AUGUST 2022
FANDANGO FOR BUTTERFLIES (AND COYOTES) Begins August 30
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KRISTINA WONG, SWEATSHOP OVERLORD Begins September 20
INNOVATION NIGHT October 3, 2022
Scan to access digital program
7/6/22 3:15 PM
Steps from the rady shell at jacobs park
Hudson & Nash infuses casual California coastal dining with a burst of sun-soaked energy, creating an experience that is both familiar and deliciously brand new. Take a road trip from Baja to the Bay without leaving your seat with shareable menu items created from the freshest regional ingredients, and sip on one of dozens of San Diego’s best craft beers or hand-crafted cocktails. Bask in gorgeous waterfront views and embrace the unmatched positive vibes classic to San Diego. Hudson & Nash invites you to take the long way home- after all,
shortcuts miss the view. Open daily for lunch, dinner & late night. 1 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 +1 619 321 4284 hudsonandnash.com hudsonandnashsd hudsonandnashsd
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MAGAZINE
contents P1 Program Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes, donors and more.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY THE INN AT THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO; COURTESY BALBOA PARK; JENNIFER HUDSON / COURTESY PRESS PHOTO
4 In the Wings Comic-Con Museum’s new exhibit; Broadway’s The Lion King; August concerts at The Shell; Cabaret at Cygnet Theatre; and more.
10 Feature: Balboa Park Spotlight
Stephanie Thompson gives us a tour of some artsy happenings in Balboa Park this month: Nat at Night, Spreckels Organ Pavilion concerts and more.
13 Travel The birthplace of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano is enjoying its own rebirth, thanks to its first luxury hotel and three of the county’s hottest new restaurants.
24 Parting Shot The historical Casa Del Prado Theater, home to the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet.
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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 1
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MAGAZINE
Elevate Your Experience
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2 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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Season 41 ANNOUNCING
NORTH COAST REP | 2022-2023
SEP 7 – OCT 2, 2022 WORLD PREMIERE
OCT 19 – NOV 13, 2022 SAN DIEGO PREMIERE
JAN 11 – FEB 5, 2023
MARCH 1 – 26, 2023
APRIL 19 – MAY 14, 2023 WORLD PREMIERE
JUNE 7 – JULY 2, 2023 WEST COAST PREMIERE
JULY 19 – AUG 13, 2023
DEC 7, 2022 – JAN 1, 2023
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Buy 7 shows for the price of 6 with our 7-play subscription package! (2 PIANOS 4 HANDS not included in subscription package.)
NORTH COAST REP tickets (858) 481-1055 | northcoastrep.org
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IN TH E W I N G S
CONCERTS
From Jazz Legends to Jennifer Hudson . . . THE AUGUST LINEUP of concerts at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is packed with so many incredible musicians—from collaborative shows with San Diego Symphony to standalone performances— that we simply can’t name them all. Beginning mid-month, a few highlights include: “Trombone Shorty’s Voodoo Threauxdown,” a mini-festival spotlighting the history of New Orleans music, on Aug. 14; Pink Martini, performing with the Symphony on Aug. 18; and the Gypsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes on Aug. 21. Maestro Rafael Payare conducts the Symphony in “Tchaikovsky’s
Symphonic Tales” on Aug. 26; with George Benson, WAR and the Commodores all perfoming on one stage on Aug. 27. Triplethreat Jennifer Hudson—the winner of two Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and Emmy Award—joins the Symphony for a special concert on Aug. 28. And save the date for Sept. 4, when the 15-member Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra—led by renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis—will take over The Shell’s stage for an electrifying evening. (See website for full lineup of August shows.) 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804, theshell.org
BROADWAY’S TIMELESS TREASURE RETURNS 4 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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(L-R) PIPER FERGUSON; DEEN VAN MEER
BROADWAY
(L-R) PIPER FERGUSON; DEEN VAN MEER
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Bradley Gibson as Simba in a past production of The Lion King. Opposite: Wynton Marsalis.
BROADWAY SAN DIEGO presents the world’s top reigning musical … and its most beloved. Seen by more than 100 million people around the globe, Disney’s The Lion King has won six Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” The powerhouse creative team behind this latest installment includes Tony Award-
winning director Julie Taymor and Tony-winning choreographer Garth Fagan; with the musical’s timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice. Based on the 1994 Disney animated film and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, the family-friendly production takes us to the Serengeti in Africa, where we meet a young
lion named Simba—whose father dies in a tragic “accident” staged by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar. As the rightful heir to the throne, Simba must face his fears and overtake his enemies, which include notoriously heinous hyenas. Aug. 24-Sept. 11, San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown, broadwaysd.com
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IN TH E W I N G S
Art by Carmen Argote, MCASD Downtown; Spider-Man exhibit, Comic-Con Museum.
MUSEUMS
Int Ce off lus eff
DID YOU KNOW the character created by Marvel’s Stan Lee and Steve Ditko first came to life in 1962? Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition is now on view at ComicCon Museum. The immersive experience features large character photo stations, including a life-size, upside-down Spider-Man; neverbefore-seen, original comic art; and movie props showing his evolution into a global icon. 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.546.9073
Three exhibits are now on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) Downtown: Carmen Argote: Filtration System for a Process-Based Practice, featuring works by Los Angeles-based artist Carmen Argote; The Reason for the Neutron Bomb, with works by Chris Burden and Byron Kim; and Figurative Vocabularies: Selections from the Collection, MCASD’s latest painting acquisitions. 1100 Kettner Blvd., downtown, 858.454.3541
FROM TOP: RIYO STUDIO FOR MCASD; COURTESY COMIC-CON MUSEUM
Notable New Exhibits
3080
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FROM TOP: RIYO STUDIO FOR MCASD; COURTESY COMIC-CON MUSEUM
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IN TH E W I N G S
Cast of En Garde Arts’ Fandango; Bart Shatto in The Remarkable Mister Holmes. THEATER
DETECTIVE SHERLOCK HOLMES and his new assistant sleuth their way through 1890s London in North Coast Rep’s world premiere of The Remarkable Mister Holmes; the musical comedy/murder mystery runs through Aug. 21. In Cygnet Theatre’s hit musical Cabaret—extended to Sept. 4 at Old Town Theatre—we follow an American writer and a troubled cabaret singer who performs at the Kit Kat Club in Berlin, which is soon to be taken over by Nazis. The Old Globe brings us Dial M For Murder, through Aug. 28. The world-premiere adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher is a new version of Hitchcock’s murder-mystery thriller; Stafford Arima directs. La Jolla Playhouse presents Fandango for Butterflies (and Coyotes), Aug. 30-Sept. 25. A group of Latin American immigrants, gathered at an NYC community center, are faced with fears of a city ICE raid.
FROM TOP: MARIA BARANOVA; AARON RUMLEY
Murder Mysteries & More
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WORLD PREMIERE
JULY 20 – AUG 21 London 1890s. A string of baffling crimes challenges the world’s most notorious detective Sherlock Holmes and his new assistant. Not only do they sleuth and scrutinize — but they also sing! Fast-paced, outrageous, and irreverent; a loving homage to the original Arthur Conan Doyle tales. This world premiere musical will thrill theatre lovers and Sherlock buffs alike. BOOK BY OMRI SCHEIN & DAVID ELLENSTEIN LYRICS BY OMRI SCHEIN MUSIC BY DANIEL LINCOLN DIRECTED BY DAVID ELLENSTEIN
WORLD PREMIERE
SEPT 7 – OCT 2
FROM TOP: MARIA BARANOVA; AARON RUMLEY
This World Premiere comedic fantasy transforms a ski resort during the off-season into a strangely magical environment of self-discovery. Playwright Richard Strand (of last season’s smash-hit, Ben Butler) poses questions of identity and perception in this funny and insightful new work. You will find yourself laughing out loud and simultaneously examining the hopes and dreams of your own life experiences. A joyous night at the theatre. DIRECTED BY DAVID ELLENSTEIN
NORTH COAST REP tickets (858) 481-1055 | northcoastrep.org
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FEATUR E
BEAT the HEAT at BALBOA PARK Artsy Wonders Await in August at San Diego’s “Crown Jewel”
WHEN THE HEAT IS ON AND THE BEACHES ARE crowded, our city’s 1,200-acre gem of an urban park beckons. Its 17 museums and myriad gardens provide a respite for weary tourists and jaded locals alike. From San Diego history to model trains to dinosaurs to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, there’s something to please everyone in Balboa Park. Following are just a few happenings to check out in the park in August. The Mingei International Museum—an eclectic outpost that celebrates human creativity through folk art, craft and design—is one of many cultural institutions in the city that used the downtime of the pandemic shutdown wisely. Almost a year ago, Mingei
completed a fabulous renovation that added tons of gallery space, a cafe and an outdoor patio. On view through the summer: Colorful Culture: African Beads, curated by Camille Bethune-Brown. The exhibit spotlights Mingei’s collection of beads and bead objects from across the continent of Africa. Beads are found all over Africa, and many African communities use them as part of a multilayered communication system. More than anywhere else in the world, beaded objects and adornment reflect the many contrasting lifestyles and cultural heritage of African societies. Also on view through Aug. 28 in the Mingei’s Taylor Gallery are treasures of /CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
FROM TOP: F11 PHOTO; WORKS BY MOSES / COURTESY MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
by STEPHANIE THOMPSON
10 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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FROM TOP: F11 PHOTO; WORKS BY MOSES / COURTESY MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
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7/7/22 12:56 PM
The Artistic Director’s Circle
Season Sponsors
Denise & Lon Bevers Theodor S. & Audrey S. Geisel Fund Jeanne Herberger Joan & Irwin Jacobs Sheri L. Jamieson La Atalaya Fund Rebecca Moores Foundation Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Weston Anson - In Loving Memory of Susan Bailey Anson, Michael Bartell & Melissa Garfield Bartell, Gail & Ralph Bryan, Brian & Silvija Devine, Edgerton Foundation, The Estate of Pauline Foster, Lynn Gorguze & The Honorable Scott Peters, Kay & Bill Gurtin, Debby & Hal Jacobs, Lynelle & William Lynch, Perlmeter Family Foundation, The Conrad Prebys Foundation, Karen & Jeffrey Silberman, Steven Strauss & Lise Wilson, Molli Wagner, Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust
JULY 26 – AUGUST 21, 2022 PRODUCTION SPONSORS
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P1
La Jolla Playhouse’s 2022/2023 subscription season is dedicated to Audrey S. Geisel.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Dear Friends, When I began my tenure as artistic director at La Jolla Playhouse in 2007, the very first show I programmed was 33 Variations, Moisés Kaufman’s gorgeous play about a musicologist searching for the meaning behind Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations. The Playhouse’s relationship with Moisés and his fantastic company, Tectonic Theater Project, predates me – he directed I Am My Own Wife (the Pulitzer Prizeand Tony Award-winning play that launched the Playhouse’s Page to Stage program in 2001) and Tectonic’s production of The Laramie Project before I arrived – and he has returned to the Playhouse many times since. I am proud that the Playhouse has remained an artistic home for him and Tectonic, a company with a rich history of devising urgent theatrical works. Like 33 Variations, Here There Are Blueberries, co-written by Moisés and fellow Tectonic company member Amanda Gronich, is about the search for meaning behind a cultural artifact – albeit a much darker one. The archivists at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are charged with uncovering the significance of an album of World War II-era photographs donated to the museum in 2007. What makes these photos so indelible and chilling is precisely that they capture activities that are so banal, so quotidian. Blueberries sidesteps the typical question that arises when we consider unspeakable atrocities – how could such unadulterated evil exist? – in favor of an adjacent and much more compelling question: how can that kind of evil co-exist so seamlessly with the mundane, everyday life of the perpetrators? We are in the process of losing our last direct connections to Holocaust survivors, while an alarmingly high percentage of Americans are unaware of what Auschwitz was. This is why I find Here There Are Blueberries especially important in this moment: it not only examines this story through a fresh and unique lens, it also invites us to consider our own ability to be complicit in – or indifferent to – atrocities that are unfolding around us now.
CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT La Jolla Playhouse acknowledges the land on which our theatres sit as the unceded territory of the KUMEYAAY NATION. Today, the Kumeyaay people continue to maintain their political sovereignty and cultural traditions as vital members of the San Diego community. Their contributions to our region are tremendous and we thank them for their stewardship. P2 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS Christopher Ashley The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse
Debby Buchholz Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse
BY
MOISÉS KAUFMAN AND AMANDA GRONICH CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY
MOISÉS KAUFMAN
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT FEATURING
SCOTT BARROW*, CHARLES BROWNING*, NOAH KEYISHIAN‡, SABRINA LIU‡, ROSINA REYNOLDS*, JEANNE SAKATA*, ELIZABETH STAHLMANN*, CHARLIE THURSTON*, FRANCES UKU*, GRANT JAMES VARJAS* SCENIC DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN SOUND DESIGN PROJECTION DESIGN DRAMATURG INTIMACY AND SENSITIVITY SPECIALIST CASTING STAGE MANAGER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER GENERAL MANAGER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
DEREK MCLANE DEDE AYITE DAVID LANDER BOBBY MCELVER DAVID BENGALI AMY MARIE SEIDEL ANN JAMES TBD CASTING CO.; STEPHANIE YANKWITT, CSA JACOLE KITCHEN LORA K. POWELL* JACOB RUSSELL* BENJAMIN SEIBERT RYAN MEISHEID ERIC KEEN-LOUIE
DEVISED WITH SCOTT BARROW, AMY MARIE SEIDEL, FRANCES UKU, GRANT JAMES VARJAS, AND THE MEMBERS OF TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT HERE THERE ARE BLUEBRRIES was originally commissioned and developed by Tectonic Theater Project Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director & Matt Joslyn, Executive Director HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES is the winner of the 2021 Theater J Trish Vradenburg Jewish Play Prize. Adam Immerwahr, Artistic Director; David Lloyd Olson, Managing Director This play had its first workshop production at Miami New Drama's Colony Theater, Miami Beach, May, 2018 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P3
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THE CAST (in alphabetical order)
Karl Höcker and others............................................................................................................................Scott Barrow* Peter Wirths and others.................................................................................................................. Charles Browning* Judy Cohen and others......................................................................................................................Rosina Reynolds* Melita Maschmann and others............................................................................................................Jeanne Sakata* Rebecca Erbelding and others.................................................................................................... Elizabeth Stahlmann* Rainer Höss and others......................................................................................................................Charlie Thurston* Charlotte Schünzel and others.................................................................................................................. Frances Uku* Tilman Taube and others.............................................................................................................. Grant James Varjas* Here There Are Blueberries will be performed without an intermission.
UNDERSTUDIES Sabrina Liu‡
Noah Keyishian‡
Understudies are never substituted for listed roles unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
ADDITIONAL STAFF Creative Producer........................................................Matt Joslyn
Costume Design Assistant..............................Katherine Paulsen
Associate Director...........................................Amy Marie Seidel
Rehearsal Head Electrician.............................................Alex Cluff
Associate Scenic Designer................................Andrew Bellomo
Rehearsal Video Engineer........................................Stephan Hoyt
Associate Lighting Designer....................... Molly Tiede-Schroer
Rehearsal Audio Engineer..........................................Daniel Silva
Associate Projection Designer...........................Jacqueline Reed
Projections Content Development.................... Ted Boyce-Smith
Associate Projection Designer...........................Elizabeth Barrett
Stage Management Assistant................................Jared Halsell‡
Assistant Scenic Design Resident...................Michael Wogulis‡
Stage Management Assistant............................. Gillian Lelchuk‡
‡
People and Culture Consultants..... Cornerstone Consulting HR
Assistant Sound Design Resident...................Salvador Zamora
Assistant Costume Designer.....Jean-Luc Raimond Deladurantaye
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS La Jolla Playhouse and Tectonic Theater Project gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the following individuals and organizations without whose support this production would not have been possible. SCHOLARS: Dr. Christophe Busch • Dr. Judy Cohen • Ron Coleman • Dr. Rebecca Erbelding • Dr. Stefan Hördler • Jerome Kohn • Dr. Astrid Ley Dr. David Marwell • Dr. Paul Salmons • Paweł Sawicki • Dr. Piotr Sietkiewicz • Dr. Haim Shaked • Dr. Maiken Umbach • Thorsten Wagner. ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics • Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum • Topography of Terror Museum Miami New Drama • Theater J • The Public Theater • New York Theatre Workshop • Sound Associates, Inc. Production Resource Group • DNB Design, Inc. COLLABORATORS: Annabell Capper • Will Carlyon • Dana Colagiovanni • Larry Frenock • Catherine Gowl • Michel Hausmann • Zena Hinds Steve Jones • Jeffrey LaHoste • Mairin Lee • Bree Luck • Jose Pelegri • Barbara Pitts McAdam • Hayden Mueller • Almut Schoenfeld • Kelli Simpkins Jayson Speters • Olivier Sultan • Gabriel Szajnert SUPPORTERS: Michael P.N.A. Hormel • Benjamin Lowy • Ruth Fisher • Perry McKay • SHS Foundation • The Schoellkopf Family Foundation Amy Stursberg • Gretchen Tibbits • The Howard Gilman Foundation • The Shubert Foundation • David Goldman & Debbie Bisno Vivien & Jeffrey Ressler • The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust • Lois Whitman • New York State Council on the Arts NYC Department of Cultural Affairs • The National Endowment for the Arts
P4 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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THE COMPANY SCOTT BARROW*, Karl Höcker and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: 33 Variations. Off-Broadway: Valhalla (dir. Christopher Ashley), Peter and the Starcatcher (NYTW), Embraceable Me (The Acorn), Dr. Knock (The Mint), Honky (Urban Stages). Regional: Arena Stage, Cincinnati Rep, GeVa, Hartford Stage, Arkansas Rep, Trinity Rep, Ahmanson, The Arden, Commonwealth Shakespeare, NJ Shakespeare, Shakespeare and Company, Studio Theatre, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, New Rep, Olney, Portland Stage, The Wilma, etc. Also with Tectonic: The Laramie Project Cycle, Uncommon Sense and Treatment and Data (in development). Scott is an author on the company's book on their devising methodology, Moment Work, and a senior teacher with Tectonic. M.F.A. from Brandeis University.
ROSINA REYNOLDS*, Judy Cohen and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Local and regional actor and director. Selected regional credits include: Sea of Tranquility, Romeo and Juliet, Trojan Women, (The Old Globe); 33 Variations (TheatreWorks); Love in American Times (San Jose Rep); Steel Magnolias (La Mirada Theatre). San Diego Theatre: Favorites include Iron (Roustabouts Theatre); Angels in America, Hay Fever, The Vortex, The Glass Menagerie, Arcadia, Little Foxes, Copenhagen (Cygnet Theatre); Golda's Balcony (New Village Arts); Uncanny Valley, Doubt (San Diego Rep); Wit (North Coast Rep); Lettice & Lovage (Lambs Players Theatre); Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Renaissance Theatre Company). Director of over 30 productions. Founding Artistic Director of Chequamegon Children’s Theatre, now in its 35th year.
CHARLES BROWNING*, Peter Wirths and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: How I Learned to Drive. Off-Broadway: In the Southern Breeze (Rattlestick), 2019 Pulitzer Prize winner Fairview (Soho Rep, TFANA, Berkeley Rep) Drama Desk nominee, Classical Theater of Harlem, Classic Stage Company; The Piano Lesson, Dreamgirls (Gallery Players). Regional: Virginia Stage Company, Arrow Rock Lyceum, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare. TV: Hulu’s MONSTERLAND. Film: Atrabilious (upcoming). Education: Columbia University (M.F.A.), DePaul University.
JEANNE SAKATA*, Melita Maschmann and others La Jolla Playhouse: Blood Wedding. Off-Broadway: Do You Feel Anger? (Vineyard Theatre); Macbeth (The Public). Selected Regional: Calligraphy (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley); Romeo & Juiet: A Requiem, A Single Shard (People’s Light); The House of Bernarda Alba, King Richard II (Mark Taper Forum); The First Picture Show (Mark Taper Forum, American Conservatory Theatre); Last of the Suns (Berkeley Rep); Red (Intiman Theatre, East West Players; Theatre LA Ovation Award, Best Lead Actress). Selected TV: Station 19, NCIS Hawai’i, Magnum P.I., Hit Monkey, High School Musical: The Musical, NCIS Los Angeles. Playwright: Hold These Truths (Arena Stage, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Pasadena Playhouse, Guthrie Theatre, ACT Seattle and more; Drama Desk nomination, Outstanding Solo Performance). JeanneSakata.com
NOAH KEYISHIAN‡, Understudy is a third-year M.F.A. acting candidate at UC San Diego. UC San Diego credits: Hells Canyon, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Twelfth Night, Prepared, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Theater credits: Are You There? (Humana Festival of New American Plays); Tell the Truth, A Christmas Carol, Dracula, The Brief History of Francois Le Chou Chou (Actors Theatre of Louisville); and Favors (Manhattan Repertory Theater). Film credits: Happy Yummy Chicken, That Thing I Had That One Time, Status-Driven, Sasquatch, Separation Celebration, Wax Lover’s Playlist. SABRINA LIU‡, Understudy La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Regional: Electra (National Women’s Theatre Festival). UC San Diego credits: Hells Canyon, Everybody, Twelfth Night, End Days, Town Hall. Education: UC San Diego M.F.A. candidate.
ELIZABETH STAHLMANN*, Rebecca Erbelding and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Slave Play. Regional: Slave Play (Center Theatre Group); Grounded (Westport Country Playhouse; CT Critics Circle Award); The Humans, The Cake (The Alley Theatre); The Acting Company (three national tours); The Guthrie Theater; Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater. TV: City on a Hill, The Equalizer, Law & Order: SVU. Graduate of University of MN/Guthrie Theater (B.F.A.), Yale School of Drama (M.F.A.). CHARLIE THURSTON*, Rainer Höss and others. La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Charlie is an actor and playwright who splits his time between NYC and Providence, RI, where he is a member of the resident acting company at Trinity Rep. Charlie is also a founding company member of The Williams Project – a living wage theatre company based in Seattle, WA. Other credits: A.R.T., Goodspeed Musicals, Fault Line Theatre, Cleveland Play House, The Arden, Baltimore Center Stage and more. Selected Film/TV credits: Life Itself, Dexter, Boston Stranger (2023), FinestKind (2023). He plays Roland in the HBOMax series Julia. Education: M.F.A. Brown University/Trinity Rep. PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P5
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THE COMPANY FRANCES UKU*, Charlotte Schünzel and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut! Regional: Debut! Other theatre credits: Richard II and Macbeth (Independent Shakespeare Company), and workshops of new plays with Tectonic Theater Project and LAByrinth Theater Company. TV sitcoms: Girlfriends, Little America. Host of World Music on LinkTV. Training: M.F.A. from the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard, improv at The Second City Conservatory. francesuku.com. For Jools. GRANT JAMES VARJAS*, Tilman Taube and others La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Off-Broadway: Twelve Dreams (Lincoln Center); The Common Pursuit (Roundabout Theatre); 33 to Nothing (Wild Project). Regional: The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window (Goodman Theatre), 33 Variations (CTG Ahmanson Theatre). Film: The Laramie Project (HBO). Television: Sex and the City, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Chicago P.D. Tectonic Theater Project Company member and Senior Teaching Artist. AMANDA GRONICH, Co-Author has devoted her career to bringing non-fiction stories to the stage and screen. An Emmy-nominated scriptwriter, she created dozens of hours of top-rated series and specials for diverse broadcast networks, including Discovery Channel, History Channel and Science Channel. Over a ten-year career in television, she worked as a lead series writer for National Geographic Television and became the Supervising Senior Writer at Hoff Productions. Prior to this, Ms. Gronich was a charter member of Tectonic Theater Project, where she directed the company's Toronto production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde and was one of the group of artists who traveled to Wyoming and co-created The Laramie Project, later made into an HBO film. Currently, she works as a playwright and a script development consultant in theater and documentary television. She also teaches interviewbased storytelling as a Lead Teaching Artist at the Moment Work Institute, using techniques she developed as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Graduate Program in Educational Theatre, City College New York. She is at work founding a non-fiction play development institute. In addition, a book about her original play-devising methods will be released by SIU Press.
