2015/16 ANNUAL REPORT
TWO RIVER THEATER OUR MISSION We create great American theater by developing and producing new works and world masterpieces that most richly direct our gaze to the life of the human spirit. We cultivate an audience that cherishes the intimate joy of theater, enriched when shared by a community of others.
VISION To be one of the nation’s leading regional theaters and a vital cultural resource for our community.
CORE VALUES ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE We challenge and nurture the visions of adventurous theater artists. Our commitment to the artistic process is sustained over time through an investment in people, their creative process, and our dedication to the highest artistic standards.
DIALOGUE AND EDUCATION We encourage a diversity of ideas and experiences in all facets of our work. We build new audiences, including nontraditional theatergoers and students, by inviting them to see work that reflects the world in which we live, and by inspiring audiences of all ages to participate in the creative process.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT We make our theater a welcoming community resource. We create opportunities for the public to interact with world-class theater artists; build community partnerships; and make our work affordable and accessible.
Cover Photos: J. Clint Allen, Kevin Mambo, Ellen Harvey and Mary Testa in Shakespeare’s Pericles; Kevin Mambo and Christina Acosta Robinson in August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; Christopher Fitzgerald and Michael Urie in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Mairin Lee and Peter Rini in Lives of Reason; Lynn Cohen in I Remember Mama; and Gabriel Gutíerrez, Varín Ayala, and Luis Moreno in Ropes. Photos by T. Charles Erickson.
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ABOUT US Joan and Robert Rechnitz, Founders Two River Theater is a professional 501(c)(3) nonprofit theater that produces plays and musicals—including classics, contemporary works, and world premieres—under the leadership of Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. Our state-of-the-art facility in Red Bank, New Jersey includes two theaters; the Joan and Robert Rechnitz, a 349-seat theater; and the Marion Huber, a flexible performance space that seats 110. We are proud to note that while we do enjoy two performance spaces, there is no “second stage” at Two River—all of our productions are challenging, fully realized works performed in whichever space best serves the play. Two River Theater was founded in 1994 by Joan and Robert M. Rechnitz. In 1997, the theater moved from its first home on the campus of Monmouth University to the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan. Following a community effort led by Bob and Joan Rechnitz, in 2005 Two River moved into its current home in Red Bank. The theater has received numerous accolades throughout its history, including its designation as a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. We present a host of world-class productions, education programming, and free events that draw our audiences even further into the artistic experience. We are proud to welcome more than 55,000 audience members— including more than 5,000 students and young people—through our doors each year. The theater contributes significantly to the $32 million economic impact of the arts in Monmouth County each year. Dias and Hurst are now in their sixth full season at Two River. We are proud that the theater is receiving critical acclaim and “best of” citations from national and New York press including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Huffington Post. At the heart of our mission, our goal is to cultivate, develop and produce new work, while continuing to produce extraordinary plays from the past. We are making Two River a home for adventurous theater artists to come and try out their biggest and boldest ideas. And we continue in our efforts to build a theater that is a vital cultural asset to our local and artistic communities.
Photo by Danny Sanchez
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ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS Joan and Robert Rechnitz,
artists, we host residencies, retreats, readings, and workshops. We also nurture collaborations with other theaters and artists engaged in newplay development, such as Clubbed Thumb and New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program.
Playwright in Residence Madeleine George. Photo by Mike McLaughlin.
A HOME FOR GREAT ARTISTS Two River Theater was honored to have been selected as one of 13 theaters granted support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s prestigious National Playwrights Residency Program, which will enable Madeleine George to join our staff as our first Playwright-in-Residence. A Pulitzer Prize-finalist, Madeleine is known to Two River audiences as the author of Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England, a world premiere that we produced in 2011; following the success of that production, we commissioned and developed her new play, Hurricane Diane, which will premiere next season. Through this three-year residency, the theater will continue to support Madeleine in the development of new work: both her own, and that of other great playwrights around the country, as she helps us expand our existing writer retreats and development programs to make Two River a rigorous home for new playwriting. “Madeleine is a remarkable theater artist,” says John. “There’s a
particular combination of intellectual and theatrical adventurousness that is a hallmark of her work. Each play surprises me with its rigorous yet loving insight into the human condition. And, she always makes me laugh. I can’t wait to see what she brings to Two River as our first Playwright in Residence.” PIPELINE FOR NEW WORK Two River believes in producing new works. To that end, we invest a variety of resources in the process that leads to final production. Our new-play commissioning program was launched in 2010 to create a pipeline for such work, and we are committed to sustaining and expanding the program. For playwrights and their collaborative
New works developed this season include the world premiere of Lives of Reason, the American premiere of Ropes, and a commissioned new musictheater adaptation of Pericles. Other projects currently in development include Regina Taylor’s Oo-Bla-Dee and three productions scheduled for the 2016/17 Season: Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George (Seven Homeless Mammoths…, 2011), The Women of Padilla by Tony Meneses (Guadalupe in the Guest Room, 2015), and The Ballad of Little Jo by the songwriting team of composer Mike Reid and lyricist Sarah Schlesinger (In This House, 2010 and The Wind in the Willows, 2012, 2013). Two River has also commissioned new works from Lisa Kron (2.5 Minute Ride, 2013 and Broadway’s Tony Awardwinning Fun Home), Martin Moran (The Tricky Part and All the Rage, 2014), and Tanya Saracho (Nosotros). Musicals currently in development include commissioned works from the teams of Daniel Maté and Marshal Pailet, and Joe Iconic and Joe Tracz (Be More Chill, 2014). We believe that all of these new works will significantly contributeto the canon of great American theater.
Gabriel Gutíerrez, Varín Ayala, and Luis Moreno in Ropes. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
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“Two River Theater is a place in which every space, every room, every hallway is buzzing with the creative energy of artists and producers making work happen. It is a theater that is staffed by young, energetic, smart theater-lovers and attended by an audience poised for adventure.”— Artistic Director John Dias NOSOTROS Nosotros (“Us”) is a program dedicated to furthering the work of Latino theater artists and fostering closer relationships between the theater and our Latino neighbors by welcoming them to experience great theater. We are committed to making our productions accessible in a variety of ways, including Spanish-language performances. The 2015/16 Season included two Spanish language performances of Ropes: one student matinee and one weekend performance. Two River hosted “A Day at the Theater” and offered complimentary child care under the supervision of bilingual teaching artists in the theater’s lobby during the weekend performance, as well as a special pre-show talk and a postplay discussion with members of the cast, both conducted in Spanish. This event was presented as part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s Stages Festival, the state’s largest annual theater festival. CROSSING BORDERS FESTIVAL Each summer, our Crossing Borders Festival features free play readings by Latino playwrights, panel discussions and conversations. Launched in 2011, this beloved annual tradition has become so popular that we expanded it from four to five days in the 2015/16 Season. All readings and events are free and open to the public and are followed by an opportunity to meet the festival artists in the Library.
