State Theatre New Jersey Report to the Community 2016-2017 by State Theatre New Jersey

REPORT TO THE

COMMUNITY 2016 | 2017

ELLA & LOUIS WITH THE NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Â©LOVE IMAGERY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP Dear Friends, We have a lot to celebrate after the tremendous success of the 2016-2017 Season. We presented a record-breaking Broadway Series with a 259% increase in attendance since FY13, reached 8% more participants through our education and outreach initiatives, and welcomed several outstanding new Trustees to our Board. The season included a diverse line-up of events for patrons of all ages and backgrounds, reaffirming our promise to provide the finest national and international performing artists for the people of Middlesex County and the State of New Jersey. We also continue to build on our commitment to serving our diverse community and engaging with new partners and audiences. We are so proud to share these highlights and many more from our 2016-2017 Season. None of this would be possible without the vision and leadership of the State Theatre Board of Trustees, our staff and their tireless work, and the generous support of our donors and partners. Thank you, on behalf of all of us at State Theatre New Jersey. Regards,

Scott Fergang Anna Marie Gewirtz Chair of the Board of Trustees

Acting President & CEO

FRONT COVER: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF RENT, THALIA, MR. RAY, BABYFACE, PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO BACK COVER: WARSAW PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, MARTINA MCBRIDE, DEMETRI MARTIN, FAMILY DAY, THE FAB FAUX COVER PHOTO CREDITS: JEFFREY AUGER, NANCY SWOLENSKY, JOAN MARCUS ON THIS PAGE PHOTO CREDITS: JEFFREY AUGER, NANCY SWOLENSKY

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS It’s been a wonderful year at State Theatre New Jersey! The 2016-2017 Season was memorable in every respect, from our diverse programming and amazing artists to the significant growth of our network of community partners, audiences, and generous supporters. This season we engaged more than 200,000 people through 113 mainstage productions, 183 education programs, and over 45 rental events, plus we launched new initiatives—including three new outreach committees—that enhanced our leadership role as a performing arts center and enabled us to more deeply reﬂect the rich diversity of our community. State Theatre New Jersey also continued its commitment to cultivating the next generation of audiences—serving nearly 35,000 school children, families, community organizations, and educators during the 2016-2017 Season. Dedicated to making the arts available and accessible to everyone, State Theatre New Jersey offered many programs at little or no cost.

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTODERN JUKEBOX ©JEFFREY AUGER

Highlights have included exciting performances by: •

magic’s most famous duo, Penn & Teller

•

Mexican superstar, Thalia

•

sold-out performances of the musical RENT, in its 20th anniversary tour

•

the scientific on-stage antics of Doktor Kaboom

•

and the highest-grossing Broadway production in State Theatre history, Dirty Dancing— The Classic Story On Stage

MAINSTAGE TICKET REVENUE FOR FY17 = $6,079,850

EVENTS

208,799 ATTENDEES FOR 342 EVENTS RECORD BROADWAY SERIES ATTENDANCE An Increase of 259% since FY13

SOLD OUT SHOWS INCLUDED:

EDUCATION & OUTREACH State Theatre New Jersey’s Education and Outreach programs reﬂect our mission to provide opportunities for all people to participate in and understand the arts. Through education performances, artist residencies, workshops, lectures, and other programs, we engage people of all ages and backgrounds with high-quality programming that represents our diverse community.

BLACK GRACE MASTERCLASS AT MASON GROSS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, APRIL 2017 ©KEITH MUCCILLI PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2016-2017 SEASON •

State Theatre New Jersey presented 183 Education & Outreach events serving 34,824 people from 15 counties—an 8% increase over the previous season.

•

State Theatre New Jersey provided more than $730,000 in free and subsidized programs for our community.

PERFORMANCES FOR SCHOOLS

Students and teachers from across the region felt the incomparable thrill of live performance at State Theatre New Jersey’s 2016-2017 Performances for Schools. The series featured 16 performances of different productions: world-class music, dance, and theater from five countries and three continents. Students experienced the beauty and grace of Moscow Festival Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty; the astounding feats of the Shanghai Acrobats; the verbal dexterity of New Jersey’s Mayhem Poets; and lots more. Beyond representing a variety of genres and cultures, the series afforded opportunities to enrich teaching and learning through the arts at every grade level and subject area. The State’s speciallydesigned Keynotes study guides helped teachers make connections between the performances and other curriculum areas.

REACHED

16,000 STUDENTS & TEACHERS

FROM

154

SCHOOLS

SYMPHONY SCHOLARS Fifty middle school students in New Brunswick’s instrumental music program had the honor of being selected as State Theatre New Jersey Symphony Scholars. Through the program, they experienced—most for the very first time—a live, full-length symphony concert by a world-class orchestra, followed by a special reception with the conductor and soloist. The program included workshops and support materials (including a study guide and a CD of the music) to help participants understand and reﬂect on the concert. The Symphony Scholars program, including concert tickets for each student and a family member, was offered free of charge to the school district.

