Performances Magazine San Diego | The Old Globe, August 2024
SCAN TO ACCESS DIGITAL
can you hear it now? the sound of your inner voice no longer on mute
The whispering wind through the bamboo forest, the crunch of your boots on miles of private hiking trails, the deep exhale after a day of fitness for mind, body, and spirit, the irrepressible sigh of a massage every day. The ring of your inner voice calling you back. It’s all inside.
P1 Program
Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes, donors and more.
6 In the Wings
Henry 6 at The Old Globe; Derecho at La Jolla Playhouse; A Weekend with Pablo Picasso at New Village Arts; La Jolla Music Society’s SummerFest; Gary Clark Jr. (pictured) in concert at The Rady Shell; and more.
12 Feature: Museum Spotlight on The Nat
Originally founded in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park, aka The Nat, celebrates its 150th anniversary.
18 Dining
Where to dine in August, including Le Coq (pictured: the house-made baguette with caviar butter); BASTA!; Ember & Rye; and more.
32 Parting Thought
Performances’ new program platform for shows and concerts can be accessed from any digital device
NATURE LOVERS, SINCE 1874.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
OCTOBER 19
OCTOBER
PUBLISHER
Jeff Levy
EDITOR
Sarah Daoust
ART DIRE CTOR
Carol Wakano
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Glenda Mendez
PRODUCTION ARTIST
Diana Gonzalez
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Stephanie Saad Thompson
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Kerry Baggett
ACCOUNT DIRE CTORS
Walter Lewis, Liz Moore
Jean Greene
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Christine Noriega-Roessler
BUSINESS MANAGER
Leanne Killian Riggar
MARKETING/ PRODUCTION MANAGER
Dawn Kiko Cheng
DIGITAL PROGRAM MANAGER
Audrey Duncan Welch
DIGITAL MANAGER
Lorenzo Dela Rama
Contact Us
ADVERTISING
Kerry.Baggett@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
WEBSITE
Lorenzo.DelaRama@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
CIRCULATION
Christine.Roessler@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
HONORARY PRESIDENT
Ted Levy
BIG SHOWS AT THE SHELL
AUGUST IS PACKED with a diverse lineup of talented musicians at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Among our favorites, Jason Mraz and The Superband stop by on Aug. 11 for “The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride,” performing with the San Diego Symphony. On Aug. 15, 12-time Grammy winner John Legend delivers “a night of songs and stories” with the Symphony— including selections from his most recent release LEGEND; as well as his greatest hits such as “Ordinary People” and “All of Me.”
Gary Clark Jr. takes the stage on Aug. 24; the four-time Grammywinning R&B guitarist and singer is known for hit songs like “Please Come Home” and “Come Together.” Pink Martini shakes things up Aug. 25; the “little orchestra” joins the Symphony as part of the group’s 30th anniversary tour. Maestro Rafael Payare conducts the Symphony in the last classical concert of its 2024 Summer Season on Aug. 30: the Tchaikovsky Spectacular. The evening’s repertoire includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 and Violin Concerto— closing out with his iconic 1812 Overture and a fireworks display. 222 Marina Park Way, embarcadero, 619.235.0804, theshell.org
From left: John Legend; Pink Martini
Hitting High Notes in La Jolla
SHOWCASING DOZENS OF exceptional musicians across 21 performances, the 38th annual La Jolla Music Society SummerFest returns, July 26-Aug. 24 at The Conrad. Architected by Music Director Inon Barnatan, SummerFest sees the return of many popular artists as well as many debuts, who will perform in The Baker-Baum Concert Hall and The JAI. Catch performances by James Ehnes, Augustin Hadelich, Stefan Jackiw, Alexi Kenney, Tessa Lark, Blake Pouliot, Masumi Per Rostad, Jay Campbell, Sterling Elliott, Alisa Weilerstein, Simone Porter, Joyce Yang, Anthony McGill, Kronos Quartet’s Paul Wiancko and more. Making their SummerFest debuts are conductors Jonathan Cohen and Ludovic Morlot, the Brandee Younger Trio, Dan Tepfer, The Paper Cinema, vocal group VOCES8 and others. Thomas Adès returns as SummerFest’s Composer-in-Residence. 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla, 858.459.3728, theconrad.org
Clockwise from top: The Conrad; Inon Barnatan; Anthony McGill; Simone Porter.
SHAKESPEARE TO PICASSO
THE OLD GLOBE becomes only the 11th theater in the U.S. to complete Shakespeare’s entire canon with its world-premiere adaptation and staging of Henry 6
Adapted by Barry Edelstein (who also directs) into a thrilling two-part event, Henry 6 is The Old Globe’s largest Shakespeare production in the theater’s history—staged in repertory at its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Don’t miss One: Flowers and France, through Sept. 14; and Two: Riot and Reckoning, through Sept. 15. theoldglobe.org
At the La Jolla Playhouse through Aug. 18, the world-
premiere drama Derecho centers on two sisters—one a politician and the other, a struggling musician—who find their relationship put to the test as a series of intense thunderstorms crackle around them. lajollaplayhouse.org
Based on the writings of the legendary artist, A Weekend with Pablo Picasso opens on Aug. 12 at New Village Arts, running through Sept. 3. Herbert Siguenza wrote and stars in this one-man production, taking us inside Picasso’s studio for the weekend—tasked with creating six new works by Monday morning. newvillagearts.org
The Old Globe’s cast for Henry 6
MUSEUMS
Pictures, Politics & Pop Culture
NOW ON VIEW, The San Diego Museum of Art presents two new exhibits. Learn about one of the most pivotal artists in 20th-century
American photography via Garry Winogrand, Man of the Crowd. Garry Winogrand (1928-1984) shot hundreds of thousands of pictures over his lifetime—known for his ability to move among crowds, capturing historic moments, particularly of the 1960s and 1970s. Get to know political cartoonist and painter William Gropper (1897-1977) in William Gropper: American Agitator. The artist was known for satirizing American political life’s injustices;
this exhibit comprises many of his sketches, which began in 1934 of the Senate. sdmart.org At the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, the new “blast from the past” exhibit Stars, Cars & Guitars details the evolution of the modern surf era from 1958 to 1965, aka the “golden age” of surfing. Peruse poignant photography, period surfboards, iconic record albums, fashion artifacts and memorabilia that catapulted surfing into popular culture pertinence. surfmuseum.org
From top: an archived photo from Stars, Cars & Guitars at California Surf Museum; “The Informer” by artist William Gropper.
150 the nat at
Founded in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum Marks a Momentous Milestone by STEPHANIE
WHEN YOU REACH your 150th birthday and you’re going stronger than ever, it’s only natural to throw yourself a big party and invite absolutely everyone.
That’s exactly what the San Diego Natural History Museum, aka The Nat, is doing to celebrate its sesquicentennial (150 years) this summer. From new exhibits, to extended hours, to a new T. rex film, to Nat at Night every Friday, to hands-on
SAAD THOMPSON
The Nat’s exterior; butterflies in the Unshelved exhibit.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 6:30-10:00PM
activities on weekends, The Nat is rolling out just as many ways to join the celebration as there are types of visitors.
The Nat is one of California’s oldest cultural and scientific institutions, founded in 1874 by a small group of citizen scientists when the entire population of San Diego was just 3,000 people. These nature enthusiasts formed the San Diego Society of Natural History with the goal of discovering and recording new species; discussing the latest innovations in the study of nature; disseminating information to the public; and contributing to the study of the San Diego region that was still in its formative stages.
“We were founded by four amateur scientists who had a curiosity about nature,” says Judy Gradwohl, The Nat’s president and CEO. “They
The Fossil Mysteries exhibit
each had separate collections and got together to compare them; and decided they wanted to learn more about San Diego’s natural environment. Their first field trip was from downtown to Point Loma, and it took them all day.”
The Nat is the oldest scientific institution in Southern California, and hosts 8 million specimens and an active research and conservation arm; in addition to putting on programs and exhibitions.
Over the years, the Museum has been instrumental in several important nature efforts, including protecting Torrey pines; leading expeditions in Baja California; developing Anza-Borrego Desert State Park; pioneering modern-day whale-watching (which led to conservation efforts); participating in the research that put an /CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Velour: A Drag Spectacular is part memoir, part manifesto, and a modern coming-of-age tale inspired by Sasha’s own origin story and the history of Drag, directed by Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Project, Here There Are Blueberries). Expect dramatic reveals, high camp, sumptuous couture, an irresistible soundtrack, and a visually magical pop-art universe.
Welcome to The Old Globe and this production of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B. Our goal is to serve all of San Diego and beyond through the art of theatre. Below are the mission and values that drive our work. We thank you for being a crucial part of what we do.
OUR MISSION
The mission of The Old Globe is to preserve, strengthen, and advance American theatre by: Creating theatrical experiences of the highest professional standards; Producing and presenting works of exceptional merit, designed to reach current and future audiences; Ensuring diversity and balance in programming; Providing an environment for the growth and education of theatre professionals, audiences, and the community at large.
OUR VALUES
The Old Globe believes that theatre matters. Our commitment is to make it matter to more people. The values that shape this commitment are:
TRANSFORMATION
Theatre cultivates imagination and empathy, enriching our humanity and connecting us to each other by bringing us entertaining experiences, new ideas, and a wide range of stories told from many perspectives.
INCLUSION
The communities of San Diego, in their diversity and their commonality, are welcome and reflected at the Globe. Access for all to our stages and programs expands when we engage audiences in many ways and in many places.
EXCELLENCE
Our dedication to creating exceptional work demands a high standard of achievement in everything we do, on and off the stage.
STABILITY
Our priority every day is to steward a vital, nurturing, and financially secure institution that will thrive for generations.
IMPACT
Our prominence nationally and locally brings with it a responsibility to listen, collaborate, and act with integrity in order to serve.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We are making theatre matter to more people on the ancestral home and unceded lands of the Kumeyaay, also known as Tipai-Ipai, a tribe of Indigenous peoples who live at the northern border of Baja California in Mexico and the southern border of California in the United States. Their Kumeyaay language belongs to the Yuman–Cochimí language family. The Kumeyaay have stewarded through generations the lands and waterways of what is now known as San Diego.
SOCIAL JUSTICE ROADMAP
The Old Globe has embarked on a series of steps to intensify and accelerate change at all levels of our institution. Learn more about this work by visiting www.TheOldGlobe.org/Roadmap .
THEATRE THAT LIVES BEYOND THE STAGE
Beyond the stage is where our work begins. Learn more at www.TheOldGlobe.org/Beyond.
CLAIRE MULCAHY
Evelyn Olson Lamden†° IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
DIRECTORS
Jules Arthur†
Terry Atkinson†
Valerie A. Attisha
Richard M. Brenner
Christian Buckley†
Eleanor Y. Charlton
Nicole A. Clay†°
Donald L. Cohn†°
Elaine Bennett
Darwin†°
Ann Davies†°
George S. Davis
Mark Delfino
Silvija Devine
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
George C. Guerra† CHAIR
Paula Powers† SECRETARY
Barry Edelstein
Pamela A. Farr†
Harold W. Fuson Jr.†°
Jennifer Greenfield
Dirk Harris
Nishma Held†
Susan Hoehn
Daphne H. Jameson
Peter Landin
Keven Lippert
Monica Medina
Noelle Norton, Ph.D.
David Jay Ohanian
Deirdra Price, Ph.D.