MOISÉS KAUFMAN, Co-Author/Director Broadway credits include Paradise Square (10 Tony nominations), the recent revival of Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song, Rajiv Joseph’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo with Robin Williams, as well as the Playhouse-developed productions of 33 Variations with Jane Fonda (writer/director; Tony Award nomination for Best Play, Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award) and Doug Wright’s I Am My Own Wife (Obie Award, Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Award nominations). West End: Gross Indecency (writer/director, Gielgud Theatre); I Am My Own Wife (Duke of York's Theatre); This Is How It Goes by Neil LaBute (Donmar Warehouse). OffBroadway/Regional: One Arm by Tennessee Williams (Tectonic Theater Project/The New Group); The Laramie Project (writer/ director; Theater in the Square, Drama Desk nomination); The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later (writer/director; Alice Tully Hall); Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (writer/ director; Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play, Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play and the Joe A. Callaway Award for Direction); Macbeth with Liev Schreiber (Delacorte Theater); Master Class with Rita Moreno (Berkeley Repertory Theatre). Opera: El Gato Con Botas (New Victory Theater). Film/TV: The Laramie Project (HBO; two Emmy nominations for writing and directing, Opening Night Selection at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, National Board of Review Award, the Humanitas Prize); The L Word. Mr. Kaufman is the Artistic Director of Tectonic Theater Project and a Guggenheim Fellow in Playwriting and an Obie Award winner. DEREK MCLANE, Scenic Design La Jolla Playhouse: 33 Variations, Harmony. Broadway designs include: MJ, The Michael Jackson Musical, Moulin Rouge! (Tony Award), Soldier’s Play, American Son, Parisian Woman, Beautiful, Follies, Anything Goes, Bengal Tiger…, Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime, 33 Variations (Tony Award), Little Women, How to Succeed…, The Pajama Game, I Am My Own Wife, Ragtime. He designed the Academy Awards six times as well as four live musicals for television. Winner of multiple Obie, Lucille Lortel, Art Director’s Guild, Emmy, Drama Desk and Tony Awards. DEDE AYITE, Costume Design is a two-time Tony Award-nominated costume designer whose Broadway credits include American Buffalo, How I Learned to Drive, A Soldier’s Play, Slave Play, American Son, Chicken & Biscuits and Children of a Lesser God. Select Off-Broadway credits include Richard III, Merry Wives (The Public Theater); Seven Deadly Sins (Tectonic); Secret Life of Bees, Marie and Rosetta (Atlantic); By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Signature); Nollywood Dreams, BLKS, School Girls… (MCC); Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons); The Royale (Lincoln Center); Toni Stone (Roundabout). Regionally, Ayite’s work has appeared at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf, Arena Stage and more. She has worked in television with Netflix, Comedy Central and FOX Shortcoms. Ayite earned her M.F.A. at the Yale School of Drama and has received an Obie, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, and Jeff Award.
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THE COMPANY DAVID LANDER, Lighting Design La Jolla Playhouse: Ether Dome, Tallest Tree in the Forest, His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Nightingale, 33 Variations, Restoration and I Am My Own Wife. Broadway: Torch Song, The Heiress, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Drama Desk Award; Tony and Outer Critics nominations), 33 Variations (Tony and Outer Critics nominations), I Am My Own Wife (Drama Desk and Outer Critics nominations), Dirty Blonde (Drama Desk nomination), Golden Child, among others. Off-Broadway: Too Much Sun, Fran’s Bed, Modern Orthodox, among many others. Regional: Ahmanson Theatre, Alley Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Kennedy Center, Mark Taper Forum, The Old Globe, among others.
TBD CASTING CO. STEPHANIE YANKWITT CSA, Casting Theatre highlights include The Coast Starlight by Keith Bunin at La Jolla Playhouse, Zora Howard's Stew at Page 73 Productions and Jackie Sibblies Drury's Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fairview for Soho Rep. Currently, their work is represented in NYC with a production of Will Eno's GNIT at Theatre for a New Audience, as well as an Off Broadway production of Mrs. Warren's Profession. Upcoming work includes a podcast of original short plays for the Broadway Podcast Network and a production of a new play by Lauren Yee for La Jolla Playhouse. Stephanie and Margaret are both CSA Members who sit on the Equity in Entertainment Committee.
BOBBY MCELVER, Sound Design is a sound designer for theatre and dance. A former company member of The Wooster Group, he has toured internationally for over a decade and presented works in many major cities around the world. Additional artistic collaborators include Andrew Schneider, Faye Driscoll, New York City Players, Kaki King, and Tina Satter (Half Straddle). Off-Broadway: AFTER (The Public Theater); Thank You For Coming: PLAY (BAM, Jacob’s Pillow). He has recently joined the faculty in the department of Theatre & Dance at UC San Diego.
LORA K. POWELL*, Stage Manager La Jolla Playhouse: to the yellow house. Other credits include national tours of Blithe Spirit (w/Angela Lansbury), Wicked, and the LA/SF productions of An Act of God (w/Sean Hayes). Broadway: Chicago, The Life, Annie Get Your Gun. Pantages Theatre: The Lion King, The Producers, Wicked. Ahmanson Theatre (Center Theatre Group): Amélie, Harmony, The Scottsboro Boys, Backbeat, Seminar, Follies. Other credits: David Mamet’s The Christopher Boy’s Reunion, Bill Irwin’s On Beckett, Parfumerie, Maurice Hines’ Tappin’ Thru Life, Satchmo at the Waldorf and Carrie The Killer Musical Experience. Ms. Powell is a current faculty member at UC San Diego where she teaches stage management in the department of Theatre & Dance.
DAVID BENGALI, Projection Design La Jolla Playhouse: Bhangin' It. Elsewhere: Twilight, Los Angeles: 1992 (Signature; Drama Desk Award nom.); The Visitor (The Public Theater; Lortel nom.) 1776, We Live in Cairo (A.R.T.); Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical (Seaview; Drama League nom.); Bollywood Kitchen (Geffen Playhouse); Circle Jerk (Fake Friends; Drama League nom.); Einstein’s Dreams (59E59; Drama Desk nom); Girls (Yale Rep); The Great Leap (Atlantic Theater Co.); Frankenstein (Dallas Theater Center); The Temple Bombing (Alliance Theatre); Uncommon Sense (Tectonic Theater Project); In the Moment (The Kennedy Center/Ephrat Asherie Dance); Rockin' Road to Dublin (National Tour). Proud member: USA-829. AMY MARIE SEIDEL, Devisor/Associate Director/Dramaturg (she/her/hers) is proud to be making her La Jolla Playhouse debut. She is a Company Member at Tectonic Theater Project, where she has traveled the world to research and create new works of theater. She has developed numerous Tectonic productions, including Here There Are Blueberries, Seven Deadly Sins, Treatment & Data, Three Hotels and Laramie: A Legacy. Select credits outside of Tectonic: Paradise Square on Broadway (Assistant Director), Eternal Flamer! at the Fresh Fruit Festival (Director), A Sacred Song of Thebes at Irondale (Director) and Theater J's Annual Benefit (Director). This one is for Dad. www.amymarieseidel.com
JACOB RUSSELL*, Assistant Stage Manager La Jolla Playhouse: to the yellow house, Kiss My Aztec!, The Who’s Tommy benefit concert. Other Theatre, Dance, and Film credits include Pilobolus’s Big FIVE-OH tour (PSM), Dave Harris’s Cat Sitter (1st AD/OSF), Temporary Occupant (Clubbed Thumb), David Mamet’s The Christopher Boy’s Reunion (Odyssey Theatre), Lisa D’Amour’s Mad Moon (NOLA Project), This Random World (Actors Theatre of Louisville), The Essential Straight and Narrow (New Ohio Theatre), The Library (Public Theater), Sarah Flood in Salem Mass (Flea Theater). Education: M.F.A. from UCSD. For my grandfather, Bernie Halpern (1927-2022), who served as a cook in the Navy during WWII. GILLIAN LELCHUK‡, Stage Management Assistant Selected Credits: La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Regional: Word Up (The Old Globe, SM). Washington, DC/Baltimore: 2018 Kennedy Center Honors (Kennedy Center, PA); Daddy Long Legs (Monumental Theatre Company, SM); Putin on Ice (Single Carrot Theatre, ASM). UC San Diego: Men on Boats (PSM), In the Red and Brown Water (PSM), Letters from Cuba (ASM). Johns Hopkins University: Company (SM), The Mousetrap (SM), Is He Dead? (ASM). M.F.A. from UC San Diego, expected March 2023.
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THE COMPANY JARED HALSELL‡, Stage Management Assistant is a stage manager originally from Ione, CA. Prior to moving to San Diego, he attended Folsom Lake College where he also worked at The Harris Center for the Arts (formerly Three Stages) as a stage technician from 2011 to 2016. Select regional and educational credits include Stage Management Intern on Almost Famous: The Musical (The Old Globe); PSM on The Who’s Tommy (Falcon’s Eye Theatre); Promithes, Promithes, Nonna Kills the President, Napoli, Meladi Thive and Her Words of Comfort (UC San Diego). Education: B.A. Theatre Arts SDSU 2019, Third Year Stage Management M.F.A. Candidate UCSD, expected 2023.
TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT Based in New York City and guided by founder and artistic director Moisés Kaufman, Tectonic Theater Project develops new plays using the company’s trademarked theater-making method, Moment Work, and through a rigorous process of research and collaboration in a laboratory environment. Since its founding in 1991, the company has created and staged over 20 plays and musicals, including Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, The Laramie Project, Doug Wright’s Pulitzer Prize-winning I Am My Own Wife and the Tony Award-winning 33 Variations.
of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and * Members Stage Managers in the United States. The theatre operates under an agreement
This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 122.
between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association.
La Jolla Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre.
The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
‡
This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
UC San Diego M.F.A. Candidates in residence at La Jolla Playhouse.
UP NEXT
( BY
ANDREA THOME
ORIGINAL MUSIC BY
SINUHÉ PADILLA
)
DIRECTED BY
JOSÉ ZAYAS
Fandango for Butterflies (and Coyotes) is a heartfelt play by Andrea Thome that takes you to a festive celebration where stories are brought to life through live performance, music and dance. The cast of En Garde Arts’ FANDANGO ; photo by Maria Baranova P8 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
A PLAY WITH MUSIC AND DANCE
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)
PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY, The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he directed the world premieres of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Memphis, Escape to Margaritaville, The Squirrels, A Dram of Drummhicit, Restoration and Chasing the Song, as well as His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Freaky Friday and Xanadu. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) initiative, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. Mr. Ashley recently directed Come From Away for AppleTV+ and Diana: The Musical for Netflix. Other screen credits include the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. Mr. Ashley’s Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nomination), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nomination), Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other national tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits include Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel Award nomination), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship. DES McANUFF, Director Emeritus served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director from 1983 through 1994, and from 2001 through April 2007. Under his leadership, the Playhouse garnered more than 300 awards, including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. His Playhouse to Broadway credits include: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical; Doctor Zhivago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Jersey Boys (four Tony Awards); Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award); How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (five Tony nominations); director and co-author with Pete Townshend on The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director) and Big River (seven Tony Awards), among others. He also directed the premieres of Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, which he co-wrote. Opera credits: Faust (The Met, ENO). Film credits: Cousin Bette (director), Iron Giant (producer, BAFTA Award) and Quills (executive producer). Recipient of the Drama League’s 2006 Julia Hansen Award, Mr. McAnuff served as Artistic Director at Canada’s Stratford Festival from 2007 through 2012. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.
DEBBY BUCHHOLZ, Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse joined the Playhouse in 2002, serving first as General Manager before becoming Managing Director. She is a Vice President of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and a member of its Executive Committee. She is a recipient of a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Prior to joining La Jolla Playhouse, she served as Counsel to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She was a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution’s program on Legal Problems of Museum Administration. Prior to The Kennedy Center, she served as a corporate attorney in New York City and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of UC San Diego and Harvard Law School. Ms. Buchholz and her husband, noted author and White House economic policy advisor Todd Buchholz, live in Solana Beach and are the proud parents of Victoria, Katherine and Alexia. ERIC KEEN-LOUIE, Executive Producer (he/him) joined the Playhouse in 2018 as Producing Director, before becoming Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at The Old Globe (Associate Producer and Associate Artistic Director) and The Public Theater (Assistant to the Associate Producer and Director of Special Projects). He assisted Broadway producer Margo Lion on Hairspray and Caroline, or Change. He is a graduate of Columbia University where he received his M.F.A. in Theatre Management & Producing as a Dean’s Fellow and New York University where he earned a B.A. in Dramatic Literature. He serves as Secretary on the National Alliance of Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors. He shares his commute to La Jolla with his husband Anthony Keen-Louie, an administrator in student affairs at UC San Diego. He is a proud third-generation Chinese-American. LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Awardwinning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. Internationally-renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, the Playhouse has mounted 105 world premieres, commissioned 60 new works, and sent 33 productions to Broadway – including the currently-running musical Come From Away – garnering a total of 38 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
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HOW DOES THEATRE SPEAK? A conversation between Here There Are Blueberries’ co-author/conceiver/director Moisés Kaufman, co-author Amanda Gronich, dramaturg/associate director/devisor Amy Marie Seidel, and the Playhouse’s director of artistic development Gabriel Greene.
