Performances Magazine | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, September/October 2024

Little Shop of Horrors

and

by the WPA

(Kyle

Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City, by the WPA

David

directed by Jenn Thompson Sept. 21 - Oct. 19, 2024

24, 2024

and the

book

lyrics by Howard Ashman music by Alan Menken

Based on the Film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith Originally Produced

Theatre

Renick, Producing Director).

Theatre,

Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh

Shubert Organization.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ULTIMATE SHOPPING DESTINATION

A.P.C. · Alexander Wang · Amiri · Anthropologie · Aritzia · Balenciaga · Bottega Veneta

Bvlgari · Byredo · Cartier · Celine · Chanel · Chopard · Courrèges · Diesel · Dior · Dolce&Gabbana

Gentle Monster · Givenchy · Graff · Gucci · Hermès · Hoka · Hublot · Hugo Boss · Jacques Marie Mage

Jaeger-LeCoultre · Jimmy Choo · Loewe · Louis Vuitton · Mejuri · Miu Miu · Palm Angels

Prada · Reformation · Roger Vivier · Saint Laurent · Stella McCartney · The Webster · Thom Browne

Tiffany & Co. · Valentino · Van Cleef & Arpels · Warby Parker · Zegna · Zimmermann partial listing

Valet Parking · Personal Stylist Program · Gift Cards · Concierge Services

World-Class Theatre

Our stages offer a range of works. The 507-seat Segerstrom Stage and the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage bring to life a combination of classics, contemporary hits and works by the nation’s most promising playwrights, as well as family-friendly plays through our Theatre for Young Audiences and Families offerings. The 94-seat Nicholas Studio is home to student productions from our Theatre Conservatory, as well as readings and workshops for plays being developed through our newplay initiative The Lab@SCR.

Exploring Creativity & Transforming Lives

Each year, kids, teens and adults attend acting and playwriting classes in our Theatre Conservatory, while our Neighborhood Conservatory serves students through after-school acting classes in underserved schools and community centers. Our students are featured in three annual productions ( Junior, Teen and Summer Players) and work with professional designers and creative teams.

Clockwise from top: Amy Brenneman and Eric Berryman in the world premiere of Galilee, 34 by Eleanor Burgess. Actors Jermaine Rowe, Markita Prescott, Shayne Powell and Amanda Morris Hunt in rehearsal for the 2023 Pacific Playwrights Festival reading of Crasiss. School children at at Theatre for Young Audiences show. Inside the Season discussion about Qui Nguyen’s Vietgone. Theatre Conservatory students in the classroom.

Leading in New Play Development

We contribute to the canon of American theatre through The Lab@SCR—the theatre’s comprehensive, collaborative, nineinitiative new-play development infrastructure. Through our commissioning program—one of the largest in the nation— we invest in playwrights at various stages of their careers— including a $60,000 Pinnacle Award—offer residences, workshops and readings for works-in-process, and develop new American musicals. More than 350 new plays have resulted from commissions given to more than 245 playwrights, with more than 60 writers currently on commission. Audiences participate in the process through public play readings and the renowned Pacific Playwrights Festival.

Building a Strong Future

South Coast Repertory is…

We foster the next generation of theatregoers through special ticket programs, benefitting students— many of whom are experiencing live theatre for the first time. More than half attend free through Theatre for Young Audiences student matinees (grade school) and the Theatre Access program (high school and college). Deep discounts are available for student groups and individuals. As participants transition into adulthood, they are invited to join MyStage , a membership program that encourages 15-to-25-year-olds to engage in our work and see plays at minimal cost.

Engaging the Community in Conversation

We engage the community in dialogue around each production through our lineup of postshow conversations, Inside the Season interactive sessions with artists, as well as our website, program notes, blog stories, social media and YouTube channel. Get connected at scr.org.

ON THE COVER: The photos represent SCR productions that feature American Icons or were musical masterpeices. 2022: Arie Bianca Thompson, Chibuba Osuala, Jennifer Leigh Warren and Meredith Noël in Nina Simone: Four Women by Christina Ham. 2023: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry featured Veralyn Jones and C.J. Lindsey. 2013: Addi McDaniel, Nate Dendy and Anthony Carillo in The Fantasticks, book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by Harvey Schmidt 2019: Jamey Hood and David St. Louis in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, music by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler. 2020: Brian Vaughn and Erin Mackey in She Loves Me, book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, based on the play by Miklós László. 2016: Mark Harelik as Mark Rothko in Red by John Logan.

Tickets (714) 708-5555

Administration (714) 708-5500

Email: theatre@scr.org

Emmes/Benson Theatre Center

655 Town Center Drive, P.O. Box 2197, Costa Mesa, CA 92628-2197

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Visit scr.org for performance times, box office

and ticket

EDITORS

Brian Robin

Bil Schroeder

Heather Van Holt

WRITERS

Domenick Ietto

Brian Robin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Henry DiRocco, Jenny Graham, Robert Huskey, Jordan Kubat, Debora Robinson and SCR staff

PUBLISHER

Jeff Levy

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Glenda Mendez

PRODUCTION ARTIST

Diana Gonzalez

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Walter Lewis

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Kerry Baggett, Jan Bussman, Jean Greene, Liz Moore

BUSINESS MANAGER

Leanne Killian Riggar

MARKETING/

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Dawn Kiko Cheng

DIGITAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Audrey Duncan Welch

CONTACT US

ADVERTISING

Walter.Lewis@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

WEBSITE

Lorenzo.DelaRama@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

HONORARY PRESIDENT

Ted Levy

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

Phone: 310.280.2880 / Fax: 310.280.2890

Visit Performances Magazine online at socalpulse.com

Performances Magazine is published by California Media Group to serve performing arts venues throughout the West.

© 2024 California Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the United States.

On We Gleefully Go

What a time to be a part of South Coast Repertory. Opportunities surface around every corner, engagement with staff, artists and you are top of mind. I’m humbled, I’m honored to be the Artistic Director of this es teemed institution. I’m proud of SCR’s storied legacy, thrilled at the prospect of what’s to come on our stages and passionate about the potential for all our spaces and all who intersect with our work. I feel energized and inspired by partnerships, supported by a generous and engaged Board and lifted by the fantastic artists and staff who bring to life our season’s new and extant plays.

In addition, I am thrilled to be partnered with newly appointed Managing Director Suzanne Appel, who brings a wealth of experience, proven leadership and great charisma to Orange County. Please join me in welcoming her and embracing our committed partnership as your co-CEOs. I know we are going to be a great team and we are excited to connect with you.

All that said, it’s not been easy these past five years. All the obstacles of the world (personal, professional), all the shifting, changing priorities, all the polarization we face as a nation burden us with so much unpredictability. It’s been a bit like trying to hold water in my hands. So … it’s with great caution and a tinge of excitement I offer … a growing sense of calm. What were once challenges are starting to feel like opportunities. Audiences are beginning to return, the community is curious, students are on campuses and institutions are imagining and re-imaging and so on we gleefully go.

And THAT feeling, combined with Suzanne’s arrival, thrills me in ways I have not felt in a long time. We are aligned in our desire and

our ambitions to make the best work, connect with the best community (that’s you!) and position South Coast Repertory to launch with vision into the future, driven by productions of the finest plays the field has to offer.

I urge you to watch for opportunities and initiatives to engage in the process of developing brand new plays. I encourage you to attune yourself to deeper intersectionality across all the shows in the season. I’m always interested in programming myriad layers of connection. I think you’ll find resonant, entertaining and impactful narratives exploring the notion of “Home.” I trust you’ll confront what it means to be “lost and found” and how “love is both glorious and costly.” I hope the season will inspire you to wrestle with issues of our time and laugh at blatant contradictions (that only YOU will know are true!) I believe you’ll find something heroic and inventive in The Incredible Book Eating Boy equal to what you will discover in the world premiere of You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World! And I know you’ll be transformed by engaging with all our highly theatrical and invigorating productions that make up our 61st season.

Our theatre conservatory offers a parallel experience to the season as does the Pacific Playwrights Festival. Everything we offer purposefully intersects to celebrate the power of the human spirit and the joy that only live theatre brings to the community. I can’t thank you enough for prioritizing our art.

And while we are brimming with ideas, we want to hear yours as well. So, as always, you can reach me at my email below. I love hearing from you.

All best,

David Ivers Artistic Director ivers@scr.org

Pleased to Meet You

Welcome to South Coast Repertory!

I’d like to extend a special welcome to those of you attending a show at SCR for the first time, or for the first time in a long time. You see, I’m new here, too. I’ll share with you a little bit about why I think this theatre company is so special.

Most of my two-decade career in the theatre, I’ve been tracking the incredible new plays and musicals that have come out of South Coast Repertory’s commissioning and new play development program, The Lab@SCR. I left Off-Broadway’s esteemed Vineyard Theatre for this Tony Award-winning company because I believe it is uniquely positioned to produce the best theatre in America. What differentiates SCR and has made it a new play powerhouse is the community that supports this theatre. Perhaps its greatest asset is YOU.

It’s my hope that the performance you are about to see will spark something inside you that will bring you back for more incredible productions in our 2024/25 season—where there is something for everyone to enjoy. Or perhaps you’ll get inspired to try your hand as a collaborator and take a class with us?

This season, we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the South Coast Repertory Theatre Conservatory. For five decades, SCR has offered acting and playwrighting classes for theatre kids ages 9 to 90. It’s just one of the myriad ways we hope to serve our Orange County community.

It will always be my goal as managing director to earn your loyalty and support. Artistic Director David Ivers and I intend on getting out into the community together as often as possible this season. If you’d like us to join your community event, or have other feedback on your theatre experience, please email me at suzanne@ scr.org.

Warmly,

Suzanne Appel Managing Director

Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964 by David Emmes and Martin Benson, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel. SCR is recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. It is committed to theatre that illuminates the compelling personal and social issues of our time, not only on its stages but through its wide array of education and engagement programs.

While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern theatre, SCR is renowned for The Lab@SCR, its extensive new-play development program, which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers and composers. Each year, SCR showcases some of the country’s best new plays at the Pacific Playwrights Festival, which attracts theatre professionals from across the country. Of SCR’s more than 543 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres, whose subsequent stagings achieved enormous success throughout America and around the world. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major newplay awards.

The David Emmes/Martin Benson Theatre Center is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. SCR is a professional, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation, partially funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, foundations, corporations and individuals. It is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a national collective-bargaining association; and Arts Orange County, the official local arts agency.

The theatre operates under an agreement between LORT; Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers; the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union; and United Scenic Artists, the union of scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers.

2024-25 Season

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

book and lyrics by Howard Ashman

music by Alan Menken

based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director). Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City, by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization. directed by Jenn Thompson

SEPT. 21 - OCT. 19, 2024

Segerstrom Stage

Apriem Advisors • Michael Ray, Honorary Producers

U.S. Bank, Corporate Honorary Producer

AMERICAN ICON SERIES

Join us over several seasons as we celebrate the artists, personalities and opinion leaders who boldly changed our world.

