A SHARED HISTORY OF POWER AND CONTROL
PHILIPPINES' INSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATIONS POST INDEPENDENCE AND
1901–1935
The US establishes civil government, Englishlanguage public education and American style legal and electoral system.
1935 The Commonwealth of the Philippines is established under US supervision.
COLD WAR ALIGNMENT
1941 Dec. 8
As a US Commonwealth and hours after Pearl Harbor, the Philippines is invaded by Japan. Over 250,000 Filipinos fought alongside the US forces under Gen. Douglas McArthur.
1942 Gen. Douglas McArthur flees during the Japanese invasion and made his famous vow, “I shall return” to liberate the Philippines.
1944 October 20
Known as the Battle of Leyte, Gen. Douglas McArthur returns in the island of Leyte where he leads the fight against the Imperial Japanese Army, ending their three years occupation of the Philippines.
1946 July 4
The Philippines gains formal independence under the Treaty of Manila. US preserves military basing rights and influence.
1954 May 1
Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Romualdez are married in Manila just 11 days after meeting.
1965 Ferdinand E. Marcos is elected president. He positions himself as strongly anti-communist and US-politics aligned. The period of “Conjugal Dictatorship” of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos begins.
1969 Marcos wins reelection amid allegations of vote buying.
1972 Sept 21 (signed), Sept 23 (announced); Marcos declares martial law via Proclamation No. 1081
1972–1981
Human rights org documents: 70,000 arbitrary arrests, 35,000 systematic torture, and approx. 3,200 extrajudicial killings and 737 enforced disappearances. US maintains diplomatic and military relations despite the fact.
1972 Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. leading opposition senator, is arrested hours before martial law is announced.
1972–1990
Following the declaration of Martial Law, Aquino faces charges of murder and subversion, and was imprisoned for nearly eight years.
1980 Aquino leaves for the US for medical treatment. He testifies before US audiences about repression in the Philippines.
1983 August 21 Aquino is assassinated upon returning to Manila.
1986 Feb 7
Marcos calls a snap presidential election against Corazon “Cory”Aquino, Ninoy’s widow. Independent observers document widespread fraud.
1986 Feb 16
Millions protest in the “Tagumpay ng Bayan” (Victory of the People) rally in Luneta Park.
1986 Feb 22–25
The People Power Revolution unfolds. Millions gather at EDSA (Epifanio De Los Santos Avenue). US facilitates the Marcoses evacuation to Hawaii.
1986–1992
President Cory Aquino leads the post-Marcos democratic transition and became an icon of peace. She faced at least seven coup attempts as president of the Philippines.
1987 A new democratic Philippine Constitution is ratified, limiting executive power and restoring civil liberties
1991 The Philippine Senate rejects renewal of US base agreements, ending a nearly century of permanent US military presence.
by Ely Sonny Orquiza
1990s–2010s
The Marcos family returns to politics. Courts rule that billions in ill-gotten wealth were accumulated; recovery remains partial.
1991 Imelda Marcos returns to the Philippines from exile in the United States to face charges of graft and tax evasion. She defeated and evaded all charges against her.
1992 Imelda Marcos launches a political comeback, running for president in 1992 calling for the nation to be “Great Again.” She places fifth.
1995 Imelda Marcos wins her first seat in the House of Representatives, representing her hometown Leyte, becoming a congresswoman after a landslide victory.
1998 Imelda runs again for presidency, but late withdrew from the race. Her son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is elected provincial governor while her daughter, Imee, takes over as congresswoman to represented Ilocos Norte.
2013 Imelda and Imee Marcos are re-elected for another three years in office.
2022 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is elected president. His administration strengthens defence cooperation with the US amid regional tensions in South China Sea.
2023–Present
Changes to official commemoration of the People Power anniversary prompt debate over historical memory and accountability.
NINOY AQUINO AND THE PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION
FRAGILE DEMOCRACY MEMORY, MYTHOLOGY, AND MARCOS REHABILITATION
MARCOS ASCENDENCY WITH U.S. BACKING
REANNE ACASIO (Imelda Marcos, she/her) is a proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. Broadway: Here Lies Love (Original Broadway Company), Hamilton. National Tour: Hamilton Select Regional: The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Orlando Shakes, Portland Stage, Salt Lake Acting Company. Film: Divine Blood, The Typewriter. BS Psychology, UC San Diego. She hopes you step out of this theatre inspired by the resilience of our kababayan, warned of the insidiousness of corruption, and galvanized by the power of the people.
JOAN ALMEDILLA (Aurora Aquino, she/her) first performed Here Lies Love: A Song Cycle as Imelda Marcos with David Byrne at Carnegie Hall. Now returning as Aurora Aquino, she reunites with director Snehal Desai after Mamma Mia! and Assassins at EWP. Broadway/Tours/Regional: Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, The King and I, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, Master Class. TV/Film: Griselda, Mayans M.C., Pam & Tommy, Bupkis, Shatter Belt. Grateful to Infin8 Artists and Clear Talent Group. To God and family! joanalmedilla.com
JOSHUA DELA CRUZ (Aquino, he/him) starred in Paramount+’s Blue's Big City Adventure, The New York Times called Joshua “spectacular.” Credits include Aladdin (Broadway), Theatre Group Asia’s Into The Woods where GMA News called him "the real revelation,” Here Lies Love (Public Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along (New York City Center Encores), and helped develop shows like the Tony-winning Maybe Happy Ending. Film/TV: Blue’s Clues, Law & Order Toronto, Fubar, Bull, Ripple, and Time After Time. @itsjoshdelacruz
AURA MAYARI (Imeldific) aka Jay-R de Leon, is thrilled to join the cast of Here Lies Love. Known from the Emmy-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, her work has appeared in Vogue, Rolling Stone, and more. A recording artist with a single, “Dungeon,” she is also a dancer, and LGBTQIA+ activist who starred as Angel in Rent. Aura sends endless love to her creative team, friends, family, and husband for their constant support.