AUTISM-FRIENDLY RELAXED PERFORMANCES State Theatre New Jersey’s Autism-Friendly Relaxed Performances give schools and families with children on the autism spectrum a safe place to enjoy live theater. To create a welcoming environment, customary rules of theater etiquette are set aside. Other accommodations include modulated lighting and sound levels, a designated quiet area, and special learning resources to help children know what to expect at the show. In 2016-2017, State Theatre New Jersey offered nine Autism-Friendly Relaxed Performances of three different productions, with shows for both schools and families. Nearly 3,000 people attended—including over 2,000 students from 30 different schools.

ATTENDANCE INCREASED BY

30% 7

98 PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY RESIDENCY In her ninth season as State Theatre New Jersey Artist-inResidence, poet Glenis Redmond continued to inspire and uplift people throughout our community. Over eight weeks, she traveled to 42 different sites, sharing her unique gifts at schools, senior centers, residential treatment facilities, shelters, veterans’ homes, and other places. For several groups—primarily underserved and at-risk students and adults—Glenis led a series of in-depth writing workshops. Many read their work at a public poetry reading, giving lyrical voice to personal stories of childhood and family, triumph over adversity, and hope for the future.

REACHED

3,811 PEOPLE

FREE SUMMER MOVIES State Theatre New Jersey’s Free Summer Movie Series has become a much-anticipated event for children and families throughout the area. In 2016-2017, the theater added more films and more showings, drawing an audience of 7,200 for family favorites including Frozen, Babe, and Monsters University. The movies were especially popular with the local Latino community, including New Brunswick’s Play S.A.F.E. summer recreation program and families from neighborhoods surrounding the State Theatre. Attendance at State Theatre New Jersey’s 2016-2017 Free Summer Movies increased nearly 50% over the previous season.

FAMILY DAY In 2016-2017, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated the 10th anniversary of Family Day, a day-long festival held each year on Presidents Day. Thousands of children and adults spent a fun-filled day of activities, most of them free of charge. Moon Mouse, a magical, glowing space adventure, took center stage at the State Theatre, along with performances, workshops, crafts, games, a photo booth, food, face painting, ice sculpting demonstrations, and more—even the Philadelphia Zoo! Activities extended beyond the State Theatre to include Crossroads Theatre and United Methodist Church. 8©NANCY SWOLENSKY

4,500

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

ATTENDED FAMILY DAY

MILK & COOKIES In its 10th year, State Theatre New Jersey’s Milk & Cookies series presented 12 performances on six Saturdays during the 2016-2017 Season. The free music and storytelling program introduced over 1,500 young children and their families to the world of live performance. Playful, interactive shows invited kids to have fun, while also providing gentle first lessons in audience etiquette.

©NANCY SWOLENSKY

SERVING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY Located in the heart of one of the most diverse regions in the state, State Theatre New Jersey welcomes people of every age, ability, ethnicity, religious belief, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic condition. We are committed to presenting music, dance, theater, and other performing arts that reﬂect a wide range of cultures and perspectives. In 2016-2017, the State Theatre invited business and civic leaders in the Latino, African American, and LGBTQ communities to become founding members of three new Outreach Committees. These inﬂuential groups are helping us identify the needs and interests of specific audiences, and also connecting us to their constituents. Through networking and social activities, the Outreach Committees are introducing State Theatre New Jersey to a whole new audience. 9

PARTNERSHIPS & COLLABORATIONS State Theatre New Jersey is a vital, active presence in the community. We have developed meaningful relationships with schools, social service organizations, businesses, governmental agencies, artists, and arts organizations to enrich the lives of people in central New Jersey and beyond.

NEW JERSEY TAP DANCE ENSEMBLE AT FAMILY DAY Â©JEFFREY AUGER

Health Sciences Technology High School visits New Brunswick Senior Citizens Resources Center as part of our Artist-inResidence program.

State Theatre Board Chair Scott Fergang (left) with Michael Sneed, Worldwide Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs & Chief Communication Officer for Johnson & Johnson, at the performance of Pippin for Johnson & Johnson Evening.

Guests from the Office of Mayor Wilda Diaz of Perth Amboy enjoy a reception hosted by State Theatre’s Latino Outreach Committee prior to a performance by Gilberto Santa Rosa.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

ARTS GROUPS

State Theatre’s non-profit and New Brunswick partners included:

As a vibrant part of New Jersey’ arts community, State Theatre New Jersey partnered with:

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Boy Scouts of America Elijah’s Promise Garden of Healing Yoga & Wellness Center Girl Scouts of Central New Jersey Joseph Kohn Rehabilitation Center Lazos America Unida Middlesex County College New Brunswick Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon HIV Health Services Planning Council New Brunswick Senior Citizen Resources Center New Brunswick Tomorrow New Brunswick Youth Services System Puerto Rican Action Board Salvation Army Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey United Methodist Church Veterans Tickets Foundation Women Aware

American Repertory Ballet coLAB Arts Crossroads Theatre Company George Street Playhouse New Brunswick Cultural Center New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Plays-in-the-Park Zimmerli Art Museum

NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Students from New Brunswick’s Play S.A.F.E. program enjoy our Free Summer Movies.

RUTGERS,THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY Rutgers University partners included: • Association of Indians at Rutgers • Department of Africana Studies • Department of English • Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center • Mason Gross School of the Arts • Office of Leadership and Experiential Learning • Rutgers Against Hunger • Rutgers Center for Latino Arts & Culture • Rutgers University African-American Alumni Alliance • School of Environmental and Biological Sciences

New Brunswick Public Schools benefited from many free State Theatre education and outreach programs, including artist residency workshops, the Symphony Scholars program, admission for thousands of students to our schoolday performances, and volunteer opportunities.

