Performances Magazine | The Wallis, December 2022

THE MUSICAL

contents

P1 Program

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

6 In the Wings

Diverse dance at the Wallis in Beverly Hills; diverse operas by Mozart and Debussy at L.A. Opera downtown; Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra concertos at diverse locations.

12 Insider Insights

Students and audiences alike benefit when artists such as L.A. Opera music director James Conlon or dancer-choreographer Ashwini Ramaswamy present master classes.

20 Design

Moderated modernism: Designer Kelly Schandel of Santa Monica's Thinkpure brings warmth to her minimalist aesthetic with nuanced natural materials.

24 Dining

Tapas with a view: Humanitarian and Michelinlauded chef José Andrés channels the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula at his San Laurel in the Conrad Los Angeles hotel.

32 Parting Thought

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

HIP-HOP AND HEROES

A SPOKEN-WORD musical performed through the language of step dance and an exploration of “the tangled paths of history/herstory/ourstory” are among upcoming dance highlights at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Set in a drug-rehabilitation program, Dahlak Brathwaite’s Try/Step/Trip, Feb. 2-5 in the Lovelace Theater, layers characters, verse, dialogue and music and blurs lines between hip-hop and dramatic performance. Feb. 17-18 in the Bram Goldsmith Theater, ballet, aerial and modern-dance company Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles pres ents Heroes, Sheroes, and Eros, featuring a collective of choreographers and special guests, and The Last Supper, a rollicking tale about a visit by Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene to the Coachella Music Festival. Feb. 12 brings a free Flamenco dance class for the whole family by Debbie Allen & Friends on the venue’s Promenade Terrace. 310.746.4000, thewallis.org

PAUL ANTICO AND, OPPOSITE, DANIEL ALCAZAR

Dahlak Brathwaite’s Try/Step/Trip

Left: Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles.

Violist Yura Lee and, below, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Programs With Principals

PROGRAMS BY THE Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra spotlight cellist Sheku KannehMason, who played at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for a television audience of nearly 2 billion, and two of the ensemble’s principals, violist Yura Lee and trumpeter David Washburn. Kanneh-Mason is soloist in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D Jan. 14 at UCLA Royce Hall and Jan. 15 at Alex Theatre in Glendale; led by

music director Jaime Martín, the programs also include works by Fanny Mendelssohn and Antonin Dvorak. Jan. 28 at the Wallis in Beverly Hills, and Jan. 29 at the Huntington in San Marino, Martin pres ents baroque concertos: Lee is featured soloist in one of the earliest known viola concertos, by Georg Philipp Telemann, and Washburn in a work by little-known Czech composer Johann Baptist Georg Neruda. 213.622.7001, laco.org

GIROGIA BERTAZZI, ABOVE, AND JAKE TURNEY

MUSIC

MARRIAGE . . . OR NOT

L.A. OPERA’S SEASON continues with Mozart’s comic opera The Marriage of Figaro and Debussy’s exquisite Pelléas et Mélisande Figaro, Feb. 4-26, sparkles with disguises, wit, trickery and humanity in a new production directed by filmmaker James Gray; costumes are by fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Craig Colclough and Janai Brugger star as Figaro and Susanna, Lucas Meachem and Ana María Martínez as the count and countess, Rihab Chaieb as Cherubino. Lost in the forest, a prince encounters an ethereal beauty with a mysterious past in Pelléas et Mélisande, March 25-April 16; brought home to his family, she grows increasingly close to his handsome younger brother. Soprano Sydney Mancasola and baritone Will Liverman play the doomed lovers, Kyle Ketelsen the jealous prince. Music director James Conlon leads both works at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. 213.972.8001, laopera.org

OPERA

VINCENT PONTET / THEATRE DES CHAMPS-ELYSEES, ABOVE, AND RICHARD CAMPBELL / SCOTTISH OPERA

Scenes from James Gray’s staging of The Marriage of Figaro and (below) David McVicar’s of Pelléas et Mélisande

Insider Insights

Students and audiences alike benefit when veteran artists present master classes. / BY LIBBY SLATE /

Ashwini Ramaswamy, center, and troupe mem bers will lead master classes at Santa Monica College. Opposite: L.A. Opera music director James Conlon in Colburn School master class.

WHAT DOES UNDERSTANDING

foreign languages have to do with accomplished piano playing?

Quite a lot, according to L.A. Opera music director James Conlon. “Any of the Western languages that have informed classical music— Italian, German, French, Russian— are languages that if you learn them, even to a limited degree, you will expand disproportionately in your ability to identify and blend with the music that you’re playing,” he told students and members of the public attending a master class recently at the Colburn School downtown.

“If you learn French, you will see Debussy very differently. It’s very hard to be a devoted and passionate conductor of Italian opera without having learned Italian, because Italian is the singing language. It is not an accident that opera was born in Italy, because what governs good

Italian also happens to be the same thing that governs good vocalism.”

Conlon’s series of master classes at the 2022 Colburn Piano Seminar addressed other aspects of perfor mance as well as the more expected piano technique. Topics included practice, study, musical instinct and interactions as a concerto soloist with a conductor—which can occur during a rehearsal break while the conductor is eating a sandwich.

Such guidance is the hallmark of master classes, which offer the benefits of individualized coaching and insights gleaned from artists over the course of their careers. Some, such as those at Colburn, are open to the public and listed on venue websites; excerpts from Conlon’s classes are posted online.

Why take time out of an oftenpacked schedule to give master classes?

“Most of teaching is about giving the space and context for people to come to an un derstanding on their own,” says bass-baritone Ryan McKinny. “Being able to be a part of that in real time, then following artists who grow year after year, is incredibly rewarding.”

“It’s incumbent on all of us per forming artists to share as much as possible of what we have learned and gained through our life’s experi ences as musicians, sharing with as wide an audience as possible,” Conlon says via email from Florence, Italy. “Forms of knowledge can be lost if they’re not passed on from one generation to the next.

“It’s important for me to give back, partially in gratitude for what I’ve received from the many people

and forces that have influenced me during my own education and professional experience.”

Also wanting to pay it forward is bass-baritone Ryan McKinny, who plays Scarpia in L.A. Opera’s Tosca at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown through Dec. 10. He recently presented a master class for L.A. Opera Young Artists and members of the Opera League of Los Angeles. He usually spends 20 to 30 minutes with each singer, gravitating toward whatever each needed or wanted to work on.

“Often, that’s something techni cal—breath flow and support, jaw and tongue issues, posture—but I also love to work on acting,” McKinny says. “I ask what choices singers have made, and almost always they are very general. I try to get them to be very specific and strong with their choices and to let go of the idea of making the ‘correct’

choice. And I like to work on the mental aspects of singing: not just how you sing, but what you think about when singing and what to focus on.... That’s often overlooked.”

Dancer-choreographer Ashwini Ramaswamy, whose program Let the Crows Come is at BroadStage in Santa Monica April 7-8, and two other dancers in her troupe will be conducting master classes and extended workshops for students at Santa Monica College.

Each will focus on a particular form of dance, Ramaswamy’s being the Indian Bharatanatyam. Once again, there’s more to the experi ence than learning technique.

“This is a 2000-year-old art form that I practice,” she notes. “I explain its origins, aligned to temples of South India, and its sculptures of Hindu deities. It’s a form that incor porates theatre, sculpture, poetry, music, /CONTINUED

Renowned pianist Lang Lang leading a master class at the Colburn School

Photo by Jamie Pham

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2022/2023

Michael Nemeroff

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David C. Bohnett

CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Arnold S. Rosenstein

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIR & ASSISTANT TREASURER

Honorable Vicki Reynolds VICE CHAIR, DEVELOPMENT

Ronald D. Rosen VICE CHAIR, OPERATIONS & SECRETARY

Susan Strauss

VICE CHAIR, PLANNING & ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Jonathan A. Victor TREASURER

Arnon Adar

Ahsan Aijaz

Debbie Allen

Wallis Annenberg

Pamela Beck

John Bendheim

Thomas J. Blumenthal

MeraLee Goldman

Bruce Goldsmith

Carol Goldsmith

Halle Hammond

Chad Hummel

Cinny Kennard

Donald P. Kivowitz

Agnes Lew

Mark Louchheim

Sandra Barros Lowy

Nigel Lythgoe OBE

Linda May

Daphna Nazarian

Gretchen Pace

Arline Pepp

Ron Simms

Stephanie Vahn

Gregory Annenberg

Weingarten

Grant Withers

Richard S. Ziman

FOUNDING CHAIRMAN

Bram Goldsmith*

FOUNDING PRESIDENT

Paul Selwyn*

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Jerry Magnin

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Richard Rosenzweig*

LIFETIME TRUSTEES

Les Bider | Eunice David

Max Salter* | Luanne Wells* *IN

From Page to Stage

THE JOURNEY OF INVINCIBLE – THE MUSICAL BY BOOK WRITER BRADLEY BREDEWEG

I’m a child of the 80’s, so Pat and Neil’s music was always around me — in my house, car rides to school, and in every mall I stepped foot in. I guess you can say their music was very much the soundtrack of my early life. Growing up, they became my go-to anthem music when things got hard during my high school years. Growing up gay in the late 80’s and early 90’s was quite the journey, and Pat gave me the strength to keep going when times got difficult. In those moments, I’d turn on “We Belong,” and I’d somehow manage to find the strength I needed to keep going. Later in my journey as I started writing, I’d put on their music while sitting at the computer. I also have to say there’s always just been this cosmic connection to Pat and Neil’s music — it’s almost as if I always knew somehow, some way we’d all eventually work together. I believe in destiny, I suppose.

