The Tattooed Lady Playwise

Art by Paul E. Jeffrey

FALL 2022

Welcome to Philadelphia Theatre Company and the world premiere of The Tattooed Lady! We couldn’t be more thrilled to open our tenure as PTC’s new artistic directors with this bold and exciting new musical. Thank you for being here!

First, a bit about us: our names are Taibi Magar and Tyler Dobrowsky, and in addition to being a married couple, we are both theater directors, producers, and teachers. Taibi is an Obie Award-winning Egyptian American director whose work has been seen here in Philadelphia (Underground Railroad Game) and in New York (Is God Is at Soho Rep, The Great Leap at the Atlantic, the award-winning revival of Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 at the Signature). Her work has also been seen across the country as well as internationally. Tyler has spent the past ten years at Trinity Rep, a Tony Award-winning theater located in Rhode Island, as their associate artistic director and director of new play development, where he oversaw their artistic, education, and community engagement initiatives. As director of new play development, he commissioned a number of plays by some of the best writers in the country, including Jackie Sibblies Drury, Philly’s own James Ijames, Whitney White, and Lauren Yee.

At PTC, we hope to expand the theater’s new play development processes, restart its education programs, and continue to build mutually beneficial relationships with the Philadelphia community. It’s both an honor and a responsibility to run an arts organization in such a culturally rich, vibrant city like Philly. We are profoundly humbled and grateful, and are simply over the moon to start at PTC.

And what an opening act! There couldn’t be a better bridge from Paige Price’s successful tenure as artistic director to our own. Paige commissioned this musical a few years ago, and with the help of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage has triumphantly brought it to Philadelphia, featuring music by Max Vernon (who’s musical, KPOP, is on Broadway) and book by Erin Courtney (one of the best playwrights in the country) and directed by the wonderful Ellie Heyman. And starring Obie-award winner Jackie Hoffman! What an all-star cast and crew!

We hope you enjoy the show, and continue to return to PTC for the rest of this season and beyond. Exciting things are happening at PTC – we hope you’ll be a part of it!

Taibi & Tyler

PS:

We know what art can do — how it can change perspectives, and even change lives. That’s why the PNC Foundation developed PNC Arts Alive, a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative that supports the arts in local communities. Through this initiative, we continue to challenge visual and performing arts organizations to put forth their best, most original thinking while expanding audience participation and engagement. Because when art thrives, everybody benefits. To learn more, go to pncartsalive.com

On behalf of the board at PTC, welcome to our 2022-23 Season. This season marks the fifteenth anniversary of the Suzanne Roberts Theatre and an exhilarating transition for PTC as we welcome a brand new duo of co-artistic directors. However, none of this would be possible were it not for you, our audience. It is your continued support that sustains our work at PTC and makes our commitment to bold, innovative works a true labor of love.

Theatre is more than the action on the stage; it is an experience of gathering, of communicating, of seeking to understand one another rather than succumbing to that which divides us. It is a testament to the enduring power of empathy in an age when genuine connection, at times, feels scarce; a power that brings us, night after night, to the theatre together.

It is this power that ignites our excitement for the inauguration of Taibi Magar and Tyler Dobrowsky – forward-thinking theatremakers with a focus on community – as our new co-artistic directors. It is this experience that sets the theatre abuzz over the world premiere of Max Vernon and Erin Courtney’s musical The Tattooed Lady, Ana Nogueira’s timely pharmacological thriller Empathitrax, or Jeffrey Page’s triumphant return to direct for Lady Day. It is this experience that makes PTC’s dedication to uplifting bold, innovative, human stories deeply inspiring to so many, including myself.

It is my pleasure to serve as the chair of Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Board of Directors and to represent PNC bank which, through PNC Arts Alive, supports a vibrant and diverse arts community in Philadelphia. This year, PNC Arts Alive serves as the sponsor of 10Tix, making $10 tickets available to every performance for individuals, community groups, and organizations, ensuring that our work is able to reach all who inspire us. I am proud to bring my passion and support to this cornerstone of Philadelphia’s theatrical landscape, and I am grateful to share it with all of you.

Thank you for being here today – for storytelling, connecting, and sharing with all of us, and for supporting the work of Philadelphia Theatre Company. We are grateful for your presence, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

Sincerely, Gary A. Deutsch

Managing Chief Counsel, PNC Bank Chair, Philadelphia Theatre Company

“The Tattooed Lady” was a sideshow act that reached its peak between 1880-1910. At a time when women weren’t allowed to expose their ankles, Tattooed Ladies such as Irene Woodward, Nora Hildebrandt and Maud Wagner exhibited their fully inked bodies in circuses and sideshows across America. Whereas most sideshow performers were born with medical abnormalities, The Tattooed Lady is one of the only selfmade freaks.

Each of these women railed against societal norms in order to live authentically. Each paved the way for the next to live a little more fully. In this moment when the push and pull of social progress feels particularly acute, we are inspired by their legacy. After all, as Rebecca Solnit says, “Liberation is contagious.”

Ellie Heyman

We recognize and acknowledge that the Suzanne Roberts Theatre stands on the Indigenous territory known as “Lenapehoking,” the traditional homelands of the Lenape, also called Lenni-Lenape or Delaware Indians. These are the people who, during the 1680s, negotiated with William Penn to facilitate the founding of the colony of Pennsylvania. The Lenape diaspora includes five federally recognized nations in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Ontario. Pennsylvania is one of only a few Eastern states that does not recognize any native tribes.

