Performances Magazine | La Mirada Theatre, November 2023 by California Media Group

NOVEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

contents P1 Program Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes and donors

10 In the Wings Los Angeles Master Chorale's Festival of Carols and Navidad Nuestra at Disney Hall; Love Actually Live at the Wallis; Dog Man at the Kirk Douglas.

Performers making their company debuts, such as those now joining the Joffrey Ballet and LA Opera, navigate new environments, nervous anticipation and artistic pride.

22 Hidden Showplaces

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40 Parting Thought Performances’ new program platform for shows and concerts can be accessed from any digital device.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM, MEGHAN BEIERLE-O'BRIEN, CORY WEAVER

16 Jitters and Joy

6 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER

Jeff Levy EDITOR

Benjamin Epstein ART DIRECTOR

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8 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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I N TH E W I N G S

CHORAL

FESTIVE VOICES LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE fills Walt Disney Concert Hall with sounds of the season. Dec. 2, artistic director Grant Gershon leads the ensemble and baritone soloist Adrien Redford at its Festival of Carols, a program of carols and folksongs including Here We Come A-wassailing, A Chanukah Suite and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. On Dec. 10, the spirit segues to ¡Feliz Nochebuena! ¡Feliz

Navidad! as the chorale presents Navidad Nuestra: December in the Americas with vocal soloists and Andean instruments. Filled with Latin rhythms, works by eight composers reflect the traditions of their native Argentina, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the U.S. Dec. 17 brings Handel’s Messiah with tenor Darita Seth and bass Shuo Zhai. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7282, lamasterchorale.org

From left: Tenor Darita Seth and bass Shuo Zhai join artistic director Grant Gershon for Handel’s Messiah. Opposite: soprano Alina Roitstein, featured at Navidad Nuestra.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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PHOTOS COURTESY LA MASTER CHORALE

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IN TH E W I N G S

Cheyenne Wells and Brian McKnight, Love Actually Live

MULTI MEDIA

MARKING THE 20th anniversary of the holiday film’s release, the multimedia concert celebration Love Actually Live returns to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 22-Dec. 30. Through exceptional staging and video design, the family-friendly production in the center’s intimate Bram Goldsmith Theater transports

audiences into a three-dimensional world blending film and live action. Set in London, iconic scenes from the movie are displayed on screens that move throughout the set as singers and a live orchestra deliver a reimagined soundtrack; songs include “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble with Love” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”

Inspired by the 2003 film, written and directed by Richard Curtis, the immersive co-production by the Wallis and L.A.’s For The Record Live series is adapted and directed by Anderson Davis; it’s presented in arrangement with the Universal Theatrical Group. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310-746-4000, thewallis.org

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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IN TH E W I N G S

Crystal Sha’nae and, below, Jamie LaVerdiere in Dog Man: The Musical

MUSICAL

WITH THE HEAD of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical, a New York Times critic’s pick based on Dav Pilkey’s worldwide-best-selling book series, runs Nov. 21-Jan. 7 at the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Pilkey is best known as the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. The show is

intended for children ages six to 10; according to The New York Times, it “keeps young audiences giggling for nearly 90 minutes” while making adults laugh, too. The writers, it continues. “have adeptly transferred Mr. Pilkey’s inventive, irreverent and mildly vulgar sensibilities to the stage.... The show is based on the premise that it is actually the work of fifth-grade boys. And you know fifth-grade boys.” 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.972.4400, centertheatregroup.org

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FEATURE

JITTERS AND JOY Performers making their company debuts navigate new environments, nervous anticipation and artistic pride. / L I BBY S L AT E / BEFORE SHE EVER hit her teens, Lindy Mesmer would look at dance company websites and dream of seeing her photo and bio onscreen as a member. In July, that dream came true. Mesmer joined the Joffrey Ballet as one of five new artists in the 2023-’24 season. In October, she danced several roles in a production of

Frankenstein. She will be in Anna Karenina when it plays at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown in June. For Mesmer, her Joffrey debut means “the culmination of 17-plus years of training and work. It’s really emotional for me. I have gone through a lot, a lot of ups, a lot of downs. ‘Debut’ is just five little letters, but it’s a really, really big deal. It fills me with a lot of pride.” Check out season announcements for just about any kind of arts company, and you’re apt to find notations

16 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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Isabel Leonard as Donna Elvira in LA Opera’s Don Giovanni. Opposite: below, Lindy Mesmer; above, second from right, Mesmer is one of five dancers making their Joffrey Ballet debuts.

CORY WEAVER. OPPOSITE FROM TOP: CAROLYN MCCABE, CHERYL MANN.

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about performers making their debuts, some newly minted professionals, others mainstage veterans. Los Angeles Opera goes further, spotlighting the season’s newcomers with an article at its website. For the companies and performers alike, debuts are indeed a big deal. “There’s a bit more weight here on a debut,” says LA Opera president and CEO Christopher Koelsch, “because you think about investments over time, not just how you get through a single performance, or how you get through a single run. “We’re trying to have a mix of artists with whom we’ve developed a long-term interest and audiences have connected with, along with people we are excited about, who we believe have a very bright future. “We want audiences to connect with their ... nascent artistry now, then feel a sense of pride as / CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS and

McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT present

Book by

DOUGLAS McGRATH Words and Music by

GERRY GOFFIN & CAROLE KING BARRY MANN & CYNTHIA WEIL Music by Arrangement with

SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING Orchestrations, Vocal and Incidental Music Arrangements

STEVE SIDWELL

PAUL BLAKE

Originally Produced on Broadway by

SONY/ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING

MIKE BOSNER

Starring

SARA SHEPERD MILES JACOBY SARA KING TREVOR JAMES BRIAN IBSEN BRIANA BROOKS DOMO D’DANTE FATIMA EL-BASHIR ROSHARRA FRANCIS BRADY FRITZ DAVID GINLET MITCHELL LAM HAU CORNELIUS JONES, JR. JAMES LARSEN JAZZ MADISON KETURAH McINTYRE KENNETH MOSLEY MELISSA MUSIAL MONET SABEL MICHAEL SWAIN-SMITH and VALERIE PERRI as “Genie Klein” Scenic Design

Costume Design

DEREK MCLANE Properties Supervisor

KEVIN WILLIAMS

ALEJO VIETTI Casting Director

JULIA FLORES

Assistant Stage Manager

LISA PALMIRE

Lighting Design

ETHAN STEIMEL Technical Director

KEVIN CLOWES

Sound Design

Hair & Wig Design

JOSH BESSOM

KAITLIN YAGEN

General Management

Company Manager

THERESA FLEMMING

Production Stage Manager

MONICA DICKHENS

DAVID NESTOR

Publicist

DAVID ELZER/DEMAND PR

Musical Direction by

RYAN O’CONNELL Choreography and Associate Direction by

JOYCE CHITTICK

Original Broadway Choreography by JOSH PRINCE Original Broadway Direction by MARC BRUNI Directed by

DAVID RUTTURA Costumes, Props, and Scenery are leased through the courtesy of Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine BEAUTIFUL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

OPENING NIGHT NOVEMBER 10, 2023

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P1

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THE COMPANY

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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CAST OF CHARACTERS Carole King ............................................................................................................................. SARA SHEPERD* Genie Klein ............................................................................................................................... VALERIE PERRI* Betty........................................................................................................................................ MELISSA MUSIAL Neil Sedaka.................................................................................................................................... BRADY FRITZ Lucille ................................................................................................................................... BRIANA BROOKS* Don Kirshner................................................................................................................................ BRIAN IBSEN* Gerry Goffin ..............................................................................................................................MILES JACOBY* The Drifters .................................................................................................DOMO D’DANTE, DAVID GINLET*, CORNELIUS JONES, JR.*, KENNETH MOSLEY* Cynthia Weil.....................................................................................................................................SARA KING* Barry Mann ..............................................................................................................................TREVOR JAMES* The Shirelles ................................................................................... BRIANA BROOKS*, FATIMA EL-BASHIR*, ROSHARRA FRANCIS*, JAZZ MADISON Janelle Woods............................................................................................................... ROSHARRA FRANCIS* Little Eva .................................................................................................................................... JAZZ MADISON The Righteous Brothers ................................................................................ BRADY FRITZ, JAMES LARSEN* “One Fine Day” Backup Singers...................... BRIANA BROOKS*, FATIMA EL-BASHIR*, JAZZ MADISON Nick ........................................................................................................................................... JAMES LARSEN* Marilyn Wald............................................................................................................................. MONET SABEL* “Uptown” Singer ................................................................................................................FATIMA EL-BASHIR* Lou Adler ...................................................................................................................................... BRADY FRITZ, Ensemble ........................................................BRIANA BROOKS*, DOMO D’DANTE, FATIMA EL-BASHIR*, ROSHARRA FRANCIS*, BRADY FRITZ, DAVID GINLET*, CORNELIUS JONES, JR.*, JAMES LARSEN*, JAZZ MADISON, KENNETH MOSLEY*, MELISSA MUSIAL, MONET SABEL* UNDERSTUDIES & SWINGS Understudies and Swings never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance. For Carole King, Betty, Genie: MONET SABEL*; for Gerry, Don: JAMES LARSEN*; for Cynthia, Marilyn: MELISSA MUSIAL; for Barry: BRADY FRITZ; for Neil, Righteous Brothers, Nick, Lou: MITCHELL LAM HAU; for Lucille: ROSHARRA FRANCIS*; for The Drifters: MICHAEL SWAIN-SMITH; for Janelle: FATIMA EL-BASHIR*; for The Shirelles, Little Eva, “Uptown” Singer, “One Fine Day” Backup Singers: KETURAH McINTYRE Swings: MITCHELL LAM HAU, KETURAH McINTYRE, MICHAEL SWAIN-SMITH

Production Stage Manager ..................................................................................................MONICA DICKHENS* Assistant Stage Manager ..................................................................................................................LISA PALMIRE* Dance Captain ......................................................................................................................ROSHARRA FRANCIS* There will be one 15-minute intermission during this performance. *Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States Copyright Law. PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P3