GG: It’s been fifteen years since the photo album at the center of Here There Are Blueberries was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) and made international news. How did you first become aware of this album, and at what point did it become a play in your minds? MK: I read the article in the New York Times [in 2007] and I saw the photographs, and they immediately captured my imagination. I didn’t think at that moment, “I’m going to write a play about this,” but I kept coming back to it and I decided…I want to write a play about this. I went to the USHMM and I interviewed Dr. Rebecca Erbelding, the woman who [led the team working on] the album. That’s how this whole thing started. AG: I am one of the original members of Tectonic Theater Project and have been with the company for – I won’t do the math; many decades. I took a career detour and for ten years I was a non-fiction television writer. I’ve written about just about every subject under the sun, except I had never ever worked on anything about the Nazis. There’s this question that we ask at Tectonic, which is, “How can theatre tell this story in a way that no other medium can?” As a Jewish writer, I was
deeply moved by the prospect of getting a chance to work on a play about the Holocaust. It became a passion project for me, and the chance to work so closely with Moisés again was a thrill. AMS: The first time I ever went to the USHMM was in 2007 on a middle school class trip, and I now realize they would have been just getting to work on the album right around that time. But I didn’t know about the photo album until Moisés and Amanda came to me with this project. That was my introduction to it, and I haven’t stopped diving into research rabbit holes ever since. GG: What was the process for creating this play? MK: When I first went to the USHMM, I didn’t know if there was a play there. The conversation with Dr. Erbelding started with me asking her to tell me everything she knew about the album. But instead of walking me through the facts, she walked me through how she got to the facts: how she identified people, the level of research that went into it. And all of a sudden I realized this was a forensic detective story. I understood that this play’s not just about the album, it’s about a woman who has to struggle to decipher this artifact and get all of this information out of it. I interviewed a couple of
other historians, and then I asked Amanda to join as a co-writer. A lot of the people in the album are dead, so we couldn’t interview any of them, but we could interview their children. We went to Poland, we went to Auschwitz, and then we went to Germany and we interviewed some of the descendants. AG: One of the dramatic arcs of the play is, how much do these descendants want to make themselves and their family history known? And that’s very much part of what we wrestle with when we look at the photographs in the album: how is this history going to be told? There’s a moment near the end of the play that talks about us being at the end of the Holocaust survivor generation. We’re at that moment in history. So how do you begin looking at the perpetrators’ stories? And to be clear: we are not exonerating, we are not excusing, we are not forgiving. We are saying, “these acts were committed by human beings.” And the carriers of that legacy are the descendants, so engaging in conversation with them about this material was very powerful. AMS: There was a period of deep exploration into all of the identifications of descendants that historians had already made. Going deep into the Internet to find
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anybody with the same last names who had spoken to an oral history website. We’d see people like Rainer Höss and Peter Wirths, who had already spoken about these things, and we thought maybe they’d be willing to speak with us as well. Peter was very interesting, because he had done a couple of oral history interviews, but when we were interviewing him, it really felt like he was still actively grappling with his family history; we were able to watch him do that in front of us. GG: How do you take the raw material of these interviews and assemble a play? AMS: Moisés and Amanda are incredibly brilliant playwrights and dramaturgs, and so they found the dramatic arc that would be most interesting for us to create the play around. Then, between myself as well as the whole team of devisors, we dove into the raw material – the history books, the transcripts of the interviews – and found the chunks that support the way that Moisés and Amanda want to tell the story. AG: We also need to give a big shout-out to Matt Joslyn, Tectonic’s Executive Director and the Creative Producer of Blueberries. Matt has been an integral part of this; he not only spearheaded the process of the production each step of the way, including its many, many stages of development, but he also kept an eye on the creative process and helped guide discoveries in our storytelling. MK: He’s also a super mensch. AG: What’s extraordinary about crafting non-fiction material for the stage is, as Amy said, you’re looking for the dramatic arc, but you’re also telling an oral history in real time. The actors will carry these stories on their backs, so it becomes a theatrical event that the audience shares in. And in this case, one of the characters is the photographs. They’re literally a scene partner for the actors. So we were not only looking through interview transcripts and extensive research, but also looking at the
theatrical event of what happens when those elements interact with a photographic story. AMS: For example, we knew that Peter Wirths and Tilman Taube had spoken to each other about being descendants of Nazis, and then we were looking at the album and saw this one picture where Peter’s father and Tilman’s grandfather are having a conversation in the background. The photographs themselves can tell these stories in support of what we’re doing. MK: Dr. Erbelding said that when she delved into this artifact of 116 photos, one of the first things she did was try to figure out who the album belonged to. Who took the photographs? Why was the album made? If you go with your family to a vacation on the beach, you make a family album. But if you’re in a concentration camp, why would you make an album of photos? What was the purpose of it? Through her detective work, she figured out that the person who created the album was the assistant to the head of the camp. She learned to know him from the photos: how he sits, how he moves, how he smiles. There’s an intimacy that developed between her and the images in the album, specifically the images of the owner of the album. I want the audience to have that experience; I want them to get to know these people in the photographs as humans, because the terrifying thing about the Nazis is not that they were monsters, but that they were human. GG: A core tenet of how Tectonic Theater Project creates its shows is Moment Work. Can you elaborate on that process? MK: The impetus behind creating Tectonic was a desire to really explore what a theatrical language is. How does theatre speak? How can we use theatricality to tell the stories we want to tell? And so Moment Work is the process we created so we could explore the theatricality of dramatic stories. It’s a process where a group of actors
comes into a rehearsal space and begins to create narratives and tell stories using the elements of the stage. We don’t write the play first and then go into rehearsal. We get information, we get ideas, and then we come into the space and, through a series of improvisations called Moment Work, we strive to create not only dramatic narratives, but theatrical narratives. GG: How has the show evolved in the first two weeks of rehearsal? MK: The challenge in creating a play like this in rehearsal is, as we said, half of the story happens with the actors and half of it happens with the images. In order to create it, we need the projections team in the rehearsal room; in order to be able to see the projections, we need the lighting team in the rehearsal room; and in order to bring the photos to life, we need the sound team. And it’s such a luxury to be here at La Jolla Playhouse and to be able to work with all of these elements in the rehearsal room. AG: It allows the designers to work as co-creators. They’re entering the conversation of how we tell this story in the most activated, creatively open way. It’s an invitation for all of these mindsets and perspectives to be brought into the storytelling all at once. AMS: The designers, the actors, the creative team – every single person in the room at this point has created a moment and shared it with the whole group. MK: The rehearsal room really does feel like we’re in a long tech process. There are consoles for light, consoles for sound, consoles for video. It’s an exhilarating experience to be able to give the actors the tools to really tell the story, not only with their voices and their bodies, but also using the projections as an integral part of the storytelling.
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AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Audience Talkbacks Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE), in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse and Tectonic Theater Project, is proud to present a series of audience talkbacks about the themes and issues in Here There Are Blueberries. For more details, visit the play page at LaJollaPlayhouse.org. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2 Doctors at Auschwitz: Joseph Mengele and the Role of Medicine in Nazi Germany Special guests: Dr. David G. Marwell, author of Mengele: Unmasking the Angel of Death; Dr. Rebecca Erbelding, historian at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 The Next Generation: How Do We Deal with the Sins of Our Fathers – Both Literally and Metaphorically? Special guest: Father Steven Bell, Priest and Associate Pastor, University of California at Berkeley TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 Ethics in Nazi Germany: Himmler’s Posen Speech Special guest: Thorsten Wagner, Executive Director of FASPE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 There Were Blueberries: the Transformation of Norms and Complicity as the New Normal Special guest: Thorsten Wagner, Executive Director of FASPE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18 Nazi Crimes and the Complicity of Business Leaders and Professionals Special guest: David Danks, professor of data science & philosophy at UCSD; Nate Silver, FASPE 2019 Business Fellow
The Green Room Join us before the show on the first Friday of the run to hear directly from writers, directors and designers about their process from the page to opening night. Friday, July 29 at 7:00 pm
ACCESS Performance
Discovery Sunday
On select performances, La Jolla Playhouse provides American Sign Language interpretation for audience members who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing and Audio Description for patrons who are blind or have low vision.
Join special guest speakers post-performance as they engage audience members in a moderated discussion exploring the themes in the play. Sunday, August 14 after the 2:00 pm performance
Saturday, August 13 at 2:00 pm P12 P12 PERFORMANCES PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE MAGAZINE
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VALUES STATEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form, telling stories that inspire empathy and create a dialogue toward a more just future. With our intrepid spirit and eclectic, artist-driven approach we will continue to cultivate a local, national and global following with an insatiable appetite for audacious work. We provide unfettered creative opportunities for a community of artists of all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to being a permanent safe harbor for unsafe and surprising work, offering a glimpse of the new and the next in American theatre.
Welcome to La Jolla Playhouse, where we believe that stories enhance the human experience, instill empathy and help us see the world in new ways. We respect all races, ethnicities, cultures, physical/cognitive abilities, ages, genders and identities, and endeavor to be an anti-racist and accessible organization that removes barriers to engagement. As a community of life-long learners who celebrate the spirit of play, we innovate and collaborate to bring theatre to life. We practice empathy by listening, challenging our assumptions and staying open to all perspectives. We respect and recognize the complexities of all lived experiences, identities and cultural backgrounds. We honor the Kumeyaay Nation, the original caretakers of the land on which our theaters sit. We will fight against anti-blackness, the many forms of racism directed at BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and all types of discrimination and harassment, to be a more inclusive space where everyone feels welcome onstage and off. We work with our community to identify, understand and address ways to make our theatre more equitable and accessible. We infuse the spirit of play into everything we do, sparking creativity, fun and life-long learning. We innovate and take risks to propel theatre as an art form and as a pathway toward fostering belonging and enhancing human connection. We collaborate by prioritizing inclusive practices from which diverse voices, talents and ideas can strengthen engagement and creative thinking. We vow to grow and embrace these values. When we falter, we will hold ourselves accountable through transparent communication, measurable outcomes, self-reflection and humility. With great joy and a strong sense of responsibility, we commit to these values in every aspect of our work. PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P13
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES RANDALL L. CLARK, Sempra Chair
HONORARY TRUSTEES Peter Cowhey, Ph.D.
SHERI L. JAMIESON First Vice-Chair
Ivan Gayler John Goodman Jeanne Jones Joel Holliday* Julie Potiker Steven M. Strauss* Geri Ann Warnke* Gary Wollberg* Robert Wright, Esq.
MICHAEL FLASTER Second Vice-Chair DENISE BEVERS Secretary SCOTT M. STANTON, Mintz Treasurer
Top row: Karen & Jeff Silberman with Lynn Gorguze and Hon. Scott Peters; Hal, Haley and Hilary Dunning and Oren Michels; Bottom row: Suzi and Mike Sterner; Carson Kreitzer, Debby Buchholz, Debby Jacobs, Matt Gould, Victoria de Lempicka, Marisa de Lempicka.
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
WHY I SUPPORT THE PLAYHOUSE Susanna and I have been enjoying La Jolla Playhouse performances for more than three decades. As a Playhouse Board of Trustees Vice-Chair these past five years, it has been my privilege to support this important regional, national and internationally recognized creative institution. To channel one of our recent collaborators, playwright Ayad Akhtar, live, in-person theatre is an antidote to the isolation that COVID, streaming and virtual interaction has intensified. While much local media has shied away from addressing complex topics, the Playhouse creates important, timely original works that struggle with many of the difficult issues that define contemporary America. The Playhouse remains a supportive home for both new and seasoned writers, as well as for craftspeople and performers to realize their artistic visions and catalyze audience conversation and action. Many thanks to our subscribers, underwriters and Board for their continued confidence in our mission and work.