In 2015/16, Crossing Borders spotlighted the work of Cuban and Cuban-American writers, bringing nearly two dozen playwrights, directors, and actors from on and off the island to Red Bank. In addition to readings of four plays (including two plays read in both English and Spanish), events included an outdoor neighborhood party with Cuban food and live music; a lecture on Cuban theater by festival artist, translator and scholar Yael Prizant; and conversations with artists from the festival following the reading of Chamaco with Leyma López, Abel González Melo, Yael Prizant, Rogelio Martinez, Jerry Ruiz and Jose Zayas. The following plays were included in our 2015/16 Crossing Borders Festival: COCKTAIL TIME IN CUBA By Rogelio Martinez Directed by Lou Moreno August 6/2015 ANESTHESIA By Agnieska Herández Diaz English Translation by Rogelio Martinez Directed by Leyma López August 7/2015 CHAMACO By Abel Gozález Melo English Translation by Yael Prizant Directed by Jose Zayas August 8/2015 THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE By Charise Castro Smith Directed by Jerry Ruiz August 9/2015
A Day at the Theater participants.
WORKSHOPS AND OUTREACH This season, the theater hosted a free lecture “Translation 101” where Two River’s Associate Artistic Director Stephanie Coen talked with Maria Alexandria Beech and Andrea Thome, who are both playwrights and translators, about the challenges and joys of navigating the specificities— and eccentricities—of language to capture the spirit of the play. In addition, Alison Hassman, the stage manager for Ropes, conducted a pre-show workshop for 25 students in the Bienvenidos program at Red Bank Regional High School to prepare them to see the Spanish language performance of Ropes. For many members of Bienvenidos, a club for recent immigrant high school students who primarily speak Spanish, Ropes was their introduction to the theater.
NOSOTROS IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
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“Joyously, devastatingly, elegantly, messily alive.” — Asbury Park Press
AUGUST WILSON’S SEVEN GUITARS By August Wilson Directed by Brandon J. Dirden SEPTEMBER 12-OCTOBER 4/2015
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“What a terrific and gripping production.” “Blown away by the spirit and stage.”
RE CHN ITZ THEATER
PERFORMANCES:
25
ATTENDANCE:
6,394
TICKET SALES:
$201,894
Charlie Hudson III, Crystal A. Dickinson, Jason Dirden, Christina Acosta Robinson, and Kevin Mambo. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
One of the ten plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle” series, Seven Guitars took audiences to Pittsburgh, 1948, where local blues guitarist Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton sits on the edge of stardom. Two River favorite Brandon J. Dirden (Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine, 2015, Topdog/Underdog, 2013, and Jitney, 2011) returned to Red Bank to make his directorial debut with Wilson’s poetic drama. LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
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“The best …Forum I’ve seen, hands-down.” – The Wall Street Journal Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart Choreography by Denis Jones Directed by Jessica Stone NOVEMBER 14-DECEMBER 13/2015 RECHN ITZ T H EAT ER
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“Fabulous show—one LOL after another!” “Great show; inventive. I couldn’t stop laughing.”
PERFORMANCES: 34 David Josefberg, Michael Urie, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Kevin Isola. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
ATTENDANCE: 10,397 TICKET SALES:
$332,097
Broadway’s greatest musical farce, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum promises “something for everyone”, and Two River’s production took audiences on a hilarious romp through Ancient Rome. An all-male troupe of 10 actors cleverly told the story of Pseudolus, a slave who tries to win his freedom by playing matchmaker for his innocent young master in Jessica Stone’s critically acclaimed production. LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
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A LITTLE SHAKESPEARE: PERICLES By William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Jason McDowell-Green DECEMBER 2-12/2015 MARION HU BE R T H EAT ER
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“This is fantastic--young people, young women, doing Shakespeare, and performing a lesser done work.” “Proud that Two River has such a wonderful program.”
PERFORMANCES: 12 ATTENDANCE:
876
Cristina Medlin, Emma Mueller, Kaylee DeFreitas, Dixie O’Connell, Isabel Wallace, Sophia Jackman, and Christianuh Akinsanmi. Photo by Scott L. Freidman.
Two River’s Education program A Little Shakespeare, in its third year, is designed to engage young audiences with the work of the Bard. This season, we continued with a professionally produced, 70-minute version of Pericles performed by a talented all-female cast of eight local high school students (described by one student as “completely run on teenage power”). In addition to the students performing on stage, four students shadowed Two River Theater’s technical staff as lighting, sound, and costume design assistants. LEAD SPONSOR:
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THIS PROGRAM SUPPORTED IN PART BY:
THE STONE FOUNDATION
“Fascinating. Thought-provoking and entertaining.” — BroadwayWorld.com
LIVES OF REASON By Robert Rechnitz and Kenneth Stunkel Directed by Jonathan Fox JANUARY 9-FEBRUARY 7/2016 M A R I O N HU B E R T HE AT E R
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“Very effective and tantalizing. A must see play!” “Very well written and produced. A very enjoyable afternoon.” Peter Rini, Matthew Lieff Christian, Mairin Lee, Maurice Jones, and Philip Goodwin. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
PERFORMANCES: 29 ATTENDANCE:
3,087
TICKET SALES:
$103,567
Two River was delighted to develop and produce this world-premiere play by Two River Founder Robert Rechnitz and Kenneth Stunkel. Set in an English Department faculty party, Lives of Reason brought audiences inside the world of academia—and what happens when one woman’s secret passions explode. Former Two River Artistic Director Jonathan Fox returned to Red Bank to direct an exceptional cast that included many Two River alumni. PRODUCTION CO-SPONSORS:
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“Subtle, tense and frequently funny.” — The Star Ledger
ROPES
By Bárbara Colio Translated by Maria Alexandria Beech Directed by Lisa Rothe FEBRUARY 20-MARCH 20/2016 MA R ION H U B ER T HE AT E R
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“I loved it. Hits close to home.” “Very powerful and we will be back.” PERFORMANCES: 33 ATTENDANCE:
3,280
TICKET SALES:
$92,167
Luis Moreno, Varín Ayala, and Gabriel Gutíerrez. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Written by one of Latin America’s leading contemporary playwrights, Bárbara Colio, Ropes moved audiences with the story of three reunited brothers who rendezvous at an airport on their way to meet the father, a world famous tight rope walker, who abandoned them as children. Two River was thrilled to present two performances in Spanish, and create opportunities for our Spanish-speaking audiences to experience the play in its original language. LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
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“An extremely imaginative production” — New York Times
PERICLES
By William Shakespeare Original Music and Lyrics by Rinde Eckert Directed by David Schweizer APRIL 16-MAY 8/2016 R EC HN I T Z T HE AT E R
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“Saw it twice and I’d actually see it again!” “One of the most creative and overall satisfying theater experiences of my life.”
The cast of Pericles. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
PERFORMANCES:
24
ATTENDANCE:
4,887
TICKET SALES:
$130,785
Pericles is Shakespeare’s thrilling and epic tale of adventure, shipwreck and romance. When the lead character Pericles uncovers the King’s dark secret, he is forced to flee his Kingdom and navigate the roaring sea and its islands’ lovers, magicians and pirates. This music-theater production featured over 20 original songs, all composed by the innovative artist Rinde Eckert. Eckert, six actors, and two musicians brought new life to this classic in an evocative new setting—a dive bar at the end of the world. LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
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“How wonderful to watch and not want it to end.” — New York Times
I REMEMBER MAMA
By John van Druten Adapted from Kathryn Forbes’ Mama’s Bank Account Directed by Jack Cummings III
JUNE 4-26/2016 R E C HN I T Z T HE AT E R
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
“I really liked it- it reminded me of my childhood.” PERFORMANCES:
“I absolutely adored this show.”
