Two River Theater 2021/22 Annual Report

2021/22 ANNUAL REPORT

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 A THEATER WHOSE WORK CONTRIBUTES TO THE CANON OF WORLD THEATER AND IS A VITAL CULTURAL RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

CORE VALUES

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

We nurture and challenge 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.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We make our theater a welcoming resource for all. We create engagement programs and partnerships that encourage all voices to come together in conversation around the stories we tell. We invest in the next generation of artists and audiences by introducing students and lifelong learners to the possibility and adventure that theater brings to our lives.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that the essence of theater is democratic: it invites us to encounter, consider and perhaps adopt other points of view, if only for a brief time in a darkened theater. We aspire to build an environment in which artists, audiences, employees, and Board members from different backgrounds and experiences together form an institution that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

We dedicate ourselves to the highest standards in our governance, management, operational, and financial practices. We are committed to developing and retaining an experienced and accomplished staff, an engaged and informed Board of Trustees, and a working environment that attracts staff, volunteers, and artists of the highest caliber.

Cover photo: Carl Hendrick Louis in August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

LEADERSHIP

JOHN DIAS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

MICHAEL HURST MANAGING

DIRECTOR

ROBERT R. RECHNITZ

JOAN H. RECHNITZ FOUNDERS

A NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

JOHN DIAS

AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

MICHAEL HURST

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

HON. EDWARD J. MCKENNA, JR PRESIDENT

MARILYN BROEGE

SAMUEL G. HUBER CO-VICE PRESIDENTS

GEOFFREY SADWITH SECRETARY

ANNE MARIE SCHULTZ TREASURER

ANN BAGCHI

MICHAEL BLAND

AMANDA BUTTERBAUGH

ELIZABETH COLUMBO

BRIAN LEDDIN

LAUREN NICOSIA

ADAM RECHNITZ

JOAN H. RECHNITZ

MAUREEN SILLIMAN

MARY CAROL STUNKEL

RICHARD B. WORLEY

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

HOWARD ARONSON*

CAROLINE HUBER*

KATHRYNE SINGLETON

WEBSTER B. TRAMMELL*

*Deceased

AFTER THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE 2019/20 AND 2020/21 SEASONS, RETURNING AT LAST TO LIVE THEATER FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON FELT LIKE A TRUE HOMECOMING. Re-connecting with artists, audiences, and our community reminded us all of the power of sharing a live theater experience, and the pleasure we have always found in the company of like-minded and open-hearted donors and supporters. You have continued to champion Two River Theater as a place where these experiences, and this community, can truly find a home. Thank you for supporting Two River Theater over the course of this season, and for making our return to live theater such a joyous one.

THIS SEASON FEATURED FAMILIAR AND BELOVED MEMBERS FROM OUR FAMILY OF ARTISTS: the triumphant and long-awaited conclusion of the initial 2020 run of August Wilson’s Radio Golf directed by Brandon J. Dirden, the Two River-commissioned, world-premiere production of Tony Meneses’ The Hombres, a collaboration between Playwright-in-Residence Madeleine George and director Sara Holdren for a new translation of Chekhov’s Three Sisters and the return of our popular A Little Shakespeare with a production of Much Ado About Nothing, adapted and directed by Rakesh Palisetty. In the hands of such talent, and the artists and students they brought together, it was a fitting season to welcome back patrons and our ever-faithful returning subscribers who stayed with us through the pandemic years. COVID still presented a challenge this season, with cancelled performances and schedule changes. Thank you for patiently supporting the necessary accommodations and changes of plans throughout this learning experience.

BEYOND OUR STAGES, TWO RIVER THEATER’S IMPACT CONTINUED TO GROW WORLDWIDE through the ongoing success of the original cast albums for Be More Chill, The Ballad of Little Jo, and Love in Hate Nation. As of July 2022, the music of these three Two River musicals has amassed over 550+ million streams worldwide. Also, in July, a production of Be More Chill opened in Tokyo followed by touring dates across Japan. This year’s spring fundraiser launched the Dias/Hurst New Musical Fund, which will enable Two River Theater to continue commissioning and developing new musicals for many years to come.

TWO RIVER THEATER HAS BEEN A TRUE COMMUNITY TO US BOTH FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS. As we prepare to welcome in the new Artistic Director and Managing Director, we feel confident that under their leadership this powerhouse of a theater will only continue to innovate and grow. Parting may famously be “sweet sorrow,” but we end our tenure at Two River Theater grateful for the time spent with this Board and staff, in the company of such talented artists, and loyal audiences. Together we can all be proud of this theater’s accomplishments and future potential.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US FOR 28 SEASONS. WITH YOUR SUPPORT, TWO RIVER THEATER WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE ITSELF A HOME FOR GREAT AMERICAN THEATER, ONE THAT WE HOPE YOU’LL RETURN TO AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Michael Hurst and John Dias. Photo by Danny Sanchez.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

THE LAND UPON WHICH WE GATHER IS PART OF THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF THE LENNI-LENAPE, CALLED “LENAPEHOKING.”