The initial idea for the show came to me about eleven years ago. I love the classics, and I read them as much as possible. It had been years since I read Romeo and Juliet and so I picked it up one day, gave it a quick read, and then hopped into my car for a road trip up north for a visit with my cousin. I decided to pop in Pat and Neil’s BEST OF album. As I’m listening, I started to realize that there are about twelve or thirteen songs — if you line them up in a certain order — that perfectly tell the story of Romeo and Juliet. While I’m driving, I’m making notes about which song goes to which story beat. That night, I sat in bed, obsessing over the idea, and I started a first draft of the book. But I wanted to completely take the story of what we thought we knew about Romeo and Juliet and turn it all upside down. Mostly because as a young gay kid growing up loving the classics, the classics always felt very distant because there weren’t any stories — love stories in particular — that genuinely reflected my own feelings and experience. I secretly wished the classics would somehow transform and speak to a wider demographic of people and readers — not just white, straight, cis readers. Pat and Neil were rule breakers from the very beginning of their careers — they broke all of the traditional rules and carved their own path in the music business! So if I was going to dare take a classic, do it my way, incorporate more diverse stories, more diverse characters and break all of the rules of storytelling — who better to partner with than Pat and Neil? After all, their music is iconic, anthemic, and mind-blowingly groundbreaking. At the time, they weren't my partners yet, but their music was the inspiration that gave me permission to just go for it.

Years later, I walked into a bar in Los Feliz that used to put on small shows and cabarets, walked up to one of the producers at the time, and convinced them to let me do the very first production. After two weeks of rehearsal, we put up the show. It sold out and became a little bit of a sensation. In fact, it ran for six months — no small feat in Los Angeles. The show created such word-of-mouth that Pat and Neil eventually heard about us. I was incredibly proud of the show and was desperately trying to get them to come see it so I was emailing their manager, inviting them to be our guests. Little did I know at the time, Pat and Neil were developing another show using their music with hopes of going to Broadway. Eventually their manager came to see our show and a few weeks later, we received a cease and desist letter that forced us to shut down. About a year and a half later, I got a call from producer Jamie Cesa inviting me to go to the East coast to meet with Pat and Neil. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. They apologized for the cease and desist but said that the show was so good, they had to shut it down. We laughed and laughed, because at the time it had been quite painful, but it eventually brought us all together! Come to find out later that Pat and Neil were once called the Romeo and Juliet of the music world. So many within the industry didn't want them to be together, so they were also star-crossed lovers of their time, dodging music execs and managers that tried to tear them apart. After hours of chatting and days of following up, we finally agreed to work together and figure out a way to blend all of our fantastic ideas into one bigger, badder, bolder version of the show. I have to say, we all work so damn well together. Pat is incredibly hands on and has been from the very beginning. She and I have been joined at the hip since our first meeting. Neil is a musical genius — everything he touches turns to gold! He’s such a rule breaker and a disruptor. What he and Pat are doing with the music in this show to pay tribute to some of your favorite hits while

modernizing the vibe and storytelling (along with our musical director, Jesse Vargas) — is quite profound and mesmerizing! We then did several readings. The first actually took place at The Wallis. Associate Artistic Director, Coy Middlebrook, gave us the first opportunity to hear the book and lyrics out loud once we all became partners. That led to a big outdoor concert in the Hamptons with the Bay Street Theatre in 2019 where we performed a semistaged concert of the musical for the first time in front of thousands of people. Those performances in the Hamptons are where everything started to really shift for us. We were trying some really interesting new things with the book and music, and the audiences really responded to our very modern take of Verona where the patriarchs on each side died from a very long civil war, both families are now run by the matriarchs, Paris is Chancellor of Verona, and the Montagues are barely hanging on by a thread. Not to mention, we have several LGBTQ+ characters taking on storylines once dominated by more traditional archetypes. The great response in the Hamptons gave us the energy we needed to keep developing during the pandemic. We’d hoped to do a workshop in New York in 2020 but COVID shut that down. All of this led us to do a showcase of the show in Los Angeles at the Bourbon Room in the fall of 2021. Tremendously helpful feedback from that experience then led us back to The Wallis. So now, here we are a few years later, about to World Premiere the show in the Bram Goldsmith Theater. The Wallis is at the forefront of shifting LA culture by creating a healthy and inclusive environment that helps artists — LA artists in particular — bring their best work to an incredible space. There aren’t very many opportunities in our city to mount a full-blown world premiere of a new musical, and thanks the incredible staff of The Wallis we finally get to debut INVINCIBLE in a city that Pat and Neil and I call home.

If you told the ten-year-old me that this was going to be his reality one day he never would’ve believed you.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

KHAMARY ROSE* ............................................................................................................................... ROMEO KAY SIBAL* JULIET SHARON LEAL* MADAME CAPULET DIONNE GIPSON* MADAME MONTAGUE BRENNIN HUNT* PARIS ARI NOTARTOMASO* BENVOLIO JULIA HARRIMAN* NURA JON PATRICK WALKER* FRIAR AARON ALCARAZ*

.MERCUTIO/ENSEMBLE/ROMEO UNDERSTUDY JOSH STROBL* ....................................................................... TYBALT/ENSEMBLE/ROMEO UNDERSTUDY

IAN WARD*

SAMPSON/ENSEMBLE/PARIS AND TYBALT UNDERSTUDY KELSEY LEE SMITH* GREGORY/ENSEMBLE/BENVOLIO AND JULIET UNDERSTUDY STEVEN AGDEPPA* ENSEMBLE/FRIAR UNDERSTUDY GILLIAN BOZAJIAN* ENSEMBLE CAMERON FIELD ENSEMBLE SOPHIA HALL* ENSEMBLE/DANCE CAPTAIN NADJA HAYES* ENSEMBLE ERIC MYRICK* ENSEMBLE/MERCUTIO AND TYBALT UNDERSTUDY/FIGHT CAPTAIN IAN PAGET* ................................................................................................................................. ENSEMBLE LYRIC RACHAE ENSEMBLE/JULIET AND NURA UNDERSTUDY KRYSTLE ROSE SIMMONS* ENSEMBLE/MADAME MONTAGUE AND MADAME CAPULET UNDERSTUDY KENDYL SAYURI YOKOYAMA* ENSEMBLE/NURA UNDERSTUDY

ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR/KEYBOARD

David Saul

Kathleen Robertson

Lee

MUSICAL NUMBERS

VIOLA/VIOLIN

Sharon Jackson VIOLIN

CELLO

Alisha Bauer

BASS

Paul Morin

CO-CONTRACTOR

John Paul Nelson

DRUMS/ PERCUSSION

Greg Sadler

TROMBONE/ BARITONE HORN Ivan Malespin

GUITARS

Andy Waddell

Justin

Smith

CONTRACTOR Dan Savant

MUSIC CREDITS

MUSIC ASSISTANT

Adam Beskind

REHEARSAL DRUMMER

ELECTRONIC MUSIC PROGRAMMER

Ryan O’Connell

Greg Sadler AUDIO INSTALLATION SUPERVISOR

Leslie Chew

SPECIAL THANKS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO: Joseph Schmaderer, Eric Rudney, Marianne & Ron Dreisbach, Bradley Bredeweg, Bridged Garrison, Dan Coffie, Chiara Rudzin, Kathleen Schmaderer, Beverly Huber, Phyllis Chase, Madeleine Holland, Christine Sacani, LaRonce Henderson, Jeff Wickline, Maria Meigel, Jonathan & Hillary Reinis, Annette Austin, Joshua Robers, Leonard Sullivan, Randy Weiss & Jason Adesman, Brian & Micki Hodous, Louis Mont, Matt Buckler & Karis Campbell, Joy Zimmerman, Joan Dorazio Forte, Marco Fargnoli, Renee Geller

SPECIAL THANKS FROM BENATAR / GIRALDO TO: Rob Light/CAA, Barbara Carswell/CGK, Tom Consolo, Peter Rinker, John Rosales, Sean O’Neel, Bill Young Productions/Steve Bassett, iHeart Media: John Skyes, Kevin LeGrett, Dustin Tyner

ACT I PROLOGUE: HELL IS FOR CHILDREN / OUT OF THE RUINS ALL FIRED UP INVINCIBLE LET’S STAY TOGETHER EVERYBODY LAY DOWN LET’S STAY TOGETHER (REPRISE) THIS LOOKING FOR A STRANGER RED VISION TREAT ME RIGHT / I WON’T IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT I FEEL LUCKY WE LIVE FOR LOVE KINGDOM KEY DON’T LET IT SHOW SHADOWS OF THE NIGHT

ACT II

LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD THE FIGHT ONE LOVE PROMISES IN THE DARK HEARTBREAKER DISCONNECTED / QUEEN MAB I WON’T (REPRISE) PURGATORY BRAVE AFTER THE FALL WE BELONG

*The noted actors and stage managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

+The director and choreographer employed in this production are members of the Society of Directors and Choreographers, a national theatrical union.

°The noted staff are employed under a United Scenic Artists agreement, a national theatrical labor union representing designers.

#The musicians in this production are represented by the American Federation of Musicians.

∆ The noted staff are employed members of the IATSE union.