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MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT I “So Far Away”. ................................................................................................................ Carole King “Oh Carol” ......................................................................................................................Neil Sedaka ”1650 Broadway Medley” ............................................................................................... Ensemble “It Might As Well Rain Until September” .................................................................... Carole King “Be Bop a Lula” ................................................................................................................. Ensemble “Some Kind of Wonderful”.......................................Carole King, Gerry Goffin and The Drifters “Happy Days Are Here Again” ....................................................................................Cynthia Weil “Take Good Care of My Baby” .......................................................Gerry Goffin and Carole King “Who Put the Bomp”......................................................................................................Barry Mann “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” ..................................................................................... Carole King “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” .............................................................. Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” ....................................................................................The Shirelles “Up on the Roof” ............................................................................. Gerry Goffin and The Drifters “On Broadway” .............................................................................................................. The Drifters “The Locomotion” .................................................................................... Little Eva and Ensemble “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”................................ Barry Mann and The Righteous Brothers “One Fine Day” ............................................................ Janelle, Backup Singers and Carole King ACT II

“Chains” ................................................................................................ Carole King and Ensemble “Walking in the Rain” ...................................................................... Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil “Pleasant Valley Sunday” .......................................... Marilyn Wald, Gerry Goffin and Ensemble “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” ................................................................................Barry Mann “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (Reprise)..................................................................... Carole King “Uptown” ......................................................................................”Uptown” Singer and Ensemble “It’s Too Late” ................................................................................................................. Carole King “You’ve Got a Friend” ......................Carole King, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Don Kirshner “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” .................................. Carole King and Ensemble “Beautiful” .............................................................................................Carole King and Company THE ORCHESTRA Music Director/Keyboard 1 - Ryan O’Connell; Reed 1 (Alto Sax/Flute/Oboe/Tenor Sax) - Sean Franz; Reed 2 (Bari Sax/Clarinet/Flute/Tenor Sax) - Jeff Driskill; Trumpet/Flugelhorn - Serafin Aguilar; Guitar 1 (Electric/Nylon Acoustic) - Brian Silverman; Guitar 2 (Electric/Steel String Acoustic/12 -String) - Brian LaFontaine; Bass (Electric/Acoustic) - Oskar Cartaya; Drums/Percussion - Dominic Anzalone; Keyboard 2 - Benet Braun; Keyboard 3 - Jennifer Lin; Orchestra Contractor - Eric Heinly

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTES THE LADIES SINGING THEIR SONG “Do you hear the people sing?” is a famous song from Les Misérables. But this Fall on our La Mirada Theatre stage, we’re hearing the women sing: first, Gloria Estefan, and now Carole King. Let’s take a closer look at female songwriters in both pop music and the Broadway theatre. Interestingly, both Gloria Estefan and Carole King were pop singer/songwriters, and their song catalogues became the basis for hit musicals about their lives. Other female singer/songwriters, too, have recently been bitten by the Broadway bug: Cindy Lauper (Kinky Boots), Alanis Morisette (whose songs from her album Jagged Little Pill became the basis for the musical of the same name), Anaïs Mitchell (Hadestown), Sara Bareilles (Waitress), and Ingrid Michaelson (the upcoming musical version of The Notebook). It’s been a long time coming. For most of the last 100 years, comparatively few women were to be found amongst the coterie of Broadway songwriters. One of the earliest was Anne Croswell, who wrote lyrics for some early hits in the ‘teens with Jerome Kern (but none as famous as his later Show Boat). Then came Dorothy Fields, who penned words for such classics as “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Big Spender,” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” from the ‘20s to the ‘60s. The great Stephen Sondheim was an admirer of the brilliant lyricist Carolyn Leigh, who only had one successful musical (well-known to La Mirada Theatre audiences: Peter Pan) but many hit radio standards (“Fly Me to the Moon,” “Witchcraft”). And, of course, there was Betty Comden who, with her writing partner Adolph Green, created scripts and/or lyrics from the ‘40s to the ‘90s with successes like On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, and The Will Rogers Follies. Side note: Betty & Adolph graced our stage in 1979, doing a revue of their songs.

Betty Comden (Left) and Adolph Green (Right) in our Green Room.

But today, Broadway’s singing a different tune. It’s percolating with developmental readings, workshops, and productions of shows by the famous singer/ songwriters mentioned above, but also newcomers and more established, highly-regarded writers such as Susan Birkenhead (the upcoming Betty Boop musical plus Jelly’s Last Jam, about to receive a much-deserved revival at Pasadena Playhouse this season), Jeanine Tesori (composer of Shrek and winner of this year’s Tony Award for Kimberly Akimbo), plus lyricists Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde and Mean Girls) and Adolph Green’s daughter, Amanda Green (Bring it On). These gifted songwriters, and many more, are continuing to expand the trail that Gloria, Carole, and others helped to blaze in their day.

To paraphrase Carole, “Where they lead, we will follow!” BT McNicholl Producing Artistic Director PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P5

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WHO’S WHO

BRIANA BROOKS (Shirelle, Lucille, “One Fine Day” Backup Singer, Ensemble) is thrilled to make her debut at La Mirada. Broadway National Tour: Once On This Island (Andrea, u/s Ti Moune). Tour: Angelique Kidjo’s Yemandja (Omalola, The Kennedy Center). Regional: Beauty and The Beast (Belle, ZACH Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), The Color Purple (Nettie, Arts Center Of Coastal Carolina), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Shirelle/Lucille, Ogunquit Playhouse, Tuachan). Various Workshops and Readings. All my love and all the thank yous to my friends and family and my team at FSE Talent. Thank you for all the support! @brinana8 DOMO D’DANTE (Drifter, Ensemble) is excited to be making his debut at La Mirada with this amazing show, cast and creative team. A Flint, MI native, he has a MFA in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University. Favorite roles: The Good War (Private Smalls, regional premiere, directed by Broadway’s Jen Bender), In the Heights (u/s Benny, Dance Captain), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), Big River (Jim), The Full Monty (Horse) and Violet: The Musical (Flick). Domo would like to thank his family, friends and team at Firestarter Entertainment and Cap Management for their continued support to follow his dreams, it means the world. Enjoy the show. IG: official_domo1

Paolo. Grateful for the support and love that is her Mama, Susan Zachary, Anthony Boyer and Brandon. @fatima.el_bashir ROSHARRA FRANCIS (Shirelle, Janelle, Ensemble, Dance Captain) Broadway & 1st Nat’l Tour: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. OffBroadway: The Tempest (Shakespeare in the Park) The Events (NYTW). NY: (De)Coded (NY Fringe Festival); Parade (The Secret Theater). Regional: Dreamgirls (Arrow Rock Lyceum); Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors (Theatre Aspen); Beehive: The 60s Musical (Oregon Cabaret); 9 to 5 (Gateway, Ogunquit); Disney Cruise Line. FILM: One More Time (Starz), Rehearsing a Dream (Oscar-Nominated Doc.). TV: “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu). B.M.-SMU; M.M.-NYU/Steinhardt. Instagram: @rosharrafrancis. EP Album: I’m the Girl available on iTunes/Spotify. Rep: About Artists Agency.

BRADY FRITZ (Neil Sedaka, Lou Adler, Righteous Brother, Ensemble, u/s Barry) is excited to make his La Mirada debut! Other regional credits include Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid for Hollywood’s Majestic Theater & TJ in Minors: A New Musical for The Lantern Theater in Philadelphia, PA. Originally from Bel Air, Maryland, Brady graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and is now making his home in Los Angeles. He is so thankful for all the support from FATIMA EL-BASHIR (Shirelle, “Uptown Singer,” “One his friends, Mom, Dad, Tyler & Jordan, Rikki Dale Fine Day” Backup Singer, Ensemble, u/s Janelle) Management and his Benni Boo!! Graduated UCLA TFT, Ray Bolger Musical Theater Program. Performed for distinguished theater DAVID GINLET (Drifter, Ensemble) is thrilled to companies including The Pasadena Playhouse, La be making his La Mirada debut as a Drifter in Mirada Theatre, Tokyo Theatre Orb, Atwood Concert Beautiful. After graduating from Kent State University, Hall, Caesars Entertainment Paris Theater, Carpenter David performed Off-Broadway, regionally and in Performing Arts Center, Skylight Theatre, El Portal workshops including Hell’s Kitchen (The Public), Theatre, The Blank Theatre, The Odyssey Theatre Oklahoma! (DCPA), Amadeus (Flatrock Playhouse) Ensemble, The Rev Theatre Company and The and more. He’s also appeared on TV shows including Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Film credits include “Billions,” “Quantum Leap,” “Power Book 2” and “The Film Independent’s Love’s Labours Lost, W.A.L.L.D. Last OG.” He thanks God for another day and you for (an official selection of the Austin Film Festival 2022), coming tonight. Enjoy the show. and Better Half starring Dianne Doan and Connor P6

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MITCHELL LAM HAU (Swing, u/s Nick, u/s Lou Adler, u/s Neil Sedaka, u/s Righteous Brother) is very excited to be making his debut with La Mirada Theatre. Mitchell is a Los Angeles-based actor from Fresno, California represented by Jim Keith with The Movement: Talent Agency. He received his BA in Theatre, with an emphasis on Acting, from CSU Fresno, and continued his study with the Pacific Conservatory for the Performing Arts. His recent credits include the Pageant of the Masters 90th Anniversary Performance, Soloist with the Majestic Princess Cruise Ship, the professional premier of The Human Comedy with the Actor’s Co-Op, and Much Ado About Nothing with A Noise Within. BRIAN IBSEN (Don Kirshner) is thrilled to be making his debut with La Mirada. Broadway credits: The Lion in Winter with Laurence Fishburne and Stockard Channing and The Rainmaker with Woody Harrelson and Jayne Atkinson. He’s worked with Tony Awardwinning directors Jack O’Brien, Scott Ellis, John Rando, Michael Mayer, and Tony-nominated Mark Lamos. He’s performed in regional theater around the country at A Noise Within, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Arizona Theatre Company, The Fulton Opera House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. He originated the role Dan Jr. in Stephen Metcalfe’s world premiere play, Loves and Hours. TV: “9-1-1,” “NCIS,” “Criminal Minds,” “CSI : Miami,” “Masters of Sex,” “Shooter,” “90210.” Film: Big George Foreman. MILES JACOBY (Gerry Goffin) La Mirada debut! Miles is a Brooklyn-based actor, singer, and educator, last seen on Broadway as the Elder Price standby in The Book of Mormon. He also played Bob Gaudio in the 1st National Tour of Jersey Boys. Regional favorites include the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors (Cape Playhouse), John Wilkes Booth in Assassins (Arden Theater), and Che in EVITA (Lone Tree Arts Center). Miles is excited to return to this BEAUTIFUL story for a third time after playing Gerry at Casa Manana and Theatre Aspen earlier this year. BA from Yale University. MFA from Juilliard. Love to Katya + Maddie. www.milesjacoby.com