JOAN

by Daniel Goldstein directed by David Ivers

OCT. 27 - NOV. 24, 2024

Julianne Argyros Stage

Susan Shieldkret & David Dull, Honorary Producers

WISH YOU WERE HERE by Sanaz Toossi

directed by Mina Morita

JAN. 12 - FEB. 2, 2025

Julianne Argyros Stage

THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY

book by Madhuri Shekar music by Christian Magby lyrics by Christian Albright based on the book by Oliver Jeffers directed by H. Adam Harris

FEB. 28-MAR. 16, 2025

Theatre for Young Audiences & Families

Julianne Argyros Stage

Apriem Advisors, Honorary Producer Bank of America, Corporate Honorary Producer

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE END OF THE WORLD!

by Keiko Green

directed by by Zi Alikhan

APR. 5 - MAY 3, 2025

Segerstrom Stage

Julia Voce • Nickie & Mickey Williams, Honorary Producers

THE STAIRCASE

by Noa Gardner directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch

APR. 27 - MAY 18, 2025

Julianne Argyros Stage

Harmon & Lea Kong • Samuel & Tammy Tang, Lead Honorary Producers

The Playwrights Circle, Honorary Producers

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL adapted by Jerry Patch directed by Hisa Takakuwa

NOV. 30 - DEC. 24, 2024

Segerstrom Stage

Julianne & George Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation, Honorary Producers

Hershey Felder

Jonathan Silvestri RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR

a New Musical Play the music of Sergei V. Rachmaninoff book by Hershey Felder directed by Trevor Hay

FEB. 19 - MAR. 2, 2025

Segerstrom Stage

Michael Ray, Honorary Producer

HERSHEY FELDER’S GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK SINGALONG

One Night Only

MAR. 3, 2025

Segerstrom Stage

PACIFIC PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

MAY 2-4, 2025

South Coast Repertory respectfully acknowledges its presence on the traditional land of the Tongva People. With gratitude, we honor the land and the people, past and present, who have stewarded it through the generations.

Welcome to the New Season! 2024-25 BOARD

On behalf of South Coast Repertory’s Board of Trustees and the artists and staff of the theatre, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the start of SCR’s 2024/25 season —the 61st!

Coming this season are three exciting world-premiere productions drawn from a wide creative palette; an array of musical offerings ranging from elegantly classical to outrageously campy; and an abundance of unforgettable characters, including the latest addition to our American Icon series. In all, the season is rich with reasons why SCR is counted among the most vibrant and influential regional theatres in America.

It is also a season —like so many before at SCR—that will introduce a new generation to the unique joys of attending live professional theatre. We make access to our work easy and affordable with programs such as the Theatre for Young Audiences series for elementary school students; free Neighborhood Conservatory theatre workshops in low-income Title 1 schools; free or deeply discounted tickets for students of all ages through Theatre Access, MyStage and other audience and community engagement activities designed to enhance and illuminate the theatre-going experience.

We hope you’ll agree that SCR is a vital part of Orange County’s cultural landscape—and that you’ll take part in supporting our work by making a tax-deductible contribution to the theatre’s Annual Fund. Gifts of any amount are warmly received, deeply appreciated and very easy to make by contributing online at scr.org/donate or by scanning the QR code below.

Lastly, on behalf of the entire Board, we are excited to welcome SCR’s new Managing Director, Suzanne Appel, to the community. With Suzanne and Artistic Director David Ivers leading, we are expertly positioned to embrace the future. Thank you for being part of this exciting next chapter.

Sincerely,

Talya Nevo-Hacohen President, Board of Trustees South Coast Repertory

SCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre. We rely on annual, tax-deductible contributions to cover approximately 30% of the cost to produce each season of plays and offer education and outreach programs each year.

Scan the QR code to support SCR today!

OF TRUSTEES

Talya Nevo-Hacohen, President

Michael R. Hards, Vice President/Advancement

Timothy J. Kay, Vice President/Development

Adrian S. Griggs, Vice President/Finance

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca, Vice President/ Community Relations

Suzanne Appel

Martin E. Benson

David Chase

Sophia Hall Cripe

David M. Emmes, PhD

Susan Hori

David Ivers

Lea Kong

Joseph A. Lobe

Deepak Nanda

Tara Netherton

Giulia Newton

Regina Oswald

Mark Peterson

Michael Ray

Susan Shieldkret

Tammy Tang

Ernesto M. Vasquez

Julia Voce

Bruce Wagner

Nickie Williams

Felix Yan

PRESIDENTS CIRCLE

Wylie A. Aitken

N. Christian Anderson

Thomas W. Britton Jr.

Sophia Hall Cripe

Maury DeWald

J. Steven Duncan

J. Michael Hagan

Lawrence M. Higby

Mrs. Lawrence M. Higby

Damien M. Jordan

John P. Kensey

Ronald L. Merriman

Peter M. Ochs

Thomas D. Peckenpaugh

Thomas D. Phelps

Alan Slutzky

Geoffrey L. Stack

Thomas C. Sutton

Samuel Tang

Timothy Weiss

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Julianne Argyros

Timothy Weiss

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Barbara Glabman

Lydia Wang Himes

Betty Eu Huang

Olivia A. Johnson

Teri Kennady

Mrs. Ann L. Mound

Barbara Roberts

Laurie Smits Staude

Sue Stern

Mrs. Delane J. Thyen

Socorro Vasquez

Elaine J. Weinberg

Tod White

Creating Miracles Out of Whole

Cloth

by Brian Robin

The miracles don’t happen overnight. It just seems like they do when you see them on stage. And speaking of stage, just how do those immaculate, artful costumes go from designer drawings to the SCR stage?

Go into SCR's basement and the first place you’ll see is the Costume Shop, where the artful miracles you see paraded in front of you on the stage come to life—often in mind-bending time. They are born in the mind of a costume designer, but the Costume Shop is where they’re raised.

How do these costumes come to life?

Costume Shop Manager Amy Hutto said the process starts with a production meeting with the designer two months before the show's first rehearsal. Once they get the idea of what’s needed fabric-wise, Hutto and her staff will survey their extensive fabric inventory to see what can be used.

That done, Hutto, the designer or design assistant will head to L.A.’s Garment District to make purchases to fill in any gaps.

On the first day of rehearsals, Hutto and her team begin fitting the actors. Hutto expedites the process by reaching out to the actors ahead of time to get their sizes. They start with mock-up fittings where a custom pattern cut from muslin fabric is tailored to the actor’s body.

After the actors’ measurements are taken and the fittings complete, Hutto and her team begin making the costumes. They have roughly two weeks to complete the process before Tech Week—the week before previews begin where costumes, sets, lights, sound and projections are woven into the production for the first time.

“We will produce a show in three weeks and it doesn’t matter if it’s eight costumes or 38 costumes. We have three weeks,” said Hutto, who has been at SCR 27 years and overseen costuming for nearly 400 shows and numerous SCR Galas. “I have a very small permanent staff: me, a cutter/

A Treasured Relationship

In its own words, The Shubert Foundation "opens doors without requiring an invitation." And when those doors are open, everyone from small organizations to the world at large benefits.

The Shubert Foundation is the nation's leading provider of funding for the performing arts. Since its founding in 1977, it has provided more than $63 million to nonprofit performing arts organizations of all sizes.

And since 1983, The Shubert Foundation has supported SCR every year, bestowing a cumulative total of $7,680,000 to the theatre. Always the largest donation to SCR’s Annual Fund, that money has gone toward myriad projects, from helping fund the productions on stage to SCR’s renowned educational and community outreach programs.

It’s that flexibility in how the donation can be used that sets The Shubert Foundation apart from other foundations.

draper and a generalist who can do a little bit of everything. If we need more help, the only thing I can do is hire more people, since we can’t have more weeks and we can’t have more hours in a day.”

The artisans Hutto hires are called “overhires”—temporary hired guns brought in to help with specific projects. A typical show with a medium-sized cast needing 30-40 costumes necessitates six to eight overhires. For The Hollow Lands by Howard Korder, Hutto had 22 people working on what she called “an epic show.” It was so large that Hutto had some of her artisans working in the hallway, because there wasn’t enough room in the Costume Shop.

Through the entire process, Hutto is the hub. She is the center of communication between the designers, director and her staff—while keeping the production manager apprised of every step in the process. She oversees fittings, passes on notes and “tries to keep the actors happy.” By the time a show opens, Hutto is usually working on the next show.

“Anything you do on a building as a project manager, we’re doing the same thing with clothes,” she said.

That advantage is why The Shubert Foundation's support is a game-changer.

“ The visionary leadership and long-term support of The Shubert Foundation continue to raise the bar and embolden us to take risks and deepen our work across the organization,” said SCR’s former Managing Director, Paula Tomei. “In particular, their interest and understanding about the value of developing and producing new plays is an investment in the future of our field that is unparalleled. Our partnership with them is like no other; we are deeply honored by their belief in our work and privileged to have their support.”

“In every way, The Shubert Foundation organization is a beacon for the American theatre and receiving support for our work fills me with enormous pride and gratitude,” SCR Artistic Director David Ivers said. “I have the utmost respect for the organization, its leadership and the g enerosity they so willingly offer so many theatres across the country. It is safe to say our programming would fundamentally change without their vision and fortification. It’s an honor every time we start the application process.”

–Brian Robin

Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Spearman, Mark Harelik and Rob King in SCR's 2000 world premiere production of The Hollow Lands by Howard Korder.

61st Season • 553rd Production

SEGERSTROM STAGE / SEPTEMBER 21 - OCTOBER 19, 2024

David Ivers ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Suzanne Appel MANAGING DIRECTOR

David Emmes & Martin Benson FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTORS presents

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

book & lyrics by Howard Ashman

Robert Billig VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

Amanda Zieve LIGHTING DESIGN

Michael Donovan Casting

Michael Donovan, CSA

Richie Ferris, CSA CASTING

Robert Merkin ORCHESTRATIONS

Ken Travis SOUND DESIGN

Apriem Advisors

HONORARY PRODUCER

music by Alan Menken

Alexander Dodge SCENIC DESIGN

Michael Schweikardt AUDREY II PUPPET DESIGN

Joanne DeNaut, csa ADDITIONAL CASTING

MUSIC DIRECTION BY Angela Steiner

CHOREOGRAPHY BY Patricia Wilcox

DIRECTED BY Jenn Thompson

Michael Ray HONORARY PRODUCER

Jessica Ford COSTUME DESIGN

Michael Polak FIGHT/INTIMACY CONSULTANT

Kathryn Davies* STAGE MANAGER

U.S. Bank CORPORATE HONORARY PRODUCER

Based on the Film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City, by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishow.com

CAST OF CHARACTERS

(in order of appearance)

Chiffon ...................................................... Celeste Butler*

Crystal ...................................................... Joslynn Cortes*

Ronnette ..................................................... Holly Jackson*

Mushnik .................................................... Geoffrey Wade*

Seymour ............................................... Emerson Boatwright*

Audrey ................................................ Michelle Veintimilla*

Orin & Others ............................................. Derek Manson*

The Voice of Audrey II /Derelict ........................ Michael A. Shepperd*

Audrey II ...................................................... Joe Gallina*

UNDERSTUDIES

Chiffon/Crystal/Ronnette ................................... Analisa Idalia*

Audrey ..................................................... Natalie Llerena*

Seymour/Audrey II ................................... Brian Kim McCormick*

Orin/Mushnik ............................................ Garrett Marshall*

MUSICIANS

Drums, Percussion ................................................ Louis Allee

Keyboard 1/Conductor ............................................ Jacob Carll

Contractor/Bass ............................................. Tim Christensen

Keyboard 2 ..................................................... John Sawoski

Guitars ......................................................Brian Silverman

SETTING

Mushnik’s Flower Shop and other locations.