Here is a local organization you can support: wearetheseeds.org Learn more by visiting The Lenape Nation of PA Cultural Center in Easton, PA.

SPECIAL THANKS

Scott Adkins

Simone Allen

Christopher Ash

Madeleine Foster Bersin

Emma Feiwel

Allison Fifield

Michael Finkle

Seth Glewen

Leah Hamos

Ashlin Hatch

Christopher Kramaric Marty Muller

Nancy Muller

Chris Peak

Paige Price

Imani Russell

Ida Machado Schaffer

Lucille Scott

Ben Tilley

Sylvia Vernon Prideful Cosmetics

Our Volunteer Ushers

All of the amazing actors and singers who read and sang on Zoom and in person as we developed the piece Anika Chapin and the Goodspeed Opera House

Kathy Evans and Rhineback Writers Retreat

Emily Morse and the Frederick Loewe Musical Theatre Initiative at New Dramatists

Shanta Thake and Joe's Pub Jay Wahl and the Kimmel Center

Additional support for The Tattooed Lady provided by Gary Deutsch & Susan Dornstein Dr. R.J. Wallner

Joseph J. Buches

Artistic Director & Conductor presents

Kim Blanck | Maud Wagner is thrilled to be in Philadelphia with The Tattooed Lady! Kim originated the role of Karly in the World Premiere of Dave Malloy’s OCTET at the Signature Theatre in 2019 and reprised her performance this spring at Berkeley Rep. Other New York and regional credits include Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Alice by Heart (MCC), Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of Twelfth Night (Shakespeare in the Park), and Dave Malloy’s Moby-Dick (A.R.T.). Onscreen, she can be seen in Call Jane, the independent feature Friday Afternoon, “WeCrashed,” “Dr. Death,” and “New Amsterdam.” Training: BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch, MFA in Acting from UC San Diego. (she/her/hers) @kblanck

Ashley Pérez Flanagan | Imagena Gibson Broadway: Freestyle Love Supreme; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Off-Broadway: Oratorio For Living Things, (Ars Nova); Freestyle Love Supreme, (Ars Nova); In The Green, (LCT3); The Lucky Ones, (Ars Nova); Hadestown, (NYTW); In Love With Jobim, (York Theatre.) Regional: Life After (Goodman Theatre) A Crossing, (Barrington Stage Company), Moby-Dick, (A.R.T.), The Great Comet of 1812, (A.R.T.), Prometheus Bound, (A.R.T.), Evita, West Side Story, The Sound of Music. Select workshops: The Connector (JRB project), Cowboy Bob, NYSF; The Seeker, (Public Theater). Concerts: Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below. Film: The Kitchen. Ashley is a Lucille Lortel nominated actor and a member of the band Moondrunk.

O’Connor

Jackie Hoffman | Ida Gibson is best known for her Emmy-nominated role of ‘Mamacita’ from FX’s “Feud: Betty and Joan,” Jackie Hoffman can currently be seen in HULU’s “Only Murders in the Building” and Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She will next be seen in Netflix’s “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” and “You Are SO Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah!” and Paramount +’s “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.” Hoffman’s numerous credits include Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “The Politician,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Girls,” “The Good Wife,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” In film, Hoffman has appeared in memorable roles including Birdman, Kissing Jessica Stein, The Sitter, Garden State, and Mo’ Money. On Broadway, Hoffman has co-starred in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, On The Town, The Addams Family, Xanadu and Hairspray. Her show “Jackie Hoffman: Live from Joe’s Pub” is available on CD.

Maya Lagerstam | Joy Gibson just finished up at NYSAF and Williamstown Theater Festival performing in Most Happy in Concert directed by Daniel Fish. Prior to that she wrapped the movie musical 1660 Vine directed by Patricia McGregor and choreographed by Paula Abdul and in Indianapolis workshopping a new musical by Zack Zadek. Favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wiz, Maria in The Sound of Music, Belle in A Christmas Carol, Juno/ Miranda in The Tempest. NY audiences have seen Maya in concerts at the Green Room 42, National Sawdust, and Feinstein’s/54 Below. She is a proud Interlochen Arts Academy/Camp alum and UMN/Guthrie BFA graduate @mayalagerstam

Anthony Lawton | Bob Baxter has acted in Philadelphia for thirty years. Favorite roles include George in Of Mice and Men (Walnut); “man” in Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (1812); and Friar Laurence in Romeo and Juliet (Arden). In 2005, Lawton’s original play, The Foocy, garnered five Barrymore nominations (including Best New Play). In 2017, Lawton’s musical adaptation of The Light Princess won the Barrymore for Best Original Music. The Philadelphia City Paper named him the city’s “Best OneMan Theatre” for his solo productions of The Devil and Billy Markham, The Great Divorce and The Screwtape Letters. www.anthonylawtonactor.com

Anastacia McCleskey | Trixie Richardson is excited to make her debut at the PTC. Recently starred as Celie in The Muny’s The Color Purple, in NY Times Critic pick Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Barrington Stages, as JO in the world premiere of Afterwords the Musical at The 5th Ave Theater, Sophie, Mrs. Greer, & Perkins in ANNIE LIVE on NBC, Dotty in the B’way Revival of Caroline or Change, and Nurse Norma in Waitress. Recurring on NBC’s New Amsterdam as Dr. Phylicia Elder & on CBS’s The Good Fight as Opal. She’s been featured in 7 broadway hits, 1 West End hit, a few off broadway hits, tons of regional theater, & sung w/ & back-up for many artist. Started a Podcast Them 3 Podcast with her brothers during the shut down. Nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, an Alliance Award , & an Audelco Award. Is the creator of #hellobeautifulspirits. Thank You God! www.anastaciamccleskey.com