TREVOR JAMES (Barry Mann) is an LA native and is so excited to be a part of this production. International Tour: Tony in West Side Story (Stage Around Tokyo). Select regional credits: Into the Woods (Guthrie Theatre), Sunday in the Park with George (Pasadena Playhouse), Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (Theatre Aspen), The Karate Kid the Musical (Pre-Broadway, Stages St. Louis), Jack Kelly in Newsies (RMTC), Merrily We Roll Along (4Leaf). Television: “Prodigal Son” (FOX Network), WeCrashed (AppleTV+). Trevor holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Texas State University and is represented by HCKR Agency. IG: @trevorberger13 CORNELIUS JONES, JR. (Drifter, Ensemble) Recently seen as Nick Fury in Disneyland’s Rogers the Musical. Broadway: The Lion King, Thou Shalt Not, and Smokey Joe’s Cafe (National Tour). LA stage: Lola in Kinky Boots (3DT), Spamilton (MTW), Donkey in Shrek (3DT), Ragtime (Pasadena Playhouse), Annie and A Chorus Line (The Hollywood Bowl), and Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Garry Marshall Theater). San Diego stage: The Little Mermaid, Shrek, and Sister Act (Moonlight Stage; San Diego Theater Critic Nominee, Featured Actor). TV: HBOMAX’s “GENERA+ION” (Tequila Mockingbird), “S.W.A.T.,” “Criminal Minds” (Madame Bouvier), FOX’s “A Christmas Story Live,” “Law & Order: SVU.” IG/TikTok: @corneliusjonesjr | www.corneliusjonesjr.com SARA KING (Cynthia Weil) is thrilled to return to La Mirada and reprise the role of Cynthia Weil after her multi-year run on Broadway as an original company member. Broadway: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Cynthia Weil, Marilyn Wald OBC), HAIR (Tribe). Tours: HAIR (Sheila), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Pippi). Select Regional: Singin’ in the Rain (Lina Lamont, 2020 Ovation Award Best Actress), A Few Good Men (Lt. Jack Ross), RENT (Maureen), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Narrator). TV: “Blindspotting,” “Mr. Robot,” “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO’s “High Maintenance,” “Smash.” Thanks to everyone coming out to support live theater and the arts. This run is dedicated to the memory of the incomparable Ms. Cynthia Weil. Instagram: @saraeking

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JAMES LARSEN (Nick, Righteous Brother, Ensemble, u/s Gerry, u/s Don) recently debuted his slightlyspooky big-band comedy duo, Frankie & Igor: Live From the Dead (FrankieAndIgor.com) Credits: Matilda (Mr. Wormwood, 5-Star Theatricals, Regional Premiere), Parade (Britt Craig, Neighborhood Playhouse, LA Premiere), Kiss Me, Kate (Man #2, Music Theatre Wichita), Frozen – Live at the Hyperion (Kristoff, Disney California Adventure). As a writer, James’ work has had professional readings and full productions in NYC, Boston, Nashville, and Los Angeles. He’s currently co-developing a new, 1930s film set farce entitled, The Movie Play. Proud union member. Love to Kaitlin, his parents, and the proletariat of Adventure HQ. Grateful to be here. JAZZ MADISON (Shirelle, Little Eva, Ensemble, “One Fine Day” Backup Singer) is pleased to be close to home making her La Mirada debut. Tour: Hairspray National and International Tour (Pearl). Regional: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Ogunquit Playhouse and Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Performance Riverside. Thank you, God for lighting my path every step of the way. Love to Momma and Lou for always believing in me. @jazzmadison KETURAH MCINTYRE (Swing, u/s Shirelle, u/s “One Fine Day” Backup Singer) grew up performing at Grace Arts Live in Lake Havasu City, AZ. She has also performed with Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater and Glow Lyric Theatre. Some of her past roles include Aida (Aida), Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act), and Jo March (Little Women). Keturah spent the last year teaching in South Korea and traveling around Asia. Now she is very excited to be back home and working with La Mirada Theatre! She would also like to thank her family and friends for their constant support throughout the years! KENNETH MOSLEY (Drifter, Ensemble) Actor, singer, writer, producer, host. Broadway national tours: Kinky Boots (Lola/Simon) and Motown the Musical (Berry Gordy, Jr.). Select theatre: Memphis (Gator), Hairspray (Seaweed), Sister Act (TJ). Film: Don’t Tell Larry, Searching and the award-winning short, Dr. West. TV: “Night Court,” “Kenan,” “All-American,” “Reboot,” P8

“How I Met Your Father,” “Terminal List,” “Bunk’d,” “iCarly,” “Grace & Frankie,” “Black-ish,” and creator of his own series, “NTB.” Southern Methodist University alumnus, studied at British American Drama Academy’s MIO (Oxford University). Thanks to reps/management: FSE & Midwest Talent, and to Julia Flores Casting and the Beautiful creative team! @kenmos MELISSA MUSIAL (Betty, Ensemble, u/s Cynthia, u/s Marilyn) is so excited and grateful to return to the La Mirada stage in Beautiful! UC Irvine: BA in Drama, Honors in Musical Theater. Credits: Grease (Marty, La Mirada), The Light in the Piazza (Franca, CCAE Theatricals), Avenue Q (Kate Monster/Lucy T.) and Violet (Violet) at Costa Mesa Playhouse, Into the Woods (The Baker’s Wife, Stages Theater). Theme park credits: Westbeat Scareolers (Mezzo, Downtown Disney), Knott’s Berry Farm’s Birdcage Theater, A Christmas Carol/The Gift of the Magi 1885 (Belle/ Fan/Christmas Present/Della) and Riverboat Revenge (Sirena/Heather). Current: Pirates Dinner Adventure (Treasure/Princess). Many thanks to my family and friends for their constant support and special thanks to Jim Keith at MTA! All my love. IG: melmuse95 VALERIE PERRI (Genie Klein) Broadway Nationals: EVITA, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Indecent. OffBroadway: Diamonds (Circle in the Square), Angry Housewives (Minetta Lane Theater), On the Swing Shift (Manhattan Theater Club). Southern California and Regional: If I Forget (Fountain Theater), Ragtime (Pasadena Playhouse), The World Goes ‘Round (Reprise 2.0), The Graduate (Laguna Playhouse), Hello, Dolly! (3-D Theatricals), Sunset Blvd (Musical Theater West, Moonlight Amphitheater), Closer than Ever, The Sweepers (International City Theater), Admissions, Fireflies (Good Theater, ME). TV: “Truth Be Told,” “Criminal Minds,” “ER,” “Another World,” “Who’s the Boss,” “Geppetto.” Film: Grease, The Out of Towners, Dickie Roberts, George of the Jungle. Recording: Valerie Perri: Sweet Conversation. Married to international photographer Cliff Lipson. Twin sons, composer/musician/vocalists Jack and Benny Lipson. Representation: AMT Artists; Momentum Talent Management. Facebook & X: @valerieperri | Insta: @vperrimusic | valerieperri.com

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nominated for an Academy Award. He wrote and directed the Oscar-winning Emma from the Jane Austen novel; Company Man; Charles Disckens’ Nicholas Nickleby, which won the Best Ensemble Cast from the National Board of Review; Infamous; and the HBO documentary, His Way, nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Special. His play Checkers opened the 30th anniversary season of New York’s acclaimed Vineyard Theatre. His book for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. He began his career as a writer for “Saturday Night Live.” He has written essays on the arts and politics for the New Republic,The New Yorker, The Nation, The New York Times and Vanity Fair. Douglas McGrath SARA SHEPERD (Carole King) recently finished passed away on November 4, 2022. playing Carole King on the National Tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Broadway/National Tours: GERRY GOFFIN (Words and Music) Born in Brooklyn Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (u/s Carole, u/s in 1939, Gerry Goffin met Carole King at Queens Genie, swing, Dance Captain, OBC), Paradise Square College, and their musical collaboration began almost (swing), Cry-Baby: The Musical (ensemble), Legally immediately. They married in 1959, and that same year Blonde: The Musical (Kate/ Chutney, u/s Vivienne and wrote their first hit song “Will You Love Me Tomorrow?” Enid). Other favorite credits: Beautiful: The Carole (The Shirelles). The duo penned more than 50 Top-40 King Musical (Carole) MUNY and Tuacahn, Funny hits including “The Locomotion,” “Natural Woman” Girl (Fanny Brice) Drury Lane Theatre, Oliver! (Nancy) and “Up on the Roof.” In 1987, Goffin and King were Human Race Theatre, Little Women (Jo March) John inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the W. Engeman Theatre. Presidential Scholar in the Arts. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Goffin has left an Proud CCM Grad! Thanks to Joyce and Dave and indelible mark on American music. Clear Talent Group! For Mom. @shepnailsit CAROLE KING (Words and Music) Pop music would MICHAEL SWAIN-SMITH, he/they (Swing, u/s be very different without the contributions of Carole Drifter) is an Akron, Ohio native with a BFA from King, who at age 17 wrote her first #1 hit with Ohio Northern University. Tours: Disney Cruise Gerry Goffin, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” forThe Line’s Frozen: A Musical Spectacular (Kristoff), Paw Shirelles. The dozens of chart hits Goffin and King Patrol LIVE!, Nick Jr. LIVE!. Theatre: Choir Boy (David), wrote during this period became legendary, but it Newsies (u/s Jack), Singing Revolution (Ensemble), was 1971’s Tapestry that took King to the pinnacle, Memphis (Gator), The Who’s Tommy (Cousin Kevin). speaking personally to her contemporaries and TV/Film: “The Goldbergs,” “Paw Patrol LIVE! @ Home.” providing a spiritual musical backdrop to the decade. Huge thanks to Jim and MTA. All the love to his Mom More than 400 of her compositions have been and family. Proverbs 3:6. @michaelswsm recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and six Grammys. DOUGLAS McGRATH (Book) was a filmmaker and playwright. Most recently, he directed the BARRY MANN (Words and Music) has written the HBO documentary Becoming Mike Nichols. He melodies of some of the most influential pop songs in collaborated with Woody Allen on the screenplay musical history. In addition to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ for Bullets Over Broadway, for which they were Feeling,” the most-played song of the 20th century, MONET SABEL (Marilyn, Ensemble, u/s Carole, u/s Betty, u/s Genie) is delighted to be returning to La Mirada Theatre, where she began her professional career as an orphan in Annie! Monet is a huge fan of Beautiful as she was in the closing company of the national tour last year and went on to play Carole at Theatre by the Sea this past summer. Other favorite credits include Off-Broadway: Sweeney Todd (Barrow St. Pie Shop). International: Disney on Classic (Japanese tour). Regional: Agent 355 (Chautauqua Theatre Company). Proud graduate of NYU/Tisch: New Studio on Broadway. Epic gratitude to this Beautiful team, The Luedtke Agency, my humans, and Mom & Dad. @monetsabel