LENGTH

Approximately two hours, plus one 15-minute intermission.

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Media Partner

PRODUCTION STAFF

Assistant Stage Manager ..................................... Natalie Figaredo*

Production Assistants ............................. Jenny Ludwig, Evelyn Pham

Assistant Director .

Collette Rutherford

Assistant Music Director .......................................... Jacob Carll

Associate Scenic Designer .................................. Clayton Dombach

Assistant Scenic Designer .................................... Logan Greenwell

Assistant Costume Designer ................................... Ayrika Johnson

Associate Lighting Designer ................................. Benedict Conran

Assistant Lighting Designer .................................... Lucas Guazelli

Rehearsal Pianist ............................................ Anthony Zediker

Light Board Operator .......................................... Hannah Ferla

Follow Spot Operator ........................................ Cybelle Kaehler

A1 ............................................................... Ilana Elroi

A2/Audio Support ........................................... Jordan Buckelew

Automation Operator ........................................... Ben Morrow

Deck Crew ..................................... Dibbs Dibley, Amanda Picard

Wardrobe Supervisor ......................................... Corbyjane Troya

Dressers ............................................. Kiev Lam, Jillian Pricco

Wig and Makeup Technician ................................... Kate Galleran

Additional Costume Staff ............. Sean Castro, Claire Carroll, Kaity Kistler, ........................................... Kendall Montunnas, Jillian Pricco

Cellular phones, beepers and watch alarms should be turned off or set to non-audible mode during the performance. Please refrain from unwrapping candy or making other noises that may disturb surrounding patrons.

Photos may be taken before and after the show, and during intermission, but not during the performance itself. Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Show your appreciation for the play by using the hashtag #littleshopscr. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the theatre.

Little Shop of Horrors was originally Directed by Howard Ashman with Musical Staging by Edie Cowan

Musical Numbers

ACT ONE

1. “Prologue (Little Shop of Horrors)”. . . . . Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

2. “Skid Row (Downtown)” .............................. Company

3. “Da-Doo” ............................ Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

4. “Grow for Me” ......................................... Seymour

5. “Don’t It Go to Show Ya Never Know” .... Mushnik, Chiffon, Crystal, ............................................... Ronnette, Seymour

6. “Somewhere That’s Green” ................................ Audrey

7. “Closed for Renovations” .............. Seymour, Audrey, Mushnik

8. “Dentist!” ....................... Orin, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette

9. “Mushnik and Son” ........................ Mushnik and Seymour

10. “Feed Me (Git It)” ......................... Seymour and Audrey II

11. “Now (It’s Just the Gas)” ....................... Seymour and Orin

ACT TWO

12. “Call Back in the Morning” .................. Seymour and Audrey

13. “Suddenly, Seymour” ........................ Seymour and Audrey

14. “Suppertime” ......................................... Audrey II

15. “The Meek Shall Inherit” ............................... Company

16. “Sominex/Suppertime II (Reprise)” ..... Audrey, Audrey II, Chiffon, ............................................... Crystal, Ronnette

17. “Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants)” ........................ Company

A Classic Birthed From B Movies and Late-Night TV

by Carla Steen

The late filmmaker Roger Corman was known as the “King of B Movies”—those schlock, low-budget movies intended for drive-ins and double features. Between 1954 and 1960, he directed 28 B movies, including Swamp Women, Attack of the Crab Monsters, A Bucket of Blood and, in 1960, The Little Shop of Horrors. According to Corman, Little Shop came about as follows: He learned about a still-standing set from another film company. After shooting A Bucket of Blood in five days, he wanted to make another comedy-horror picture and now challenged himself to do it in two days. Corman rented the set and, with screenwriter Charles Griffith, devised a story reus-

ing much of Bucket’s structure and tone, centering on a bloodthirsty plant. For the project, initially titled The Passionate People Eater, actors worked five days—rehearsing for three and shooting, indeed, for only two days (not counting exterior night shoots). The film features feckless floral assistant Seymour with a crush on his co-worker Audrey (originally spelled Audry), their boss, the aforementioned bloodthirsty plant, a sadistic dental patient played by a young Jack Nicholson, and Mrs. Shiva, a floral shop regular because of frequent family funerals. (Keeneared audience members will hear shout-outs to Mrs. Shiva and Corman in “Closed for Renovation” and “Call Back in the Morning” respectively.) Retitled The Little Shop of Horrors, the film cost $36,000 and became a moderate success.

Teenager Howard Ashman encountered the film in its second life as a cult classic on late-night TV. Lyricist-librettist Ashman met composer Alan Menken in 1978 through a musical theater workshop led by Lehman Engel, who recommended they work together. Their first collaboration, an adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, premiered in 1979 at the off-off-Broadway WPA Theatre, where Ashman was Artistic Director.

For their next collaboration, “I was looking for a project that had something special about it that nobody had done before,” said Ashman. “The idea of doing a monster movie for the stage—not a horror movie, but a monster movie for the stage … I don’t think anyone’s ever done that, certainly not as a musical.”

After negotiating with Corman for the stage rights, the pair began the musical in 1981. They dropped many of the film’s supporting characters, expanded the role of the dentist and added the girl-group trio of urchins. Perhaps most importantly, they focused on Seymour, Audrey, Mr. Mushnik and the plant Audrey II, while raising the emotional stakes (spoiler alert!) by making the victims of Seymour’s criminality those closest to him. Musically, the pair went retro, choosing styles fitting of the film’s 1960s period.

Little Shop of Horrors premiered at the WPA Theatre on May 6, 1982, under Ashman’s direction. Audiences were immediately enthusiastic, and the critical reception was positive as well. Hopes for a commercial run led to hiring a general manager, who put together a team consisting of theater producer Cameron Mackintosh, record producer David Geffen and theater owners The Shubert Organization. Little Shop moved from the 98-seat WPA Theatre to the 347-seat off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in July and won Drama Desk, New York Drama Critics’ Circle and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical.

Successful productions followed in Los Angeles and London in 1983 before opening in more countries and languages shortly thereafter. Returning to its film roots, the movie musical was re-

leased in 1986. Through professional and high school productions alike, the musical remains popular, capturing the imagination of successive generations with its mix of comedy, horror, puppets and tuneful music. Dozens of productions are planned in the U.S., U.K. and Canada for the remainder of 2024 alone.

Little Shop demonstrates that one never knows where the next classic may emerge and from what inspiration: “The plant monster, Audry Jr., made a deep and lasting impression,” wrote Ashman, recalling the Corman film. “‘Feed me, Krelborn, feed me now!’ The words were never to leave my adolescent consciousness. Here, at last, was a monster I could quote! I mean, can you remember any of Godzilla’s snappy one-liners?”

This article was originally published by the Guthrie Theater for its 2024 production of Little Shop of Horrors and is reprinted with permission.

The Faust Story

by Carla Steen

Audrey II promises Seymour he will “get everything [his] secret, greasy heart desires” if Seymour agrees to feed the plant. Downtrodden Seymour, with a crush on Audrey and wanting a win, enters into a Faustian bargain and plays into the plant’s world-domination plans. From its namesake story, the Faustian bargain has become a common trope in literature.

DOCTOR FAUSTUS

Frontispiece to a 1620 printing of of Marlow’s Doctor Faustus showing Faustus conjuring Mephistopheles. Robert Johnson in 1936. An etching of the death of Dorian Gray From The Picture of Dorian Gray by Eugène Dété after Thiriat (1908).

from the early 19th century redeems Faust. Other versions have been created by Hector Berlioz, Charles Gounod, Heinrich Heine, Thomas Mann and Gertrude Stein.

THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

This character from Western European legend and folklore has appeared in literature many times. Faustbach, published by an anonymous author in 1587, inspired English playwright Christopher Marlowe’s The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus in 1604. The typical Faust story depicts the learned man’s pursuit of knowledge taken to an extreme, so that he sells his soul to Mephistopheles for knowledge and power, though later versions have been more or less sympathetic to Faust’s pursuit. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play

This 1891 novel by Oscar Wilde depicts the bargain made by Dorian Gray, who says he’d give his soul to remain young and handsome if his painted portrait instead showed signs of aging. Gray falls under the influence of a man who encourages him to indulge himself, and Gray begins to see signs of his vanity, age, cruelty and capriciousness in his painted image, while he himself remains youthful.

ROBERT JOHNSON

Legend says that blues musician Robert Johnson met the devil at a crossroads and sold his soul in exchange

for his guitar skills. The crossroads and meeting a man of magic were retained from African religion, and, according to Bowling Green State University music historian Jon Michael Spencer, eventually the mixture of those religious beliefs and Christianity evolved that man of magic or trickster figure into a devil. Keith Glover wrote a version of this Robert Johnson-Faust story in his play Thunder Knocking on the Door

DAMN YANKEES

The 1955 musical by George Abbott, Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, based on Douglass Wallop’s novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant, is about middle-aged Washington Senators fan Joe Boyd, who makes a deal with a Mr. Applegate to become the young ballplayer the Senators need to beat the Yankees. He has to leave his life and his wife behind, however.

BEDAZZLED

The 1967 film starring Dudley Moore and the 2000 remake with Brendan Fraser tell the story of a hapless loser who sells his soul to the devil for seven wishes.

“THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO GEORGIA”

This 1979 song by The Charlie Daniels Band relates the story of the devil challenging a young fid-

Clockwise from above: 1955 original cast recording of Damn Yankees; Illustration of The Little Mermaid, mid-19th century, by E. S. Hardy; Bedazzled theatrical release poster; album cover from the Charlie Daniels Band release of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

dle player named Johnny to a contest: The young man wins a fiddle of gold if he wins; the devil gets Johnny’s soul if he loses.

THE LITTLE MERMAID

From the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale to the animated Disney movie, the story follows a mermaid who sells her voice to a sea witch in order to become human, win the heart of a human prince and gain a human soul. Some versions end more happily than others.

This article was originally published by the Guthrie Theater for its 2024 production of Little Shop of Horrors and is reprinted with permission.