CHRIS RENFRO (Ferdinand Marcos, they/them). Mark Taper Forum debut! Last seen in Broadway's Oh, Mary! ("Mary's Teacher") and in The Drowsy Chaperone at Carnegie Hall ("Aldolpho"). On screen they can be seen on Queer as Folk, Good Trouble, The L Word: Generation Q, and the MTV original movie, Pretty Stoned. They are the Artistic Director of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Los Angeles. Thank you to Doug Peck for helping me find my voice again.
STEVEN-ADAM AGDEPPA (Ensemble, u/s Imeldific), a multihyphenate artist and proud Angeleno, is thrilled to return to the Mark Taper. Some favorite credits: On This Side of the World, Mamma Mia (East West Players), American Idiot (Deaf West), Come From Away (La Mirada). Featured vocalist on the original cast album of On This Side of the World, with VO credits in games and dubbing. Thanks to Infin8Artists, Go2Talent, Snehal, the HLL creative team, my family, and Nicky. Thank YOU for supporting live theatre! IG: stadam.adgeppa
KAYLA AMISTAD (Ensemble) is originally from the East Coast and is now enjoying a bicoastal life pursuing her career in entertainment. Her professional credits include the National Broadway Tours of Matilda the Musical (Amanda Thripp) and The King and I (Uncle Thomas/Royal Child/Wife). She is truly honored to join the cast of Here Lies Love. Kayla sends endless love and gratitude to her family and friends for their constant support. Follow her journey on Instagram @kkstylz and TikTok @kaylaamistad. #kkamistad
CAROL ANGELI (Estrella, she/her). Broadway: Here Lies Love (OBC), Miss Saigon (OBC Revival, Dance Captain/us Gigi). Tours: Disney’s Mary Poppins (OTC), Radio City Christmas Spectacular . Off-Broadway: Here Lies Love (The Public), Sayonara. Select Regional: Miss Saigon (Kim), South Pacific (Bloody Mary), Children of Eden (Yonah), Carousel (u/s Louise), Romeo & Juliet (Juliet), Sweet Charity (Helene) TV: Dancing with the Stars, Late Night with Conan O’Brien . Grateful for The Hybrid Agency and CTG. Always for my son, London. Para sa’yo lahat.
JOHNISA ALMARIYA BREAULT (Ensemble, Swing; she/her). Johnisa is honored to make her CTG debut! A proud Fil-Am whose first stage was...of course...at the karaoke machine. Select Theatre: Waitress; Joseph…, The King and I (La Mirada/ McCoy Rigby); In the Heights; 42nd Street (Musical Theatre West); Follies (Cygnet Theatre); On Your Feet!; 42nd Street (Moonlight Amphitheatre); Hello, Dolly!; Oklahoma! (3-D Theatricals); Legally Blonde (Elle Woods, SDMT); Rudolph (National Tour). Love to my Breault’s, DDO Artists, Maxie, and Marlon :) PINOY PRIDE! @johnisabro
KELVIN CO (Ensemble, he/him) is incredibly honored to be making his regional debut with Center Theatre Group! Previous Credits: Cabaret (Bobby/Dance Captain), 9 To 5 (Tinsworthy/ Ensemble). He also performs under Disney Live Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort and dances with multiple hip-hop companies throughout Southern California. Huge thanks to CTG and Michael Donovan Casting. All my love to my family and friends, especially my FullColl Theatre Family—couldn’t have done this without y’all! @kelvinjcco
JOANNE JAVIEN COUDRIET (Ensemble, u/s Aurora Aquino, she/ her/siya) is a Mother, Wife, Teaching Artist, and Advocate for diversity and Parents in the Arts. Favorite Credits: Mamma Mia (Donna), Sound of Music (Elsa), Kinky Boots (Gemma Louise), South Pacific (Bloody Mary), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Alice)- First Broadway National Tour, On This Side of the World, Miss Saigon (Kim, Gigi, Ellen u/s), Les Misérables (Eponine). She is an Adjunct Voice Professor at AMDA LA. Mahal to my boys Chad, Kai & Kade. For Mom & Dad. joannejavien.com IG: @joannejaviencoudriet
AUDREY LYN CRABAÑO (Ensemble, u/s Maria Luisa; she/her) is thrilled to make her CTG debut in Here Lies Love! Recent credits include Eleanor in Cindy & The Disco Ball (Garry Marshall Theatre) and performances around the world as Lead Vocalist on AIDA Cruises. She is one of four members of the Filipina-American girl group, grlhood. Special thanks to Marisa at Michael Greene Artists Agency. Walang hanggang pagmamahal sa pamilya at mga kaibigan para sa kanilang suporta. IG: @braudwaybaby / @grlhood.music
ZANDI DE JESUS ( Ensemble, Swing; she/her ). Credits: Cambodian Rock Band (u/s Neary/Sothea), East West Players; This Is Not a True Story (Kim), Artists at Play; On This Side of the World (Jemmalyn), East West Players; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), National Tour; Cowboy vs. Samurai (Veronica), Mo’olelo Performing Arts; Miss Saigon (Mimi/Ensemble), Starlight Theatre. IG: @zandi_dj_ Love to Mark, Maxwell, and Olivia.