ENHANCING THE GUEST EXPERIENCE ©NANCY SWOLENSKY

©JEFFREY AUGER

IN-CART ADD-ONS

PODCASTS

Since launching the new website in May 2016, the State Theatre continues to improve the online experience for our guests.

All Access with State Theatre New Jersey is now a New Jersey Ad Club Jersey Award winner for “Best Podcast” in New Jersey! All Access, a weekly podcast and radio show hosted by the State Theatre, features artist interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.

Our latest enhancement—In-Cart Add-Ons—offers patrons the option of receiving dining discounts at local restaurants, and purchasing packages such as Chocolate & Wine featuring chocolate from Thomas Sweet®, Pride Night Parties, Broadway Opening Night Cast Parties, VIP Meet & Greets, and more.

Airing live each week on two radio stations—WCTC 1450AM and WMTR 1250AM—the show is also available for download on the State Theatre website as well as on iTunes, Stitcher, and SoundCloud. All Access guests during the 2016-2017 Season included Mike Love from The Beach Boys, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Shirley Alson Reeves, and Jim Breuer. (Pictured above: Recording the award-winning podcast episode with Bobby Bandiera.)

©MARY BROWN

GUEST SERVICES We Strive to Continually Improve the Services Offered to Our Guests

In honor of our mission to create extraordinary experiences through the power of live performance, we seek to provide the highest quality interactions and best customer service for all our guests. To support this ongoing mission, we created a Customer Service Task Force team and rebranded our Ticket Office as Guest Services to reﬂect our continuing dedication to the customer experience. Some initiatives included creating our core Customer Service Values and gathering feedback from our guests with post-show surveys.

F R I DAY, F E B RUA RY 24 , 2 0 17

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Rock duo launched from ‘Love’ e’ Mark Voger For Times of Trenton

STEVE VAI’S

buz buzz uzz uz zz

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Air Supply Saturday:

MAKING

For many couples in a certain age bracket, “Lost in s 8 p.m. at Resorts Love” and “All Out of Love” provided the soundtrack for Atlantic City, rst date … or their first first kiss … or their first, first, you their fi first 1133 Boardwalk, know, hookup. Yep, Air Supply’s back-to-back No. 13 5. Atlantic City. $75. and No. 2 hits of 1980 were the start of many things. resortsac.com. Even for Air Supply. Sunday: 8 p.m. at For the Australian soft-rock act, “Lost in Love” and the State Theatre, e, “All Out of Love” marked the beginning of superstarve., 15 Livingston Ave., dom after the group’s promising career had been proNew Brunswick. nounced dead. $35-$95. On the occasion of a pair of upcoming New 732-246-7469 or Jersey Air Supply shows (in Atlantic City statetheatrenj.org. org. and New Brunswick), I revisited a conversation with Air Supply singer Russell Hitchcock from 2007, in which he spoke of his group’s unlikely comeback — a genuine illustration of the chaoss theory in action. Recalled the Melbourne native, now 67: “We’d had great success in Australia in 1976, when we first released our recordings there. I think in January aof ’77, we got to play with Rod Stewart in Australia for four or five shows. After the second or third show, we were invited to open for him in North America later that year. “So we said to our record company in Austraur. lia, which was CBS, that we’re gonna do this tour. They said, ‘You shouldn’t do it. It’s too soon.’ We released our first recording in October of ’76; this was January of ’77; and the tour started in September. But we were very adamant that we were going to do that. Nobody had really appreciated the magnitude of touring with Rod. It was a big deal then. I mean, it still is. Anyway, we had a big blowout with them over that decision.” up Air Supply indeed toured with Stewart. When the group — which included singer-songwriter Graham Russell — returned to Australia, an unpleasant surprise awaited. uldn’t “We were dead in the water,” said Hitchcock. “Couldn’t pla get arrested. For the next year and a half, we couldn’t play anywhere. We couldn’t get booked. I was living with my parents. Graham actually went to Adelaide in South Australia. He wrote a bunch of songs. ‘Lost in Love’ and ‘All Out of Love’ were included in those songs. uff “So he called me and said, ‘I’ve got a bunch of stuff ?’ that I think is really cool. Why don’t you come over?’ re. I flew to Adelaide. The band, we got ourselves there. He played me ‘Lost in Love’ and ‘All Out of Love.’ I said to him, ‘These are big hits. There’s no doubtt in my mind that they’re both going to be monsters.’.’ ” Hitchcock’s instincts were correct. aunched “Of course,” he said, “ ‘Lost in Love’ launched ove’ our career internationally, and ‘All Out of Love’ is just a fantastic song. We usually close the show with it. It gets the best response of any song that we play. “It was definitely a song that was marked for history. It gives me goosebumps to be able to be involved in the song. I love to play it every night.”

“All Out of Love” was “marked for history,” said Air Supply singer Russell Hitchcock, right, shown with Graham Russell.