Each season since 1994, Two River Theater has welcomed tens of thousands of audience members from Monmouth County and beyond. In the midst of our continued growth towards being an antiracist and anti-oppressive organization, we need to recognize that the land upon which our theater stands is not ours. Two River wishes to acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land where we proudly present our work and continue to be a vital cultural resource for our community.

The land acknowledgement below was generously provided by the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation for New Jersey-based organizations like Two River Theater who seek to honor these people and territory.

The Lenape People lived in harmony with one another upon this territory for thousands of years. During the colonial era and early federal period, many were removed west and north, but some also remain among the continuing historical tribal communities of the region: The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation; the Ramapough Lenape Nation; and the Powhatan Renape Nation, The Nanticoke of Millsboro Delaware, and the Lenape of Cheswold Delaware.

We acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. In our acknowledgment of the continued presence of Lenape people in their homeland, we affirm the aspiration of the great Lenape Chief Tamanend, that there be harmony between the indigenous people of this land and the descendants of the immigrants to this land, “as long as the rivers and creeks flow, and the sun, moon, and stars shine.”

To learn more about the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, please visit: nlltribe.com/about-us/

ARTISTIC

Dennis Chambers

Associate Producer/ Literary Manager

Madeleine George

Playwright in Residence

Emma Y. Lai

Artistic Assistant

ADMINISTRATION

Sam De La Riva

General Manager

Maya George Director of Finance

Karen Pierce

Staff Accountant

AUDIENCE SERVICES, PR & MARKETING

Jessica Damrow Sherman Director of Marketing

Hannah Walker

Associate Director of Marketing

Heather Thompson

Digital Marketing Manager

Michele Klinsky

Box Office Manager

Maria Del Mar Cortés

Box Office Supervisor

Lynn Kroll

Box Officer/Access Coordinator

Connor Belle

Samantha Grady

Samantha Truglio

Auslin Williams

Matt Yee Box Officers

Angela White

House Manager

Melissa Javorek

Interim House Manager

STAFF

Sondra Weimar

Food and Beverage Manager

Deisy Aguilar

Carmen Balentine

Briana Butler

Patricia Chapponi

Bobby DiGenova

Thomas Dougherty

Doreen Fromage

Emma Harken

Catherine Hill

John Knodel

Frank Mendoza

Janet Pepsin

Daniel Pino

Bailie Stypa

Front of House Staff

DEVELOPMENT

Denyse Reed, Director of Development

Angela Kluwin

Associate Director of Development

Rachel Holder

Institutional Giving Manager

Katie Benson

Special Events Manager

Thomas Dougherty

Events Assistant

EDUCATION

Kate Cordaro

Director of Education

Amanda Butterbaugh

Dionna Pridgeon

Elliot Roth

Dr. Gretna Wilkinson

Teaching Artists

Rakesh Palisetty

Adaptor/Director for A Little Shakespeare

FACILITIES

Julia Alvidrez Director of Facilities

William Hinton

Wayne Van Sant

Maintenance Supervisors

Vinnie Gillick

Lamar Hicks

Building Maintenance

PRODUCTION

Lauren Kurinskas Director of Production

Kyle Osmon

Associate Production Manager

Erica Leigh Covid Safety Manager

Anderson Molina

Production Management Assistant

Miranda Williams

Company Management Assistant

Jacqueline Deniz Young Technical Director

Griffin Whitaker Assistant Technical Director

Colleen Dolan

Scenic Charge

Duane Noch

Master Carpenter

Christian Dilks

Staff Carpenter

Nicole McCauley

Scene Shop Assistant

Marlène Whitney Properties Supervisor

Shannon Rossi

Properties Artisan

Cole Trumble

Properties Assistant

Lesley Sorenson

Costume Shop Supervisor

Jill DiGiuseppe

Draper

Mya Figueroa

Wardrobe Supervisor

Olga “Sue” Patiño

Lighting Supervisor

Kayl Williams

Lighting Assistant

Dan Montano

Sound Supervisor

Paige Laboskey

Sound Assistant

Adrian Griffey

Raen See

Production Assistants

SPECIAL SERVICES

Suzanne Anan

Graphic Design

Gilda Rogers

Community Relations

Social Sidekick

Press & Publicity

T. Charles Erickson

Production Photography

Michael Boylan

Director, Cinematographer

Andrew Provence, Esq.