MICHAEL FLASTER SECOND VICE-CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TRUSTEES Christopher Ashley** Michael Bartell Ralph Bryan* Debby Buchholz** Randy Camp Robert Caplan Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek
Mary Coleman** Doug Dawson Edward A. Dennis, Ph.D. Brian Dovey Susan Dubé Hal Dunning Emily Einhorn Annie Ellis Teri Evons Judy Garrett Susan Gembrowski** Hanna Gleiberman Lynn E. Gorguze Luke Gulley, Show Imaging, Inc. Kay Gurtin Clark Guy Bank of America Private Bank
Dwight Hare Osborn Hurston, US Bank Debby Jacobs Joan Jacobs Pradeep K. Khosla, Ph.D.**
UC San Diego
Wright, L’Estrange & Ergastolo
EMERITUS TRUSTEES Rita Bronowski (1917-2010) David Copley (1952-2012) Ted Cranston (1940-2012) Milton Fredman (1920-2005) Ewart W. Goodwin, Jr.* (1938- 2019) Marian Jones Longstreth (1906-1997) Hughes Potiker (1925-2005) Sheila Potiker (1930-2011) Ellen Revelle (1910-2009) Roger Revelle (1909-1991) Willard P. VanderLaan, M.D.* (1917-2012) Arthur Wagner, Ph.D. (1923-2015) Mandell Weiss (1891-1993) 1947 FOUNDERS Mel Ferrer Dorothy McGuire Gregory Peck *Past Chair of the Board **Ex-Officio List as of July 1, 2022
Chancellor, UC San Diego
Bena Leslie** Lynelle Lynch* Margret McBride* Lorne Polger Karen A. Quiñones Jeffrey Ressler* David I. Reynoso** Becky Robbins Tim Scott Shane Shelley, Morrison Foerster Karen Silberman Delicia Turner Sonnenberg** Suzi Sterner**, UC San Diego Andy Thomas, Evans Hotels Erin Trenda, Cooley, LLP Mary Walshok, Ph.D. UC San Diego
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HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES PRODUCTION SPONSORS The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation’s support is guided by the belief in the power of live theatre to spark dialogue, bring different viewpoints together on challenging subjects, and provide a lens to process the critical issues of contemporary society.
Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler
We have long supported, and serve on the boards of, both La Jolla Playhouse and Tectonic Theater Project, the co-producers of this deeply moving work. From the very start, Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich’s extraordinary vision for this play intrigued us, particularly because this is personal. Sadly, our own grandparents, aunts and uncles were some of the victims who were murdered at Auschwitz. We are honored to provide production support to help this important true story of reckoning about the Holocaust and our own humanity be realized.
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award which gives world premieres extra funds for an extended rehearsal time. The program rewards excellent scripts in the hope that with a more polished performance, they will join the American canon of frequently produced plays.
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT $100,000 +
$50,000 - $99,999
Edgerton Foundation The Conrad Prebys Foundation Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust
$25,000 - $49,999
The Les and Sheri Biller Family Foundation California Arts Council California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Laurents / Hatcher Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Betty Scalice Foundation (Coastal Community Foundation) John and Marcia Price Family Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
The City of Encinitas Community Grant Program The Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation National Alliance for Musical Theatre The Arthur and Jeanette Pratt Memorial Fund The Sutherland Foundation List as of June 22, 2022
$10,000 - $24,999
David C. Copley Foundation Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Price Philanthropies Foundation San Diego Scottish Rite Community Foundation San Marcos COVID-19 Community Grants Program Fund Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE CORPORATE CIRCLE SEASON SPONSORS
$25,000 +
$15,000 +
$10,000 +
$5,000 +
$2,500 + Professional Maintenance Systems
IN-KIND AND MEDIA CIRCLE
The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint CORPORATE MATCHING COMPANIES Astra Zeneca • Bank of America • Caterpillar • Goodrich • Google • Hewlett-Packard • IBM International • Intuit • Medtronic • Pfizer Qualcomm • Sempra Energy • Shell Oil Company Foundation • Texas Instruments • Union Bank • U.S. Bank • Walt Disney Company Foundation • Wells Fargo Opportunities for corporations to partner with La Jolla Playhouse are numerous and varied, each providing exclusive benefits and recognition. For information, please contact Corporate Relations Manager: James Skeet at jskeet@ljp.org List as of July 1, 2022
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE - $100,000 AND ABOVE Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D. Joan and Irwin Jacobs Sheri L. Jamieson La Atalaya Fund Rebecca Moores Foundation Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation SEASON SPONSORS $50,000+ Weston Anson, in memory of Susan Bailey Anson Michael Bartell and Melissa Garfield Bartell Denise and Lon Bevers Gail and Ralph Bryan Brian and Silvija Devine Estate of Pauline Foster Kay and Bill Gurtin Debby and Hal Jacobs Lynelle and William Lynch Perlmeter Family Foundation Lynn Gorguze and The Honorable Scott Peters Karen and Jeffrey Silberman Molli Wagner Steven Strauss and Lise Wilson PLAYWRIGHT’S CIRCLE $25,000+ Anonymous Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women's Voices in the Art of Theatre The Fredman Family In Memory of Dr. Lawrence Friedman Laurie Gore and Julie Osman Maryanne and Irwin Pfister LEADERSHIP CIRCLE $15,000+ Anonymous Roberta C. Baade and George F. Yee Charitable Fund Doug Dawson Drs. Edward and Martha Dennis Elizabeth and Brian Dovey Susan E. Dubé Hal and Hilary Dunning Emily and Daniel Einhorn, Einhorn Family Foundation of JCF and Leichtag Foundation Annie and Charles Ellis Michael and Susanna Flaster Bill and Judy Garrett Mark and Hanna Gleiberman Jeanne Jones Margret and Nevins McBride Lorne Polger Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund
of the Jewish Community Foundation The Querin Family Judy and Alan Robbins Becky Lynne Robbins Charitable Fund Larry and Robin Rusinko Swanna and Alan Saltiel Tim and Emily Scott Peggy Ann Wallace DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $10,000+ Tony and Margaret Acampora Joan and Jeremy Berg Stern Leichter Foundation Debby and Todd Buchholz Pamela B. Burkholz Joseph and Joyce Cassin Randall and Michael Clark Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family Mrs. Ewart (Chip) Goodwin Starr and John Grundy Dean J. Haas Rob and Kathy Jones Jeff and Carolyn Levin Teresa and Byron Pollitt Brian and Paula Powers Don and Stacy Rosenberg, Rosenberg Family Fund Elizabeth Taft Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo Mary Lindenstein Walshok, Ph.D. OPENING NIGHT CIRCLE $5,000+ Anonymous Dede and Mike Alpert Christopher Ashley Gary and Barbara Blake Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Christa Burke Randy Camp and Susan Tousi Linda Chester and Kenneth Rind Lee Clark and Jerry Pikolysky Una K. Davis Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund Marty and Shel Diller Barbara Enberg Mrs. Valerie Ewell Armstrong and Mr. Sam Armstrong Fuson Family Fund at Schwab Charitable Wendy Gillespie David Newman and Samantha Goldstein, The Jasada Foundation Aaron Herzberg Rosanne and Joel Holliday Jay Jeffcoat Labowe Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Labowe Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq. Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky and Family
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Yvonne Maloney Patsy and David Marino Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein Bernard Paul and Maria Sardina Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal Robert Caplan and Carol Randolph Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Rosenthal Family Fund, Commonwealth Charitable Foundation Dawn and Phil Rudolph Rick Sandstrom and Sandra Timmons Gad and Suzan Shaanan Greta and Steve Treadgold Tom and Judy Tullie Geri Ann Warnke John and Maya Weiss Philip and Margarita Wilkinson Richard Winkler ACTORS’ CIRCLE - $2,500+ Anonymous (2) Charles Bergan and Lisa Kanetake Lisa and Jay Berlin Steve L. Black and Kristen Richards-Black Barbara L. Borden The Boyd-Rawlings Family Loyce R. Bruce Maureen and Lawrence Cavaiola Leslie H. Coll Julie and Bert Cornelison Marguerite Jackson Dill Karen B. Dow Inge Feinswog Dr. Benjamin and Sue Frishberg Jim Gilmore Kathryn Goetz Beverly Goodman Carrie and James Greenstein Julie Hall, Oklahoma City Community Foundation Judith and Chris Hamilton Koji and Angela Fukumura Craig Hightower and Steven Heitmiller Gerald and Ingrid Hoffmeister Fund at The San Diego Foundation Doug and Gail Hutcheson Dr. Warren and Karen Kessler Sherry and Larry Kline, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Ms. Gale M. Krause Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky Helen and Sig Kupka Dr. K.B Lim and Linda Lee Lim Foundation Lori and Joe Mahler Dennis A. McConnell
Ilene Mittman, in memory of Dr. Charles Mittman Gregg and Cindy Motsenbocker Arlene and Louis Navias Mark C. Niblack, MD Susan C. Parker Janet and Larry Pollack Jay and Julie Sarno Scarano Family Foundation at The San Diego Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Cary Shames Dr. Ed and Evelyn Singer Susan and Gerald Slavet David and Tina Thomas Emma and Leo Zuckerman INNER CIRCLE - $1,000+ Anonymous (10) Jason Anderson and Riley Smith Lynell Antrim Dr. Stephen Baird and Carol Davidson Baird, Ernest and Eva Davidson Dr. Kim E. Barrett Helene Beck Barbara Y. Beebe Mrs. Esther W. Belinsky Sondra and Robert Berk Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Mickey Berman Larry and Cindy Bloch Cindy and Steve Blumkin Michele Braatz Robert and Jaleh Brunst, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation John and Nancy Jo Cappetta Cheryl and Greg Carlson Daniel and Deborah Carnick Pamela and Edward Carnot Joan and Lou Chesner Janet and Maarten Chrispeels Daniel E Collins and Nancy Shimamoto Rob and Eliza Contin Mary Corson Corinna Cotsen and Lee Rosenbaum, The Stolaroff Foundation Peter Cowhey and Margaret McKeown Stacy Cromidas and Ruth Gilbert Gerral and Anne David Denise and Gary David Dr. Ralph B. Dilley and Brian Danielson Nina and Bob Doede Mark and Jenny Dowling Jacqueline and Stanley Drosch W. Byron and Pamela Dunn Dr. Robert and Mrs. Ann Dynes Toby Eisenberg Jennifer and Kurt Eve Karen and Steven Feitelberg Dennis Field Susan Forsburg and Lisa
Churchill Robert and Mona Freels Jan and Helane Fronek Ira and Cheryl Gaines Fred and Lisa Goldberg Drs. Tom and Cindy Goodman, In Honor of Whitney Goodman The Lloyd Gorcey Charitable Foundation, Inc. in memory of Lloyd Gorcey Bernard and Judith Greenspan Kendall Hall, Fred Jones Family Foundation Dr. Carol A. Harter and Mr. William D. Smith Judith M. Haxo Marcia Hazan and Mark Cammell Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper Diana and Michael Hill Bill and Nancy Homeyer Ray and Kate Hong Neil and Vivien Joebchen David and Betty Johnson Wendy S. Johnson Anthony* and Joyce Joseph Lewis and Patricia Judd Ginger Kantor Angela and Matt Kilman Shirley King and Arthur Olson Oskar and Judy Kirsten Jennifer Knisbell Frank and Jessica Lazarus Fund Dixon and Pat Lee Michael and Katharine Lee Arthur and Sandy Levinson Marshall and Judy Lewis Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Barbara and Carl Maggio Sally and Luis Maizel Susan and Peter Mallory, in honor of Martha and Ed Dennis Edna and Daniel Maneval Jasna Markovac and Gary Miller Rob and Holley Martens Valorie McClelland Wallace McCloskey and Lynn Dolby Bill and Mim McKenzie Rob McManus Judith Morgan Ann L. Mound Chandra Mukerji Lyn Nelson Phyllis and Jerrold Olefsky Dr. Walter Olsen and Dr. Zdenka Fronek Christopher and Susan Pantaleoni F. Richard Pappas Greg Park CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS Drs. Kim Kerr and Paul Pearigen Patrick and Evelyn Phillips Sheila and Ken Poggenburg Lori and Kenneth Polin Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Stephen R Prest Dr. William and Marisa Rastetter Edward Richard, in memory of Warren P KendrickRichard Laura and RJ Romero Bingo and Gino Roncelli David A. Roth and Toni D. Wolinsky Joy Rottenstein Krista Roybal and Jimmy Moreno Nina Sabban Beverly Sanborn, in memory of Warren Sanborn Herb Schnall, In Memory of Ann Schnall Mitchell and Elizabeth Siegler Alan and Esther Siman Stacey Slichta Rod and Dolores Smith Dale and Mark Steele Stephanie and Alan Tarkington Marie Tartar and Steve Eilenberg Place D. Tegland Tom Templeton and Mary Ena Erlenborn Jim and Kathy Waring Jo and Howard Weiner Graydon and Dorothy Wetzler Linda Rankin and Rod Whitlow Mr. Wayne Wilson Dr. Joseph Witztum and Ms. Mary Elinger Witztum Elaine Wolfe Howard and Christy Zatkin the Helene and Allan Ziman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Howard and Judy Ziment CENTER STAGE CLUB $500+ Anonymous (8) Heather R. Adams Philip Anderson and Verónica Valdés Ginger and Ken Baldwin Francis and Diane Bardsley Sharon G. Beamer Carolyn and Giovanni Bertussi Barbara Bethel In memory of Wendyce H. Brody Helen and Darrell Brookstein, Brookstein Family Philanthropic Fund