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ATTENDANCE:
6,943
TICKET SALES
$229,017
Heather Mac Rae, Dale Soules, Alice Cannon, Barbara Andres, Rita Gardner, Louise Sorel, and Mia Katigback. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
An American classic was reborn as 10 veteran powerhouse actresses, all over the age of 60, performed 25 roles in this beloved play about a working-class Norwegian family in turn-of-the-century San Francisco. LEAD PRODUCTION SPONSOR:
PRODUCTION CO-SPONSOR:
AUTO SPONSOR: VOLKSWAGEN Of Neptune
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“Wonderful! Playful in every sense.” - CBC Winnipeg
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
AUDIENCE RESPONSES
Based on the Book by Maurice Sendak Directed by Kim Selody Produced by Presentation House Theatre Originally Adapted for the Stage by Tag Theatre of Glasgow
“We had so much fun.” “So incredible and very, very cute.”
(top) Eric William Morris, (left to right) George Salazar, Katie Ladner, Lauren Marcus, Jake Boyd, Will Connolly, Paul Whitty. Gerard Canonico, and Katlyn Carlson. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
JUNE 9-12/2016 M A R I O N HU B E R T HE AT E R
PERFORMANCES: 10 ATTENDANCE:
1,035
TICKET SALES:
$19,165
Our youngest audiences (and their families) sailed along with Max to the land of the Wild Things in this intimate “guided play” experience. Audiences were encouraged to help “the wild rumpus begin” as they transformed Max’s bedroom into the various landscapes of his adventures, became the Wild Things, and more!
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ARTS EDUCATION SUMMER THEATER CAMP In July 2015, a total of 128 children in 1st through 12th grades participated in our Summer Camp; 28 of them received full or partial need-based scholarships. Two River’s Summer Camp offers distinct “tracks” that range from theater games for the very young to master classes for high schoolers in musical theater, backstage vocations and performing Shakespeare. STUDENT MATINEES Over 3,600 students from 54 schools throughout New Jersey came to the theater for one of our 21 student matinee performances. Following each performance, schools were invited to participate in question and answer talkbacks with members of the casts.
Summer Campers. Photo by Scott L. Friedman.
NO SEATS EMPTY & NSE: TOTAL EXPERIENCE This year, 1,200 underserved youth participated in our No Seats Empty program from schools in Atlantic, Monmouth, Ocean and Union Counties.
Summer Campers. Photo by Scott L. Friedman.
NO SEATS EMPTY IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
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No Seats Empty programs make theater accessible by providing free tickets, access to transportation, and curriculum-based workshops to low-income schools attending matinee performances. While our No Seats Empty program offers participating schools workshops at the theater prior to performances, we also offer NSE: Total Experience, a unique opportunity for participating schools to receive in-depth pre-and post-performance workshops conducted directly in the schools’ classrooms with hands-on activities. This year, 11 schools applied and we selected six to join Two River’s NSE: Total Experience in this season-long partnership to enrich the theatrical experience for students.
At Two River, we place a dual emphasis on the advancement of great theater artists and investment in audience development, which includes the next generation of artists and audiences.
THEATERWORKS During the 2015/2016 school year, students from Asbury Park High School’s “The Spot,” Neptune High School’s “Jump Start Academy,” Red Bank Regional’s “The Source,” and the Friend’s in Need Children’s Center participated in TheaterWorks. Students in this program met for pre- and postshow career workshops and talkbacks, in addition to attending a Saturday matinee performance. TheaterWorks connects at-risk youth to the spectrum of vocational opportunities available in theater by making students aware of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into a professional play. We facilitated workshops on topics including painting techniques, assembling props, carpentry, costume design, playwriting, and sound design.
TheaterWorks participants with the cast of Seven Guitars.
METRO SCHOLARS This season, we welcomed 14 Metro Scholars from 12 local high school (several of whom were past participants in TheaterWorks,
No Seats Empty, and A Little Shakespeare) for the 2015/16 Season. Two River’s Metro Scholar program is a season-long competitive internship for high school juniors, who participate in assistantships with departments including Marketing, Development, Education, Front of House, and Production. This season, Metro Scholars enjoyed master classes in directing, marketing, season planning and casting, scenic painting, and set design with Two River staff and artists.
2015/16 Metro Scholars.
THEATERWORKS IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
ALL OF TWO RIVER’S ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
THE STONE FOUNDATION - Cast member
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INSIDE TWO RIVER In the 2015/16 Season, we hosted over 40 events attracting more than 3,000 new and existing patrons. All events were open to the public and most were free! BEHIND THE SCENES Over 185 individuals joined us for a behind-the-scenes look into the artistic process at a staged open rehearsal for Pericles guided by director David Schweizer and composer/performer Rinde Eckert. LITERACY CLUBS Two River’s Book Club—which averages 14 members—enjoyed lively discussions on selections that highlighted our productions’ major themes, including: The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem for August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; Stoner by John Edward Williams for Lives of Reason; The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho for Pericles; and Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee for I Remember Mama. This season we launched a Shakespeare Play Reading Group which met to read Pericles aloud and discuss its meaning. 30 individuals joined our
Open rehearsal of Pericles.
INSIDE TWO RIVER SUPPORTED BY:
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Two River Theater audience.
resident Shakespeare expert (and professor on the subject at Columbia University) Artistic Director John Dias for three consecutive Monday nights in our Library.
FILM SCREENINGS Over 500 individuals joined us for free movie screenings that were hosted to acquaint audiences with the artists and themes of our productions, including: August Wilson: The Ground on Which I Stand prior to Seven Guitars; PBS’s Great Performances: Sondheim! The Birthday Concert prior to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and a question and answer session with the concert’s director Lonny Price; and The Walk prior to Ropes with an introduction by professional tight wire walkers Justin Provoncha and Dave Gilles from the Funicular Circus.
Our Inside Two River program is a series of arts and humanities events that feature non-theater arts curated for each of our productions to cultivate and engage theater audiences.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY Over 300 individuals attended one of our cultural community events including: “Soulful Cook-Off and Bid Whist Tournament” on the theater’s plaza for August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; “A Night of Classic and Contemporary Poetry,” where notable leaders from the community performed live readings of poems to highlight the theme of academia in our production of Lives of Reason; “Making Memories: Create a Keepsake Placemat for Family Photos,” where participants created novel items out of family photos for I Remember Mama; and “An Afternoon of Tea & Heirlooms,” where guests shared and discussed family heirloom for I Remember Mama. THEATER 101 Over 270 patrons attended one of the 45-minute “classes” that we hosted to learn more about our artists in our season, including: “August Wilson 101” with Artisitic Director John Dias and director Brandon J. Dirden for August Wilson’s Seven Guitars; “Shakespeare 102” with John Dias for Shakespeare’s Pericles; and “Translation 101” with Associate Artistic Director Stephanie Coen and translators Maria Alexandria Beech and Andrea Thome for Ropes.