MUSIC CREDITS

All Fired Up

WRITTEN BY Kerryn Tolhurst & Myron Grombacher & Patricia Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Control / Tyreach Music (ASCAP) / Big Tooth Music / Rare Blue Music (ASCAP)

After The Fall

WRITTEN BY Patricia Giraldo & Neil Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP) / Halana Music (ASCAP)

Brave

WRITTEN BY Patricia Giraldo & Neil Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Halana Music (ASCAP) / Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP)

Disconnected

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Myron Grombacher & Frank Linx,

PUBLISHED BY Spyder-Mae's Music (ASCAP) / Tyreach Music (ASCAP) / Linxtogether Music (ASCAP)

Don’t Let It Show

WRITTEN BY Alan Parsons & Eric Woolfson

PUBLISHED BY Universal Music Careers

Everybody Lay Down

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Patricia Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Spyder-Mae’s Music (ASCAP) / Big Tooth Music (ASCAP) / Chrysalis Music (ASCAP)

Heartbreaker

WRITTEN BY Geoff Gill & Cliff Wade

PUBLISHED BY Universal Songs of Polygram International

Hell Is For Children

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Pat Benatar & Roger Capps

PUBLISHED BY Neil Geraldo Music (ASCAP) / Red Admiral Music / Big Tooth Music (ASCAP) / Muscle Tone Music (ASCAP)

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

WRITTEN BY Eddie Schwartz

PUBLISHED BY Round Hill Songs

I Feel Lucky

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Myron Grombacher

PUBLISHED BY Supa Bo-Ta Music (ASCAP) / Tyreach Music (ASCAP)

In The Heat Of The Night

WRITTEN BY Nicky Chinn & Mike Chapman

PUBLISHED BY BMG Monarch

Invincible

WRITTEN BY Simon Climie & Holly Knight

PUBLISHED BY BMG Monarch

I Won’t

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Patricia Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Halana Music (ASCAP) / Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP)

Kingdom Key

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Patricia Giraldo & Myron Grombacher

PUBLISHED BY Spyder-Mae’s Music (ASCAP) / Big Tooth Music ((ASCAP) / Chrysalis Music (ASCAP) / Lucky L Music / Tyreach Music (ASCAP)

Let’s Stay Together

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Patricia Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Supa Bo-Ta Music (ASCAP) / Big Tooth Music / Rare Blue Music (ASCAP)

Looking For A Stranger

WRITTEN BY Franne Golde & Peter Mclan PUBLISHED BY BMG Platinum Songs / VMG Worldwide

Love Is A Battlefield

WRITTEN BY Mike Chapman & Holly Knight PUBLISHED BY Mike Chapman Publishing Enterprises / Universal Music / MGB Songs

One Love

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Myron Grombacher PUBLISHED BY Supa Bo-Ta Music (ASCAP) / Tyreach Music (ASCAP)

Out of the Ruins

WRITTEN BY Patricia Giraldo & Neil Giraldo PUBLISHED BY Halana Music (ASCAP) / Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP)

Promises In The Dark

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Pat Benatar PUBLISHED BY Neil Geraldo Music (ASCAP) / Big Tooth Music (ASCAP) / Rare Blue Music

Purgatory

WRITTEN BY Patricia Giraldo & Neil Giraldo PUBLISHED BY Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP) / Halana Music (ASCAP)

Queen Mab

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Patricia Giraldo PUBLISHED BY Halana Music (ASCAP) / Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP)

Red Vision

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo & Myron Grombacher

PUBLISHED BY Neil Geraldo Music / Rare Blue Music (ASCAP) / Tyreach Music (ASCAP)

Shadows Of The Night

WRITTEN BY D.L. Byron PUBLISHED BY Zen Archer / Kobalt Music Publishing

This

WRITTEN BY Patricia Giraldo & Neil Giraldo PUBLISHED BY Bel Chiasso Music (ASCAP) / Halana Music (ASCAP)

Treat Me Right

WRITTEN BY Doug Lubahn & Pat Benatar

PUBLISHED BY Blackwood Music

We Belong

WRITTEN BY Eric Lowen & Dan Navarro

PUBLISHED BY Calexicali Music / Del Avalanche Music / Screen Gems / EMI Music

We Live For Love

WRITTEN BY Neil Giraldo

PUBLISHED BY Neil Geraldo Music (ASCAP)

You Better Run

WRITTEN BY Edward Brigati & Felix Cavaliere

PUBLISHED BY EMI Blackwood / Jemaxal Music / April Music

pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts and into fans’ hearts on their own terms. Her staggering vocals and take-no-prisoners attitude, along with his trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, forged the undeniable chemistry and unique sound that created eternal rock hits including “We Belong,” “Invincible,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Promises In The Dark,” “We Live For Love,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Hell Is For Children”. Their stunning achievements are a testament to their vision. Together, Benatar and Giraldo have created two multi-platinum, five platinum and three gold albums, as well as 19 “Top 40” hits. They have sold over 36 million records worldwide and have won an unprecedented four consecutive GRAMMY® awards. They have also been feted with three American Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, and a 2008 induction into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. This November Benatar and Giraldo will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

On top of his six-string and songwriting skills showcased with Benatar, Giraldo has also written, produced, arranged and recorded for multiple artists including John Waite (the Ignition album), Kenny Loggins (the GRAMMY®-nominated Top 20 hit “Don’t Fight It”), and Rick Springfield (his #1, Grammy-winning classic “Jessie’s Girl” and Top 10 hit “I’ve Done Everything For You”). Starting with the 1979 debut In The Heat Of The Night, Benatar’s powerful vocals and fierce stage presence created a successful template for hard rocking women in the 1980s while also appealing to pop fans. The video for “You Better Run” was the second clip ever to be shown on MTV; she was the first female artist and Neil the first guitarist to be featured on the channel. Their videos dominated the first decade of MTV. Their 1991 release True Love, a collection of jump blues and swing tunes, anticipated the swing revival of the late ‘90s. Throughout their 43-year musical partnership, Benatar and Giraldo have always shirked trends and explored a wide variety of musical styles. Over four decades into their hit-laden, genre-blending repertoire, Benatar and Giraldo continue to play to sold out crowds on their annual tours. Their artistic journey is on-going with many exciting possibilities to come.

TIFFANY NICHOLE GREENE (Director) (she/ her) is both honored and thrilled to be in LA working with The Wallis. Recent credits include Hamilton (Resident Director, Philip Tour); 53% OF (Second Stage, Off-Broadway, world premiere); Ohio State Murders (Goodman Theatre); Lydia Diamond’s Whiterly Negotiations and Lynn Nottage’s What Are The Things I Need

To Remember? (Octopus Theatricals; NYT Critic’s Pick) High School Play: A Nostalgia Fest (Alley Theatre, world premiere); Nina Simone: Four Women (Arizona Theatre Company). tiffanynicholegreene.com.

BRADLEY BREDEWEG (Book) (he/him) is known for creating the critically acclaimed Freeform family drama “The Fosters,” which garnered awards including Outstanding Drama Series at the GLAAD Awards, the Emmys’ Television Academy Honors Award for Excellence in Television, the Television Critics Award for Outstanding Drama Series, and the Teen Choice Awards Best Drama Series. Executive Produced by Bredeweg, Peter Paige and Jennifer Lopez, the series ran for five season and resulted in the highly acclaimed spin-off “Good Trouble,” now entering its fourth season on Hulu and Freeform. He currently has a blind script deal with Skydance Studios and has sold pilots to Showtime, Amazon, Netflix, The CW, ABC and USA. In partnership with Google, he wrote, produced and directed the new musical Headless, a re-imagining of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, which starred Hadestown’s Reeve Carney. Bredeweg also wrote, produced, and directed the musical smash-hit Scissorhands, a re-working of the classic Tim Burton tale as a modern queer love story. Other theatrical credits in LA include SCISSORHANDS The Musical and The Last Breakfast Club. He also continues to be an active producer and investor in the Broadway and West End scenes. Shows include the critically acclaimed revival of Side Show, Green Day’s American Idiot, the smash hit Dear Evan Hansen, as well as the latest Broadway sensation, Moulin Rouge. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @BradleyBredeweg

JESSE VARGAS (Orchestrations, Arrangements, Music Direction and Vocal Arrangements) (he/him) has worked internationally as a music director, arranger, orchestrator and music producer. Broadway: Glory Days (Arrangements & Orchestrations); The Ritz (Orchestrations). OffBroadway: bare-A Pop Opera (MD & Vocal Arrangements); Rooms-A Rock Romance (Arrangements & Orchestrations); Shida; and Saved National Tours: Xanadu; Barry Manilow’s Copacabana. Other as Arranger/Orchestrator: A Little More Alive; DCM; White Noise; One Hit Wonder; Peep Show; What A Wonderful World; Asphalt Beach; Bright Lights, Big City; Hair In Concert (Grammy Nominated Album); Pippin (2006 Tour). Jesse served as music director/conductor/orchestrator for Clay Aiken from 2004-2008. He was also the MD/arranger for the bands Nick Blaemire and The Hustle and The Midtown Men. He’s produced, arranged and orchestrated albums for Scott Alan, Kooman & Dimond, Daniel Reichard, Michael Longoria, and more. For the past six years, Jesse has been the Music Supervisor for the Los Angeles entertainment company FOR THE RECORD LIVE. He’s arranged, and orchestrated FTR productions of Baz-Star Crossed Love; The Brat Pack; Scorsese-American Crime Requiem; Tarantino Live; and the critically acclaimed Love Actually-Live at The Wallis. TV credits include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (Orchestrations) and Good Trouble (Songwriter & Music Producer). @shouthollermusic

PAT BENATAR and NEIL GIRALDO (2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, Musicians, Songwriters) (she/her and he/him) In a

GALEN HOOKS (Choreographer) (she/her) is a VMA-nominated choreographer, performer, and director who has worked with over 70 artists, including Camila Cabello, Justin Bieber, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Usher, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Banks, Grimes, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay and John Legend. Previous theater work includes Associate Co-Choreographer for the Broadway revival of Dreamgirls Producing credits include America’s Got Talent (Associate Consulting Producer), “The Voice” (Associate Performance Producer), Disney Channel Presents: Radio Disney’s Family VIP Birthday (Executive Producer and Creative Director), and YouTube’s “Masterclass“ (Consulting Producer and Host). An industry darling with 30 years of experience, she has won multiple World Choreography Awards with one of the most impressive dance and choreography careers of her generation, performing everywhere from The Oscars, The Guggenheim, the Super Bowl and in iconic music videos. Galen now shares invaluable knowledge through her life-changing intensives, THE GALEN HOOKS METHOD. From A-List celebrities to mothers who want to reconnect with their bodies, Galen is able to use dance to transform students of any background and ability with her unparalleled method. Her Youtube videos have become a viral sensation with over 300 million views across social media. From the strength, power and sensuality of River (+42 Million views) to the skilled ability to put a fresh twist on beloved classics like West Side Story, dancers and non-dancers alike are impacted globally by her work. Most impressively, Galen is a true visionary in her filmmaking. Whether she is choreographing, performing, directing, songwriting or producing (or wearing all of these hats at once as in the award-winning short film Wait For Me and her monumental 20-minute musical There Once Was A Woman, she has an eye for detail and storytelling that she breathes into every project.