Sandra Redman
Sue Sanderson†
Karen L. Sedgwick†
Jean Shekhter
Timothy J. Shields
Karen Tanz
Debra Turner
Vladimir Victorio
Pamela J. Wagner
Cassandra Weinlein
Sheryl White†°
Margarita Wilkinson
Karin Winner
Vicki L. Zeiger†°
Anthony S. Thornley† TREASURER
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Mrs. Richard C. Adams*
Clair Burgener*
Mrs. John H. Fox*
Audrey S. Geisel*
Paul Harter*
Gordon Luce*
Dolly Poet*
Deborah Szekely
Hon. Pete Wilson
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
Garet B. Clark
J. Dallas Clark*
Bea Epsten*
Sally Furay, R.S.C.J.°*
Kathryn Hattox°*
Bernard Lipinsky*
Delza Martin*
Conrad Prebys*
Darlene Marcos Shiley
Patsy Shumway
Harvey P. White
Carolyn YorstonWellcome* †Executive Committee member °Past Chair *In memoriam
David Israel Reynoso
Chad Beckim
Shelley Butler
Inda Craig-Galvan
Thelma Virata de Castro
Justin Emeka
Nathan Englander
Fiasco Theatre
Keelay Gipson
RESIDENT ARTISTS
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg James Vásquez
COMMISSIONED ARTISTS
José Cruz Gonzáles
Keiko Green
Jessica Hilt
Dea Hurston
Justin Levine
Melinda Lopez and Joel Perez
Donja R. Love
Mona Mansour
Laura Marks
Jonathon Mello
Tony Meneses
Liza Jessie Peterson
Erika Phillips
Heather Raffo
Steve Rosen and
Gordon Greenberg
ASSOCIATE ARTISTS
Tori Sampson
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg
Miki Vale
James Vásquez
Daniel J. Watts
Whitney White
Craig Wright
Karen Zacarías
In recognition of their unique contribution to the growth of The Old Globe and their special talent, we take great pride and pleasure in acknowledging as Associate Artists the following individuals who have repeatedly demonstrated, by their active presence on our stages and in our shops, that wherever else they may work, they remain the heart and soul of the Globe.
William Anton
Gregg Barnes
Jacqueline Brookes*
Lewis Brown*
Victor Buono*
Wayland Capwell*
Kandis Chappell
Eric Christmas*
Patricia Conolly
George Deloy
Tim Donoghue
Richard Easton*
Tovah Feldshuh
Monique Fowler
Robert Foxworth
Ralph Funicello
Lillian Garrett-Groag
Harry Groener
A.R. Gurney*
Joseph Hardy
Mark Harelik
Bob James
Charles Janasz
Peggy Kellner*
Tom Lacy*
Diana Maddox
Nicholas Martin*
Dakin Matthews
Deborah May
Katherine McGrath*
John McLain
Jonathan McMurtry*
Stephen Metcalfe
Robert Morgan
Patrick Page
Ellis Rabb*
Steve Rankin
William Roesch*
Robin Pearson Rose
Marion Ross
Steven Rubin
Ken Ruta*
Douglas W. Schmidt
Seret Scott
Richard Seer
David F. Segal
Richard Seger*
Diane Sinor*
Don Sparks
David Ogden Stiers*
Conrad Susa*
Deborah Taylor
Irene Tedrow*
Sada Thompson*
Paxton Whitehead*
James Winker
Robert Wojewodski
G. Wood*
*In memoriam
FROM BARRY
Sherlock Holmes is what journalists call “an evergreen,” a story that’s timeless. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s four novels and 56 short stories about the brilliant detective are still going strong, and new Holmes movies and TV episodes continue to appear. The famous deerstalker cap is also frequently fitted to new heads: Holmes’s teenaged sister now has a movie series of her own, and there are Holmes animated tales, board games, video games, and even a Holmes rock concept album. The Globe has produced its own share of Holmes stage plays, most recently nine years ago in this very theatre, with Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville
Tonight’s play, the witty and beguiling Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, is the latest and, to my mind, the freshest entrant in the Holmes adaptation canon. Playwright Kate Hamill is a phenomenon. One of the most-produced writers for the stage in America, she specializes in blowing the dust off of literary classics and injecting new and often modern energies into them. Her plays honor their source materials even as they open new doors to them, doors through which new audiences can discover revered works of fiction as if they were intended for the 21st-century American theatre all along. Austen, Thackeray, Dickens, Hawthorne, Alcott, and others have found themselves in collaborations across time with Hamill, and witnessing those creative encounters is always a joy.
With Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, that joy has a second component: a sense of delayed gratification. Hamill was set to join the Globe family in spring 2020, when her stage adaptation of Little Women was scheduled to appear in our largest venue. The production had completed four weeks of studio rehearsals and had just moved to the stage on March 12, when Governor Newsom announced California’s statewide shutdown. It’s been a regret for everyone at the theatre that we weren’t able to reconstitute that production after the pandemic receded, and so we feel a special sense of delight that, four years later, we finally get to
introduce Kate Hamill’s writing to our supporters. Globe audiences will discover a playwright who values humor and bright comic invention even as she simultaneously plumbs some deep human themes. Her Holmes—a non-male, millennial, steampunkinflected genius—is bored at the lack of exciting cases to solve, but this boredom turns out to be a manifestation of another malady entirely: her lack of connection to other human beings. Hamill knows that for a savant like Holmes, genius is both a gift and a burden. That Holmes is always five chess moves ahead of everyone else on earth makes her special, but it also isolates her. Hamill wonders whether, buried deep in the action of bringing justice to victims of crime, Holmes might also find a sense of empathy that’s been elusive even to the world’s greatest puzzle solver. It’s in the depth and power of Holmes’s yearning humanity that Hamill finds the real engine of her play, and she gives us the gift of understanding even as she makes us laugh. That’s an extraordinary combination.
It’s always a pleasure to have the sparkling work of Globe Resident Artist James Vásquez on our stage, and to note with special interest that for this production, he has assembled a creative team composed entirely of San Diego–based artists. That’s a point of pride for the Globe, and I’m thrilled to welcome this group and to congratulate them on a beautiful piece of work.
Thanks for coming. Enjoy the show.
Barry Edelstein is the Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director of The Old Globe. Any feedback on tonight’s show or any of the Globe’s work? Email Barry at HiBarry@TheOldGlobe.org and he’ll get back to you!
Barry Edelstein
ERNA FINCI VITERBI ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Timothy J. Shields
AUDREY S. GEISEL MANAGING DIRECTOR
PRESENTS
MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON –APT. 2B
Sean Fanning SCENIC DESIGN
BY
KATE HAMILL
Shirley Pierson COSTUME DESIGN
Ka’imi Kuoha FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Amanda Zieve LIGHTING DESIGN
Caparelliotis Casting CASTING
Melanie Chen Cole SOUND DESIGN
Marie Jahelka PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER
DIRECTED BY
JAMES VÁSQUEZ
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B was commissioned by and received its world premiere produced by Kansas City Repertory Theatre; Stuart Carden, Artistic Director; Angela Gieras, Executive Director.
Developed in the JAW: New Works Festival at Portland Center Stage; Marisa Wolf, Artistic Director; Cynthia Furhman, Managing Director.
July 27 – August 25, 2024
Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre Conrad Prebys Theatre Center
MS. JOAN WATSON ............................................................................... Natalie Woolams-Torres*
UNDERSTUDIES ................................ for Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, Others – Justin Lang; for Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, Ms. Sherlock Holmes, Ms. Joan Watson, Others – Isabelle Pickering
Production Stage Manager .................................................................................. Marie Jahelka*
SETTING
Today. And also spring 2021. Mostly set in London and the surrounding areas. Also in this theatre, right now, right this moment—look, we’re right behind you!
This production contains two acts with one 15-minute intermission.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Associate Director Noelle Marion Voice and Dialect Coach.................................................................................... Emmelyn Thayer
Production Assistant .................................................................................................... Jamie Boyd
Stage Management Swing Evelyn G. Myers*
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B is presented through special arrangement with TRW Plays, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.trwplays.com.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Si desea una sinopsis de esta obra en Español o en Inglés, favor de pedírsela al acomodador que le entregó este programa. If you would like a synopsis of this production in English or Spanish, please request it from an usher.
AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT KATE HAMILL
What interested you in doing a Sherlock Holmes adaptation?
I was into Sherlock Holmes as a kid, and I read the hits like The Hound of the Baskervilles couple of years ago I started getting really interested in the idea of doing Holmes and Watson with two non-male actors. I grew up watching all these movies like Ghostbusters and The Goonies which are fun buddy comedies, but they’re almost exclusively men. So I knew I wanted to do a Holmes and Watson about female codependency and women who are allowed to not be sexy, to just be totally crazy and funny and go on adventures and hijinks.
Why did you choose to set it in 2021?
In 2021, right when theatre was coming back, my friend Stuart Carden, who runs Kansas City Repertory Theatre, wrote to me about my Holmes and Watson story. I didn’t want to pretend what just happened to us didn’t happen. I think part of our American problem right now is we tend to ignore things and pretend all the bad things didn’t happen. I was also thinking about why people are drawn to mystery stories. I think what mysteries do for us is that they provide answers and patterns to a life that sometimes seems chaotic. So I thought this would be a great time for this story because we’re all very confused and want meaning. I also thought that would be meaningful in terms of Watson’s journey. Watson is based on a family member of mine who works in the medical profession who went through the pandemic working in ERs.
How did you get started as a playwright?
I actually got my degree in acting. I moved to New York City and was living the life of an actor. I was going to all these auditions, and I swiftly got frustrated with the dearth of interesting female roles. I was always auditioning to play the main guy’s wife or girlfriend or prostitute. One night, I went out with a friend, and I was telling her that I wished there were new feminist takes on the classics. I’ve always loved the classics. After about a bottle and a half of wine, I bet my friend $100 that I could write one. I wrote her a check, at the time, I could not afford for her to cash that check. I told her to give me six months. If I didn’t have a draft for her by then, she could cash the check. And that Sense and Sensibility
That is an incredible story!
It proves that you should always make unfair bets! You should always do stupid things. Promise things you have no idea if you can do. That’s how it started, and quite to my surprise, it became a whole different career.
What are you hoping the audience will take away from this piece?
I always want an audience to come away with a new perspective on an old story, or questioning how we see stories. I want them to question who gets to be the hero and who gets to have a hero’s journey. There is also a part of this play that is about using your “weakness” as a strength, and I think that’s really important too. You can be a super weirdo, like myself, and there will be a place where that weirdness will be your strength.
Photo by SubUrban Photography.
AN INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR JAMES VÁSQUEZ
What has been most exciting about working on this play?
I did not grow up as a Sherlock Holmes fan. I knew who Sherlock Holmes was, but I didn’t read any of the books, I never saw any of the old movies. So reading this play was really my first introduction to Sherlock Holmes, which has been a really exciting journey. And now, of course, I’m a fan! I’ve immersed myself in all the stories and movies and TV series. One of the things that’s exciting to me about working on the play is introducing these iconic characters to a whole new generation and to those folks like me who are really stepping into this world for the first time. I’m also excited about the way Kate Hamill has taken those stories and flipped them on their head, making this a real feminine-forward story.
What are some of the essential Sherlock Holmes elements you think the play is honoring and exploring?
I think Kate has been very successful in capturing the energies of Holmes and Watson, as well as the brains of these two characters.
I love Kate’s version of Holmes. She is so laser focused on every moment that she’s in, and that moment can switch in an instant, like turning on a lamp—and then she’s off on a new plan. As I was reading the script, the actor Ruibo Qian’s energy and rhythms just kept coming into my brain. There’s a playfulness, there’s a wackiness about her, but she also has a maturity and a mystery in her that feel just right for Holmes.
When it comes to Watson, I feel like I relate to the character so much because Watson tends to lead from the heart, whereas Holmes almost always leads from
the head. I think Watson’s character has shifted more than Holmes in the many different portrayals of these two. In the stories and in the early movies, Watson felt a little isolated or sheltered—not fully enmeshed in the stories as much as he is in later retellings. I love that Kate’s Watson, whether she wants to be or not, finds herself embroiled in the middle of it all, and then she has to climb out of it. Finding an actor who could laugh at herself, and who could feel connected to what’s happening around her, was what I was looking for. And Natalie Woolams-Torres is so funny and so joyous and brings Watson to life in a
What experience do you want people to have when watching the play?
Kate makes a note in her script that it would be fun to have a chessboard on part of the stage where Holmes and Watson might occasionally make chess moves.
And I thought, well, what if our whole show was a game? And what if our whole set became that chessboard, and Holmes and Watson and all the characters became players in that game? Then we could invite the audience to play this game with us and to watch the power struggle of these characters as you would in a chess game.
I think ultimately I hope the audience puts on their own little Holmes caps and pulls out their own little magnifying glasses and says, “We’re going to solve this with you.”
Photo by Mark Anthony Holmes.
