Gala 2021 Program by Syracuse Stage

WELCOME!

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SYRACUSE STAGE

Surprise Gala!

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SYRACUSE STAGE

Surprise Gala! JUNE 10, 2021 THANK YOU to the Silent Auction Chair Jacki Goldberg and our Syracuse Stage Development Committee: George Bain Robin Curtis, Herman Frazier, Nancy Green, Dan Lent, Rocco Mangano, Samantha Millier, Ginny Parker Robert Sarason, and John Steigerwald

Proceeds from this evening’s event will benefit educational and artistic programming at Syracuse Stage. A special thank you to ACLS Direct, LLC for donating printing.

MENU Individual Appetizers Shrimp cocktail, Mini Lobster Rolls, Charcuterie Cups, Crudite Cups, Asian Noodle Salad, Thai Beef Skewers Full Open Bar Food Trucks (Big Awesome BBQ, Oompa Loompyas, The Birdsong Café) Desserts by Crave Dessert Studio

HIGHLIGHTS Music by The Andrew Carroll Jazz Trio Remarks by Bob Hupp, Artistic Director and Jill Anderson, Managing Director Lawn Games custom made by Syracuse Stage Bonfire and Premium Gift Bags Enjoy your exclusive link to view the virtual program featuring Joan Hess and Michael Halling at anytime Auction closes at midnight – Bid generously for Stage at SSG2021.givesmart.com

Welcome! DEAR FRIENDS, Whether at Springside Farm or at home, thank you for joining us for the 2021 Stage Gala – a “Surprise Gala”, indeed. When we began planning this year’s event, we were filled with hope that some form of an in-person gathering might be possible – a bit of light and celebration after a long and immeasurably challenging 14+ months for our communities. Of course, like so many parts of our lives in these pandemic days, every plan requires an alternate – or two – or three – so the idea of a “Surprise” theme was born – knowing that we would want to be flexible in our digital and live offerings in order to include as many of you as possible, regardless of how the world might evolve. We hope you do sit down, relax, and enjoy the virtual program featuring Joan Hess and Michael Halling at your leisure. We have arrived at this June date with a real likelihood of gathering together at Stage next season, continuing to tell stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see life beyond our own experiences. How thrilling gathering that way seems! Yet, the last year has seen Stage in some ways more active and engaged than ever! One of only a handful of companies in the nation to continue to produce new full productions throughout the 2020-2021 season, Stage has made good on its pledges to be a vital partner to Central New York, offering six plays for home viewing, as well as a series of Community Conversations, the launch of Syracuse Stories, an even more robust

 ROBERT HUPP AND JILL A. ANDERSON. PHOTO: BRENNA MERRITT.

Poetry and Play series, a new array of youth and adult educational programs, and collaborations with numerous regional arts and community organizations. Through it all, it is your support that has enabled Stage to continue to do its work – in, for, and by Central New York, but seen by the world this year. It is your support that has ensured full employment for the Stage staff. It is your support that has kept our organization mov-

ing forward together toward our physical return, working to be an ever more inclusive, equitable place for all, taking the lessons and innovation born of the COVID era forward as we join together once more on East Genesee Street next fall. THANK YOU. We’ll see you at Stage. What a joyful prospect that is! With our deep appreciation – Bob, Jill, and the Stage staff

Deepest thanks to the entire Stage team - you have worked tirelessly to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and ensure Stage remains a vibrant cultural anchor in our community. We appreciate you! - NANCY AND BILL BYRNE

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Surprise Gala! THANK YOU TO OUR BENEFACTORS P L AT I N U M

S I LV E R

Bousquet Holstein PLLC Jacki and Michael Goldberg The Hayner Hoyt Corporation The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation Syracuse University

Advance Media NY Bank of America Bond, Schoeneck and King Cathedral Candle Company Century Title Agency, Inc. Edward S. Green & Associates, LLC Excellus BlueCross BlueShield HUNT Mortgage Corporation Unio Capital LLC

GOLD Ashley McGraw Architects, DPC BPAS Nancy and Bill Byrne The Gifford Foundation Johnston National Grid

