Performances Magazine | Pasadena Playhouse, May 2023

STica

Janet Jackson Special Guest: Ludacris June 14

contents

P1 Program

Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes and donors

6 In the Wings Hollywood Bowl begins its second century of concerts under the stars; art by Islamic women at Los Angeles County Museum of Art; the Pasadena Pops season at L.A. Arboretum.

12 Sweet Smell of Success

As many theaters try to find their footing in 2023, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is setting attendance, sales and revenue records.

18 Exquisite Imperfection

Malibu-based designer Sarah Solis creates comfortable, personalized spaces by curating objects and materials that have stories to tell.

22 Smooth Sailing

Boston’s Saltie Girl Seafood Bar opens in West Hollywood with a menu featuring fishhouse favorites as well as an extensive section devoted to artisanal tinned seafood.

32 Parting Thought

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

Make your goals your reality.

Make your goals your reality.

Our team of experts – from banking to investing – can help you reach your full potential.

Our team of experts – from banking to investing – can help you reach your full potential.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Levy

EDITOR

Benjamin Epstein

ART DIRE CTOR

Carol Wakano

CONTIBUTING WRITERS

Roger Grody, Sherry Stern, Jenn Tanaka, Caleb Wachs

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Glenda Mendez

PRODUCTION ARTIST

Diana Gonzalez

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Walter Lewis

ACCOUNT DIRE CTORS

Kerry Baggett, Jean Greene, Tina Marie Smith

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

Walter.Lewis@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

WEBSITE

Lorenzo.DelaRama@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

CIRCULATION

Christine.Roessler@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

HONORARY PRESIDENT

Ted Levy

For information about advertising and rates contact California Media Group 3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90034

Phone: 310.280.2880

Fax: 310.280.2890

Visit Performances Magazine online at socalpulse.com Performances

Stars Under the Stars

THE HOLLYWOOD Bowl begins its second century with a gala program June 10 featuring Janet Jackson and the following weekend, June 17-18, the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival with host Arsenio Hall. The Beach Boys join the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra for fireworks spectaculars July 2-4. Music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic 10 evenings in July. He’s joined by movie maestro John Williams

July 7-9; the Los Angeles Master Chorale and vocal soloists including soprano Angel Blue for Verdi’s Requiem on July 11; and Grammy-winning Mexico City-based indie rockers Café Tacvba

July 21-22. The KCRW Festival kicks off July 23 with Reggae Night XXI. A 90th-birthday tribute to Quincy Jones with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra takes place July 28. “Everybody Rise! A Sondheim Celebration” brings Stephen Sondheim’s most iconic songs to the stage July 30. The season continues through September. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000, hollywoodbowl.org

Coming to the Bowl: Quincy Jones gets a 90th-birthday tribute and, right, indie rockers Café Tacvba join conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

ISLAMIC WOMEN SEEN

SEVENTY-FIVE works by women artists who were born or live in what can broadly be termed Islamic societies can be seen at Women

Defining Women in Contemporary Art of the Middle East and Beyond, on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Often perceived as voiceless and invisible, they are neither. Their art depicts a breadth of inventively and often ideologically conceived women’s imagery, bearing witness to rapidly shifting political developments in lands extending from Africa to Western and Central Asia, as well as in diasporic communities. Their powerful narratives are embedded in their art, expressing both personal and universal concerns. Across generations and working in different media, the artists share a common sense of identity not exclusively “Middle Eastern” but certainly female, which is evident in their work.

5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6010, lacma.org

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art: Hayv Kahraman, Search, 2016, and, above left, Laila Shawa, Disposable Bodies (Shahrazad #4), 2012

Pops Season in Bloom

THE SIX-CONCERT Rusnak Summer Concert series, featuring the Pasadena Pops at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, begins June 24 with “Divas through the Decades.” Principal Pops conductor Michael Feinstein leads the orchestra, jazz songstresses Nicole Henry and Catherine Russell and Motown singer Freda Payne in a celebration of black women who shaped the American Songbook, notably Ella

Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Natalie Cole and Tina Turner. “The Kings of Soul” get their turn July 15. Feinstein picks up the mic July 29 for a salute to Broadway featuring music by Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and more. The season continues through Sept. 9. Grounds open for picnicking and dining at 5:30 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.793.7172, pasadenasymphony-pops.org

Joining the Pasadena Pops: the band The Kings of Soul and, below, songstress Nicole Henry

Sweet Smell of Success

La Mirada Theatre finds the secret sauce to bringing in audiences.

/ BY SHERRY STERN /

THE RECORDS WOULD be welcome any year: best overall attendance, most single ticket sales, highest revenue in a season.

But this wasn’t any year.

These achievements at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts came after the world had turned upside down, in the heat of post-lockdown challenges that even now confound theaters across the country.

The picture that formed following that record-setting year is one that illustrates a level of audience engagement that most theaters dream of.

“We defied the odds and bucked the

trend. We were as surprised as anybody,” says producing artistic director BT McNicholl of the venue’s 2021-22 season.

“People say, well, ‘How did you do it?,’ and the answer is, of course, a mix of luck and strategy.”

The luck came with the timing, McNicholl says. Mask ordinances and vaccine requirements loosened just as the theater kicked off its 45th season.

The strategy part? Programming the right shows at the right time.

With a combination of funding from the city of La Mirada and multiple federal

Producing artistic director BT McNicholl and, top, “Singin’ in the Rain” at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

“Cabaret” and, below, “Young Frankenstein” at La Mirada Theatre

bring in a big crowd and continue to push us forward.”

Not incidentally, subscriptions continue to grow in La Mirada as well, bucking a national downward trend. As McCoy alludes, the theater’s lasting success is more nuanced than the feel-good musicals that saved the theater following the lockdown.

Three seasons, three examples:

Last season, the first show back from the pandemic was not a musical but a play, a newish comedy take on the board game turned movie, “Clue.” It drew in goodsized audiences when so many people were hesitant to return to theaters. Nonmusical plays are often part of the lineup, including last November’s “A Few Good Men.”

grants, and a season programmed by its independent producing firm McCoy Rigby Entertainment, La Mirada Theatre returned with a full schedule—no tiptoeing in.

The strategy paid off right away with an early show, the fortuitously low-cost, small-cast “Million Dollar Quartet.” That was followed by proven audience favorites such as “Mamma Mia!” and “The Sound of Music.”

“We presented shows that were upbeat, feel-good, life-affirming,” McNicholl says. “We had music, comedy and musicals that had an overall feeling of uplift. I think that’s what people really want.”

The 1,251-seat venue is owned and financed by the city of 51,000, located near the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties. McCoy Rigby has been the producer for the regional theater for nearly three decades.

“It’s a great collaboration of government and the arts,” Tom McCoy says. “I’m not sure I’ve heard of it in any other regional theater in the country.”

The theater offers a full schedule of pop, country and comedy concerts, but at its heart is the lineup of Broadway-style shows.

“This season we’re doing three chestnuts, ‘Grease,’ ‘The King and I’ and ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ which we normally don’t do,” says McCoy, who runs the company with his wife, Cathy Rigby, the gymnast-turned-actress.

“But we did, thinking that these three will

This season, between “Grease” and “The King and I,” came the world premiere of “Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today?,” an offbeat, macabre comedy musical with aspirations for off-Broadway. Developed and directed by McNicholl, it’s the first musical the theater has developed in its 46 years.

Next season, in advance of another proven classic, “Fiddler on the Roof,” comes the West Coast premiere of new musical “Mystic Pizza,” based on the 1988 Julia Roberts movie, staged with pop hits of the era.

“Mystic Pizza” illustrates another reason for the theater’s solid footing: What happens in La Mirada doesn’t always stay in La Mirada. Wherever it can, McCoy Rigby looks for works that can tour; that likely will include both “Mystic Pizza” and next season’s production of the Gloria Estefan musical, “On Your Feet!”

