2010/2011 Season Brochure

PROUDLY PR0VOCATIVE 2010/2011 SEASON

This season brings five superb shows from playwrights who have gained international acclaim.

We have world premieres, commissioned works, Pulitzer Prize winners and Tony Award nominees.

But that’s not really what makes this season so distinct. We chose these plays because they take familiar issues – faith, sex, war, relationships – and tackle them in extraordinary ways. No apologies, no evasion. In turn, we hope you will talk about these plays during intermission, on the ride home and well into the future.

This season is full of provocative new works – and we couldn't be more proud.

See you at the theater,

Gil Cates, producing Director

THE SEASON AT A GLANCE ruined A Pulitzer Prize winning portrait of refugees in a war-torn country

hershey felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein A musical gift that knew no bounds

the break of noon A World Premiere about the trials and tribulations of a modern day prophet

the escort An explicit play for discriminating people

superior donuts A sweet story of unlikely friendships

subscribe to a more play-full season enjoy these complimentary perks with your ticket purchase • Exclusive seats • Discounts on your subscription and additional tickets • Priority access to holiday events and other special engagements • With nearly 50 performances of each production, email reminders and easy exchange privileges, you’ll NEVER MISS A SHOW

signature series Talk Back Tuesdays Enjoy complimentary Peet’s Coffee & Tea before the show and dig deeper into plot, characters and themes with Geffen artists in a post-performance discussion.

It’s interactive, intellectual and thought-provoking.

LOUNGE FRIDAYS Cultural happy hour meets bon appétit in this enticing way to ease into your weekend. Unwind and enjoy delicious culinary delights and complimentary champagne before the show.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT Grab friends, bring a date and turn an ordinary Thursday evening into a scintillating and one-of-a-kind night. These post-show parties showcase a variety of food, drink and fashion partners with unique diversions sure to surprise and delight.

WINE DOWN SUNDAYS Cap off your weekend with a complimentary wine tasting and let a soundtrack of contemporary chill music enhance the mood before the show.

subscribe to a signature series at no additional cost! geffenplayhouse.com/subscribe • 310.208.5454

September 7 – October 17, 2010

Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama A West-Coast Premiere Co-Production with the Tony Award Winning Intiman Theatre

Lynn Nottage’s Ruined is a powerful portrayal of the triumph of the human spirit in a war-torn country. Guided by music and the rhythm of life in the Congo, Ruined transports us to Mama Nadi’s bar, a small town refuge where intimacy comes at a price. But by creating this uneasy oasis for women who have no place else to go, is Mama a protector or profiteer? Expertly navigating relationships and politics, this remarkable story, rich with humor, hope and humanity, was lauded in numerous critic top 10 lists and extended eight times during its New York run.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com for a video interview with author Lisa Shannon about women’s life in the Congo.

education sponsors

Ruined is a co-production with the Intiman Theatre • Kate Whoriskey, Artistic Director • Brian Colburn, Managing Director Proudly sponsored by the Edgerton Foundation

november 2 – december 12, 2010

“Not since the 1960s, when Leonard Bernstein played himself… has such a bristlingly smart, engaging, polymorphously talented man [Hershey Felder] held his audience in such total thrall to the glories and hidden mysteries of both popular and classical music.” — Chicago Sun Times

Hershey Felder in Maestro: The Art of Leonard Bernstein is a new work from the creators of George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin and Beethoven, As I Knew Him. With a story spanning the entire twentieth century, Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s greatest musicians, broke through every artistic barrier possible to become the world’s musical ambassador. Conductor, composer, pianist, author, teacher, librettist, television star... for Leonard Bernstein boundaries simply did not exist. Hershey Felder and Joel Zwick collaborate for the fourth time at the Geffen Playhouse - bringing to life the composer of West Side Story, Candide, On the Town, Mass and many more.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com for a personal video introduction to the show by Hershey Felder.