Mark Voger: mvoger@ njadvancemedia.com

Passion Still Burns (25 Years Later)

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Tony nominee Euan Morton stars in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS

which mixes Passion and Primitive along with visuals, creating a luscious blend of sensory experience for his audiences. We recently caught up with Steve Vai to discuss his new album, the 25th anniversary of Passion and Warfare, playing alongside other guitarists on tours such as Generation Axe and more. Can you describe the experience of touring with the new album, Modern Primitive, along with Passion and Warfare— mixing nostalgia with the new? Well, I’m having a nostalgic time (laughs). It’s really a nice project because my first solo record was Flex-Able. It was bizarre, somewhat of a quirky record where I was basically learning how to record and engineer and write music and get it out. I never really expected to release it, but when I did it I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it—having a record out. I just thought, ‘Hey, I’m just going to do this for the rest of my life!’ I started working on new music with this band I had called The Classified, and then I joined this band Alcatraz… I was offered a solo record deal with Capitol Records, and that’s kind of when I put everything else I was working on the shelf and started writing new music which became Passion and Warfare. So, when the 25th anniversary for Passion and Warfare came around, I

by Jessica Guica In 1985, Hollywood sought out Steve Vaii to play V Va a the guitar-shredding contender ay who duels with the devil in Crossroads. Cr l as his As skillful a player in real life cu film, the prodigious character in the cult play a er, producer, ay Grammy-winning guitar player, c and composer accepted the challenge. gu talk— After all, few can make the guitar V i does. Va d literally—the way Steve Vai The Berklee-trained guitarist had honed his for skills at school, ultimately, leaving le the West Coast to play a for ay f r and with fo w Frank Z U evol Zappa. Ultimately, Vai evolved as a cou musician. His virtuosity coupled with expansivee vision earned him the a one of the most progressive p reputation as deca players of the last three decades. Vai’s evocative playing style and technical haas won numerous accolades, a prowess has m gigs with David Lee L Roth, landed him catapultedd his solo career, and even resulted inn the creation of a signature guitar with Ibanez of which wh he coJEM guitar designed. V i’s masterful Va maasterful approach to the guitar Vai’s s has had a significant impact on the music wh his compositions, including industry while his second album, Passion and Warfare, prove their timelessness. The complex instrumenta album features unique layers instrumental a emotion. It is one of those of texture and tha music enthusiasts have kept albums that collection. As Passion and Warfare in their colle celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, V Va Vaii releas released his latest album, Modern P Pr ririm imitititve v .TThe new album revisits where Primitive. Vai was m musically during the earlier formative yyears. It is a “continuation,” as he describ describes. The result is a current tour

thought this was a good opportunity to go back and finish that music I started in between Flex-Able and Passion and Warfare and that became Modern Primitive. It’s sort of a missing link between the guy that made Flex-Able and the guy that made Passion and Warfare. It was very interesting to go back and listen to

that music and complete it because whenever you create something it’s like a little snapshot of who you were at that time. It was kind of charming to peer into the psyche of a 24- or 25-year-old Steve Vai, you know? Did you have moments of surprise when you went back to revisit the music where, for example, you didn’t even remember writing parts? Yeah, sure. I had that music in the back of my head all these years because there was something in it that kept

beckoning me. That is a really wonderful age for finding your identity, finding your uniquely creative voice, there’s this angst in it, there’s the discovery of freedom and independence at that age. When I was writing and making that music I had no expectations for success, and that is very liberating. It just opens the possibility to just do whatever the heck you want without any fear. That’s kind of what I got when I went back to listen to it was how fearless it was, bold. “Pink and Blows Over” is a continuation on three tracks on Modern Primitive. Why is that? That was one of those stream of conscience things where I wanted to do something quirky, adventurous, intense, lighthearted, extraordinarily musical, rich, funny…it was like if you rolled all that into one feeling…I took that, I sat down and started playing and writing…And the lyrics, I don’t even know what they meant. They just came out. It was like automatic writing, and then I taught it to the band, and that whole second movement by Tommy Mars is like one of the most musical things that’s ever appeared on any of my records for sure. It was really based on the genius of Tommy Mars, how he took the melody that I wrote and did all these variations on it. I’ve got about three hours of him improvising that stuff, and I had to chop

it down to 13 minutes or whatever, and that was painful (laughs). And then the last movement, when we used to do that song 30 years ago with The Classified—those chord changes is more of a reflection of my jazz fusion roots when I was going to Berklee, because that style of playing that I do on that third movement is unlike anything that I’d done through the years. There are these wildly fast chord changes going by, and when you improvise over chord changes you can’t just do anything. Well, you can do anything you want, but you’ll sound like an idiot (laughs). There’s a particular sophistication when you’re playing over jazz that you’ve got to be aware of, and I kind of nailed it in that, I think. While you’ve been successful in incorporating the emotional element into your playing, is that also something you try to convey to the students you teach in the master classes through TrueFire? I’ve always enjoyed teaching because when you teach, you learn…I’ve had such a wonderfully blessed career, I’ve learned so much and I’ve been through so much that I enjoy sharing things with young players that are different than the convention guitar tips like academics or scales or riffs or stuff like that, because when I look back at my career I can see the most important thing in it—as far as what lends itself to the quality of my experience—was the quality of my enjoyment in the music itself. It’s all really based on the quality of the thoughts that you’re thinking as you’re doing it. It sounds

THE PASSION AND WARFARE 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR COMES TO TOWN HALL IN NEW YORK, NY ON NOV. 9, THE SPACE AT WESTBURY IN WESTBURY, NY ON NOV. 12, AND THE STATE THEATRE IN NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ ON NOV. 14. ADDITIONAL DETAILS CAN BE FOUND AT VAI.COM. 16 ARTS WEEKLY NOVEMBER 9, 2016 www.theaquarian.com

HEADLINES!