BRONZE George S. Bain Dan and Ann Lent Mackenzie Hughes LLP

As of June 1, 2021

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Surprise Gala! SPECIAL THANKS AUCTION ITEM DONORS Jill Anderson Janet Audunson George Bain Tracey Baum-Wicks Kathy and Bob Brown Mark Bullis Martine Burat Jess Culligan Robin Curtis Debra Davidson Dr. Anthony Deboni Dick Driscoll John Gamble Neil Gold Jacki Goldberg Bea González Nancy Green Emily Holm Bob Hupp Barb Ianuzi Michael King Lynda Lee Dan Lent Michael Leonard Rocco & Roberta Mangano Julia Martin Kevin and Suzanne McAuliffe Brian McBurney Wendy Neikirk Rhodes Dr. Michael Paciorek Ginny Parker Dr. Brian Raphael

Mara Rich Marybeth Roche Rebecca Schuetz Margaret and Rick Shirtz Randy Steffan John Steigerwald Tracey White ---------------------------11 Waters Restaurant AmFund Antonio’s Ice Cream Apizza Regionale Aspinall’s Landscaping BlueTree Marketing Bull and Bear Roadhouse Buried Acorn Brewing Cabot Creamery Cooperative Cathedral Candle Company Challah At Me Chloe’s Closet DeWitt Cleaners, Inc. Dinosaur BBQ Drumlins Tennis Club Foresight Theatrical Friends of the Central Library Gentle Touch Electrolysis Gino’s Cheesesteak and Pub Habibas Ethiopian Henry Wilson’s Jewelers Inspire and the Grainery The James Street Parlour Jet Black Lisa Limited Interiors Lynda Lee Hair Salon Marriott Syracuse Downtown 13

Metro Home Style Michelle McGrady Photography Mid-Lakes Navigation Mr. Shop Ms. Fit Store Natur-Tyme Original Grain Paola Kay Peach Tree Sandwich Company Phoebe’s Restaurant Raymour & Flanigan Saint Urban Salt City Coffee Sanctuary Spa Steve Friedman Photography Sweet Frog Sweet on Chocolate The Brewster Inn The Collegian Hotel The Local Branch The MOST Science Museum The Sherwood Inn The Toast Travel Pledge Turning Stone Resort Casino Uncle Sam Boat Tour Upstate Yoga Vine and Barrel Wegmans Wildflowers Wunderbar XO Taco

SYRACUSE STAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR

Nancy Green Managing Member Edward S. Green & Associates PRESIDENT

Herman R. Frazier* Senior Deputy Athletics Director Syracuse University IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR/VICE CHAIR

Rick Shirtz Regional President NBT Bank TREASURER

Amir Rahnamay-Azar* Chief Financial Officer Syracuse University SECRETARY

Sharon Sullivan Community Volunteer AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER

Phil Turner Pastor Bethany Baptist Church Jill Anderson** Managing Director Syracuse Stage Janet Audunson Assistant General Counsel National Grid George S. Bain Freelance Editor and Writer Barbara Beckos Retired Syracuse Stage Nancy Byrne Community Volunteer Steve Chase Senior Vice President BPAS Dr. Ruth Chen* Professor of Practice Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science Robin Curtis NYS Lic. RE Asso. Broker Hunt Real Estate ERA Zellar Homes Rep. Richard Driscoll Sr. Commercial Banking Relationship Manager Commercial Banking Division NBT Bank Denise Dyce* Director of Labor Relations Syracuse University Helene Gold Private Voice & Piano Instructor

Neil Gold Retired VP Gold Pure Food Products Jacki Goldberg Community Volunteer

Molly Mulvihill VP, Market Manager Enterprise Business & Community Engagement Bank of America

Bea González Retired - Vice President for Community Engagement Syracuse University

TeNesha Murphy Research and Communications Officer Office of the County Executive, Onondaga County

Larry Harris EVP and CFO Saab, Inc.

Fran Nichols Chair Emeritus, Syracuse Stage Eric Mower + Associates

John Huhtala Relationship Manager Middle Market Commercial Banking Chase

Marc Nichols Executive VP & General Counsel Saab, Inc.