KHAMARY ROSE (Romeo) (he/him) is a young, multi-faceted artist with an extreme passion and love for his craft. Khamary began pursuing acting of many forms at the ripe age of 13. TV/Film credits include OWN’s “Cooking Up Christmas,” BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story” and “Tales,” Bounce Network’s “Saints and Sinners,” and Warner Brother’s “Max” and “Fist Fight.” Theater credits include Next to Normal (Gabe) at The Kennedy Center, Into The Woods (Jack) at Holy City Arts, The Me Nobody Knows (reading), and Choir Boy (reading).

KAY SIBAL (Juliet) (she/her) A recent graduate of UCLA’s Musical Theater program, Kay Sibal is excited to take the stage with INVINCIBLE. She was previously involved with the show as an ensemble member in the staged reading at the Bourbon Room last November. With a background in pop and choral music, she can’t wait to bring Juliet to life. Thanks to her mom and brothers for their faith, and to her dad for helping her “be brave” from above. Kaydsib.weebly.com

SHARON LEAL (Madame Capulet) (she/her) can most recently be seen in the smash hit HBO MAX reboot, “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” which has already been renewed for a second season! Sharon’s career began to take off after playing the teenager, Dahlia Creed, on the daytime soap opera “Guiding Light.” Sharon is well-known for her role in the Oscar-winning film Dreamgirls, opposite Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy. She starred opposite Tyler Perry and Janet Jackson in the hit romcom franchise Why Did I Get Married and has been in other feature films. On the TV side, Sharon can be seen starring in The CW’s “Supergirl,” “Legacy,” and the Emmy-winning “Boston Public.” Sharon’s stage work includes show stopping performances in Little Shop Of Horrors, Into The Woods, Ain’t Misbehavin, West Side Story, Rent, and Stop Kiss

DIONNE GIPSON (Madame Montague) (she/ her) hails from Atlanta Georgia, by way of Peoria, Illinois. She is an alumni of Florida A&M and Penn State University. She began her professional career at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Then went on to sing professionally for Rick Springfield, Wayne Brady and Public Enemy. She has written songs for the films Josie and the Pussycats and Black Dynamite and has co-written along side greats like Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Raphael Saadiq and Jane Weidlin of the Go Go’s. Her film acting credits include Sweet Home Alabama, Squatters and the Netflix hit, Pee Wee’s Big Holiday She has guest starred on the television shows “Criminal Minds,” “The Young and the Restless” and “Greenleaf” on OWN. Dionne also starred as a recurring guest on the CBS series “NCIS,” and Amazon Prime’s “The Wilds.” She currently finished a run of For the Record: Tarantino and wrapped on the feature film My Divorce Party releasing this winter. For more info please follow her on Instagram @dionnegipson or contact Shelter Entertainment.

BRENNIN HUNT (Paris) (he/him) is best known for playing the lead role, Roger Davis, in FOX’s broadcast of RENT Live in January of 2019. A long-time performer, Brennin began his acting career in 2015 guest starring in ABC’s hit series “Nashville‘’ as Sullivan Fitzgerald. He made his film debut as Marco Figueroa in Walking With Herb alongside George Lopez and Oscar-nominated actors Edward James Olmos and Kathleen Quinlan. The movie also features Brennin’s original song “Can’t Hold a Candle.” In the summer of 2019 he made his Broadway debut as the lead role, Edward Lewis, in Pretty Woman: The Musical. A native of Harrah, Oklahoma, Brennin and his family lived for the better part of the last decade in Nashville where he pursued his passion as a singersongwriter. He co-wrote “I Can’t Do This’’ with Vince Gill and the song is featured on Gill’s album Down To My Last Bad Habit. Brennin has independently released several songs that have generated millions of streams and have been featured on numerous TV shows. In 2016, he was featured in Rolling Stone Country as one of the “10 Artists You Need To Know.” In 2018, he partnered with YWCA for his single “Rip off the Rearview” featuring Vince Gill. The music video became Brennin’s first #1 video on CMT. Hunt has toured the world opening for mainstream artists as well as entertaining U.S. and NATO forces overseas. Brennin lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Kelly and their four children, Henley, Lennon, Collins and Cohen. Invincible is Brennin’s Los Angeles theater debut. @brennin

ARI NOTARTOMASO (Benvolio) (they/them) is a gender non-binary actor and recurring viral singing sensation, known for putting a queer twist on musical theater classics. Ari made their feature film debut in Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin and stars as Cynthia in the upcoming musical TV show “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” on Paramount+. Deepest gratitude to Jed Abrahams and the KMR team, my wonderful family and friends, and the entire INVINCIBLE crew. For more information, follow Ari on all socials @ arinotartomaso or contact KMR agency. This is Ari’s LA theater debut!

JULIA HARRIMAN (Nura) (she/her) Credits include: Hamilton first national tour (Eliza) / and Peggy tour, which opened in Puerto Rico with Lin Manuel Miranda. Julia was a vocalist on Hamilton’s Hamil-drop “First Burn.” She is a co-writer and featured artist on Netflix‘s “The Eddy” soundtrack. Julia is also a singer-songwriter with music out on all platforms. Huge thank you to the INVINCIBLE creative team for this incredible opportunity and so much love to this talented cast! IG: @Lia_Man

JON PATRICK WALKER (Friar) (he/him) has appeared on Broadway (Peter & The Starcatcher, High Fidelity, Young Frankenstein, White Liars/Black Comedy), Off-Broadway (Twelfth Night, Debbie Does Dallas, The Compleat Works of William Shakespeare {Abridged}), regionally (Old Globe, Huntington, Williamstown Theater Festival, Milwaukee Rep, Yale Rep), as well as on Film (Winter’s Tale, Secret Lives of Dentists, Substance of Fire) and on Television (Series lead on FOX’s “Holding The Baby,” also on NBC’s “Fighting Fitzgeralds;” guest appearances on “Law & Order: SVU,” “Sex and the City,” “Blue Bloods,” and others). Most recently, Jon played King George to rave reviews on the National Tour of Hamilton. An acclaimed singer and songwriter, Jon has also released five critically lauded albums of original music, most recently The Rented Tuxedo and Other Songs, recorded in Nashville. He is currently writing a comedic rock musical adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus called The Devil & Doctor Faust, and is at work on a new album. Jon attended Carnegie Mellon Drama and is a proud member of Actor’s Equity. He is married to the actress Hope Davis. They have two beloved daughters and an adored dog called Jennie. @jonpatrickwalker

AARON ALCARAZ (Mercutio/Ensemble/Romeo Understudy) (he/him) is an actor based in New York City and Los Angeles. He has been seen on Broadway as a Swing and Kevin G Understudy in Mean Girls and Off-Broadway as Jack in Trevor The Musical. Other favorite theater credits include the 20th Anniversary National Tour of Rent (Angel), Kinky Boots (Harry/ Charlie US) and In The Heights (Sonny). Film and television credits include Trevor The Musical on Disney+, “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” and “The Equalizer.” BFA from Ithaca College. All the love and thanks to his family, his friends, and his team. @aaronreads

JOSH STROBL (Tybalt/Ensemble) (he/him) is thrilled to be back performing in SoCal! Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen (U/S Evan, Jared, and Connor). Regional: Newsies (Jack Kelly, SSMT). Training: University Of Michigan. Winner of the 2016 Jimmy Awards. Endless gratitude to Sherry Kayne, The Telsey Office, and the entire Invincible team. Special shoutout to my incredibly supportive family! @jstrobes77

KELSEY LEE SMITH (Gregory/Ensemble/ Benvolio & Juliet Understudy) (she/her) is extremely grateful and thrilled to join the talented cast and crew of INVINCIBLE. A graduate of UCLA with a BA in Musical Theatre. Recently seen in the new musical Singing Revolution. Kelsey performed the role of Anna in Frozen Live at Disney’s CA Adventure, currently performing there as DJ Deejay in Disney Jr Dance Party. Other recent roles include: Mileva in Rebel Genius Workshop, and Colette in Camille Kelsey sings in NYC cabarets at venues: 54 Below, and The Green Room 42. She was in Broadway Rising Stars also in NYC. She’s a National Anthem singer for Angels Baseball. Recordings on Spotify as featured singer: “Living in the Light” with Dan Belzer, and “Quintessential” ScatterTones 2020 Album. Many thanks to the amazing creative team for this incredible opportunity! Thank you Todd and Bob at ATB Talent, Telsey, and The Wallis. Sending much love and gratitude to her family and friends. IG: kelseyleesmith_

IAN WARD (Sampson/Ensemble/Paris & Tybalt Understudy) (he/him) is thrilled to be back at The Wallis! Ian was born in San Diego and has been a performing artist since age 9. He is honored to be a part of this World Premiere cast! Some of his credits include (Broadway): Gettin’ the Band Back Together and Radio City Christmas Spectacular. (TV/Film): “9-1-1”, Lifetime Channel’s Bad Tutor, and “Veronica Mars”. (Off-Broadway): Leaving Eden. (Regional): Love Actually Live, Rock of Ages Hollywood, Catch Me If You Can, American Idiot, Footloose, BAZ: A Musical Mash-Up, Spring Awakening, and many more. Training at Berklee College of Music, Ward is also a songwriter, guitarist and producer. He plays in his own bands, and writes/records original music! Join him on his socials & website @ianwardoutward

STEVEN AGDEPPA (Ensemble/Friar Understudy) (he/him, they/them) is excited to be making their Wallis debut. Credits: Cats, Newsies, In The Heights (La Mirada), Mamma Mia (EastWest Players), The Music Man (Musical Theater West). He has performed in stage shows at Disneyland. Steven choreographs for the non-profit performing group The Young Americans, whose purpose is musical outreach in schools. A certified yoga instructor, they also teach yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Thanks to his family, sisters, and fiancé, Nick, for their unending support. Special thanks to Lisa and Julie at Go2Talent, The Telsey Office, and the Invincible creative team for this wonderful opportunity. Instagram: Stadam.agdeppa