Anita Busquets and William Ladd Gary and Lynette Cederquist Kyle Chan and Cathy Swindlehurst Kay Chandler Alexandra Cherwin June Chocheles Kristen L. Churchill Carol Clark Kathleen and Bruce Clegg Sue Lasbury and John C. Cochran Fred and Andrea Collins Lori and Tony Demaria Don and Julie DeMent Wally and Linda Dieckmann Beth and Stephen Doyne Bob Duffield Amy Corton and Carl Eibl Jan and Lynne Erikson Pamela Fair and Glen Sullivan Debroah and J Faulkner Rik and Carol Floyd Drs. Bessie and Ron Floyd Catherine R. Friedman Joan Frost Anne and Mark Smith Ellen Fujikawa Steven Garfin and Cheryl Kendrick Wayne and Martha Gerth Tom and Carolina Gildred Pat and Norm Gillespie Russell H Ginns Drs. Charles and Nancy Girvin Michael and Brenda Goldbaum Dale and Donald Goldman Joann and Igor Grant Stephen and Karen Gray Lloyd and Dinia Green Ed Greulich Dr. Richard and Phyllis Gundry Elsa and Keith Hall Victoria Hamilton and Paul Hobson Blake Harper and Janice Deaton Dana Harrel and Daniel Roemer Thomas Harvey and Bonnie Drolet Tom and Lynn Hawkins Bryan Hill Dr. Peter and Mrs. Megan Hoagland Claudia Baranowski and Tom Horvath Robert and Pat Hughes Nora Jaffe Ellen and Howard Katz Bryna Kranzler Jerry and Martha Krasne Samara and Paul Larson Mick and Sherrie Laver Louis and Jocelyn Libby, in honor of Linda Chester Zita Liebermensch
John Lomac and Jill Schmidt Mary Long Jeanne Maltese Scott Markus and Luci Lander Edith Matsushita David and Jeanne Matthews Maggi McKerrow, in memory of Judie McDonald Christa McReynolds Dr. Ken Melville and Dr. Sabina Wallach Eric and Laura Michelsen Dr. Nicola Moelter Craig and Janet Munson Martha Mutschler Esther R. Nahama Ann Nathan Robert Nelson and Suzanne Foucault Janet and Clyde Ostler Carol Parker Dr. William and Beth Penny Marc Poland and Ellie Werner Dr. Adele Rabin, in memory of Stephen Cohen Miyo Reff Cecile and Justin Renaudin Doug and Eva Richman Margaret Riel and Hugh Mehan Patrick Ritto Dr. Stephen and Cheryl Rockwood Oliver Ryder Kristine and Denis Salmon Kari Lorraine Scott Dr. Morton and Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz Teresa Shaffer Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger Guy and Barbara Shaw Debbie and Dr. Darren Sigal Beverly and Howard Silldorf Norman and Judith Solomon John and Lynn Spafford Gary and Susan Spoto Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford Scott M. Stanton Lisa Noelle Stone and Matthew A. Lab Stone Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation John and Gail Tauscher Kanani Titchen and Louis Seitchik Erin and Nick Trenda Trude Tsujimoto Jennifer and Chris Wahl Peggy Wallace Miles Weinberger Philip and Claire Wise Susan and Jock Wright Brendan and Kaye Wynne Barry and Barb Zemel
OVATION CLUB - $250+ Anonymous (8) Ben and Debra Abate Louise Adler Ladan Daneshmand Gene and Pat Alfaro Judith Anderson Barbara and Charles Arledge John Baril Beverly L. Bartlett The BenMichel Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Michael Berg Arnold Berlin Lynn Bernard Gerlinde and Greg Beuerlein Peter Boland Helen and Douglas Boyden Janis Brams Gregg Brandalise Cherisse Brantz Mary E. Brewer Ms. Juanita Brooks David Ingram Bruner Diane Budinger Keith Bunin Ruth Bunn Burger Construction Vickie Burke Dr. and Mrs. Edgar D. Canada Rachel Caparelli Amy and Reid Carr Bill Chatwell and Christine Oster Elizabeth Chedrick Kim Chevallier Lorraine Chuman and Stephen Mikolajczyk Warren Cintron and Martha Senturia Barbara and Rick Cohen Sharon L Cohen Wayne Saville and Laura Colban Bowers Jewelers Robert A Cooper Denis M. Crane, in memory of Rilla Crane Annette Cross Fred Cutler Ana De Vedia Ted and Deanna DeFrank Ronald L Diepenbrock Eric and Kristine Doan Dr. and Mrs. Paul Alan Dores Dan Eberle Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Edelson Diane L. Edge DDS Robert and Celeste Edmonston Susan and Stephen Ellis Mr. Russ Emmons David and Dorothy Engel Barbara M. Finn Dieter Fischer's Mercedes Service, Inc. Esther Fischer
Paula Fitzgerald and Chris Nielsen Lynsey Fitzpatrick Gregory and Monica Foerster Judy Fogel and George Diehr Gregory Foley Pamela and Michael Foley Charlotte and Kenneth Fortier Dr. Jim and Mrs. Jenna Foster Linda and Reginald Frank Pat Freeman Aruna and Sabodh Garg Lynn Bell George Roben and Fred Gerson Diana and Murphy Glimm Becky and Alex Goodman Jennifer Greenberg Harry Griswold and Stephanie Webber Pat and Pepper Guevara Rick and Tory Gulley Don M Hardison James and Toni Harker Jerry and Linda Hirshberg Richard and Veronique Ho Jonnie Hoffman Doan Hohmeyer George and Maryka Hoover Hughes Family Foundation Beth Hulsart and Stephen L'Heureux Jenny Price and Tony Hunter Osborn and Dea Hurston Randy and Carrol Jackson Dr. Craig M. and Mrs. Beth Jackson Ed and Linda Janon Mark Johnson Michael and Linda Karin Roger and Lisa Kenchel Cecil Keener and Cristie McGuire Marian Kenney-Frick Rick and Beth Kent Linda Kewin Anne M and Richard C Kruse Robert and Elena Kucinski Ruth Ann and Alan Larson Alexis Lasheras Karen Sage and Charles Laughlin Albert Lee Dr. and Mrs. Steven Leshaw Pamela Hamilton Lester Rebecca LeVasseur B. Leonard Levy Drs. John and Mary Sanfelippo Lilley Patrice Lock Eric and Lori Longstreet Michelle Longtin Johnny Mah Russell Mangerie Ann Manring Andrea and Michael Markopoulos CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS Marianne Marsch-Nakamura Iris Masotti Carol Mazzetti Professor Marianne McDonald Jim and Cheryl McIlhon Neil and Wendi McKenna David and Patricia Meyers Brian Milum Don and Judy Mizaur Craig and Betsy Monsell Story and Richard Moreno Kathryn and Lee Morgan Susan Motenko Susan Muha Maureen O'Brien and Nick Loter Tanya and Thomas O'Donnell Jamie and Amy Ogle
Erin O'Rourke Carol Pankiw Beatrice E. Pardo Drs. Genevieve and Kelly Parsons Ms. Virgina S. Patch John and Paula Peeling Sheila Pickwell Alan Pitcairn Family Fund at the National Philanthropic Trust Dr. Richard and Rosalinda Puetter Kathleen Rae Steven and Doris Ratoff Richard and Paula Renkin David and Melissa Rewolinski Richard Roy and Celsa Spina Aaron Rubenson, in Honor of
Kathie Rubenson George and Karen Sachs James Sallis Scott Sandel and James Marich Marilyn R. Scheininger Frankie and Howard Schiffman Elizabeth Segil Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Selzer Michael Sheehan Drs. Ron and Marilyn Simon Barbara Slater Bradford and Jeannine Smith Clark and Kathryn Smith Charles Stephens and Eric Meijer Nancy and Charles Stewart James and Kathleen Stiven
Mark and Christine Stuhmer Robyn Swanland Nancy J. Taylor James and Martha Thompson Edward L. Threat, In Memory of Karin U. Threat Andrea Migdal and Mike Tierney Pat Tillson Helga Trachinger Tony and George TurnerMercado Joseph Viery Cynthia Walk Anne Walter Michael and Beth Wapner Michael and Barbara Wengler Eileen Glasser Wesley and Mark Wesley
Jean M Wilkinson Curry Wolfe Sandy Woodhouse Peter and Donna Worcester Summer Wynn Reflects giving to annual fund from 2/1/20 – 06/28/22. We apologize for any errors or accidental omissions. Please contact the Individual Giving Office at (858) 5501070 x134 if you would like to change your listing.
IN LOVING MEMORY Jordan Ressler, 1981-2004 A Film and Theatre graduate from Cornell University, Jordan was an adventurer with a passion for the arts. Here at La Jolla Playhouse, he served as an assistant to Des McAnuff on Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays and was the script supervisor for Jersey Boys. The Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation was established by his parents, Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler, to honor their son and his love of theatre and film.
SAVE THE DATE! MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2022
JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION OF WHAT’S “NEW AND NEXT” ON AND OFF THE STAGE! Elegant cocktail reception for 500+ C-level executives and guests with delicious cuisine and an open bar. Plus, an Innovation Night gallery featuring interactive exhibits from leading San Diego companies and delightful Without Walls-inspired theatre to enjoy. COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS:
DENISE BEVERS, PRESIDENT & CEO, VETMAB BIOSCIENCES, INC. TIM SCOTT, PRESIDENT & CEO, AUSTINPx
HONOREE: MARY WALSHOK, Ph.D.
CO-FOUNDER CONNECT & AUTHOR OF THE STANFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS BOOK, INVENTION & REINVENTION: THE EVOLUTION OF SAN DIEGO'S INNOVATION ECONOMY Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting James Skeet, Corporate Relations Manager at jskeet@ljp.org or 858.228.3078
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IN MEMORIAM JOEL HOLLIDAY Joel Holliday was a dedicated member of the Playhouse’s leadership for nearly four decades, serving as a Trustee, Board President and Honorary Trustee. Joel joined the Playhouse Board of Trustees in 1983 and was instrumental on the search committee that brought Des McAnuff to La Jolla to re-launch the Playhouse on the University of California, San Diego campus. He served on the Playhouse Board during the construction of the Mandell Weiss Forum and was Board President during the Playhouse’s Capital Campaign, which enabled the construction of the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theater, the Seuss and Makineni Rehearsal Rooms and the Kaplan Administrative Offices. Joel’s legacy will long be remembered through his and his wife Rosanne’s generous philanthropic work throughout San Diego. In addition to his leadership of the Playhouse, Joel was a Founding Director of the Del Mar Foundation, and he and Rosanne have been stalwart supporters of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Northwest. At the Playhouse, we will remember Joel as a man of deep integrity and passion, and we will greatly miss his calm, steadying presence, as well as his boundless dedication to La Jolla Playhouse, his family and the entire San Diego community.
THANK YOU FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES The La Jolla Playhouse Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt appreciation to the entire Playhouse staff for your hard work and dedication to help bring us back to this full season of live theater. Your incredible efforts – backstage, in our shops and in our administrative offices – have made this amazing season possible. The Board would also like to acknowledge the many employees who have been part of the Playhouse family for ten years or more. We are truly grateful for your deep and lasting commitment to this extraordinary theatre.
Christopher Ashley Becky Biegelsen Debby Buchholz Ned Collins Mary Cook John Craft Mia Fiorella Gabe Greene Pearl Hang
Deb Hatch Desiree Hatfield Buckley Kristyn Kennedy Amy Marquez Jen McClenahan Paul Preston Sharon Ratelle Rick Van Noy Dave Weiner PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P21
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SUMMER 2022 INTERN COHORT Artistic Jaz Johnson Danniel Ureña Communications/Marketing Viviana Balladeres Kristine Nguyen Company Management Angel Cruz Learning and Engagement Erica Kahn
OBSERVERSHIPS AT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE!
Philanthropy Emily Clark Bella Frost
La Jolla Playhouse offers Observership experiences for each of our mainstage shows. Working in tandem with the Production Department, the Playhouse brings in groups of young adults to learn about various careers in theatre by visiting a rehearsal, touring of the Playhouse facilities, and meeting with members of the Production staff. For more information, please email learningandengagement@ljp.org
Production Management Abby Stein Special Events Olga Khitarishvili Stage Management Gabriela Fonseca Luna
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS Lead Supporters: The William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation | Qualcomm Foundation Community Programs The Playhouse partners with members of local affinity groups to create productions for, by, with and in the communities we serve. In addition, we provide creative opportunities for artistic development and growth for various community groups.