It’s not often that any one person is remembered for generations beyond their time, let alone an entirely fictitious character out of the pages of a paperback magazine. How rare it is then that nearly a century and a half after he made his first appearance, Sherlock Holmes is still just as beloved and globally renowned as he’s ever been. Holmes may be best known as the world’s first and only consulting detective, but he was also the world’s first literary celebrity, foremost of his kind and unparalleled even to this day.
It would have been nearly impossible for the then 27-year-old Arthur Conan Doyle to imagine the pop culture force he was about to create as he sat down in early 1886 to pen his first Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet. Serialized in 56 original short stories and four full-length novels before Doyle hung up the deerstalker in 1927, Holmes was a cultural icon unlike any other of his time. As one of the first literary sagas to amass a uniquely passionate fan base, he and his readers were hugely influential in developing modern fan culture as we now understand it, much to the chagrin of the author himself, who made it well known that he never set out to make this character his life’s work. The fans, of course, would have otherwise.
Readers were so deeply devoted to their favorite sleuth’s escapades that when Doyle attempted to kill Holmes off in 1893, throwing him off the Reichenbach Falls in an epic battle with his archnemesis Moriarty in “The Adventure of The Final Problem,” publisher The Strand Magazine lost tens of thousands of subscribers practically overnight. Fans instantly clamored for Holmes’s return, writing angry letters to the magazine and to Doyle himself, calling him “a brute” for what he had done. Legend has it that some devotees went so far as to wear black mourning crapes and black arm bands to publicly display their lamentation.
The return of Sherlock Holmes, in what is now widely considered the best and most famous of the detective’s novels, The Hound of the Baskervilles (1901), came to fruition almost entirely to placate the hordes of distraught readers who could not tolerate a life without Holmes and his trusted partner, Dr. John Watson. The success of the novel kick-started Holmes’s revival and ushered in another 26 years of original Doyle content, which the author simply could no longer deny his devoted readership.
Holmesian societies began to sprout up around the globe in the wake of the detective’s colossal rise to fame. Though in the 1890s readers largely engaged with Doyle’s stories individually rather than in a formal group or communal gathering, as the century turned fans began to officially assemble. Both the Sherlock Holmes Society of London and the New York City–based Baker Street Irregulars were early bastions of community for dedicated readers. Established in 1934, these groups each provided a space for like-minded mystery fans to analyze their favorite stories at intimate dinner parties.
Over the last 90 years, The Baker Street Irregulars have evolved from a small gathering of friends into a legitimate institution for lovers of Sherlock Holmes— one part literary salon, one part social soiree. Members must be invited to join after demonstrating their ability to be accomplished members of society, both professionally and as dedicated Holmes enthusiasts. The organization proudly boasts over 300 members from across the globe and continues to host annual dinners every January in New York City, a tradition that dates all the way back to 1938.
Those who lived through the golden age of the 2010s internet may recall the intense Sherlock Holmes fandom that resurged on the microblogging social media platform Tumblr. Users took to the site in droves to profess their love of the BBC’s 2010 contemporary television series “Sherlock,” led by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Mountainous quantities of artwork, complex character theories, and fanfiction were created by fans as they waited at the edge of their computer screens for the next episode to drop. Though none of these behaviors is new to the world of Sherlockian fanaticism, the digital age has allowed for devotees to find community and connection on a new, global scale.
Since their official retirement in 1927, the iconic duo of Holmes and Watson has been revisited across countless film, television, theatrical, radio, and literary adaptations. The intense following has not faltered in the face of more than a century of reimaginings, rather growing stronger as new and younger fans build their own connections to the characters. Even as recently as the 2020s, the popular Netflix franchise Enola Holmes—which imagines a world where Sherlock has an equally deductive younger sister—goes to show that not only can these characters be adapted time and time again, but they flourish as they do so.
Holmes and Watson, though brought to life by Doyle, have stood the test of time because their fans have refused to let them go quietly into the night. Molded alongside an audience that clamors to revisit them, no twist is ever too far out there. Even poking a bit of fun at the source material offers a chance to open these characters up for contemporary audiences. Playwright Kate Hamill herself refers to Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B as “a cheerful desecration of the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,” bringing the beloved sleuth into the modern age in a wild romp of a female-driven buddy comedy. From being brought back from over the edge of the Reichenbach Falls to planted in a 2021 steampunk hipster flat in London, Sherlock Holmes has more than transcended the typical arc of the average literary hero.
(from left) Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes for 20th Century Fox films. Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls; illustration by Sidney Paget in The Strand Magazine, December 1893. A gathering of The Baker Street Irregulars, 1978. Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes in BBC’s “Sherlock.” Millie Bobby Brown as Enola Holmes and Henry Cavill as Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes 2
JENN HARRIS
(Irene Adler, Mrs. Hudson, Others)
The Old Globe: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hurricane Diane, The Women, In Your Arms. Off Broadway: Silence! The Musical, Modern Orthodox (Lucille Lortel, Theatre World Awards), All in the Timing, The Understudy. Regional: world premiere of Christopher Durang’s Turning Off the Morning News, Blithe Spirit, Hairspray, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Film: Oscar winner American Fiction, Gayby, Fits and Starts. Television: “High Maintenance,” “Difficult People,” “Search Party,” “30 Rock.” Other: web series “New York Is Dead” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, NYTVF Best Comedy; co-directed, produced short film Island Queen starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Rachel Dratch; directed, wrote, starred in festivalwinning short film She’s Clean (available on Vimeo); Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Directing Program jennharris.me.
NEHAL JOSHI
(Inspector Lestrade, Elliot Monk, Others) The Old Globe: Working Broadway: The Cottage, All My Sons, closing cast of The Phantom of the Opera, Flying Over Sunset, School of Rock, Gettin’ the Band Back Together, original revival cast of Les Misérables, The Threepenny Opera. Off Broadway: Cyrano, 2008 revision of Working, Grand Hotel (Encores!), Three Sisters. Regional: Fly (La Jolla Playhouse); productions at Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, Goodman, Huntington, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Kennedy Center. Video games: World of Warcraft: Cataclysm. Television/film: “Law & Order: SVU” (NBC), “The Wire” (HBO), “Search Party” (HBO), Blackout. Honors: Special Drama Desk Award. @nehaljoshi on Instagram.
RUIBO QIAN
(Ms. Sherlock Holmes) The Old Globe: The Merry Wives of Windsor, Dial M for Murder, Water by the Spoonful. Off Broadway: Golden Shield (MTC), F***ing A (Signature), Bull in a China Shop (LCT3), Henry IV, Part I (Pearl Theatre). Regional: Becky Nurse of Salem (Berkeley Rep), The Great Leap (ACT), The Nether (SF Playhouse), Tiger Style! (Alliance, Huntington). Television/film: “Black Mirror,” Manchester by the Sea, “Our Flag Means Death,” “Servant,” “The Sinner,” “Evil,” “New Amsterdam,” “Living with Yourself,” “Broad City,” “The Good Fight,” “High Maintenance,” “Orange Is the New Black,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Jessica Jones.” Education: M.F.A. from NYU
Graduate Acting, B.F.A. from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. ruiboqian.com.
NATALIE WOOLAMS-TORRES
(Ms. Joan Watson) Off Broadway: The Fears produced by Steven Soderbergh (Signature Theatre), Novenas for a Lost Hospital (Rattlestick), Tiny Beauty Things, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors, The Taming of the Shrew, Julius Caesar (The Public Theater). Regional: A Thousand Maids (Two River Theater), Tiny Beautiful Things (Pasadena Playhouse), Men on Boats (BCC). Television/film: “Difficult People,” “Room 104,” “High Maintenance,” “Chicago Med,” “New Amsterdam,” “Succession,” “Dead Ringers,” Steven Soderbergh’s Presence. @personataliewoolams on Instagram.
KATE HAMILL
(Playwright) Works: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B (Kansas City Rep, Portland Center Stage), Emma (Guthrie, Denver Center), Dracula (Classic Stage Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville), Little Women (Primary Stages, Jungle Theater), Pride and Prejudice (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Primary Stages), Mansfield Park (Northlight Theatre), Sense & Sensibility (Off Broadway/Bedlam; “Top Ten Plays of 2014” by Ben Brantley in The New York Times and by The Huffington Post, which called it “the greatest stage adaptation of this novel in history”).
JAMES VÁSQUEZ
(Director) The Old Globe: Resident Artist; Under a Baseball Sky, American Mariachi (world premieres); Hurricane Diane, Tiny Beautiful Things, Rich Girl (West Coast premieres); The Merry Wives of Windsor, Hair, The Rocky Horror Show, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! National credits: Signature Theatre (upcoming), Goodspeed Musicals, Denver Center Theatre Company, Cleveland Play House, Dallas Theater Center, Children’s Theatre Company, Marriott Theatre, Two River Theater; developmental workshops with South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, Lively McCabe Entertainment. Education: The Juilliard School. jamesvasquez.com.
SEAN FANNING
(Scenic Design) The Old Globe: Full Gallop (Craig Noel Award nomination), Looking for Christmas, A Doll’s House, Plaid Tidings, Kingdom. Globe for All: Measure for Measure, All’s Well That Ends Well. Regional: All Is Calm, Nina Simone: Four Women (Alabama Shakespeare), Mother of the Maid (Bay Area Critics Circle Award), Oslo, My Mañana Comes (Marin Theatre), Straight White Men (Florida Studio),
Native Gardens (Center REP), A Doll’s House Part 2, Fun Home (SD Rep), On the Twentieth Century (Craig Noel Award), Seven Guitars, King Hedley II (Cygnet). Honors: 2016 Craig Noel Award for Body of Work. Other: professor of Theatre Design and Technology at MiraCosta College. Education: M.F.A. in Scene Design from SDSU. seanfanningdesign.com, @seanfanningdesign on Instagram.
SHIRLEY PIERSON
(Costume Design) San Diego–based, award-winning costume designer. The Old Globe: Hurricane Diane, Tiny Beautiful Things, Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Rich Girl. Highlights: Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice, The Little Fellow; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Shockheaded Peter (Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Costume Design), Pageant, Assassins, Parade (Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Costume Design), Spring Awakening, Cabaret, Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company), Marry Me a Little, The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler, Pippin, Next Fall, Harmony, Kansas (Diversionary Theatre). shirleypiersondesigns.com.
AMANDA ZIEVE
(Lighting Design) The Old Globe: English, Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, Dial M for Murder, Hair, Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, Native Gardens, The Wanderers, Rich Girl. San Diego: The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Put Your House in Order (La Jolla Playhouse), Evita, Cabaret, Rock of Ages (Cygnet). National: Off Broadway, Goodman, Goodspeed, Signature, Alliance, Kansas City Rep, Maltz Jupiter, Bucks County Playhouse, Two River, Music Theater Heritage, San Diego Symphony. Broadway: The Who’s Tommy; associate on Escape to Margaritaville, Bright Star, Allegiance; assistant on Hamilton; 15 other productions. Education: B.A. in Theatre from CSU Northridge. amandazieve.com.
MELANIE CHEN COLE
(Sound Design) (she/her) The Old Globe: Henry 6, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Noura, Tiny Beautiful Things, The Imaginary Invalid. Regional theatre: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cleveland Playhouse, Dallas Theater Center, Denver Center, Geffen Playhouse, Goodman Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Indiana Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Milwaukee Rep, Northern Stage, PlayMakers Rep, South Coast Rep, Studio Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival. Education: M.F.A. in Theatre and Dance from UC San Diego. melaniesound.com, @melaniechencole.
KA’IMI KUOHA
(Fight Choreography) Stunt and action choreographer, jazz singer, dancer. Seventh-degree black belt in kempo; skilled in kung fu, aikido, and Arnis stick fighting; world record for female icebreaking; Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee. Led the live “Behind the Screens” segment at the SAG Awards. Teaches self-defense and combat techniques for SDPD, USMC, USSS. Founder of Othentik Gym, co-founder of Othentik Productions, choreographed for Choreographer’s Carnival, opened for Jennifer Lopez. Currently works as an actor and stunt/action coordinator for an upcoming Netflix film series. kaimikuoha.com, @kaimikuoha on Instagram.