Litwin & Provence, LLC

Legal Counsel

WithumSmith + Brown Auditors

ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS

TWO RIVER THEATER PRODUCES CLASSICS, CONTEMPORARY AND WORLD PREMIERE PLAYS & MUSICALS, AND SUPPORTS THE VOICES, AMBITIONS AND VISIONS OF AMERICA’S LEADING THEATER ARTISTS. Since Two River was established 28 years ago, we have stayed true to our founding principles, even in the midst of an ongoing global pandemic, bringing a fresh eye to masterpieces from the European and American canons. We are also committed to the full range of new play development and production. We believe that we are enlivened and enriched by the world’s great classics as reimagined by contemporary artists, and that the American theater is truer, richer, deeper and more reflective of who we are as a culture if it includes new work.

Since its founding, Two River has PREMIERED 18 original plays and musicals; COMMISSIONED original projects including Be More Chill by Tony Award nominee Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz (the theater’s first Broadway and West End production) and Hurricane Diane by Playwright-in Residence Madeleine George (which enjoyed an Obie Award-winning Off Broadway run); and DEVELOPED numerous other plays and musicals.

WE ARE SUPPORTING NEW PLAYS IN DEVELOPMENT by commissioned writers including Jessica Hagedorn, who is writing a musical based on the all-female band from the 1970s, Fanny, to be directed by May Adrales. Two River Theater commissioned writers include: Ngozi Anyanwu, Jaclyn Backhaus, Matt Barbot, Lisa Kron, and Eliana Pipes as well as the writing team of Joe Tracz and Joe Iconis. This year we were pleased to welcome Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, James Ijames, to our esteemed roster of commissioned playwrights.

The company of The Hombres. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

THE 10TH ANNUAL CROSSING BORDERS (CRUZANDO FRONTERAS) FESTIVAL RETURNED

after a year away for an entirely virtual festival with José Zayas curating for the second time. The festival featured four plays by Nick Malakhow, Francisco Mendoza, Paz Pardo and juliany f. taveras. The plays featured in this year’s festival received an extended rehearsal period to develop and sharpen the work. All four plays were released online to the public in September of 2021 and were completely free of charge.

Two River held its first ever NEW WORK WEEKEND Eight artistic leaders from theaters around the country were invited to spend an all-expenses paid weekend in Red Bank to celebrate some of the new plays that Two River is championing. Featured readings included: Living & Breathing by Mando Alvarado, directed by Rebecca Martínez; Two River Theater commission, Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ben Steinfeld, directed by Rebecca Martínez; and The River in the Sky by Reyna Perez (a former Voices of Hope writer), directed by José Zayas. The weekend ended with all the guests seeing The Hombres by Tony Meneses, directed by Annie Tippe, in our Marion Huber Theater.

Two River continued our RADIO PLAYS series, which brings a different kind of theater to our patrons, one that can be safely enjoyed from the comfort of their own homes. We commissioned playwrights David Greenspan, Kimber Lee and Nilo Cruz to write plays that were meant to be listened to, rather than experienced in a physical space. The second of these plays, Kimber Lee’s antarctica, premiered in December of 2021.

Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival Playwrights: Nick Malakhow, Francisco Mendoza, Paz Pardo, juliany f. taveras.

New Work Weekend Artists: Mando Alvarado, Ben Steinfeld, José Zayas, Tony Meneses.

AUGUST WILSON’S RADIO GOLF

Directed by Obie Award winner Brandon J. Dirden

JOAN AND ROBERT RECHNITZ THEATER

NOV 6-21 / 2021

Two River returned to the stage with our critically acclaimed production of August Wilson’s Radio Golf that was forced to shut down early in its March 2020 run. In this, the tenth and final play in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle, real-estate developer Harmond Wilks is determined to become the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh and to revitalize the Hill District. Starbucks, Barnes & Noble and Whole Foods are ready to move in. But one particular house on the development site, at 1839 Wylie Avenue, must be torn down, a casualty of urban blight. And that house belonged to Wilson’s legendary Aunt Ester—forcing Harmond, and the Hill District itself, into a battle between the past and the future.

“With the superb direction of Brandon J. Dirden, and a cast that is perfect in their roles, it is a must-see show.” – BroadwayWorld

THE HOMBRES

By Tony Meneses

Directed by Annie Tippe

MARION HUBER THEATER

MARCH 12-APRIL 10 / 2022

Originally scheduled to have its run at Two River in April of 2020, The Hombres was performed as part of our fall 2020 Two River Rising online play reading series. Lortel Award-winning director Annie Tippe returned to bring this nuanced look at the complexity and intimacy of male friendship to the stage in March of 2022. Set in New Jersey (“somewhere off the NJ Transit line”), this new play by Tony Meneses (Two River’s The Women of Padilla, Guadalupe in the Guest Room) follows Julián, a gay Latino yoga teacher, as he clashes with the straight and macho Latino construction workers outside his studio. Two River co-commissioned and developed The Hombres with the NJPAC Stage Exchange, a program of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and through a reading at Two River’s 2018 Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival.