Sophia Ramos | Jean Carroll is an award winning Rock n Roll singer/ songwriter. Her hard rock band Sophia’s Toy signed to Sony/Epic Records and toured extensively. Sophia was named “Best Undiscovered Artist” by VH1, and was awarded the Abe Olman Excellence in Songwriting from The National Academy of Popular Music. She has collaborated with the likes of Metallica’s Jason Newstead, Joey Ramone, performed with an incredible variety of artists, a few include Rod Stewart, Government Mule, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jefferson Starship, Jeff Buckley, Soundgarden and Big Brother and The Holding Company. Sophia is a veteran live and studio vocalist and voiceover artist whose talents you’ve heard in countless commercials and jingles. Theater work includes PARTY PEOPLE created/ produced by UNIVERSES Directed by Liesl Tommy. She went on to work with Liesl Tommy in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth, and Huntington Theater production of Top Girls. Live From The Edge UNIVERSES, City Theatre Pittsburgh.

Jessie Shelton | La Belle Irene is a NYC based performer and creator who is thrilled to be making her Philadelphia theatre debut with PTC and The Tattooed Lady team! Recent Highlights: Hadestown (OBC, NYTW), Waitress (1st Nat’l tour), Conflict (Mint Theater), Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical (Le Poisson Rouge), Futurity (Soho Rep/Ars Nova). Film: Feast of the Epiphany. Podcast: Shipworm, Orbiting Human Circus of the Air, 36 Questions: The Podcast Musical. Massive thanks to the team at Wolf Talent Group & major gratitude to M&P, M&K and the kiddos, fiancé Matt and our fur baby Willow. More info at jessieshelton.com

Grace Slear | Lady Viola New York City based artist Grace Slear most recently celebrated their Broadway debut in Jagged Little Pill in which they understudied the role of Jo. Grace’s theatrical credits also include Urleen in Kennedy Center’s Footloose directed by Walter Bobbie, the Stephen Brackett led New York workshop of Reefer Madness, and developmental readings of new musical A Girl and a Boy Dance by Marshall Pailet. As part of performing arts training organization Broadway Dreams, Grace has served as an international Teaching Associate, having been mentored by their many industry leaders including Founder Annette Tanner and Emmynominated choreographer Spencer Liff.

Katie Thompson | Nora Hildebrandt was last seen on Broadway as Aunt Eller in Daniel Fish’s Oklahoma, the world premiere of Renascence by Carmel Dean and Dick Scanlan, and R.R.R.E.D. a Secret Musical, which she composed. Other roles include: Vashti in Giant by Michael John LaChiusa, The Witch in the world premiere of Big Fish by Andrew Lippa, and Doctor Madden/Fine in Marcos Santana’s Next to Normal at The Westport Country Playhouse. In addition to her musical theater discography, Katie’s solo albums have been featured on “So You Think You Can Dance” and can be found on iTunes. Instagram/Twitter handle: @katiethompsonkt

Erin Courtney | Book Erin Courtney is an award winning, New York playwright. Her play, A Map of Virtue, produced by 13P and directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, was awarded an Obie and nominated for a GLAAD Award. Courtney’s play I Will Be Gone, directed by Kip Fagan, premiered at Actors Theater of Louisville. Her new play, Ann, Fran, Mary Ann, is a Playwrights Horizons commission and is published by 53rd State Press. She has written two operas with Elizabeth Swados, The Nomad and Kaspar Hauser. Five of her plays have been produced by Clubbed Thumb, including Alice the Magnet and Demon Baby. She is an alumnus of 13P, New Dramatists, MacDowell, the Core Writer group at the Playwrights’ Center, and the Working Farm at Space on Ryder Farm. She was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2013. She earned her MFA in playwriting at Brooklyn College, her BA from Brown University, and she is an assistant professor in the Department of Radio/Television/Film at Northwestern University.

Max Vernon | Book, Music, Lyrics & Orchestrations is 3 time Drama Desk nominee, Out100 Honoree, 2 time MacDowell Fellow and recipient of the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Richard Rodgers Award, Jonathan Larson Grant, Pew Arts and Culture Grant, New York Stage and Film's Founders Award, New York Foundation of the Arts Fellowship, and the JFund Award from the Jerome Foundation. Their musicals include The View UpStairs, The Tattooed Lady, Show & Tell, and KPOP, which will open on Broadway this November at Circle in the Square. www.maxvernon.com insta: @frauleinsallybowels