JumpStart Theatre This three-year program provides curriculum and mentorship for a team of middle school teachers to produce musicals in their schools for the first time. After three years, the school receives continued support to maintain a viable theatre program.
In-School Programs The Playhouse partners with school districts across San Diego County to place professional teaching artists in schools for intensive artist residencies aimed at providing young people with meaningful opportunities to learn about theatre. Through the Kennedy Center’s Partner in Education program, the San Diego County Office of Education and LJP team up to provide professional development for educators on how to enhance their existing lessons with theatre strategies.
Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour Each year, the Playhouse commissions a new play that addresses real concerns of today’s youth and brings a professional production to schools and community centers across San Diego County.
Innovation Lab Focusing on how theatre can improve communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking in the work place, Playhouse teaching artists lead interactive activities to build effective teams in any industry.
Residencies and Partnerships • UCSD MFA Residencies: 3rd-year UCSD MFA students participate in a residency within the Playhouse’s 6-show season. • Resident Theatre Company: The Playhouse annually provides an artistic home and resources to a local theatre without a permanent space of their own. • Good Neighbor Partnerships: The Playhouse offers opportunities to artists, theatre companies and collectives to use our spaces and resources for special projects that may not be possible without outside support.
Spotlight On Playhouse teaching artists lead classes for adults on Improv, Musical Theatre, Acting and Technical Theatre. Student Matinees Special student matinees of selected mainstage productions are offered throughout the school year. An online engagement guide, pre- or post-show workshops, and a post-show talkback provides a deeper understanding on how a new play is uniquely developed with Playhouse staff.
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Young Performers’ Conservatory (YPC) A 5-week intensive that prepares actors for serious college theatre programs; and Tech Theatre, which introduces young people to the various aspects of technical theatre. Supported by the Sidney E. Frank Foundation, the Jordan Ressler Endowment Fund, David C. Copley Foundation and the Roberto Quiñones, Jr. Scholarship Fund.
Lear
For more information on La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning and Engagement Programs, please email learningandengagement@ljp.org P22 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE and view our free resources for educators and families on our website.
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PATRON SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY
CONCESSIONS AND DINING
PARKING AND SHUTTLES For the latest parking and shuttle information, please go to LaJollaPlayhouse. org/plan-your-visit/parking
Designated wheelchair-accessible seating is available and accessible parking is provided by UC San Diego in the South Parking Structure (formerly known as Osler). Wheelchair seat locations are available for wheelchair users and a companion. Additionally, a golf cart is available to assist patrons with accessibility needs to and from the drop-off location. You may pull into the Passenger/Ride Share Drop-Off area and a greeter will assist you. The Playhouse offers assisted listening devices free of charge at the Patron Information Booth for any patron who would like amplified sound (subject to availability). Please provide a credit card or ID for temporary deposit.
Start your night off right with bar and concessions service from James' Place: serving beer, wine, sodas and individually-wrapped snacks. Additionally, James’ Place provides dining service 2 hours before evening showtimes.
PATRON SERVICES is located in the lobby or courtyard of each theatre. A volunteer is available to distribute assisted listening devices and answer questions.
COVID-19 SAFETY
PHOTOGRAPHY/RECORDING DEVICES Photography and video or audio recording of performances is strictly prohibited.
Listening Devices Provided in Part by
CHILDREN under the age of 6 are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless otherwise posted. Unaccompanied minors ages 12 and under are not permitted in the theatre. Out of respect for fellow audience members and the performers, babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre during performances.
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LATE SEATING Should you arrive late for any performance or need to leave your seat during the performance, you may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate moment. To minimize any disturbance to actors or other patrons, you may stand or be seated in the first available location by House Management even if not your assigned location. Please be advised that some performances may not allow for late seating or return to your assigned seat.
PLEASE SILENCE or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones and watches, before the performance. SAFETY IN THE THEATRE DISTRICT La Jolla Playhouse is constantly working with UC San Diego Police Department and Transportation and Parking Services to maintain a safe and secure environment in the parking lots. Patrons are welcome to use the UC San Diego escort service by contacting UC San Diego Community Service Officers (CSOs) at (858) 534-9255 (WALK). Further questions regarding security, please contact UC San Diego Police at (858) 534-4357 (HELP).
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The Playhouse continues to follow guidelines and strategies provided by San Diego County, California Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all in-person activities.Please go to LaJollaPlayhouse.org/ plan-your-visit/covid-safety for our latest policy updates.
The top-ranking Department of Theatre & Dance at UC San Diego offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs right here in the Jacobs Theatre District. Through our partnership with Tony Award-honored La Jolla Playhouse, current students and alumni receive internships and professional residencies on La Jolla Playhouse productions.
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Learn more and explore our season at theatre.ucsd.edu
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Men on Boats, 2021
PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE Photo by MannyP23 Rotenberg
7/8/22 10:48 AM
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Christopher Ashley* The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse
STAFF
ARTISTIC Executive Producer Eric Keen-Louie Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene* Director of Experiences and Activations Mia Fiorella* Associate Producer Amy Ashton Executive Assistant to Christopher Ashley Rick VanNoy* Director Emeritus Des McAnuff Commissioned Artists Todd Almond, Jeff Augustin, Daniel Beaty, Keith Bunin, Guillermo Calderón, Sam Chanse, Fernanda Coppel, Kristoffer Diaz, Noah Diaz, Ava Geyer, Idris Goodwin, Joe Iconis, Hansol Jung, Mike Lew, Rehana Lew Mirza, Martyna Majok, Mona Mansour, Jess McLeod, MILCK, Gregory S. Moss, Lisa Peterson, Theresa Rebeck, Harrison David Rivers, Claudia Shear, Christopher Shinn, Octavio Solis, Benjamin Velez, Keith Wallace, Cheryl L. West, Lauren Yee Artist-in-Residence Kenny Ramos Theater-in-Residence Common Ground Theatre LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT Director of Learning Bridget Cavaiola Stone Director of Arts Engagement and In-House Casting Jacole Kitchen Learning and Engagement Manager Hannah Reinert Learning and Engagement Assistant Luis Martinez Teaching Artists Frankie Alicea-Ford, Julie Benitez, Lisa Berger, Lex Bezdeka, Desireé Clarke, Tiya Coleman, Farah Dinga, Kristen Fogle, Melissa Glasgow, Kirsten Giard, Katie Grant, Bex Hurt, Jeffrey Ingman, Levi Kaplan, Justin Lang, Grace Lehman, Wilfred Paloma, Vanessa Reibel, Lorena Santana, Mike Sears, Gill Sotu, Katie Turner, Marjorie Treger, Sofia Zaragoza ASL Interpreters Lynn Ann Garrett, Anelia Glebocki, Billieanne McLellan, Alycen Haynesworth ASL Volunteer Esther Shen Audio Describers Mernie Aste, Brian Berlau, Tina Dyer, Shari Lyon, Deborah Sanborn, Sylvia Southerland, Michele Dixon, Lisa Illiana, Laurielynn Barnett, Ann McDonald ADMINISTRATION General Manager Ryan Meisheid Assistant General Manager Erica Martin General Management Fellow Jake Hurwitz Corporate/Legal Counsel Robert C. Wright, Wright & L’Estrange Theatre/Legal Counsel F. Richard Pappas, Esq. COMPANY MANAGEMENT Company Manager Rosalee Barrientos Assistant Company Manager Mia Apalategui Company Management Assistant Nate Cathey FINANCE Chief Financial Officer Laura Killmer Controller Jared Jackson Accounts Payable Manager Sharon Ratelle* Human Resources Manager Jennifer Boaz
HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES CREW Stage Carpenter Michael Brodsky Head Prop Runner Jeni Cheung Wardrobe Supervisor Jan Mah Dresser Valynsia Sims
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COMMUNICATIONS Chief Communications Officer Mary Cook* Director of Public Relations Becky Biegelsen* Associate Director of Sales & Marketing Sonia Diaz Communications Manager Grace Madamba Senior Multimedia Designer Nancy Showers Multimedia Designer Phyllis Sa Integrated Digital Marketing & Partnerships Manager Jacey Aldredge Marketing Database Analyst Dani Meister Patron Services Sales Specialist Paul Preston* Sales Concierge William Guiney PATRON SERVICES Associate Director of Ticketing Services Pearl Hang* Senior Patron Services Manager Travis Guss Lead Patron Services Representative Bill Washington Patron Services Representatives Rachel Lasker, Devin O’Reilly, Emmy Farese OPERATIONS Director of Operations Ned Collins* Operations Manager Jen McClenahan* Network Systems Specialist Daryl “Scooter” Davis Office Administrator Amanda Casachahua FRONT OF HOUSE House Manager John Craft* Assistant House Managers Gabriela D’Amico, Alex Bezdeka, Braulio Fernandez-Flores, Hannah Johnson, Amy Marquez* Audience Concierges Ashley Carbonell, Simonne Darbonne, Sara Delgado, Chris Ferreria, Emily Klemmetsen, Mariana Ortega, Ryan Ritterby, Teya Searles, Gemina Soriano, Maria Torpey, Mia Van Deloo Janitorial Professional Maintenance Systems: Yajaira Fierro, Faviola Marshburn, Juan Mena, Mayra Ramos, Montserrat Reyes, Tony Villafuerte PHILANTHROPY Director of Philanthropy Julia B. Foster Associate Director of Philanthropy Keely Daximillion Assistant Director of Philanthropy, Institutional Giving Rebecca Pierce Goodman Philanthropy Operations Manager Tony Dixon Special Events Manager Sarah Huddleston Individual Giving Manager Madeleine McManus Corporate Relations Manager James Skeet Philanthropy Coordinator Melvina Bridges Institutional Giving Coordinator Lyla Iannaccone Special Events Coordinator Katie Wallace-Coppo Philanthropy Assistant Dominique Kersh
Debby Buchholz* Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse PRODUCTION Senior Production Manager Benjamin Seibert Production Manager Becca Duhaime Assistant Production Manager Dacia Samilo Production Office Manager Caren Heintzelman Production Management Intern Abby Stein SCENE SHOP Technical Director William Hartley Associate Technical Director Jonathan Gilmer Assistant Technical Director Michael Strickland Shop Foreman David Weiner* Production Carpenter Jacob Bruce Lead Shop Carpenter Matthew Clark Carpenters Bradley Bergholtz, Cynthia Bloodgood, Michael Brodsky, Nicholas Jackson, Phillip Jones, Eszter Julian, Justino Kullberg, Omar Perez, Joseph Reynolds, Rico Rhone, Ava Roethe, Michael Stubbs, Alex Toretti, Tim Van Der Linde, Diego Vasquez, Sheila Whitsett, Molly Whittaker, Victor Worsham Charge Artists Melissa Nalbach Scenic Painters Caroline Kvaas, Marie Mateo, Courtney Ware PROPERTIES SHOP Prop Shop Supervisor Deb Hatch* Associate Prop Shop Supervisor Jennifer Imbler Lead Artisan Zlatko Mitev Artisan Rai Feltmann, Ryan Lewis COSTUME SHOP Costume Supervisor Jennifer Ables Resident Costume Design Assistant Desiree Hatfield-Buckley* Draper Kyle Everett First Hand Keira McGee Stitcher Sonya Levin Craft Artisan Tess Mattraw ELECTRICS Electrics Supervisor Kristyn Kennedy* Head Electrician Joel Britt Electricians Michelle Aguilar, Hannah Beerfas, Bradley Bergholtz, Jasmyne Birdsong, Alex Cluff, Amy Cresciamanno, Jessica Dean, Joshua Heming, Michelle Luongo, Areta MacKelvie, Delaney McCowen, Amber Montoya, Kevin Orlof, Evan Page, Joanne Stewart, Aiko Whitmore, Laura Zingle SOUND/VIDEO Sound/Video Supervisor Timothy Riggs Head of Sound Department Daniel Silva Sound Technician Mae Le Head of Video Department Stephan Hoyt Video Technician Isaac Clark, Braden Baum
* Ten years or more with La Jolla Playhouse
Light Board Operator/Head Electrician Alex Cluff Audio Engineer Dan Silva A2 Leif Corbeil Video Operator Craig Figuerado
@lajollaplayhouse
@LJPlayhouse
TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT STAFF Artistic Director Moisés Kaufman Executive Director Matt Joslyn Executive Assistant Jose Pelegri
LaJollaPlayhouse1947
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TRAVEL
NEVER GETS OLD Historical San Juan Capistrano gets a beautiful new inn and dramatically ups its culinary game. / by benjamin epstein /
The new Inn at Mission San Juan Capistrano
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Precisely midway between Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and La Jolla Playhouse near San Diego you'll find the birthplace of Orange County: San Juan Capistrano, whose Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded in 1776. Fast forward about two and a half centuries and the birthplace is enjoying a rebirth. San Juan Capistrano recently got its first major hotel and has emerged as the county’s most exciting culinary scene. The luxe Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano and three of the county’s finest eateries have opened in the last 18 months, all steps from the mission. The mission itself—today presenting the ruins of the Great Stone Church, the chapel, the original padres’ quarters, a museum and manicured gardens—never gets old. Neither do Los Rios Historic District and Capistrano Depot, also steps away.