JANUARY 25 – MARCH 6, 2011

World Premiere Co-Production with MCC Theater Tony Nominated Playwright

Playwright and provocateur Neil LaBute’s newest play takes off from George Bernard Shaw’s quote: “All truths begin as blasphemies.” And then we meet John Smith. He’s a selfish, philandering liar – or at least he was. After hearing the voice of God during a tragic office shooting, this imperfect man reforms himself and goes on a mission to spread the word about a better way of life. But is John’s divine encounter merely a ploy for celebrity, a chance to escape his rocky past, or is it part of an infinite and almighty plan? In The Break of Noon, LaBute explores the trials and tribulations of a modern day prophet – and what he signifies in a jaded world that is thousands of years removed from burning bushes and stone tablets.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com for a video interview with playwright Neil LaBute.

A co-production with MCC Theater • Robert LuPone, Artistic Director • Bernard Telsey, Artistic Director William Cantler, Associate Artistic Director • Blake West, Executive Director

March 29 – may 8, 2011

A World Premiere Geffen Commission Emmy Award Winning Playwright

Written by Jane Anderson Directed by Lisa Peterson a n e x p l i c i t p l ay f o r d i s c r i m i n at i n g people Nothing is taboo in Jane Anderson’s world premiere comedy about a high-class call girl. Charlotte is charged with escorting us through this titillating tale. She’s got lube and she knows how to use it - and so does her esteemed gynecologist. As the two women’s relationship develops, more than just body parts are revealed. What happens when one’s liberal ideas are in direct conflict with personal choices? How far are we willing to go to prove our own open-mindedness? While this provocative play is laced with sex, bad language and nudity, The Escort also takes us down a path of unexpected thoughtfulness and depth.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com for a video interview with playwright Jane Anderson.

MAY 31 – JULY 10, 2011

Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize Winning Playwright West Coast Premiere

Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Letts weaves a heart-warming and humorous tale of unlikely friendships in one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods.

Arthur Przybyszewski’s Superior Donuts has been a community hub for decades, and both the neglected storefront and its rundown owner are evidence to that. But when Franco, a young fast-talking dreamer, bounds into the shop, the writing is on the wall that things are going to change – maybe even for the better.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com for a video interview with director Randall Arney.

fat pig Scott Wolf & Chris Pine in Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig

i bought a blue car today Alan Cumming’s one man cabaret

THE AUDREY SKIRBALL KENIS THEATER love, loss, and what i wore Featuring Carol Kane, Caroline Aaron, Rita Wilson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Natasha Lyonne

louis & keely: live at the sahara Written and performed

by Jake Broder (far right) & Vanessa Claire Smith All photos by Michael Lamont except Alan Cumming photo by Jordan Strauss

There are always surprises in store at the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse The Audrey envelops the audience the minute you enter. It’s a perfect space for an intimate performance, a cabaret, a staged reading, or a brand new work. Next year, we’re planning on using it for any and all of the above. To be the first one to find out what’s on stage next, sign up at

geffenplayhouse.com/audrey

the quality of life Laurie Metcalf & Scott Bakula in Jane Anderson’s Ovation Award winning play

Wrecks Ed Harris in Neil LaBute’s “supurb and subversive monologue.” — The New Yorker

PROVOKE INVOLVEMENT GEFFEN’S STAGE FOR ANY AGE This season’s productions represent only a part of the Geffen’s goal to engage audiences from diverse backgrounds. Ticket income covers only a portion of the Geffen’s artistic and education programs. Contribute to these extraordinary efforts and join a community of artists and philanthropists serving over 24,000 students, seniors and veterans each year.

seniors

The Golden Ticket program combats isolation and promotes social activities among eligible senior groups by providing a lasting theatrical experience: transportation, pre and post-show workshops, comprehensive study guides and social events surrounding outings to Saturday Scene and regular season productions.

community

Community Representatives Engaged in Active Theater Education (CREATE) is an award winning interactive program that guides diverse communities through customized workshops, post-show discussions and free performances. The Geffen Playhouse also proudly provides theater workshops and tickets to veterans at little to no cost.

Youth

The Geffen Playhouse serves students and youth through school tours, student matinees, Saturday Scene and the Story Pirates creative writing & performance programs. For more, visit geffenplayhouse.com/family.