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and the songs heard in Beautiful, he composed later standards like “Somewhere Out There” (winner of two Grammys), “Here You Come Again,” “Sometimes When We Touch,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much.” Together he and Cynthia Weil have amassed an incredible 112 pop, country, and R&B awards from Broadcast Music Inc. for significant radio air play. He has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

JOYCE CHITTICK (Choreographer and Associate Director) began her professional career while still in high school and went on to perform in 11 Broadway shows and numerous Off-Broadway, Regional and National Tours, including plays at The Public Theater, Lincoln Center, and Manhattan Theater Club. Joyce has restaged productions of Beautiful in Japan, Australia, and every incarnation of the U.S. national tours. In 2020, she even remounted the Japanese production of Beautiful via Zoom! She has directed and choreographed productions at The Cape Playhouse (Jersey Boys, Grease and ACL), Ivoryton Playhouse, Theater Aspen, Tuacahn and the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts (Ragtime and Anything Goes). Joyce has overseen the direction of many televised performances, including “America’s Got Talent,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “The View,” “GMA,” two seasons of Lifetime’s “AUDC,” and “A Capital Fourth,” starring Carole King herself!

CYNTHIA WEIL (Words and Music) was the acclaimed lyricist of classic songs such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” the most-played song of the 20th century. In addition to the songs heard in Beautiful, she set the words to later standards including “Somewhere Out There,” “Here You Come Again,” “He’s So Shy,” “Just Once” and “Don’t Know Much,” to name just a few. Weil was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honored with multiple Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards for “Somewhere Out There” as the Motion JOSH PRINCE (Original Broadway Choreographer) Picture Song of the Year and Song of the Year. Weil Broadway/US Tour/West End: Beautiful, Shrek. Offpassed away on June 1, 2023. Broadway: Trevor (Stage 42, Disney+), The Kid, and Bunty Berman Presents (The New Group). New DAVID RUTTURA (Director) is currently an York City: A New Brain (City Center Encores! OffAssociate Director of Moulin Rouge on Broadway Center), The Bridge Project (BAM/The Old Vic), and Tour. David most recently directed the regional The Jerry Springer Opera (Carnegie Hall), Camelot premier of Beautiful at Ogunquit Playhouse and (NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center), All Singing All an all-new production at Theatre Aspen and Dancing (Town Hall). London: My Fair Lady, BBC Tuacahn. Directing credits include Million Dollar Proms 59 (Director/Choreographer, Royal Albert Quartet (Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Pittsburgh Hall, BBC Proms), Singin’ in the Rain (Royal Festival CLO), Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line), Chick Hall). Other: Frozen (Disney Cruise Lines), Bliss (5th Flick (Westside Theater), Priscilla: Queen of the Avenue, World Premier), A Walk on the Moon (ACT/ Desert (Ogunquit Playhouse), A Christmas Carol, The George St.). Prince is Founding Artistic Director of Cher Show, Memphis, White Christmas (Gateway Dance Lab New York, the only independent nonPlayhouse), Hot Mess in Manhattan (Araca profit organization fully dedicated to promoting the Project), Electra in a One-Piece (Good Company/ art form of choreography. www.dancelabny.org The Wild Project), He Who Laughs: Live by Isaac Oliver (Ars Nova). As Associate Director: Beautiful, MARC BRUNI (Original Broadway Director) Beautiful Network, School of Rock, Spider-man, Follies, on Broadway, West End, US and UK tours, and Lombardi, Million Dollar Quartet, White Christmas, Australia (Helpmann Award for Direction), Trevor A Man for All Seasons (Broadway); Beautiful, School (Stage 42, Writers Theatre-Jeff nomination), The of Rock, The Phantom of the Opera (National Tour). Explorers Club (MTC), Old Jews Telling Jokes (NY and Chicago-Jeff nomination), The Sound of Music (Chicago Lyric), How to Succeed... and The Music P10

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Man (Kennedy Center), Ordinary Days (Roundabout), JOSH BESSOM (Sound Designer) McCoy Rigby: A four shows at Encores! and eight shows at MUNY Night with Janis Joplin, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Billy Elliot, Les Misérables, (two Kline nominations). Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ovation Nomination), RYAN O’CONNELL (Music Director and Conductor) Next to Normal, The Buddy Holly Story, Ring of Fire. is excited to return to LMT after music directing Associate designs include the national tour of Cathy Grease last season! Ryan has worked on more Rigby is Peter Pan, Carrie: The Musical, and Miss than 75 musical productions as a music director, Saigon. Other favorite credits include LA Theatre Works orchestrator, and composer. Favorite credits: Ernest national tour of The Graduate, and La Mirada Theatre’s Shackleton Loves Me (2nd Stage NYC), Ragtime (1st productions of American Idiot, Floyd Collins, and Spring National Tour), Mary Poppins (MTW), Bonnie & Awakening. In his spare time, he runs the independent Clyde (Candlelight Pavilion), In the Heights (Broadway record label, Organik Records, and plays bass in the at the Gardens), and Loch Ness (The REV). He has band Lazy Preacher. www.joshuabessom.com helped create music for NBC, CBS, Fox, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Disney World, and Disneyland, KAITLIN YAGEN (Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer) is thrilled where he currently works as a music director and to be designing again for McCoy Rigby Entertainment. teaching artist. He also writes choral arrangements for Design credits include Joseph…Dreamcoat, The King Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard. www.ryanomusic.com and I, Grease, A Few Good Men, Clue, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, Man of La Mancha, Peter JULIA FLORES (Casting Director) Celebrating our Pan, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Carrie the Musical. 30th season with McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Past She has also supervised on numerous national tours. MRE productions include touring productions of Kaitlin loves the work she does and the joy it brings to the Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, Camelot starring Lou audience. Thank you to wee baby Harvey, my husband Diamond Phillips, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Little and family for their continuous love and support. Mermaid. Additional credits include productions for Boston Court Theatre, The REV Theatre Company, KEVIN WILLIAMS (Properties Supervisor) Recovering Ensemble Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, Denver actor and LA native, Kevin has spent over two decades Center Theatre, A Noise Within, The Pasadena as a designer, fabricator and consultant for clients Playhouse, Portland Center Stage, B Street Theatre. My such as Walt Disney Imagineering, ABC, Buena Vista thanks, love and appreciation always to Tom and Cathy; Pictures, HUB Network, Red 5 Studios and Twentieth Century Fox among others. Notably, he was the it’s been an amazing 30 years! resident Production Designer for interactive theatre ETHAN STEIMEL (Lighting Designer) has designed company, Delusion, for seven years: Lies Within (2014), lights for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical His Crimson Queen (2016), Lies Within VR (2017), The (Tuacahn), Masters of Illusion - Live! (US/Canada Tour), Blue Blade (2018) and Reaper’s Remorse (2021). Kevin La Bohéme (El Paso Opera), The Cher Show (Gateway is the Prop Department Supervisor for UCLA’s School of Playhouse), The Goodbye Girl (J2 Musical Theatre), Theater, Film & Television and lives in Orange County The Baker’s Wife (Theatre Row), Othello (New Place with his incredible family. Proud member of S.P.M. Players), Julius Caesar (Trinity Rep), and Kinky Boots (Forestburgh Playhouse). As a lighting director he has MONICA DICKHENS (Production Stage Manager) is worked at CNN, Bloomberg, and Broadway HD. He is thrilled to be returning to MRE and La Mirada where a co-producer of Broadway’s A Christmas Carol and she began her stage management career 20 years ago! hosts Artistic Finance, a weekly podcast about finance National Tours: Sister Act, American Idiot, Legally Blonde, The Color Purple, Camelot (Lou Diamond Phillips), Peter for artists. www.artisticfinance.com Pan (Cathy Rigby), Jesus Christ Superstar (Carl PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P11

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UNITED O

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The Designers at this Theatre

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McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT (Tom McCoy & Cathy Rigby McCoy, Executive Producers) Broadway: Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, Jekyll and Hyde starring Deborah Cox. National Tours: Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, Camelot starring Michael York and Lou Diamond Phillips, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Carl Anderson, Annie Get Your Gun starring Cathy Rigby, Happy Days The Musical by Gary Marshall and Paul Williams, Seussical The Musical starring Cathy Rigby. International: Miss Saigon (Macau), Dreamgirls (Tokyo), Peter Pan (Macau & Riyadh), Awards: Emmy Awards and Nominations, Tony Award Nominations, countless Ovation Awards and Nominations. La Mirada Theatre: 30th season

LA MIRADA THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATRE EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION. THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Tony-nominated theatre has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California.” This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades, including Tony, Emmy and Ovation Award nominations. For its 2012-13 season, it won the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Best Season of the Year.