Artist Biographies

EmErson Boatwright

Seymour

is beyond excited to be making his SCR debut in Little Shop of Horrors ! Some stage favorites include Young Frankenstein (Performance Riverside), Spamalot (Candlelight Pavilion) and UMPO: League of Their Own (Rockwell Table & Stage). Most recently, Boatwright understudied in Scissorhands at the Bourbon Room in Hollywood. His other regional credits include Sweeney Todd, The Producers, Guys & Dolls and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee . His Theatre for Young Audiences national tours include Peppa Pig Live, Octonauts Live and Pete the Cat. Outside of the world of theatre, you may have seen him on “Breaking News” on Dropout.tv and heard his voice in the critically acclaimed game Oxenfree II: Lost Signals from Netflix. Instagram: @EJBoats

CElEstE ButlEr Chiffon

is thrilled to be making her SCR debut! As a vocalist, Butler has toured around the world and worked with legendary artists such as Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Esperanza Spalding and Patrice Rushen. Beyond being a featured contestant on Season 4 of “American Idol” (ABC), you may have heard her vocals on networks like CBS, FOX and Peacock. Butler originated and performs as frontwoman Ursa Major, in the groundbreaking immersive theater/ funk-concert, Brassroots District: Live in the Lot ‘73. Her other works include 44: The Obama Musical (Bourbon Room); 1777 Sycamore St. (Phantom Projects, La Mirada Theater); Theater of the Oppressed piece, Radical Fictions: A Seat at the Table (California African American Museum); and the world premiere of devised theater piece, Upspoken (California Wellness Foundation). She would like to thank God, her family and friends,

and this incredible cast and crew. Phil 4:13. celestebutler.com

Joslynn CortEs

Crystal

is excited to be making her SCR debut! She is a New Jersey native, American Musical and Dramatic Academy graduate and voice teacher at Vocal Love. Some of her favorite credits include playing Fiber in the national tour of Nick Nutrition and His Wonder Dog Fiber and appearances in the regional production of Somebody to Love as Estella Hernández at Rubicon Theatre Company, as Claire in Ordinary Days at Wayward Artists and Anita in West Side Story at Glow Lyric Theatre. Cortes would like to thank God, family and friends, Jalen and her agent Anthony for the support and encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 joslynncortes.com

JoE gallina

Audrey II Puppeteer

is making his South Coast Repertory debut in Little Shop of Horrors after a summer season at Pacific Conservatory Theatre as Movement Director for The Play That Goes Wrong and Puppetry Director for its production of Little Shop of Horrors . His Off-Broadway credits include Ogre Puppeteer in El Gato con Botas, directed by Moisés Kaufman, and Laws of Motion at PS-122, an Electric Pear production. Gallina has performed at the Geva Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Artists Repertory Theatre, Hope Repertory Theatre, Pacific Conservatory Theatre, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and spent some time clowning in Haiti with Clowns Without Borders. He holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Connecticut and is a graduate of PCPA’s Acting Conservatory. @josephlorenzogallina on Instagram.

holly JaCkson Ronnette

is from Lenexa, KS, and is a 2024 graduate of Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Screen Arts. She is thrilled to perform in her first South Coast Repertory production. Her television and film credits include Amazon Prime’s “Unintended; Unlocking a Nation’s Pregnancy” and the upcoming “Rise and Shine” (Sarah). She also appeared at the Starlight Theatre in Disney’s Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray and Grease (Teen Ensemble). Her other theatre credits include A Christmas Carol (Martha Cratchit, KC Repertory Theatre), 13 (Cassie, Spinning Tree Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon, Faust Theatre) and in the Pepperdine University Theatre Programs productions of The Tempest (Gonzala), Ugly Lies the Bone (The Voice/Mom), Mamma Mia (Tanya), Into the Woods (Stepmother) and This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing (Albienne).

DErEk manson

Orin & Others

returns to SCR after recently appearing as Four in Snow White, Russ the Bus in Tiger Style! , Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown , and in the 2023 Pacific Playwrights Festival reading of Galilee, 34. His Los Angeles credits include The Bicycle Men (iO West, Denver Center, Portland’5), Neil Simon’s Musical Fools, Room Service, This Week This Week and The Gary Plays (Open Fist Theatre Company), The 39 Steps and Life Expectancy (Malibu Playhouse), The Brat Pack and Love Actually in Concert (For The Record, Wallis Annenberg, Break Room 86), The Big Event (Gangbusters Theatre), Making Paradise (Cornerstone Theater), 1984 and The Bewildered Herd (Greenway Court), and the news satire show “Second City This Week” (Second City Hollywood). Regional credits include Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Arcadia, Romeo & Juliet, Goodnight Moon, Einstein is a Dummy and A Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta, Ga.), Amadeus (Sacramento Theatre Company) and Never the Sinner (Woodshed Collective, NYC). His television and voice over credits include “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “The Last Tycoon,” “UnREAL,” and SNL’s “Best of TV Funhouse.”

miChaEl a . shEppErD The Voice of Audrey II/ Derelict

is excited to make his SCR debut. His directing credits include Blood at the Root at Open Fist Theatre Company (Los Angeles Drama Critic Circle nomination for Best Director); The Boy From Oz (Ovation Award, LADCC Award, Best Director); Rotterdam at the Kirk Douglas Theatre (LADCC Award Best Production, Stage Raw: Best Production and Best Director); West Adams at Skylight Theatre (LA Times Critics Choice); Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Garry Marshall Theatre; Sucker Punch at Coeurage Ensemble; and Too Heavy for Your Pocket at Sacred Fools ( LA Times Critics Choice). His acting credits include Matilda, The Musical (Miss Trunchbull), The Producers (Roger; Ovation Award nomination), Fences (Troy; Ovation, LADCC nominations), BootyCandy (LADCC nomination, Ovation, Stage Raw win), The Color Purple (Mister; Ovation Award), Steel (Ovation Award), Master Harold...and the Boys (NAACP theatre award nomination), Intimate Apparel (NAACP Theatre Award), Choir Boy (NAACP nomination); and Athol Fugard’s Valley Song at International City Theatre. Other Broadway and regional credits include Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan; Little Shop of Horrors; Caroline, or Change; and The Whipping Man. On television, his credits include “NCIS: Origins,” “Bosch,” “Why Women Kill,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Hot In Cleveland,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” “Monk” and “Criminal Minds.”

miChEllE VEintimilla Audrey

is fresh off her Kennedy Center debut starring as Carla in Andy Blankenbuehler’s production of Nine . She made her Broadway debut alongside Chita Rivera as Young Claire in the Tony-nominated musical The Visit . She starred in two sets of festival performances at the Salzburg Opera Festival as Maria in West Side Story, and recently starred in Ana Nogueria’s play Which Way To The Stage (MCC Theater). On television, she starred on ABC’s “The Baker and The Beauty,” Netflix’s “Seven Seconds,”

Neil LaBute’s “The I-Land,” and FOX’s “Gotham.” On film, Veintimilla played the daughter of Salma Hayek and Alec Baldwin in the comedy Drunk Parents and most recently starred in Stephen Belber’s What We Do Next opposite Corey Stoll. Her additional television credits include FOX’s “The Gifted,” ABC’s “Big Sky” and “Downward Dog” and CBS’s “Limitless,” “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife.”

gEoffrEy waDE

Mushnik

appeared previously at SCR in Amadeus , Anastasia Krupnik and James and the Giant Peach . He portrayed Snape and Lord Voldemort in the original San Francisco company of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child He has appeared on Broadway and Off- and did the national tours of Crazy for You and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. His extensive regional appearances include The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Center Stage, Geva Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Denver Center, Cincinnati Playhouse, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Philadelphia Drama Guild, a long association with Vermont’s Weston Theater Company, and most recently True West at Arizona Theatre Company. His L.A. work includes La Mirada Theatre, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, L.A. Theatre Works, and Henry IV with Tom Hanks, directed by Daniel Sullivan. His television and film credits include “NCIS,” “Mad Men,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Numb3rs,” “ER,” four Law & Orders, “City Hall,” The Divide and Steven Spielberg’s The BFG Trained at Central.

analisa iDalia

Chiffon/Crystal/Ronnette

Understudy

is a Los Angeles-based actor, singer, and dancer. She is ecstatic to be making her South Coast Repertory debut in Little Shop of Horrors! She studied at California State University, Northridge where she earned her BA in Theatre Arts. Idalia also originated the role of Tweedle Dee in Trial Run Productions’ original musical, Alice in Wonderland and will be featured on the cast album. She hopes you enjoy the show!

nataliE llErEna Audrey Understudy

garrEtt marshall

Orin/Mushnik Understudy

is originally from the Washington, DC area where she is a two-time Helen Hayes award winner with Synetic Theater Company. Her work has been recognized on screen from Tribeca to Cannes. Her regional theatre credits include FOUND: The Musical (IAMA Theatre Company, Moritz Von Stuelpnagel, director); The Play You Want (The Road Theatre Company, Michael John Garcés, director); Starry: A Musical about Vincent Van Gogh (Rockwell Table & Stage and 54 Below); Salvage (The Hudson Theatre); The Madres (Skylight Theatre Company), Othello (The Kennedy Center) as well as Spring Awakening and American Idiot. On television, she can be seen in a recurring role on “General Hospital.” Learn more at nataliellerena. com, listen on Spotify and follow @nataliellerena is thrilled to be making his SCR debut working on one of his favorite musicals of all time. His previous credits include Billy in Carrie (Los Angeles Theater), Kristoff in Frozen Live at the Hyperion, Bill in Mystic Pizza (Ogunquit Playhouse) and A League of their Own (Rockwell Table and Stage). Marshall is a graduate of the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. Thank you to his fiance Sarah, his agents, his friends and family and to everyone in the cast and crew. Follow him on Tiktok: @Duckthebear

Brian kim mCCormiCk

Seymour/Audrey II Understudy

is excited to be back with SCR to work on one of his favorite musicals. He was last seen as Schroeder in Outside SCR’s You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. His regional credits include The Prom (Forestburgh Playhouse) 12 Angry Men: The Musical (Asolo Rep, Theatre Latte Da), The Sound of Music (Musical Theatre West), Man

of La Mancha (Asolo Rep), The Great Leap (Oklahoma City Repertory), Hello, Dolly! (Theatre Latte Da), Revenge Porn (Ammunition Theatre), Tiger Style! (TheatreSquared), Chimerica (Quantum Theatre), Interstate (Mixed Blood), Fast Company, The Korean Drama Addict’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity (Theatre Mu), Labour of Love (Olney Theatre Center) and Aubergine (San Diego Repertory). As a voiceover artist, he can be heard on cartoons like “Pokémon” and “Yu-Gi-Oh! SEVENS,” many English dubs including “Squid Game” and “Élite,” and several video games and audiobooks. This is for Mom, Dad and Yuna. IG: @ asian_with_a_camera

playwright, DirECtor anD DEsignErs

howarD ashman (Book & Lyrics). Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, “Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...”) Ashman’s first love was theater. Ashman was a founder of Off-Off-Broadway’s renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980s theater scene, Smile remains popular on High School and College campuses throughout the country. Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com.