“A bunch of energy! They encouraged They showed me how all stories can

support education & outreach In partnership with the Geffen Playhouse, the Story Pirates play/write program celebrates the words of young people and promotes literacy through creative writing and drama workshops. The program culminates in a musical sketch comedy show acted by adults and comprised entirely of stories written by kids.

become an Honorary Story Pirate

$1,000 • Support 50 students as they attend a Story Pirates education program • List up to four names in a special Story Pirates program listing • Recognition on the Herb & Beverly Gelfand Education Wall and in the program • Two orchestra tickets to Broadway Holiday • Concierge services for house seats at other local and nationwide theaters (subject to availability) • For additional benefits, call Development at 310.650.2800 x136

Saturday Scene me to write. be acted out.”

–story pirates student

Theater is provocative and should also be fun!

Bring the family to Saturday Scene – special 11am performances of classic theatrical works, music and interactive story telling selected with kids in mind.

Visit geffenplayhouse.com/family for more information on the entire season!

BE PROUD OF YOUR GIFT director

$5,000

• Two tickets to Geffen Playhouse main stage opening nights – including valet parking, cocktail party and post-show reception • Two VIP orchestra tickets to Broadway Holiday • Season-long membership to the Marcia Israel-Curley Founders Room with complimentary snacks, beverages and private restrooms • Season-long recognition on the lobby glass wall and in the program • Bring 250 students to a 2010/2011 education and outreach event

NEW! 2010 corporate circle

$2,500

• Logo or other listing on our Corporate Circle glass wall in the lobby and in the program • Two orchestra season tickets to 2010/2011 season productions • Season-long membership to the Marcia Israel-Curley Founders Room with complimentary snacks, beverages and private restrooms • Significant employee discounts to Geffen Playhouse productions • Parking vouchers for each season show

artistic advocate

$500

• Bring a creative workshop program to a low-income senior center through the Golden Ticket program • Two orchestra tickets to Broadway Holiday

associate

$250

• Two rear orchestra tickets to Broadway Holiday • Season-long recognition in the program • Two complimentary drinks at the Geffen Playhouse bar • Underwrite four families attending a Saturday Scene performance

Questions? Please call development 310.208.6500x136

order the season Geffenplayhouse.com/Subscribe Access exclusively held seats, read more about upcoming shows and search for convenient performance times.

Call or visit the box office (Open Daily: noon – 6pm) 310.208.5454 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024

DIRECT FROM NEW YORK!

BROADWAY HOLIDAY

add this special event at the subscriber discounted rate of $60 for orchestra seats!

Other discounts for subscribers are available at 15% off the regular price.

$170-$345 brings you a full year of theater – that’s as low as $34 per ticket and a savings of up to $75 per subscription!

Join some of musical theater’s greatest talents as the cast of Broadway Holiday recreates memorable moments from hit shows like Jersey Boys, West Side Story, South Pacific, Chicago, Showboat, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Hair, and Evita. Sprinkled liberally with songs of the season, Neil Berg’s Broadway Holiday makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves Broadway musicals.

2010/2011 season pricing

dec 2010/Jan 2011

Pricing Performance

Rear Mezz

Front Mezz Orchestra

All Previews:

$170

$170

$260

SAT/SUN Matinee:

$215

$255

$300

SUN-THU Evening:

$215

$255

$300

FRI/SAT Evening:

$215

$300

$345

Discounted student and teacher subscriptions also available!

geffenplayhouse.com/subscribe box office: 310.208.5454

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19 20 2pm & 7pm 26 27 2pm & 7pm 2 3 2pm & 7pm

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22

8pm 28

8pm 29

8pm 4

8pm 5

16 23 3pm & 8pm 30 3pm & 8pm 6

17

18 3pm 25

24 3pm & 8pm 31 1 7

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Add Broadway Holiday to your subscription!

june 27 – august 8, 2010

leonard foglia

directed by

george stevens, jr.

a play by

LAURENCE FISHBURNE in

subscribe and receive exclusive orchestra seats at 15% off!

don’t miss the last show of the current season!

education Sponsor

official Sponsor

Five shows for as little as $170!

PROUDLY PR0VOCATIVE

2010/2011 SEASON

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