DAVID ELZER (Publicist) represents La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 5-Star Theatricals, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Road Theatre Company, Rubicon Theatre Company. He is also an Ovation, Drama Desk, LADCC, LA Weekly, and Garland Award-winning theatrical producer and recipient of the LADCC Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre. Productions include Justin Love, Having it All, The Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter Wonderettes at the El Portal and Life Could Be a Dream, at the Hudson, among others. He also produced the Off-Broadway run of The Marvelous Wonderettes. Many thanks to BT, Jane, Tom, and Cathy and thank you for supporting La Mirada Theatre!

having produced over 100 musicals, plays, concerts, special events. Television: Peter Pan (A&E), A Night with Janis Joplin and Peter Pan (Broadway HD).

Anderson). Regional tours: Fiddler, EVITA, Showboat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Annie. Other regional: Tuacahn Amphitheatre/Hafen, Stages St. Louis, Deaf West, the MUNY, New Jewish Theatre. Thanks to the entire BEAUTIFUL team! Proud member AEA.

L U SA

are Represented by

United Scenic Artists • Local USA 829 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes

THE MUSICIANS EMPLOYED AT THIS THEATRE ARE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER USHER AT LA MIRADA THEATRE! Love the Theatre? Join our team and become a part of the exciting season! Past customer service experience a plus. For more information, contact House Manager Devis Andrade at (562) 902-2911.

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SONG CREDITS “Be Bop a Lula” by Tex Davis and Gene Vincent. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI) and Three Wise Boys Music LLC (BMI). “Beautiful” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP). “Chains” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Screen Gems-EMI Music (BMI). “Happy Days Are Here Again” by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen. EMI Robbins Catalog Inc. (ASCAP). Special lyrics by Douglas McGrath and Cynthia Well. “He’s Sure the Boy I Love” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “I Go Ape” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI). “It Might As Well Rain Until September” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “It’s Too Late” by Carole King and Toni Stern. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP). “Little Darlin’” by Maurice Williams. Cherie Corporation (BMI) 100%. “The Locomotion” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “Love Potion #9” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP). “Oh Carol” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and Universal/BMG (BMI). “On Broadway” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “One Fine Day” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “Poison Ivy” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP). “So Far Away” by Carole King. Colgems-EMI Music Inc. (ASCAP). “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin and Jean Murray. EMI Unart Catalog Inc. (BMI), Trio Music Co. Inc. (BMI) and Alley Music Corp. (BMI). “Stupid Cupid” by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI) and EMI Longitude Music (BMI). “Take Good Care of My Baby” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “There Goes My Baby” by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, Ben King, George Treadwell and Lover Patterson. Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI). “Up on the Roof” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). ‘Walking in The Rain” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI). ‘We Gotta Get Out of This Place” by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). “Who Put the Bomp” by Barry Mann and Gerry Goffin. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Screen Gems EMI Music Inc. (BMI). ‘’Yakkety Yak” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Sony/ATV Tunes LLC (ASCAP). “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” by Gerry Goffin, Carole King and Gerald Wexler. Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. (BMI). ‘’You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector. Screen Gem-EMI Music Inc, (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music Inc. obo Mother Bertha Music (BMI).

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P13

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LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL STEVE DE RUSE, D. MIN ...................................................................................................................... Mayor ANDREW SAREGA................................................................................................................ Mayor Pro Tem ED ENG ............................................................................................................................... Councilmember JOHN LEWIS....................................................................................................................... Councilmember ANTHONY OTERO ............................................................................................................. Councilmember JEFF BOYNTON .......................................................................................................................City Manager SPECIAL THANKS City of La Mirada and Friends of the La Mirada Theatre LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS STAFF BT McNICHOLL ................................................................................................. Producing Artistic Director DEVIS ANDRADE .................................................................................................................House Manager JANE LYNCH ..............................................................................................Theatre Operations Supervisor HELENE DUARTE ..........................................................................................................Contracts Associate ELIZABETH CARLOCK ..........................................................................................Ticket Services Manager SARAH PETHER-HAMILL ................................................Assistant Audience Development Coordinator KYLE DURAN ............................................................................................... Theatre Facilities Coordinator CHRIS CUTHILL ................................................................................................................Technical Director WESLEY HUNT .............................................................................................................Production Manager JOSH BESSOM .....................................................................................................................Audio Engineer MELISSA SKAU ................................................................................................................. Master Electrician CASSIDY ATKINS, TAYLOR BOCKRATH, MEGAN BURKE, MARS CALDWELL, WILLIAM CHINNOCK, HUNTER DONOVAN, CHARLIE GLAUDINI, JONATHON GUERRERO, LETICIA HERNANDEZ, DARYL HILLMAN, SCOTT KRILOFF, DANIEL MACIAS, CARI NOEL, DARA OKAMURA, BRYAN PEREZ,JESSICA PRUITT, PAIGE ROBITAILLE, JAVIER RUIZ, KIARA URIBE, JAHAN WATKINS ....................................Stagehands JENNIFER REILLY .........................................................................................Theatre Operations Associate ADRIENNE MEDRANO ....................................................................................................Graphic Designer DONNA THEECK ...................................................................................................Administrative Assistant DAVID ELZER .................................................................................................................................... Publicist TABLE 7 STRATEGY........................................................................................................................Marketing CELINA RODRIGUEZ .............................................................................................. Box Office Coordinator AILEEN BELTRAN, MARY DUNNE, BEVERLY KIRTON, JUSTIN KRAMER, MARLON MAGTIBAY, ALETHEA MILLER, ELAINE REZA, MEGAN SINGER, ALEXANDRA VARESI, CATHERINE VARTAN .......................................Box Office Staff ALEXANDRA BRACCIO...................................................................................... Assistant House Manager LINDA COTA, DIANE MARKWELL, MARCIA TOTTEN, PAT WRIGHT................................... Lead Ushers MERCY BLUMBERG, HAZEL BUSCAINO, JENNIFER DE LEON, AARON ESPINOSA, ITZEL FALCON-VASSALLO, NORRIE FAULKNER, ALEJANDRO HERNANDEZ, SONJA JOHNSON, TREVOR JONES, NOA MARTIN, TATIANA MARTINEZ, JENNIFER NELSON, MARTHA REYES, GARY WONG, DELIA YBARRA ........................................Ushers DIMITRI DAVALOS, LUIS DIAZ, RAYMOND F. GARCIA, JEREMY HUME, EDUARDO LOERA, JACOB MOLINA, REYMUNDO MORENO, RAY ROMERO ........Theatre Maintenance McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION STAFF TOM McCOY AND CATHY RIGBY.............................................................................. Executive Producers DAVID NESTOR ..............................................................................................................Company Manager ANA LARA............................................................................................................................. Office Manager THERESA FLEMMING .......................................................................................................General Manager SHANON MILLS-HABELOW .......................................................................... Associate General Manager TIM WOODS ........................................................................ Executive Assistant/Covid Safety Supervisor KEVIN CLOWES ...............................................................................................................Technical Director AUSTIN BILLINS...........................................................................Assistant Technical Director/Crew Chief ADAM RAMIREZ ................................................................. Costume Coordinator/Warbrobe Supervisor ZHARA HOOPER, JOSELINE LOVETTE, DANIEL REYES, ALYSIA SMITH, KRISTY YANNICH ....................................................................... Dressers ASHPHORD JACOWAY.................................................................... Associate Wig Designer/Consultant MADISON MEDRANO .......................................................................... Hair/Wig/Makeup Running Head DYLAN PASS .....................................................................................................Hair/Wig/Makeup Assistant AUDREY COLINDRES ............................................................................ Production Assistant/Head Props ABBY CHEADLE, GRANT CORNISH, PADEN HARVEY ........................................................... Stage Crew KODI JACKMAN ................................................................................................................Casting Assistant BENET BRAUN ................................................................................................................... Rehearsal Pianist MARISSA HERRERA ................................................................Executive Diversity & Inclusion Consultant ELISSA SZIEFF ......................................................................................................... Production Accountant Visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or call us at (562) 944-9801. Share photos of your experience with us on social media! P14

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SUPPORTERS OF OUR 2023-2024 SEASON

$1,000 & Above Aaron Adrian Kenneth and Sherry Becker Jan Burnett Michael and Tiffany Klarin Cecilia Leung Mr. Robert K. Peirson Lynnette Weiss

$500 & Above Richard Galyon and Christine Cawelti Mr. Mark Goldfarb Ralph and Carol Hansen Bob & Marianne Hughlett Ms. Joan M. Lewis Dave Michelsen Mr. Glenn Osborne Ms. Alice Van Klaveren Mahlon and Gwen Woirhaye $250 & Above Mr. Paul Bailey Donald and Lucy Crumrine Mrs. Patsy J. Estrellas Rhona Gewelber and Hali Gewelber Lieb Tom & Barbara Griffith Barry and Cathi Hofstetter Anonymous Linda Kusuda Mr. Larry W. Lamb Ms. Kathleen LeClair Anonymous Mr. Paul David K Naval Ms. Barbara L. Niklas Jeanne & Larry Reddel Mr. Frank Schools Cathleen and Ron Stearns Lawrence and Marjorie White Steven Wren and Andrea Morales Mr. Gregg William Yost Steve and Cristina Zavatsky $100 & Above Richard and Carol Abram Ms. Gayelea Allison Ms. Ellen Ardman Betsy Azariah Robert and Virginia Ball Robert and Linda Barreda Frank and Susan Beigbeder William and Rowena Beinbrech Jeannie Berryman Mr. Stefano Bertacchi Mr. William G. Braden, Jr. Marilyn Bradley Daryl and Sherry Braun Mrs. Susan Lynn Butler Barry and Joan Cadwallader Ms. Janet Candelaria Ms. Rosa Carrillo-Coronado Tom Chappell Ms. Rhonda D. Cohen David & Julie Cole Doug and Kathy Cooley Ivan and Eleanor Cranston Dale and Mishael Croft