alan mEnkEn (Composer) has created some of the most beloved songs and musical scores of our time. His theatre credits include God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy , Kicks , The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life with Mikey, Lincoln, Home on the Range, Noel, Enchanted , Shaggy Dog , Tangled and Mirror Mirror . Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard

Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

J E nn t hompson ( Director ) is a NYC-based, Drama Desk-nominated director whose work has been seen in NYC and at theatres across the country including Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Denver Center, Hartford Stage, Goodspeed Musicals, St. Louis Rep, Arizona Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, CTC, City Theatre, Portland Stage Company, Pioneer Theatre Company, Barrington Stage, Theatre Aspen, Hartford TheatreWorks, Dorset Theatre Festival, among others. Thompson is the director of the current National Tour of Annie, set to play NYC’s Madison Square Garden this holiday season— starring Whoopi Goldberg. Her NYC credits include Rattlestick Theater, Barrow Group, The York Theatre Company, Abingdon Theatre, MCC Theater, National Alliance for Musical Theatre, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Primary Stages, FringeNYC, as well as the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway productions of Chains , Conflict , and Women Without Men all for The Mint Theatre Company and garnering Lortel and Off-Broadway Alliance Award nominations for Outstanding Revival as well as five Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Director and Revival. She served as Co-Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s award-winning TACT/The Actors Company Theatre, where her directing credits earned a Drama Desk nomination as well as an Off-Broadway Alliance Award. She is married to actor Stephen Kunken and lives in Brooklyn and Connecticut with their daughter, Naomi. jennthompsondirector.com

patriCia wilCox (Choreographer) choreographed the Broadway and West End smash hits Motown the Musical—for which she won the Astaire Award and the NAACP Award for Best Choreography—and A Night with Janis Joplin which is currently running on the West End in London. Her Off-Broadway and national credits include the critically acclaimed Little Shop of Horrors at Encores! Off Center starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ellen Greene, Annie, An Officer and a Gentleman, Children’s Letters to God, Bowfire, Blues in the Night (NAACP Nomination), and Seussical. Other selected work includes The Kennedy Center, Denver Center, Goodspeed (Connecticut Critics Circle Award), The Old Globe, Pioneer Theatre Company, Seattle Repertory, Missouri Repertory, North Shore, Sacramento Music, Arizona Theatre Company, Paper Mill Playhouse, Center Repertory (LA Drama Critics Circle

Award), Houston Symphony, Minnesota Pops, and ice-skating gold medalists for the 2006, 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Upcoming, the national tour of Annie opening this Christmas at Madison Square Garden starring Whoopi Goldberg. Pattiwilcox.com

angEla stEinEr (Music Director). Select regional theatre music director and/ or conductor, orchestrator credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Denver Center) Beautiful, Crazy for You, Cabaret and Sweeney Todd (Asolo Repertory); La Cage Aux Folles , Cabaret and Next to Normal (Barrington Stage Company); Hair! (The Old Globe); Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Geva Theatre); and A Little Night Music, Rattlesnake Kate, The Who’s Tommy, Oklahoma, Indecent, Twelfth Night (Denver Center for the Performing Arts). Steiner holds a Bachelors in Piano from Wichita State University and a Masters in Collaborative Piano from the University of Northern Colorado. She specializes in creating and collaborating on new musicals. Go to angelasteiner.com for more info!

a l E xan DE r D o D g E ( Scenic Design ) is making his SCR debut. His Broadway credits include I Need That , Anastasia (Outer Critics Nomination), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Nominations), Present Laughter (Tony Nomination), Old Acquaintance , Butley , and Hedda Gabler . Off-Broadway credits include Russian Troll Farm and Harry Clarke (Vineyard Theatre); The Whisper House ( 59E59), The Understudy (Roundabout); Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme (Lincoln Center Theatre, Lucille Lortel Winner). His London West End credits include Harry Clarke and All New People . Other credits include Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame at La Jolla Playhouse and Paper Mill Playhouses/Japan/Germany/Austria. Opera credits include Samson et Dalila (Metropolitan Opera); The Thirteenth Child (Santa Fe Opera); Ghosts of Versailles (L.A. Opera); Ukiyo-E (Grand Théâtre de Genève); Dinner at Eight (Minnesota Opera/Wexford);

apriEm aDVisors (Honorary Producer) are thrilled to add their support to Little Shop of Horrors, serving as Honorary Producers of a mainstage production for the second time. Through their tremendous generosity, Apriem provided leadership support as Season Producers of Outside SCR for four consecutive years, underwrote many Galas, and served as Honorary Producers on four Theatre for Young Audience productions. Co-Founder Harmon Kong and his wife, Lea, who serves on SCR’s Board of Trustees, are passionate supporters of bold and creative initiatives that exemplify the magic of theatre. They are First Night subscribers on both stages. Founded in 1998 in Irvine, California, Apriem Advisors is a wealth management company serving multi-generational families worldwide by helping them achieve a life of significance beyond success. Apriem provides their clients with the highest degree of service while handling all facets of their finances, helping them reach the goal of financial security and peace of mind.

m i C ha E l r ay (Honorary Producer) has been an ardent supporter since 2013 and an energetic ambassador for SCR in the community. He has served as Honorary Producer on six mainstage productions, including Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical (2024), What I Learned in Paris (2022), She Loves Me (2020) and M. Butterfly (2019). As a champion of musical theatre, he also underwrote last season’s Hershey Felder’s George Gershwin Alone (2024). He was an early advocate for Outside SCR, SCR’s family-friendly, theatre under the stars programming, and contributed leadership support as Season Producer for four consecutive years (2021-2024). Ray joined the theatre’s Board of Trustees in 2018 and has underwritten numerous SCR galas, serving as a Co-Chair in 2021, and is a major donor to SCR’s Endowment in support of Musical Theatre initiatives.

u . s . B ank ( Corporate Honorary Producer ) makes “Play” possible in Orange County by investing in community programs that support ways for children and adults to play and create. This year, the bank adds Quixote Nuevo to its impressive history of supporting SCR productions, which include Nina Simone: Four Women, What I Learned in Paris, American Mariachi, Once, The Tempest, Death of a Salesman and the Stephen Sondheim classic, A Little Night Music. In addition, Tara Netherton and Bruce Wagner of U.S. Bank serve on SCR’s Board of Trustees. U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 77,000 employees and $681 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Union Bank, consisting primarily of retail banking branches on the West Coast, joined U.S. Bancorp in 2022. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, social responsibility, and customer service, including being named one of the 2023 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. To learn more, please visit the U.S. Bancorp website at usbank.com and click on “About Us.”

Il trittico (Deutsche Oper Berlin) and Lohengrin (Budapest). Upcoming: The premieres of Ken Ludwig’s Death on the Nile at Arena Stage and Lady Molly of Scotland Yard at Asolo Rep. He earned his MFA at Yale. Insta:@alexanderdodgedesign

JEssiCa forD (Costume Design) is pleased to return to SCR, having designed Nina Simone: Four Women in 2022. Some of her favorite credits include costumes for the world premieres of Athol Fugard’s Coming Home at Long Wharf Theatre and Berkeley Repertory, Lucy Thurber’s Transfers at MCC Theater, as well as The Agitators at Geva Theatre Center and Kill Local at La Jolla Playhouse, both by Mat Smart. For These Paper Bullets by Rolin Jones with music by Billie Jo Armstrong at Yale Repertory Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, and Atlantic Theatre Company, she received Ovation and Drama Desk Award nominations and an LA Drama Critics Circle Award. Other regional credits include Alley Theatre in Houston, Dallas Theater Center, Baltimore Center Stage and Arena Stage and Studio Theatre in Washington, DC. She earned her MFA at Yale School of Drama and works in film and television in Los Angeles. jessicafordcostumedesign.com

a man D a Z i EVE (Lighting Design) is pleased to make her debut at SCR. Her recent designs include Tommy (Broadway/Goodman Theatre), Velour: A Drag Spectacular, The Ballad of Johnny and June, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Put Your House in Order (La Jolla Playhouse); Mrs. Holmes & Ms. Watson , English , Crime and Punishment, A Comedy, Dial M for Murder, Hair, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big San Diego Christmas Show, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, Native Gardens, The Wanderers and Rich Girl (The Old Globe); Cabaret (Goodspeed); American Jade (Buck’s County Playhouse); Into the Woods , Billy Elliot , Titanic (Signature Theatre); I Hate Hamlet (Maltz Jupiter Theatre); Sweeney Todd and Roof of the World (KC Rep); Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Evita, Cabaret, Rock of Ages (Cygnet Theatre). amandazieve.com

k E n t raV is ( Sound Design ) is making his SCR design debut. His Broadway designs include Aladdin, In Transit, Jekyll and Hyde, A Christmas Story the Musical, Scandalous, Newsies, Memphis, The Threepenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park and Steel Magnolias. He has designed at numerous New York and regional theaters and companies, including Barrington Stage, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Old Globe, Asolo

Repertory Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Seattle Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, L.A.’s Center Theatre Group, ACT Seattle, Guthrie Theater, Kansas City Rep, Dallas Theater Center, Playwrights Horizons, The New Group, NYSF Public Theater, Classic Stage Company, Signature Theatre NYC, SoHo Rep, Vineyard Theatre, The Civilians, Mabou Mines, plus many national, international festivals and tours.

miChaEl DonoVan (Casting) is the recipient of nine Artios awards, presented by the Casting Society of America for Outstanding Achievement in casting. Richie Ferris has three Artios awards. They have cast more than 1,000 shows produced at such venues as the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Hollywood Bowl, Pasadena Playhouse, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Laguna Playhouse, International City Theatre, Ebony Repertory Theatre, El Portal Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Getty Villa, Garry Marshall Theatre, Boston Court Pasadena, Soraya Performing Arts Center, 24th St. Theatre, San Francisco Symphony, the Palazzo and Paris in Las Vegas, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and the Troubadour Wembley Park in London, as well as several national tours, numerous films, TV series and commercials. Donovan is also the President of the Board for the Foundation for New American Musicals.