Ellie Heyman | Co-Developer & Director is a director of theater and film. Recent credits include: THE GREAT WORK BEGINS: Scenes from Angels in America featuring Glenn Close and Brian Tyree Henry (Drama League Award; NYT Best of 2020); MCC’s Space Dogs; Eschaton (PGA Award Nomination for Innovation); (Still) Asking For It (The Public Theater); A$AP Rocky's Lab Rat, Jason Craig & Dave Malloy’s Beardo (Drama Desk Nomination; Pipeline Theater), Erin Markey’s Boner Killer (Under the Radar), Becca Blackwell's They, Themself and Schmerm (Under the Radar); THIS (Bessie Nomination for Outstanding Production; NYLA), ThisTree (PROTOTYPE Festival, Here Arts); The Traveling Imaginary with Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel) rated "Top 5 shows of the year" by NPR; music-fiction podcast The Orbiting Human Cirus (of the Air) featuring Tim Robbins and John Cameron Mitchell, rated #1 on Apple Podcasts and downloaded over 5 million times, and the "cult classic" Dreamboy (Night Vale Presents). She is a graduate of Northwestern University and Boston University, and a Drama League and WP Theater Time Warner Directing Fellow Alumni. ellieheyman.com

Mayte Natalio | Choreographer is from Queens, New York by way of Dominican parents. Mayte trained at LaGuardia High School Arts and SUNY Purchase (BFA). Theater choreography credits include The Winter’s Tale (DTC/ Public Works), Runaways (NYU) Into The Woods (Barrington Stage Company), Measure for Measure (The Public Theater/ Mobile Unit 2019), Love in Hate Nation (Two River Theater), Hair (The Old Globe), La Hora Santa written, directed and choreographed by Mayte for Ars Nova’s Vision Residency, Kiss My Aztec (Hartford Stage), and How To Dance In Ohio (Syracuse Stage). Broadway: Associate Choreographer, For Colored Girls… Mayte is co-founder of the immersive events production company MinuteZero

Lex Liang | Scenic & Costume Designer Currently playing: Vietgone (SD, Guthrie), Emma (SD/ CD, Playmaker’s), Private Lives (SD, St. Louis Rep). Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way: 100+ productions, including The Acting Company’s Romeo & Juliet, currently on tour. Regional: Actor’s Theatre Louisville, Alliance Theatre, Asolo, Cleveland Playhouse, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Dallas Theatre Center, Denver Center, Geva, Guthrie, La Jolla, Long Wharf, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Playmaker’s Rep, Portland Center Stage, St. Louis Rep, Syracuse Stage, Woolly Mammoth, many others. Lex is the founder and principal of LDC Design Associates, an experiential event design and production company in NYC. Recent projects/ clients include Absolut Vodka, Operation Smile, Ubuntu Pathways, The Kardashians, The Tony Awards Gala, NYFW, NYWFF, William Hill, Invesco, and others. www.LexLiang.com / www. LDCdesign.com

Mary Ellen Stebbins | Lighting Designer is based in New York City, collaborations include work with MCC Theater, Shakespeare Theater Company, Opera Philadelphia, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as Theresa Rebeck, Clare Barron, A$AP Rocky, Adrienne Truscott, Monica Bill Barnes, and eighth blackbird. Mary Ellen is a 2020 Bessie Award Honoree for her work with Monica Bill Barnes’ Days Go By and a 2016 Henry Hewes nominee for her design for Clare Barron’s I’ll Never Love Again. She is a 2019 Opera America Tobin Director-Designer Prize recipient, a 2014 Live Design Young Designer to Watch, the 2011 USITT Barbizon Lighting Design Award winner, and a 2009 Hangar Theater Lab Company Design Fellow. Mary Ellen holds an AB from Harvard University and an MFA from Boston University. She is a member of USA 829 and currently teaches at Carnegie Mellon School of Drama.

Nevin Steinberg | Sound Designer PTC: Nerds. Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Tony nomination), Hadestown (Tony award), Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Freestyle Love Supreme, The Cher Show, Bandstand, Bright Star, It Shoulda Been You, Mothers and Sons, Rodgers+ Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Tony nomination), The Performers, Magic/Bird. Over thirty other Broadway productions with Acme Sound Partners and five additional Tony nominations: The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Fences, Hair and In The Heights.

Jason Hayes | Wig & Makeup Designer is a 2016 & 17’ Drama Desk Award Nominee for Outstanding Wig & Hair Design for his work on The Legend of Georgia McBride & The View Upstairs. Hayes was the Hair Supervisor for The Present starring Cate Blanchett. Broadway Theatrical design credits: Casa Valentine, The Realistic Jones’s, Spring Awakening, Blithe Spirit, 13 The Musical & Radio City Christmas Spectacular for 10 years. TV Credits: “Imoredcai”, “The Rise of Hollywood”, “The Mysteries of Laura”, “Smash”, “Hostages”, “30 Rock”, “Mercy”, “Gossip Girl”, “SNL”. Selected film credits: Transamerica, Camp, The Savages & Party Monster. Celebrity clients: Cate Blanchett, RuPaul, Angelica Huston, Debra Messing, Toni Colette, Dylan McDermott, Felicity Huffman, Jennifer Hudson, Liza Minelli, Sean Hayes, Josh Lucas, Megan Fox, Antonio Banderas, Mary Stuart Masterson, Cherry Jones, Angela Lansbury, Laura Linney, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Macauley Culkin, Marilyn Manson, Harvey Fierstein, Paul Rudd, Patrick Stewart, T.R Knight.