JEFFLORENZ GARRIDO ( Ensemble, u/s Ferdinand; he/him). CTG debut! Proud Bay Area native. So grateful for this leg of my journey! Regional: Frozen (5 Star Theatricals), Newsies (3D Theatricals). BFA: CSU Fullerton. Much much love & gratitude to my team at Infin8artists, my family and friends, and Kriselle. UY! Philippines!
SARAH KAY (Maria Luisa, u/s Imelda; she/her) is an LA-born and raised multi-hyphenated artist based in New York City and is ecstatic to bring this story home! She has appeared in performances across the country and loves to tell original stories. Broadway: Here Lies Love (ensemble). Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary), The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Narrator). She has also participated in workshops/ readings with Disney Theatrical Group. All the love to her family. thesarahkay.com IG: @sarahcckay
GARRICK GOCE MACATANGAY (Ensemble, he/him). National Tours: Miss Saigon, Bombay Dreams. Regional: The Karate Kid (Stages St. Louis), The King and I (Music Circus), Sweet Charity (Center Rep). Thank you to my family and friends for their abundant support. And to my inspirations: Mom, Dad, Glenda, CJ, Gio, Maui & Cruz, and my angels above, my deepest love and gratitude. Blessed to share this joy. @garrick.ig
DANIELLE LOUISE MENDOZA (Ensemble, she/her). Danielle is living out her dreams getting to perform with this beautiful Filipino cast! You may have seen her last as Anna of Cleves with the North American National Tour of Six the Musical. Other credits: NCL Six (Anne Boleyn), FTR’s Bratpack (Princess & Basketcase), Rent (Maureen), and Princess Cruiselines’ Premiere Cast of Secret Silk (Lan). Love to my wonderful family, friends, and agents Clear Talent Group. @daniemendomusic
JUSTINE RAFAEL (Ensemble, she/her). Mabuhay! Justine is a FilAm performer based in SoCal and she's thrilled to make her CTG debut with Here Lies Love! Previous credits include Bat Out Of Hell in Las Vegas, Spring Awakening at East West Players, Nickel Mines at ACT of Connecticut. You can also catch her singing with her all-Filipina girl group @grlhood.music on IG. Much love to her team at ATB and of course, her family. @justineyweeny on IG. 333.
HAYDEN RIVAS (Ensemble, Swing, Dance Captain; he/him) is a Filipino-Canadian and graduate of the University of Southern California, where he received a BFA in Dance and a Master of Studies in Law. Based in New York, he’s ecstatic to be in CTG’s production of Here Lies Love! Film/ TV: Descendants 3, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, So You Think You Can Dance Select Theatre: Beetlejuice on NCL and Frozen at NSMT. Thanks to creatives, casting, Bloc, and my family and friends. @haydenrivas
RYAN SALAZAR (Ensemble, u/s Aquino, he/him) makes his CTG debut with Here Lies Love. SoCal native and NBC Talent Showcase alum. Television: Station 19 (ABC), Grace & Frankie (Netflix), Criminal Minds (CBS), Fresh Off the Boat (ABC). Much love and many thanks to the Here Lies Love & CTG teams, Michael Donovan Casting, family, friends, Sean, and dog-ter Piccola Bambini. Reps: Authentic & DDO. @ryansalazar
DAVID BYRNE (Concept, Music, Lyrics) is a musician, performer, writer, and multidisciplinary artist whose creative ventures have captivated audiences since 1975 when he co-founded the renowned group Talking Heads. Recent works include his latest critically acclaimed album Who Is The Sky? (2025), Theater of the Mind , an immersive journey co-created by Byrne & writer Mala Gaonkar (Denver, 2022/23, Chicago 2026), SOCIAL! at The Park Avenue Armory, the Broadway production of David Byrne’s American Utopia (2019) as well as the Spike Lee-directed film version (2020), the launch of his Reasons to be Cheerful online magazine (2019) and the solo album American Utopia (2018). To date, Byrne has published five books including How Music Works (2012).
FATBOY SLIM (Music), also known as Norman Cook. Grammy Award-winning DJ, musician, and record producer, he first rose to prominence in the 1980s as bassist of indie band The Housemartins and went on to form the band Beats International. In 1996, as Fatboy Slim, he released Better Living Through Chemistry; then You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby; Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars; and Palookaville 2008 saw a collaboration with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal with The Brighton Port Authority. Winning nine MTV Awards and three Brit Awards, he remains the only artist to play Glastonbury for 20 consecutive years.
SNEHAL DESAI (Director, Center Theatre Group Brindell and Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director; he/him) was appointed Center Theatre Group's third Artistic Director in 2023. As an artistic leader, Snehal has sought to raise awareness of social issues that affect Angelenos through impactful and empowering storytelling. Previously, he was the Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. Snehal most recently directed American Idiot at the Mark Taper Forum.