CAPARELLIOTIS CASTING
(Casting) The Old Globe: Fat Ham, Stir, King James, English, The Age of Innocence, Exotic Deadly, Under a Baseball Sky, What We Talk About…, Dial M for Murder, Mala, Shutter Sisters, Hurricane Diane, Noura, They Promised Her the Moon, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, The Wanderers, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Skeleton Crew. Select Broadway: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Grey House, Ohio State Murders, Macbeth, The Minutes, King Lear, Hillary and Clinton, Ink, The Waverly Gallery, Meteor Shower, A Doll’s House, Part 2, Jitney, Blackbird, Disgraced. Additional theatre: MTC, Signature, Atlantic. Television: “New Amsterdam” (NBC), “American Odyssey” (NBC).
MARIE JAHELKA
(Production Stage Manager) The Old Globe: Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, The XIXth, The Taming of the Shrew, Shutter Sisters, The Underpants, Native Gardens, The Wanderers, Red Velvet. Regional: The Ballad of Johnny and June, SUMO, Put Your House in Order, Hollywood, Ether Dome (La Jolla Playhouse), The Inheritance (Geffen Playhouse), Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), A Chorus Line (Moonlight Stage Productions), The Humans, Aubergine, Evita, Violet (San Diego Repertory Theatre), The Last Five Years, HIR, Shakespeare’s R&J, Mistakes Were Made (Cygnet Theatre Company) Education: B.A. in Theatre Arts from University of San Diego.
EVELYN G. MYERS
(Stage Management Swing) (she/her) The Old Globe: Fat Ham, Globe for All’s The Comedy of Errors, Henry V. La Jolla Playhouse: The Garden, POP Tour (Hoopla!), POP Tour (Pick Me Last), POP Tour x National Disability Theatre (Emily Driver’s Great Race Through Time and Space). North Coast Repertory: Sense of Decency, Pippin. Grand Central Art Center: Savage in Limbo. Hollywood Fringe Festival: The First and the Last (Encore Award). Young Theatre: Bell, Book, and Candle (Kennedy Center Excellence in Stage Management Award).
BARRY EDELSTEIN
(Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director) is a stage director, producer, author, and educator. His Globe directing credits include The Winter’s Tale, Othello, The TwentySeventh Man, the world premiere of Rain, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Hamlet, the world premiere of The Wanderers, the American premiere of Life After, Romeo and Juliet, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, Henry 6, and, during the pandemic, Hamlet: On the Radio. He also directed All’s Well That Ends Well as the inaugural production of Globe for All, and he oversees the Classical Directing Fellowship. In addition, he directed The Wanderers Off Broadway with Roundabout Theatre Company and The Tempest with LA Philharmonic. As Director of the Shakespeare Initiative at The Public Theater (2008–12), he oversaw the company’s Shakespearean productions and its education, outreach, and artisttraining programs. At The Public, he staged The Twenty-Seventh Man, Julius Caesar, The Merchant of Venice, Timon of Athens, and WASP and Other Plays and was Associate Producer of the Broadway production of The Merchant of Venice starring Al Pacino. From 1998 to 2003 he was Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company. His book Thinking Shakespeare is the standard text on American Shakespearean acting. He is also the author of Bardisms: Shakespeare for All Occasions. He is a graduate of Tufts University and the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
TIMOTHY J. SHIELDS
(Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director) joined The Old Globe as Managing Director in 2017. He currently serves as a board member of San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD program; an advisory board member of San Diego Downtown Partnership; and Vice President of Balboa Park Cultural Partnership. He was Managing Director of New Jersey’s McCarter Theatre Center (2009-2017); Milwaukee Repertory Theater (1998–2009); and Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York (1992–1998). He has also held administrative positions at Children’s Theatre Company, Denver Center Theatre Company, and McCarter Theatre Center. He served as President of the League of Resident Theatres and as Vice President of the board at Theatre Communications Group. He has been the Chair of the ArtPride NJ board; a member of Milwaukee’s Latino Arts Board; and a board member of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee. He holds a B.F.A. in Drama Production from Carnegie-Mellon University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The Directors are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, an independent national labor union.
This Theatre operates under an Agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local No. 122.
The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.
CASTING
CAPARELLIOTIS CASTING
David Caparelliotis, CSA
Joseph Gery
Elena Sgouros
TAKING PHOTOS IN THE THEATRE
Audience members may take photos in the theatre before and after the performance and during intermission. If you post photos on social media or elsewhere, you must credit the production’s designers by including the names below.
Sean Fanning, Scenic Design www.seanfanningdesign.com, @seanfanningdesign
Please note: Photos are strictly prohibited during the performance. Photos of the stage are not permitted if an actor is present. Video recording is not permitted at any time in the theatre.
PATRON INFORMATION
For more information about ticket policies and patron services, please visit www.TheOldGlobe.org.
UPCOMING AXIS EVENTS
Join us for our upcoming AXIS events! These free happenings on our plaza are perfect for the family and give you a chance to engage with theatre arts in a fun and safe environment.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, September 14, 2024 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Enjoy an exciting lineup of binational artists and cultural offerings such as live music, folklórico dance performances, and arts and crafts. Plus, a special guest of the Mexican Consulate in San Diego will join us as we commemorate this historic event by reciting “El Grito,” followed by a sing-along of the National Anthem.
Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration
Sunday, October 27, 2024 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the distinctive and colorful traditions of Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead! A festive opportunity to learn the history of this beautiful holiday, featuring live music performances, a new coLAB play in collaboration with Casa Familiar, arts and crafts for kids, a puppet show, workshops, and more.
Grinch Sensory-Friendly AXIS Event
Saturday, December 14, 2024, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Our sixth annual sensory-friendly will feature live music from neurodiverse artists, crafts station with expressive arts therapists, and a whole lot of dancing!
(clockwise from top) Mexican Independence Day Celebration, 2023. Photo by Stephanie Ochoa.
Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration, 2023. Sensory-Friendly Grinch AXIS Event, 2022. Photos by Rich Soublet II.
LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSORS
KAREN AND DONALD COHN FUND FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
PAMELA FARR AND BUFORD ALEXANDER
ELAINE AND DAVE* DARWIN
ARTIST SPONSORS
FOR JAMES VÁSQUEZ (DIRECTOR)
SONIA ISRAEL, IN MEMORY OF ANDY ISRAEL
FOR SHIRLEY PIERSON (COSTUME DESIGN)
LOLLY & DUCK
Please join The Old Globe’s generous family of donors and help create theatre that lives beyond the stage.
For more information on how to get involved with the Friends of The Old Globe, contact Dillon Hoban at (619) 684-4142 or dhoban@TheOldGlobe.org. To get involved as a Circle Patron with a gift of $3,000 or above, contact Bridget Cantu Wear at (619) 684-4144 or CirclePatrons@TheOldGlobe.org. Make a gift at any level online at www.TheOldGlobe.org/Donate. All donors receive special benefits and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring you closer to the theatre you love.
MEMBERS OF THE ARTS ENGAGEMENT GIVING CIRCLE
Thank you to Members of The Arts Engagement Giving Circle for ensuring the continued vibrancy and accessibility of the arts by supporting programs that engage, inspire, and make a lasting impact on youth, young adults, and families throughout San Diego and beyond.
Terry Atkinson
Sam Abney
Tom Bloom
Beth and Rich Brenner
Julia Carrington Hall
Nikki and Ben Clay
Linda Claytor
Dale Connelly
Elizabeth Cushman
Elaine Darwin
Ann Davies
Steve and Susan Davis
The Donna Van Eekeren Foundation
Elaine Galinson and Herb Solomon
Robert and Dorothy Ganz
George C. Guerra
Marguerite Jackson Dill
Michael Kossman
Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth
Marcia A. Mattson
MDM Foundation
Michael and Christine Pack
Susan Parker
Barbara J. Petersen
Julia and Alexa Querin
Nancy J. Robertson
Amy Roth
Kathleen and Al Steele
Chris and Pat Weil
Anonymous (1)
MICHELLE MOSQUEDA
The Old Globe is deeply grateful to our Artistic Angels and Benefactors, whose vital support of the Annual Fund helps us make theatre matter to more people. For additional information on how to support the Globe at these extraordinary levels, please contact Bridget Cantu Wear at (619) 684-4144 or bcantuwear@TheOldGlobe.org.
Artistic Angels ($200,000 and higher annually)
THE ERNA FINCI VITERBI ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FUND In memory of Erna Finci Viterbi
THE GENO BARCONE AND ED HASTINGS FUND FOR ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN YORSTON-WELLCOME
Benefactors ($100,000 to $199,999)
THE JAMES SILBERRAD BROWN FOUNDATION AT THE SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION
THE BERNARD J. EGGERTSEN, M.D. FUND
THE ESTATE OF DAVID J. NOVICK AND CAROL L. NOVICK
THE HENRY DONALD WOLPERT AND BARBARA WOLPERT FAMILY TRUST
*In Memoriam ANONYMOUS (1)
†Charter Sponsor since 1995
The Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund provides leadership support for The Old Globe’s year-round activities.
TERRY ATKINSON THE KAREN AND DONALD COHN† FUND FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
THE THEODOR AND AUDREY GEISEL FUND PAULA AND BRIAN POWERS
DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY† In memory of Donald Shiley
ELAINE AND DAVE* DARWIN
ANN DAVIES
PAMELA FARR AND BUFORD ALEXANDER
HAL AND PAM FUSON
GEORGE C. GUERRA
JOAN* AND IRWIN JACOBS FUND OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
JEAN AND GARY SHEKHTER
KAREN AND STUART TANZ
GILLIAN AND TONY THORNLEY EVELYN MACK TRUITT TRUST
VICKI AND CARL ZEIGER
OUR THANKS
EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP
Since the founding of The Old Globe in 1935, heroic leadership has made the theatre a cultural icon in San Diego and a leader in the American theatre. The following individuals and organizations, recognized for their tremendous cumulative giving, comprise a special group of friends who have played leading “behind-the-scenes” roles, helping to create productions on our three stages and our programs in the community.
— $25 million and higher —
The Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund
Donald* and Darlene Shiley
— $11 million and higher —
Conrad Prebys*
City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture
— $10 million and higher —
Karen and Donald Cohn
—
$9 million and higher —
Sheryl and Harvey White
—
$7 million and higher —
Kathryn Hattox*
Viterbi Family and The Erna Finci
Viterbi Artistic Director Fund
—
$4 million and higher —
The James Irvine Foundation
Paula and Brian Powers
The Shubert Foundation
—
$3 million and higher — David C. Copley Foundation County of San Diego
— $1 million and higher —
Mary Beth Adderley
Terry Atkinson Bank of America
Bentivoglio Family Fund
Diane and John* Berol
Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation, Inc.
California Arts Council, A State Agency
California Bank & Trust
California Cultural & Historical Endowment
J. Dallas and Mary Clark*
The Roy Cockrum Foundation
Joseph Cohen and Martha Farish
Peter Cooper and Erik Matwijkow
Valerie and Harry Cooper
Elaine and Dave* Darwin
Ann Davies
Una Davis and Jack McGrory
Silvija and Brian Devine
Helen Edison*
Pamela Farr and Buford
Alexander
Hal and Pam Fuson
Globe Guilders
HM Electronics, Inc.
Joan* and Irwin Jacobs
PUBLIC SUPPORT
The Kresge Foundation
The Lipinsky Family
Estate of Beatrice Lynds*
Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Victor H.* and Jane Ottenstein
Prebys Foundation
Price Philanthropies Foundation
Estate of Dorothy S. Prough*
Qualcomm
Jeannie and Arthur Rivkin*
Jean and Gary Shekhter
Karen and Stuart Tanz
Theatre Forward
Gillian and Tony Thornley
Evelyn Mack Truitt*
United Wells Fargo
Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome*
Vicki and Carl Zeiger
Anonymous (1)
*In memoriam
CORPORATE DONORS
Artistic Angels
($200,000 and higher annually)
to $99,999)
to $49,999)
Benefactors
($100,000 to $199,999)
to $74,999)
Circle ($10,000 to $24,999)
Circle ($5,000 to $9,999)
AssuredPartners
Exclusive Resorts
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Higgs Fletcher & Mack, LLP
Marsh & McLennan Agency
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
Rancho Coyote Vineyards
TravelStruck
Vino Carta
to $4,999)
Edward Jones Financial Advisor, David S. Tam
Neiman Marcus San Diego
Ranch & Coast Magazine
RKG Wealth Management
Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
Founder
Craig Noel Circle ($3,000
Ovation Circle ($75,000
Producer Circle ($50,000
Artist Circle ($25,000
Director
OUR THANKS ANNUAL FUND DONORS
In order to make theatre matter in the lives of more people, The Old Globe—a not-for-profit theatre—relies on the support of our community. We thank our Circle Patrons and Friends of The Old Globe members for these generous annual fund gifts that help us deliver great theatre and life-changing arts engagement programs.