Rodney Bush | Music Director Selected Music Direction: The Loophole (The Public Theater); Split (The Transport Group) The Storyteller (The Public Theater); Darling (Le Poisson Rouge); Hair (Schaeberle Theater); Xanadu (Schaeberle Theater); American Idiot (Schimmel Theater); Young Frankenstein (Theatre by The Sea). International: The Trojan Women (Hera, London) Educational: Kiss of the Spider Woman; Urinetown; I Love You, Because; The Mystery of Edwin Drood; Rocky Horror Picture Show; Zombie Prom; Ragtime; Songs for a New World. Music Supervisor/Arranger: Eva Noblezada; Eden Espinosa; Nick Adams; Adam Kantor; Zeniba Now; Carmen Cusack; Claybourne Elder (various across US). @rodneybush

Sarah Lunnie | Dramaturg Broadway: Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me (also NYTW, Clubbed Thumb); Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2 and Hillary and Clinton; Bess Wohl’s Grand Horizons. Off-Broadway: Jeff Augustin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Sea, featuring original music by The Bengsons (Manhattan Theatre Club); Out of Time (NAATCO/ The Public); Anne Washburn’s Shipwreck (The Public, Woolly Mammoth); Hnath’s The Thin Place (Playwrights Horizons); and, with The Mad Ones, Mrs. Murray’s Menagerie (Ars Nova) and Miles For Mary (Playwrights, the Bushwick Starr). Regional: Humana premieres of Hnath’s The Christians and Death Tax; Mona Mansour’s The Hour of Feeling; and Charles Mee’s Under Construction, made with SITI Company, among many others. Digital/Audio: Christopher Chen’s The Podcaster (Audible); Telephonic Literary Union’s Human Resources (Woolly Mammoth, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); The Bengsons’ Sovereignty Hymns (La Jolla Playhouse). Sarah is the Senior Dramaturg of the Public Theater.

Adam John Hunter | Stage Manager is making his PTC debut with this season’s opener The Tattooed Lady. He was the Production Stage Manager on Broadway for Mrs. Doubtfire, The Encounter, Bronx Bombers, Relatively Speaking, Rock of Ages, Sweeney Todd, and A Catered Affair, also for the world premieres of the The Exorcist, Moulin Rouge, and August Rush. He has been the PSM for over 20 Encores! productions at New York City Center. He lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn with his wife and two kids who are waaaay smarter than he is.

Christine D’Amore | Stage Manager

Broadway: Mrs. Doubtfire, The Color Purple, Les Misérables, 20 productions at New York City Center Encores! Other credits include The Public Theater, Shakespeare in the Park, Lincoln Center Theater, Signature Theater, Berkeley Rep, and more.

Matthew Melchiorre | Assistant Stage Manager has been touring the country for the past seven years with Steve Martin and Martin Short. Broadway credits include The Light in the Piazza, The Frogs, All Shook Up, Coram Boy and several others. Matthew has worked with NY City Center Encores! and Off-Broadway for Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, Primary Stages and New York Theatre Workshop and in regional theatre for Westport Country Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Paper Mill Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Baltimore CENTERSTAGE and Two River Theatre. Matthew has also spent some time with the New Jersey Symphony and teaching at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Matthew has been an Actors' Equity Member since 2003.

Paige Price | Creative Producer is a NYC-based producer, director and arts leader. After artistic director stints at Philadelphia Theatre Company and Theatre Aspen, she launched her new company Paige Price Productions in 2022, to develop and produce work for the commercial and non profit theatre.

BOX OFFICE HOURS

Between Productions: Monday-Friday 12pm-6pm Saturday-Sunday Closed

During Productions: Monday-Sunday 12pm-30 min after curtain

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE & OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCE

Saturday, November 19 @ 2:00pm

For audience members who are blind or have 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.

For audience members who are d/Deaf, hard-ofhearing or 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

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.

ASL PERFORMANCE

Thursday, November 17 @ 7:00pm

PTC offers American Sign Language Interpretation by certified interpreters (from Hands UP) for select performances. American Sign Language Interpretation-designated seat locations are on the right orchestra side of the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. If you would like to discuss accommodations and accessibility in our facilities, please reach out to Patron Services Supervisor, Angel Chasco at achasco@ philatheatreco.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The use of photographic/recording devices is strictly 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.

FACILITY RENTALS

Vince Karlen, Rental Manager 215.985.1400 x104, or vkarlen@philatheatreco.org

GROUP SALES

For groups of 10 or more please email audienceservices@philatheatreco.org

VOLUNTEER OR HOUSE MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer usher, reach out to Patron Services Supervisor Angel Chasco at achasco@philatheatreco.org.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is located at SEPTA Bus Stop ID# 15190 for Bus routes 4, 27, & 32 (on the southbound side of Broad Street). You can also access the theatre from the BSL at the Lombard/South Station by exiting towards Lombard. PATCO stations at 12/13th and 15/16th are approximately 0.4 miles from the theatre. SEPTA Suburban and Jefferson Regional Rail stations are approximately 1 mile from the theatre.

PARKING

Parking is available at the Symphony House Garage by reserving ahead of time. Additional parking can be found across the street at 417 S Broad Street; or at the Parkway Avenue of the Arts parking garage. Please note: there is limited street parking available near the theatre, and is not guaranteed.

RESTROOMS, ELEVATOR, WATER FOUNTAINS

RESTROOMS are located on the orchestra level of the theatre and 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 restrooms.

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.

Philadelphia Theatre Company’s membership lets you indulge in the art you love. Become a member and be the first to know about events, exclusive discounts, and unique opportunities designed to bring you behind the scenes - all while supporting Philadelphia’s vibrant arts community. Join, renew, or give a membership and experience a year of theatre up close.