Stephanie Davis and Diana Scott Dr. John and Mitzy Demman Michael & Vicki Desler Ken and Alma Desowitz Mrs. Sandra A. Dickinson Arlene Domingo Robin Draper Joel Drum Fred Duenas and Vicki Madosh-Duenas Frank and Brenda Eley Paul and Linda Geier Don and Janice Glaser Mark and Doris Hayes Mr. Robert Henley Patrick and Connie Hershelman Ms. Marilyn A. Hills Mr. John Holmberg Michael and Nina Iachelli Timothy and Pamela Jackson Mr. Jason Jamison Nancy Jenkins George & Lindi Judd Mr. Keith Kato Mr. John Kendall Evelyn Koomen Mr. Rodney Kurimoto Janice Lysiak Ms. Laura Macias Russell & Mary Maguire Frank and Alicia Marshall Ms. Sharon K. McKay Rob and Sandra McLaughlin Mrs. Helen Michaels Elbert and Patricia Moore Ms. Amy M. Naples Robert and Marge O’Brien Bonnie Jo & Lee Panagos Peter and Ursula Piotrowski Mark and Thersa Richardson Mr. Daniel G. Riddle Fausto and Cindy Rowlan Ms. Rita Rubin Albert Ruiz & Doris von Rotz Ms. Bari Russell Linda & Jim Ruth Ms. Kara Schilling Barbara Schmidt-Petersen Tom and Melissa Schulman Ms. Diane Schultheis B. LaVerne Shaffer Mrs. Hildegarde C. Shaw Drs. Neal Shindel and Joan Dengrove Mrs. Jean Sigler Ms. JoAnne Sims Walter and Faye Smelich Ms. Kathy Songer St. Matthew’s Methodist Church Mrs. Julie L. Studebaker John and Jeanette Svet David Tiemeier Ron and Jeannette Tozaki Art and Linda Van Epps Michael Vieira Ms. Sandy Wanamaker Eric and Kathy Webber Gary and Patrice Werschmidt

$50 and Above Connie Aldama John and Peggy Baloff John and Sharon Beauman Belinda Bickley Frank and Loretta Boyce Mr. G.C. Brad Brafford Bud and Nancy Brown Mark and Kathy Brown Ken and Sandra Burmer Ms. Joan Choice Sue Copsey Ms. Barbara Cotler Ronilda Cua Ms. Jacqueline Di Pinto Donald and Sandy Flick Mr. Robert D. Frankeberger Mr. Richard Freymond Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gaglio Ms. Janet Garcia Ed and Lynne Glasgow Mr. Randy Grisham Ms. Dorothy Jean Gutierrez Henry and Virginia Haindl Ms. Jean Hall Elaine Hara Mallory Harris Doug and Charlotte Heideman Douglas and Joan Heisler Raul and Virginia Herrera Mr. Steven Highland Richard and Michele Hoff Charles Holman Mr. Andrew Hopwood Gary and Karla Hufenbach Manuel and Lorraine Huitron Mr. Douglas L. Iford Mrs. Barbara Inskeep Gary and Claire Jackson Mr. Paul Jacobsen Ms. Linda James Arturo Jimenez Mike Johnston and Eileen Ernest Ms. Gloria Regina Keating Ms. Pat Kent Mr. Ron D. King Carol and Peter La Rock Ms. Dorothy Lauterborn Joel and Devora Lowenstein David Lynn Dorothy and Jim Mackintosh Ms. Barbara Mahan Raymond and Susie Martinez Sean and Dianne McCarley Terrill McCarty and Melody Meraz Mrs. Tricia McFarland Patrick and Carolyn McMorrow Michael and Marilyn McNulty Mr. Arthur Mitchell Mr. David Nagy Rebecca Pantaleon Ms. Zorkita Paschall Deborah Pasquale Kathy Permenter Richard and Joan Redmayne Scott and Kristin Ritsema

Marisa Roux de Alaniz David Ruiz Anthony and Shelli Santos Steven and Mary Shandrow Ms. Anne L. Shaw Stephen and Fran Sherman Mr. Lyndal Jay Spradlin Richard and Cynthia Stoecklein Ms. Jean Tsunekawa Mrs. Dana Waite Mr. Ray Ward Mrs. Kathy J. Wattenberg Mrs. Debbie Wight Ms. Diane Williams Ms. Harriet Yamada Kristin Zink

$25 and Above Paula Abbott Eddie and Anna Aguirre Mrs. Herlinda Alford Mr. James Allen Mr. Marc Baja Mrs. Teresa Balandis Tim Bielski Paul Bornhoeft Ms. Jennifer Burton David and Veronica Carder Thomas Carlton Joseph and Barbara Chamberlain Sean Chandler David Clark Susan L. Contreras Marcie Dial Laurinda Diaz Ms. Cheryl Diggs-Hughes Ms. Jacqueline Earsley Robert and Marsha Ehlers Mr. Charles Elliott Ms. Jeanne Ellison Susanna Erdos James and Cheryl Eubanks Ms. Karen S. Fic Patrick Fleming Ms. Maria Flores Yolanda Genis Joseph Givens Donna Graham Kenneth and Sue Green Marilynn Gushard Jennifer L. Harris Randy and Sandra Harris Lanny and Pat Hawkinson Mrs. Grace V. Heggie Laura Herman Robert and Diane Hernandez Michael and Helen Higgins Ms. Mary Hyder Ms. Lolita Jackson Ms. Rowena N. Jacobe Stephen and Colleen Kienzle Ms. Deanna Kuper Mrs. Cynthia Latulip Mr. Robert Laxton Tammy Leatherby Karin Leffler

Maria and Daniel Lopez Thomas and Ann Lucenti John Mates Errol Mathieu Ms. Gail Matsuura Dave McDaniel Sandra Medrano Frank and Sandy Micheletti Alan and Karen Morrison Amy Moss Ms. Barbara Navarro Dominic and Sandy Niccoli Ms. Joyce Ono Linda Oreb Greg and Michelle Peters Robert Douglas Preijers Jim Rash Mrs. Betty J. Reyes Cheryl Reynolds Lenny M. Ruiz Brenda H. Sabin Joseph and JoAnn San Paolo Minda Schechter Sandra Sellers Monica Sepulveda Joseph and Gail Shine Kenneth and Kathie Shrader Mr. John Singer Mrs. Linda C. Spence Anonymous Joe Torres Mrs. Faye M. Triggs Clairice Veit Ms. Carol Wiseman Mr. Jerrold Wolf Mr. John Wong Mr. Louis Zigman Up To $25 Mrs. Christine Abbott Adelina Aguirre Shirley Allee Maricar Almodovar Alin Andrade Mr. Gilbert Angulo Cynthia L. Archer Mario and Linda Avila Carmen Balderrama Zayde Banawis Mrs. Elizabeth Banuelos Tom and Nicole Baughman-Collinge Ellen Bean Jennifer Becker Jimena Beltran Deborah Bergin Rosa Estella Bermeo Anuket Bhaduri Prof. Rachelle Blake James Boden Jordan Bond Rose and Jennifer Bono Charles Boozer Dale and Mary Botts Mrs. Peggy J. Bowers Ms. Rita Bradfield Wilma Bradley and Penny Watkins

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P15

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SUPPORTERS OF OUR 2023-2024 SEASON

Heather L. Bragg Mrs. Pearlene Brar Mr. Kenneth Breeding Ms. Muniece R. Bruton Mr. Alan Bryant Randall Bryden Mr. Stephen Bucher Mrs. Lynn A. Burk John Butler Mrs. Maria Cadena Mr. Gabriel D. Cadorna Jerome Calkins Daniel and Angelina Calvillo Margie Camacho Lane Campbell Reuben C. Cano Mrs. Patricia Cardenas Brenda Carlson Carleton Carlson Ms. Melanie Carlson Cyrus Casillas Ms. Monica Castro Mrs. Marcella J. Chae Ms. BJ Chandler Mrs. Denise Chavez Parvesh Cheena Jean Chen Mrs. Mary Christian Rick Cisneros Carlyn Clayton and Sheila Cantrell Kay Cleveland John Clifford Ms. Mayra Cobos Flora Coday-Lamb Barbara E. Coon Sandra Corella Olivia Cortes Kendy Cruz Pete A. Cruz Joseph and Virginia Curley Maybell De Perio Mr. Ulysses V. Demetillo Anonymous Ani Dikranian Patrick Dixon Mr. Harry Melvin Dodson Alicia Dolan Lucy Doloiras Giovanni Dominguez Emily Durbin Mrs. Vicky Durham Kelly Easdale Rachael Eaton Tim Edrosolano Dolores Eldridge Charla J. Elman Leonard and Gilda Espinoza Jacqueline Estrada Rita Estrada Theresa A. Fernandez Pat Fieldgrove Mr. Ruben A. Flores Ricki Fogle Suzanne K. Foster Ms. Pamela Francel Elizabeth Gaitan P16

Rosalio Galvan Mr. David R. Gamboa Gloria Gandara Ms. Kim GarberBond Anthony Garcia Starr C. Woods-Garcia Jesus and Mary Beth Garza Krystal Garza Genienne Gastelum Elias Gatica Mr. Andrew L. Gigliotti Ms. Kathleen Girardin Julie Glass Mariana Godoy Juan Gomez Mr. Jose Byron Gonzalez Sydney Gonzalez Kurt Grabau Sarah Graham Marco and Lisa Guardi Lisa Gumienny Ms. Kathy Gunnell Erich Haeger Linda Hagar Melisa R. Halfmann Anastasia Halpin Craig Hammons Anna Hampton William Hamra David Hansen Mrs. Jean Harder Daniel Harp Ms. Sheryl Hartman Ms. Sonia Hassen Art and Sharon Hastings Hawkins Fitness Group Mr. Alfonso Hernandez Nicholas Hisoire Mrs. Kathy Marie Hogan Mr. Allen Hopper Connie A. Hovenden Scott Hughes Ms. Patricia Ilharreguy Mr. Christopher Ingagiola Noeline Ioane Mr. Mason Irwin Mrs. Lupe Jackson Flamela Bautista Jamir Susan Jimenez Aaron Johnson Jami Johnson Mary E. Johnson Karl Jones Sherman Jones Mrs. Wafa Kaluzok Arthur Karp Jeffrey Kent Daniel Kerins Max E. Kile Ashley O. Kirby Yvonne Kirst Catherine Koehm Halil Kozi David Kreiner Vanessa Kuri Philip La Farge