m i C ha E l p olak (Fight & Intimacy Consultant) is thrilled to be back at SCR having previously choreographed Galilee, 34, Quixote Nuevo, Appropriate and The Little Foxes. Other Choreography credits include Seattle Repertory, La Mirada Theatre, North Coast Repertory, Cal State Fullerton, New Swan Theatre, The Electric Theatre Company, and others. As an actor, his New York credits include Soldier’s Wife at the Mint Theatre. Regionally, he has appeared at Rubicon Theatre Company, International City Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre Company, Delaware Theatre Company, Northern Stage, Chicago Shakespeare, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Hartford Stage, Playmaker’s Repertory Theatre, American Conservatory Theatre, Cape Playhouse, and the California, San Francisco, and Texas Shakespeare Festivals, among others. His film and television credits include Mid-Century, 86 Melrose Avenue, “Bel-Air”, and numerous soaps, web series, and shorts. Polak received his MFA from Pennsylvania State University, and his BA from California State University, Fullerton. michaelpolakactorfd.com

k athryn D aV i E s ( Stage Manager ) previously stage-managed The Old Man and The Old Moon, Million Dollar Quartet, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Velveteen Rabbit, Poor Yella Rednecks, Sugar Plum Fairy, Orange, The Roommate, All the Way, Red, Vietgone, The Whipping Man, Tartuffe, Reunion, Trudy and Max in Love, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, Sight Unseen, Topdog/Underdog, In the Next Room or the vibrator play, Doctor Cerberus, Ordinary Days and Our Mother’s Brief Affair —all at SCR. Recent credits include Don Giovanni at San Diego Opera and The Barber of Seville at LA Opera. Her favorite credits include The Wars at the Grand Theatre; Dividing the Estate at Dallas Theater Center; La Bohème at Tulsa Opera; The Mystery of Irma Vep at The Old Globe; Les Contes D’Hoffmann at Hawaii Opera Theatre; Of Mice and Men at Neptune Theatre; Skylight at Tarragon Theatre; To Kill a Mockingbird at Citadel Theatre; and The Designated Mourner at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Davies also worked as head theatre manager at the Toronto International, Dubai International, AFI, TCM and Los Angeles film festivals.

n atali E f igar ED o ( Assistant Stage Manager ) is a production stage manager whose credits include the first national tour of My Fair Lady, for ballet, Noah’s Ark (Pacific Festival Ballet) and regional theatre productions of A Shayna Maidel, Ain’t Misbehavin, The Rainmaker, Staged, Island of the Blue Dolphins (Laguna Playhouse), The Old Man and the Old Moon, La Havana Madrid, avaaz, Snow White, A Shot Rang Out, American Mariachi, Poor Yella Rednecks, Amos and Boris, Little Black Shadows, Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Yoga Play, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Orange, Going to a Place where you Already Are, A Year With Frog and Toad (South Coast Repertory), The Cake (Geffen Playhouse and Echo Theater Company), With Love and a Major Organ (Boston Court Pasadena) and What You Are and Twelfth Night (The Old Globe). At the Disneyland Resort, she was previously an assistant stage manager on Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Dance Off!, Disney Junior Dance Party, and Mickey’s Trick and Treat. She trained at CSULB and The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

D aV i D i VE rs (Artistic Director) is responsible for the overall artistic operation of the theatre. The 201920 season was the first he programmed for SCR and during that season, he directed She Loves Me. In addition, he directed the 2021 Pacific Playwrights Festival

reading of Coleman ’72 by Charlie Oh and the 2022 reading of Spenser Davis’ A Million Tiny Pieces. He opened the 2021-22 season as John in Richard Greenberg’s world premiere of A Shot Rang Out and created the theatre’s Outside SCR program in partnership with Mission San Juan Capistrano. He most recently directed The Importance of Being Earnest at Guthrie Theater this past season and is attached to several productions for the coming season at SCR and beyond. Prior to his appointment as Artistic Director, he directed the SCR-Berkeley Repertory Theatre co-production of One Man, Two Guvnors. Before arriving to SCR in his current capacity, Ivers was artistic director for Arizona Theatre Company and, before that, served more than 20 years as an actor and director at Utah Shakespeare Festival, with the last six as artistic director. He was a resident artist at Denver Center for the Performing Arts for a decade, acting in and/or directing more than 40 plays, and has helmed productions at many of the nation’s leading regional theatres, including the Guthrie Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and South Coast Repertory. Ivers’ early career included serving as associate artistic director of Portland Repertory Theatre and appearing in productions at some of the nation’s top regional theatres, including Portland Center Stage and the Oregon, Alabama and Idaho Shakespeare festivals. He has taught at the University of Michigan, University of Minnesota, Southern Utah University and Southern Oregon University. He earned his BA from Southern Oregon University and his MFA from the University of Minnesota.

suZannE appEl (Managing Director). For more than two decades, Suzanne Appel has pursued a personal mission to bring people together through transformative experiences led by form-challenging artists. Her accomplishments as Managing Director of Vineyard Theatre (2017-2024) include expanding the revenue-generating capacity of the organization, bringing on seven new board members, negotiating a two-production, industry-first producing partnership with Audible (David Cale’s Harry Clarke and Ngozi Anyanwu’s Good Grief), and transferring four Tony-nominated productions to Broadway. She is perhaps most proud of working with Artistic Director Sarah Stern to keep all Vineyard Theatre full-time staff employed during the COVID pandemic and developing a 202226 plan raising all arts worker wages. Appel joined The Vineyard after serving as director of external affairs for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Prior to her role at Hubbard Street, she served as managing director

at Cutting Ball Theater in San Francisco, where she nearly doubled the organization’s operating budget and built a two-plus-month operating reserve in four years. She was recently awarded the Alfred Drake Award from Brooklyn College, an annual honor given to an accomplished theatre professional who has made significant contributions to the American theatre. Her previous positions include roles with Dance Theater Workshop, Yale Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Wesleyan University. Her volunteer work includes serving as Board Secretary of the Union Square Partnership and Chair of the Wesleyan Fund (2020-24). She is a graduate of Wesleyan University, Yale School of Drama and Yale School of Management (MFA/MBA).

m artin B E nson (Founding Artistic Director), co-founder of SCR, has directed nearly one-fifth of SCR’s productions including the 2020 production of Outside Mullingar. In 2008, he and David Emmes received the Margo Jones Award for their lifetime commitment to theatre excellence and fostering the art and craft of American playwriting. They also accepted SCR’s 1988 Tony Award for Outstanding Resident Professional Theatre and won the 1995 Theatre LA Ovation Award for Lifetime Achievement. Benson has received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Distinguished Achievement in Directing an unparalleled seven times for George Bernard Shaw’s Major Barbara , Misalliance and Heartbreak House ; John Millington Synge’s Playboy of the Western World; Arthur Miller’s The Crucible ; Sally Nemeth’s Holy Days ; and the world premiere of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Wit, which he also directed at Seattle Repertory Theatre and Houston’s Alley Theatre. He has directed American classics such as A Streetcar Named Desire, and has distinguished himself in staging contemporary work including the critically acclaimed California premiere of William Nicholson’s Shadowlands. He directed revivals of Beth Henley’s Abundance and Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful; and Samuel D. Hunter’s The Whale and Rest (world premiere); The Whipping Man by Matthew Lopez; and The Roommate by Jen Silverman (West Coast premiere). Benson received his BA in theatre from San Francisco State University

D aV i D E mm E s ( Founding Artistic Director ) is co-founder of South Coast Repertory. He received the Margo Jones Award for his lifetime commitment to theatre excellence and to fostering the art of American playwriting. In addition, he has received numerous awards for productions he has directed during his SCR career. He directed the world premieres of Amy Freed’s Safe in Hell, The Beard of Avon and Freedomland; Thomas Babe’s Great Day in the Morning; Keith Reddin’s Rum and Coke and But Not for Me ; and Neal Bell’s Cold Sweat ; the American premieres of Terry Johnson’s Unsuitable for Adults; and Joe Penhall’s Dumb Show; and the Southland premiere of Top Girls (at SCR and the Westwood Playhouse). Other productions he has directed include Red, New England, Arcadia , The Importance of Being Earnest , Woman in Mind and You Never Can Tell, which he restaged for the Singapore Festival of Arts. He has served as a theatre panelist and onsite evaluator for the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as a panelist for the California Arts Council. After attending Orange Coast College, he received his BA and MA from San Francisco State University and his PhD from USC.

musiC thEatrE intErnational (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students. MTI maintains its global headquarters in New York City with additional offices in London (MTI Europe) and Melbourne (MTI Australasia).

The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Designers in LORT theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.

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

2024-25 A RTISTS & STAFF

David Ivers, Artistic Director • Suzanne Appel, Managing Director

David e mmes & Martin Benson, Founding Artistic Directors

Maisie Chan, Production Manager • Kim Martin-Cotten, Associate Artistic Director

Clare Kiklowicz, Director of Development • Lori Monnier, General Manageru Bil Schroeder, Marketing & Communications Directoru Hisa Takakuwa, Conservatory & Educational Programs Directoru

directors

Zi Alikhan • David Ivers • H. Adam

Harris • Trevor Hay • Mina Morita

• Angela Steiner • Hisa Takakuwa

• Jenn Thompson • Gaye Taylor

Upchurch • Patricia Wilcox

designers

Thomas Buderwitz • Wilson Chin

• Drew Dalzell • Alexander Dodge

• Kish Finnegan • Jessica Ford • Rachel Hauck • Fred Kinney • Beth

Lake • Adriana Lambarri • Shahrzad

Mazaheri • Afsoon Pajoufar • Avery

Reagan • Philip Roenberg • Donna Ruzika • Tom Ruzika • Pablo

Santiago • Ken Travis • Amanda Zieve

Actors

Thomas Anawalt • Tessa Auberjonois

• Larry Bates • Tommy Beck • Sahar

Bibiyan • Emerson Boatwright • Andrew Borba • Kelsey Bray • Diana Burbano • Celeste Butler • Alicia

Coca • Joslynn Cortes • Richard Doyle* • Eduardo Enrikez • Joe Gallina • Tara Grammy • Elinor Gunn • Kaci Hamilton • Analisa

Idalia • Holly Jackson • Mitra

Jouhari • Natalie Llerena • Derek Manson • Garrett Marshall • Preston Maybank • Michael Manuel • Brian

Kim McCormick • William Francis

McGuire • David Nevell • Nazanin

Nour • Jennifer Parsons • Artemis

Pebdani • Michael Polak • Bryan

Daniel Porter • Erika Schindele •

Michael A. Shepperd • Nick Slimmer

• Richard Soto • Michelle Veintimilla

• Geoffrey Wade

*Founding Artist +Resident Artist

A rtistic

Joanne DeNaut, Casting Director & Artistic Associateu

Andy Knight, Director of The Lab@SCRu

H. Adam Harris, Artistic/ Audience Engagement Associate

Rob Salas, Artistic Coordinator

Nancy Levy, Artistic Assistant/Company Manageru

Jerry Patch, Resident Dramaturg

Business

Terry Schomburg, Controlleru

Dean Lissner, Information Technology Manager

Jyll Christolini, Associate General Manager/Human Resources Coordinator

Kim Fleming, Assistant to the Managing Director

Cathi Moore, Lead Accountantu

Martha Ruiz, Payables Accountant

Kathie Kuehn, Sheila Lane, Jack Millis, Front Office Assistants

Front oF House

Angela Watson, Front of House Manager

Beverly Crain, Ana Flücku, Kat Kelly, Marita Navarrou, David Vien Nguyen, Kathy Young, House Managers