WILLIAM CARLOS ANGULO (Choreographer, he/they ) is a choreographer and director based in New York. Favorite projects include West Side Story at Paramount Theatre, Poor Yella Rednecks at MTC, La Havana Madrid at Steppenwolf, Lucha Teotl at Goodman Theatre, Falsettos at Court Theatre, Newsies at TUTS, Legally Blonde and In the Heights at The MUNY. New works in development: Love Handles at LCT3, Out There at Portland Center Stage, David & The Apocalypse with Borderlands. @worldwidewilliam
JOE CRUZ (Music Director, he/him). Born in Manila and raised in Vancouver, Joe Cruz is a Los Angeles-based guitarist, songwriter, composer, and producer. He has toured globally with numerous artists, most notably two-time Grammy winner Sarah McLachlan, and has performed on major TV shows including Ellen, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, and The Tonight Show. He played guitar in the Original David
Byrne/Fatboy Slim Broadway production of Here Lies Love and has also contributed songs to Carly Rae Jepsen’s acclaimed EMOTION album.
JENNIFER LIN (Music Director, she/her) is thrilled to make her CTG debut! Recent: Mystic Pizza (associate MD - La Mirada Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse), Waitress (LMT/McCoy Rigby), On This Side of the World (East West Players), Matilda (5-Star Theatricals, LMT), The Last Five Years (After Hours Theatre), LIZZIE (Color and Light Theatre Ensemble), Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Celebration Theatre). Jennifer also teaches at LACHSA, LMU, and USC. Love to Mom & Dad, Kyle, and the cats.
ARNEL SANCIANCO (Scenic Designer, he/him) is an awardwinning Filipino American Scenic Designer with a nationallyrecognized portfolio. He currently teaches Scenic Design at UC Berkeley. Recent credits include productions at ACT, La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Muny, The Huntington, Goodman Theatre, Denver Center, Steppenwolf, The Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Arizona Theatre Company, American Players Theatre, Milwaukee Rep. For an in-depth look at his work, visit ArnelDesigns.com
JAYMEE NGERNWICHIT ( Costume Designer, she/her/siya).
Jaymee Ngernwichit is a Filipina-Thai American social justice oriented, interdisciplinary artist, & costume designer for theatre & live performance, with an expanding practice in production design for film/personal projects. Raised in Los Angeles, Jaymee's work spans experimental opera, immersive multimedia experiences, indie film, & national commercials. She has collaborated with Qualcomm, Disneyland Parks Live Entertainment, David I. Reynoso of Sleep No More, & MacArthur Fellow Yuval Sharon. She hopes tonight’s show inspires you, especially now more than ever! Laban!
MARCELLA BARBEAU (Lighting Designer). Marcella Barbeau is a New York City based designer. Recent credits include Octet (Hudson Valley Shakespeare), La Bohème (Portland Opera), The Merry Wives of Windsor, Into the Woods, Much Ado About Nothing (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Threepenny Opera, Rigoletto, Maria de Buenos Aires (Opera Columbus), Carmen, Madama Butterfly (Austin Opera), Acis and Galatea, L’elisir D’amore (Florentine Opera), Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon (Lookingglass Theatre, world premiere). Currently, she serves as the lighting designer for Santa Cruz Shakespeare. She received her Master of Fine Arts at Boston University and is a proud member of USA 829.
BRIAN HSIEH (Sound Designer, he/him). Broadway: (Assoc. Sound Design) OUAOMT, JLP, FNL, SM-TOTD, (Programmer.) CATCF, (Asst. Sound Design), YF, PQ, LST. Nat. Tours: (Assoc. Sound Design): JLP, CATCF, FNL, YF, LCAF. Sound Mixer: B!, MM!. Regional: (Sound Design) ACS, LAL, B, HORH, SoM, ATL, NA, SA, JTW. One of these days, Brian also hopes to figure out what all the acronyms stand for.
YEE EUN NAM (Projection Designer, she/her). Yee Eun Nam is a visual artist and theatre designer for live performance, working across opera, theatre, and multimedia productions. Recent credits include X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X (Metropolitan Opera), Yellowface (Roundabout), A Transparent Musical and Twilight (Center Theatre Group), Once Upon a (korean) Time (Ma-Yi Theater Company), and Long Day's Journey into Night (Audible Theater). She is a Lucille Lortel Award nominee and LADCC winner for CGI/Video design. She holds an MFA in Theater Design from UCLA. yeeeunnam.com
KALEENA JORDAN (Wig, Hair, & Makeup Designer, she/her). Kaleena is elated to be joining CTG & the Mark Taper Forum for her first design in LA! Kaleena's work can be seen as Hair Designer for Netflix's TRAIN DREAMS, as a HMU Artist for series such as AMC's Talamasca and various films/shows for Netflix, HBO, Disney, and more. Other theatre designs include Little Shop of Horrors and Sense and Sensibility. Much love and many thanks to Mom, Dad, Joe, P&Z & The Rockseth’s for their endless support.
ELY SONNY ORQUIZA (Dramaturg, he/him) is a Queer Filipino American multidisciplinary director, dramaturg, and arts educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area, creating work at the intersection of Asian diaspora stories and queer politics for the American stage. A 2023 YBCA 100 Honoree and inaugural Cali Catalyst recipient, he has developed, directed, and dramaturged work with American Conservatory Theater, Magic Theatre, Theatre Rhinoceros, East West Players, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Cal Performances, The Kennedy Center, and others. @TheOrquiza
JANELLE DOTE PORTMAN (Associate Director, she/her ) is honored to return to the Mark Taper Forum, previously serving as Associate Choreographer for American Idiot (CTG/Deaf West). After her Broadway debut in Allegiance, she expanded her practice from performer to creative, shaping work rooted in story, embodiment, and truth-telling. Across creative rooms, movement spaces, and human-to-human work, she is devoted to helping people meet themselves with clarity, courage, and heart—and the power of naming what’s true.