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The Inn is an Autograph Collection Hotel, included in Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 200 properties recognized for one-of-a-kind design. The group’s motto: “Exactly like nothing else.” This property melds three styles of Spanish architecture—adobe, Monterey and Spanish Revival— that reflect the area’s history. The Inn’s logo features the area’s storied cliff swallows, said to return annually as part of the birds’ migration from Argentina. Corbel ceiling beams and glass bells in the lobby recall the mission’s bells. Hacienda-inspired guest rooms have high ceilings, mission-style grand armoires and chandeliers; luxury suites include three residential villas.
Four acres of lush landscaping include an olive grove. Its Reverence private-label, extra-virgin olive oil is produced in collaboration with coveted Nuvo Oil; the grove itself, festive with twinkling lanterns, is often used for special events. Spa treatments use an olive oil-based scrub; as well as natural oils infused with lemons and herbs grown onsite. The spa’s large deck overlooks the mission’s Great Stone Church. Multiple dining options onproperty offer expansive outdoor seating. Fine-dining room Ysidora presents chef Aaron Obregon’s Cal-Spanish menu of wood-fired meats and vegetables: tapas featuring Reverence marinated olives;
mains such as smoked artichoke and beet with green mole, tomatillo chimichurri and cashew ricotta; and the Big Manchego grape-glazed cheese tart for dessert. The bar is striking and the adjacent lounge cozy. Come morning, El Café Real offers La Colombe specialty coffees and grab-and-go items. Three new restaurants nearby— Mayfield, Heritage Barbecue and Ramen Shack—have significantly altered O.C.’s culinary landscape. London-born owner George Barker presents chef Jayro Martinez’s creative Cal-Med-Middle Eastern dishes; as well as curated natural wines and way-cool cocktails in a stylish, airy setting with huge front windows—prescient in
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Clockwise: the bar at Ysidora; its carpaccio de res dish; Mission San Juan Capistrano's Sacred Garden; Ysidora's elegant lounge.
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We're open for shopping & donations: 7 days per week, 10am - 6pm 980 Hornblend St./corner of Cass St. Pacific Beach 92109 858.999.0125 Our new retail shop sells pre-loved kitchenware, cookware & dinnerware, offering something for treasure hunters & value seekers alike!
Proceeds from all sales go to support our Apprenticeship & sustainability programs.
Please consider donating your gently used (or new & unused) items. Donations are tax-deductible. Learn more here:
Kitchens for Good is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization Tax ID: 46-3278605
light of the pandemic— plus a specialty market and grab-and-go along one wall. A la carte highlights include the Rip and Dip plate of half a dozen starters, cauliflower shawarma, pomegranatemolasses-glazed octopus and za’atar fried chicken; but the changing weekend Supper Club menu is the hot ticket. Heritage Barbecue is O.C.’s gold standard for Texas-style barbecue. When it comes to ’cue, brisket is king, and pit master Daniel Castillo’s white-oak-smoked Creekstone Farms Black Angus Prime brisket rules all. His Duroc pulled pork has devoted fans, too. Beef ribs on weekends and creative sausages are Prime. Non-American specials include brisket banh mì, pastrami torta and toro-sashimi-porkbelly musubi. Heritage shares a courtyard with Capistrano Brewing Co.
and closes upon sellout. Renowned for his ramen burger yet esteemed by serious aficionados, New York City ramen chef Keizo Shimamoto designed nearly a dozen ramens and three craft noodles for his new Ramen Shack. Amid action-packed Tokyo-inspired murals, the Orange County native serves bowls such as the Quiet Storm, with pork chashu and fish powder; and Infamous
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THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RON DE ANGELIS
Ramen at Ramen Shack. Below: tablescape at Heritage Barbecue.
THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: RON DE ANGELIS
Green Curry, with chicken chashu and red chile— both in a 13-ingredient broth with fermented bamboo shoots. Walk the block to Capistrano Depot and you pass Five Vines Wine Bar and Rancho Capistrano Winery. Just across the train tracks is Los Rios Historic District, California's oldest neighborhood; one of its 31 homes dates to 1794. A tad further, find petting zoo Zoomars at River Street Ranch. San Juan Capistrano is the county's equestrian center; luxurious residences, many with their own stables, surround the city. Eight miles to the east is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. The beauty of this getaway, besides just about everything? San Juan Capistrano is close enough to beg repeat visits.
Richard O’Neill
Cécile McLorin Salvant Miró Quartet
Simone Porter
Anthony Roth Costanzo Alexi Kenney
Joyce Yang
Tessa Lark Imogen Cooper
Liza Ferschtman
Anthony McGill
Inon Barnatan, Music Director
Inon Barnatan
Single tickets are now on sale! Join us at The Conrad for SummerFest, our month-long chamber music festival! This year, we’re going Under the Influence, exploring the muses that seduced and inspired some of the greatest composers in musical history. Visit LJMS.org for tickets and more information The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 858.459.3728 ∙ 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037
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F EAT U R E
folk art, made by selftaught artists from around the world—from a fantastical parade of handstitched creatures, to toy animals made from found materials. Don’t miss Fold, Twist, Tie, an exhibition of paper bag hats by the self-taught artist moses (who does not capitalize his name). Curated by Barbara Hanson Forsyth, this exhibition features whimsical and sculptural paper hats—mimicking materials ranging from leather to bamboo. Niki and Mingei, also curated by Forsyth, features fantastic furniture and furnishings by FrenchAmerican artist Niki de Saint Phalle. Her iconic works are landmarks around San Diego (her second hometown). mingei.org Everyone takes photos with their smartphones now, but the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) reminds us of the power and intricacy of photography as an art form. On view through Sept. 11, check out Legacy: Larry Friedman Collection, contemporary work that challenges the notion of what photography can be—gifted to MOPA’s permanent collection from Larry Friedman’s estate. The images in this exhibition represent a range of 18 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE
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© RUUD VAN EMPEL / COURTESY MOPA
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© RUUD VAN EMPEL / COURTESY MOPA
Ruud van Empel, Dawn #2, 2008, at MOPA
processes—such as the artfully crafted Photoshop work of notable Dutch artist Ruud van Empel; or the platinum/palladium imagery of Japanese artist Takeshi Shikama. Nick Brandt: This Empty World—a traveling exhibition of 31 large-scale photographs—envisions a world overwhelmed by development, where there is no longer space for animals to survive. And Encounter: Photographs by Jed Fielding takes you up close and personal with street portraits that are a glimpse into his subjects’ vivid lives. mopa.org The Undocumented Migration Project, a nonprofit research and artseducation collective, partners with the Museum of Us for Hostile Terrain 94. It’s participatory map installation intended to raise awareness about the realities of the U.S.–
Mexico Border—focusing on the deaths that have been happening almost daily since 1994 as a direct result of the Border Patrol policy: “Prevention Through Deterrence.” This policy was designed to discourage undocumented migrants from attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border near urban ports of entry. However, it had the effect of pushing individuals into more remote and depopulated regions—such as the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona. Since then, more than six million people have attempted to make the perilous journey, and at least 3,200 of them have died. This powerful exhibition includes more than 3,200 handwritten, geolocated toe tags that represent these migrants. It also comprises cultural resources and family narratives related to these migrations; and a timeline of government policies that have produced these conditions; plus contemporary artworks, landscape visuals and more. (Note: content may be difficult for some visitors.) Also at the Museum of Us, Race: Are We So Different? dives into the question of what prompts us to differentiate ourselves by skin color and other physical features. It explores the origins of race and racism—hoping we can understand
FOLLOW YOUR
t r A
September 10-11
SAN DIEGO SURF SPORTS PARK (former Del Mar Polo Fields)
150+ Artists • Entertainment Food • Wine • Craft Beer
Don’t miss out! BUY TICKETS sdartsfest.org
Your attendance changes the lives of San Diegans with disabilities #SDARTSFEST Produced by: ®
Sponsors:
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F EAT U R E
Spreckels Organ Pavilion at dusk
how to deal with them in productive, enlightening ways. museumofus.org Did you know San Diego is the only U.S. city that has a civic organist on its payroll? The always-free Spreckels Organ Pavilion concerts fill the park with the majestic sound of music from the world’s largest pipe organ every Sunday at 2 p.m.—performed by civic organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez. Plus, in the summer, take advantage of the longer days with “Twilight in the Park” concerts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Picnics are encouraged.) The Women In Music Festival, every Monday in August at 7:30 p.m., showcases the role of women in both music composition and performance in our history. Featured organists will include Caroline Robinson, Amanda Mole and
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CABARE
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JULY 26 – AUGUST 21
Nicole Keller. Don’t miss special events like Maria Teresa Sierra on the piano, duetting with Ramírez on the organ on Aug. 22 for an evening of music— including Beethoven’s piano Concerto No. 5 and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, among others. If slapstick is more your style, “Silent Movie Night” with Clara Gerdes on Aug. 29 features films with Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. spreckelsorgan.org Another landmark Balboa Park institution recently underwent a face-lift: Timken Museum of Art, which reopened in June after two years of renovations. In addition to installing cutting-edge, patented, antiviral technology to ensure the health of visitors, the interior of the mid-century modern building was renovated for a more contemporary look. The renovation also restored the historic bronzes that cover much
BY MOISÉS
KAUFMAN AND AMANDA GRONICH KAUFMAN A CO-PRODUCTION WITH TECTONIC THEATER PROJECT CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY MOISÉS
A world-premiere play which explores the journey of discovery and the repercussions upon the arrival of an unexpected album of WWII photographs at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
GET TICKETS!
LaJollaPlayhouse.org (858) 550-1010 SP ON SOR E D B Y
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler
Recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
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F EAT U R E
COME BY AND LET US SHOW YOU AROUND.
seacrestvillage.org | (760) 632-0081 211 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024 AL Lic# 374600619
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of the museum’s entrance and interior as structural and decorative accents— polished back to their original golden finish. The reimagined galleries still hold the museum’s priceless collection of European Old Masters (including the only Rembrandt in San Diego), American artists and Russian icons. The Timken (always free to enter) also added two new art pieces to its collection: Ella Ferris Pell’s 1890 Salomé and Bust of Eve by sculptor Thomas Ball. Salomé is the first art by a woman in the Timken’s permanent collection. timkenmuseum.org Finally, a great way to kick off your weekends this summer is at Nat at Night. The San Diego Natural History Museum (aka “The Nat”) will be open on Fridays until 10 p.m., with half-price admission after 4 p.m.
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(L-R) JON REBMAN; COURTESY TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
Sierra de la Laguna, Expedtion Baja at The Nat
NO DRINK MINIMUM
OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK
S C A N F O RO M O R E IN F
I
(L-R) JON REBMAN; COURTESY TIMKEN MUSEUM OF ART
SAN DIEGO'S NEWEST COMEDY CLUB
I (
The museum’s very cool rooftop patio with views over the park, open to all, will open at 4 p.m. on Fridays—serving beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks, including kids’ beverages. This summer, The Nat is partnering with Wolf in the Woods to offer small plates as well. The Nat’s newest exhibition, Expedition Baja— located in the museum’s new fourth-floor gallery— explores the rugged and beautiful Baja California Peninsula and follows researchers on their quest to conserve its wild beauty. Visitors can sip a signature cocktail while taking it all in. sdnhm.org Find more details about all these exhibits and events (and lots more) at the organizations’ individual websites; or at the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, where you can also pick up an Explorer Pass—giving you unlimited entrance for a year to all the park’s museums for one low price. bpcp.org
v
Explore connections between people, instruments, and the music we make. Thomas Ball, Bust of Eve, Timken Museum of Art
5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad • museumofmakingmusic.org • 760.438.5996
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Balboa Park’s historical Casa Del Prado Theater, home to the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet and other local performing arts groups.
ELEU TABARES
PARTIN G SH O T
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