August Wilson’s Radio Golf was the first indoor in-person theater experience for 54% of postshow survey respondents since the beginning of the COVID -19 pandemic. 77% of survey respondents rated their feeling of safety in the theater as “excellent.”

– Out in Jersey

Noah Gaynor and Eddie Gutiérrez in The Hombres. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Nearly 40% (37% to be exact) of single ticket buyers were new to Two River!

“A play that must be seen, that deserves to be seen, that is a privilege to see.”

Toccarra Cash in August Wilson’s Radio Golf. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

THREE SISTERS

By Anton Chekhov

Translated by Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeleine George

Directed by Sara Holdren

JOAN AND ROBERT RECHNITZ THEATER

JUNE 4-26 / 2022

PLAZA PLAYERS

SUMMER 2021

In January, we made the difficult decision to postpone our production of Three Sisters due to the surge in Covid-19 cases and in the interest of the safety of our patrons, staff and artists. In an attempt to keep that cast and creative team together, we were able to reschedule the production for June as the final show of our 2021/22 season. Two River Theater playwrightin-residence Madeleine George (Two River’s Hurricane Diane, Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England) collaborated with director Sara Holdren (Two River’s Twelfth Night) to create a new translation of Chekhov’s classic play about big souls trapped in tiny boxes. Stuck in the Russian countryside at the turn of the 20th century, sisters Olga, Masha, and Irina dream of futures in the wake of their father’s death and a changing Russia.

“Two River Theater brings Anton Chekhov’s classic play to new heights.” – BroadwayWorld

One of Two River’s most ambitious productions, Three Sisters included 4 dance sequences, 3 treadmills, 2 puppets and a marching band!

This curated set of outdoor performances featured a wide range of artists, including Tony Award nominee Joe Iconis & Lauren Marcus, Real People Things by Janey Miles Feingold and Bela Konstancja Kawalec, ToyBox Live with Rinde Eckert, Sinuhé Padilla-Isunza and Alea, and Upstream by Chesney Snow and Faye Chiao. What a wonderful way to safely gather at our Plaza and kick off the 21/22 season!

“We enjoyed all the performances on the Plaza.” “Enjoyable evening...too nice of a night to end!”

– Audience Raves

90% of survey respondents said they were ready to attend an indoor event in the fall.

Mary Neufeld, Rudy Roushdi and Alex Brightwell in Three Sisters. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Alea and Sinuhé Padilla-Isunza, Plaza Players performance.

BEYOND RED BANK

The new work you see at TWO RIVER THEATER doesn’t end in Red Bank! The work produced and developed here goes on to be seen by audiences around the globe! Here is a sampling of what has been produced by other theaters this season:

Two River Theater commissioned playwright Eliana Pipes’ play DREAMHOU$E (Crossing Borders 2019) had a rolling world premiere at the Alliance Theatre in Houston, the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, and Baltimore Center Stage.

After being shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, Two River Theater commission Be More Chill continued its West End run, this time at the historic Shaftesbury Theater in London. This marks Two River Theater’s West End debut!

Two River Theater commission, Hurricane Diane, which premiered here in 2017, continues to be produced across the country. This season, the play was presented by the Huntington Theatre in Boston.

Two River Theater’s 2015 world premiere of Tony Meneses’ Guadalupe in the Guest Room is still moving and inspiring audiences. In September of 2021, this gorgeous play was produced at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center.

RECORD BREAKING

The 2021/22 season saw the next exciting partnership between Ghostlight Records and Two River Theater with the release of the Love in Hate Nation Original Cast Recording, as well as a landmark listening milestone for the Be More Chill Two River Theater and Broadway cast recordings—with over half a billion streams worldwide!

Two River Theater’s commitment to cultivating today’s theater talents is primarily expressed through our commissioning program, supporting the development of world premiere projects and helping to bring them to the stage. The success of these albums supports the musicals’ future life, as well as Two River Theater’s global name recognition as a home for great new theater.

The Be More Chill Original Cast Recording featuring the cast of the 2015 world premiere production launched a passionate global fanbase, helping to spur the sold-out Off-Broadway run in 2018 and landing Joe Iconis a Tony Nomination for Best Original Score for the 2018 Broadway production. Two River’s Original Cast Recording of Be More Chill was the #4 most streamed cast album of the 2010’s, coming in behind only Hamilton, Dear Evan

Hansen and Wicked Be More Chill has spread around the world, with acclaimed runs in London, a 2022 production in Tokyo, and subsequent tour across Japan.