“La Mirada is great, but everything ends in three and a half weeks,” McCoy says. /CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

DANNY FELDMAN

Producing Artistic Director

Presents

APR 25 – MAY 28

Opening Night: APR 30, 2023

music night little A

Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Book by HUGH WHEELER

Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Suggested by a Film by Ingmar Bergman

Originally Produced and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince

MERLE DANDRIDGE MICHAEL HAYDEN

SARAH URIARTE BERRY RUBY LEWIS

GEORGIA BELMONT

CHASE DEL REY RYAN SILVERMAN

JARED BYBEE

MAKARA GAMBLE

KALEY ANN VOORHEES

KIMBERLY DAWSON

ORIANA FALLA ARNOLD GEIS ADAM JAMES KING CHRISTANNA ROWADER

BRANDON BORKOWSKY MIKAELA CELESTE DANNY CRON AUDREY WILLIAMS

Scenic Design

WILSON CHIN

Wig Design

CHRISTOPHER ENLOW

Starring with and JODI LONG

Costume Design KATE BERGH

Casting JZ CASTING

GEOFF JOSSELSON, CSA

KATJA ZAROLINSKI, CSA

Technical Director/

Production Supervisor

BRAD ENLOW

Lighting Design JARED A. SAYEG

Stage Manager JILL GOLD

Press Representative DAVIDSON & CHOY PUBLICITY

Music Supervision by DARRYL ARCHIBALD

Choreography by MARK ESPOSITO

Directed by DAVID LEE

Sound Design DANNY ERDBERG & URSULA KWONG-BROWN

Music Direction ALBY POTTS

Associate Producer JENNY SLATTERY

This production is partially underwritten by the very generous members of The Brad & Pamela King Honorary Producers Circle who include:

Jerry & Terri Kohl

Bill Resnick & Michael J. Stubbs

Lilah Stangeland

CAST

MERLE DANDRIDGE

MICHAEL HAYDEN

JODI LONG

SARAH URIARTE BERRY

RUBY LEWIS CHASE DEL REY

MAKARA GAMBLE

GEORGIA BELMONT

RYAN SILVERMAN

JARED BYBEE KALEY ANN VOORHEES

CHRISTANNA ROWADER

MIKAELA CELESTE DANNY CRON

BRANDON BORKOWSKY

ORIANA FALLA ARNOLD GEIS

ADAM JAMES KING

KIMBERLY DAWSON

CAST

Madame Armfeldt JODI LONG*

Desirée Armfeldt (her daughter, an actress) MERLE DANDRIDGE*

Fredrika Armfeldt (Desirée’s daughter) MAKARA GAMBLE

Fredrik Egerman (a lawyer) MICHAEL HAYDEN*

Anne Egerman (his second wife) KALEY ANN VOORHEES*

Henrik Egerman (his son) CHASE DEL REY*

Count Carl-Magnus Malcom (a dragoon) RYAN SILVERMAN*

Countess Charlotte Malcom (his wife) SARAH URIARTE BERRY*

Petra (the Egerman maid) RUBY LEWIS*

Frid (Madame Armfeldt’s butler) ADAM JAMES KING*

Malla (Desirée’s maid) AUDREY WILLIAMS

Bertrand (Madame Armfeldt’s page) BRANDON BORKOWSKY

Osa (Madame Armfeldt’s maid) MIKAELA CELESTE

Ingmar (another butler) DANNY CRON

Mr. Lindquist JARED BYBEE*

Mrs. Nordstrom GEORGIA BELMONT*

Mrs. Anderssen ORIANA FALLA*

Mr. Erlanson ARNOLD GEIS*

Mrs. Segstrom KIMBERLY DAWSON

Standby for Desirée and Charlotte CHRISTANNA ROWADER

Stage Manager JILL GOLD*

Assistant Stage Manager DYLAN ELHAI*

Dance Captain RUBY LEWIS

MUSICIANS

Music Supervisor DARRYL ARCHIBALD

Music Director/Conductor ALBY POTTS

Violin KIRSTIN FIFE CONCERTMASTER , MARY KEATING, RHEA FOWLER, MEGAN SHUNG

Viola RODNEY WIRTZ

Celli I RA GLANSBEEK, RACHEL COOSAIA

Bass OSCAR HIDALGO

Flute/Alto Flute/Piccolo J ULIE BURKERT

Clarinet/Flute JEFF DRISKILL

Bass Clarinet/Clarinet SEAN FRANZ

Oboe/English Horn VICTORIA SABONJOHN

Bassoon/Clarinet PAUL CURTIS

French Horn KATIE FARAUDO, LIZZIE UPTON, ALLEN FOGLE

Trumpet JAVIER GONZALEZ, TIM RUBOTTOM

Trombone DANNY LAWLOR

Harp AMY WILKINS

Keyboard CHRISTIAN REGUL

Percussion NICK STONE

Orchestra Contractor ERIC HEINLY

Turn of the last century Sweden

A

Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

MUSICAL

NUMBERS

OVERTURE Mr. Lindquist, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Anderssen, Mr. Erlanson, Mrs. Segstrom

ACT I

“ Night Waltz ” Company

“ Now ” Fredrik

“ Later ” Henrik

“ Soon” Anne, Henrik, Fredrik

“ The Glamorous Life”

Fredrika, Desirée, Madame Armfeldt, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Segstrom, Mrs. Anderssen, Mr. Lindquist, Mr. Erlanson

“ Remember? ” Mr. Lindquist, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Segstrom, Mr. Erlanson, Mrs. Anderssen

“ You Must Meet My Wife”

Fredrik, Desirée

“ Liaisons” Madame Armfeldt

“ In Praise of Women” Carl-Magnus

“ Every Day a Little Death”

Charlotte, Anne

“A Weekend in the Country ” Company

ACT II

“The Sun Won’t Set”

“It Would Have Been Wonderful”

“Night Waltz II”

“Perpetual Anticipation”

Mrs. Anderssen, Mrs. Segstrom, Mrs. Nordstrom, Mr. Lindquist, Mr. Erlanson

Fredrik, Carl-Magnus

Mrs. Nordstrom, Mr. Erlanson, Mr. Lindquist, Mrs. Segstrom, Mrs. Anderssen

Mrs. Nordstrom, Mrs. Segstrom, Mrs. Anderssen

“Send in the Clowns” Desirée

“The Miller’s Son” Petra

Finale Company

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE

Pasadena Playhouse is a place where people have gathered for over 100 years to experience bold and important theater. As the State Theater of California, our mission is to enrich people’s lives through theater, community programs, and learning.

MERLE DANDRIDGE

Desirée Armfeldt

Merle Dandridge returns to Pasadena Playhouse after having played Kate in Kiss Me, Kate and as part of the ensemble song cycle Showtune: The Songs of Jerry Herman. Currently she is known for her work in HBO’s original drama series The Last of Us, as Marlene the leader of the Fireflies; Apple TV+’s Truth Be Told as Zarina Killebrew; and ABC’s Station 19 as Chief Ross. She is also known for her starring role as Grace Greenleaf in Oprah Winfrey Network’s hit series Greenleaf which ran for five seasons. Previously, Merle starred in HBO Max’s first season of The Flight Attendant, FX’s Sons of Anarchy, CW’s Starcrossed, and NBC’s The Night Shift. Broadway: Papa Ge in the Tony-winning revival of Once on this Island, Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (reprised at the Ahmanson Theatre and Hollywood Bowl), Joanne in Rent,  Kala in Tarzan, Aida in Aida, and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played Pharaoh in the Lincoln Center presentation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Merle serves on the boards of Geffen Playhouse and Harvest Home, which provides housing and holistic care to homeless pregnant women. www.harvesthomela.org.

MICHAEL HAYDEN

Fredrik Egerman

Broadway: All My Sons; Festen; Enchanted April; Judgement At Nuremberg (Tony Nomination); Hal in Henry IV, Pts. Iⅈ Cabaret; and Billy in Carousel. London: Cabaret (West End) CarouselOlivier Award Nomination (Royal National Theatre and West End) Select Off Broadway: Lady From Dubuque (New Signature Theatre), Dessa Rose (Lincoln Center). Select Regional: World premiere of American Son (Barrington Stage), Henry V/Richard II - title roles performed in repertory (Shakespeare Theater of DC), The Winter’s Tale (Guthrie Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing (The Old Globe, San Diego), Merrily We Roll Along (Sondheim Festival, Kennedy Center) Select TV: Evil, Elementary, Chicago Fire, All Law and Orders, Murder One. Film: Charming Billy (American Film Institute Best Actor Award).

JODI LONG

Madame Armfeldt

Jodi won an Emmy for best supporting actress as Mrs. Basil E. in Netflix’s Dash & Lily, making her the first Asian-American to win in any acting category. She made her Broadway debut at age seven in Nowhere to Go But Up, directed by Sidney Lumet, the first of five Broadway shows she would go to

appear in as an adult; including Loose Ends, The Bacchae, Stephen Sondheim’s Getting Away with Murder, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s revival of Flower Drum Song in which she garnered an Ovation Award at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Jodi’s film credits include: Beginners opposite Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer; The Hot Chick alongside Rob Schneider, Anna Farris and Rachel McAdams; Robocop 3; The Exorcist III; and Born on the Fourth of July. On television, Jodi can be seen in the third season of the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and NBCs Chicago Med, adding to her previous appearances in Café Americain, Young & Hungry, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order: SVU, Sex and the City, Franklin & Bash, Eli Stone, The Cosby Show, and Sullivan & Son, the latter for which the New York Times called her “by far the best thing about the show and maybe enough reason to watch it.”