U.J. MANGUNE (Associate Choreographer, they/she/he). A Tagalog-Kapampángan choreographer/performer based in NYC; they are so blessed for Here Lies Love to be their first show at CTG! Beginning in high school as a self-taught dancer and attending local dance studios in Seattle, their work has since received recognition with the Gypsy Rose Lee Award and BroadwayWorld Critics' Choice and has been featured in projects with Amazon, GooglePlay, Macklemore, Jai'len Josey, TiaCorine, Off-Broadway, and regional theatres nationwide. #peoplepower @u.j.mm @borderlands.co
JILL GOLD (Production Stage Manager) received her Equity card at the Taper in 1984 so thought it was about time to return! In the 42 years since that auspicious day, she has stage managed over 250 productions including 7 national and one international tour. Jill teaches Stage Management at Occidental (her alma mater) and UCLA, guest lectures around the county, and is the proud co-author of Stage Management by Lawrence Stern and Jill Gold. Thanks to Phil, Hailey, and Colleen.
MIRIAM E. MENDOZA (Stage Manager, she/her/ella). Select credits include Fake It Until You Make it (CTG-Mark Taper Forum & Arena Stage), Waiting for Godot (Geffen Playhouse), Inherit the Wind, One of the Good Ones (Pasadena Playhouse), Alma, Tambo & Bones (CTG – Kirk Douglas Theatre), 2:22 A Ghost Story (CTG – Ahmanson Theatre), A Transparent Musical (CTG – Mark Taper Forum). El Paso, Texas native, Miriam teaches and works around Los Angeles. She is a company member of New Swan Shakespeare Festival. MFA in Stage Management from UC Irvine.
JIHEE JENNY PARK (Stage Manager, she/her) is a Korean American Stage Manager excited to be living the dream at the Mark Taper Forum. Select Credits: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (CTG); American Idiot (Deaf West/CTG); Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (CTG); Cambodian Rock Band (East West Players); Independent Shakespeare Company’s Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival; Dog Man: The Musical (National Tour); How It’s Gon’ Be (Echo); King Lear (Wallis); Revenge Porn: Story of a Body; and The Giant Void in My Soul (Ammo).
KIMBERLY GRIGSBY (Vocal Arrangements). Kimberly Grigsby is a New York City based music director. Her credits include Days of Wine and Roses; Camelot; Flying Over Sunset; To Kill A Mockingbird; Amélie; Caroline, or Change; Spring Awakening; The Light in the Piazza; Head Over Heels; The Full Monty; You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown; Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark; The Fortress of Solitude; and Here Lies Love. She has recently been appointed the inaugural Music Director of The Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre at Meadows School of the Arts.
JUSTIN LEVINE ( Music Producer, Vocal Arrangements, Additional Arrangements). Recent: The Outsiders (Broadway/ La Jolla, 3 Tony Nominations), Moulin Rouge! (Tony Award), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Drama Desk nomination), VevoXLorde (Electric Lady), Contemporary Color (David Byrne, Barclays), Here Lies Love (The Public/National/Seattle/ Williamstown), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Broadway/ The Public), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Delacorte), The Robber Bridegroom (Roundabout). @justinlevine
MATT STINE (Music Production & Additional Arrangements). Matt Stine is a Tony Award-winning orchestrator, two-time Grammy-nominated music producer and a Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, and Outer Critics Circle-nominated sound designer. Credits include: Once Upon A One More Time (Broadway), KPOP (Broadway), Here Lies Love (Broadway), Moulin Rouge! (Broadway), Assassins (Classic Stage Company), Sweeney Todd (Barrow Street Theatre).
MICHAEL DONOVAN, CSA ( Casting Director ). Michael Donovan is the recipient of 10 Artios awards, presented by the Casting Society of America for Outstanding Achievement in casting. They have cast more than 1,000 shows produced at such venues as the Ahmanson Theatre, the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Wallis Annenberg, Pasadena Playhouse, the Colony Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, ICT, the Soraya, Ensemble Theatre in Santa Barbara, Arizona Theatre Company, and more. Michael is also the President of the Board for the Foundation for New American Musicals.
RICHIE FERRIS, CSA (Casting Director, he/him). Richie has been casting with Michael Donovan Casting for 14 years and in that time has received 4 Artios Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Casting. He has worked on the casting of well over 500 projects and is so honored to get to once again collaborate with the wonderful team at CTG after previously working on The Secret Garden, A Transparent Musical, Green Day’s American Idiot, and Bright Star. For Charlette and Ruthie. @richie_ferris @michaeldonovancasting
JOSEPH PINZON ( Casting Consultant, he/they ). Founder/ Producing Artistic Director of contemporary circus company Short Round Productions and its show Filament (Edinburgh & Adelaide Fringe, European Tour). Artistic Director – Cirque du Soleil (Bazzar). Casting Director/Artistic Associate – Arena Stage (Angels in America, Ride the Cyclone, POTUS, Swept Away, Unknown Soldier). Resident Director – Constellation Immersive (Elf on the Shelf, The DiscOasis), Hapag Lloyd (MS Europa 2). 23-year career as a performing circus artist. Much love to my family, friends, and Jason. IG: @joe_pinzon.