ASBURY PARK PRESS • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2017

ALEX BIESE @ABIESEAPP

uan Morton considers himself a lucky man. ♦ The Tony-nominated Scottish actor is currently traveling the United States, starring in the touring production

of the cult classic musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” ♦ Playing the State Theatre in New

READY

Brunswick for five shows Friday, May 19, through Sunday, May 21, the Tony-winning musical

irreverent,

inventive

and

ultimately heartfelt showcase for a transgender East German glam rocker and her backing band. ♦ Written by John Cameron Mitchell (who originated the role of Hedwig off-Broadway in

RANT?

the late-’90s) with music by Steven Trask, “Hedwig” had an acclaimed 2014 to 2015 Broadway run that featured the likes of Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss and Taye Diggs all putting their spin on the role. See HEDWIG, Page 5C

We had a great year “in the news.” In addition to featured interviews on NJTV, WNET, NJ101.5, Magic 98.3, WCTC 1450, WDHA, and WMTR, we were featured all across the state with articles in The Star-Ledger, Asbury Park Press, NJBIZ, The Daily Targum, The Princeton Packet, Reporte Hispano, Trenton Times, Home News Tribune, El Sol, The Aquarian Weekly, and more.

Rio Clemente returns to Watchung Arts Center on June 2 BILL NUTT CORRESPONDENT

Jazz pianist Rio Clemente has played at venues from Newport, Rhode Island, to the White House, from Manhattan to Louisiana. But one of his favorite places to perform is a former schoolhouse in a historic section of Central Jersey. “I have a beautiful relationship with the Watchung Arts Center,” said

Clemente, a Morris County resident who has an international reputation as “the Bishop of Jazz.” “It’s so intimate,” he added. “You’re so close to the people that you can hear them breathing. When you have that kind of proximity, it’s like you’re talking to them one-on-one.” For the past several years, Clemente has a hosted a series called “ImpresaRIO” at the center, also known

as WAC. Each season, he plays three concerts; some are solo performances, while others feature invited guests. The next “ImpresaRIO” concert on June 2 will close out the 2016-2017 season at WAC. Clemente will perform with violinist Vitali Imereli, a native of the Republic of Georgia who is adept at both classical and jazz. “A piano-violin concert is very rare in jazz,” Clemente said. “Vitali can play

anything. There’s no bass or guitar, so it will just be the two of us playing off each other.” Being able to offer such an unusual pairing is a point of pride for the management of WAC, according to Joan Plasner, vice president of performing arts for the center. See RIO, Page 5C

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MUSIC

Here are some of this season’s highlights.

An intimate evening with Audra McDonald Audra McDonald

Where: State Theatre New Jersey, 13 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick When: Saturday at 6 p.m. How much: Concert tickets are $35 to $75; benefit gala tickets, including cocktail, preshow reception and post-show dinner and dance, are $700; visit statetheatrenj.org.

Natalie Pompilio For The Star-Ledger

During a career filled with accolades and honors — including a record-breaking six Tony Awards — Audra McDonald has triumphed in a wide range of roles: Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” Ruth in “A Raisin in the Sun,” Sarah in “Ragtime,” Carrie in “Carousel.” But it was her most recent star turn that presented McDonald with a true challenge: She plays Madame Garderobe, a walking, singing wooden closet, in the recent live-action version of “Beauty and the Beast.” “It wasn’t easy,” McDonald admitted during an interview with NJ Advance Media. “The hardest part was the physicality of the costume I had to wear. It was huge, cumbersome, but a lot of fun.” McDonald’s not sure if she will perform any of Garderobe’s songs when she headlines a concert and benefit gala Saturday at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick. It’s possible, she said, as she considers her song list, which is likely to include classic Broadway tunes, pieces by young and upcoming composers and, of course, some “Lady Day.” No matter which song s she performs, McDonald promised an intimate evening. “I like people to feel like they’re coming over for dinner,” she said, “a relaxed environ-

ment where we’re sharing stories and songs.” Tom Carto, State Theatre president and CEO, also expects it to be an extraordinary night. “Audra is one of the most talented and decorated performers of all time,” he said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better artist to headline our biggest night of the year.” McDonald is a champion of local theater. Her parents got her involved in the local performance scene when she was growing up in California as a way for her to burn off excessive energy. It was a fortuitous choice. “I found my tribe — people like me — and this creative, fulfilling environment,” McDonald said. “It set me on my path.” It’s been a history-making path. In addition to winning more Tony Awards than any other performer in history, she can also boast that she is the only person to win in all four acting categories. (McDonald has earned Tonys for lead actress in a play and musical, as well as featured actress in a play and musical.) She sang on the Grammy-winning soundtrack of “Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany.” She’s received two Emmy nominations. And that seemingly boundless energy that her parents tried to harness when she was a child? It seems McDonald still has some of it. With her 6-month-old daughter babbling in the background, McDonald talked of reprising the role of Holiday for her debut on London’s West End in June. She and husband Will Swenson will co-host the 2017 Drama League Awards before she leaves. “You rise to the occasion,” McDonald said. “You summon the energy from somewhere.” Natalie Pompilio: nataliepompilio@yahoo.com