SARAH URIARTE BERRY

Countess Charlotte Malcom

Broadway: Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella in Cinderella (New York City Opera) alongside Eartha Kitt, Franca in The Light in the Piazza at Lincoln Center Theater (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress), Eponine in Les Misérables, Nicola in Taboo (opposite Boy George), Next to Normal, and End of the Rainbow. Bernstein’s Mass (Carnegie Hall); The Boys From Syracuse, Tenderloin (New York City Center Encores!); Julie in Carousel (Royal National Theater, Ovation Award-Best Actress); Sondheim on Sondheim (Hollywood Bowl) with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jonathan Groff, and Vanessa Williams; A Little Night Music (Kennedy Center). Film/TV: Frontera (with Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, Ed Harris), Pretty Bird, Law and Order CI, The Light in the Piazza Live from Lincoln Center, and Saint Jellorica in the infamous Cats episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!

CHASE DEL REY

Henrik Egerman

Having recently played Pete Sampras in the Oscarnominated film King Richard, Chase is thrilled to be making his Pasadena Playhouse debut in A Little Night Music. Last year he played a principal role in the LA industry workshop of the new musical 38 Minutes by Edie Brickell, and has also appeared in CBS’ The Code and as a soloist at Lincoln Center Theater. Chase is a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Thank you to Buchwald and Authentic for their incredible support. For my loving family who have been on this journey with meWhat a great adventure.

MAKARA GAMBLE

Fredrika Armfeldt

Makara Gamble is elated to be making her Pasadena Playhouse debut in A Little Night Music! Makara is an actor, vocalist, and model in Los Angeles. Makara starred in the feature film Deep in the Forest. She is grateful for the love and support of her friends and family, and excited to join the company at Pasadena Playhouse!

RUBY LEWIS

Petra

Ruby (she/her) is thrilled to make her Playhouse debut! Previous Los Angeles Theater credits include, Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole at Geffen Playhouse (Ovation Nomination) and Love Actually Live at The Wallis. She starred as Indigo in Cirque du Soleil’s premiere Broadway show Paramour which led to two Macy’s Parades and features on Nightline and Entertainment Tonight. Television credits include Desperate Housewives, Masters of Sex, Girl Meets World, and the upcoming series Sugar, to name a few. Her self-produced, original one-woman show Starlet has played both coasts and held residencies in Vegas and Puerto Vallarta. www.rubylewis.com @rubylewla.

RYAN SILVERMAN

Count Carl-Magnus Malcom

Ryan received Drama Desk nominations starring as Terry Connor in Side Show on Broadway and Giorgio in Classic Stage’s Passion. Ryan starred as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera and as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Described by Playbill.com as “the smoothest, most assured bari-tenor, leading-man theatre voice at the moment,” Ryan was featured as Sir Lancelot in Camelot (Kennedy Center), Passion opposite Natalie Dessay (Théâtre du Châtelet), as Tony in the Olivier-nominated West Side Story (West End), and Ulysses in The Golden Apple (City Center Encores!). Film/Television credits: Suits, The Good Fight, Gossip Girl, Sex and the City 2, and True Blood.

KALEY ANN VOORHEES

Anne Egerman

Kaley is most known for being the youngest person to play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, where she made her Broadway debut. She went on to perform in Prince of Broadway, a musical centered around the life and works of legendary director and producer Hal Prince, in both the touring Japanese and Broadway productions. Kaley had the honor of returning to the role of Christine on the international tour of The Phantom of the Opera during their run in Taipei, while it was the only production in the world still performing during the pandemic. Other credits include Candide (New York City Center) and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon TV).

GEORGIA BELMONT

Mrs. Nordstrom

Georgia is thrilled to be making her Pasadena Playhouse debut. Her career is mainly focused on the operatic repertoire. Her recent roles include: Poppea in Händel’s Agrippina, as well as Le Feu/Le Rossignol in Ravel’s L’Enfant et Les Sortilèges. In January 2023, Georgia was named a semi-finalist in Houston Grand Opera’s Eleanor McCollum Competition. In the summer of 2022, she joined Des Moines Metro Opera covering the roles of Isabella Stewart Gardner in Peter’s American Apollo; and Peaseblossom and Cobweb in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other roles: Christi Khalo in Rodrigo’s Frida, and Kate in Moore’s The Ballad of Baby Doe

JARED BYBEE

Mr. Lindquist

Jared recently made his Carnegie Hall debut as the Baritone Soloist in Brahms’ Requiem and joined the National Tour of South Pacific as Emile de Becque. Jared has also performed as Escamillo in Carmen (Charleston Opera Theater), the title role in Don Giovanni (Seattle Opera), The Pilot in The Little Prince (Utah Opera), Lescaut in Manon Lescaut (Liceu Opera Barcelona), the title role in The Barber of Seville (Arizona Opera), and covered the title role of Steve Jobs in the world premiere opera, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (Santa Fe Opera). He has been featured on CBS’ primetime drama FBI as Sean Ellis, the upcoming Russo Brothers-produced film Something’s More than One Thing as Joey and award-winning web series Love in 2020 as Jagger Bloom.

KIM DAWSON

Mrs. Segstrom

Kim recently moved to Pasadena after spending over a decade touring internationally as a funk and soul singer. She is excited to be making her debut at Pasadena Playhouse. She previously starred as Brenda in Smokey Joe’s Cafe at Little Theater of the Rockies and as a Church Lady in The Color Purple at The Aurora Fox Theater. Kim wants to thank her friends and family for their support, and sends a special thank you to the love of her life, Michael.

ORIANA FALLA

Mrs. Anderssen

Oriana is so excited to make her Pasadena Playhouse debut. Previously this season, she made a role debut as Adina in L’elisir D’amore with Pacific Opera Project and Opera in the Heights. Previous engagements include role debuts as Mimi in La Bohѐme, Violetta in La Traviata, and The Infanta in Der Zwerg. A Los Angeles native, she attended UCLA and Santa Monica College. As a recording artist, Oriana sang for the soundtrack of Disney’s Encanto. She wants to thank the creative team for this opportunity! She lives with her partner Arnold and her cat Dimpy. @oriana.falla, orianafalla.com

ARNOLD GEIS

Mr. Erlanson

Recent credits: Carmina Burana (Oregon Symphony),  Faust in La Damnation de Faust (Boston Youth Symphony), Rodolfo in La Bohème (Greensboro Opera, Pacific Opera Project), Nemorino in L’elisir D’amore, and Tamino in The Magic Flute (Pacific Opera Project), Shepherd in Tristan und Isolde, Traveler’s Prayer, Carmina Burana (LA Philharmonic), Haydn’s Creation (LA Master Chorale), Mr. Marks in Intimate Apparel (Lincoln Center Theater). As a recording artist, Arnold has been featured in popular films and shows: Disenchanted, Tom & Jerry, and Family Guy. Other film/TV scores: Nope, Strange World, Willow, The Super Mario Bros., The Lion King (2019).

Upcoming: Pirelli in Sweeney Todd (Chautauqua Opera), Otto in Emigre (Shanghai Philharmonic, NY Philharmonic).

ADAM JAMES KING

Frid

Adam is honored to join this company at Pasadena Playhouse. Credits include: FBI Most Wanted (CBS), I Think You Should Leave (Netflix), Law and Order: Organized Crime (NBC), The Staircase (HBO Max), and On Your Feet! (Emilio Estefan; Phoenix Theatre Company). Thanks to Mom, Dad, CJ, and Andrew for their constant love and to my Claire for her endless support! IG: @OfficialAdamJamesKing

BRANDON BORKOWSKY

Bertrand

Brandon is thrilled to make his post-college debut in Pasadena Playhouse’s A Little Night Music. He is a soon graduate of USC’s inaugural Musical Theater BFA program, a Black Arts Institute Alumni, and a former student of the Joffrey Ballet School. Beyond acting, singing, and dancing; he also has a passion for songwriting, rapping, Monopoly, and food. Especially if the food is spicy. And full of sauce. He sends all of his thanks to his family, teachers, and friends for their support in his artistic journey. IG: @Smurf.boy

MIKAELA CELESTE

Osa

Mikaela is a recent graduate from USC where she received her BFA in Musical Theater as a first generation student. She is from San Diego, CA where she attended San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and has done shows at The Old Globe, The San Diego Repertory Theatre, San Diego Musical Theatre, among several others. She is so excited to make her Pasadena Playhouse debut! @mikaelaceleste

DANNY CRON

Ingmar

Danny Cron is thrilled to be back at Pasadena Playhouse with this incredible production. He holds a BFA in Acting from The California Institute of the Arts. He was last on stage with the Playhouse in Good Boys and helped out behind the scenes with The Great Leap. Recently, he performed in Deaf West Theatre’s production of Orphée and can be seen in the film The Disappearance of Mrs. Wu. He would like to thank his family for their unwavering support, his friends for always being there, and the fur babies Zia and Meme for all the cuddles.