ARTISTS CIRCLE

Make

$1,000

→ Two Flex Tickets to use throughout the 2022-23

→ Increased Ticket Discount of 20%

→ Opening Night Tickets: Invitation for two individuals - be there when the curtain rises on opening night all season long (excluding The Tattooed Lady Opening Night Gala)

→ Artists Circle Salon & Receptions: Unique gatherings of theatre makers and theatre lovers

→ Invitation to Final Dress Rehearsals: See how it all comes together with your invitation for two to attend a special look-in at PTC dress rehearsals

→ Access to Theatre-Focused Day Trips with PTC Leadership (additional cost)

$2,500

→ Four Flex Tickets to use throughout the 2022-23 Season

→ Invitation to a Tech Rehearsal: Sit and watch the cast, crew, and design teams working together to realize their visions

→ Invitation to Sitzprobe: Join us for a very special moment in the life of a musical - the first time a cast and orchestra unite to make music together

$5,000

→ Spotlight Sponsor: PTC is proud to dedicate a performance of your choosing in your honor (excluding Opening Nights)

→ Invitations to First Rehearsal or Design Presentation: Participate in an exclusive theatrical tradition, a firstday opportunity to meet the cast and crew, and hear the inside scoop at a production’s first rehearsal

→ Priority Booking Priority Booking for all PTC Theatre Trips

$10,000

→ Honorary Producer: Receive special recognition as an Honorary Producer on a production of your choice

→ Private Dinner with PTC Leadership

→ Personal Onstage Photograph

→ Free Parking in Theatre building

→ Personal Concierge Service: Have direct access to your own concierge hotline – your exclusive connection to meet all your theatregoing needs.

Philadelphia Theatre Company is deeply grateful for the support we received from the many generous individuals, corporations, foundations and government partners who contribute to PTC. This list acknowledges donors from September 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022.

DONORS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

$100,000+

Rhonda & David L. Cohen

PRODUCERS

$10,000-$24,999

Michael & Christine Angelakis Dennis Bianchi & Jan Schaeffer

David & Nancy Colman

Gary Deutsch & Susan Dornstein Julia & Eugene Ericksen

Frederic R. Coudert Foundation Alice L. George Linda & David Glickstein

Glenn Gundersen & Susan Manix John Hanamirian

Marjorie & Jeffrey Honickman

Sally Katz & David Price

Stephen McConnell

Vibhat Nair & Jing Wang

Gayle & David Smith

Laura & Richard Steel Shel & Karen Thompson

Jeffrey & Jenifer Westphal Alan & Janet Widra

ARTISTS CIRCLE

$5,000-$9,999

David & Hallee Adelman John Alchin & Hal Marryatt

Kia Buckner, CPA Tracy & Rick Burke

Michael & Emily Cavanagh

Stephanie B. Fineman, Esq

Greg & Holly Flanagan

Teresa Gavigan & Larry Besnoff

Geoffrey & Susan Kahn

Monika Krug*

John Kuester III & Harper Seldin

Wendy Macdonald

Daryl & Ellen Morey

Jerry & Cookie Riesenbach

Ryan Schrader

Elliot Schwartz

Robert Victor & Alexandra Edsall Dave & Ellen Watson

$2,500-$4,999

Susanna Lachs Adler & Dean Adler Joseph & Laura Atkinson

Eric & Sue Baelen Arthur & Janice Block Larry Ceisler & Lina Hartocollis Mark & Iris Coblitz

Mr. & Mrs. Steve G. Filton Jane & Joe Goldblum Drew & Rachel Katz

Lawrence & Mary Kent Leonard & Susan Klehr

Dale Penneys Levy & Richard Levy Matthew Massaua Helen & David Pudlin Greg & Marcy Rost Dave & Marcia Scott

Paul & Aviva Silberberg

The Robert V & Judith A Spires Charitable Giving Fund Manny & Kellie Stamatakis Nevin Steinberg & Paige Price Joe & Carolyn Torsella Tom Wirtshafter & Carol Marks

$1,000-$2,499

Anonymous Dr. Peter H. Arger Mark & Judi Aronchick Kristin & John Bair David & Loraine Breidinger Craig Carnaroli Susan & Walter Cohen Michael & Ellen Singer Coleman John & Carol Culhane Kristine Dankenbrink Bob & Lisa Eatroff Henry & Sheila Gladstone Norman Goldberger Jane & Alan Greenspan

The Estate of Gary Grob Ric & Mindee Harris Steve & Ellen Harris Stephen & Judith Kastenberg Peter Kiriacoulacos Mary & Justin Klein Richard & Michele Kunis Richard Labowskie & Marilyn Sanborne Charisse R. Lillie Michael Mallee Arthur Meckler & Donna Cooper Ralph Muller

Bernadine Munley, Esq. Celestino & Annette Pennoni

Alan Ritterband

Don Rosenblit

Lawrence & Rita Salva Paulette Singleton

George Smith

Bettyruth Walter, PH. D. Stephen & Rosalyn Weinstein

Tony Werner

F. John White, II

S. Christopher Scott & Dalila Wilson-Scott June & Stephen Wolfson

PERFORMER’S CIRCLE $500-$999

Ann Auerbach Greg & Debbi Butz

Danielle Cohn Jim Rappaport & Karen Daroff Matthew Dickman John H. Erickson & Harry I. Zaleznik S. David Fineman

Phyllis & Howard Fischer Ms. Margaret C. Hallenbeck Bill Hooker & Mark Eichelberger Marcien Jenckes & Sabrina Cellarosi