Cookies and Coloring participants.
CONVERSATION & PLAY Over 1,000 individuals attended one of our salons with The Navesink—the producers of our local TEDxNavesink Conference—including: “The Heroine in Modern Drama” for Lives of Reason; “Adventure and Growth” for Shakespeare’s Pericles; and “The Importance of Ancestry and Antiques” for I Remember Mama. In addition,
Rinde Eckert (Pericles) opened the TEDxNavesink’s Conference at Monmouth University with a TED talk on “The Power of the Blank Page” and performed original songs for over 800 attendees. LATE NIGHT SOCIETY Over 120 individuals joined Two River’s new Late Night Society at special events including: “Movie Night with Michael Urie and Friends” and a screening of The Birdcage for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; a board game night “An Evening with Clue” for Lives of Reason; and “Coloring and Cookies for Grownups” for Ropes, Pericles and I Remember Mama.
Soulful Cook-off and Bid Whist tournament winners.
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THEATER ACCESS Two River is committed to making our facilities and performances accessible for all patrons, actors, and employees. BARRIER-FREE ACCESS The theater provides barrierfree access for patrons using wheelchairs and walkers with on-grade entrances, elevators, railings and wide doorways. Integrated seating for patrons in wheelchairs and wheelchair storing space during performances are also available. Patrons can also take a virtual tour of our facility prior to their visit either on our website or via Google Maps. ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES Light weight headsets without wire or cables are available free-of-charge for all Two River Theater performances. LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS Free large print programs for all Two River Theater performances are available. OPEN CAPTIONING Scheduled open caption performances for patrons with hearing loss are offered for each of our subscription series productions and include a real-time scrolling dialogue screen (no special equipment necessary).* AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION Scheduled American Sign Language interpreted performances are occasionally offered.*
Tom Deckman, David Josefsberg, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Paul Castree in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES Scheduled audio description performances for patrons with vision loss are offered for each of our subscription series productions using a light weight headset with no wires or cables.*
*
REDUCED-TICKET PRICES *Discounted tickets are available to patrons benefiting from this service.
ACCESS PROGRAMS WERE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GENEROUS SUPPORT BY:
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AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT BEFORE & AFTER PLAY In our 2015/16 Season, Two River facilitated 167 Before and After Play discussions, reaching close to 6,500 patrons with context and background about our shows. Our popular Before Play series features a free pre-performance talk about the themes of our work given by a cast member or a member of the Artistic Department. Our After Play series features moderated talkbacks designed to further engage audiences in more in-depth discussions. Audiences are invited to share their questions and responses to our work in conversation with a staff member and members of our casts. Two River held lively and informative After Play discussions following select performances. VIP LOUNGE Open to current subscribers and members of our Backstage Pass donor program, the Victoria J. Mastrobuono Library offers an elegant and comfortable space to relax before performances and during intermissions. LOBBY DISPLAYS Our in-depth lobby displays enhance the audience’s experience of the productions in each season, whether by providing additional context and background for the play or by allowing the audience to interact with the themes of the play. During our 2015/16 season, displays included panels on
Ropes Lobby Display. Photo by Matt Yee.
the history of “Soul Food” to tie in with August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, an exploration of stock comedy characters from Roman farce and how they appear today in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and an interactive art installation of a tightrope onto which audience members could hang messages to their loved ones, in honor of the complicated family dynamic in the new play Ropes. For our final play, I Remember Mama, we invited the company and Two River audiences to send in photos of their mothers, which became an ever-growing collage celebrating the mothers who made us all who we are.
MULTIMEDIA For each production, Two River offers audiences the opportunity to delve further into the world of each play with digital media available on our website. Each production page features multimedia content including photos, videos, interviews and trailers, electronic versions of our production program, and links to social media pages. In our lobby, we also offer a photo booth featuring productionrelated props for visitors to take photos that they can share on social media.
Photo booth participants.
BEFORE & AFTER PLAY GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
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DONOR EVENINGEVENTS IN CAMELOT Each season, members of Backstage Pass—Two River’s donor incentive program—are entitled to exclusive benefits including invitations to special events. PLAY READINGS In conjunction with select public play readings and events, Two River donors are invited to enjoy private receptions in the Library and reserved seating at the event. This season, we hosted events prior to the NYU Graduate Music Theatre Writing Program’s Cabaret of New Songs and The Great Pretender, a new play by David West Read. OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATIONS Two River’s supporters are invited to select opening night performances throughout the season, which include a post-performance celebration in our Lobby with the casts and creative teams of our shows. SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT Prior to our season announcement event in the spring, donors are invited to a VIP reception at the theater with the artists involved with the upcoming season. This year, close to 100 of Two River’s closest supporters joined us at this annual tradition. OTHER VIP EVENTS Throughout the season, the theater hosts several VIP events for supporters. In 2015/16, we hosted “Bob and Ken Straight Up” in our Library where guests enjoyed an intimate evening of conversation with Robert Rechnitz and Kenneth Stunkel, the playwrights of Lives of Reason, who discussed their artistic process with Two River’s Artistic Director John Dias, and a VIP reception prior to the open rehearsal of Pericles.
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EVENING FORUM EVENINGIN INTHE CAMELOT THANK YOU TO OUR LEADERSHIP GLADIATORS CONQUER THE COLOSSEUM ($10,000) Black-Brogan Foundation The Jewish Federation Rick and Mary Jane Kroon Monmouth University The Murphy Family Foundation Adam and Liz Rechnitz Joan and Robert Rechnitz Riverview Medical Center
As they sing in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Two River has “something for everyone”: comedies and tragedies; plays and musical; classics and brand-new work. Just as the Roman Forum was a place where all walks of life came together, Two River is our community’s temple for great American theater.
An Evening IN THE
ON OCTOBER 17/2015 we summoned our most illustrious citizens at an invitation-only benefit event. OVER 100 individuals joined our forum for a festive evening of food and song on the Rechnitz Stage. All proceeds benefitted our mainstage production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
RACE THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS ($5,000) Caroline P. Huber Gordon Litwin and Anne Luzzatto Anne and Sheldon Vogel ENTER THE PANTHEON ($2,500) The Carton Family Courtyard Marriott Carolyn and Neil DeSena Brian and Joanna Leddin Greg and Nyire Melconian Joseph McArdle and Dr. Maureen Murphy Molly Pitcher Inn and Oyster Point Hotel Monmouth Medical Center Foundation Bob and Shirley Neff Gloria Nilson & Co. Real Estate Gloria Nilson Fund Susan and Ty Olson Alan and Donna Robinson Roses R Red Bank BASK IN THE BATHS OF CARACALLA ($1,000) George and Jutta Aguilar Bob and Marie Arbour Howard Aronson Robert and Betsy Barrett Robert and Marilyn Broege Chris and Tracy Cole Melissa and Joseph Del Broccolo John and Gail Duffy et al Find Food & Events Elise Feldman Todd and Lanae Herman Jim Hickey and Marcia Sue Clever, MD Tim and Eileen Hogan Barbara and Joseph Hollander Gale and Dr. Robert B. Grossman Brett and Gerri Lawrence Quinn and Lisa McKean The Honorable Edward J. McKenna Vernon and Patricia Ralph Susan Robbins Fiorino and Brian Robbins Andrew and Linda Safran Mort and June Seligman Kathryne and Richard Singleton Ken and Mary Carol Stunkel Webster and Kathy Trammell Cynthia and Bill Wilby
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WILD THINGS CREAM SOCIAL EVENING INICE CAMELOT THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! WILD RUMPUS MAKERS ($2,500) ZAIS Group Joan and Robert Rechnitz
WILD THINGS ICE CREAM SOCIAL ON JUNE 12/2016 following the performance of Where the Wild Things Are families joined Two River for a fun afternoon of activities and treats. OVER 90 “wild things” enjoyed a Monster Ice Cream Sundae Bar provided by Crazees, Where the Wild Things Are inspired crafts, a photo booth, face painting, and a candy bar. LET THE WILD RUMPUS START! Close to $13,000 was raised to benefit Two River’s Education Programs.