Nancy Leon Mr. Robert Levine Ms. Gloria Lleonart Teresa Lopez Mrs. Kellie A. Lowe Mr. Nelson MacDonald Mrs. Mharljoy Mendoza Macias Miriam Maddox Mrs. Liberty Maglunog Mrs. Dorothy Elizabeth Mahoney Jaenene Maldonado Mrs. Alina Maleski Mr. Gary Maleski Salvador Manzo Jason Marsh Brian Martin Cesar Martinez Maria L. Martinez Monica Martinez Justin Matute Ms. Connie McDonald Mr. Donald McGuire Dr. Cindie Medeiros Rosa Medel Mark Melo Barbara Mendez Miss Martha Patricia Mendez Randal Mendoza Jonathan Menkes Ms. Nancy Meyer Ms. Laura Meza Rivas Darlene Milton In Memory of Abe Kriger Anne Mitchell Sylvia Mize Timothy Moore Natalia Morales David Moreno Mr. Dwight Morgan Lewston Morris Tanya Msabaeka Rodney Mullinax Linda Nakada Elizabeth A. Navarro Frumencia Morales Navarro Susan Negrete Linda Neuenburg Dennis J. Niblo Gary and Kelli Nielsen Mr. Daniel Nieves Varduhi Niksalyan Misako Nitschke Ms. Maryanne Noonan Mr. Brian Norden James and Colleen Ocello In Memory of Pat Ruiz Mr. and Mrs. John Ortega Monica Ortega Francisca Osuna Ms. Elizabeth Pak Editha Palad William and Sue Palmquist Elaine Paquet Michael Pendleton Veronica Perera Abril Perez

Ms. Reynalda Perez Mr. Richard Perkins David Perry Leslie Peterson Mr. Ronald Philipp Jesus Pinera Michael Plizga Tim Pluma Leticia Portillo Juana Portocarrero Philip Potter Marika Poynter Aaron Timothy Protzmann Teresa Quintas Donald Quitangon Lamuel Quiwa Bernadette Ramirez Linda C. Ramsay Cheryl Lynn Randolph Tom Reed Candice Regalado Joseph Louis Regalado Greta Rens Camilo Renteria Sergio Chairez Reyes Mrs. Wendie Ritchson Javier Robles Yvette Rodriguez Karen Rogora Patricia Rohrer Dennis and Toni Rohrig Mercedes Ruth Romanfarmer Mrs. Deanne Pelto Ruby Dennis Ruby Amber Salmeron Edith Salomon Agnes Sanchez Rose Sanchez Stephanie Sanchez Steve L. Sanchez Leyla Sardinha Miss Dulcinea Satler George Saunders Nancy Schneider Mr. Lance Schumacher William and Loretta Schumacher James Schwartz Mr. Robert Sheahen Robert and Ann Shedden Neil and Susie Siegel Jules Silva Hatem and Terese Sinnukrot Lidia and Anna Lissa Siwak Barbara Jean Smith Bryan Smith Suzanne Smith Erick and Lucy Solares David Solorio Larry Spooner Alma Stacy Mr. John W. Starr Johanna Stewart Jon Swedlund John TenBarge Brenda Thompson Walter Thornburgh

Sherre Titus Jean Tong Mr. Agustin Tonsay Ms. Cheryl R. Townsend Susan Tziboy Jose Urias Daniel Uribe Pat Utley Magdalena R Valdivia Mrs. Amily Valencia Miss Dayann Vazquez Ms. Annette Veach Robbin Velis David Vera Robles Jorge Vera Prieto Olivia Verdugo Jean-Michael Viana Maria Vidal Martins Villa Yvette Villegas Corazon Viola Mrs. Christine M. Waddell John Walker Robin Ann Walker Victoria Waller Ms. Mary Margaret Warren Julia Watson Ms. Marie Welbourne Darlene Wells Kelly Whang Mr. David Wheatley Mr. Robert Parker Whitley Ms. Marsha Wiggins Ms. Norma Williamson Mrs. Elena Wilson Stephen D. Wimberley Cynthia Winters Janine Witruke Julie York Jennifer Zamaro Norman Zamora

Thank you for your generous support!

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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YOU’RE HERE. Congrats, You’ve Picked a Great Performance!

Check out the interactive version of this theater program magazine and enjoy even more insight into the performers, creative talent and theater activities that are behind it all.

LINKS TO PERFORMERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS MULTI-MEDIA PRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE. UNDERSTUDY UPDATES THEATER SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES UPCOMING SHOWS AND CONCERTS AROUND TOWN INSIDER SCOOPS FROM THEATER AND MUSIC PROFESSIONALS

It’s the new way to read the program, it’s

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10/12/23 7:43 PM

D ESIGN

HIDDEN SHOWPLACES

Once consigned to simply keeping possessions hidden from view, closets now benefit from the styling skills of firms such as LA Closet Design. / BY ROGER GRODY /

LUXURY RESIDENCES now incorporate many showplaces, from soaring foyers to elaborate media rooms, and once-cloistered spaces such as kitchens have become centers of attention. Once devoid of aesthetic value, closets have emerged as spaces requiring design expertise, even if guests rarely see them. LA Closet Design views the closet as having unlimited potential, rather than as simply a utilitarian space for organizing—or hiding—things.

LA Closet Design was founded in 2007 by interior designer Lisa Adams, its CEO and lead designer, to capitalize on an unexplored specialty. Closets were long overlooked by designers, she explains, with renovations relegated to cabinet makers. “Every house has closets for storing all kinds of things, including prized possessions, but even in luxury residences they were treated like stepchildren,“ Adams says. “Meanwhile, the kitchen suddenly

22 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 2:30 PM

Multifunctional luxury closets by, below opposite, designer Lisa Adams

became the heart of the home.“ In the luxury sector, couples tend to want his-and-her closet/dressing rooms more akin to chic designer boutiques than traditional closets, but LA Closet Design reimagines more modest walk-in spaces as well. “The closet is where we usually spend the first and last moments of a day,“ Adams notes. “Unfortunately, many of us deal with universal closet issues—clutter, overstuffing and disorganization. My mission

PHOTOS MEGHAN BEIERLE-O'BRIEN

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is to create wardrobe and storage spaces that are balanced functionally and aesthetically. “Because you’re in this space a lot, you want it to be one in which you feel clarity and peace,” she continues. “Whatever the size, it should inspire you to get dressed in the morning or ready to work out.” She also points out closets' multifunctionality. “It can be the place you run away from the kids to or invite girlfriends into,” she says.

Adams, who accommodates a clientele including Christina Aguilera, Tyra Banks and Khloé Kardashian, notes that women’s closets frequently incorporate amenities such as vanities, “glam stations” for makeup and hair styling, wine refrigerators, and video screens. Stripper poles are among the more exotic items women request. Men might suggest putting greens, sneaker or hat displays, and watch winders for their closets.

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D ESIGN

Lisa Adams balances aesthetics and functionality of storage and wardrobe spaces here and below.

According to Adams, who has designed a three-story closet in BelAir and a six-room dressing suite in Abu Dhabi, budgets can exceed $1 million. Adams begins her design process with an inventory of the client’s wardrobe, then conducts a spatial analysis to determine exactly what is possible. “I look at both your room and your life, then create a space of peace, beauty and even glamour,” she says. “I’m committed to making the space look beautiful, but not at the expense of function—I tend to lead with functionality,” Adams explains. She enhances closets with the same high-end finishes, hardware and custom designer lighting one would find in other rooms in a luxury home.

The pandemic was an unexpected catalyst for LA Closet Design; people spending more time in their homes recognized both the deficiencies and possibilities of their properties. “Everyone has a closet,“ Adams notes. “While it may be an indul-

gence to redesign it, I've discovered that people want to feel good in that space." LA Closet Design 310.289.1311, laclosetdesign.com By appointment only.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 2:30 PM

NEW SEASON NEW THEATER CAP UCLA’s 2023–24 SEASON brings you a variety of voices and creative expressions in music, dance, theater, literary arts and collaborative disciplines. Join us at Royce Hall, The Theatre at Ace Hotel and our brand new venue, The Nimoy, open now.

Alarm Will Sound Photo by Wojciech Wandzel

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS > Urban Bush Women > Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer > Nella > Luciana Souza

> Nico Muhly and Alice Goodman’s The Street > Terri Lyne Carrington

> John Cameron Mitchell > Meow Meow

> Kronos Quartet

> Alfredo Rodridguez

> Dan Tepfer > Meshell Ndegeocello

> Alarm Will Sound AND MANY MORE!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

cap.ucla.edu/2023–24 Nella Photo by Sanne Gault

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10/16/23 7:33 PM

TRAVEL

Notre Vue Estate in Windsor. Below: Pond Farm Pottery in Guerneville.

A Harvest of New Attractions THE BUBBLE ROOM, Bubble Bar and Bubbles Lounge—and Bauhaus plates—are among the updates from Sonoma County’s wine country.

ARTS + CULTURE THE SEQUOIAS HAVE long been the draw at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville but now there’s another: tours of Pond Farm Pottery, the home, school and studio of renowned 20th-century ceramicist Marguerite Wildenhain. The first woman to graduate from

Germany’s seminal Bauhaus as a master potter, Wildenhain left Germany in the 1930s and taught hundreds of students at Pond Farm, now a National Treasure. The Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa unveils Sonoma County Stories, a permanent exhibition that encourages the public to engage with the county’s past and contribute to its future: Oral histories, videos, recordings and images span two centuries of Native American, Latino, Asian, African American and European cultures.

PHOTOS COURTESY SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM

Sonoma County’s recent vintage is but one of its latest lures. / BY BENJAMIN EPSTEIN /

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/16/23 10:35 AM

Celebrate the Season!