Julie Laine

David Lerman & Shelley Wallock

William Loeb

David S. Miller

Tammy Murphy

Jerome Napson

Robin Palley

Barbara Plumeri

Vesna & Howard Sacks

Patricia Saddier

Carol Saline & Paul Rathblott Ned & Nancy Scharff

Beth Burrel & David Sorensen Richard Speizman & Faith Horowitz

Wayne Spilove

Stanley & Velma Tilley Dr. R. J. Wallner

Lisa Washington

$250-$499

Dr. Victor & Arlene Adlin

Anonymous (2)

Kathleen Brooks

Elaine Axelman & Jere Eisenstat

Stanton Brown

David & Ann Brownlee

Edward Chew

Dr. Sharon Dailey

Bill & Sally Dordelman

Dave & Jacqueline Faust

Mr. & Mrs. H. Robert Fiebach

Charles Gaglia & Sheila Dyan

Margaret Green

Thomas Hickey

Mr. & Mrs. Millage Holloway Jr.

Peter Intermaggio Anne & Craig Jorgensen

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Katz

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kleinman Malcolm & Brenda Lazin

Todd Levin & Andre Beckett

Joe Manko

Elizabeth Montserat

Natalie Nixon

Dr. Donna-Marie Peters

Joel & Roberta Porter

Janet Perry & David Richman

Neal & Sheila Schneider Bob & Didi Scott

Leslye Silver

Morton Simon & Claudia Pine-Simon Kathleen Stephenson, Esq. Carl & Terri Weiner

Rebecca Yang

$120-$249 Anonymous (3)

Ina Asher

Cecily Banks Mark & Linda Baum

Cari Feiler Bender & Rodd Bender

Robert & Ilene Blain

Mr. Jay Blossom

Janice Burley

John & Teresa Cavenagh Norman & Suzanne Cohn

George Condos

Dr. & Ms. John A. DeFlaminis

Mrs. Sharon A. Dennison

Lois & John Durso

Elliot Footer

Gardner Friedlander

Sidney & Joyce Gamburg

Professor Janet-Lynn Garrabrant

Ms. Janet Golup

Rick & Diane Graboyes Marshal & Tamar Granor Ms. Susan Grater

Susan V. Greene

Neil Hamburg, Esq. Sharon Harris Richard Hausch & Jeffrey Renninger Peggy Hawkins

Bob Hedley & Harriet Power Madeleine Henderson Nick Hislop John E. Holohan David Howe

Ms. Mary P. Hugues Mr. David Ingram & Ms. Melanye D. Finister Marlene & Bernard Jacobs Karl Janowitz & Amy Goldman Christina Kind

Margaret Klein

Robert & Dona Krall David Ladov Rebecca M. Landes Gerry Lantz & Jean Fisher Jeanette Leff

Joe & Virginia Leonard Michael Levitan Natalie Levkovich Emiko Levy

Diane Rurode & James Lord Jane Lowe

Arnold Lurie Shirley Malitz Judith Mann Larry & Lorraine McClain Mr. Michael K. McClure Dr. Alan M. Mendelsohn & Ms. Mindy S. Shapiro Richard E. Mitchell Mr. James R. Murray Jr. Lawrence & Paula Ninerell Clara Parker Bohdan Pazuniak Cara Petonic

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Rathmill Joyce & Tim Ratner Mariana Reyes Justin Romeo Ellyn Rosenfeld Dan & Barbara Rottenberg D'Arcy & Tamás Rudnay Arlene D. Schaller

Ms. Ann E. Schilling Jennifer Schranz, M.D. Dr. Louis & Linda Schwartz Tom Sherman & Nancy Middlebrook Anne C. Singer John Spitters

Mr. & Ms. Paul Stark Robert Stern & Mary Ellen Weber Ivan & Etta Szeftel Patricia Tahan Charles Tarr & Roy Ziegler

Jeffery & Miriam Tucker

Deborah McColloch & Charles Valentine

Joseph & Jane Vardaro

James Weygandt

Carolyn L. Whitaker

Howard Wiener & Rose Cheney

Gregg Wolff

Kuna & Sam Yankell

Barrie & Gene Zenone

GIFTS IN MEMORY/HONOR

In memory of Donald Stanley Wilf Dr. Peter Arger

In honor of Paige Price Leslye Silver Sally Katz & David Price

In honor of Elliot Schwartz Paul & Aviva Silberberg

In honor of Lisa Washington Natalie Nixon Rebecca Yang

Sustaining Supporters Sara Allen

Bernard & Joyce Gelman Mr. Daniel T. Lee

Jeanette Leff Ms. Jacqueline Pearlman Mariana Reyes Robert & Rita Siegle

Nevin Steinberg & Paige Price Amy Wilson

*Deceased

Suzanne Roberts (1921-2020)

Philadelphia Theatre Company is honored to name its home after Suzanne Robertsactress, playwright, director, educator, producer, and philanthropist. For over 40 years, Suzanne was a leading champion of the Philadelphia theater community. Suzanne engaged as an artist in meaningful public service with projects as diverse as performing in dramas to inspiring the purchase of war bonds during World War II to national appearances in plays discouraging racism and alcoholism. She performed on many stages in plays from Shakespeare to A.R. Gurney and in a variety of media including radio and television. Suzanne is known to audiences as the creator and host of Emmy Award-Winning Seeking Solutions with Suzanne. One of her lifelong passions was using theater to improve the lives of young people. Through the Suzanne Roberts Cultural Development Fund, she supported the outreach work of theater and dance companies in sharing their creativity with school children and young adults. (Photo by Alan Kole.)