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MAX’S MAGIC ($1,000) The DeSena Family The Kroon Family The Link Family The Melconian Family Nancy Mulheren The Olson Family Phillip J. Bowers & Co. Ranney School The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center ADVENTURERS ($500) The Grove West at Shrewsbury SPECIAL THANKS TO Crazees Danish Café Edible Arrangements #TableSettingIsMyLife EVENT STEERING COMMITTEE Heather Burke Amanda Butterbaugh Lauren Carton Denise DeAngelis Carolyn Cushman DeSena Anya Levine Nyire Melconian Ginny Moore Susan Olson
ALEC BALDWIN AND KEVIN KLINE LIVE
ALEC BALDWIN AND KEVIN KLINE
LIVE FROM TWO RIVER THEATER
ON JUNE 20/2016 Two River hosted a sold-out, one night only event including a live conversation recorded for WNYC Studio’s acclaimed podcast “Here’s The Thing” hosted by Alec Baldwin and featured Tony and Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Kline. OVER 340 patrons supported the theater by purchasing tickets and sponsorships which raised over $60,000 for Two River.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! LEADING ROLE ($5,000) Charles Schwab, Inc. Joan and Robert Rechnitz GUEST HOSTS ($2,500) Greg and Nyire Melconian Monmouth University Ann and Tom Unterberg ZAIS Group HOLLYWOOD STARS ($1,000) Robert and Marilyn Broege The Cullen Disque Family Foundation Carolyn and Neil DeSena Gale and Dr. Robert B. Grossman The Grove West at Shrewsbury Todd and Lanae Herman Caroline P. Huber Vasili and Manioucha Krishnamurti Rick and Mary Jane Kroon The Honorable Edward J. McKenna William and Victoria Marraccini Mort and June Seligman
OVER 90 sponsors and VIP ticket buyers attended a VIP Reception prior to the public event with Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Kline.
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INDIVIDUAL DONORS Thank you to the generous individuals who made contributions to our Annual Fund during our 2015/16 Season! VISIONARY CIRCLE ($25,000+) Anonymous Caroline P. Huber Marshall and Janice Knopf The Estate of Victoria J. Mastrobuono Joan and Robert Rechnitz Ann and Thomas Unterberg The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation
INNOVATOR CIRCLE ($10,000-$24,999) Marilyn and Bob Broege Todd and Lanae Herman Rick and Mary Jane Kroon William and Victoria Marraccini Adam and Liz Rechnitz
BENEFACTOR ($5,000-$9,999) Sam Chevalier Brooks and Kelly Cullen Carolyn and Neil DeSena Bob Evanson Guttenplan Family Foundation Paul and Joan Hamelberg Jim Hickey and Marcia Sue Clever, MD Jim and Barbara Hrebek Phyllis Kinsler Sid and Helaine Lerner Gordon Litwin and Anne Luzzatto Linda McKean The Honorable Edward J. McKenna Jr. Gregory and Nyire Melconian JP Nicolaides and The Honorable Ed Zipprich Sean O’Connell Susan and Ty Olson Patricia Perfect Ivan Polonsky and Elizabeth Tortorella
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Mary Beth and Gerald Radke Anne Marie Schultz* Richard and Sheila Schwartz Peter Strohm Ken and Mary Carol Stunkel Anne and Sheldon Vogel
CHAMPION ($2,500-$4,999) Howard P. Aronson Shirley S. Boll Jan and Lynne Dash Joan Ellis Gale and Dr. Robert B. Grossman Ronald Gumbaz and Juliet Cozzi James and Maureen Hurst* Cathy Larson Beth and Vinnie Mazza* Patrick and Allyn Quagliano Vernon and Patricia Ralph Andrew and Linda Safran Rabbi and Chana Shapiro Webster and Kathy Trammell Susan Whyman Chryssa Yaccarino, Esq.
PATRON ($1,000 - $2,499) Anonymous Lois and Marvin Broder Dennice and Ray Carey* Tom and Barbara Carroll Tamara Casriel Elizabeth Mihalyak Columbo Joseph C. and Melissa Del Broccolo, III* John Dias John and Gail Duffy Bob and Linda Ensor The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation Lorraine and Bob Henry Christina Hewitt Michael Hurst Paul and Melissa Hurst Peter and Grace Kalac Ginny Kamin Giovanna Kanu and Clinton Hall Tom and Michele Karagianakis
Ed Madden The Wendy and Jerry Marks Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Arthur McConnell Shemmy Mishaan and Jennifer Colyer Brian and Aida Murphy* Kathryn and Rob Patton* Jean Pokress John and Monica Ryan* Dr. Sigmund and Candy Sattenspiel June and Mort Seligman Kathryne and Richard Singleton The Swikart Family Gregg and Laura Wallace* The Wyndrum Family Fund Joan Zakanych
PRODUCER ($500-$999) Anonymous* Barbara and Andy Andres Nancy Karpf and Scott Brady The Bruccoliere Family John and Jill Caddell Audrey E. Carmeli Barbara and Harold Chafkin Dr. and Mrs. E. F. Cheslock Barbara G. Fleischman Dr. and Mrs. Alan Haratz Dan and Ibby Hertz Samuel Huber and Catherine Weiss William and Patricia Jaeger* Sheela Jain, M.D. and Suresh Jain, M.D. Vernon and Carol Mummert Barry Qualls The Craig and Flori Roberts Foundation Peter A. Schkeeper Bruce Sherrill and Robert Cordrey Maureen Silliman and William Parry Charles and Caryl Sills Anita and Robert Stix* Penny and Larry Turtel Philip and Corey Wagner Margaret Warters
DIRECTOR ($250-$499) Anonymous Michael and Lisa Absatz Andre and Pat Archambault Meredyth Armitage Kathy and Joe Beggans Peg and John Bennett Vince and Lena Bono Ed and Nancy Butler Amanda Butterbaugh and Michael Mulheren The Carton Family Marjorie and Peter Cavalier Susan and Alan Coen Robert Connolly Joseph and Bonnie David Barbara Davis Thomas and Andrea Fiest Richard and Judith Fuller Roy and Susan Gelber Guy Gsell and Suzanne Longley Marc L. Harrison Eve R. Hershkowitz Kathleen Horgan Debra Lee Iapicco Bob and Bobbi Krantz Judy Laufer Stan Lumish and Ann Roseman Claudette Lupton Allan Mallach William R. H. Martin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Matava Renee Maxwell Dave and Val McClung Margaret McDonald Tamire McKenna Robert and Lois Mortenson Thomas and Jennifer Mullins Pamela and Richard O’Sullivan Karen C. Pajak David and Karen Rajala Joel and Ginger Richman Toni Rinella and Brian Compton Lori and Geoff Sadwith Barbara Sager Peggy Sansone Barbara and Eric Schoenfeld Linda Schottland Dr. Diane Sheng Vickie Snoy* George and Maria Staphos