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
MEGHAN PRESSMAN ( Managing Director/CEO, she/her ) joined Center Theatre Group in 2019. Previously, she served as Managing Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company (D.C.), Director of Development for Signature Theatre (N.Y.), and Associate Managing Director of Berkeley Rep. She is a graduate of Yale School of Drama/Yale School of Management and serves as a mentor in the Theater Management program. Meghan has served as the Vice-Chair for the Theatre Communications Group Board of Directors and is a member of the Broadway League.
GORDON DAVIDSON (Founding Artistic Director) led the Taper throughout its first 38 seasons, guiding over 300 productions to its stage and winning countless awards for himself and the theatre—including the Tony Award for theatrical excellence, Margo Jones Award, The Governor’s Award for the Arts, and a Guggenheim fellowship. The Kentucky Cycle and Angels in America (Part One) won the Pulitzer in consecutive years and, in 1994, three of the four plays nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play were from the Taper (Angels in America won). In 1989, Gordon took over the Ahmanson and, in 2004, he produced the inaugural season in the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
NAUSICA STERGIOU (General Manager) has worked supporting artists in theatres of all shapes, sizes, and locales including Center Theatre Group as General Manager and, previously, as Audience Development Director. She oversees productions at the Taper and Douglas, as well as new play commissions and developmental productions. Nausica has taught Marketing and Management at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts and works with local nonprofits including Hollywood Orchard. BA, Cornell University. MFA, Yale School of Drama.
DOUGLAS C. BAKER ( Producing Director, he/him ) joined Center Theatre Group in 1990. Doug is an active member of the Broadway League, the Independent Presenters Network (IPN), and is a proud member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM). In 2013, Doug received the Broadway League’s prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management Award.
LINDSAY ALLBAUGH (Associate Artistic Director, she/her). Associate Artistic Director for Center Theatre Group and Los Angeles-based director and producer. Recent productions: Our Dear Dead Drug Lord by Alexis Scheer at the Kirk Douglas Theatre and Cry It Out by Molly Smith Metzler (Best Production: Ovation Award, LADCC Award, Stage Raw Award) at the Echo Theatre Company. Co-Artistic Director of the Elephant Theatre Company from 2004–2014. Selected CTG producing credits
include—Mark Taper Forum: Hamlet adapted by Robert O’Hara, American Idiot with Deaf West Theatre, Slave Play, Archduke, Bent, Waiting for Godot; Kirk Douglas Theatre: Creative Producer behind Block Party, Tambo & Bones, Good Grief, Endgame, Women Laughing Alone With Salad, Chavez Ravine, The Nether
CENTER THEATRE GROUP, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company, which, under the leadership of Artistic Director Snehal Desai, Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman, and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs seasons at the 736-seat Mark Taper Forum and 1,600 to 2,100-seat Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the 317-seat Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. In addition to presenting and producing the broadest range of theatrical entertainment in the country, Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics, and circumstances to serve Los Angeles. Founded in 1967, Center Theatre Group was led by Founding Artistic Director Gordon Davidson until 2005 when Michael Ritchie was the artistic director until his retirement in 2021; Snehal Desai was appointed the organization’s next artistic director in 2023. Center Theatre Group has produced more than 700 productions across its three stages, including such iconic shows as Zoot Suit; Angels in America; The Kentucky Cycle; Biloxi Blues; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Children of a Lesser God; Curtains; The Drowsy Chaperone; 9 to 5: The Musical; and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo CenterTheatreGroup.org
The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers of the United States. This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The Director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
The House Managers employed in this production are represented by the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers.
The following employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Machine Operators, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada, AFL-CIO, CLC: Stage Crew Local 33; Treasurers and Ticket Sellers Local 857; Wardrobe Crew Local 768; Make-up Artists and Hair Stylists Local 706
United Scenic Artists represents designers and scenic artists for the American Theatre.
Center Theatre Group is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the American Arts Alliance, the Broadway League, Independent Producers’ Network (IPN), the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), and the Theatre Communications Group (TCG).