GILLIAN BOZAJIAN (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Wallis debut in the World Premiere of Invincible! Regional credits: Catch Me If You Can (Arena Stage); Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street (3-D Theatricals); Mamma Mia! (La Mirada Theatre); Elf (Tuacahn Center for the Performing Arts); Sweet Charity (Reprise 2.0, directed by Kathleen Marshall). Proud UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television alum. A special thank you to the entire Invincible team, everyone at The Wallis, The Telsey Office, and GTA. @gillianbozajian

CAMERON FIELD (Ensemble) (he/him), one of Australia’s most sought after talents is ecstatic to be cast in Invincible with a legendary creative team like no other. Cameron began working professionally at a young age with credits such as Australia’s original cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, understudy of Pugsley in The Addams Family, FAME The Musical, 13 The Musical, and more. Other credits include lead dancer of “Dance Moms” Maddie and Mackenzie Ziegler’s international tour, Disney’s “The Next Step” and assisting world-renowned choreographers. Throughout his career, Cameron has been creating dance and performance content while working with brands such as Samsung, Sketchers, and ALO Yoga to name a few. He has gained an audience of over 1M across all platforms. He would love to thank his mentors and family in Australia and the entire team at MSA Agency. Socials: @cameronfield_

SOPHIA HALL (Dance Captain/Ensemble) (she/ her) is a Kansas City raised professional dancer living in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her BFA in commercial dance at Pace University in New York City. Since graduating, Sophia became a dancer for pop star Jojo Siwa. She can be seen in her music videos and her most recent tour, D.R.E.A.M The Tour. Other credits include music videos with Fat Joe, Samantha J, Hilary Roberts, and others. She has worked with choreographers such as Richy Jackson, Liz Imperio, David Moore, and Karla Garcia. Sophia is so excited to be making her musical theater debut in Invincible!

NADJA HAYES (Ensemble) (she/her) is a twentythree-year-old Jersey native who has been trained in various styles of dance since she was three years old. She discovered her love of theater through dance and while attending an afterschool program at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. During her four years at the Kimmel Center, Nadja performed in various musicals and worked her way up from dance captain to a principal role. She is currently signed to Clear Talent Group Agency in New York City and Los Angeles. Nadja currently resides in LA and travels coast to coast to continue training and expanding her portfolio and love for the art of performance and dance. Her favorite credits include co-starring on the TV show “The Last O.G.” and dancing with Shakira at SuperBowl LIV.

ERIC MYRICK (Fight Captain/Ensemble/Mercutio and Tybalt Understudy) (he/him) Regional: William Grant Still & The Harlem Renaissance (World Premiere: Walt Disney Concert Hall), Bestseller (World Premiere: International City Theatre). Film: Tina Town, A Royal Family Holiday, A Royal Family Christmas, R#J (Sundance / SxSW). Television: “Good Trouble” (Freeform), “The Affair” (Showtime), “Jane The Virgin” (CW), “Idiotsitter” (Comedy Central), “GLOW” (Netflix). Proud union member and proud graduate of The University of Michigan (BFA, Acting)

IAN PAGET (Ensemble) (he/him) can be seen next in season one of Onyx/Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt,” directed by Kerry Washington, and Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales” from “Pam & Tommy” creator Robert Siegel. Ian’s theater credits include: BWAY; Soul Doctor, Leap Of Faith, Mamma Mia! As well as This Ain’t No Disco! (Atlantic Theatre Company), Paul in A Chorus Line (The Muny), Arab in West Side Story (Sadler’s Wells Theatre), Anselmo in Man of La Mancha (Westport Country Playhouse), Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots directed by Des McAnuff (La Jolla Playhouse), Escape to Margaritaville (La Jolla Playhouse). His Film and TV credits include: Rock of Ages, Step Up Revolution, “Katy Keene,” “Mozart in the Jungle,” “One Life To Live,” “Lip Sync Battle,” “Dancing With The Stars,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “Saturday Night Live.” Ian is also a content creator. His viral videos have received over 100 million views across platforms and in 2021, Ian was nominated for GLAAD’S first-ever “TikTok Queer Advocate of the Year.” All my love to my family and team. TikTok: @ianpaget_ Insta: @ianpaget

LYRIC RACHAE (Ensemble, Juliet and Nura Understudy) (she/her) is a multimedia entertainer, singer, songwriter and actress born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. While studying voice, drama and dance at DeKalb School of The Arts, Lyric performed in numerous stage productions, among them The Wizard of Oz at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Lyric received her Bachelor of Music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Since graduating, Lyric has performed around the nation at Music Festivals such as Summerfest ’18 and Music Midtown ’18 opening for artists such as Janelle Monae, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar and more. In 2019, she joined the frontline of Atlanta’s premiere party band Simply Irresistible (S.I) While live performances were on hold during the early days of the pandemic, Lyric created a music entertainment podcast on Instagram called “Tour Life Show” (@tourlifeshow). Her co-hosts are Ronnie Garret (Tyler Perry’s music director) and Justin C. Gilbert (Keyboardist for artists such as Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys). Lyric will soon be seen co-hosting the daytime variety show “You Got Next” with Elvin Ross. The program highlights STEM and performing arts students from around the world to showcase their inventions and innovative creations that can potentially change the world. The show is slated to premiere on Discovery+ in 2023.

KRYSTLE ROSE SIMMONS (Ensemble/ Madame Montague and Madam Capulet Understudy) (she/her) is an award-winning singer, actress, and VO performer, most recently receiving two Webby Awards for Best Voice Skills (Nat Geo’s Kids Challenge: Name that Animal). Some of her credits include appearances on “ICSYV” S1E8, the “Ellen DeGeneres Show”, and Andy Cohen’s “Watch What Happens Live.” Regional credits include theater productions like The Andrews Brothers (Musical Theater West), The Christians (Center Theater Group), The Baby Dance: Mixed (Ovation Award Nominee/Female Lead), Memphis (NAACP Theater Award Nominee & Inland Theater Award Winner/Female Lead), and Interstate (East West Players). She is very excited to be making her Wallis debut with the world premiere of Invincible. Her Mantra is, “Be true to yourself. The world’s a stage and you are the lead!”

KENDYL SAYURI YOKOYAMA (Ensemble/ Nura Understudy) (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Wallis debut! Kendyl attended The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and is currently the standby for the Schuyler sisters in the 1st national tour of Hamilton. Some of her favorite theater credits include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Aladdin (Princess Jasmine), A Chorus Line (Connie), Allegiance (Peggy). Her other credits include the 90th Oscars where she performed alongside Keala Settle in “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman, and other various film/TV credits. Endless gratitude to God, The Wallis, the creatives/Pat and Spider, Telsey, Matt, and my friends and family. @kendylyokoyama

STEVE RANKIN (Fight Director) (he/him) Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud, Carousel (Drama Desk Award Best Fight Choreography), Summer, Jersey Boys, Memphis, Henry IV, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, The Who’s Tommy, Guys and Dolls, Dr. Zhivago, The Farnsworth Invention, Two Shakespearean Actors, Dracula, The Real Inspector Hound, Getting Away with Murder, Anna Christie, All My Sons. Off Broadway: Coriolanus (Public Shakespeare in the Park), The Third Story, Below the Belt, The Night Hank Williams Died. Met Opera: Faust, Rodelinda, Boris Godenov, Iphigenia at Tauride. Stratford Shakespeare Festival: Romeo and Juliet, The Who’s Tommy, Caesar and Cleopatra, Macbeth. Regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Old Globe, Actors Theater, Kennedy Center, Tuacahn Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Geffen Playhouse, Center Stage, GEVA, Virginia Stage Company, et al. Steve plays mandolin and guitar with the Americana artist Susie Glaze and the New Folk Ensemble. Most recently: Hunchback of Notre Dame Vienna Austria. Upcoming: Ain’t Too Proud London, The Who’s Tommy revival/National Tour. He is a proud member of SDC.

CHRISTINE CATTI (Production Stage Manager) Productions include: Radio City Music Hall: Christmas Spectacular. Broadway: Judgment at Nuremberg. Off-Broadway: Becoming Dr. Ruth, In & Of Itself, Gigantic, Atomic, Love and Information, Nothing to Hide, among many others. At the Bay Street Theater she has worked on Ragtime, Windfall, and Camelot. She has worked internationally and on tour.

ARNEL SANCIANCO (Scenic Designer) (he/him) Arnel is an award-winning set designer and a professor of scenic design at Arizona State University. He is a graduate of Northwestern University where he received his MFA in stage design. Arnel has designed all around the United States. Credits include Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Color Purple (The Muny), The Lifespan of a

Fact (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie (Kennedy Center), Ain’t No Mo (Woolly Mammoth), Put Your House in Order (La Jolla Playhouse), Lottery Day (Goodman Theatre), Choir Boy, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, We Are Proud to Present, (Steppenwolf), Athena, A Doll’s House (Writers Theatre), Nina Simone: Four Women (Arizona Theatre Company), The Mousetrap, Photograph 51, The Belle of Amherst (Court Theatre), Twelfth Night (American Players Theatre), The Nerd, The All Night Strut! (Milwaukee Rep). ArnelDesigns.com

YEE EUN NAM (Projection Designer) (she/her) is a visual artist and a media designer for live performances. Recent collaborations for Opera/ Music projects include Detroit Opera, LA Opera, Opera Saint Louis, Boston Lyric Opera, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, New World Center, The Soraya. Theater projects include Audible Theatre, Ma-Yi Theater Company, SohoRep, South Coast Rep, Center Theatre Group, Pasadena Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, Goodman Theatre, The Movement Theatre Company, Kansas City Rep, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Perseverance Theatre, East West Players, Fountain Theatre, Getty Villa, Latino Theater Company, and many more. Yee Eun was nominated for The Lucille Lortel Awards for her work on Long Day’s Journey into The Night in 2022 and is a winner of LADCC Theatrical Excellence for CGI/Video in 2020. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. She holds an MFA in Theater Design from UCLA. Portfolio: yeeeunnam.com.