AUDREY WILLIAMS

Malla

Audrey is delighted to be making her Pasadena Playhouse debut! Her recent performances include Spring Awakening (Thea, u/s Wendla) with El Camino College. She has also performed as a dancer for Cirque Du Soleil’s Amaluna Los Angeles tour performance and productions with Long Beach Ballet, including The Nutcracker (Spanish Lead) at the Terrace Theater, Swan Lake, Coppelia, and Cinderella. She would like to thank Daniel Nakawatase, Sarah Sandvig, and her friends and family for their love and support.

IG: @audreyy.williamss

CHRISTANNA ROWADER

Standby for Desirée Armfeldt and Countess Charlotte Malcom

Christanna is an LA Ovation Award Winner for Mother in 3-D Theatricals’ production of Ragtime and has performed in over 16 theatrical productions and films. One of her favorite roles was playing Alice Murphy in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s musical Bright Star at six and seven months pregnant. Other favorite roles: Abigail Adams in 1776, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Marian in The Music Man, Grace Farrell in Annie starring Sally Struthers. Christanna also recently starred in Santa Monica College’s short film Alive as Juliet/Digital Juliet, currently in post-production.

IG: @christannarowader. www.ChristannaRowader.com.

HUGH WHEELER Book

Hugh Wheeler was a novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He wrote more than 30 mystery novels under the pseudonyms Q. Patrick and Patrick Quentin, and four of his novels were transformed into films: Black Widow, Man in the Net, The GreenEyed Monster, and The Man with Two Wives. For films, he wrote the screenplays for Travels with My Aunt, Something for Everyone, A Little Night Music, and Nijinsky. His plays include Big Fish, Little Fish (1961), Look: We’ve Come Through (1961), and We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1966, adapted from the Shirley Jackson novel), he co-authored with Joseph Stein the book for a new production of the 1919 musical Irene (1973), wrote the books for A Little Night Music (1973), a new production of Candide (1973), Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979, based on a version of the play by Christopher Bond), and Meet Me in St. Louis (adapted from the 1949 MGM musical), contributed additional material for the musical Pacific Overtures (1976), and wrote a new adaptation of the Kurt Weill opera Silverlake, which was directed by Harold Prince at the New York Opera. He received Tony Awards and Drama Desk Awards for A Little Night Music, Candide, and Sweeney Todd. Prior to his death in 1987 Mr. Wheeler was working on two new musicals, Bodo and Fu Manchu, and a new adaptation of The Merry Widow.

STEPHEN SONDHEIM Music and Lyrics

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976), Sweeney Todd (1979), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday in the Park with George (1984), Into The Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), Passion (1994) and Road Show (2008) as well as lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959) and Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Anthologies of his work include Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99) and Sondheim On Sondheim (2010). He composed the scores of the films Stavisky (1974) and Reds (1981) and songs for Dick Tracy (1990) and the television production Evening Primrose (1966). His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: Finishing the Hat (2010) and Look, I Made A Hat (2011). In 2010 Broadway’s Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed The Stephen Sondheim Theatre in his honor; in 2019, London’s Queens Theatre was also renamed the Sondheim.

DAVID LEE Director

David was born and raised in Claremont, California. He graduated from the University of Redlands with a degree in Theater and Music. In 1978 he began a long career writing, directing and producing television comedy. With writing partner Peter Casey he wrote and produced The Jeffersons (six years) and Cheers (four years). In 1989 they added a third partner, the late David Angell. The first series they created, Wings, ran for eight seasons on NBC. Their second, Frasier, ran 11 seasons and made television history by winning more Emmy awards than any other sitcom… ever. Besides directing many episodes of his own series, David has directed several pilots and was a repeating guest director for Everybody Loves Raymond. He has won various awards for his work in television including nine Emmys (nineteen nominations) for writing, directing and producing, a Golden Globe Award, the People’s Choice Award (twice), the Directors Guild Award, the Television Critic’s Award (three times), the British Comedy Award, the Humanitas Prize (twice), and the prestigious Peabody Award. He is also an accomplished theater director, staging critically acclaimed revivals of Light Up the Sky, Do I Hear A Waltz?, 110 in the Shade, Diva, Can-Can (featuring a new book he co-authored; Ovation award: best director), his eight person version of Camelot (now licensed by MTI), Art, the West Coast premiere of Casa Valentina, and Ragtime (Ovation Award; Best Director’ Best Musical) at Pasadena Playhouse. He directed the world premiere of How I Fell In Love at the Williamstown Theater Festival, Present Laughter and Camelot at the 2 River Theater in New Jersey, and On the Twentieth Century, Assassins, Company, A New Brain, Applause!, Working, Elegies, Two By Two, Forum, Gigi, and Zorba (Ovation nomination; best director) for Reprise! In 2007 he directed the acclaimed production of South Pacific at the Hollywood Bowl starring Reba McEntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell. In 2014, he again directed his Can-Can at Papermill Playhouse in its pre-Broadway tryout. Shortly after, he directed Wonderful Town for LA Opera and Dear World starring Tyne Daly at the Soraya Theater.

MARK ESPOSITO Choreographer

Mark is thrilled to return to Pasadena Playhouse where he choreographed the multi-award-winning musical Ragtime as well as Camelot and Casa Valentina with director David Lee. His work also has been seen at The Hollywood Bowl (South Pacific with Reba McEntire), Reprise Theatre Company, La Mirada Theater, Musical Theater West, Sacramento Music Circus, Coachella Valley Repertory, Torrance Theatre Company, Universal Studios, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Music Theater of Wichita, Two River Theater, North Shore Music Theatre, Bass Performance Hall, Casa Mañana Theatre, Blowing Rock Stage Company, Ogunquit Playhouse, Lexington Theatre Company,

Novosibirsk Globus Theatre in Russia, The York Theatre Company, and Signature Theater. Mark has served as Associate Director and Choreographer for the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes! and as choreographer for several productions of Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Mark has been seen in over 16 Broadway productions and National Tours and has taught at major universities across the country from UCLA and The University of Michigan to New York University, to mention a few.

DARRYL ARCHIBALD

Music Supervision

Broadway: Some Like It Hot, Motown the Musical Tours: Memphis, The Color Purple. Television: Encore! (Disney+), A Hollywood Holiday Christmas Regional: Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ (pre Broadway run - The Old Globe); Wicked (substitute conductor at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors with M.J. Rodriguez (Pasadena Playhouse); Dear World with Tyne Daley; Two by Two with Jason Alexander; Jonathan Dove’s Innocence (Banff Centre). Full bio at darrylarchibald.com.

ALBY POTTS

Music Direction

Alby is delighted to return to Pasadena Playhouse, where he conducted Sunday In The Park With George. Alby has music directed many Los Angeles area productions including Singin’ In The Rain (Ovation Award winner) and Miss Saigon (Ovation nomination). Chicago music directing credits include: Into The Woods and Brigadoon (Joseph Jefferson Award nominations). Alby is currently music director of the Pageant Of The Masters in Laguna Beach. Alby has a Bachelor of Music degree from Boston Conservatory of Music and a Masters from Northwestern University.

WILSON CHIN

Scenic Design

Broadway: Cost of Living, Pass Over (Drama Desk, Lortel and Henry Hewes Design Award nominations), Next Fall. National Tour: Annie. OffBroadway: A Bright New Boise (Signature Theatre), The Thanksgiving Play (Playwrights Horizons), Space Dogs (MCC, Lortel Award nomination), Teenage Dick (Ma-Yi Theater Company/The Public Theater), Sakina’s Restaurant (Audible), The Bandaged Place (Roundabout Underground). Opera: Turandot (Washington National Opera), Lucia di Lammermoor (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Eine Florentinische Tragödie, and Gianni Schicchi (Canadian Opera Company, Dora Award winner). Film/Television: Pass Over (directed by Spike Lee), Game Theory with Bomani Jones (HBO), Blindspot (NBC). Eastern Region Board member of Local USA 829. IG: @wilsonchindesign.

KATE BERGH Costume Design

Kate is happy to be back at Pasadena Playhouse where she designed Ragtime (Ovation Nomination), Casa Valentina (LADCC Award, Ovation Nomination), It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Art, and Sleepless in Seattle. Geffen Playhouse - Next Fall, Yes, Prime Minister; The Laguna Playhouse - Barefoot in the Park, The Graduate, Harvey; The Industry – Hopscotch, The Mobile Opera. She has worked at 59E59 Theaters, The Delaware Theatre Company, Rogue Machine Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company in Santa Barbara, Boston Court Pasadena. Kate is a proud member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.