THANK YOU! Joe and Karen Stein Carolanne Steinebach The Strang Family Patrice Sullivan Marc and Diane Taranto Cheryl Wild Marshall and Sally Wright Betty G. Young Marjorie and Zeke Zaccaro Barbara Zagha
ASSOCIATE ($100-$249) Anonymous (4) Richard and Lucille Adelmann Minerva Agron Suzanne Allyn Lewis and Teresa Augustine Maryjane Barretta and Joseph Crecca Randy Becker Frank and Nancy Bellezza Judith Tenzer Benn Janice Bergstresser Carole Beyer Sarah Bonello Corrine and Marco Bonomi Sandy Book Don and Judy Bretzger Martin and Nancy Brilliant John and Amy Brogan Annette and John Bukovinsky Jill and Harmon Butler Dennis Carroll Candice Chirgotis and Jim Keller Samuel and Linda Chororos Kathy and Mark Cohen Barb and Bill Collett Jim and Barbara Columbo Anthony and Joan Ellis Cruz Joseph and Karen D’Amore Elaine Danzig Jane Degnan Mr. and Mrs. William Despo Walter and Bonnie Dietz Mary Lou Donoghue John and Susan Drastal Joseph and Marie Dumbra Henry Efrom Philip Falcone Robert Feldman and Deborah Shields Marna Feldt
Philip Fina Robert and Harriet Fortescue Holly Fullam Paul and Maria Galeota Laraine and Ned Gaunt Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gebhardt Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Geiss Pat and Dick Genthner John and Francine Gerardi Hope and Kenneth Gibb Ferris and Donna Ginsberg Barbara S. Goldstein Elizabeth Goss Maxine and Robert Guenther Jim and Susan Harbison Gregory and Karen Harquail Ivey Harris Family Mary Herdman Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Hintz Harry and Ruth Hodum John and Coralie Hoffman Phyl and Don Howard Anna Grace Howie Jo and Jon Hutton Terry Ingram Evan and Cathy Jahos Robert and Florence Jennes Wilfred and Saundra Johnen Mary and Kenneth Johnson Ron and Reba Johnson Frederick and Jean Kaeli Richard and Margaret Katz Frances Kennedy Faith Kline Verne and Joann Kreger Susan and David Kyukendall Veronica Lake Janet Lauro Sue Lawson Brian and Joanna Leddin Dan and Ellen Levine Karen and David Levinsky Lucy Loux Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Ludovico Judith Luger Elyse and Lance Lyons Linda J. Mack Kathy Madsen Rhonda and Robert Margolies Stan and Dolores Marszalek Susan Martin Martin & Ottaway James McCorkel and Liz Spellman Dean John and Sheila McGraner
David and Marilyn Michaels Linda Mitchell Lee and Sharon Moffitt Nancy Molineux Anthony and Debra Mondoro Anne Morrison Peter Murphy Lauren Nicosia Maureen O’Connor Leach Anita and Harry Paborsky Mark W. Paviluk Dr. Arthur Phair and Ms. Joan Kugelmann Kalman Pipo and Roger Peña Max Pizzaro and Laura Egbert Clarence and Darlene Plummer Michael and Marion Portnoy Harriet Primack Sid and Audrey Rabinowitz Elizabeth Penney Riegelman Andres and Anna Roda Barbara and Edward Rosen Norma Rosenbloom Nancy and Lee Rossbach Fred and Theresa Rossol Helaine and Don Rothman Mr. and Dr. Ted Sandler Jan and Bill Scheerer John Larish and Katherine Schneebaum Carole Schoening Ricky Schroeder Kimberly and David Smith George Smuga Phyllis Chancy Solomon Toby Stevens Marie Sturla Richard and Nannette Tereo Stephen Thurber Thomas and Audree Ulon Gail and Stuart Van Winkle J.T. Walker Gary and Sophie Weiner Wendie and Stephen Weinstein J. Shelby Wells and Debbie Herman Herb Williams James and Janet Wilson Velva Wright B. E. Yeamans Christine Yovnello Tim Zebo and Kathy Hjelle John and Dorothy Zignauskas
MATCHING GIFTS The following have provided matching gifts to Two River on behalf of their employees. AT&T Matching Gifts (3) BlackRock Goldman Sachs Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts (3) JP Morgan Chase Foundation Microsoft Corporation Prudential Financial, Inc. (2) TE Connectivity Verisk Analytics *Includes employer’s matching gift.
TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. Arbour: Dr. and Mrs. E.F. Cheslock In Honor of John and Gail Duffy: Richard and Pamela O’Sullivan In Honor of Dr. Robert Epstein: Elyse and Lance Lyons In Memory of Grace Giffen: Joseph and Joyce Pesci In Honor of Caroline Huber: Samuel Huber and Catherine Weiss In Honor of Mrs. Barbara Metcalfe: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gebhardt In Honor of Joan and Bob Rechnitz: Rabbi Laibel and Chani Shapiro In Memory of Elaine Rennert: Richard and Sheila Sachs In Memory of Zack Sabat: The Swikart Family In Memory of Michael Shelle: William Parry and Maureen Silliman Listing reflects gifts made between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016.
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INSTITUTIONAL & CORPORATE SUPPORT THE VISIONARY CIRCLE $25,000+
THE STONE FOUNDATION
INNOVATOR CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust
THE MURPHY FAMILY FOUNDATION
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THANK YOU! BENEFACTOR $5,000 - $9,999
DAVID SCHWARTZ FOUNDATION
CHAMPION $2,500 - $4,999
VOLKSWAGEN Of Neptune
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Roses R Red Bank
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FINANCIAL RESULTS As a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization, Two River Theater is dedicated to creating great American theater while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Earned income from ticket sales represents less than one-third of our operating budget, therefore contributed income from generous individuals, businesses and foundations is critical to ensure Two River Theater remains a vital cultural institution.
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2016
INCOME
EXPENSES
During our 2015/16 Season, we received our third consecutive four-start rating-the highest possiblefrom Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator, for our sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.