CRICKET S. MYERS (Sound Design) (she/her) On Broadway, Cricket earned a Tony Nomination and a Drama Desk Award for her design of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. Off Broadway designs include The Marvelous Wonderettes. She has also designed regionally at La Jolla Playhouse, The Geffen Playhouse, The Ahmanson, The Mark Taper Forum, Kansas City Rep, South Coast Rep, The Kirk Douglas Theater, Pasadena Playhouse, Denver Centerand Milwaukee Rep. Other selected L.A. Theaters include The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, East West Players, Ghost Road Theater Company, and The Celebration Theater. She has earned 24 Ovation Nominations, as well as winning The Ruth Morley Award from the League of Professional Theater Women, The Kinetic Award for Outstanding Achievements in Theatrical Design, an LADCC and a Garland Award. Cricket is a proud member of Local USA 829 and the TSDCA. cricketsmyers.com

ELIZABETH HARPER (Lighting Designer) (she/her) Between Two Knees (Yale Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The McCarter Center for the Performing Arts and Seattle Rep) Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Blues for an Alabama Sky directed by Phylicia Rashad. (Mark Taper Forum) Indecent and Rattlesnake Kate (Denver Center for the Performing Arts) Office Hour starring Sandra Oh (South Coast Repertory Theatre); The Cake (La Jolla Playhouse); Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf starring Calista Flockhart and Zachary Quinto, Sell/Buy/ Date, Play Dead directed by Teller (The Geffen Playhouse), Rock of Ages (5th Avenue Theatre). Elizabeth is the assistant professor of lighting design at the University of Southern California.

LENA SANDS (Costume Design) (she/her) is an award-winning costume designer for live performance, installation, and film. Using a variety of materials and methods to create bold and distinctive visuals, Lena collaborates with ensembles and communities to investigate bodies, histories, and the divine. Her most recent projects include Four Larks’ Hymns, a visual album of contemporary tellings of Homer’s

hymns, and New York Times critic’s pick Everything Rises which showed in the 2022 Next Wave Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Her costumes have previously been on The Wallis’ stage for Four Larks Frankenstein, for which she won an Ovation Award. Favorite collaborators include companies SITI Company, Critical Mass Performance Group, Four Larks, Cornerstone Theater, Naked Empire Buffon, and directors Alexander Gedeon, Stephanie Havey and Deena Selenow. Her designs for Venus by Suzan-Lori Parks were displayed at the State Historical Museum in Moscow as part of the exhibition “Innovative Costume of the 21st Century: The Next Generation.” Lena was a 2021 CTG Sherwood Award finalist. She has an MFA in Design for Performance from California Institute of the Arts. Lenasands.com

MOLLY ROSE HELLER (Assistant Director) is a lesbian director, playwright, and occasional actor based in NYC. Select directing credits: The Apostle Peter and His Lover John Also An Apostle (Ars Nova ANT Fest), Notes from the Basement (Corkscrew Festival, Watermill Center Residency, Center at West Park, Dixon Place), Lalabala Project (Watermill Center Residency, Performance Project at University Settlement Residency), The Crucible (BEDLAM, SDCF Observership), and Faust 2.0 (Mabou Mines, asst. dir.). As a writer, Molly is currently the Senior Writer at UNSHUT, an immersive episodic experience blending theater, VR/AR, and game design. She was commissioned to write lyrics for the theme song of the award-winning indie web-series “Educated Fleas” and is the book-writer and lyricist for Plath. (FringeNYC, Columbia University). Her acting credits include Design for Living (Berkshire Theatre Group) and Imagining the Imaginary Invalid (La Mama ETC). Molly is a 2022 Member of Directors Lab North, a 2022 Artist-in-Residence at Upper Jay Arts Center’s CA+MP Residency, an alum of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership Program, and a member of the Artist Panel for Jewish Plays Project. In 2022, Molly was named to New York Jewish Week’s “36 to Watch” list, which honors remarkable Jewish innovators. She is a proud SDC Associate Member and member of Actors Equity Association. mollyroseheller.com

MORGAN ZUPANSKI (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her), is excited to be back at the Wallis working on the world premiere of Invincible The Musical. She is a union member of DGA, AEA, and AGMA. Morgan has worked as a stage manager in various genres of entertainment - Everything ranging from an interactive haunted mansion with Neil Patrick Harris to branded immersive experiences at San Diego Comic-Con to mainstage opera productions at LA Opera to commercial venture musicals in 1800 seat roadhouses and the Hollywood Bowl to 99 seat theatre all over the Los Angeles area to competition tv shows, live televised musicals, various corporate gala’s, award shows, conferences, and special televised events like The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Morgan also has her MFA in Stage Management from UC San Diego.

BEN SHIPLEY (Assistant Stage Manager) - National Tour: The Prom, Hamilton (Angelica Tour), Warriors Don’t Cry, The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System, Junie B. Jones. Off-Broadway: The Watering Hole (Signature), 1001 Nights (Atlantic), Don Juan, The Winter’s Tale (The Pearl). Regional: South Coast Rep, New Harmony Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, NYSAF. Alum of Ithaca College. Love and gratitude to Dominic, my family and friends, and this stellar company of collaborators!

ADAM BESKIND (Music Assistant) (he/him) is a New York Citybased music director, pianist, and conductor excited to be making his LA debut with INVINCIBLE! In New York, he has worked on productions at New York City Center, Irish Rep, NYU, Madison Theatre, the cell, and Amas Musical Theatre. Adam is originally from Atlanta, GA and is a proud Duke University alum. Special thanks to Jesse and David, Josh C., the Mandells, and his family and friends for their support and encouragement!

THE TELSEY OFFICE (Casting) With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theater, film, television, and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable, and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability, and advocacy.

ROOSTER PRODUCTIONS (Set Fabrication) is a small, employee-owned scene shop located in Richmond, California. Rooster provides each of its clients with hands-on experience, dedicated service, creative & effective technical solutions to ensure complete realization of design, production and staffing needs. Rooster’s team consists of experienced, multi-disciplinary project managers, scenic carpenters, welders, sculptors, scenic artists and theatre technicians. Rooster’s approach to scenic construction provides innovative solutions that are budget-sensitive, spectacular, and can be delivered as envisioned. Over the years, Rooster’s theatrical client roster has rapidly grown to include many companies ranging such as Des Moines Metro Opera, Center Repertory Theatre, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Festival Opera, Livermore Valley, and the hit productions of Opera San Jose’s Cinderella, being revived in 2022.

ABOUT THE WALLIS

Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is a dynamic cultural hub and community resource where local, national and international artists share their artistry with ever-expanding audiences. The campus, located in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA, is committed to robust and distinctive presentations and education programs curated with both creativity and social impact in mind. Distinguished by its eclectic programming that mirrors the diverse landscape of Los Angeles and its location in the entertainment capital of the world, The Wallis has produced and presented more than 350 theater, dance, music, film, cabaret, conversation, and family entertainment programs since its doors opened in October 2013. Hailed as “au courant” (LaLa Magazine), The Wallis was lauded by Culture Vulture, which proclaims, “If you love expecting the unexpected in the performing arts, you have to love The Wallis.” Its programming has been nominated for 79 Ovation Awards and nine L.A. Drama Critic’s Circle Awards. The campus itself, a breathtaking 70,000- square-foot facility, celebrating the classic and the modern, has garnered six architectural awards. Designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan E. Pali (SPF:architects), the restored building features the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office (on the National Register of Historic Places), which serves as the theater’s dramatic yet welcoming lobby, and includes the contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Bram Goldsmith Theater; the 150-seat Lovelace Studio Theater; an inviting open-air plaza for family, community and other performances; and GRoW @ The Wallis: A Space for Arts Education, where learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds abound. Together, these elements embrace the city’s history and its future, creating a performing arts destination for L.A.-area visitors and residents alike. Michael Nemeroff is Chairman of The Wallis’ Board of Directors.

The Wallis @ a Glance

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

Monday–Friday 10am–6pm @ 310.246.3800 9390 N. Santa Monica Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90210 TheWallis.org

TICKET SERVICES

Monday–Friday 11:30am–6:30pm @ 310.746.4000

During performance dates, Ticket Services will be open two hours before performance time and a half hour after the performance begins. Please note that Ticket Services is unable to process exchanges and future sales one hour prior to curtain time on performance dates.

SAFETY

For the wallis’ current Health & Safety protocols visit TheWallis.org/Safety ACCESS

The Wallis is committed to accommodating and ensuring a pleasant experience for all of our patrons with special needs or disabilities. Please contact Ticket Services, our House Manager or an usher to discuss your needs.

LATE SEATING

Should you arrive late for any performance or need to leave your seat during the performance, please expect to be held in the lobby until an appropriate moment or pause. To minimize any disturbance to other patrons, you may be seated in the first available locations by our staff even if different than your assigned seat locations. Please also be advised that some performances or circumstances may not allow for late seating or return seating.

LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS

The Front of House Staff is happy to provide programs with larger print to patrons upon request.

In The Bram Goldsmith Theater

TELECOIL INDUCTION SYSTEM FOR HEARING ASSISTANCE

A state of the art “hearing loop”—a thin copper wire—has been installed beneath the floor of the orchestra seating in the Bram Goldsmith Theater. For guests wearing a hearing aid with a copper telecoil wire or who have a cochlear implant, the system captures electromagnetic waves and broadcasts signals directly to your hearing aid device. For assistance, please inquire with Patron Services.

Gifted by Virginia and Frank Maas.

QUIET ROOM

The Lynn and Les Bider Family Foundation Quiet Room is available during the performance for patrons who wish or need to step away for a moment. You can still see and hear the performance in progress, but we can’t hear you.