Etheridge adds new flavor to ’60s Stax classics. Page 4

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PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

Audra McDonald’s set list at State Theatre New Jersey will likely include classic Broadway tunes — and maybe something from the Disney film “Beauty and the Beast.” Autumn de Wilde

On tour, Melissa

MAY 19-21

DEVELOPMENT & SPECIAL EVENTS We give a standing ovation to our family of individual, corporate, foundation, and government supporters, who enable us to transform our community through the inspirational power of live performance. Your dedication to State Theatre New Jersey sustains our world-class programming and education and outreach initiatives—bringing the arts to people of all ages and backgrounds. Thank you for helping us to achieve so much in 2016-2017!

We raised $2,805,010 in donations— an 11% increase over FY16.

34% 10%

Overall contributed support increased 34% over the last five years.

We welcomed the largest number of new members ever to our President’s Council this season. AUDRA MCDONALD 2017 BENEFIT GALA ©JEFFREY AUGER

The overall number of donor households grew by 10% in the last year.

31%

Corporate support increased 31% from FY16 to FY17, and 120% from FY12 to FY17.

Funds Raised with Breakdown by Source:

16% 24% Government Special Events

25% Corporations 23% Individuals 12% Foundations

©JEFFREY AUGER

Members of Chairman’s and President’s Councils were honored with a special annual dinner on the stage in September 2016. Trustees took turns sharing anecdotes about unique programs we feature throughout the season, and Bobby Bandiera & Friends gave a special performance.

©NANCY SWOLENSKY

We celebrated Women’s History Month in March 2017 with a special Women’s Tea Luncheon on stage. We honored the esteemed female artists who have performed on our stage over the years—including Debbie Reynolds, Joan Rivers, Liza Minnelli, Mary Tyler Moore, Natalie Cole, and Whoopi Goldberg. Artist-in-Residence Glenis Redmond (pictured above) gave a dynamic reading of her poetry.

©JEFFREY AUGER

In October 2016, our Classical Season Celebration raised over $60,000 to support our Orchestra Series and classical education programs. The event honored Peter and Maggie Stavrianidis (pictured above with friends) and featured the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra and soloist Seong Jin-Cho, winner of the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition.

©JEFFREY AUGER

This year’s Beneﬁt Gala raised $624,000 and was headlined by Audra McDonald, who gave a luminous performance of Broadway hits and the Great American Songbook, and returned with a surprise appearance at dinner. Three honorees were recognized: American Beneﬁts Consulting, Corporate Honoree; Susan and Brent Podlogar, Patron Honorees (pictured above); and the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders— Ronald G. Rios, Director; Charles E. Tomaro, Deputy Director; Kenneth Armwood; Charles Kenny; Leslie Koppel; Shanti Navarra; and Blanquita B. Valenti, Leadership in the Arts Honorees.

In November 2016, Patron’s Council members gathered at our annual Donor Appreciation Event. They heard behind-the-scenes insights from our Director of Production, Joe Stoltman, and had the opportunity to meet some of the Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China.

To mark the season’s finale, we welcomed over 100 partners from the arts, businesses, and community groups for our annual Partners’ Breakfast. A panel discussion on “Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts, Partnering Across Organizations, and Building a Creative Workforce” was moderated by Dale Caldwell, CEO, Strategic Inﬂuence. The distinguished panelists were David L. Gonzales, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion, Bristol-Myers Squibb; Board member Wanda Bryant Hope, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Johnson & Johnson; and Carlos Medina, Chair of Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (pictured above). 15

FINANCE In fiscal year 2017, State Theatre New Jersey had operating revenues and expenses of approximately $12 million. We achieved a total increase in net assets for the year of $2.2 million. Artist fees and production expenses continued to comprise the bulk of State Theatre New Jersey’s annual operating expenses at 39%, followed by personnel at 37%. In fiscal year 2017, 85% of operating expenditures went to support programming, with the remaining covering administrative and development costs. State Theatre New Jersey maintained a strong financial position, with net assets of $6.67 million on June 30, 2017. Ticket sales, rentals and related fees continued to be the organization’s primary source of income, accounting for 64% of total operating revenue for fiscal year 2017. Contributed income and government support comprised approximately 28% of operating income.