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Production Assistants Jindy Li, Abigail Peterson
Illusions Consultant Jim Steinmeyer
Community Liaison Giselle "G" Töngi-Walters
Assistant Scenic Designer Glenn Michael Baker
Assistant Lighting Designer Hannah Solomon
Associate Sound Designer Caitlin Leong
Associate Projection Designer Samantha Skynner
Physical Therapists Fusion Arts Physical Therapy, Karen Moran Amir Khastoo, Christopher Smalley
Tailor/Draper Pamela Walt
Draper/Firsthand William Mellette
Stitcher Liza Dally, Marissa Soto Stitcher/Crafts Aries Limon,
SPECIAL THANKS
Noble Creations
Salwa Benloubane
Gil Karson
Lisa Lew
Dino-Ray Ramos
Foresight Theatrical
Alex Wolfe
Clint Ramos
Jose Antonio Vargas
Grandstand Media
Observers Joy Arzaga, Bernadette Bolaños, Jaime Estepa, Laura Loo
SNEHAL DESAI Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director | MEGHAN PRESSMAN Managing Director/CEO | DOUGLAS C. BAKER Producing Director
GORDON DAVIDSON Founding Artistic Director
ARTISTIC
LINDSAY ALLBAUGH♦ Associate Artistic Director
BRANDON IVIE Artistic Producer
SONIA DESAI Director of Literary and Dramaturgy
PAIGE VEHLEWALD Artistic Programs Manager
TIFFANY SLAGLE° Artistic & Literary Associate
RANDOLPH MEREDYTH-DRAKE Executive Assistant to the Artistic Director
EXECUTIVE
NAIMA OROZCO-VALDIVIA° Executive Programs Manager
MADISON QUIROZ Executive Office Liaison
MANAGEMENT
NAUSICA STERGIOU♦ General Manager
ERIC SIMS♦ General Manager, Presentations
KATIE SOFF ♦ Associate General Manager
JEFFREY UPAH♦ General Management Associate
KIARA BRYANT Company Manager
TAYLOR ANNE CULLEN Assistant Company Manager
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
CAROLINA SAN JUAN Interim Director of Arts Education
JESUS REYES♦ Director of Learning and Community Partnerships
TRACI KWON♦ Arts Education Initiatives Director
AURORA ILOG Creative Workforce Initiatives Director
MEIGHAN LA ROCCA Program Manager
COURTNEY CLARK° Digital Learning Manager
NATALIA QUINTERO-RIESTRA Programs Associate
JORDAN GELOTTE Education & Community Partnerships Coordinator
ESTELA GARCIA, CHRISTINE BREIHAN Resident Teaching Artists
ZACHARY BONES, REBECCA GRAUL, ELIJAH GREEN,° AJA HOUSTON, JOHNATHON L. JACKSON, CARENE ROSE MEKERTICHYAN,
MARA PALMA, ROBERT PATERNO,
MADDOX PENNINGTON,MARTA PORTILLO,
TARA RICASA, MONIQUE SYPKENS Teaching Artists
MIRIAM CERVANTES Dramaturgy Apprentice, Touring Project
PAUL GALAVIZ Directing Apprentice, Touring Project
PRODUCTION
JOE HAMLIN♦ Director of Production
SHANNON G. BICKNELL Senior Production Manager
LESLEY GONZALEZ Associate Production Manager
CAMBRIA CHICHI° Production Supervisor
ISAAC KATZANEK Technical Director
SHAWN ANDERSON♦ Head Carpenter (Ahmanson Theatre)
SCOTT LUCAS Head Properties (Ahmanson Theatre)
JARED BATTY Head Electrician (Ahmanson Theatre)
ROBERT SMITH♦ Head Sound (Ahmanson Theatre)
SHANE ANDERSON Head Flyrail (Ahmanson Theatre)
MICHAEL GARDNER♦ Wardrobe Supervisor (Ahmanson Theatre)
MARY BORGIA Hair & Make-up Supervisor (Ahmanson Theatre)
CHRISTINE L. COX♦ House Manager (Ahmanson Theatre & Mark Taper Forum)
EMMET KAISER♦ Head Carpenter (Mark Taper Forum)
MARY ROMERO Head Properties (Mark Taper Forum)
AARON STAUBACH♦ Head Electrician (Mark Taper Forum)
CHRISTIAN LEE Head Sound (Mark Taper Forum)
LORETTA BUSSEN Wardrobe Supervisor (Mark Taper Forum)
THERESE LEVASSEUR Hair & Make-up Supervisor (Mark Taper Forum)
MERRIANNE NEDREBERG♦
KATE REINLIB
ERIC BABB♦°
Shop Director
Associate Prop Director
Associate Prop Director
RAUL VEGA MARTINEZ° Shop Supervisor
SHANTA FARIA DE SA Costume Shop Manager
CAYLYN DABNEY Resident Assistant Costume Designer
ASHPHORD JACOWAY Costume Shop Coordinator
TAYLOR DECKER First Hand/ KDT Wardrobe Supervisor OPERATIONS
PETER WYLIE
CARLOS AYALA
VANESSA DE LOERA
Operations & Facilities Director
Facilities Manager
Facilities Associate
JULIO A. CUELLAR,♦ OSCAR DOMINGUEZ Facilities Assistants
JASMINE BRAFF Operations Manager
SIMON MARTIN Operations Assistant
NATALIE MARCEAU, HERVIN HERNANDEZ, REGINA NILES, ANTONIO DIXON Drivers
VANESSA BRADCHULIS, OLIVIA CHOATE, PRESSLY COKER, MONICA GREENE, PAT LOEB, TWON POPE, SAM UDERO Stage Door Attendants
FINANCE, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND HUMAN RESOURCES
CHERYL SHEPHERD Chief Financial Officer
PETER BANACHOWSKI Controller
DENICE BEHDAD Assistant Controller
ANAHITA ASHRAFIPOUR Senior Accountant
XOCHITL ORTEGA Accounts Payable Supervisor
KERRY BETH KAUFFMAN° Accounting Assistant
JESSICA HERNANDEZ Payroll Manager
MYLAH BARRETO, TIFFANY GARDE Payroll Specialist
TOM MEGALE IT Director
JANELLE CABRERA TORRES Tessitura & Web Administration Director