Ambassadors

Les Bider CO-CHAIR

Marc Zachary CO-CHAIR

Betty Hayman HONORARY CO-CHAIR

Ronald D. Rosen BOARD LIAISON TO THE AMBASSADORS

Camille Adar

Laura Alpert

Judy Beckmen

Barbara Belzberg

Dan Clivner

Eunice David

DeeDee Dorskind

Jill Erman

Mimi Alpert Feldman

Judy Flesh

Sonia and Robert Freedman

Anita Dann Friedman

Donna Ellman Garber

Bruce Goldsmith

Carol Goldsmith

Laurie Gordon

Peggy Grauman

Evelyn Heyward

Laurie Konheim

Sandra Krause

Susan and Rick Kurtzman

Deborah Laub

Judi Lawenda

Marlene Leitner

Kathy Liberman

Karen and Walter Loewenstern

Marlene Louchheim

Barbara Marcus

Joanne Mogy

Diane Morton

Ilene Nathan

Harriet Nichols

Suzanne Papaian

Arline and Buddy Pepp

Sandra Karole Peters

Gail D. Peterson

Jane Rascoff

Laurie Rodsky

Barbara Ruben

Wendy and Ken Ruby

Joan Selwyn

Marc Selwyn

Lee Silver

Lisa Sockolov

I. H. Sutnick

Karen Sulzberger and Eric Lax

Andrea Van de Kamp

Stephanie Vahn

Rayni Williams

May Ziman

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WALLIS AMBASSADORS

TheWallis.org/Ambassadors

PLATINUM CIRCLE

Annenberg Foundation/ Wallis Annenberg & Kris Levine

Dan Clivner

The Seattle Foundation/Katharyn A. Gerlich

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation 

Bruce Goldsmith

Peggy Parker Grauman

Los Angeles County Dept. of Arts & Culture Anahita and Jim Lovelace Meeghan and Michael Nemeroff Arline and Buddy Pepp Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

Vanity Fair

GRoW @ Annenberg Foundation/ Gregory Annenberg Weingarten & Family Luanne Wells

The Ahmanson Foundation



GOLD CIRCLE

Camille and Arnon Adar

Ahsan Aijaz

Jacqueline* and Clarence Avant

Leon Lowenstein Foundation/ John M. Bendheim 

Thomas J. Blumenthal

David C. Bohnett

Colburn Foundation

Carol Goldsmith

Chad Hummel and Tara Church Stacey and Donald Kivowitz Agnes Lew

Cathy and Mark Louchheim

Peter Lowy

Nigel Lythgoe OBE Matt Construction Daphna Nazarian Neiman Marcus

Linda May and Jack Suzar

The Estate of Ted and Hedy Orden Halle and Oliver Hammond Vicki Reynolds and Murray Pepper Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Rosenstein

Ruby Family Foundation/ Wendy and Ken Ruby Stephanie and Howard Sherwood 

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

Susan and Peter Strauss

Linda May and Jack Suzar Leon and Stephanie Vahn Jonathan A. Victor May and Richard Ziman



SILVER CIRCLE

Anonymous

City of Beverly Hills

Lynn and Les Bider Family Foundation

Anoosheh Bostani

Capital Group Companies Charitable Foundation Louise and Brad Edgerton Hon. MeraLee Goldman

Betty Hayman

Morris and Shîla Hazan Charitable Fund

Elisabeth and Jeffrey Lipsman

National Endowment for the Arts

Gloria and Richard Pink Koni and Geoffrey Rich

Karen Sulzberger and Eric Lax

Bob Tuttle and Maria Hummer-Tuttle Catherine and Grant Withers



DIRECTORS CIRCLE

Beverly Hills Rotary Community Foundation

Dale Cochran

Bonnie and Ronald Fein

The Feintech Family Foundation

Sonia and Robert Freedman

Helene and Louis Galen Family Foundation

Kiki and David Gindler

Debra Holstein

Ronnie and Barbara Kahn David Lee Foundation

Anu Leemann

Karen and Walter Loewenstern

Virginia and Francis S. Maas

Michal Amir Salkin and Kenneth H. Salkin Ronald and Carole Sasiela Moshe and Helen Sassover

The Selwyn/Wyatt Families

The Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation



ARTISTS CIRCLE

Laura and Harvey Alpert

Judith and Thomas Beckmen

Martha and Barry Berkett

Robert and Elissa Bregman

Consulate General of Israel

Eunice David Mrs. Diane Deshong

Honorable Donna Ellman Garber

Mimi Alpert Feldman

Sandra Krause and William Fitzgerald

Judy O. and Robert T. Flesh

Friars Charitable Foundation

Anita Dann Friedman

Benita and Bert Ginsberg

Lou and Kelly Gonda

Vera and Paul Guerin

Bucky Hazan & Eva Aaronson

Dr. Ariella D. Herman

Susan Howard

Mark and Freya Ivener

Jewish Community Foundation

Laurie and Lyn Konheim

Ronald and Stephanie Kramer

Pamela and Bob Krupka

Tamara and David Lachoff

Deborah Laub and Eddie Israel

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

Barbara and Joel Marcus

Cookie Miller

Joanne Mogy

The Estate of Leah and William Molle

Ann Mulally

Lawrence Murphy

Ilene and Jeff Nathan

Suzanne Papaian

Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts

Jane Rascoff

Ron Rosen and Judi Lawenda

Barbara Ruben

Thomas Safran

Marc Selwyn Fine Arts

Joan and Paul Selwyn

In memory of Gail Silver Lisa Sockolov

Melissa Rosenberg and Lev L. Spiro

Elaine and Ronald Stein

I.H. Sutnick

Elizabeth Topkis Andrea Van de Kamp Rayni Williams  ENTHUSIAST

Robert and Jeanie Anderson

Caherine Glynn Benkaim

David Brecher

Robert and Elissa Bregman

Judy Briskin

Barbara Bruser

Linda Burrow

Rosette Varda Delug

Laura Donnelly

Patricia Feldman

Diane Futterman

Howard Gleicher

Richard and Harriet Gold Dr. Phillip Green and Dr. Neerad Varshney Marty and Eden Halfon Carolyn and Bernard Hamilton Bruce Heymont

Steven Jones

Deborah Bach Kallick

Sally Karbelnig

Patricia Keating and Bruce Hayes

Elodie Keene and Bruce Fortune

Joanne C. Kozberg

Stewart and Grace Krakover

Susan and George Krouse

Renee Kumetz

Pearle Rae & Mark Levey

Cornelius and Andrea Littlejohn Marlene Louchheim

Manatt Phelps & Phillips LLP

Jeannette Mandelbaum

The Marks Family Foundation

Jeanne and Leonard Marks

Frank and Virginia Maas

Charles and Dori Mostov Mahnaz and David Newman

Phylis Nicolayevsky

Lee Ramer

Herbert and Felice Reston Dan Ricketts

Brandi Roth and Bruce Clemens Ann Sunshine

Joel Wachs

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Wallace Janice and Daniel Wallace

Les Weinstein

Richard and Patricia Wilson Keenan Wolens

Hailey Yoo

Marc Zachary

Victoria Zalben Walter Zifkin

THE WALLIS IS THE PROUD RECIPIENT OF GENEROUS SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION FROM

OFFICIAL HOTEL SPONSOR OF THE WALLIS

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Kurt J. Swanson

ACTING CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Christine Bernardi Weil

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Joel Hile

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Erin Mahan

DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Coy Middlebrook

ACTING CHIEF ARTISTIC OFFICER

Manuel Prieto

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Christopher Reardon

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

David Truly

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS

Michelle Wiesel GENERAL MANAGER

Thomas Yamamoto CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

ARTISTIC

Camille Jenkins PROGRAMMING MANAGER

DEVELOPMENT

Summer Grubaugh DONOR EVENTS MANAGER

Loren Hayes INSTITUTIONAL GIVING COORDINATOR

Minh Yin INDIVIDUAL GIVING COORDINATOR

EDUCATION / GROW @ THE WALLIS

Debra Pasquerette

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE AGING PROGRAMS

Rachel Kilroy

EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER

Madeleine Dahm

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

Victoria Kemsley

TEACHING ARTIST, CREATIVE AGING PROGRAM

Michelle Rearick GRAUMAN FELLOWSHIP ADVISOR

Annalise Englert EDUCATION INTERN

MARKETING

Chandra Jackson

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Hannah Burnett

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Libby Huebner

Laura Stegman

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANTS

Nikki DiLoreto MARKETING INTERN

PRODUCTION

Samantha Else PRODUCTION MANAGER

Ojin Kwon

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Lauren Wemischner* LIGHTING SUPERVISOR

Sean Kozma* AUDIO VIDEO SUPERVISOR

Joe Skowronski* LIGHTING COORDINATOR

Joyce Maddox PRODUCTION ADMINISTRATOR

Bryant Heatherly PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Vanessa Mejia PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER

Emily Bisno

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CEO

FACILITIES

Roland Henriquez

FACILITIES MANAGER

TICKET SERVICES

Jacob Houser

ASSISTANT TICKET SERVICES MANAGER

Tori Long

TICKET OPERATIONS SPECIALIST

Eric Latham

Kevin Pass

Bradley Roa SENIOR TICKET SERVICES ASSOCIATES

FRONT OF HOUSE

Bryan Puckett

AUDIENCE SERVICES MANAGER

Nick Johnson

Piatrice Shekerjian HOUSE MANAGERS

Laura Long

Ann McDowell

Timm Carney GRAND HALL GREETERS

USHERS

Ruby Arreguin

Diana Borja

Annabel Chick

Jacqueline Colindres-Paz Jacqui Creekmore

Judith Halle

Ruby Layne

Adam Linde

Itzhak Matos

Rachael Neinast

Charlie Pinel

James Poulin

Liv Robertson

Jade Robinson

Deb Steckler

WARNING: The photographic or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographic or sound recording inside the theater, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punishable by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages.

The City of Beverly Hills collects both waste refuse and recyclables in the same container.

* The noted staff employed by The Wallis are members of the IATSE union.

DESIGN

In Hidden Hills, Kelly Schandel’s minimalist spaces showcase the natural environment and, opposite, the architecture of Wil Carson.