JARED A. SAYEG

Lighting Design

A recipient of the Ovation and LADCC Kinetic Lighting Award; his designs for theater, opera, musicals, ballet, themed attractions, exhibits, and architectural installations have been seen throughout the world. Jared designed The Illusionists on Broadway and National Tours. Regionally, he’s designed for Center Theatre Group, South Coast Repertory, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, International City Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, 5-Star Theatricals, Phoenix Theatre Company, Reprise Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Virginia Stage Company, 5th Avenue Theatre. Notable projects include four seasons lighting for LA Opera, lighting for Pope Benedict XVI in NYC, and the USA International Ballet Competitions. Jared became the youngest member of the United Scenic Artist-Local 829 and serves as Vice Chair to the executive board. www.jaslighting.com

DANNY ERDBERG

Sound Design

Pasadena Playhouse: Sunday in the Park with George and Head over Heels. New York: The Public Theater, New York City Opera, 92Y, Roundabout Theatre Company, City Center, Atlantic Theater Company, and 59E59 Theaters. Regional: Arena Stage, Arizona Theater Company, Geva Theatre Center, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Geffen Playhouse, ACT Theatre, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Saratoga Opera, Virginia Stage, and Long Wharf, as well as productions in Korea, Japan, China, Canada, and Cuba. Broadway Associate: The Iceman Cometh (Tony Nom), Significant Other, Violet, The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Heiress, and The Nance (Tony Win). Danny is a member of IATSE, USA829, SDC and the Lincoln Center Director’s Lab. Graduate of Northwestern University.

WHO’S WHO

URSULA KWONG-BROWN

Sound Design

Ursula is excited to return to Pasadena Playhouse for more Sondheim! Previous designs include Sunday in the Park with George and Head Over Heels at the Playhouse, Holiday at Arena Stage, King Lear at the Wallis Annenberg, The Wickhams at Arizona Theatre Company, Native Gardens at Merrimack, and the world premiere of Stonewall with NYC Opera. As a composer, her work has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Miller Theatre, Le Poisson Rouge, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the National Portrait Gallery in London, as well as by festivals and ensembles across the country and around the world. Ursula received her Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and her B.A. from Columbia University. More info at www.ursulakwongbrown.com

CHRISTOPHER ENLOW

Wig Design

Christopher is an MUAHS Guild Award winning hairstylist with Local’s 706 and 798, known for his work in film, tv and live theatrical. Before returning to Los Angeles in 2020, Christopher was predominantly working on Broadway productions in New York. He worked with incredible Broadway designers such as David Brian Brown, Charles Lapointe, and Josh Marquette to name a few. With 14 Broadway credits and many more in film/TV, Christopher happily returns to Pasadena Playhouse after most recently designing the hair/wigs for this season’s Sunday In The Park With George Broadway Credits: Mamma Mia, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Gigi, On Your Feet, War Paint, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Waitress, Anastasia, The Prom, The Inheritance, and Diana: The Musical.

JILL GOLD

Stage Manager

Jill is thrilled to stage manage her 40th Playhouse production, and to be collaborating again with David Lee. Favorite Playhouse credits include 110 in the Shade, Do I Hear A Waltz?, Ragtime, Little Shop of Horrors, and four years of Plaid Tidings. Jill has stage managed for 38 years around Los Angeles (Geffen Playhouse, Hollywood Bowl, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, Mark Taper Forum, etc) as well as on the road (national tours of Wicked, Les Misérables, City of Angels, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown among others). She teaches at Occidental College and UCLA, guest lectures throughout the country, and is the co-author of Stage Management by Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold.

DYLAN ELHAI Assistant Stage Manager

Dylan is happy to be back for her third show at Pasadena Playhouse. Previous Pasadena Playhouse credits include Head Over Heels and Little Shop Of Horrors. Dylan’s past credits as a stage manager include Deaf West Theatre’s Oedipus at The Getty Villa, McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s The Sound of Music, Clue, the international tour of Peter Pan, LA Museum of Tolerance’s Anne, and more. Dylan would like to thank Jill Gold and Jenny Slattery for bringing her back to the Playhouse.

JZ CASTING Casting

Geoff Josselson, CSA and Katja Zarolinski, CSA are New York-based casting directors, handling productions for theater, film, and television. Theater work includes Broadway, off-Broadway and regional productions at Alley Theatre, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Cape Playhouse, Denver Center, The Irish Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kennedy Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Signature Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Studio Theatre, Theaterworks Hartford, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre. For more information, please visit www.jz-casting.com.

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theaters from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theater as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theaters in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theater, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior™ shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle schoolaged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair

Dennis Cornell

Erin Baker

Treasurer

Ken McCormick

Secretary

Sheri Ball

TRUSTEES

Erin Baker

Sheri Ball

MaryLou Boone

Dennis Cornell

Brandon Dickerson

Peggy Ebright

Danny Feldman

Beth Fernandez

Julie A. Gutierrez

Cristina Hernandez

Melanie Holden

Jane Kaczmarek

Brad King

Harmon Kong

Brandon Levin

Jim McCarthy

Ken McCormick

Alfred Molina

Leigh T. Olivar

Bingo Roncelli

Jeff Smith

Lilah Stangeland

Ann Sunshine

Patricia Barajas Tavera

Bonnie Wongtrakool

CHAIR EMERITI

David M. Davis

David DiCristofaro

Michele Dedeaux Engemann

Sheila Grether-Marion

Kerry McCluggage

BOARD EMERITI

Valerie Amidon

Carol Burnett

Linda Griffey

Ralph Hirschmann

Frank Kleemann

Dennis Lowe

Tad Lowrey

Rao Makineni

Abel Ramirez

Kathy Arntzen Roat

Anne Rothenberg

Lyn Spector

Elliot Stahler

Corky Hale Stoller

Mike Stoller

Greg Stone

Leslie Tolan

Martha Williamson

IN MEMORIAM

David Angell

Theodore Fitch Behr

Betty Ann Koen Brooks

Albert Lowe

Margaret Sedenquist

Roger Stangeland

James Watterson

Bill Galloway

MEMBERS

Donations reflect gifts given between August 8, 2022, and March 13, 2023. Contributions received after March 13, 2023 will be acknowledged in the next program.

THE BRAD & PAMELA KING

HONORARY PRODUCERS CIRCLE

SUSTAINER $100,000+

Anonymous

Erin & Jeremy Baker

Brad & Pamela King

Terri & Jerry Kohl

Apriem Advisors

LEADER $50,000+

Anonymous

Ellen & Harvey Knell

Leigh T. & Harry Olivar

Bill Resnick & Michael J. Stubbs

Van de Bunt Fox Family Foundation

SPONSOR $25,000+

Avery & Andrew Barth

Dennis Cornell

Cristina Hernandez & Jeffrey Bernstein

Julie & Don Hopf

Michele & Roger Engemann

Michael Mackness & Eric Sigg

Tracy & Ken McCormick

Diana J. Sedenquist / Sedenquist Family Trust

Lilah Stangeland

Ann & Steven Sunshine

BACKSTAGE SOCIETY MEMBERS

$10,000+

Anonymous

Chantal & Steve Bennett

The Sahan Daywi Foundation

Susan Dietz & Lenny Beer

Brenda & Bill Galloway

Heather & Paul Haaga

Elisabeth Hunt

Jane Kaczmarek

Jennifer Lee & Alfred Molina

Donna J. Leonhard

Tad Lowrey

Sheila Grether-Marion & Mark Marion

Sarah & Eric Miller

Wendy Munger & Lenny Gumport

Bingo & Gino Roncelli

Shine Wang in honor of my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Ling Lang Wang