JOEY LAMBERT-SOLANO Digital Product Manager
CRIS SPACCA♦ Information Technology Manager
JODY HORWITZ♦ Director of Human Resources
JERMAINE CARTER HR Generalist
MOSS ADAMS Auditor
MICHAEL C. DONALDSON, LISA A. CALLIF Legal Counsel
GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER Legal Counsel
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
SARAH SULLIVAN Director of Institutional Advancement
RICKY CARTER Director of Development
CRYSTAL DIAZ Director of Special Events
KATASHA ACOSTA-ROWE Director of Advancement Operations
ANASTASIA RUTKOWSKI Corporate Relations Officer
GRACE PIPER Assistant Director, Prospect Research and Strategy
CORALEE YOUNG Assistant Director of Individual Giving
NICOLE SCIPIONE♦ Senior Individual Giving Officer
MARNI AYERS Individual Giving Officer
ZAIN PATEL Individual Giving Officer
CLAIRE PEARSON Institutional Giving Manager
NICKI BONURA Advancement Associate
ERICA MCINTOSH Senior Analyst, Gift Accounting and Reporting
ALICE PELAYO Donor Liason & Institutional Advancement Assistant
IRENE CHO Executive Assistant to the Director of Institutional Advancement
MEDIA AND CONTENT
BRETT WEBSTER Director of Media and Content
JESSICA DOHERTY° Associate Content Director
BOBBY MARTINEZ Content Associate
KEELEY BELL Media and Content Coordinator
DAVIDSON & CHOY PUBLICITY:
TIM CHOY, PETER GOLDMAN, VICTORIA WESTBROOK Publicity Consultants
DEANNA McCLURE♦ Design Director
JAVIER VASQUEZ♦ Digital Content Producer
LILA WAKILI Senior Graphic Designer
CHEYNE GALLARDE Senior Graphic Designer
CINDY ANDRADE Graphic Designer
MARKETING AND SALES
GARRETT COLLINS♦ Director of Marketing and Sales
PAMELA KUHR Director of Membership
BRENNIE TELLU Ticketing & Customer Experience Director
CANDICE WALTERS♦ Marketing Campaigns & Operations Director
SKYPP CABANAS♦ Senior Manager, Ticket Operations
DEVANY HARDEN° Senior Manager, Audience Loyalty
KATHARINE MEANS° Senior Manager, Advertising
MIKE RATTERMAN♦ Senior Manager, Membership Engagement
ANDRESSA ROYER Senior Manager, Audience Development & Marketing Events
NINA PERRY Account Sales Manager
CHASE ANDERSON-SHAW Kirk Douglas Theatre Manager
ROMAN DICESARE Email Marketing Associate
MARC GOODMAN Senior Analyst, Sales Strategy & Data
TINTIN NGUYEN Ticket Operations Coordinator
AARON HIGAREDA° Membership Engagement Supervisor
MICHAEL AGUILO, WILL ALLEN, LA'RAE CARMICHAEL, JOE CASPER, BRAD GRIFFITH, NATALIE KEEZER, KATHLEEN LITTLEFIELD, JOSEPHINE NUNEZ°, DONALD RIZZO, BENJAMIN SCHWARTZ♦ ,
DIANE WARD♦ Membership Engagement Representatives
CAROLINE THOMPSON/IMPACT 123 Media Planning
SANDY CZUBIAK♦ Audience & Subscriber Services Director
JENNIFER BAKER,♦ CHERYL HAWKER♦ Audience Services Senior Supervisors
JONATHAN FLORES Audience Services Supervisor
JURGEN SANTOS Audience Services Sales Associates
JOSHUA BADILLO, CLAY BUNKER, FRANK ENSENBERGER, DANIEL GARCIA, HARPAL KHOSLA, MICHAEL MUNOZ, SAMUEL ROQUE, DAVID SALAZAR, ASHLEY SANDOVAL, CHRISTINA WRIGHT Audience Services Representatives
JUSTINE PEREZ♦ Donor Associate
DANUTA SIEMAK♦ Subscriber Services Senior Supervisor
CHRISTINA GUTIERREZ♦ Subscriber Services Senior Supervisor
LIGIA PISTE,♦ PETER STALOCH♦ Subscriber Services Senior Representatives
MICHAEL VALLE♦ Box Office Treasurer
KEANA JACKSON, YULIZA BARRAZA 1st Assistant Treasurers
LUIS ESPINOZA, KAITLYN GALVEZ, MICHAEL KEMPISTY♦ 2nd Assistant Treasurers
Center Theatre Group would like to thank its exceptional staff for their ongoing commitment, dedication, and extraordinary efforts. ♦ On staff for 10+ years. °Education & Community Partnerships Alumni.
ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT & COMMISSIONS
As part of our commitment to supporting new plays and playwrights, we foster and develop a broad range of theatrical work from diverse artists locally, nationally, and abroad.
Artists creating new work commissioned by Center Theatre Group this season:
LISA D’AMOUR
JENNIFER HALEY
ALESHEA HARRIS
KIMBER LEE
QUI NGUYEN
ELIANA PIPES
LUIS VALDEZ
SEAYOUNG YIM
KAREN ZACARÍAS
LA WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
Since 2005, we have invited local playwrights to spend a year researching and writing a new work with the feedback of their fellow writers and artistic staff as part of our L.A. Writers’ Workshop. Learn more at CTGLA.org/ARTISTS
2025/26 COHORT:
BERNARDO CUBRÍA
KEVIN DOUGLAS
KEIKO GREEN
CHRISTINA PUMARIEGA
MADDOX PENNINGTON
ERIKA SHEFFER
LA ARTIST RESIDENCIES
DIANA BURBANO
LARISSA FASTHORSE
MICHAEL JOHN GARCÉS
DANIEL ALEXANDER JONES
MADELINE SAYET
KRISTINA WONG
AMMUNITION THEATRE COMPANY
FOUR LARKS
NATIVE VOICES
TEATRO DEL BARRIO