MODERATED MODERNISM

Designer Kelly Schandel brings warmth to her unabashedly minimalist aesthetic with nuanced natural materials.

by ROGER GRODY

INTERIOR DESIGNER KELLY Schandel, creative director and principal at Thinkpure, is an unapologetic mod ernist who believes that sharp edges and minimalist instincts need not result in austere environments.

A “warm modernism” is the signature of the Santa Monica-based firm, founded by Schandel in 2003; her portfolio demonstrates the designer’s ability to create compelling spaces without overcomplicating them.

Schandel’s design philosophy did not have its genesis in an art-school classroom, but in the fashion industry, when she was working in public relations for Calvin Klein in New York.

The apparel icon had just opened his groundbreaking Madison Avenue flagship, designed by British minimalist John Pawson. That, and Klein’s pared-down home col lection, inspired Schandel to immerse herself in modern design and ultimately switch careers.

“What I gleaned from my love of minimalism was a purity of design, that every element is thoughtful, purposeful and has utility,” says Schandel, who doesn’t

share the penchant of some design ers to add layer upon layer for show. She does, however, appreciate traditional architecture, and views her modernism as complementing it, rather than competing with it.

“We work on homes of all dif ferent architectural styles, and the

modern interiors we bring to them create an interesting juxtaposition,” says Schandel. She believes that balance is particularly well executed by French architect/designer Joseph Dirand, who integrates bold, modern interiors into some of Paris’ most classical residential buildings.

In Beverlywood, dramatic lighting from Milan’s Six Gallery and, below, kitchen with Muuto pendants.

“The best way to bring warmth to modernism is through natural stones and woods with interesting veining or graining,” says Schandel, adding that metals with unexpected carbon or bronze finishes can also be effective in tempering the aesthetics of a modern space.

Though Schandel prefers white walls, considering them ideal for showcasing art, she also appreci ates the subtle infusion of color that plaster-finished walls provide.

Though indoor-outdoor living has always been important in Southern California, Schandel notes, “The pandemic made the focus on the home even greater ... creating that dynamic is even more critical now.”

Uniform flooring material indoors and out makes the transition between them even more seamless.

In one Pacific Palisades home,

DESIGN but approachable aesthetics enhanced the architecture of modernist Wil Carson of 64North.

Schandel maximizes the indoor-outdoor life style with a floorplan by Warren Wagner of W3 Architects, incorporating the natural materials that bring warmth to her brand of modernism.

In a Beverlywood home designed by celebrated modern architect Hagy Belzberg, Schandel's signature purity of design accommodated an observant Jewish family —even making a kosher kitchen look sexy.

In the Hidden Hills home of a prominent pro fessional athlete and his family, interiors resulting from her sophisticated

The occupants enjoy Schandel’s clean-lined kitchen, where a pair of massive quartzite-clad islands complement blonde wire-brushed white oak cabinets; the materiality of blackened bronze pendants also generates interest.

Thinkpure’s clientele is very diverse, according to Schandel.

“The concepts of purity of design and the home as a sanctuary resonate with our clients,” she says. “Some designers focus on the home as a showplace. Our clients appreciate the

sense of calm that our design aesthetic offers.”

Conceiving flashy environments is not what drives Schandel, yet her principled approach to minimalism often results in the very wow factor

that preoccupies her more trend-conscious peers.

Thinkpure, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Building T4B, Santa Monica, 310.828.1112, thinkpure.com

Los Angeles Jewish Health is Energizing Senior Life!

The evolution of our name from the Los Angeles Jewish Home to Los Angeles Jewish Health reflects the full spectrum of our comprehensive, awardwinning programs and services. Los Angeles Jewish Health has grown from a group of caring neighbors providing shelter, to a leading non-profit senior care organization.

Our mission remains the same: to deliver excellence in senior care for all, rooted in Jewish values. With more than 100 years of trusted care, we meet you where you are in life to provide a customized experience that’s right for you.

• PACE

•

• Hospice & Palliative Care

•

• Nursing School

• Geriatric Health

• Memory Care

Ochre chandelier and Robert Longo art in the Palisades

THE SORAYA IS

All Is Calm

Wed Dec 7 | 8pm

All Is Calm:

The Christmas Truce of 1914 Sat Dec 10 | 8pm & Sun Dec 11 | 3pm Nochebuena

Sat Dec 17 | 7pm

Alton Brown Live!

Beyond The Eats: The Holiday Variant

Sun Dec 18 | 7pm

London Handel Players

A Baroque Christmas

Sat Jan 21 | 8pm

Fela! The Concert

Thu Jan 26 | 8pm

Hélène Grimaud Plays Silvestrov and Mozart with Wild Up Christopher Rountree, Music Director and Conductor

Fela! The Concert

Hélène Grimaud with Wild Up

London Handel Players

San Laurel at the Conrad Los Angeles, center, over looks Disney Hall. Below: Vermicelli “Mac n’ Cheese” with fideos pasta, Idiazabal cheese and chanterelles

TAPAS WITH A VIEW

Humanitarian and Michelin-lauded chef José Andrés channels flavors of the Iberian Peninsula at San Laurel in the Conrad Los Angeles hotel. / BY

Andrés is perched inside the Conrad Los Angeles hotel.

It’s nearing the golden hour, the time of day when sunlight creates dreamy lighting ideal for photos.

JENN TANAKA /

The 28-story Conrad Los Angeles shares the towering Grand L.A. —also designed by Gehry—with luxury apartments and three new José Andrés dining concepts.

“I’ve never seen downtown Los Angeles like this,” exclaims a gentleman dining on the patio at new San Laurel downtown. The SpanishCalifornia restaurant by chef José

The San Laurel patio overlooks Walt Disney Concert Hall; the pic ture-perfect vantage allows diners to marvel at the Frank Gehrydesigned edifice, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Disney Hall is adjacent to The Broad con temporary art museum and across from Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Andrés is lauded for more than his inventive work in the kitchen.

Time Magazine has included him on its “100 Most Influential People” list—twice. Accolades by the James Beard Foundation have included Humanitarian of the Year as well as Outstanding Chef. He owns ThinkFoodGroup and founded World

HOTEL COURTESY HILTON; FOOD PHOTOS JENN TANAKA

DINING

Central Kitchen, featured in the Ron Howard docu mentary We Feed People

Andrés has aligned himself with chefs and restaurant-industry pro fessionals around the globe to feed those most in need. He assists in Ukraine and organizes aid after natural disasters.

Every action for the chef is intentional. That includes closing his muchlauded dining concepts in Beverly Hills and opening new ones downtown—a way for Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup to revi talize the district, which has struggled to recover from the pandemic.

San Laurel evokes a relaxed and inviting atmo sphere, a place to gather. The main dining room opens up to the patio and its unparalleled perform ing-arts-district views; blankets are provided on request. Tables and chairs are a light wood with pops of sage green.

The San Laurel vision: the flavors of Spain through a California lens and a menu driven by tapas that are ideally shared with a group.

The Coca Idiazábal is a delicate olive oil cracker imported from Spain topped with snowy whis pers of Idiazábal cheese. It’s best enjoyed with the jamón Ibérico de bellota

cinco jotas, thinly sliced ham from acorn-fed, black-footed Spanish pigs.

A chilled lobster sal picón—thin slices of the crustacean interspersed with cucumber, tomato, green peppers and salsa rosa—is a delicate “salad” melding the coastal flavors of California and Spain.

Discover Aldik Home

Diners tend to take a solo approach to main courses.

Flavors of the sea also emerge in dishes such as the sizzling head-on shrimp with garlic slivers and drizzles of olive oil, and the striped bass with mussel-saffron sauce and fire-roasted leeks.

Lobster salpicón at San Laurel

Photo: Reed Hutchinson

DINING

Not to be missed are rack of lamb with cumincarrot puree and lemon confit, and seared duck breast with parsnip latkes.

Garnishes for the main dishes can be somewhat sparse; diners are encour aged to order side dishes, similar to the format at a steakhouse.

Elevated with Spanish influences, the vermi celli “mac ‘n’ cheese’’ is a very grown-up version of the dish inspired by the Iberian peninsula. Traditional ingredients are replaced with with fideos pasta, Idiazábal cheese and bits of chanterelle mixed in an egg-yolk sauce and topped with crispy shallots.

San Laurel’s food, view and location make the restaurant nothing short of ideal for lovers of the performing arts. Two- or three-course pre-theater menus accommodate those limited on time.

But the best way to enjoy San Laurel is to luxuriate on the patio with one’s friends while watch ing the sunset, toasting life with glasses of chilled Spanish white wine and a generous array of tapas ... and perhaps an extra Coca Idiazábal.

Conrad Los Angeles, 100 S. Grand Ave., 10th floor, downtown, 213.349.8585, sanlaurel.com

FEATURE

/CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

rhythm, history, spiritual ity, and it tells a story of a whole culture. So you are not talking about this dance, but a form of communication. And when we practice and when we perform, we’re not performing moves, we’re hoping to com municate with something bigger than us.”

Ramaswamy was born in Minneapolis, and her mother and sister in India; she uses her classes to encourage artists who are immigrants or firstgeneration Americans to embrace and connect with their homelands’ cul tural heritage. “I’ve gotten some great feedback from immigrant students grap pling with how to live in this country,” she says.

In his classes, McKinny says, “I love watching people figure things out. I think most of teaching is about giving the space

and context for people to come to an understanding on their own. Being able to be a part of that in real time, then following artists who grow year after year, is incredibly rewarding.”

The education extends to non-students when classes are open to the public, fostering a deeper appreciation of the par ticular art and, hopefully, encouraging people to attend performances.

And the teachers of the master classes say they learn from and are inspired by their students.

“I’m asked questions which had never occurred to me, and when asked how I do something, I’m often required to reflect in a very stimulating way,” Conlon says. “Seeing the depth and quantity of exceptionally talented young people who popu late our world today is inspiring, and encouraging for the future.”

Bass-baritone Ryan McKinny

reprogrammed !

Performances

Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

REGISTER

Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!

NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees . . . 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.

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

SIGN IN Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.

THE PLAYERS

Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.

WHAT’S ON

What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.

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 defores tation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for land fills. 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