Artistic Angels ($200,000 and higher annually)
Terry Atkinson
The Geno Barcone and Ed Hastings Fund for Artistic Excellence
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture
The Roy Cockrum Foundation
The Karen and Donald Cohn Fund for Emerging Artists
The Estate of Bernard J. Eggertsen, M.D.
The Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund
HM Electronics, Inc.
The Estate of David J. Novick and Carol L. Novick
Benefactors ($100,000 to $199,999)
The James Silberrad Brown Foundation at the San Diego Foundation
California Arts Council, A State Agency
Elaine and Dave* Darwin
Ann Davies ♥
Pamela Farr and Buford
Alexander ♥
Hal and Pam Fuson ♥
George C. Guerra
Ovation Circle ($75,000 to $99,999)
Diane Berol in memory of John Berol
Ric and Eleanor Charlton
Elizabeth Cushman
Edelman Laurents / Hatcher Foundation
United
Producer Circle ($50,000 to $74,999)
Jules and Michele Arthur
Beth and Rich Brenner
Nikki and Ben Clay ♥
The Joseph Cohen and Martha Farish New Play Development Fund ♥
Mr. and Mrs.
Brian K. Devine ♥
Leonard Hirsch, in memory of Elaine Hirsch
Susan and Bill Hoehn
Lolly & Duck
Artist Circle ($25,000 to $49,999)
Alicia and Jonathan Atun
Bank of America
Break-Away Tours
Christian and Bridget Buckley ♥
California Bank & Trust
California Humanities
City National Bank
David C. Copley Foundation
County of San Diego
Elaine Galinson and Herb Solomon
Richard and Jennifer Greenfield
Deborah A. and David A. Hawkins
Hervey Family NonEndowment Fund at The San Diego Foundation
Sonia and Andy* Israel
Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs
Dr. William and Evelyn Lamden
Carol and George Lattimer
Pamela Hamilton Lester in memory of Jim Lester
Sandy and Arthur* Levinson
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Paula and Brian Powers ♥
Prebys Foundation
Price Philanthropies Foundation
Darlene Marcos Shiley, in memory of Donald Shiley
The Shubert Foundation
The Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Fund ♥
The Henry Donald Wolpert and Barbara Wolpert Family Trust
The Estate of Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome
Joan* and Irwin Jacobs Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Qualcomm
Jean and Gary Shekhter ♥
Karen and Stuart Tanz ♥
Gillian and Tony Thornley
Evelyn Mack Truitt Trust
Vicki and Carl Zeiger ♥
Anonymous (1)
Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo
Sheryl and Harvey White Foundation
Sue and Edward “Duff” Sanderson
Les J. Silver and Andrea Rothschild-Silver U.S. Bank
The Donna Van Eekeren Foundation
Susan and John Major MDM Foundation
Nordson Corporation Foundation
Michael and Christine Pack
Patrons of the Prado
Barbara J. Petersen
Tom and Lisa Pierce
PNC Bank
The Allison and Robert Price Family Foundation
San Diego Unified School District
Richard and Shari Sapp
The Westgate Hotel
The Estate of Jeffrey E. White
Wilkinson Family Charitable Fund
Brent Woods and Laurie Mitchell
Reneé Schatz
Sempra
University of San Diego
Urban Kitchen Group
Viasat
Anonymous (2)
Director Circle ($10,000 to $24,999)
Applegate Family Foundation Fund at Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
Karen and Jim Austin ♥
Jan and Rich Baldwin
Melissa Garfield Bartell and Michael Bartell
Joan and Jeremy Berg
The Bjorg Family
Gary and Barbara Blake
Robert D. Blanton
Bright Event Rentals
Robert and Pamela Brooks
George and Karen Bullette
Joanie and Pete Camana
Alice and YT Chen, The Chenzyme Foundation
Peter Cooper and Erik Matwijkow
Cox Communications
Carlo and Nadine Daleo
George Davis
Marguerite Jackson Dill, in memory of George Dill ♥
Nina and Robert Doede
Douglas Druley and Judee Sedler
Enberg Charitable Foundation
Dan and Phyllis Epstein
The Estate of Mr. and Mrs.
Robert M. (Bea) Epsten
Carol Spielman-Ewan and Joel Ewan
Susanna and Michael Flaster
Garage Collective
Drs. Tom* and Jane Gawronski
Carol L. Githens
Kimberly Godwin and Tom Wilcox
William D. Gore
The Gruber Family Trust
Nishma and John Held
Laurie Sefton Henson
Kate Herring ♥
In Memory of James Jessop
Hervey
Teresa and Harry Hixson, Jr.
John and Sally Hood
HoyleCohen, LLC
Thao and Jeff Hughes
Gail and Doug Hutcheson
Jerry and Nina Jackson
Jay Jeffcoat
Robert Kilian, in memory of Kathleen M. Slayton
John Kirby, in loving memory of Anthony Toia
Sherry and Larry Kline
Brooke Koehler
Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth
Laura Kyle, in memory of Bob Kyle ♥
Peter and Michelle Landin
Benjamin and Kimberly Lee
Verónica and Miguel Leff
Founder Circle ($5,000 to $9,999)
Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky
Marshall Littman
Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation
Marcia A. Mattson
Thomas and Randi McKenzie
Don and Judy McMorrow ♥
Christopher Menkov and Jennifer Fisher in memory of Elizabeth Meyer
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Jennifer Moores and Family
Judith Morgan
Geri Musser
National Endowment for the Arts
Darrell Netherton and Robert Wheeler
Caroline and Nicolas Nierenberg
Polly and Greg Noel
Jerry and Phyllis Olefsky
Open Gym Holdings
Susan Parker
David and Mary Ann Petree
Peggy and Peter Preuss
John and Marcia Price Family Foundation
Joan and Richard Qualls
RAHD Group
Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas
ResMed Foundation
Vivian Reznik, M.D. and Andrew Ries, M.D.
Kalpana and James Rhodes
Robert Rosenberg
G. Joyce Rowland
Joan G. Salb & Jack B. Salb Trust
San Diego Municipal Employees Association
Drs. Joseph and Gloria Shurman
Stan Siegel
Dee E. Silver, M.D.
Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Special Event Audio Services, Inc.
The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust
Bill and Diane Stumph
Greta and Stephen Treadgold
Debra Turner
Stanley and Anita Ulrich
Sue and Bill* Weber
Chris and Pat Weil
Shirli Weiss and Sons
Stephen and Joy Weiss ♥
Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler
James E. and Kathryn A. Whistler
Karin Winner
Chester Yamaga and Jean Samuels ♥
Anonymous (2)
AssuredPartners • Barry and Susan Austin ♥ • David A. and Jill Wien Badger • Toni and Deron Bear • Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation • Dr. Herman and Irene Boschken • James and Karen Brailean • Mr. and Mrs. William Briggs • Nancy and Matt Browar • Julia R. Brown • Marc and Patty Brutten • Glenn and Jolie Buberl • Harry and Sandra Carter ♥ • Greg and Loretta Cass • Carol and Jeff Chang ♥ • Vicki Colasurdo • Cliff and Carolyn Colwell • Dale Connelly • Pamela Cooper • Jane Cowgill • Connie Custer • Michael and Sheryl Durkin • Berit and Tom Durler • Exclusive Resorts • Richard Forsyth and Kate Leonard • Bill and Judy Garrett • Joyce Gattas • Mr. William and Dr. Susan Glockner • Goldman, Sachs & Co. • Ms. Guy and Laura Halgren • Norm Hapke and Valerie Jacobs Hapke • The Harris Family Trust • Higgs Fletcher & Mack, LLP • The Estate of Alexa Hirsch • Dana Hosseini and Stacie Young • Wayne Hyatt • Hal and Debby Jacobs • Deni Jacobs and James Hammermeister • David K. Jordan • Michael Keefe • The Honorable Julia Kelety • Webster B. and Helen W. Kinnaird • Curt and Nancy Koch • Y. Sachiko Kohatsu • James and Jan LaGrone ♥ • Jean* and David Laing ♥ • Ronald and Ruth W. Leonardi • Paul Levin and Joanna Hirst • Jackie and Charlie Mann Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Marsh & McLennan Agency • Elizabeth and Edward McIntyre • Bob Meinzer Jr. and Steve McIntee • Paul and Maggie Meyer • Rebecca Moores • Mark C. Niblack, M.D. • The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation • Bernard Paul and Maria Sardina • Scott Peters and Lynn Gorguze • Gale and James Petrie • Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP • Rancho Coyote Vineyards • Joseph and Sara Reisman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Ann and Tim Rice • Russ and Marty Ries • Jeannie and Arthur Rivkin* • Nancy J. Robertson • Dennis and Rosy Roccaforte • Tina Rounsavell • Rich and Christy Scannell • Robert and Nancy Selander • Robert and Lisa Shaw • Lari Sheehan • Dave and Phyllis Snyder • Nancy and Alan Spector and Family • Kathleen and Al Steele ♥ • Brenda and Robert Tomaras • Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford • TravelStruck • C. Anne Turhollow, in memory of Michael J. Perkins ♥ • Carol and Larry Veit • The Vigil Family • Vino Carta • Lian von Wantoch, in memory of Jordine and Harvey Von Wantoch ♥ • Judith Wenker • The Wickline Family • Britt Zeller • Emma and Leo Zuckerman • Anonymous (6)
OUR THANKS
Craig Noel Circle ($3,000 to $4,999)
Diana and Don Ambrose • In loving memory of Stanley E. Anderson • Drs. Gabriela and Michael Antos • Bobbie Ball • Diana (DJ) Barliant and Nowell Wisch Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Jack and Sue Ellen Benson • Giovanni and Carolyn Bertussi • Pat and Carol Bivens • Rebecca Blakely Bashforth • Richard and Eileen Brown • Anita Busquets and William Ladd • Raedel Calori • Robert Caplan and Carol Randolph • Gary and Lynette Cederquist • Doris and Wayne Christopher • Jan and Tom Ciaraffo • Richard Clampitt and Rachel Hurst • Garet and Wendy Clark • Linda Claytor • Ms. Heidi Conlan/The Sahan Daywi Foundation • R. Patrick and Sharon Connell • Gigi Cramer, in memory of Ed Cramer • Charley and Barb Crew, in memory of Michael Crew • Ronald D. Culbertson • Drs. Charles Davis and Kathryn Hollenbach • Angie DeCaro ♥ • Jim and Sally Ditto • Donna Donati • Chris Duke and Harriet Kounaves • Vicki and Chris Eddy • Hilit and Barry Edelstein • Edward Jones Financial Advisor, David S. Tam • Bill Eiffert and Leslie Hodge • Arlene Esgate • M. Carr Ferguson • Dieter Fischer/Dieter's Mercedes Service Inc. • Dr. Ben and Susan Frishberg • Dorothy and Robert Ganz • Jarrod Gerardot and Joel Pasion • Norman and Patricia Gillespie • Wendy Gillespie • Robert Gleason and Marc Matys ♥ • Fred and Lisa Goldberg • Louise and Doug Goodman • Edry Goot • Judi Gottschalk • Marcia Green • Charles Gyselbrecht and Eric Taylor • Dean J. Haas • Thomas and Cristina Hahn ♥• Ms. Cheryl Haimsohn • Julia Carrington Hall • Pat and Rick Harmetz • Gordon and Phyllis Harris • Richard and Linda Hascup • Phil and Kathy Henry • Suzanne and Lawrence Hess • Jill Holmes, in memory of Evelyn Mack Truitt • Geoffrey Horton and Sunshine Horton ♥ • In memory of John Howell • Gary and Carrie Huckell • Patricia Humecke • Joseph and Eileen Innecken • The Jasada Foundation • Ralph Johnson • Marge Katleman and Richard D. Perlman, M.D. • Edythe Kenton • John Kikuchi and Debra Coggins • Angela and Matthew Kilman • Jo Ann Kilty • Ken and Sheryl King • Jane and Ray* Klofkorn ♥ • Jules and Gwen Knapp Charitable Foundation • Bill and Linda Kolb • Regina Kurtz • Terry and Mary Lehr • The Leist Family ♥ • Jeffrey and Hillary Liber Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Robin J. Lipman • Robin and Chuck* Luby • Sally and Luis Maizel • Eileen A. Mason • Dennis A. McConnell • Oliver McElroy and Karen DeLaurier • Mrs. Joseph McGreevy • Cynthia McIntyre • Ilene Mittman in memory of Dr. Charles Mittman • Charlie Mize • Brad Monroe and Dr. Therese Botz • Akiko Charlene Morimoto and Hubert Frank Hamilton, Jr. • Ellen and Jim Moxham in memory of Mrs. Joy and Dr. Fred Frye • Nancy and James Mullen • Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Munzinger • Neiman Marcus San Diego • Lyn Nelson • The Ron and Joyce Nelson Foundation • Michael and Linda Niggli • Noelle Norton and Erwin Willis ♥ • Micki Olin and Reid Abrams • Anita Pittman • Dr. Julie A. Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal • Ranch & Coast Magazine • Linda Rankin and Rodney Whitlow • RKG Wealth Management • Steve Ross and Hyunmi Cho • Ryde Family Memorial Foundation at The San Diego Foundation • Julie and Jay Sarno • Robert Schapiro • In memory of Axel • Karen Sedgwick • Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger • Timothy J. Shields • Mark Silver and Katherine Michaud • Alan and Esther Siman ♥ • Nancy Steinhart and Rebecca Goodpasture • Ms. Jeanette Stevens • Mike Stivers • Louise and Jack Strecker • Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation • True Life Center • Susan and Larry Twomey ♥ • U.S. Department of Education • Peggy Ann Wallace • The Samuel L. Westerman Foundation • Catherine and Frank White • AC and Dorothy Wood • Charlie Zieky and Bob Berman • Helene and Allan Ziman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Anonymous (5)
Friends of The Old Globe donors will be recognized for their total giving from the preceding fiscal year. Your giving in 2023 will be recognized throughout 2024.