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LEADERSHIP & STAFF LEADERSHIP Robert M. Rechnitz Executive Producer John Dias Artistic Director Joan H. Rechnitz Associate Producer Michael Hurst Managing Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ARTISTIC Stephanie Coen Associate Artistic Director Anika Chapin Literary Manager Genevieve Hoeler Artistic Assistant Madeleine George Playwright in Residence
Ann Unterberg President Anne Luzzatto Vice President Susan Olson Secretary Howard Aronson Treasurer Marilyn Broege Amanda Butterbaugh Robert Butters Carolyn DeSena Gale Grossman Todd Herman Jim Hickey Caroline P. Huber Mary Jane Kroon Hon. Edward J. McKenna Nyire Melconian Adam Rechnitz Joan H. Rechnitz Robert M. Rechnitz Mary Carol Stunkel Webster Trammell Thomas Unterberg Richard Worley Pasquale Menna Mayor of Red Bank, ex-officio
Briana Butler Colette Dante Raquel Diaz Thomas Dougherty Sophia Jackman Jonathan Jacob Daniel Pino Kayla Santry Francesca Trerotola Front of House Staff
ADMINISTRATION Kelvin Dinkins, Jr. General Manager Peggy Shafai Director of Finance Karen Pierce Staff Accountant
AUDIENCE SERVICES, PR & MARKETING Courtney Schroeder Director of Marketing Cassie Galasetti Associate Director of Marketing Alycia Yerves Multimedia Manager Jill Merriman Group and Advertising Manager Michele Klinsky Box Office Manager Adam Haratz Box Office Supervisor & Access Coordinator Lynn Kroll Kristina Marinos Brianna Merriman Vernette Spicer Box Officers Angela White House Manager Carmen Balentine Doreen Fromage Julie Mullen Donna Stiles Assistant House Managers
OPERATIONS Zeke Zaccaro Director of Operations Wayne Van Sant William Hinton Donnie Quarles Building Maintenance
SPECIAL SERVICES
PRODUCTION
DEVELOPMENT Jennifer Anderson Director of Development Ellen Hahn Institutional Development Associate Camille Susarchick Individual Giving Associate Katherine Benson Special Events Associate
EDUCATION Kate Cordaro Director of Education Amanda Espinoza Education Assistant Kathy Connolly Keri Costa Claro de los Reyes Livv DiMattio Tara Giordano Shamilia McBean Heidi Schoenenberger Teaching Artists Jason McDowell-Green Adaptor/Director
Lauren Kurinskas Director of Production Will Cruttenden Associate Production Manager Lindsay Child Production Management Assistant Mark Molchany Assistant Technical Director Duane Noch Master Carpenter John Van Roosendaal Staff Carpenter Jennifer Watson Shop Assistant Lea Anello Scenic Charge Artist Jeena Yoon Properties Supervisor Victoria Schilling Assistant Properties Supervisor Lesley Sorenson Costume Shop Supervisor Jill DiGiuseppe Draper Maggie Barnett Wardrobe Supervisor Dan Montano Sound Supervisor Olga “Sue” Patino Lighting Supervisor Erin O’Brien Follow Spot Operator Caroline Harvey Run Crew
Gilda Rogers Community Relations Design Army Graphic Design Suzanne Anan Graphic Designer T. Charles Erickson Production Photography Teja Anderson Event Photography Michael Boylan Pennant Collective, Production Video Trailers and Commercials Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., Litwin & Provence, LLC Legal Counsel FK Partners Auditors
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LEADERSHIP BIOS JOHN DIAS, (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR) assumed his position as Artistic Director of Two River Theater in August 2010 after working as a producer and dramaturg in New York for 20 years. In partnership with Managing Director Michael Hurst he has brought new vitality to the 20-yearold Red Bank theater, including producing subscription shows on two stages for the first time; launching the theater’s first literary department and commissioning program for new plays; presenting annual events such as a musical theater cabaret in collaboration with New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program and the Crossing Borders festival of Latino plays; and developing numerous arts-education initiatives for young people including A Little Shakespeare, an annual production of one of Shakespeare’s plays performed by high-school students. Throughout his career, John has been a leading advocate for bold new American plays and stimulating productions of the classics, including the Broadway productions of Lisa Kron’s Well and Shakespeare’s The Tempest. For 12 seasons, he worked in a variety of capacities at The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival, including Associate Producer and Associate Artistic Director. During much of his tenure at The Public, working for Producer George C. Wolfe, he was responsible for all aspects of play production on the theater’s six stages and the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. He also ran the theater’s literary department, overseeing new-play workshops and productions of classics by Shakespeare and other writers, and he directed and taught in the Shakespeare Lab, a professional actor-training program. Previously, John was dramaturg at Hartford Stage Company, and co-founded and led Affinity Company Theater, a production company dedicated to bringing daring new works from around the world to New York, and The Playwrights Realm, an off-Broadway company that produces new plays by emerging artists. He has been a Tony Award nominator, a consultant for the National Endowment for the Arts and numerous other organizations, and he has taught at New York University and Yale University. John currently teaches in the graduate school at Columbia University. He received his BA from George Washington University and his MFA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. MICHAEL HURST, (MANAGING DIRECTOR) joined Two River Theater as Managing Director in 2011, bringing 20 years of theater and non-profit experience, including 16 years at The Public Theater. Under his joint leadership with Artistic Director John Dias, Two River has experienced ambitious growth and enjoyed new recognition in the national theater community. During his tenure, Two River has embarked on a new Strategic Plan; began producing subscription shows on two stages for the first time; and launched the theater’s first commissioning program for original plays, as well as numerous new community and education programs. Prior to coming to Two River, Michael was on the staff of The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival for 16 years, including four years as General Manager and six as Managing Director, overseeing budgets that ranged from $16 to $20 million. Michael was responsible for all financial aspects of the productions at The Public Theater and Central Park’s Delacorte Theater. During his tenure at The Public, he oversaw the Broadway transfers of many productions, including Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama; Elaine Stritch at Liberty; Take Me Out, winner of the Tony Award for Best Play; and Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, or Change. Michael was also part of all strategic planning for the theater, including its artistic leadership transition and the opening of Joe’s Pub, now considered one of the country’s best small venues for music and performance. Most recently, Michael was Chief Operating Officer of the Film Society of Lincoln Center, which presents the prestigious New York Film Festival. At the Film Society, he oversaw the building of a new three-theater, $40-million facility that opened in June 2011, and he managed the organizational growth necessary to support the facility. His work in the commercial theater includes serving as Executive Producer for San Francisco-based producer Carole Shorenstein Hayes, starting her New York office and creating a strategic plan to develop new theatrical work. Michael is a member of The Broadway League and served as Vice President for the League of Off-Broadway Theatres & Producers for six years. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. ROBERT M. RECHNITZ, (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER) founded Two River Theater Company in 1994. An educator, writer, and director, he is one of New Jersey’s most esteemed theater leaders. He earned his PhD from the University of Colorado and was a professor of American Literature at Monmouth University for 35 years, contributing scholarly articles and short stories to various academic journals. As Two River’s Executive Producer, he oversaw the theater’s move from Monmouth University in West Long Branch to the Algonquin Arts in Manasquan. While the company was in residence in Manasquan, he planned for and oversaw the building of a state-of-the-art, two theater complex in Red Bank as Two River’s permanent home. He directed the opening production in the new building, the classic American comedy You Can’t Take It With You, in 2005. Among the other notable productions he has directed at Two River are Curse of the Starving Class (for which he received The Star Ledger’s nomination for Best Director of a Comedy), True West, A View from the Bridge, The Glass Menagerie, Thieves’ Carnival, Uncle Vanya, American Buffalo, and Barefoot in the Park. He has been honored with Monmouth University’s 2001 Maurice Pollak Award for Distinguished Community Service, and the 2007 Celebration of Excellence Award from the Monmouth County Arts Council. At the start of the new century, the Star-Ledger named him one of the “20 New Jerseyans to Watch.”