The Love in Hate Nation album was released February 2022 to high expectations, with fans of composer and creator Joe Iconis clamoring for this empowering and irreverent punk rock love story. The album includes two bonus “B-Side” tracks: the song “Jezebel” and a special new recording of the album cut “Masochist” by The Smith Twins, who have each played the role of Kitty Minx (Emerson Mae Smith at Two River, and Murphy Taylor Smith during the show’s Penn State University run).

Love in Hate Nation has music direction and vocal arrangements by Annastasia Victory, and music supervision and orchestrations by Charlie Rosen. The album is produced by Joe Iconis, Ian Kagey, and Charlie Rosen, with Michael Hurst/Two River Theater and Kurt Deutsch serving as executive producers. Two River would also like to thank Tom Hessman, Barbara and Joseph Hollander, Samuel G. Huber, Joanna and Brian Leddin, and Joan Rechnitz for their generous support of this album.

The company of Love in Hate Nation. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (EDI)

Two River believes the essence of theater is democratic: it invites us to encounter, consider and perhaps adopt other points of view, if only for a brief time in a darkened theater.

We aspire to build an environment in which artists, audiences, employees, and board members from different backgrounds and experiences together form an institution that is equitable, diverse and inclusive.

We acknowledge that the pandemic affected everyone differently, and Black, Indigenous, Mixed and People of Color (BIMPOC) communities were disproportionately impacted by COVID -19. This, along with the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the urgent calls for systemic changes to the theater industry from the We See You White American Theater coalition, propelled Two River to formally pledge to become an anti-racist and anti-oppressive organzation. As a result, our EDI work has become more centered in the ethos, structure and substance of Two River Theater.

Two River is committed to featuring work written and/or performed by artists representing all backgrounds, abilities, ages, sexual orientation and gender every season. While our commitment to diversity may be reflected in most of our productions and programs, we acknowledge that our actions internally and externally have at times been inconsistent and missed the mark. We know this must change – not incrementally and sporadically, but intentionally and fundamentally.

For more details on Two River Theater’s ongoing EDI work, visit tworivertheater.org/edi-commitment . Public input or questions on Two River’s EDI work are welcome via email at edi@trtc.org .

A LITTLE SHAKESPEARE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Two River Theater’s most popular education program, A Little Shakespeare, returned to the stage this spring. Now in its ninth year, A Little Shakespeare brings together a cast and crew of area high school students to work with theater professionals in creating an abridged production of one of Shakespeare’s works. Students not only perform in the production, but also work backstage learning from the pros and eventually run the entire production.

A Little Shakespeare: Much Ado was directed by Rakesh Palisetty, a theater, film, and opera director from New Delhi, India. About the production, Rakesh explains, “Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. It promises to be a raucous party full of schemes, tricks, deception, and of course, love.”

The entire process from auditions to post-final performances was captured by producer Steve Rogers for a NJ PBS episode of the mini-documentary series Here’s The Story: Much Ado, which may be viewed here: njtvonline.org/programs/heres-the-story

FROM A PARENT/ GUARDIAN:

“My daughter had the best time working on this production. The theater staff and show cast/crew/creatives were wonderful! She always enjoys time spent at Two River Theater. We absolutely loved the show! The set, costumes, and performances were fantastic. Such an incredibly talented group of artists!”

By William Shakespeare

Adapted and Directed by Rakesh Palisetty

Marion Huber Theater

MAY 6-15 / 2022

FROM STUDENTS:

“

This program has helped me learn how to take risks and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to be more in tune with my mind and body as well as my character. This program has helped me become more open-minded.”

“I learned that I am worthy of the opportunities I have in my future and that I am worthy of love.”

The company of A Little Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing. Photo by Lauren Klain Carton

Photo by Lauren Klain Carton.

WE BELIEVE

ARTS EDUCATION PROMOTES

TWO CENTRAL GOALS: SUPPORTING THE ARTIST WITHIN EACH STUDENT AND BUILDING FUTURE AUDIENCES.

WE INSPIRE

EMPATHY, RISK-TAKING AND A SENSE OF ADVENTURE.

WE SUPPORT

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND LIFE-LONG LEARNING.

ARTS EDUCATION

OPENING ACT SUMMER PROGRAM

Two River Theater offered a unique and exciting summer education program for high schoolers in conjunction with our outdoor performance series with Plaza Players. “We were thrilled for students and teaching artists to work together in person again,” says Director of Education Kate Cordaro. Each week students teamed up with composer Elliot Roth (Music Director, Two River Theater Summer Intensives) and choreographer Dionna PridGeon (Founder and Creative Director moveDIPR, Guest Choreographer for TRT Summer Intensives ‘19) to learn a fun and challenging song and dance number, which they performed on Fridays as the Opening Act for Two River’s Plaza Players outdoor performances.