Drew Hendricksonu, Denise Hughes, Troy Hughes, Katrina King, Eric Rodriguez, David Rusiecki, Bartenders

conservAtory And e duc Ation

Holly Van Holt, Conservatory Manageru

Nick Slimmer, Conservatory and Educational Programs Associate

Joe Alanesu, Donald Amerson, Greg Atkinsu, Diana Burbanou, Julieta Garza, H. Adam Harris, Brenda Kenworthy, Kristina Leachu, Erin McNallyu, Martin Noyes, Jenny Schniepp, Tom Sheltonu, Richard Sotou, Christopher Sullivanu, Mercy Vasquezu, Conservatory Instructors

Mady Lopez, Vita Muccia, Conservatory and Educational Programs Associates

d evelopment

Katherine Miranda, Associate Director of Development

Shianne Gray, Assistant Director of Development, Events

Domenick Ietto, Grants Manager

Steven Garry, Development Associate

Kari Venaas, Development Coordinator

u 30 or more years of service u 20 or more years of service u 10 or more years of service. Full-time staff as of Aug. 30, 2024

Facilities & O peratiOns

Benny Verdugo, Facilities & Operations Manager

Javier Estrada, Assistant Facilities & Operations Manageru

Jenelle Huck, Facilities & Operations Coordinator

Aaron Cruz, Facilities & Operations Associate

Duane Boyle u, Gavin Lattimer, Dara Okamura, Nathan Swiderski, Operations Assistants

Marketing & cOMMunicatiOns

Brian Robin, Media & Public Relations Director

Heather Van Holt, Digital Media & Publications Manageru

Nicholas Pilapil, Social Media & Video Manageru

Kat Alvarez, Marketing Manager

Ron Miranda, Graphic Designer

Margaret Jordan, Marketing Coordinator

TickeT ServiceS

Marcus Beebe, Ticket Services Director

Michael Cañas, Associate Ticket Services Director

David Anis, Associate Ticket Services Director

Angel Dumapias, Kevin Garcia, Elise Lindenau, Montse Romero, Ticket Services Supervisors

Eileen Carrasco, McKenna Colby, CJ Lazatin, Cristina Matadama-Soto, Vita Muccia, Yasmine Reid, Collette Rutherford, Ticket Services Representatives

prOductiOn

Gloria Perez, Production Coordinator

Scenery

John Gaddis IV, Interim Technical Directoru

Caleb McKinney, Scenic Carpenter

Ben Morrow, Automation Carpenteru

PainTS

Angi Grow, Scenic Charge Artist

Lisa Erickson, Assistant Charge Artist

ProPS

Christopher R. Baab, Props Supervisor

Madi Joseph, Assistant Props Supervisor

Byron Bacon, Props Buyeru

Austin Chaffin, Props Fabricator coSTumeS

Amy L. Hutto, Costume Shop Manager u

Laurie Donati, Full Charge Costumeru

Isabella Weiand, Cutter/Draper

Corbyjane Troya, Wardrobe Supervisor

WigS

Jenni Gilbert, Wig, Hair, & Makeup Supervisor

Kate Galleran, Hair & Makeup Assistant

elec TricS

Kara Ramlow, Lighting Supervisor

Hannah Ferla, Electrician/Light Board Operator

Sound and video

John Favreau, Sound & Video Supervisor

Jordan Buckelew, Audio Engineer/Board Op STage m anagemenT

Lauren Buangan, Kathryn Daviesu, Natalie Figaredo, Talia Krispel, Jenny Ludwig, Matthew Meeks, Darlene Miyakawa, Julian Olive, Juliet Park

Produc Tion a SSiSTanTS

Raven Chatt, Jenny Ludwig, Evelyn Pham

Haskell & White LLP, Auditors

Jones Day, Legal Services

playwrights & cOMpOsers currently under cOMMissiOn jose sebastian alberdi • Luis Alfaro • Aurora de Asua • Jane Bruce • Eleanor Burgess • Julia Cho • Mia Chung • Kate Cortesi • Spenser Davis • Evelina Fernández • Lindsey Ferrentino • Selina Fillinger • Amy Freed • Noa Gardner • Michael Golamco • José Cruz González • Isaac Gómez • Richard Greenberg • Dipika Guha • Lauren Gunderson • Adam Gwon • Jennifer Haley • Ike Holter • Naomi Iizuka • Branden Jacobs-Jenkins • Rajiv Joseph • Claire Kiechel • Michael John LaChiusa • Kimber Lee • Mike Lew • Naomi Lorrain • Shayan Lotfi • Martyna Majok • Molly Smith Metzler • Michael Mitnick • Dominique Morisseau • Ana Nogueira • Charlie Oh • Liliana Padilla • Eliana Pipes • Max Posner • Kemp Powers • Ankita Raturi • Eliana Theologides Rodriguez • Heidi Schreck • Madhuri Shekar • Jen Silverman • Charise Castro Smith • Octavio Solis • Susan Soon He Stanton • Sanaz Toossi • Sarah Treem • Mfoniso Udofia • York Walker • Emma Watkins • Lauren Yee • Karen Zacarías

THE ANNUAL FUND

South Coast Repertory is honored and grateful to have more than 2,000 Friends of SCR who support our Annual Fund. Every year, the Friends contribute critical dollars to help us make up the difference between the income we receive from ticket revenue and the actual cost of producing plays, commissioning new works, bringing theatre to school children and all the other services that SCR provides to Orange County and beyond. Friends’ gifts range from $75 to more than $100,000. Each and every Friend of SCR plays a valuable role in the life of this theatre.

LEADERSHIP

The Shubert Foundation • The Segerstrom Foundation • The Nicholas Endowment

SEGERSTROM STAGE PRODUCERS

Julianne & George Argyros/Argyros Family Foundation* • Apriem Advisors*

Michael Ray* • U.S. Bank • Julia Voce* • Nickie & Mickey Williams*

JULIANNE ARGYROS STAGE PRODUCERS

Susan Shieldkret & David Dull* • Harmon & Lea Kong* • Samuel & Tammy Tang*

NEW WORK SPONSORS

Edgerton Foundation • Elizabeth George Foundation

The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES PRODUCERS

Apriem Advisors* • Leona Aronoff-Sadacca* • Bank of America

EDUCATION SPONSORS

Capital Group • David & Suzanne Chonette • Margaret M. Gates

Hans & Valerie Imhof • The Kobrin Family

Office of Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley • Pacific Life Foundation

Barbara U. Roberts

PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE

Sandy Segerstrom Daniels* • and one anonymous donor

CORPORATE CIRCLE AND FOUNDATIONS

2024 GALA UNDERWRITERS

($10,000 and over)

Apriem Advisors*

Argyros Family Foundation

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca*

Steve & Laurie Duncan*

Talya Nevo-Hacohen & Bill Schenker*

Stephen G. & Regina Oswald Foundation*

Pacific Life Foundation*

Susan Shieldkret & David Dull*

South Coast Plaza

Samuel & Tammy Tang*

Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

PLATINUM CIRCLE

($3,000 and over)

PARTNERS

Bette & Wylie Aitken*

Laurie & Steve Duncan*

Ms. S. Leslie Jewett & Mr. Patrick Paddon*

Olivia & A. Andrew Johnson

Mr. Scott Jordan

Talya Nevo-Hacohen & Bill Schenker*

Jean & Tim Weiss

SPONSORS

Leona Aronoff-Sadacca*

Martin Benson

Geoff & Valerie Fearns*

PARTNERS ($7,500-$14,999) Crowe LLP

Schweickert & Company

SPONSORS ($5,500-$7,499)

Canterbury Consulting Montauk TriGuard

FRIENDS OF SCR

Elaine & Mike Gray

Patricia Houston*

Gail & Peter Ochs*

Nancy & Geoffrey Stack*

Marci Maietta Weinberg & William Weinberg

Susan White

BENEFACTORS

Fernando H. Austin MD

Greg & Antje Campbell*

Gerald & Jeannie Crowther

Marjorie & Roger Davisson

Dr. Daniel P. Dennies

Karen & Gary Dickinson

The Dirk Family & Troy Group, Inc.*

The D'Luna Family Foundation

Kelly & David Emmes

The Frome Family Foundation*

Susan Glass

Adrian & Kristen Griggs*

Mark & Janice Halikis

Janet & Michael Hards*

Dr. & Mrs. Art Helliwell

Susan K. Hori

Jerry & Carol Jacoby

Tim & Marianne Kay*

Keller/Anderle LLP

Roger & Tracy Kirwan

Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Labowe - Labowe

BENEFACTORS ($3,000-$5,499)

Brunello Cucinelli

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Gibson Dunn

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

SUSTAINER ($1,500-$2,999)

DMV, Inc.

Family Foundation

John Louis Lafleur

Alan Lawson & Max Schmidl

Joann Leatherby & Greg Bates

Gail & Jim Lopes

Loss Family Fund

Soo Malchow*

Schalon & Giulia Newton*

Trish O'Donnell

Susan Oka

Michael Oppenheim

Jolene & Mark Peterson

Diana Putz

Lance & Debi Slimmer

James Sommerville

Dr. Vina Spiehler

Richard & Elizabeth Steele Endowment Fund

Peter & Mary Tennyson

Terry Theologides & Deb Rodriguez*

Michael & Jean Toole

Socorro & Ernesto Vasquez

Isabelle Villasenor

Bruce & Erin Wagner

Elie Weaver & Hilton Weinberg

Judy & Wes Whitmore*

John & Michelle Williams

Rich Wordes & Amy Hitchcock

Gregory Zaret

Dean & Esther Zipser*

and two anonymous donors

GOLDEN CIRCLE

($1,500 - $2,999)

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Abbott

Diane & John (Chimo) Arnold*

Judy & Jim Bergman

Susan H. Bowman & Freddie Greenfield*

Twyla Briley

Rob & Teri Burns

Art & Donna Carter*

Denise B. Chilcote

Gunnel Cole

Ms. Kathryn Crown

Jerry & Kathy Dunlap

Peter & Kitty Fyfe

Pamela Gilmour

Cecilia & Richard Goodman*

Mary Gilly & John Graham

Nancy Handel

Dr. & Mrs. Bernard R. Hannam

Sharon & Terry Hartshorn

Gerald & Loretta Herter

The Ivers Family

Michael & Elaine Kleinman

Susan & Milton Legome

Gael & Glenn Libby

Molly Lynch & Alan Andrews*

Sarah J. McElroy*

Scott & Carrie McFarlane

John & Jackie Melbon

Carolyn Middlebrooks

The Miller Family

Denise Caciagli Moon & Michael J. Moon

Drs. John Mooney & Angela Tripoli

John & Margi Murray

Shaveen & Deepak Nanda

Robert & Christie Narver

Ginger Nelson

Dr. & Mrs. Terence O'Heany

Evelyn Parrella

Tom & Beth Phelps

Heather & Joseph Re

Jeanne Reiss*

Kameel Renner

Ryna H. Rothberg

Ronna & Marshall Rowen

MD

Ruth & Ron Ruther

Jeff & Linda Schulein

The Schultz Family*

Helen Schuster

Claudette Shaw

Susan Shieldkret & David Dull*

Tony & Sherry Slunka

Alan & Olivia Slutzky*

Laurie Smits Staude*

Elizabeth Stahr

Sue & Ralph Stern*

Toni Tartamella & John Castelli

Judy & Dave Threshie

Catherine & DeLane Thyen

Dr. John Townsend PhD*

John C. Turmes

Julia Voce*

Geof Wickett & Norm Lessard

THE HERITAGE CIRCLE

Nickie & Mickey Williams*

Felix & Edna Yan* and two anonymous donors

SILVER CIRCLE ($750 - $1,499)