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS

NAVIDAD NUESTRA

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

MESSIAH SING-ALONG

DECEMBER 2 AT 2 PM

DECEMBER 17 AT 7 PM

DECEMBER 10 AT 7 PM

DECEMBER 18 AT 7:30 PM

PHOTOS COURTESY SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM

T I C K E T S S TA R T AT $ 4 5

LAMASTERCHORALE.ORG

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Los TRAVEL

The Madrona in Healdsburg. Below: pho flavors with picanha at J Winery's Bubble Room

CHEF DOUGLAS KEANE has relaunched his legendary Cyrus, with its dining-as-journey approach, in Geyserville. Successive encounters include the martini and Champagne cart in the Bubbles Lounge, the bustling Kitchen Table, the dining room with its sweeping valley views and

the otherworldly Chocolate Room. A separate “Taste of the Lounge” experience includes three items from the Bubbles Lounge menu and grower-producer Champagne. The “Shifting the Lens” series in the Bubble Room at J Winery and Vineyards in Healdsburg showcases cuisines typically overlooked in Eurocentric wine country culinary programs. J’s Nicole Hitchcock, last year’s Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year, oversees wine and sparkling wine pairings for stunning five-course lunches; guest chefs offer their perspectives on the changing culinary landscape. Foley Family Wines winemaker Sarah Quider and restaurateur Samantha Tilley, her sister, unveil Healdsburg Bubble Bar, a Parisian-

chic sparkling-wine tasting room, and Cuvée House, an Airbnb in a 1905 Queen Anne Victorian home. Tastings at the Bubble Bar, near Healdsburg Plaza, focus on grower Champagnes from small producers.

LIBATIONS LOOKOUT BOASTING 700 ACRES in the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill appellations, Notre Vue Estate and Winery in Windsor has heretofore offered tastings atop its summit. Eau de Vie (Water of Life)—more intimate affairs featuring the estate’s lauded reserve wines and artisan charcuterie—now take place in a luxury pavilion overlooking a lake. Lo & Behold bar and kitchen in Healdsburg presents global comfort fare on a garden patio and in

PHO FLAVORS, BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

LIFE’S A BUBBLE

losang LAB B

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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2023

10/16/23 10:35 AM

Los Angeles Ballet Presents

Pasadena Civic Auditorium Dec 1 - 3 Royce Hall, UCLA Dec 8 - 9 Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Dec 15 - 17 Dolby Theatre LAB Orchestra Dec 21 - 26

2023/2024 SEASON losangelesballet.org LAB Box Oﬃce (310) 998-7782

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 29

10/16/23 10:35 AM

T R AV EL

Kitchen Table at Cyrus in Geyserville

Navidad Nuestra:

December in the Americas S U N , D EC E M B E R 1 0, 2 0 2 3 AT 7 P M Spread the warmth, share the joy! Join us for an evening of celebration and togetherness with a concert of Christmas carols sung in the musical traditions of Argentina, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Ecuador, and North America. Grant Gershon, conductor 48 singers, soloists, Andean instrumental ensemble This program is made possible by generous support from The Susan Erburu Reardon and George Reardon Commissioning Fund.

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a cozy lounge and dining room. Tempting cocktails include the Temptation Island, featuring KoHana rum, olive leaf, verbena, falernum and Corsican aperitif Mattei. On the menu: brisket-confit tacos and Vietnamese crepe with pork belly and prawns.

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/16/23 10:35 AM

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10/16/23 10:35 AM

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that relationship continues,” Koelsch adds. “In the best possible situation, you put together a group of people who are inspired by each other and who have real chemistry both on and off stage.” Case in point: Soprano Kathleen O’Mara, who makes her LA Opera debut as housekeeper Berta in The Barber of Seville, at the Pavilion through Nov. 12. O’Mara beat out hundreds of hopefuls for the one open spot in the company’s DomingoColburn-Stein Young Artist Program, which Koelsch says, “speaks pretty profoundly to our collective sense of faith 32

in both where she is now and where she’s going.” O’Mara arrived in Los Angeles in late August. “For me, it’s not just my debut here, it’s my debut as a professional artist,” O’Mara says. “I’ve only been in school and training programs, and I was only covering roles. This is the first time I’m getting to use all these tools I’ve learned over the years. “To be given the opportunity to sing a role on the stage for the first time is this huge beginning of a chapter in my life. I’ve been waiting for this for years, and here I am. I’m really lucky and grateful.” O’Mara received coaching, delved deep into the role and its comic-

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 3:44 PM

GREAT VIOLINISTS OF OUR ERA

Jamez McCorkle as Omar in LA Opera’s Omar

relief aspects and prepared for it as she would any other—albeit with a more exciting payoff. Working with the company’s high-level singers is intimidating, but also an exceptional learning opportunity, she notes. “I can’t promise that I’m going to be perfect in this debut,” O’Mara says, “but I will have learned so much in a short time by getting to work with the people I get to work with.” When preparing for her Joffrey debut, upcoming at press time, Mesmer says she had been “trying to be all business, mentally,” focusing on the usual studio work and rehearsals. “In the lead-up, you have so much to do, so much

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 33

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10/13/23 3:45 PM

F EAT U R E Excerpts from: NABUCCO DON CARLO SAMSON ET DELILA CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Anne Marie Ketchum Artistic Director Laraine Ann Madden Accompanist

Sat., Nov. 18 7:30 pm Sun., Nov. 19 4:00 pm JULIE MAKAROV Soprano

AUDREY BABCOCK

Mezzo Soprano

ALEX BOYER Tenor

ROBERTO PERLAS GÓMEZ Baritone

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Tickets available online All credit cards accepted

to learn, that you almost don’t think about what a big moment it is until it’s over,” she points out. Before previous openings, she recalls, “I’d just take a minute backstage, breathe a little bit, have a moment to really think about all it took to get there, and feel that gratitude. I’m hoping I’ll have that emotional moment.” For early-career performers who have now become more established, debuts can mean gaining the confidence to reach out to company leadership to discuss various matters—perhaps with a lunch invitation, says tenor Jamez McCorkle. McCorkle made his LA Opera debut as the titular Omar a year ago. He had created the role of the real-life West African scholar forced into U.S. slavery, and he now makes his San Francisco Opera debut in the production Nov. 5-21. For McCorkle, “debut” still means “stress.”

COURTESY LA OPERA

Soprano Kathleen O’Mara, making her LA Opera debut

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 3:45 PM

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 35

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10/13/23 3:45 PM

F EAT U R E

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“This is a season of debuts for me, as is next season,” McCorkle says. “When you’re making [multiple] debuts, the stress of it is that you can’t ... make mistakes.

“ ‘Debut’ is just five little letters, but it’s a really, really big deal,” says dancer Lindy Mesmer, new to the Joffrey Ballet. “It fills me with a lot of pride.” “A slip-up could mean the difference between going to the top, or not having that career that would make you feel fulfilled. I have to tread carefully, making sure all my loose ends are tied. “This pivotal stage of my career means being careful, being secure and being prepared.” Those with longtime careers can’t help but see debuts differently, believes mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. Leonard made her LA Opera mainstage debut in September as the betrayed noblewoman Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni and this month stars as the romantic lead Rosina in The Barber of Seville. She debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 2007. “There are too many

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 3:45 PM

Sun Nov 12 | 7pm AMERICAN RAILROAD:

Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens

Thu Nov 2 | 8pm

Joshua Henry’s GET UP, STAND UP! Sat Nov 4 | 8pm

The Colburn Orchestra ESA-PEKKA SALONEN CONDUCTS SHOSTAKOVICH AND BRAHMS

Thu Nov 9 | 8pm

Midori with Festival Strings Lucerne DANIEL DODDS, LEADER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN

Sun Nov 19 | 3pm

AN AFTERNOON WITH

David Sedaris

Thu Nov 30 | 8pm

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra BACH’S BRANDENBURG CONCERTI

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LIVE IN CONCERT

Sat Nov 18 | 3pm

Sat Nov 18 | 8pm

10/13/23 3:45 PM

F EAT U R E

HERE’S TO YOU

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years of experience,” reflects Leonard, a threetime Grammy Award winner. She praises LA Opera for its “really supportive and incredibly kind” company culture and the inspirational creative approaches she discovered in Los Angeles. Though she doesn’t think about debuting during an opening-night performance with a newto-her company, Leonard says, “Of course, I want to make a good impression. “People have expectations of your work. When a company hires you, your desire is to meet those expectations—for them, but also for you. You want to make sure that you’re bringing that [anticipated] skill set with you.” Debuts, Leonard points out, aren’t unique to the performing arts. “Debuts are a natural part of everybody’s lives,” she notes. “The first time you drive after getting your driver’s license, that’s a debut. ”It’s nice to take a moment to appreciate the newness of something,” she says, “and in 10 years’ time to appreciate that it is no longer new—that you now have a mastery of something that you didn’t know [that you would have], that you were going to get there. “And now, all of a sudden, here you are.”

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/13/23 3:45 PM

The Wallis & For The Record’s production of

THE 20TH-ANNIVERSARY CONCERT CELEBRATION

THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC. ON STAGE. ON SCREEN. IN CONCERT. ALL AROUND.

L.A.’s multimedia holiday tradition makes a triumphant return to commemorate the film’s 20th Anniversary. Set within a picturesque London cityscape, iconic scenes from the film are displayed on screens alongside all-star singers and a live orchestra.

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VISIT WALLIS.ORG FOR TICKETS.

10/13/23 3:45 PM

PARTIN G TH O U G H T

REPROGRA MMED! Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

SEARCH Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.

THE ESSENTIALS Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.

THE PLAYERS Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.

CONTRIBUTORS Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!

The touchless platform provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates and arts-centric features. Audiences receive a link and code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too. Screens go dark when curtains rise and return with the house lights. Updates—repertory changes, understudy substitutions, significant 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 programs 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. Theaters and concert halls reopened after a long intermission. Stages are live, the excitement is back. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. —CALEB WACHS

COURTESY L.A. PHIL

NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees . . . Of all the innovations to have come out of the pandemic, the new Performances program platform, accessed on any digital device, may be least likely to disappear in the foreseeable future. Not only had its time come—it had been long overdue. Performances provides the programs for 20 SoCal performingarts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Ahmanson to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.

WHAT’S ON What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

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10/12/23 3:42 PM

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Performances Magazine | La Mirada Theatre, November 2023

Articles inside

Hidden Showplaces | By Roger Grody

A Harvest Of New Attractions | By Benjamin Einstein

Jitters and Joy