Robert Hupp** Artistic Director Syracuse Stage Cydney Johnson* Vice President for Community Engagement and Government Relations Syracuse University Rebecca Karpoff* Professor of Practice, Musical Theater/Coordinator of Vocal Instruction, Musical Theater Syracuse University Department of Drama Kathy Kelly Health Educator, PNP, retired Larry Leatherman Retired Bristol-Myers Squibb, MOST Dan Lent Vice President Citizens Bank

Mona Paradis Stadium International Trucks Virginia Parker Retired Educator Annette Peters Marketing Director Advance Media New York Molly Ryan Partner, Goldberg Segalla LLP Robert Sarason Retired Lawyer, Organizer, Fundraiser L. John Steigerwald IV Marketing and Sales Representative Cathedral Candle Company Melvin T. Stith Dean Emeritus, Whitman School of Management Syracuse University Cora Thomas Radio Host and Office Manager, WAER

Anthony Malavenda Retired - Duke’s Root Control Rocco Mangano Partner Mangano Law Office, PLLC Julia Martin Partner Bousquet Holstein Kevin R. McAuliffe Partner Barclay Damon Suzanne McAuliffe Retired Educator Rod McDonald Bond, Schoeneck & King Samantha Millier Associate Attorney Mackenzie Hughes LLP

Michael S. Tick* Dean, College of Visual and Performing Arts Syracuse University Dr. Amy Tucker Chief Medical Officer SUNY Upstate Medical University Mel Williams US Department of Transportation Ralph Zito** Chair Syracuse University Department of Drama Michael Zoanetti VP Senior Wealth Advisor Tompkins Financial Advisors *University Trustee **Ex-Officio

CENTURY TITLE AGENCY, INC 440 East Washington St. Syracuse, NY 13202

WHO WE ARE. Syracuse Stage is the non-profit, professional theatre company in residence at Syracuse University. We are nationally recognized for creating stimulating theatrical work that engages Central New York, and for our significant contribution to the artistic life of Syracuse University, where we are a vital partner in achieving the educational mission of the University’s Department of Drama. OUR MISSION. Syracuse Stage tells stories that engage, entertain, and inspire us to see life beyond our own experience. OUR VISION. Reimagining what's possible for regional theatre–through active inclusion, innovative outreach, and bold productions–Syracuse Stage shapes the culture and social vitality of Central New York, enriches the Syracuse University student experience, and fosters change in ourselves, our communities, and our world. OUR CORE VALUES. People - Actively including diverse individuals, communities, ideas, and perspectives. Passion - Commitment to integrity, excellence, and enthusiasm in our work. Curiosity - Fostering an innovative and adaptive environment that elicits wonder. ABOUT SYRACUSE STAGE. Originally constructed as the Regent Movie House in 1914, the physical space of Syracuse Stage has seen many films, musicians, actors, and artists pass through its doors over the course of the past century. The Syracuse Stage that exists today is a non-forprofit professional theatre company founded in 1974, and a longstanding League of Resident Theatres (LORT) member. Since its inception, Stage has produced over 300 shows, both plays and musicals, within its walls. Now, Stage produces six to seven shows per season, while also offering educational programs to students, various pre- and post-show events, and fundraising events each year. Stage is Central New York’s only LORT theatre and one of the largest performing arts organizations in the area. Stage has a strong commitment to giving the community access to a range of high-quality productions; it is equally committed to bringing in actors, designers, and directors who are among the leading theatre professionals, both locally and across the nation. ANTI-RACISM PLEDGE. Syracuse Stage stands firmly against racism and discrimination. We pledge to stand with under-represented and oppressed communities and to advance anti-racism in all aspects of our work, including the outward facing, public dimension of our creative endeavors and the less visible internal practices of the organization. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. Syracuse Stage respectfully acknowledges the Onondaga Nation, firekeepers of the Haudenosaunee, the indigenous people on whose ancestral lands we now stand. IN THE COMMUNITY. Stage has collaborated with a myriad of institutions in the Syracuse area. Community partners include AccessCNY, ARC of Onondaga, ARISE, ArtRage, CNY Reads, Interfaith Works of Central New York, La Casita, McMahon / Ryan Child Advocacy Center, Onondaga Historical Association, Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park, SUNY Upstate Medical University, the VA Medical Center, and Vera House. Additionally, the educational department collaborates with many CNY schools.