
Ernst & Young
Suzanne F. and Ralph J. Roberts
THE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY BENEFACTORS
Donna and Barry Feinberg
Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, Inc.
Ken and Edna Adelberg
Independence Foundation Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest
June and Steve Wolfson The William Penn Foundation
THE FOUNDERS CLUB
Valla Amsterdam Beatrice Fox Auerbach Foundation Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Beneficia Foundation
Debbie and Bob Fleischman Matt and Marie Garfield Teresa Gavigan and Larry Besnoff Hamilton Family Foundation Independence Blue Cross
Blank Rome LLP
Eleanor M. and Herbert D. Katz Family Foundation
The Comcast Family
Connelly Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Maher
Cozen O’Connor
Will and Lucille Daniel
The Dietrich Foundation
Sir David Bruce Duncan and Lady Deana Pitcairn Duncan
Richard and Alice Norman Mandel
Catherine Roberts Clifton and Anthony A. Clifton
Linda and David Glickstein Daniel B. and Florence E. Green Family Foundation Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A at the recommendation of Carole Haas Gravagno Mr. and Mrs. Jon Harmelin KieranTimberlake Associates Monika Krug Richard and Dale Levy Kim and Rob Roberts The Fulcrum Foundation Lincoln Financial Foundation Susan and James Meyer
Frank and Barbara Osinki
Samuel S. Fels Fund
PNC
Otto Haas Charitable Trust #2 at the recommendation of Leonard C. Haas
Don and Lynne Rosenblit
Sally Lyn Katz
Neal and Sheila Schneider
The Lida Foundation
Shire Pharmaceuticals
Jerry and Cookie Riesenbach
James T. Smith and Debra I. Klebanoff
Carol Saline and Paul Rathblott Bryna and Andrew Scott
Kenneth M. Rutherford
Laura and Richard Steel
Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams, Jr.
Tracey B. Weiss and William I. Goldberg
Leslie MIller and Richard Worley
Special thanks to our many other donors.
THE HARD PROBLEM
Tom Stoppard directed by Blanka Zizka January 6 – February 6, 2016 by
“A rich, ideas-packed work that offers a defense of goodness whatever its ultimate source.” – The Guardian
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AN OCTOROON
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Joanna Settle March 16 – April 10, 2016 by
Sarah Gliko aS hilary Photo by
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JuStin Jain, JaMeS iJaMeS, ed Swidey Photo by
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Philadelphia Theatre Company Productions Key Code
All productions are Philadelphia premieres unless otherwise noted. v
World Premiere
l
Co-Production
n
East Coast, Professional or American Premiere
m
Production moved on to NY or other regional theater.
the Suzanne Roberts Theatre
(2007 - Present) 2015 - 16 DISGRACED by Ayad Akhtar KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY ON BECKETT Written & performed by Bill Irwin 2014 - 15 DETROIT by Lisa D’Amour OUTSIDE MULLINGAR by John Patrick Shanley MOTHERS AND SONS by Terrence McNally l brownsville song (b-side for tray) by Kimber Lee MURDER FOR TWO Book & Lyrics by Kellen Blair, Book & Music by Joe Kinosian 2013 - 14 4000 Miles by Amy Herzog m NERDS Book & Lyrics by Jordan Allen-Dutton and Erik Weiner, Music by Hal Goldberg nl TRIBES by Nina Raine Vanya and sonia and masha and spike by Christopher Durang Colin quinn unconstitutional 2012 - 13 mvSTARS OF DAVID book by Charles Busch adapted from book by Abigail Pogrebin, Various composers THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall SEMINAR by Theresa Rebeck l VENUS IN FUR by David Ives LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WORE A collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, Based on the book by Ilene Beckerman 2011 - 12 red by John Logan The Scottsboro boys music and Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb book by David Thompson nthe outgoing tide by Bruce Graham reasons to by pretty by Neil LaBute 2010 - 11 the 25th annual putnam county spelling bee book by Rachel Sheinkin
Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage Music and lyrics by William Finn vmSome Men by Terrence McNally RACE by David Mamet LET ME DOWN EASY 2004 - 05 Written and performed by Anna Deavere Smith Trumbo by Christopher Trumbo mvBella: the color of love with Bill Irwin by Theresa Tova and Mary Kerr The Story by Tracey Scott Wilson RUINED by Lynn Nottage Elegies: A Song Cycle by William Finn Colin Quinn: Long Story short Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg 2009 - 10 Humor Abuse by Lorenzo Pisoni and Erica Schmidt The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel mvGolden Age by Terrence McNally mvRed Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins by Margaret Engel & Allison Engel Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson Chicago’s the second city 50th