Champion ($1,000 to $2,999)
Jack Adcox • Hon. Louise De Carl Adler • Alpert-Von Behren Family • Dede Alpert • Arleene Antin and Leonard Ozerkis • Lynell Antrim • Jeff and Donna Applestein • Helen Ashley • Judith Bachner and Eric Lasley • Dr. Stephen Miller Baird and Carol Davidson Baird • Terence and Kailee Balagia • Sandra D. Barstow, in memory of Margaret Peninger • Bradford Bates • Judy and Larry Belinsky • Marian Benassi • Sondra and Robert Berk Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Edgar and Julie Berner • Sheila Bhalla • Ken and Susan Bien • Sara Billey and Paul Viola • Paul Black* • Norma and Craig Blakey • Austin and Liza Blue • Doug and Neva Bradley • Odelia Braun • Duane and Sandi Buehner • California Lawyers for the Arts • Lenore and Doug Cameron • Cappetta Family Foundation • Oleg and Ruth Carleton • Jean Cheng • Janet and Maarten Chrispeels • Ms. Lisa Churchill and Dr. Susan Forsburg • Lee Clark and Jerry Pikolysky • Katharine Cline and Michael Lee • Sue Lasbury and John Cochran • The Marilyn Colby and Evans Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Marge Cole • Gail Conklin and David Hamilton • Culinary Concepts and Sensational Treats • Nancy Cunningham • Darlene G. Davies*, in memory of Lowell Davies • Linda Davies • Hon. Vincent Di Figlia • Jacqueline and Stanley Drosch • Susan Dube • Arthur and Danielle Engel • James and Louise Esposito • Jessica Farr • Paula Fitzgerald and Christopher Nielsen • Michael and Rocio Flynn • Jean and Sid* Fox • Cheryl and Steven Garfin • Harriet Gerza • Doug Gillingham and Dana Friehauf • Dr. and Mrs. Jerrold Glassman • Gayle and Dwight Gordon • Euvoughn Louise Greenan • Patrick Harrison and Eleanor Lynch • Tom and Lynn Hawkins • Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper • Jill and Steve Herbold • Gerald M. Hermanson* and Donna L. Buckner • Shirley A. Higgins • Theodore Hoehn • Jane and Bruce* Hopkins • Janice Howard • Martin and Susan Hupka • Stephanie and Carl Hurst • Nancy Janus • Cynthia M. Jones • Janis N. Jones • Keith and Clara Justus • Wilfred Kearse and Lynne Champagne • Dennis Kern • Bill and Lynne Ketchie • Debra Reed-Klages and Mark Klages • Michael Kossman • Paula LeGros • Charles Mabry • Barbara Major • John B. Major and Jenna Williams • J. Markovac and G. Miller • Martin and Joanne Marugg • John McInerney • Diane McKernan and Steve Lyman • Monica Medina ♥ • Trevor and Teresa Mihalik • Rena Minisi and Rich Paul • Martha and Chuck Moffett • Mimi and Ernie Mortensen • Native Poppy • Adrian and Lorna Nemcek • Marsha J. Netzer • Joan and Charles* Neumann • David J. Noonan • Kimberly and David Ohanian • Ronald and Valerie Ontell • Dianna Orth • Alejandro and Babette Ortiz • Dr. David and Elizabeth Ostrander • Christopher and Susan Pantaleoni • John and Diane Parks • Tim and Leslie Paul • L. Robert and Patricia Payne • Dan and Connie Pittard • Gina Purlia and Kent Johnson Family DAF at the Chicago Community Foundation • Adele Rabin • Pam and Raghu Rau • Sarah B. Marsh Rebelo and John G. Rebelo • Leslie Reed • Vivien Ressler • Charles and Joyce Revlett • Michael Robertson and Dale Johnston • Rudy and Erica Robles • Bingo and Gino Roncelli • Lynne and Glenn Rossman • Amy Roth • Joy Rottenstein •
Champion ($1,000 to $2,999) (continued)
Robert Rubenstein and Marie Raftery • Dawn and Phil Rudolph • Paige Bosacki Santos • Kathy Schneider • Harold Scott • John and Patricia Seiber • Jennifer and Kenneth Sghia-Hughes • Patricia Shiley • Susan and Gerald Slavet • Malcolm E. Smith • Kathie Adams and Myke Smith • John and Lynn Spafford • Clifford and Kay Sweet • David Sweet • John and Gail Tauscher • Thomas Templeton and Mary E. Erlenborn • Charles Tiano • Teresa Trucchi • Natalie C. Venezia and Paul A. Sager • Gladfred Viery • Gretchen Vik • Diana Weinrieb and John Flannery • J.D. and Linda Wessling • Drs. Christine White and Joseph Traube • Carol and Dennis Wilson • The Witz Family • Joseph and Mary Witztum • Howard and Christy Zatkin • Alex and Laney Zikakis • Anonymous (16)
Advocate ($500 to $999)
Robin Allgren • Debra and Dave Alpert • Ron and Ann Alpert • Derek Van Woelderen and Brent Amerman • Weston Anson • Mr. Alexander S. Ardwin • Katherine A. Austin • Francis and Linda Bardsley • Tania and Greg Batson • Valeria Bauman and F. Lee Smith • Sharon Beamer • Jane Benton • Robert Benzel and Gerry Sullivan • Dennis Blue and Barbara Marks • Joyce and Bob Blumberg • Gaylyn Boone • Nina and Tony Borwick • Mary Brewer • Beth Bruton • Terri Bryson • Laurie Burgett • David Butera • Sharon and Mike Carlin • Gordon Carrier, FAIA • Margaret Carroll • G. Cole Casey, Esq. • LaVonne and Paul Cashman • Cassatt Family • Doreen Casuto • Casey Celestin • Paul Chambers and Kate Belan • Bruce and Ann Cole • Joe Costa • Emery and Georgia Cummins • John and Michelle Dannecker • Steve and Susan Davis • Caroline DeMar • Don and Julie DeMent • Heather and Michael Dietsch • Denis and Joan Dowd • James and Renée Dean Dunford, MD • Gary and Rachel Edwards • Eric Emont and Barbara Snyder Emont • Isabella Ferrera and Jody Rogers • Dale Fisher • Susan Fox • Caroline Frederick • Judith and Dr. William Friedel • Catherine R. Friedman • Dr. Richard and Randee Friedman • John and Natalie Fulton • Stephen and Lindsey Gamp • Joy Gao and Hui Zhao • Grant Gelvin and Kat Vaughan • Mark A. Geyer • Frank Gladden • Dr. and Mrs. Michael Goldbaum • Lawrence Goldstone • Chris and Dana Goodrow • Jeffrey and Linda Gorwit • Tom Guthrie and Greg Tompkins • Brittany Haile and Brian MacDonald • Christopher and Peggy Harding • Jessica Heldman • Kaaren Henderson Kerlin • Barbara and Kirk Henry • Marilyn and Daniel Herde • Christine Hickman and Dennis Ragen • Robert and Sabine Hildebrand • Adrienne Hoehn • Margaret Holl • Tom Horvath and Claudia Baranowski • Dr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Hueter • Larry Imrie and Ingrid Nielsen • Summer Iverson • Stephen Jennings • Tony Jennison • Dr. and Mrs. Clyde* W. Jones • David and Susan Kabakoff • Dwight Kellogg • Dr. Gerald and Barbara Kent • Deborah Knoles • Marvin Kripps, M.D. • Lura Kulhavy • Guliz Kuruoglu • Ellie Kussman • Dan and Maria Lai • Alexis Lasheras • Lava Propane • Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky • Susan E. Lerner • Ira Levine • Michael and Manuela Levinson • Zita Liebermensch • Eric and Lori Longstreet • Sande L. Hall and Kyle E. Lovel • Jain Malkin • Neil Malmquist • Deborah and Fred Mandabach • Mercy and Ron Mandelbaum • Richard Manion • Chana Mannen • Scott Markus and Luci Lander • Rev. Stephen J. Mather • David McCall and William Cross • Nathan McCay • Wallace McCloskey • Douglas and Edie McCoy • Larry McDonald and Clare White-McDonald • Christine McFadden • Cristie McGuire and Cecil Keener • Maggi McKerrow • Tessa A. McRae • Nathan Meyers and Vicki Righettini • Thomas Moore • Earl Moores • JR Morgan • Dr. Robert and Ms. Anne Morrison • William and Mary-Rose Mueller • Charles and Susan Muha • Margaret E. Murphy • Robert Niderost • William and Catherine Norcross • Rich and June Nygaard • Thomas and Tanya O'Donnell • Linda and Larry Okmin • Stephen O'Neill and Judy O'Neill • Sally A. Parker • Barbara L. Parry, M.D. • Shannon Partrick • Virginia Patch • Brenda Pearson • Penelope Perryman • Kathleen and Cameron Jay Rains • Dianne and Bruce Ramet • Sue Randerson and Kathy Romine • Janet Eileen Turley Raschke • Dr. and Mrs. Louis and Nancy Regas • Patrick and Marti Ritto • Dan and Laura Roos • Mary Rossi • Diane Rothman • Dr. Norman and Barbara Rozansky • Todd and Marie Ruth • Susan Salt • Micki Schneider and Ron Houston • Jackie Schoell • Robert J. Schott • Betsy and Norbert Schulz • Joseph Shuman and Judy Persky • Natalie H. Service • Michele and John Shumate • Debra Siegel • Mitchell and Elizabeth Siegler • Beverly and Howard Silldorf • Anne and Ronald Simon • Lance Smith • Mark and Elaine Smith • Norman and Judith Solomon • Mark Luers and Kent Springer • Stevens Family • Spence and Sue Stevens • David and Hannah Stone • Peter Stovin • Ronald and Susan Styn • Eric and Marian Suggs • Dan and Katie Sullivan • Norm and Laura Swauger • Anne Taylor • James Turner and Lisa Stewart • Dean Ujihara • Vladimir and Letty Victorio • Karen Walker • John Walsh • Rex and Kathy Warburton • The Ward Family Charitable Fund • J. Susan Watson • Michael S. and Paula D. West • Charles Herbert White • Stephanie Wilde • Symphorosa Williams MD • Carole Wilson • Andrew and Carisa Wisniewski • Emil and Caroline Wohl • Judith Wolf and Brian Goodwin • Maggie Wolfe-Johnson • Sabrina Wright • Brendan M. and Kaye I. Wynne • Mary Ann Yaghdjian, MSRE • Thomas Yonker and Vicki Hodge • Barry Zemel • Anonymous (28)
*In memoriam ♥ Globe Sustainers: donors who have pledged multiyear gifts
This list is current as of June 26, 2024. We regret any omissions or errors. Please contact Janet Myott at jmyott@TheOldGlobe.org to make a correction to this list.