Alexandra Airth

Chris & Roberta Amy

Phil & Kelly Anthony

Elaine Archer

Glenn & Kathryn Baldwin

Barbara D. Baranski

Judith Barnes

Sharon Barrett

Dr. Lori & Mr. Harley Bassman

Robin & Mark Bernhardt

John & Judy Bethe

Charles & Carol Betz

Roger & Heidi Blackwell

Chris Blank & Josie Badeaux

Ms. Ellen Breitman & Mr. Brien Amspoker

Gary & Wendy Bryan

Linda & Robert Cassidy

Tom Clanin

Jerry & Bobbi Dauderman

Sam Dawson

Peggy Day & Kip Knight

Michael G. Ermer

JC & D Falmagne

Johanna & Gene Felder

John & Myra Firth

William & Cindy Fisher

Glenn & Jane Fowler

Wallace & Sarah Franz

Steven Frates

James & Martha Freeman

The Heritage Circle comprises individuals who have included South Coast Repertory in their estate plans. Planned gifts from these visionary members are designated to SCR’s endowment*, providing financial stability and helping to ensure that SCR’s mission—onstage and in the community—is served at the highest level, now and into the future

Members as of Jan. 1, 2024

Dr. & Mrs. Julio Aljure

The Argyros Family Trust

Adrienne Brandriss

Laurie & Bart Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Carroll D. Bryant

Carolyn Nelson Clark

Sophia Hall Cripe & Lawrence

Arden Cripe

Linda deVries

Gail & Ernie Doe

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Doyle

Irving & Miriam Farber Exemption Trust

Mr. & Mrs. R. Pat Gilliam

Nat & Lotte Hoffman

Phyllis & Larry Hogle

The Hyde Family Trust

Jerry & Carol Jacoby

Mrs. Bertram W. Justus

John C. Kennady Family Trust

Mr. John P. Kensey

Richard & Gerrie Leeds

Hedda Marosi

Carol J. McDonnell

Nancy & Michael Meyer

Denise Caciagli Moon & Michael J. Moon

The Estate of John O’Donnell

Tom & Beth Phelps

Marjorie Reday

Eduardo & Teri L. Rodriguez

Carlene F. Rona

Ryna H. Rothberg

Malcolm Schneer

Ms. Nola Schneer

Jackie Singer & John Pope

Peter & Joy Sloan

Sue & Ralph Stern

Richard P. & Jane Taylor

The Tepper Family Trust

Judy Teverbaugh

Jean & Tim Weiss

Harriette F. Witmer

Gifts received by South Coast Repertory

Kurt & Alice Bergel Trust

Estate of Edra Brophy

Dolores Browning

Wayne Browning

Dona Burrell

Estate of Margaret Sue Denniston

Estate of Erika E. Faust

The William J. Gillespie Trust

Harriett Grant Charitable Trust

Kenneth J. & Barbara Gordon

Revocable Inter Vivos Trust

Ms. Lois V. Hart

Estate of Robert Holcombe

Dr. Bertram W. Justus

Kershaw Family Trust

Leatherby Family Trust

Estate of Roberta Pearl Miller

Marjorie L. Phillips

Randall Exemption Trust

Elinor V. Schmidt Trust

Richard & Elizabeth Steele Trust

Sternberg Family Trust

Estate of A.Z. Taft

The Williams Family Trust

For more information on becoming a member, visit our website at scr.org or contact Clare Kiklowicz, Director of Development, at (714) 708-5521 or clare@scr.org.

*Unless otherwise instructed

Dr. & Mrs. Gilbert T.

Fujimoto

Lionel & Stephanie

Gayron

Dr. Sidney Glazer

Helene & David Gorevitz

Linda & Gary Greene

Eric & Terri Gritzmacher

Andrew & Loreen Guilford

Kris Hagen

Sheri Hayes

Barbara & Burt Hechtman

Jan Heistermann

Richard Hess

Mike & Marti Hood

Tom & Cindy Houston

Tina Huang

Johnson Family Charity

Lead Annuity Trust

Becky Jones

Douglas & Melissa Shaw Jones

Joe & Linda Jones

Donald Karon

Dr. Ellen R. Ketels

Clare & Doug Kiklowicz

Kathy LeClair

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Lester

Rachel Levin

Lewis Family Foundation

Gregory Lincoln & Cindy Gordon

Paul & Sherry Main

Chick & Susan

Marshall

Goran Matijasevic

Carol & Tim

McMahon

Ken & Gisela Meier

Natalie Miles

Ann Morris

Ann Levenstein

Mound Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

YOU’RE HERE.

Congrats, You’ve Picked a Great Performance! Check out the interactive version of this theater program magazine and enjoy even more insight into the performers, creative talent and theater activities that are behind it all.

LINKS TO PERFORMERS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

MULTI - MEDIA PRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE.

UNDERSTUDY UPDATES

THEATER SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

UPCOMING SHOWS AND CONCERTS AROUND TOWN

INSIDER SCOOPS FROM THEATER AND MUSIC PROFESSIONALS

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Murray z

Lianne R. Oakes

Robert & Jane Parker

Tom & Barbara Peckenpaugh

Bill Pemberton

Anita & Pablo Prietto

Mr. Aaron Ray & Ms. Shelley Hayashi

Michelle Reinglass

Barbara U. Roberts

Jay Rojo

Rita & Bob Rubin

Michael Rudolph

Nanci & Stephen Schrieber-Smith

Susan Schwarz Berton

Jeanne Siegel

Ron Sion Family

Mr. & Mrs. John L. Smith

Stephen & Kathy Smith

Dr. & Mrs. Henry Sobel

Dr. Linda Y. Stewart

Peter & Andria Strelow

Kathy & Bruce Stuart

Kathleen & Jerry Thode

Jim Toledano

Edith Van Huss

Megan & John Waldeck

John Wierick

Stephen & Glenda Wilson

Jane Fujishige Yada

Mr. & Mrs. Richard W. Zevnik

and three anonymous donors

GUARANTORS

($300-$749)

Olivia & Howard Abel

Julio & Edna Aljure

Margit & John Allen

Barbara J. Benson

Gideon Bernstein & Jeanne Pepper Bernstein

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Besley

Dr. Maureen Bocian

Carol & Walt Boice

Kristy Boone

Howard & Margery Brief

Dr. & Mrs. John Carlisle Brown

David Brownstone & Carole Uhlaner

Mrs. Mary M. Bruce

Daniel & Charlotta Butler

Constance Buzas

J.C. Calder

Mr. & Mrs. William D.

Campbell

Dr. Virgina G. Carson

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Casselman

David & Kimberly Chase

Brad & Melinda Chisick

David & Cassie Conant

John & Denise Corcoran

Sue & Bob Crowson

Edward & Rita Dailey

Dr. David Davis & Dr. Robin Mintzer

Kay & John Davis

Vicki de Reynal

Lauren Deeb

Gwen & Ruel del Castillo

Mr. & Mrs. Robert DiDomenico

Gail Dufour

Elton & Deanna Epley

Michael Fox

Thomas & Carol Getz

Eleanor & Michael Gordon

Greg & Kathie Guth

David Hahn

William & Bonnie Brittain Hall

Dr. Lisa Hancock

Brandon Harkless

Jim & Berri Harris

Marilyn H. Hettick

Patricia Holliday & Bonni Pomush

Bill & Carolyn Honigman

Cordelia Howard

Thomas & Janet Hryniewicki

Peter Indall

Wendy Isbell

In Memory of Mrs. Annie R. Ivey

Charles & JoAnn Janneck

Kim Jansma

Fran Jutzi & Keith Otsuka

Mitchell Katz & Linda Scott-Katz

Kyle Kawakami

Karen Kewell-Jacoby

Janelle Kennedy

Art Kidman

Eugenia Tracy Kirchner

Ms. Carol Kiser

Ms. Genni Klein

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kobayashi

Brian Koch

Judith Koch-Jones

Nancy & Ned Kriz

Ms. Holly Larsen

Roni Lebauer & Michelle Ryan

Trevor & Anne Lee

Claudia J. Lovelette

Mr. & Mrs. John Maglione

Gina Maher

Amira Mansour

Carolyn & Bill Marr

Valerie McPherson

Juan & Barbara Mendoza

Dr. Elliott & Joanne Mercer

Paul & Nancy Mitchell

Nora Mally

Robert & Jacquelynne Moffett

Bill & Ellie Morison

Dr. Patricia Moulton

Ed Muehl

Ed & Betty Murphy

Mitsuhiko & Reiko Nakano

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas E. Nelson

Matthew Nelson

Bob Newcomb

Lyle Norton & Martha Mecartney

Laura Robinson Oatman

Donna G. O'Connell

Mr. Don Pattison

Peter B. Perrin

Joan S. Petty

Dr. & Mrs. Michael Philipps

Bruce & Johni Pittenger

Ms. Nancy Pugh

Dr. Melissa Pujazon-Zazik

Sally & Brian Rivera

Mr. Moses Robinson & Dr. Paula Joubert-Greene

Deborah & Frank Rugani

Wayne & Madonna Saxton

Timothy Shaw

Joe & Sheryl Sloate

Mary Smith

Karen Smits

Beatriz Garcia Soto

Lauren & Ned Spilsbury

Sid & Carole Spinak

Mr. & Mrs. Randy Stone

E. T. Strauss-Thacker

J.T. & Barbara Strout

Mr. & Mrs. T.W.

Summerfield

Patricia Tisone

Ira Tobin

Nikki Tolt, Esq. & Dr. Van Miller

William Tran

Christopher Trela

Triggs Family Trust

Donald & Rose Etta Tyssee

Ben & Susan Viloria

Bill & Evelyn Weisman

Lisa & J.R. Wetzel

Ann & Dr. Donald E. Williams

Barbara Wilson

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Wing

Howard & Jane Yata

Nancy & Dwight Yoder

Bunny Zechter and 10 anonymous donors

We have made every effort to accurately list donors and sincerely regret any errors or omissions. If you have any questions or a correction, please contact Clare Kiklowicz at (714) 708-5521.

MEDIA PARTNERS

LAist

Orange County

Business Journal

PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal Kids

GIFTS IN KIND

Arts Consulting Group

Atomic Creamery

Batch 22

Chloé

David Yurman

Anaheim Ducks

Google Inc.

Honey & Butter

Macarons

Jones Day

Läderach

South Coast Plaza

Wine Lab