From one 14-year-old student: “The crown jewel of what I learned throughout this experience was the power of messiness and practice. Dancing is not my strong suit, so I was very intimidated while learning the routines during both of the weeks. This confusion and fear quickly were shed as the messy dance moves became better by the end of the week.”

From a parent: “My son had a wonderful experience at Opening Act. It was so great to see him light up on your outdoor stage during each show! It’s always amazing to see what the artists and the kids come up with when they perform. The themes were so creative and fun!”

HOWARD ARONSON METRO SCHOLARS

This year-long highly competitive program, open to high school juniors from across New Jersey, is a unique opportunity for students to learn about professional theater. In the 2021/22 season, the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars program offered a hybrid (in-person or virtual) opportunity for 12 local students to learn about how a regional theater works through workshops with theater professionals on season planning and casting, marketing, costume design, playwriting, scenic design, and more. Students saw every show in our season and took in-depth onstage and backstage tours led by our production staff. Since 2005, 201 outstanding students have completed the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars program.This program is made possible in part by a $30,000 challenge grant from the Aronson, Tenenbaum, and Kean families.

“This year was more than I expected. I was surprised to see how in-depth all of the workshops were. It was an amazing opportunity to experience different aspects of theater that I wasn’t familiar with before.”

“I loved getting to know everyone and seeing theater in a wider lens. This experience has been so enriching and I am honored and grateful to be a Metro!”

TINY SHAKES: ROMEO AND JULIET

During the 20/21 Season’s A Little Shakespeare program, we used the limitations of the year as a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into the play and give them the agency to tell the story in their own way, filming scenes from home. Over the course of the program, 21 students partnered with industry professionals to learn more about acting, visual design, music, fight choreography, and filmmaking. The result is an eclectic and energetic production of Romeo and Juliet told through 24 short videos, featuring original music, TikTok dances, FaceTime calls, and more.

Since we were unable to offer student matinees this season due to the ongoing COVID crisis, we gave this 90-minute retelling of Romeo and Juliet a permanent home on our website as a free resource for educators. Over 175 teachers and students from across New Jersey (and one school in Texas!) accessed this production and corresponding curriculum guide to use as teaching tools in their classrooms.

BACKSTAGE PASS

Each season, Two River Theater hosts special events that bring our supporters together to meet our artists, learn about productions, and mingle with fellow theater lovers. With our return to the stage, we were thrilled to welcome back our patrons and donors to a full season of events and happenings.

On October 2, we hosted our first in-person fundraising event in two years with a concert performance from Joe Iconis and Family. The evening began with a cocktail party on the plaza for our sponsors and VIP ticket holders, followed by the concert in the Rechnitz Theater for nearly 200 guests, and ended with a beautiful sit-down dinner in the lobby, with food provided by Et Al Catering.

On November 12, we welcomed audiences back for our first opening night in twenty months. Invited guests enjoyed light refreshments in the lobby, reconnecting with old friends, and August Wilson’s Radio Golf.

The Hombres finally completed its multi-year journey from page to stage in March 2022. We were delighted to celebrate an intimate

opening night for this commissioned work with artists, donors, and our community partner Open Heart Yoga.

Blustery weather didn’t keep our spring donor boxed lunch from bringing us together! On April 29, donors and staff enjoyed a sumptuous repast from the Whistling Onion while sharing favorite moments from Two River’s current and past seasons.

We had a perfect night on June 24 for Pride on the Plaza. The staff was so delighted to welcome back this Two River tradition after a twoyear hiatus. An enthusiastic audience enjoyed a FABULOUS drag show hosted by our very own Lady Celestina and refreshments provided by Sickles Market, Urban Coalhouse and Nicholas Creamery.

Photos by Lisa Campbell and Jacqueline Romeo

On Saturday May 21, 2022, special guests, sponsors, and staff joined Founder and Event Chair Joan Rechnitz in celebration of Two River Theater’s outgoing leaders, Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst. The evening started with a cocktail reception on the Plaza followed by a concert performance in the Rechnitz Theater. Two River favorites Eric William Morris, George Salazar, and Teal Wicks were joined by a cast of collaborators who shared selections from Be More Chill, Songbird, The Ballad of Little Jo, Love in Hate Nation and In This House. The celebration continued with a post-concert sponsor dinner catered by In Thyme and a Live Appeal presented by Paul Florez Taylor from Lucas Hunt Auctioneers. All proceeds from this event gave Two River the opportunity to establish the Dias/Hurst New Musical Fund.

Total Amount Raised $282,900

Michael Hurst, Joan Rechnitz and John Dias. Photo by Lisa Campbell

Photos by Lisa Campbell and Jaqueline Romeo

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

THANK YOU to the following generous individuals who made contributions to our Annual Fund, Events, and Capital Campaigns.