Dr. Frank & Shelley Williams

SPOTLIGHT MEMBERS $5,000+

Barajas Tavera Family

Carlton Calvin & Mary Blodgett

Johnny Buss

The Caplin Foundation

Stephanie & Leo Dencik

Gail & Jim Ellis

Dr. Annette Ermshar & Associates

Dorothy Falcinella

Judith & Stanley Farrar

Beth Gertmenian

Kate & Kristopher Good / WHH Foundation

Debra L. Grieb & John Mickus

Elizabeth & Brian Hall

Readyset Solutions Co

Alan Keith & Richard Brand

Christopher Kreiling & Ruben Hassel

Anita & Vince Lawler

Janet & David Lazier

Greta & Peter Mandell

Megan Mekjian & Christian Hall

Robert J. Muehlhausen

David Nagy

Dr. Stephen Henry & Rudy O’Claray

Sarah & Daniel Rothenberg

Laurie & Jeffrey Smith

Lyn Spector

Karin & Sean Stellar

Rober & Lynn Traver

Judy Waller

Mickey & Nickie Williams

PREMIER MEMBERS $2,500+

JoJeanne Angeloff

Carol M. & Barrett P. Bingaman

Meta & Jay Berger

Z. Clark Branson

Mary Lou Byrne & Gary W. Kearney

Kevin Callahan & John Sims

Mary Lea & Bill Carroll

Susan & Steve Chandler

Joe & Dottie Clougherty

Robert Coe

Lynn & Carl Cooper

Brandon & Chelsea Dickerson

Patti & Jim Dolan

Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin

Peggy Ebright

Michael Enomoto

Ms. Vivien Stanley Foran & Dr. William F. Foran

Beth & Rob Hansen

Philip Hawkey & Dena Spanos-Hawkey

Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation Donor Advised Fund

Chris & Melanie Holden

Richard Kaplan

Brandon Levin

Brenda Levin

Heather Lord & Jason Wolenik

Shelly & Dennis Lowe

Lynn & Luke Maxcy

Thomas & Samira Moran

Ceil & Wendell Mortimer

Richard Motika & Jerrie Whitfield

Ainhoa Moya

Nancy & Phil Naecker

Richel & Kenneth Nash

Richard Oosterom & William Ferry

J.R. & Chip Ossman

Garrett Paine & June Thurber Paine

Faryn Pearl

Barbara & Tony Phillips

Susan Shieldkret & David Dull

Terry Solis

Kristan & Philip A. Swan

Thomas Castañeda & Richard von Ernst

Nicole & Bernhard von Thaden

Marianne Wallace

Steven Warheit & Jean Christensen

Robert & Deborah Wycoff

James & Beth Zapp

RED CARPET MEMBERS $1,000+

Anonymous

Andy Abowitz

Ellen & Lewis Anten

Sheri & Andy Ball

Susan Bleecker

Paula Brand

E. Thomas Brewer

Diana Buckhantz

Dave & Zoie Carney

Chris & Will Cathcart

Hannah Coan

The Colburn Family Foundation

Phyllis Currie

Derek Whitefield & Gary Dahle

Martha Denzel

Sandy & Mark Esensten

Sue & Jim Femino

Lisa Field

James Flock

Marilyn Louise Flynn

Janis Frame & Sandy Zisman

Dale Franzen

Carole Fritz

Karen Gallagher

Linda & Jay Griffey

Julie A. Gutierrez

Donald & Denise Hahn

Rose Ann Hall

Annette Hanks

Tracy & Richard Hirrel

Gary Hunter

Marie Ida

Gary & Lois Ingham

Lenny & David Kelton

John E. Kinikin

Edward & Joy Klein

Eugene Korney & Penny Grosz

Penelope & Steven Ledbetter

Carl L. Levinger

Diane Martin

Mary Anne Mielke

Carolyn Miller

Joan & Phil Miller

Steven A. & Marianne M. Mills

Sue & Monty Mohrman

Cheryl & Judd Morris

Sharyl Overholser

Teresa Payton

Gloria & Don Pitzer

Lucy Pliskin

Meenakshi Ponnusamy

Don Riddell & Sharon Valdez

Mark Schuster

Jan & Carl Siechert

Janis & Stuart Simon

David & Gail Snyder

Antonia Hernandez & Judge Michael Stern

Donna Stevens

Randall & Mari Tamura

John D. Taylor

Shirlie Thomas

Valerie Gumbiner Weiss

Carl Whidden

Carolyn Wilson & Patrick Connor

Liz & Andy Wilson

Barbara & John Wortmann

Robbie & David Zeidberg

Amy Zeidler

PLAY IT UP DONORS $500+

Anonymous (2)

Don Bacigalupi

Bruce & Judy Bailey

Gary & Shirley Best

Carole Black

Thomas Bogaard

Annette Brandin

John Brinsley

William Brownlie

Geoffrey Cowan & Aileen Adams

Joe Dadourian

Pamela G. Dawber

Debbie DeRing

Harout Dimijian

Kay & Larry Driscoll

Jody Dunn

Janet Ellis

Carol Gabel

Betty Jo Gaddy

Gracella C. Gibbs

Pamela Girard & Shayne Smith

Emily & Henry Hancock

Sue H. Horn

Carolyn V. Horne

Rochelle & Jerome Kaplan

Amy & Alan Karbelnig

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kettle

David C. Kramer

Susan Kramer

Clark Linstone

Gerald Loeb & Frances Richmond

Luther & Carol Luedtke

Denise Lumarda

Aaron Mark

Ilene Marshall

Jim & Amanda McCarthy

Joyce McGilvray

Lori A. McKenna

Kelly McKenzie

Christopher Meyer & Gary Holm

Margot & Mitch Milias

Jacquelyn Myers

Charlene B. Nelson

Christine Ofiesh

Janice Ohta & Fred Weiss

Robert Oltman

Michael Oppenheim

Anthony & Carolyn Pearson

Dr. Dianne Philibosian

Andrea & Jeff Pomerance

Lorelle Pouncey

Winnie Reitnouer

Ed & Linda Richmond

Tim & Jeanne Sakata Patterson in honor of Gordon Hirabayashi

San Marino Rotary Charities

Lorraine Schield

John Scott

Betty & John Seinfeld

Robert Sepulveda

Joel Sheldon

Scott Sigman

Adele Skibba

Mark Swenson & Craig Coburn

Laney Techentin

Brian Thomas

Shannon Thyne

Andrew J. Tiedge

Eileen T’Kaye

Martha Tolles

Anita Tsuji

Robin Underwood & Rebecca Rieck

Greg Vanni

Audrey & George D. Voigt

Carrie Walker

The Wang Family

Jim & Mary Weidner

Want to add your name to the list?

Scan the QR code to donate today or visit pasadenaplayhouse.org to learn more.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

Ahmanson Foundation

Ann Peppers Foundation

California Arts Council

California Community Foundation

City of Pasadena

The David Lee Foundation

Fitzberg Foundation

The Green Foundation

The Helen & Will Webster Foundation

Jess & Palma Morgan Foundation

The Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation

L.L. Foundation for Youth

Los Angeles County Arts Commission

Los Angeles County Supervisor

Kathryn Barger, 5th District

Milo W. Bekins Foundation

National Endowment for the Arts

Pasadena Community Foundation

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Perenchio Foundation

The Rose Hills Foundation

San Marino Rotary Club

The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Benny Boy Brewery

East West Bank

Friends of the Pasadena Playhouse

Haute Picnic

Hudson Pacific Properties

J.P. Morgan Private Bank

Kaiser Permanente SPACES

US Bank

Vroman’s Bookstore

Contributions received after March 13, 2023 will be acknowledged in the next program.

GILMOR BROWN SOCIETY

The Gilmor Brown Society recognizes legacy givers who have honored the Playhouse by including the theater in their own will or trust. We are grateful for the legacy of the following individuals whose generosity allows this organization to continue serving our community:

Anonymous

Lenore Almanzar

Ellen Bailey*

In Memory of Judie Bartell

Estate of Evelyn Bray

Darrell Brooke

Marjorie Cates

Ross Clark

Gary Dahle & Derek Whitefield

Estate of Agnes Duncan

Peggy Ebright

Estate of Harriet L. Freeman

Estate of Ada Gory

Linda & Jay Griffey

Virginia Hawkins

Sue Haynie-Horn & John Horn*

Sheila Grether-Marion & Mark Marion

Doug Jones & John Sanger*

Annelies Kischkel

Estate of Pauline Ledeen*

The Joanie Marx Trust

Adele Morse

William & Adele Nevins

Shirli Nielson*

Estate of Charles Pierce

Shirley Reed Trust*

Frederick Ricci*

Estate of Constance Ropolo

A. Jerald Saldana

Estate of Margaret H. Sedenquist*

Sandra Shaw*

Lyn Spector

Lilah & Roger* Stangeland

Estate of Bill Watters

Jim Watterson

Barbara Jean Wolpert

*Gift Realized

Producing Artistic Director

Danny Feldman

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Thomas Yamamoto

Controller

Czarina Luna

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Kristen Hammack-Eaton

Facilities Manager

Terry Battocchio

Lead Custodian

Rosa Salcedo

Custodian

Maria Lupe Flores

PRODUCTION/ARTISTIC

Associate Producer

Jenny Slattery

Technical Director / Production Supervisor

Brad Enlow

Company Manager

Bonnie McHeffey

Producing Assistant

Amanda Tralle

Production Assistant

David Kahawaii IV

DEVELOPMENT

Chief Development Officer

Alex Wang

Assistant Director of Major Gifts

Becky Birdsong

Assistant Director of Events

Sam Palmer

Assistant Director of Grants and Development

Rachel Park

Development Associate

Matt Tornero

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Kory P. Kelly

Communications Manager

Omar Avedanke

Marketing Manager

Nelly Mueller

Communications Coordinator

Brandon Karrer

Marketing Coordinator

Abby Green

Graphic Designer

Spencer Berry

Videographer

Nathaniel Peterson

Press Representative Davidson & Choy Publicity

PATRON SERVICES

Director of Patron Services & Sales

Rachyl Spacca

Patron Services Manager

Kevin Lauver

Patron Services Supervisor

Shelby Amses

Patron Services Associates

Amanda Carr, Rafael Goldstein, Noah

Grater, Matthew Iannantuoni, Amanda

Kochey, Gaby Ostrove

House Managers

Emily Minnotte, Tammi Steren, Mark

Walter

Audience Engagement

Carol Osborn

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC PRODUCTION STAFF

Stage Manager

Jill Gold

Assistant Stage Manager

Dylan Elhai

Production Assistant

Juliet Park

Associate Scenic Designer

Jimmy Stubbs

Associate Costume Designer

Angela Manke

Associate Lighting Designer

Winston Limauge

Deck Chief

Matt Petosa

Deck Carpenter

Nico Chamberlin

Production Electrician

Christopher Osborne

Head Electrician

Vsev Krawczeniuk, Keannak Parvaz

LX Programmer

Christopher Osborne

Light Board Operator

Sal Flores

Follow Spot Operators

Kyle Gundlach, Charity Lindsay

Electricians

Evan Drane, Kyle Gundlach, Fiona

Jessup, Charity Lindsay, Matt Petosa, John Povilaitis, Vanessa Rodriguez

Lead Audio/A1

Corey Charness

Production Audio Engineer

Joey Cleveland

A2

Marcos Friedman

Wardrobe Supervisor

Liz Rose

Stitcher

Mary Still, Katy Kincade

Wigs Supervisor

Mary Lou Hernandez

Wigs

Stevie B. Chavez

Props Head

Douglas Puskas

Props Fabrication

Stephen Menard

Lead Scenic Painter

Johnny LeBlanc

Scenic Painters

Jamie McElrath, Anastasia Sergeeva, Jen Stringfellow

Head Carpenter

Anthony Arevalo

Carpenters

Kenny Arrincon, Nicolas Chamberlin, Alexis Garduno, Eve Hileski, Jason Maradiaga, Jacob Nava, Dwight Ortiz

FRIENDS OF THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Beth Fernandez

1st Vice President

Barbara Cruse

2nd Vice President

Nancy Ashcraft

Treasurer

Lawrence Yu Secretary

Sharon Zaslaw

Directors

Doris Arima, Raquel Burgess, Maggie Chatman, Ross

Clark, Charles Hay, Barbara Jacoby, Lillias Krezel, Patti La Marr, Art Leos, Beverly Meissner, Emily Minnotte, Shirley Miller, Patrick Oliva, Fran Olson, Betty Parnell, Natalya Pashkova, Sienna

Salce, Tammi Steren, Jayne

Thomas, Valerie Vallas, Lawrence Yu

Advisory

Lenore Bond Almanzar, Carolyn Di Pane

The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

This theater 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 technical employees of the Pasadena Playhouse are represented by the INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES, MOVING PICTURE TECHNICIANS, ARTISTS AND ALLIED CRAFTS, OF THE UNITED STATES, ITS TERRITORIES AND CANADA, AFL-CIO,CLC: Local 33 Stagehands, Local 706 Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Local 768 Theatrical Wardrobe Local 800 Art Director’s Guild. The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

The musicians in this production are members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

Scenic materials and lumber provided by A&G Lumber. Scenic Materials printed and supplied by Rosebrand. Lighting equipment provided by PRG. Projection equipment provided by PXT Studios. Rigging supplies and materials provided by Jack Rubin & Sons. Props package designed and supplied by Kathy Fabian and Propstar. Costumes constructed by John Kristiansen. Automation furnished by Creative Connors.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

IN THE THEATER

FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY

We strongly encourage all patrons to wear a mask during performances, but it is not required at this time. For more details on our COVID-19 policy, and for our most up-to-date guidelines, visit pasadenaplayhouse.org/covid-19.

FOR EVERYONE’S ENJOYMENT

As a courtesy to the artists and patrons, we ask you to please turn off cell phones, all electronic devices and anything that may light up the area around you prior to the performance. Please refrain from talking and any disruptive noise-making during the performance. Neither photography nor the use of electronic recording devices are allowed during performances.

LATE ARRIVALS

In consideration of our artists and patrons, late seating will take place during the first appropriate break in the performance at the discretion of Management. House Management may need to direct late arrivals to alternate seats. For the convenience of latecomers, the performance in progress may be viewed and heard on the monitors in the lobby.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms, including accessible facilities, are available in the lobby 45 minutes before each performance. We invite you to use whichever restroom you are comfortable using. We offer all-gender restrooms upstairs in the Carrie Hamilton lobby. Please see House Management if you would like to be directed to these restrooms at any time during your visit.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Children under age 6 will not be admitted into the theater. We ask that everyone in your party, regardless of age, be able to sit quietly through a performance without disrupting other patrons or the artists. Patrons of all ages must have a ticket to enter the theater and must sit in the seat indicated on the ticket.

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to making theater accessible to all patrons. Assisted-listening devices can be checked out in the lobby before the performance using a photo ID. The third Sunday matinee performance for every Mainstage production offers Open Captioning. For more information regarding accommodations and services, please contact Patron Services or ask the House Manager.

PRODUCTION ADVISORY

We do not offer advisories about the subject matter for each production, as sensitivities vary from patron to patron. If you have any inquiries regarding the content, age-appropriateness or stage effects (such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that may affect patron comfort, please contact Patron Services or a House Manager before the performance begins.

CONTACT PATRON SERVICES

Email boxoffice@pasadenaplayhouse.org

Phone 626-356-7529

PHONE HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 12 PM - 6 PM Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM

BOX OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday 12 PM - 6 PM Sunday 12 PM - 4 PM On performance days, the Box Office windows will remain open 15 minutes after the show begins.

Please note hours are subject to change due to observed holidays.

SOCIAL HANDLES

@pasadenaplayhouse

Pasadena Playhouse

@pasplayhouse

EXQUISITE IMPERFECTION

Designer Sarah Solis creates comfortable, personalized spaces with curated objects and materials that have stories to tell.

/ by roger grody /

The founder and principal designer of Sarah Solis Design Studio appreciates the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, a concept of aesthetics based on the imperfect, transient or incomplete. “It’s about allowing the patina of life to be integrated into your space and not treating things so preciously,” Solis explains.

happened to have taken a detour in fashion styling,” says Solis of her unconventional career path.

“Fashion is fun, expressive and incredibly social. Interior design isn’t as social, but so much more artistically fulfilling. It allows me to touch the world with purpose and greater impact.

INTERIOR DESIGNER SARAH Solis creates interior spaces that fuse elegance and approachability, very much in the spirit of Malibu, the iconic beach town where she lives and works.

Daughter of a contractor, Solis grew up exploring construction sites. The sensibilities she developed studying art and design, and subsequently as a fashion stylist, translated into sophisticated yet approachable spatial expressions. “I’m truly an interior designer at heart, who

“I discovered wabi-sabi principles as I began my own journey of inner self-exploration,” she continues. “I started meditating and connecting with spaces that inspire calmness but also celebrate the wonder of life and nature.”

Noting that one aspect of wabi-

A Joshua Tree home reflects Sarah Solis’ wabisabi sensibilities

sabi is to allow every object to tell a story, Solis suggests those principles translate to the design world as curated objects and materials that embody unique stories.

“I refer to my style as understated luxury,” Solis says. “I have much more of a minimalist touch, and like to use singular, bold statements in spaces to create emotional impact.”

She feels that every room should offer a compelling quality or element that draws people inside. “I love to use rich, sumptuous materials that aren’t too fussy, but very luxurious to the touch.”

Solis draws from both ancient and contemporary influences.

“There isn’t one singular source of inspiration for me, but rather

a plethora of experiences I see in people, books, cities, and the natural environment,” she explains. “I take a little bit from all that surrounds me."

Solis cites Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt, architect I.M. Pei and lighting pioneer Lindsey Adelman as among the innovators she admires most.

In a 2,000-square-foot townhome, Solis derived inspiration from Belgian contemporary architecture.

“The clients were looking for a restful and artful atmosphere," she recalls. "Together, we created a beautifully meditative space that serves as a respite from the city despite being in the center of Santa Monica.“ The designer used van Cronenburg hardware from Belgium for an artisanal quality, ensuring

that even minor details tell a story.

In stately Hancock Park, Solis accommodated a client whose 5,000-square-foot residence was filled with an extensive art collection.

“We wanted to create a transportive space, like a classic Mediterranean villa with a contemporary feel,” says Solis. She selected handcrafted George Smith sofas clad in Pierre Frey opera velvet for the living room, and a Saarinen table with Thonet chairs for a breakfast area. “In the dining room,“ she says, “beautiful Mario Bellini Cassina Cab Chairs steal the show.“

Sarah Solis Design Studio, Malibu, 310.909.3428, sarahsolis.com. By appointment only.