2003 - 04 Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks Nickel and Dimed by Joan Holden vAccording to Goldman by Bruce Graham The Goat Or, Who Is Sylvia? by Edward Albee
2008 - 09 mvUnusual Acts of Devotion by Terrence McNally 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother by Kate Moira Ryan & Judy Gold Resurrection by Daniel Beaty At Home at the Zoo by Edward Albee Grey Gardens book by Doug Wright, Music by Scott Frankel, Lyrics by Michael Korie vthe city of nutterly love co production with Chicago’s The Second City
2001 - 02 Dinner With Friends by Donald Margulies nThe Infidel by Bruce Norris The Play About the Baby by Edward Albee Barbra’s Wedding by Daniel Stern
anniversary tour
2007 - 08 vBeing Alive music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, conceived and directed by Billy Porter M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang Third by Wendy Wasserstein vThe Happiness Lecture by Bill Irwin plays & Players theater (1982 - 2007) 2006 - 07 nMurderers by Jeffrey Hatcher The Frog Bride by David Gonzalez mvNerds://A Musical Software Satire by Jordan Allen-Dutton, Erik Weiner, music by Hal Goldberg lIn The Continuum by Danai Gurira & Nikkole Salter Orson’s Shadow by Austin Pendleton 2005 - 06 vmAdrift in Macao book & lyrics by Christopher Durang, music by Melnick Ben Franklin: Unplugged by Josh Kornbluth in collaboration with David Dower After Ashley by Gina Gionfriddo
2002 - 03 Fully Committed by Becky Mode King Hedley II by August Wilson The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown vmA Picasso by Jeffrey Hatcher
2000 - 01 mCompleat Female Stage Beauty by Jeffrey Hatcher vmNo Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs by John Henry Redwood This Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and Members of the Tectonic Theater Project 1999 - 00 lDinah Was: The Dinah Washington Musical by Oliver Goldstick vWhite People by J.T. Rogers Wit by Margaret Edson Side Man by Warren Leight 1998 - 99 How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel vmLives of the Saints by David Ives Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde by Moisés Kaufman The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh 1997 - 98 Full Gallop by Mark Hampton and Mary Louise Wilson Minutes from the Blue Route by Tom Donaghy A Question of Mercy by David Rabe nmBirdy by William Wharton, adapted by Naomi Wallace
Philadelphia Theatre Company Productions 1996 - 97 vmBunny Bunny by Alan Zweibel Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel lSylvia by A.R. Gurney Seven Guitars by August Wilson 1995 - 96 Three Viewings by Jeffrey Hatcher I Am A Man by Oyamo Broken Glass by Arthur Miller Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrence McNally 1994 - 95 All in the Timing by David Ives Keely and Du by Jane Martin The Woods by David Mamet vmMaster Class by Terrence McNally 1993 - 94 Sight Unseen by Donald Margulies The World Goes ‘Round by John Kander and Fred Ebb n“2” by Romulus Linney Night Sky by Susan Yankowitz 1992 - 93 Prelude to a Kiss by Craig Lucas Mountain by Douglas Scott with Len Cariou vTiny Tim is Dead by Barbara Lebow Lips Together, Teeth Apart by Terrence McNally 1991 - 92 National Anthems by Dennis McIntyre Miss Evers’ Boys by David Feldshuh nLady-Like by Laura Shamas vmNagasaki Dust by W. Colin McKay 1990 - 91 Speed-the-Plow by David Mamet The Cocktail Hour by A.R. Gurney with Celeste Holm nPill Hill by Samuel Kelley 1989 The Middle of Nowhere songs by Randy Newman and Tracy Friedman 1988 - 89 Elaine’s Daughter by Mayo Simon The Voice of the Prairie by John Olive Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune by Terrence McNally Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet Hannah Senesh by Lori Wilner and David Schechter adapt: of Senesh diaries Avner the Eccentric with Avner Eisenberg 1987 - 88 vlStauf by Eric Saltzman and