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VOLUNTEER GUILD Two River Theater’s Volunteer Guild is a dynamic group of people involved in all aspects of the theater and assist the staff throughout the year: in the production shop painting and building sets; in the administrative offices with marketing and fundraising mailings; in house management as ushers at each performance; and in hospitality to staff at the theater’s many special events. During the 2015/16 Season, over 300 Guild Members complete over 3,000 volunteer hours.
THANKS TO OUR GUILD FOR THEIR SUPPORT!
Arthur Aaron Ronnie Aaron Marlene Abelon Debbie Adamchak Juanita Agee Deborah Aidelman Suzanne Allyn Irwin Altschiller Cecelia Ambrosio Karen Anderson Claire Aschner Martin Arborlleile Vera Auriemma Ellen Balthazar Gale Baran Paddy Barber Mary Batistick Carl Battaglia Ellen Battaglia Joyce Becker Janice Beeby Herb Bein Diane Bein Carmen Benimeli Barbara Bennett Tom Benoit Barbara Berg Hope Bernhard Joan Blake Rosemary Bobay Kathy Boushie Charles Blake Helene Blyskun Mercedes Brand Barbara Brodzinski Arlene Brown Jenn Brady Robert Buchbinder Briana Butler Kelsey Butler April Bunn James Burke Pamela Caputo Judith Carluccio Ginny Carlyle
Colleen Carroll Yvonne Clayton Bob Cleary Kathleen Castore Rita Chiarini Bob Connolly Roslyn Cooper Frank Corrado Maria Cosentino Pauline Costello Lynda Crawford Pam Critelli Charlene Crosby Judy Crosta Carol Ann Crudele Nancy Daley Joe DeSaye Elizabeth De Carvalho Kevin Dement Ann Digiacomo Liz Doerning Robert Dull Betty Dworkin Harriet & Joel Eisenberg Jessica Escorcia Barbara Ely Eleanor Falcichio Josephine Fallo Bridget Fallon Ellen Falvo Maryann Fama Marissa Fink June Farkouh Erica Fishberg Joann Fernicola Robyn Flipse William Fraser Judith Fraser Prudence Frechette Artie Freedman Josephine Freyer Judith Fuller Janet Garcia Nancy Gargan Denise Gebrian
Sidney Gelbein Pat George Shiela Geteles Bill Gerdes Katie Gill Pat Giunta Chelsea Gould Margaret Graf Marilyn Green Marilyn Griffin Laura Hall Constance Gryczka Sharon Levine Harrison Helene HelgesenMonserrate Joe Hegnar Cynthia Hellman Robert Hespe Karen Hespe Karen Heyer Esther Hill Marion Holinaty Caroline Huber Jessica Johnson Shirley Johnson Bonnie Johnson Thomas Johnson Virginia Kamin Barry Kaplan Dee Kaplan Karen Kelly Barbara Kenas Valerie Kilpatrick Phyllis Kinsler Colleen Kinslow Dottie Kirschenbaum Eleanor Kitzhoffer Bernd Koeppl Mavis Kolb Natasa Kostic Aleksandra Kostic Mary Kole Diane Kuriloff Harriet
Kuropatwa Lois Kurz Michael Kushner Betti Lane Elizabeth Lane Lori Lambertson Kara Laviola Mary Anne Lapiana Margaret Lelivelt Joan Leonard Rhoda Leshowitz Bob Levine Carol Levine Barbara Lipton Kathy Lloyd Diane Lopresti Frank Lopresti Donna Lovely Gay Lowden Alexis Magala Mary Mahoney Robert Mallon Lynda Mansfield Janis Marano Phyllis Marberry Libby Markowitz Lynne Martocci Sanjay Masina Mary Mason Susan Mazur Vinnie Mazza Cathy Mestman Joan McCue Mary-Jeanne McDerby Eileen McDermott Jo McKeonHutton Joan & Al Levine Bill McMurray Mary Melosh Evelyn Mendelsohn Linda Menut Anne Messinger Cindy Metrik
Dorothy Michels Marilyn Michaels Carol Migliore Bernard Miller Carol Miller Susan Minehardt Suzanne Mitchell Miriam Monroe Roland Monserrate Linda Monti Marilynne Morley Gloria Moro Susan Moss Michele Mullin Caroline Murphy Anastasia Nas Alice Nelson Joanne Niceforo Leslie Nicholson Kathy Nielsen Eileen Nolan Maureen O’Connor Leach Christine O’Rourke Colleen Okeefe Jessica Otterbine Linda Pacotti Dolores Palanetti Robert Palazzi Katherine Parisi Marilyn Pennell Stan Peterson Christopher Peterson Bethany Pederson Daniel Pino Christine Pinezich Terri Pinto Claire Planchere Terri Pontecorvo Philomena Porcello Michelle Priest
Lois Priest Marion Quinn Moira Quinn Alice Quinn Jill Reminick Fran Reinhold Sarah Robbins Gloria Raya Albert Raya Judy Rector Caroline Rodgers Ruth Rosencrown Carl Rosencrown Kristine Russo Dayle Saad Vincent Sabatino Lori Sadwith Gil Saltzman Marcia Saltzman Jill Savino Paula Schildge Evelyn Schneider Connie Schulman Rose Scotti Melissa Scotley Phyllis Searby Michele Seven Jeffrey Shepard Yevette Shelton Bobbie & Norman Schwinger Sydney Feimer Sharon Silver Kathryne Singleton Eileen Sinneck Trevor Smith Viola Smith George Smith Silvia SmithGutridge Bonnie Stahl Lona & Jerry Steiner Arthur Steinman Linda Stewart Carol Stewart
Donna Stiles John Stiles Mary Carol Stunkel Martin Sulkes Leila Sulkes Michele Susalis Lorraine Schwartz Michele & Joe Sweifach Joeseph Taleriercio Eunice Taylor Deborah Tolleth Lauren Tolleth Cassandra Thompson Brenda Tota Ronald Trinchieri John Vasiliu Katie Verde Chris Wallace Patricia Walter Mollie Warar Deborah Wasserman Marvin Wasserman Cheryl Weglarz Sabrina Weglarz Raffaella Weiner Gregory White Angela White Connie Wild Cheryll Willis Nina Willey Kirk Willey Joyce Wingerter Barbara Withers Phillip Willis Mary Ellen Wirin Zina Wolin Martin Wolin Joan Zakanych Elizabeth Zevallos Arlyne Sue Zinstein
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JAN 14 - FEB 12/2017
DEC 27 – 30/2016
THE
WOMEN OF PA D I L L A APRIL 8 – 30 / 2017
2016/17 SEASON