Barry Edelstein
Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director
ARTISTIC
Kim Heil · Artistic Producer and Head of Casting Aleksej Aarsaether, Becks Redman · Associate Producers
ARTS ENGAGEMENT
Adena Varner · Director of Arts Engagement
Erika Phillips · Senior Programs Manager
Vietca Do · Access Programs Manager
Randall Eames · Youth Programs Manager
Valeria Vega · Family and Cross-Cultural Programs Manager
Laura Zee · Community Programs Manager
Rachel Catalano, Mayté Martinez, James Pillar, Soroya Rowley, Gill Sotu · Arts Engagement Programs Associates
Juliana Gassol · Arts Engagement Operations Coordinator
Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access
FINANCE
Michelle Yeager · Director of Finance
Miranda Osguthorpe · Senior Accountant
Eugene Landsman · Payroll Administrator
Trish Guidi · Accountant
Lisa Sanger-Greshko · Accounts Payable/Payroll Assistant
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
Alexander Orbovich · General Manager
Alexandra Hisserich · Associate General Manager
Jeff Sims · Assistant General Manager
Carolyn Budd ·
Assistant to the Artistic and Managing Directors
Tim Cole · Receptionist
FACILITIES
Crescent Jakubs · Facilities Director
TJ Miller · Custodial Supervisor
Patrick Aguayo, Raul Alatorre, Violanda Corona, Eddie Johnson, Milton Johnson, Carolina Lopez de Orellana, Kevin Ortiz, Carlos Perez, Victor Quiroz, Vicente Ramos, Brock Roser, Devonte Wallace, Ellie Webb · Building Staff
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Dean Yager · Information Technology Director
Justin Brown · Systems Administrator
Brittany Summers · Information Technology Assistant
FRONT OF HOUSE
Katie Lugo · Front of House Manager
Alex Bezdeka, Emily Bruning, Oliver de Luz, Jillian Jones, Sashank Kanchustambam, Victoria Weller, Arianna Yunker · House Managers
HELEN EDISON GIFT SHOP
Barbara Behling, Joey Ramone Ugalde · Gift Shop Supervisors
LADY CAROLYN’S PUB
Patrice Aguayo · Pub Manager
Kimberly Belliard, Deborah Montes, Rashad Williams · Pub Shift Supervisors
Darlene Barnes, Martin Carranza, Cole Christensen, Elizabeth Herrera, Shah Kalbassi, Ian Lacy, James Lyon, Lachlan MacDonald, Nicholas Pettas, Johnny Quiroz, Juan Vazquez · Pub Staff
PUBLIC SAFETY
Mike Orona · Public Safety Manager
Shea Husted · Public Safety Lead
Perla Aguilera, Joe Lams, Janet Larson, Megan Mair, Danny Mejia, Chris Moore, Omar Ortega, Aisha Parker, Dan Steinshouer, Andrew Vargas, Jose Vizcaino · Public Safety Team
HUMAN RESOURCES
Sandy Parde · Director of Human Resources
Melissa Becker · Human Resources Generalist
Lorraine Gutierrez · Human Resources Assistant
MARKETING
Dave Henson ·
Timothy J. Shields
Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director
Director of Marketing and Communications
Patty Onagan Consulting · Public Relations Director
Mike Hausberg · Associate Director of Communications
Nina Garin · Associate Director of Marketing
Joyelle Cabato · Marketing Manager
Chanel Cook · Digital and Print Publications Designer
Rita Corona · Communications Associate
Hotaru Morita · Marketing Database Analyst
Stephanie Ochoa · Public Relations Associate
Katie Rodriguez · Marketing Assistant
SUBSCRIPTION SALES
Scott Cooke · Subscription Sales Manager
Arthur Faro, Janet Kavin, Ken Seper, Grant Walpole · Subscription Sales Representatives
TICKET SERVICES
Brianne Siegel · Director of Ticket Services
Cynthia Navarro · Assistant Director of Ticket Services
Mio Rose Aldana, Junior Denton, Kathy Fineman · Lead Ticket Services Representatives
Matt Pequeno · Group Sales Manager/Lead Ticket Services Representative
Manuel Aguilar, Carmen Amon, Kari Archer, Monjolaoluwa Awokoya, Tyler Blevins, Angel Cruz, Kelsey Gonzalez, Caroline Hyatt, Melyssa Mason, Jessica Pressman, Bao Tran · Ticket Services Representatives
NEW PLAYS AND DRAMATURGY
Danielle Mages Amato · Director of New Plays and Dramaturgy
Sonia Desai · Literary Associate
PHILANTHROPY
Beth Brenner · Interim Director of Philanthropy
Bridget Cantu Wear · Deputy Director of Philanthropy
Anne Myers · Associate Director of Philanthropy, Major Gifts
Doug Oliphant · Associate Director of Philanthropy, Annual Giving and Operations
Jes Wade · Associate Director of Philanthropy
Janet Myott · Philanthropy Administrator
Katie Walsh · Donor Stewardship Coordinator
Dillon Hoban · Annual Giving Coordinator
Caren Dufour · Philanthropy Assistant
Kassi Tompkins Gray · Events Director
Jerilyn Hammerstrom · Donor Stewardship and Special Events
Sara Stavros · Events Specialist
Kaya Ortega · Institutional Giving Associate
DONOR SERVICES
Corinne Bagnol, Adriane Carneiro, Jerilyn Hammerstrom, Felicita Johnson, Robert Lang, Barbara Lekes, Bridget Murphy, David Owen, Stephanie Reed, Barry Rose, Frank Kensaku Saragosa, Sara Stavros, Vanessa Vargas · Suite Concierges
PRODUCTION
Robert Drake · Senior Producer
Benjamin Thoron · Production Manager
Leila Knox · Associate Production Manager and Production Stage Manager
Debra Pratt Ballard · Producing Associate Ron Cooling · Company Manager
David McMaines · Assistant Company Manager
Luna Camitan · Company Management Assistant
Kevin Sakrekoff · Production Office Coordinator
TECHNICAL
Joe Powell · Technical Director
Todd Piedad, Lucas Skoug · Assistant Technical Directors
Payton Balsbaugh, Chris Bridges, Keri Ciesielski, Evan Gove, Eddie Hernandez, Sloan Holly, Chad Labourdette, Marcus Laskey, Michael Lovett, Hugo Mazariegos, Frank Munoz, Michael Przybylek, James Reisdorfer, Albert Rubidoux, James Seiveno, Blake Shoemaker, William Slaybaugh, Jazen Sveum, Molly Whittaker, Matthew Worden · Carpenters
W. Adam Bernard · Lead Scenic Artist
Jessica Amador, Sami Leon, HannaH Murdoch, Archi Rozas, Brenda Salamone · Scenic Artists
Danielle Mages Amato, Ray Chambers, Gerhard Gessner, Ka’imi Kuoha, Scott Ripley, Jersten Seraile, Emmelyn Thayer, Eileen Troberman, James Vásquez · M.F.A. Faculty
Jacob Bruce, Corey Johnston, Dana McNeal, Nate Parde, Nicole Ries, Robin Sanford Roberts · M.F.A. Production Staff
Jack O’Brien · Artistic Director Emeritus
Craig Noel · Founding Director
OGT = Old Globe Theatre; SHW = Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre; LDF = Lowell Davies Festival Theatre
There’s no better place to celebrate the return of summer than Del Mar. Experience the beauty and excitement of world-class Thoroughbred racing, along with fantastic bars and restaurants and entertaining events. It’s no wonder Del Mar has been chosen to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2024 and 2025. But summer comes first, so make your plans today.
Essential August Eats
From a New French Supper Club to a New-Again Steakhouse to Oceanfront Omakase / by
SARAH DAOUST /
San Diego’s most
anticipated restaurant opening of the year is at last here. The latest and final (or so they insist) venture by the Puffer Malarkey Collective (restaurateur Christopher Puffer and celebrity chef Brian Malarkey)—along with executive chef and James Beard finalist Tara Monsod (Animae)—Le Coq is a modern French steakhouse, laced with Californian and Asian influences and a retro ‘70s supper club vibe. Dine on French classics like roast chicken with chicken jus and lemon, seared duck breast, steak frites, dry-aged ribeye steak and Parisian gnocchi; plus decadent treats such as strawberry mille-feuille by talented pastry chef
Dry-aged ribeye and strawberry mille-feuille at Le Coq in La Jolla
“Impeccable comedic timing...a night of non‑stop laughter.”
– VARIETY
“A timeless classic in American theatre.”
–
THE GUARDIAN
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER is full of mistaken identities, rapid-fire dialogue, and unexpected twists. Camoletti’s recipe for comedic confusion combines some sexy hanky-panky and miscommunication. Don’t miss this deliciously hilarious night of theatre.
JULY 17–AUGUST 18
BY MARK CAMOLETTI
ADAPTED BY ROBIN HAWDON
DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS
tuesday night comics
Hosted by Mark christopher lawrence
2024: Sep 17 & nov 19 @ 7:30 pm
2025: jan 14, mar 11, may 13 & jul 22 @ 7:30 pm
The Tony Award-winning A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE delves into the complexities of family, love, and justice. A timeless drama with compelling characters and intense relationships, audiences will be on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
SEPTEMBER
11–OCTOBER 6
BY ARTHUR MILLER
DIRECTED BY DAVID ELLENSTEIN
Tuesday Night Comics is arguably the funniest night of comedy in San Diego. MCL taps into his extensive list of talented comedian friends and shares the North Coast Rep stage with them. The show is comprised of talent from all over the country with late-night television credits as well as credits from Comedy Central, HBO, SHOWTIME, etc. (Rated R.)
Laura Warren for dessert. (The bread service is a carb lover’s dream: Warren’s traditional French baguette with à la carte accompaniments such as a selection of butters enhanced with caviar, seaweed and even chicken skin.) Libations include a thoughtful assemblage of French and California wines and bubbly; along with inventive cocktails like the direct “Filthy” with Four Pillars olive gin, brine, nori liqueur and optional caviar olives; and the refreshing “Calvados 75” with pear liqueur, vanilla, citrus and bubbles. Housed in a 1930s building, the 7,500-squarefoot space (formerly Herringbone) was reimagined by Puffer and Megan Power of Workind Studio. Guests are greeted by a stunning, 36-seat, stonetop bar near the entrance, welcoming walk-ins and a more casual experience for drinks and dining. Just beyond, a sprawling, airy oasis channels a bustling, sexy Paris supper club: steel-trussed industrial ceilings; exposed brick walls; oxblood velvet booths; rich, (almost casino-like) magentaand-chartreuse carpeting; plenty of live greenery for warmth and lushness; and a glass-enclosed case of
Plates at BASTA! by "Sam the Cooking Guy" in Little Italy
fake les coqs (roosters) inviting you to the restrooms in back. Oh, and ask about the three-tiered “house accounts” offering exclusive restaurant perks. 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858.427.1500, lecoq.com
In the heart of Little Italy, “Sam the Cooking
Guy” (Sam Zien) and Grain & Grit Collective bring us a new culinary concept: BASTA!, now open in the Piazza della Famiglia. Led by chef Gavin Mills, the casual eatery offers classic Italian dishes with fun, quirky twists. Think:
bone-marrow garlic bread; crispy cacio e’ pepe gnocchi; hamachi crudo with Meyer lemon, Calabrian chili and Castelvetrano olives; steak tartare with toasted sourdough; ricotta tortellini with Parmesan, lemon, asparagus, creme fraiche and herb
oil; “Italian Chicken ‘n’ Waffles” with roasted chicken, lemon, capers, Castelvetrano olives and a polenta waffle; and Santa Barbara uni served over house-made cavatelli, with cream, lemon and bonito flakes; plus themed cocktails like the Tuscan Sunset Negroni and the rum-based Amalfi Glow.