Michael Sahl co-produced with the American Music Theater Festival Orphans by Lyle Kessler nSouthern Exposure: Sister and Miss Lexie by Eudora Welty, adapt. by Brenda Curran; and From The Mississippi Delta by Endesha Ida Mae Holland vmHospitality by Allan Havis Out! by Lawrence Kelly First fully-mounted production 1986 - 87 Williams & Walker by Vincent D. Smith vlCitizen Tom Paine by Howard Fast with Richard Thomas, co-produced with The Kennedy Center Days and Nights Within by Ellen McLaughlin As Is by William M. Hoffman 1985 - 86 Painting Churches by Tina Howe lSplit Second by Dennis McIntyre. Co-produced with Freedom Theatre. Original commissioned from Grover Washington, Jr. Great American Sideshow: One Acts by Romulus Linney, Alan Zweibel and Robert Pine Extremities by William Mastrosimone 1984 - 85 Terra Nova by Ted Tally Geniuses by Jonathan Reynolds To Gillian On Her 37th Birthday by Michael Brady Fool for Love by Sam Shepard 1983 - 84 Getting Out by Marsha Norman True West by Sam Shepard Strange Snow by Steve Metcalfe Fifth of July by Lanford Wilson 1982 - 83 Wings by Arthur Kopit Lone Star/Laundry & Bourbon by James McLure Final Passages by Robert Schenkkan Dylan Thomas by Jack Aranson with Jack Aranson 1981 - 82 When You Comin’ Back, Red Ryder by Mark Medoff The Vietnamization of New Jersey by Christopher Durang Nuts by Tom Topor various theatres (1975 - 1981) 1980 - 81 The Rimers of Eldritch by Lanford Wilson
Alice Through The Looking Glass company developed by Lewis Carroll Hooters by Ted Tally Jesse and the Bandit Queen by David Freeman Getting Out by Marsha Norman 1979 - 80 Streamers by David Rabe vThe Insanity of Mary Girard by Lainie Robertson The Emperor Jones by Eugene O’Neill vDementia 80 by Don Steele 1979 Ashes by David Rudkin vThe Exhibition by Thomas Gibbons vSome of My Best Friends are Women by Don Steele and Edward Earle 1978 The Seagull by Anton Chekhov The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie by Albert Innaurato vThe Persecution of Eugene Waterman by Louis Lippa vThe Final Concert Tour of Mickey Colossus by Peter Mattaliano A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare vCenter City Soap by Dorothy Louise 1976 - 77 vThe Lion and the Lamb by Joseph Orazi vFuture Tense by John Sevcik vThe Keeper by Karolyn Nelke 27 Wagons Full of Cotton by Tennessee Williams vMars by Clay Goss She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith (Theatre in the Court) Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Theatre in the Court) 1976 vMarlowe by John Yinger Rain by W. Somerset Maugham, adapted by Colton and Randolph vThe Crossing/As I Lay Dying A Victim of Spring by David Rabe & Leslie Lee vThe Three Daughters of M. Dupont by E. Brieux, translation by Pauline Jones Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (NewMarket)
1975 The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice Sargeant Musgrave’s Dance by John Arden vBetween Now and Then by Leslie Lee
about our THEATRE The Suzanne Roberts Theatre, designed by Kieran Timberlake Associates, is owned and operated by Philadelphia Theatre Company and is the Company’s first permanent home. PTC is proud that the creation and development of its home, in partnership with Symphony House Developer, Carl Dranoff, has become a model for civic redevelopment - one that capitalizes on the ability of the arts to reinvigorate districts for residential and commercial revival. The space is contemporary, elegant, and urbane, and features a 160’ double-height glass facade on the Avenue of the Arts. The interior is defined by a uniquely warm and sculptural, 365-seat main stage auditorium with a proscenium arch of interlocking leather tiles, a spacious and contemporary mezzanine, and a planned 100-seat, flexible second stage for new play development, intimate performances, and educational programming. Our stage house significantly enhances our ability to respond to the most imaginative visions of our creative teams with its spacious wings, soaring fly gallery, and trapped stage. The Theatre offers a full range of public amenities with an on-site box office, an ample amount of public rest rooms, a concession stand, and multiple lobbies designed for patron comfort and engagement with the City, visible through large expanses of glass. The grand staircase leads from the main floor to the double-height mezzanine lobby. The Theatre’s contemporary, universal design makes it one of the country’s most accessible performing arts venues and supports one of PTC’s core values to ensure that our artistry is accessible to everyone in our community.