VISIONARIES

($25,000+)

Anonymous (4)

Aronson, Tenenbaum, & Kean Families

Cynthia Bajorek & Robert E. Evanson

Elizabeth Columbo

Samuel G. Huber & Catherine Weiss

The Kroon Foundation

Emily J. Rechnitz

The Leslie Miller & Richard Worley Foundation

DIRECTORS

($10,000-$24,999)

Anonymous

Marilyn & Robert Broege

The Estate of Virginia Kamin

Nancy Karpf

Phyllis Kinsler

Joanna & Brian Leddin

The Honorable Edward J. McKenna

Monmouth University

Adam & Elizabeth Rechnitz

Anne Marie Schultz*

Cathy & Tom Sivo

Dr. Susan Whyman

Chryssa Yaccarino Charitable Trust, in loving memory of Robert Rechnitz

PRODUCER

($5,000-$9,999)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Barrett Jr.

Michael Cumpsty & John Dias

Guttenplan Family Foundation

The Grunin Foundation

Joan & Paul Hamelberg

The Barbara Levy & Joseph Hollander Fund

Barbara & Jim Hrebek

Robin & John Klein

Cathy Larson

Beth & Vincent Mazza*

Linda McKean

JP Nicolaides and The Honorable

Ed Zipprich

Lauren Nicosia

Sean O’Connell

William Bruce Sherrill & Robert Cordrey

DESIGNER

($2,500-$4,999)

Heather Burke & Colin Day

John & Mai Cleary

Juliet Cozzi & Ronald Gumbaz

Carolyn Cushman DeSena

Margean V. Gladysz

Thomas K. Hessman

Eileen & Timothy Hogan

Maureen & James Hurst*

Melissa & Paul Hurst

Theresa and Charles Mattina

Monmouth Medical Center & Monmouth Medical Center Foundation

Magda Muka

Aida & Brian Murphy

Lauren Nicosia

Allyn Quagliano

Patricia & Vernon Ralph

James Rogan

Geoffrey Sadwith

Lynn & William Spector

Mary Carol Stunkel

ACTOR

($1,000-$2,499)

Anonymous (2)

Laura Aden Packer

Barbara & Andy Andres

Dr. Ann Bagchi

Michael Bailey

Lois P. Broder

Jane Bergere

Brookdale Community College

Peter Bruguiere

Nancy & Edward Butler

Dr. and Mrs. E. F. Cheslock

Mary Kay Crockett

Iris Dart

Michael Del Priore

Gail & John Duffy

Ev & Lee

Guy Gsell & Suzanne Longley

Janice P. Haggerty

John Hall

Jim & Susan Harbison

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Henry

Christina Hewitt

Ben Huber

Michael Hurst

Jean Jaslovsky & Vincent Gifford

Thomas & Bridget Kluwin

Roberta Krantz

Wendy & Gerald Marks

John McEwen

Stephen & Shanda McManus

Paula & Larry Metz

Albert Shemmy Mishaan & Jennifer Colyer

Michele Naples & Ken Glossbrenner

Shirley & Robert C. Neff

Barbara Nevius

The Gloria Nilson Fund

Paul & Gaye Nicholson

Ivan Polonsky & Liz Tortorella

Monica & John Ryan

June & Mort Seligman

Roshan Shah

William Shlala

Maureen Silliman & William Parry

Caryl Sills

Barry V. Qualls

Wendie Eigen-Weinstein

Carolyn Williams

CHORUS ($500-$999)

Anonymous (4)

Ann Aronson

Mary Beaubien

John & Peg Bennett

Janice Bergstresser

Amanda Butterbaugh

Thomas Carroll

Eugene Cheslock

Isabella & John Chiappinelli

Myles Columbo

Joseph D’Amore

Farah Delpilar

Liz DeBeer & Ted Wardell

Dragonfly Agency Corporation

Lisa & Edward Duffy

Therese Fitzgerald

Heidi Griffiths

Thomas Johnson

Joseph Joyce

Angela Kluwin & James Noll

Nancy Laird

Virginia & Brian MacGeorge

The Estate of Victoria J. Mastrobuono

Daphne Mishkin

Robert Mortenson

The Emily Lou Morrill Charitable Trust

John Mulligan

Laura Mulroy

New Jersey Theatre Alliance

Peapack Gladstone Bank

H. Grant & Erica Rosenblum

Joel Sesser

Spencer Simon

Matthew Sivo

Sodon’s Electric

Susan Stamler

Kathy & Webster Trammell

Cynthia Wilby

Barbara and Maurice Zagha

UNDERSTUDY ($250-$499)

Anonymous (4)