The Suzanne Roberts Theatre, designed by Kieran Timberlake Associates, is owned and operated by Philadelphia Theatre Company. 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 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, public restrooms, a concession stand, and multiple lobbies designed for patron comfort and engagement. The Theatre’s contemporary 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.

FALL SERIES

“vividly appealing, highly individual

LEADERSHIP

Gary A. Deutsch, Chair

Vibhat Nair Ph.D., Vice-Chair

Dr. Donna-Marie Peters, Secretary

John M. Hanamirian, Treasurer

Kristin Bair Kia Buckner, CPA, CGMA David L. Colman, AIA Tyler Dobrowsky, Co-Artistic Director

Stephanie B. Fineman, Esq. Elliot I. Griffin

Glenn Gundersen Regina Hairston Sally Katz

Daphne Klausner John Kuester III Taibi Magar, Co-Artistic Director Stephen J. McConnell Daryl Morey

E. Gerald Riesenbach, Esq. Ryan Schrader Elliot Schwartz Judy Spires Emily Zeck, Managing Director

ARTISTIC ADVISORY BOARD

Daryl Roth

Harold Wolpert

MEMBERS EMERITUS

Sara Garonzik, Executive Producing Director Emeritus

Sheldon L. Thompson Tracey B. Weiss

IN MEMORIAM

Monika Krug (1944-2022)

The Philadelphia Theatre Company Board of Directors and staff honor the life and service of Monika Krug.

Monika served on Philadelphia Theatre Company's Board of Directors for 23 years, joining the theatre during the landmark 1994-95 Season. Always kind and supportive but never afraid to speak her mind, she was a tireless advocate for the arts and for PTC specifically. She frequently championed initiatives for the stage and behind the scenes, including taking on an instrumental role in the building of the theatre we now call home. Beyond her dedication to PTC and her community, she was fiercely devoted to her husband George, whom she loved deeply.

Monika was born in Germany and came to the USA as an adult to serve as an executive at Henkel Corp. of America. She studied English and French at Heidelberg University and received her MBA from Columbia University. We remember Monika for her decades of service, and for her leadership, friendship, and support. We are honored to have played a role in her remarkable life, and the memory of her kindness and her sharp intellect continue to inspire us.

Monika, wir sehen uns im Theater. Auf wiedersehen. Monika, we will see you at the theatre. Goodbye.

Don Rosenblit, President Emeritus Carol Saline

FOUNDATIONS

$250,000+

The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage Suzanne Roberts Cultural Fund

$100,000-$249,999

The William Penn Foundation

$50,000-$99,999

The Wyncote Foundation

$10,000-$49,999

Ann B. Ritt Charitable Foundation

Frederic R. Coudert Foundation

The Lida Foundation

The Saramar Charitable Fund

Shubert Foundation

$1-$9,999

Actors’ Equity Foundation

Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation

The Civic Foundation

Dolfinger McMahon Foundation Independence Foundation

National Alliance for Musical Theatre

Virginia Brown Martin Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation

Government

PTC 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.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage or The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Tyler Dobrowsky | Co-Artistic Director previously worked at Trinity Rep as their Associate Artistic Director, and while there he commissioned a number of writers, such as George Brant, Jackie Sibblies Drury, Miranda Rose Hall, James Ijames, Whitney White, and Lauren Yee, co-founded YASI, Trinity’s summer camp for young people, and, working with Rhode Island Latino Arts, developed a free, bilingual, mobile theater program, Teatro en el Verano. Favorite directing credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Little Shop of Horrors, Into The Breeches at Trinity, Macbeth in Stride at A.R.T.; The Big Meal and Morality Play at the Gamm; Capsule for The Public. He has taught at BU, Brown, NYU, Rhode Island College, and a number of other universities.

Taibi Magar | Co-Artistic Director is a graduate of the Brown MFA program. NY credits include: Help (The Shed), Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Signature Theatre, Lortel-winning) Capsule by Whitney White and Peter Mark Kendall (The Public Theater) Blue Ridge starring Marin Ireland and The Great Leap starring BD Wong (Atlantic Theater); Is God Is (Soho Rep, 2018 Obie Award;) and Underground Railroad Game (Ars Nova). She premiered the new musicals Macbeth In Stride and We Live In Cairo at A.R.T.. She is developing the commercial theatrical adaptation of Wonder by Jill Furman (book by Bess Wohl, music and lyrics by A Great Big World). Regional: CTG, Woolly Mammoth, Alley Theatre, The Guthrie, and Seattle Rep, among others. International: Hamburg Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Malthouse Theatre (Melbourne), and Soho Theatre (London). She received an Obie Award in 2018 and the SDC Breakout Award in 2019. Taibi has taught at University of the Arts, Juilliard, NYU and Brown.

Emily Zeck | Managing Director joined PTC as Managing Director in 2017. She began her theatre management career by producing Off-Off-Broadway, and subsequently joined Theatre Aspen as their Managing Director. She has held management positions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a Broadway general management company, and New York Stage and Film. She is currently serving as Treasurer of Theatre Philadelphia and teaches theatre management at University of the Arts. Emily holds an MA and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.