FY2017 OPERATING REVENUE

Government Support 4%

JUNE 30, 2017

Contributions 24% Ticket Sales 52%

Other Earned Revenue 3% Concessions and Merchandise 4%

Rentals and Services for Renters 6%

Current assets

$ 4,373,197

Other assets

7,633,125

Total assets

$ 12,006,322

Line of credit

$ 3,652,640

Other liabilities

1,685,524

Total liabilities

5,338,164

Total net assets

6,668,158

Total liabilities and net assets

$ 12,006,322

Ticketing Fees 6%

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

FY2017 OPERATING EXPENSES

Development and Special Events 2% Other Operating Occupancy and Expenses Utilities 4% 7%

Marketing and Branding 11%

Personnel 37%

A complete audited financial statement with accompanying notes and report of Mercadien, P.C., Certified Public Accountants is available by contacting Ann Zawartkay, Chief Financial Officer, at info@stnj.org.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Artist Fees and Production 39%

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2017 Ticket sales, rentals and related fees

$ 7,529,728

Other earned income

967,973

Contributed and in-kind support

3,294,095

Total operating income

$ 11,791,796

Production/program expenses

5,997,961

Other operating expenses

5,907,168

Total operating expenses

11,905,129

Operating net income

(113,333)

Other income and investment gains (losses)

2,345,443

Change in net assets

$ 2,232,110

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016 | 2017 Scott Fergang CHAIR John S. Fitzgerald VICE CHAIR Richard J. Leist TREASURER Peter Stavrianidis SECRETARY

OUR MISSION ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE GLENIS REDMOND WITH STUDENTS

State Theatre New Jersey exists to enrich the lives of people from diverse backgrounds in New Jersey and to contribute to a vital urban environment by: •

Presenting the finest national and international performing artists

•

Providing arts education programs to inform and build future audiences

•

Providing a major performing arts venue in central New Jersey that encourages and enables members of the community to have a life-long association with the performing arts

CREATING EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE POWER OF LIVE PERFORMANCE!

Brian D. Agnew Henry Bignell Sam Boraie Luis De La Hoz Stephan DeMicco Etta Denk Robert J. DiLeo Matthew Drucker Douglas M. Garback, Sr. Craig J. Guiffre C. Judson Hamlin Jacqueline Hancock-Pena Timothy Harbison John Harrison Bill Herman Wanda Hope Gurdon Hornor Richard T. McDonald Edward Moragas Patrick Morris Sherard Murphy Susan Podlogar Frank Raia Robin Suydam Matthew Taylor Wendy Wiebalk, Esq. Warren Zimmerman EX OFFICIO MEMBERS The Honorable James M. Cahill, Mayor, City of New Brunswick Ronald G. Rios, Freeholder Director, County of Middlesex This list includes Board of Trustees members who served between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Thank you for your service.

17 17

THANK YOU

TO OUR SUPPORTERS

As a non-profit organization, State Theatre New Jersey is deeply grateful to the many individual, corporate, foundation, and government supporters who contributed to our Annual Giving program for the 2016-2017 Season. We salute all our donors for their generosity, which enables us to provide the high-quality entertainment and community outreach that are essential to our mission. Thank you!

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT $200,000+ Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders New Jersey State Council on the Arts $100,000+ The Blanche & Irving Laurie Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Foundation The Star-Ledger / NJ.com $50,000+ Bank of America The Heldrich Investors Bank Magic 98.3 NJ101.5 $25,000+ AARP The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey The Karma Foundation RBC Wealth Management United Airlines University Pain Medicine Center 105.5 WDHA $10,000+ Frank & Lydia Bergen Foundation Boraie Development Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation Colgate-Palmolive E. J. Grassmann Trust Ingredion Incorporated The George Link Jr. Charitable Trust Magyar Bank The Lester & Grace Maslow Foundation

The Curtis W. McGraw Foundation MetLife Foundation New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism The Presser Foundation The Provident Bank Foundation John Ben Snow Memorial Trust TD Charitable Foundation Union Foundation Wells Fargo The Xerox Foundation $5,000+ Anonymous Andersen Corporate Foundation Chubb Group of Insurance Companies Deluxe Corporation Foundation The Harold I. & Faye B. Liss Foundation M&T Bank Miller’s Rentals Plymouth Rock Assurance PNC Foundation PSEG Foundation TD Bank Victory Worldwide Transportation The Wawa Foundation

CHAIRMAN’S COUNCIL VISIONARY CIRCLE ($25,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Campbell Andrew J. Markey UNDERWRITER CIRCLE ($15,000+) Mr. and Mrs. John A. McCrane DIAMOND CIRCLE ($10,000+) Mr. and Mrs. Omar Boraie Doug and Diane Garback~The Garback Agency Carolyn and Dave Horn Richard and Larisa Leist Friend of The State Susan and Brent Podlogar Frank and Karen Raia Dave Retcher Todd A. Shamy and Joey Grinkley Peter and Maggie Stavrianidis Matthew and Tracy Taylor Donna and Jack Walcott Joseph and Kristine Yelencsics

$2,500+ Credit Suisse Gilbane Building Company Roberts Florals Silver Line Building Products Xerographic Document Solutions

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL PLATINUM CIRCLE ($5,000+) Paul Ashley Isa and Michael Beck Robert and Jane Berry Samer and Susan Boraie Andrew Chen and Heidi Mass Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ciatto Sharon Cyktor Susan and Steven Darien Stephan DeMicco and Jeanne M. Fox Mary Ellen Dundon Scott and Barbra Fergang William and Constance Fortenbaugh Judd and Carol Hamlin James A. and Elizabeth E. Hance Mr. and Mrs. Timothy W. Harbison Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Harkins Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Hartnett Bill Herman Carol Jefferson Joseph Light Patrick and Mary Ellen Morris Sherard and Naomi Murphy Kenneth G. and Jennifer J. Osterman Ernesto and Ziang Quinteros Jaime Raskulinecz and Linda Varas Warren and Wendy Zimmerman GOLD CIRCLE ($3,000+) Joan A. Appelson Joseph and Xenia Balabkins Bryan Baugh Michael and Meredith Bzdak Campbell Family Foundation Peter and Nancy Cornell Russell and Stephanie Deyo