Barbara Benson

Dr. Dianne Berger

Mary Fran Brassard

Edgar Byham

Marjorie Cavalier

Linda & Samuel Chororos

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Cohen

Sandra & Alfred Conhagen

Dorothy Davis

Linda De Angelis

Edward Duffy

Ken East

Susan Estomin

Toni Evangelista

Dr. Karen Faherty

Marianne Ficarra

Brian Fitzgerald

Anne & Daniel Ford

Linda Ford

Holly Fullam

Robert Gannon

Craig Garcia

Pat Geiss

Susan S. Gelber

Jim Graf

Marc Harrison

Gary Hayes

Daniel Helmick

J. Shelby Wells & Debbie Herman

Kathy Hodecker

Coralie & John Hoffman

Patricia & William Jaeger

Natalia Kachala

Steven Kaminsky

John Kehoe

Lakehouse Music Academy

Sandra & Bruce Lefkon

Natali Lori

Tony MacDonald

Mary Magee

Mary Ann Maidlow

Alan Mallach

Gerald Maris

Mel Marvin

Judy Maurer

Pat McCabe

Renee R. Maxwell

Katherine McCleary

Doug McGuirk & Mary Ann Green

Craig McKeown

Kerstin McKitrick

Nancy Medrow

Kate Murray

Rosemarie & Dennis Owens

Chris Page

Karen C. Pajak

Marion Portnoy

Red Bank Chocolate Shoppe

Ginger & Joel Richman

Patricia Rose

Barbara Sager

Judith & Ted Sandler

Peggy Sansone

Carole Schoening

Kathryne & Richard Singleton

Alex & Thomas Skove

Adrienne & Frederick Straus

Richard Stenson

Peter Stumpf

Patrice Sullivan

Bill Sylvia

Elena Tomkowich

Betsy True & Dan Bloomfield

Michael Turner

Penny & Lawrence Turtel Charitable Fund

Susan Wahba

James Walker

Dee & Fred Williamson

Marjorie & Zeke Zaccaro

*Includes Matching Gift

MATCHING GIFTS

The following have provided matching gifts to Two River on behalf of their employees.

Apple

Black Rock Matching Gift Program

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey

Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts

Moody’s Corporation

Verisk Analytics

TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS

Stephanie Adams

In memory of Jane Adams

Anonymous

In honor of my parents who instilled in me a love of theater

Laura Aden Packer

In memory of Robert Rechnitz

Ann Aronson

In memory of Howard P. Aronson

Michael Bailey

In memory of Dorothy Bailey

Barbara Benson

In celebration of Tess Emerson Minor

Donald & Ellen Byck

In memory of Robert Rechnitz

Al & Sandra Conhagen

In honor of Todd Herman’s Birthday

Dr. Jack Demarest

In memory of Kenneth Stunkel

The Family of Alana Edelmann

In memory of Alana Edelmann

Wendie Eigen-Weinstein

In memory of Rose Dias

Toni Evangelista

In celebration of The Brescia Family

Brian Fitzgerald

In honor of John B. Fitzgerald

Leah A. Ghiradella

In honor of Barbara and Irwin Kantor

Ben Huber

In memory of Caroline Huber

Paul & Melissa Hurst

In memory of Maureen M. Hurst

Ann Kranis

In celebration of your friendly & accommodating staff

Bruce & Sandra Lefkon

In memory of Debbi Palmeri

Michael Murphy

In honor of Felicia Grant

Marion Quinn

In honor of Maureen Silliman, my favorite actress

Emily J. Rechnitz

In memory of Rose Dias

Joan Rechnitz

In memory of Rose Dias & Sasha

Joan Rechnitz

Welcoming Jack Dias/Cumpsty

Joan Rechnitz

In memory of Maureen Hurst

Joan Rechnitz

In memory of Gail Yaccarino

Georgiana Ryan

In memory of John Ryan

Mr. Micah Schachet-Briskin

In honor of The Howard Aronson

Metro Scholars program

Alex & Thomas Skove

In honor of Todd Herman’s Birthday

Linda Stewart

In memory of Howard Aronson

Dr. Susan Whyman

In honor of Joan Rechnitz

Carolyn Williams

In memory of Caroline Huber

Joyce Wingerter

In memory of Caroline Huber

Chryssa Yaccarino Charitable Trust

In loving memory of Robert Rechnitz

Joan Zakanych

In memory of Caroline Huber

Listing reflects gifts made between July 1, 2021-September 10, 2022

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Philip & Tammy Murphy Foundation

THE HELEN CLAY FRICK FOUNDATION

The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation

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. For this fiscal year, in a post-pandemic theater environment, the theater was fortunate to receive relief funds through various government programs. Earned income represents one quarter of the operating budget, therefore contributed income from generous individuals, businesses and foundations was critical to ensure Two River Theater remains a vital cultural institution.

EXPENSES

During our 2021/22 Season, we received our ninth consecutive four-star rating - the highest possible –from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator, for our sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.