about suzanne Roberts Philadelphia Theatre Company is honored to name its home after Suzanne Roberts--actress, playwright, director, educator, producer, and philanthropist. For more than 40 years, Suzanne has been a leading champion of the Philadelphia theater community. An actress by training, Suzanne has engaged as an artist in meaningful public service with projects as diverse as performing in dramas to inspire the purchase of war bonds during World War II to national appearances in plays discouraging racism and alcoholism. Demonstrating the breadth of her artistry, Suzanne has performed on many stages throughout our region in plays from Shakespeare to A.R. Gurney. She has also performed in a variety of media including radio and television and is well known to audiences as the creator and host of the Emmy AwardWinning Seeking Solutions with Suzanne. One of Suzanne’s lifelong passions has been using theater to improve the lives of young people. Through the Suzanne Roberts Cultural Development Fund, she has supported the outreach work of theater and dance companies in sharing their creativity with school children and young adults. Portrait of Suzanne Roberts by Alan Kole. Photo of Mainstage of Suzanne Roberts Theatre, home of Philadelphia Theatre Company, by Mark Garvin
2015/16 board of directors E. Gerald Riesenbach, Esq., Chairman David L. Cohen, Vice Chairman Elliot Schwartz, President Julia Ericksen, Ph.D., Executive Vice President David L. Colman, AIA, Vice President Glenn Gundersen, Vice President
Victor F. Keen, Vice President John M. Hanamirian, Treasurer Brigitte F. Daniel, Secretary Sara Garonzik Teresa Gavigan Sally Lyn Katz Tom KirdahyA Monika Krug Dale Penneys Levy Priscilla M. Luce
Stephen J. McConnell Terrence McNallyA James M. Meyer, CFA Donald Rosenblit, Chairman Emeritus Carol Saline James T. Smith, Esq. Harriet Weiss Alan Widra
Members Emeritus Joanne Harmelin Sheldon L. Thompson Bettyruth Walter, Ph.D. Tracey Weiss, Ph.D.
A
denotes Arts Board member
former board presidents Donald Rosenblit William F. O’Donnell Monika Krug Cheryl Green Bernard A. Weidenaar Sheldon L. Thompson
Kenneth Kaiserman* Robert Greenfield* Thomas M.S. Wheelock Lewis C. Ross Carole Phillips* John Friedman
E. Gerald Riesenbach, Esq. Michael M. Coleman Priscilla M. Luce
*deceased
PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY STAFF LEADERSHIP Executive Producing Director Sara Garonzik Executive Managing Director Priscilla M. Luce
House Managers Aaron Bell, Alison Carter, Ben Coppolla, Arlen Hancock, Randi Hickey, Antoine Jones, Jarrett McCreary, Jennifer MacMillan, Jack Tamburri, Sara Totora
artistic/ programming staff Literary Manager & Dramaturg Carrie Chapter Director of Education Maureen Sweeney Manager of Education and Community Programs Will Dennis Teaching Artists Anthony Adair, Madison Auch, Christina Binder, Raven Buck, Jarrett McCreary, Ah-Keisha McCants, Lee Minora, Griffin Stanton-Ameisen, Michael T. Williams
Production staff Director of Production Roy W. Backes Production General Manager Bridget A. Cook Production/Operations Manager Matthew F. Lewandowski II Assistant Director William Steinberger Assistant Stage Manager Annie Halliday Assistant Lighting Designer Ben Fichthorn Carpentry/Rigging Supervisor Paul Hewitt Props Master Jeffery Bazemore Production Electrician Terry Smith Sound Supervisor Daniel A. Little Lighting Supervisor Alyssandra Docherty Utility Stagehand Jay Wojnarowski Wardrobe Supervisor Maxine Johnson Lighting Programmer Uel Bergey Custodians Marvin Smith, Dorene Hobbs
administrative staff Manager of Board & Administrative Services Sharon Kling Director of Institutional Advancement Gina Range Development Manager Jessica Pasquariello Development Associate Kait Finegan Prospect Research Assistant Laini Clunes Business Manager Caroline Gu Business Associate Anju Straub Director of Marketing Tom Thompson Sales Director Carol Flannery Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator Christina Mastrull Marketing Associate Alison Carter Audience Services Manager Kristen Norine Venue Services Manager Danielle Commini Publicist Deborah Fleischman Audience Services Coordinator Alexander Rioh Audience Services Supervisor Erin Washburn Audience Services Associates Jarrett McCreary, Hannah Sandler, Jane Sorensen
casting Casting Associate Lauren O’Connell Casting Assistant Anna Ciamporcero Special thanks 12th Street Gym Enterprise Rent-a-Car; Melanie Hazzard, Prospect Park, PA Branch Manager Lorenzo Raval Violinist Scenery Built by Upstage Right Productions