E & G Foundation, in memory of George W. & Edith H. DeVoe Mr. and Mrs. John Fischer John and Jeanne Fitzgerald The Freed Family Anna Marie and Michael Gewirtz Nancy and Craig Guiffre Ms. Eileen Harkins The Hornor Family Stephen K. Jones David Kapulsky Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Korbel Charles and Ruth Larsson Barbara and Len Littman Andrew and Pamela Lovasz The Luckhowec Family Mr. and Mrs. Duncan L. MacMillan Joseph and Maxine Macnow Donna and Lance Miyamoto Ed and Lidia Moragas Derek and Jacqueline Patterson Linda A. Piscadlo Theresa Ragozine Salvatore J. and Bernice A. Romano Judy and Jack Steinweis Stolzer Family Foundation Ms. Robin E. Suydam and Mr. Paul Corkery Scott Sweeney Lisa and Thomas Uzzo Wendy Wiebalk and Steve Cahn Bruce and Jennifer Zimmer SILVER CIRCLE ($2,000+) Anonymous Brian and Lauren Agnew Don Amorosi and Doug Woelfel Mark and Valerie Berkowitz Henry and Lisa Bignell Gil Blitz Douglas and Mary Agnes Brodowski

Brother International Corporation Mario and Jennifer Chiarella Lisa Blair Davis Henry A. Dombrowski Jeff and Janine Erickson Robert and Lily Erwin Mr. Fidel Garcia Steve and Ann Garvey Thomas and Annette Griffoul Mitch Horowitz and Andrea Greenberg Horowitz Christian and Christine Jensen Marylu Korkuch Ann and John Kosco Gabriel and Jacqueline Lavigne Howard and Cheryl Malitz Farryn Melton Carlo and Michele Pascetta Rita Paszamant Richard A. Patt MD Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Sinko Rona Solberg Art and Eva Stevens Peter and Karen Tarricone Dr. and Mrs. P. Ashley Wackym Melanie Willoughby

PATRON’S COUNCIL GUARANTOR ($1,000+) Anonymous Esta Aranoff Luis De La Hoz and Marcela Giraldo Estrada Alice A. DeVoe and John Szabo Mike and Kate Downey Franklin Mutual Insurance Philip George and Carolyn Timmons Dr. Alvin and Joyce Glasgold Jean and Claude Heller Kinder Morgan Foundation Jordan Krantz Michael and Suzanne Lindemann John and Daina Lucs Thomas Oates Frank Santiago and Dana Farrell Senator Bob and Ellen Smith James Tuttle Lisa and Thomas Uzzo Clarendon and Linda Van Norman BENEFACTOR ($500+) Anonymous (5) Salvatore Abbruzzese Paul Adams Aetna Roofing Corp. Dr. Deborah S. Alexander Bernard and Judi Batren William and Nancy Beachell Jeff Baeudette Peggy Berry Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bolanowski Mr. and Mrs. John A. Bradley II Peter and Eva Braedel In memory of George Buchman – Mrs. Jean A Demko-Buchman Richard P. and Joan Burt Thomas Bykowski

Michael Cassidy Jennifer Connolly Bill Conte and Kenny Whitworth Richard Cooke Ms. Ruth J. Crawford and Ms. Michelle Gorda Anthony and Janis Scelsa & James and Diane Downey Robert Fazen The Frazees Don and Kelly Gallagher Michael Giantini Paul Goldman Michael Gorlick Mr. Sidney and Dr. Sharon Granetz Fran and Richard Habib Russell Harkavy Donna Hartzel Todd Harvey Kevin Hoagland Cynthia Jankech Jerry and Barbara Judin Bonnie Kass-Viola Ravikanth Kolla Theresa Lanuto Nick and Michele Lombardi Mr. and Mrs. John Lucs Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Lukacs Dr. Barry H. Lustig Mr. and Mrs. Antonio M. Machado Deborah Anne and Edward Magaziner Joseph F. Marazzo Stephanie Martin Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McDonnell Dr. David and Margaret McIntyre Carol Miller Frank Monte Tina and Victor Ngai Rev. and Mrs. Osy and Julia Nuesch Margaret Palermo Mr. and Mrs. John A. Papa Alfred Papetti Domingo Pena and Jacqueline Hancock-Pena

Bonnie Petrock Russell and Janet Piparo Mr. and Mrs. Igor Portnoy Leo V. Priola, RN Joseph Quinones Jr. Ann and Robert Rafano Exceptional Dentistry - Craig Ratner, DMD In memory of our Dear Friend and Philanthropist Louis Cyktor Jr. Carolyn and David Rothrock Janie and George Schildge Karen Schoenberg Drs. Anthony and Rosanne Scriffignano Irving and Claire Sinai Mary A. Sisto Kate Sweeney Peter Tate Blanquita B. Valenti Angelo J. and Rosalind Valetutto May Van Norman Dan Vickery Mr. Adam White

This list includes gifts received between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017.

CREATING EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE POWER OF LIVE PERFORMANCE State Theatre New Jersey | 15 Livingston Avenue | New Brunswick, NJ 08901