555 W. Date St., Little Italy, 619.269.0335, bastasd.com
Enjoy coastal Baja cuisine in the Gaslamp Quarter by award-winning chef Kevin Templeton at the new Hasta Mañana Cantina. The contemporary space features vibrantly colored murals, balanced by a dimly lit tequila bar in the back, Monkey Bar. On the menu, a vast selection of agave spirits, margaritas, ceviches, tacos, tamales, mole wings, burritos, and specialty dishes made with in-housed braised meats and line-caught sustainable seafood. Try the Surf & Turf plate with grilled carne asada and Mexican white shrimp; and wash it down with the Going Back to Mezicali cocktail. Save room for the house-made churros and Gelato Mexicano. 310 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 858.321.5515, hastamananacantina.com
In Hillcrest, brunch is the most important meal of the day, every day.
The Music of Sergei V. Rachmaninoff Book by Hershey Felder Directed by Trevor Hay
Hershey Felder’s newest musical play will feature him in the role of composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff alongside British-Italian actor Jonathan Silvestri in the role of Tsar Nicholas II. Having safely left Russia during the 1917 revolution, Rachmaninoff eventually made his home in Beverly Hills, but always longed for the Tsarist Russia that he knew and loved as a young man. Featuring Rachmaninoff’s most beloved compositions, this promises to be another mystical musical journey in the Hershey Felder style that patrons have come to know and love.
Don’t Miss The World Premiere Production!
AUGUST 27-31
Since opening in early June as XOXO Retro Diner, this new outpost has shifted to a brunchonly focus and an updated name to match: XOXO by Breakfast & Bubbles (open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Order from a fun menu of savory plates like caviar Benedict, pink deviled eggs, and the crispy chicken waffle sandwich; and sweet dishes such as Oreostuffed French toast, multi-layered hazelnutchocolate-crepes cake, and the “Tower of Sweetness,” perfect for groups; along with breakfast cocktails, mimosas and milkshakes to wash it all down. (There’s even a new secret menu offering exclusive liba-
tions, bao buns and “Golden Steak with Eggs.”) 3831 Park Blvd., Hillcrest, 619.269.6281, xoxosandiego.com
In continued collaboration with renowned chef Richard Blais, Park Hyatt Aviara’s celebrated steakhouse, Ember & Rye, has reopened—this time with a refreshed menu and James Beard semifinalist Jonathan Bautista as newly appointed executive chef. Nestled at the Arnold Palmer-designed Aviara Golf Club overlooking the 18th green and surrounding Batiquitos Lagoon, the restaurant offers premium-quality steaks and seafood dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Feast on A5 Japanese wagyu, 28-day
dry-aged, “King Charles Cut” ribeye, cedar-plank Ora King salmon, craband-lobster bucatini with English peas, and much more; plus specialty cocktails such as the rumbased Lagoon Treasure. 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, 760.603.6908, parkhyattaviara.com
Sandpiper Wood-Fired Grill & Oysters—La Jolla Shores’ casual-cool oyster bar and restaurant (celebrating its second
anniversary in business)— has debuted a refreshed summer menu by executive chef Marty Fay. New additions include the smoked albacore dip accompanied by “everything bagel” crackers, pickles and a soft boiled egg; swordfish schnitzel with German potato salad and marinated cucumbers; cod croquettes with bechamel and lemon aioli; and a panzanella salad with
Offerings at Sandpiper; sushi at Cannonball
THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
Award-Winning Musicians in Your Own Backyard
Renowned classical artists such as Thomas Adès, Augustin Hadelich, Joyce Yang, and Anthony McGill will join visual artists The Paper Cinema, dancer Caleb Teicher, and others for unique concert experiences you won’t want to miss during this year’s SummerFest.
DINING
A gourmet picnic basket at Little Frenchie; brunch libations at
tomatoes, burrata, peaches and sourdough. (We also love menu mainstays such as the fried oysters with pickled jalapeño; and the softshell-crab bucatini with Parmesan, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.) 2259 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.228.5655, sandpipersd.com
Plunked oceanside at Belmont Park, rooftop Japanese-fusion restaurant Cannonball has debuted a new summer menu—featuring 30plus sushi rolls and new appetizers, entrees and cocktails. Choose from an expanded nigiri and sashimi selection; new starters such as the baked blue crab dip and Korean beef bao buns; mains including whole fried snapper and steak tataki; new maki and hoso-maki
XOXO.
rolls; and Japaneseinspired libations like the Coral Dragon and Smoke & Mirrors. Or go offmenu with the Omakase Experience. 3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, 858.228.9304, belmontpark.com (and click on “Dine”)
Known for its authentic French fare and charm, Coronado’s Parisian-style bistro and wine bar, Little Frenchie, now offers curated picnic baskets to-go. “Vin et Fromage” includes four cheeses, charcuterie, pâté, pecans and dried fruits ($130); “Le Brunch” comprises your choice of two entrees, such as quiche and Nicoise salad ($150); and the “Le Sunset” is perfect to enjoy before dinner ($170). Each basket comes with a bottle of wine, a baguette with jam and butter, chocolate truffles and madeleines. Order 48 hours in advance and pick up daily, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.675.0041, littlefrenchiesd.com
“IHAVECHILLSEVERYTIMETHISCHOIRSINGS.”
— SOFIA VERGARA GOLDEN BUZZER WINNER ONNBC’S‘AMERICA’SGOTTALENT’
VOICES OF OUR CITY CHOIR'S
A SOULFUL BENEFIT CONCE�T PRESENTED BY MUSICPOWER.ORG
OCT 26 5:30PMatEVE
975 WATE�FRONT PL.
Join us for an unforgettable night out at San Diego’s elegant new waterfront venue with stunning Bay views, cocktails at sunset, and music that will feed your soul.
Featuring award-winning musicians, original compositions, and Voices’ internationally acclaimed performance ensemble. Don’t miss out on this unique experience celebrating an organization San Diego Magazine calls “an inspirational nonprofit”.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW.
Voices of Our City amplifies the voices of people impacted by homelessness through music and the arts. All concert proceeds help San Diegans out of homelessness — for good. voicesofourcity.org
CONT’D. FROM PAGE 15
end to the use of DDT; restoring the ecosystem of Guadalupe Island; and protecting local canyons in the City of San Diego.
One example of conservation success stories involving The Nat, Gradwohl mentions, is
the reintroduction of redlegged frogs to Southern California. “The organization has always been binational, because humans are the only animals that recognize political boundaries,” she says. “Plant and animal species go back and forth across the border.
California red-legged frogs were being caught for food; and along with their habitat destruction, it made them locally extinct in our region. We were part of a joint effort to dig ponds and beef up the breeding population in Mexico; and then received permission from the Mexican government and local and state authorities to transplant eggs from Mexico to two sites in Southern California to reestablish that species here.”
Longtime Nat fans may be surprised to learn that the San Diego Society of Natural
History’s first home wasn’t in Balboa Park, which had not yet been developed when the Society was formed. In fact, the Society first held exhibits in the Hotel Cecil
Clockwise from above: overlooking The Nat; Baja plants in Unshelved; Coast to Cactus exhibit; Ocean Oasis at The Nat’s Giant Screen Theater.
on Sixth Avenue, in 1912. Then in 1917, the Society purchased the Nevada Building (on the current site of the San Diego Zoo), which had been left vacant after the 1915 Panama–California Exposition. In 1920, the Society moved to what’s now called the House of Hospitality. In 1922, the Museum moved again, into the spacious Canadian Building, which was later rebuilt as the Casa de Balboa.
It wasn’t until local philanthropist and longtime supporter Ellen Browning Scripps made a generous gift to build a new and
Richar THE R HORR
Satirical. Stripped of Inhibitions.
permanent home for the Society that the Museum was constructed on Balboa Park’s East Prado in 1933. During WWII, the U.S. Navy took over several Balboa Park buildings, and the Museum was converted into a hospital and infectious diseases ward for the duration of the war. Finally, in 2001, the facility’s size more than doubled when the Museum opened a 90,000-squarefoot addition.
“Our founders would be surprised and delighted to see how much we have grown and changed,” Gradwohl says. “For example, we’re using AI for help identifying species, DNA testing and other technologies. But it’s all carrying through a lot of their original dreams for the organization.”
Gradwohl points out that the Society and Museum have been collecting specimens for 150 years. “We hold the ecological record of this region. Many sites have been developed or are no
Music, book and lyrics
Directed by Sean Mur Musical Direction Choreography by
longer what they were, and we have the record of what San Diego used to be,” she says. “We have 8 million specimens we take very good care of. Not long ago, the Salk Institute came to us for samples of yerba santa, a local plant with medicinal properties, that they wanted to study for therapy for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Although our specimens were about 140 years old, they still contained enough active compounds for research purposes. This record of the past is going to be valuable into the future for many reasons we don’t even know yet.”
The Museum is offering many ways to join the 150th anniversary celebration. All year long, visitors will receive free Museum admission on one date of their choice during their own birthday month.
A new exhibition that opened Memorial Day
A 1925 photo from Action from the Archives: The Nat at 150; Ellen Browning Scripps
weekend showcases important moments in the organization’s and San Diego’s history. And the Museum has installed a new, native plant garden with a walking trail surrounding the building. The 22,000-square-foot
outdoor exhibit introduces visitors to the native plants that support the diversity of life in the San Diego region. The Nature Trail is made up of pocket gardens and interpretive paths with themes such as drought-tolerant plants
and container gardening. Gradwohl says the 150th anniversary is also an occasion to continue to evolve The Nat’s mission. “We are adopting a new strategy that asks us to take a stronger role in conversation in the region. We spent the first 150 years documenting the slow decline of nature in San Diego, and it’s time for us to step up and be a part of the solution. We will engage with the public a lot more about the incredible treasure we have here. It’s such a privilege to live in San Diego and we all love the outdoors; and, with a little bit
more care, we can protect and preserve it.”
Later in the year, a brand-new, 40-minute movie, Wild San Diego, specially commissioned by The Nat, will showcase
FEATURE
Clockwise: Nat at Night on the rooftop; wildlife in Unshelved; “Cool Stuff From Storage” in Unshelved
a year in the life of San Diego’s flora and fauna.
Summer means extended hours at The Nat, which will be open until 7 p.m. on weeknights. It also means the return of the popular Nat at Night, with the Museum open until 10 p.m. on Fridays with a rooftop bar that serves beer, wine, nonalcoholic and kids’ beverages, and food from Wolf in the Woods. If nature trivia is your specialty, try your luck at a trivia game hosted in the Atrium every Friday night. Admission is half price after 5 p.m. all summer long.
Fall will bring a ticketed anniversary gala; as well as a public block party with activities inside and outside the Museum; and the introduction of a new Paleontology Center.
For more info on The Nat and its 150 anniversary, visit sdnhm.org
reprogrammed !
Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts
DROP DOWN MENU
Table of app contents.
REGISTER
Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.
THE ESSENTIALS
Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.
CONTRIBUTORS
Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!
NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees . . . The new Performances program platform, accessed on any digital device, is among the more enduring innovations to have come out of the pandemic. The platform provides the programs for 20 Southern California performing-arts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Ahmanson Theatre to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.
The touchless platform provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates and numerous other
arts-centric features. Audiences receive a link and a code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too.
Screens go dark when curtains go up and return when house lights come back on. Updates—such as repertory changes, understudy substitutions and significant new donations—can be made right up to showtime, no inserts necessary. Other features include video and audio streams, translations and expanded biographies.
For those who consider printed
SEARCH
Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.
SIGN IN
Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.
THE PLAYERS
Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.
WHAT’S ON
What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.
programs to be keepsakes, a limited number, as well as commemorative issues for special events, continue to be produced. Collectibles!
Meanwhile, there is less deforestation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for landfills. For the ecologically minded, the platform gets a standing ovation.
When theaters and concert halls reopened after their long intermission, the digital Performances was but one more reason for audience excitement. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. —CALEB WACHS