PHOTOS BY SHADE DEGGES

Three views of a Mediterranean home in Hancock Park with interiors by Sarah Solis

SMOOTH SAILING

Boston,s Saltie Girl Seafood Bar opens on Sunset Boulevard. / by

Market-priced seafood towers, daily selections at the oyster and raw bar, chef-driven hand rolls, and seasonal crudos are listed on the menu of fishhouse favorites at new Saltie Girl Seafood Bar in West Hollywood. So are classics such as moules frites, Dover sole and fried Ipswich clams. Fried lobster & waffle with spicy maple syrup is a brunch signature.

But the most talked about section of the menu is the Tin List, present-

JENN TANAKA /

ing more than 130 varieties of tinned seafood, each handcrafted and enhanced with oils, herbs and spices.

Owner Kathy Sidell—a film producer turned restaurateur who’d spent a lot of time sailing with her father growing up—introduced the globally sourced and critically lauded items at Saltie Girl’s original Boston location, then in London.

Among them: grilled Spanish razor clams, anchovies a la basque and Les Mouettes d’Arvor, sardines

from Brittany prepared with lemon confit and chili pepper. Craving canned tuna? Consider escolar bonita white tuna belly in olive oil.

They all arrive on boards with a trio of salts, crunchy butter, pickled piparra peppers, piquillo pepper jam and warm artisanal bread.

Saltie Girl culinary director Kyle McClelland brought many favorites from the Boston spot with him but he's launched a collection of California-influenced dishes high-

Lobster roll at new Saltie Girl

WONHO FRANK LEE

June 3

blackbox: Mento Buru

May 12

Te Amo, Argentina 2

May 28

Los Angeles Ballet Memoryhouse

June 15 - 17

blackbox: Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band

June 23

Sunday Morning Music / Santa Monica:

Photo by Matt Munoz

Photo by Clay Patrick McBridge

Jason Moran

Bond Furs

lighting local fishers and purveyors.

Here, you can opt for a West Coast starter of torched salmon belly with miso glaze, avocado and apple as well as the tasty New England clam chowder or New York-style smoked Atlantic salmon with artisanal bagel. Topping other menu sections are a lobster roll, served warm or cold, and a market-priced share plate of whole fried bonein black bass with ginger, soy and green onion.

There's also a refined West Coast flair in the ocean-echoing design of the 60-seat dining room and raw bar, a collaboration with designer Jessica Schuster. Nautical elements include polished teak and brass, seafoamcolored walls, scalloped tiled floors, and an emerald green bar top. A patio lined with white ban-

quettes seats 30 more.

A full bar complements the culinary experience and enhances the space with an eye-catching liquor display. The wine list features international and biodynamic producers alongside Saltie Girl’s proprietary rosé and champagne by the glass.

Cocktails warrant attention, too. The Plum brings bourbon, umeshu, lemon verbana and smoke. The Saltie is a

The Plum cocktail and, below, a tin board at Saltie Girl

martini garnished with caviar.

Speaking of which, a separate menu presents caviar service and buns baked by Sidell’s son, Ben. Ben Sidell, founder of SweetBoy bakery, helms the Saltie Girl pastry program. SweetBoy started as a side hustle during the pandemic; the patisserie transitioned to serious business when celebrity Busy Phillips received a box of SweetBoy cookies that she posted about on social media.

Desserts at Saltie Girl include homestyle classics such as coconut caramel brownie tarts and blood orange olive oil cakes. SweetBuns, caramelized toffee drizzled brioche cinnamon rolls, are available for pickup in limited quantities on weekends.

Sunset Plaza, 8615 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, saltiegirl.com

Our community of donors enjoys extraordinary access to Getty’s world of art and ideas. This year, the program funds Getty Arts Access for learners of all ages.

J. Paul Getty Trust

FEATURE

/CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

“It’s nice to have shows go beyond that and have a life.

“It represents the theater, it represents those actors, it represents the unions. It represents the team when those shows are able to have life beyond the regional theater world.”

The producers first found touring success in 1997 with their most enduring show, “Peter Pan.” It starred Rigby in the role that launched her acting career and went on to Broadway and multiple tours, eventually featuring other performers in the title role.

With these ventures beyond the theater itself, the city’s money isn’t at risk, McCoy said.

Once the city has made back its money on a show during the La Mirada run, the producers work on the tours with a variety of investors, including longtime Broadway backer the Nederlander Organization.

Those partnerships have produced other shows seen in La Mirada, including “Jekyll and Hyde” for both Broadway and a national tour, plus national tours of “Seussical, the Musical,“ “Camelot” and “Annie Get Your Gun.”

Beyond the United States, they’ve sent

their production of “Dreamgirls” to Japan and La Mirada’s “Miss Saigon” to China.

Most recently they became the only American company to send a Broadway musical to Saudi Arabia: a 2019 staging of “Peter Pan” in the capital city of Riyadh.

That country’s politics did raise eyebrows, McCoy acknowledges.

“I got some flak from some folks about it, yeah,” McCoy says, “because of what their government sometimes stands for. My response was ‘I get it. I understand that, but let’s crack open the door in terms of hearts and

LACO’S 2023/24 SEASON IS HERE!

minds. Let’s introduce this genre to a country that’s never seen it.’”

Though not a constant, La Mirada has the ability to cast a well-known name from time to time both on stage and backstage. Most recently, Sally Struthers appeared in “Young Frankenstein” and, before that, Hal Linden co-starred in “Grumpy Old Men.”

“We don’t really rely on stars,” McCoy says. “We’ve had just a handful over the years, cast because they’d be perfect in the role.

“They’re not doing it for the money. We certainly don’t have the payroll to pay somebody a ton of money. They want to do it because they want to do it.”

Lest anyone think La Mirada relies solely on its traditional subscription base, McCoy makes it clear the theater programs with a goal of reaching new audiences.

Racial diversity is in place in the city of La Mirada, which at the last census has a 44 percent Hispanic and 22 percent Asian population.

Thus, La Mirada has “On Your Feet!” coming up in 2023-24, and for its post-pandemic return programmed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first hit, “In the Heights.”

EXODUS: THE SHANGHAI JEWS

MAY 19-21

THE GREAT GATSBY

In Jazz Age New York,

obsesses over Daisy Buchanan, luring neighbor Nick Carraway into a world of wealth, wild parties, and bootleg liquor.

Adapted by ANNA LYSE ERIKSON

From the Novel by F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Directed by ROSALIND AYRES

JUNE 23-25

EXODUS: THE SHANGHAI JEWS

Escaping Nazi persecution during the Second World War, Jewish refugees settle in Shanghai and build a new life amidst Japanese occupation and harsh conditions.

AN LATW ORIGINAL COMMISSION

By KATE McALL

L.A. Theatre Works presents live audio theatre performances at the UCLA James Bridges Theater for later rebroadcast on public radio, streaming and podcasts. Join our live audience to watch well-known actors from stage and screen record classic and contemporary works in an intimate setting.

TICKETS

LATW.ORG (310) 827-0889

FEATURE

With those show’s Latin-infused music and contemporary styles, McCoy sees opportunities to bring in young and diverse audiences.

“

‘In the Heights’ I thought would do fine. It exploded, went through the roof,” McCoy says.

La Mirada’s “The Sound of Music” cast featured Diane Phelan as “Maria,” likely the first Asian actress to portray Maria in a non-Asian production, with young AsianAmerican actors playing two of the Von Trapp children. For its “Mamma Mia!,” Filipino-American actress Marie-France Arcilla starred as Donna Sheridan.

One show that appeals to just about every audience segment is Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” La Mirada’s 2016 staging was its highest-grossing show of all time.

“It shouldn’t shock anybody to hear that McCoy Rigby Entertainment’s new production of ‘The Little Mermaid’ at La Mirada Theatre is a treat for the eyes and ears,” a reviewer wrote in the Los Angeles Times.

It shouldn’t shock anybody to hear that the family-friendly show is making a return next season. At La Mirada, luck is welcome—but strategy is what sells tickets.

self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby

WORLD PREMIERE

WORLD PREMIERE

Photo

reprogrammed !

Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

SIGN IN

CONTRIBUTORS

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.

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

REGISTER Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.

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

Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!

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

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

Sat May 6 | 8pm

Ballet BC

Wed May 10 | 8pm

Thu May 11 | 8pm

Delirium Musicum

Chamber Orchestra

with Artist in Residence Etienne Gara

Four Seasons Reimagined by Max Richter and Philip Glass

ONSTAGE SESSIONS

Sat May 13 | 8pm

Dreamers

Magos Herrera and Brooklyn Rider

ONSTAGE SESSIONS

Ballet BC

Delirium Musicum

Magos Herrera & Brooklyn Rider