Dragon Mama Program

WELCOME TO

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY

Welcome in and welcome back for Dragon Mama,

In guiding us through these questions, Sara,

the second installment of “The Dragon Cycle.”

with her incredible range, keen eye for humor,

We’ve been so fortunate that Sara Porkalob and

and great pathos, also unearths—as writer, as

team have thought it not robbery to continue

performer, as daughter and granddaughter—

sharing this incredible story about three gener-

some powerful discoveries. In Dragon Mama,

ations of her talented, brilliant, and powerfully

she makes room for us and the loved ones

witty family with us.

in the story to grow, allowing some familiar

I’m deeply invested in bringing family stories to bear on our stages; families are our first community. And at this moment in which community is being reshaped in myriad ways, our longing to investigate who we are at home

voices to sing in a completely different key.

Allowing silence to be as powerful as an aria.

Reminding us that our voices together are our best way forward.

Welcome.

and in the world has never been more necessary.

This powerful narrative asks us three fundamental questions: How do we change as individuals while staying together as a familial unit? How do we continue to love people who must ultimately bend to the chaos of change? And how, as we change, do we continue to love ourselves?

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Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director

BEN BEATTY

NYASHA HATENDI

JOHN KANI

BOARD CHAIR

MARY ANN CLOYD

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mary Ann Cloyd CHAIR

Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO

FOUNDING TRUSTEES

Ellyce R. Cooper

Gilbert Cates† Founder

Merle Dandridge Dr. Brad Edgerton Bonnie E. Eskenazi Mark Fleischer

Welcome to the Los Angeles premiere of Dragon Mama! It is a pleasure to write to you as the new Chair of the Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors.

I want to start by thanking Adi Greenberg, Chair over the previous four seasons, for her leadership in supporting the Geffen. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with her and am the beneficiary of her ongoing support. I am thrilled with

Patricia L. Glaser

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Adi Greenberg Chair Emeritus John Horn Laura Kennedy

of the Geffen. I am proud of all this superb

Tiffany Mayberry

supporting education and our veterans, providing opportunities to aspiring playwrights. I feel such gratitude to this organization, repeatedly finding that I receive in return much more than I give.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to be the Geffen Playhouse Board Chair in our 30th year and as we look to and plan for the LA28 Olympics and beyond.

Thank you for your support of the Geffen, and I am excited to be sharing many more years of plays, programming, and incredible storytelling with you.

Enjoy the show!

Mary Ann Cloyd Board Chair

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Herbert M. Gelfand†

Quincy Jones†

Brian Mann

varied audiences of the greater Los Angeles area,

David Geffen

Brenda Garcia

I am a long serving supporter and board member

its commitment to bringing theater to the many

Robert A. Daly

Marcia Israel-Curley†

Carla Malden

world class productions that are second to none,

Kirsten Combs

Susan Nahley Fleishman

this opportunity to continue to build for the future.

theater brings to our community—delivering

Harold A. Brown

Glorya Kaufman† Audrey Skirball Kenis† Charles Kenis† Karl Malden† Ginny Mancini† Frank G. Mancuso Chair Emeritus

Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director

Ron Meyer

Mary Osako

Jerry Perenchio†

Danny Passman

Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair

Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin Matt Shakman

Jerry Moss†

Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg

Richard Sherman

Steve Tisch

Celine Parreñas Shimizu

Edie Wasserman†

Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus

Lew Wasserman† Dr. Charles E. Young†

Miranda Tollman Vice Chair

† In Memoriam

JaHan Wang

LEGAL COUNSEL

Marc Weinstock

Venable LLP

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

THEATER IN EDUCATION HAS THE POWER TO IGNITE CHANGE

Above: Student Q&A with Dragon Lady star Sara Porkalob after a student matinee.

Geffen Playhouse is deeply committed to creating powerful and impactful arts education and engagement experiences that amplify, inspire, and encompass our diverse Los Angeles community. Our programs provide unique, in-depth access to theater and the arts for determined and ambitious youth and adults coming from historically excluded communities.

We invite all Angelenos to come home here. When you support our education and community engagement programs, you create a world of greater your home away from home at this historic playhouse.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

geffenplayhouse.org/education

PHOTO BY ISAAK BERLINER

understanding, increased expression, and deeper compassion while enjoying

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS

DRAGON MAMA PART II OF THE DRAGON CYCLE WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY

SARA PORKALOB DIRECTED BY

ANDREW RUSSELL SCENIC DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

RANDY WONG-WESTBROOKE

SARAH LINDSLEY

LIGHTING DESIGNER

SOUND DESIGNER

SPENSE MATUBANG

ERIN BEDNARZ PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

NICK CARVALHO

The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

OPENING NIGHT

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026 2025/2026 SEASON SPONSOR

TIME/SETTING

RUNNING TIME

This play covers Maria Porkalob Junior’s life from 1979-1994.

2 hours, including one intermission.

The primary action happens in three locations: Honolulu, Hawaii Bremerton, Washington Anchorage, Alaska

PLEASE NOTE

There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance.

Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones. Thank you!

Dragon Mama premiered at American Repertory Theater in 2019.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF FOR DRAGON MAMA Lighting Consultant Cha See

A1 Stephanie Lynn Yackovetsky

Casting Consultant Jamila Webb

Carpenters Claudia Peterson, Sam Sully

Production Assistant Angela Park

Scenic Painter Chandish Nester

Directing Observer Eric Swartz

Properties Artisan & Carpenter Sigourney Chin

Wardrobe Supervisor Maya Channer

Stitcher Lucille Petty

Light Board Operator Ezra Muthiah

Lighting Programmer Spencer Doughtie

Electricians Bianca Bishop, Daniel Fernandez, Ezra Fisher, Juan Lozano, Ezra Muthiah, James Tatsch, Sketkh Williams Sound Technicians Michael Svolos, Stephanie Lynn Yackovetsky

PRODUCTION ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery Built & Painted By F&D Scene Changes

Production Photographer Jeff Lorch

Design + Art Direction Base Design

Lighting Equipment Provided By PRG

Media Filming Ramon Garcia

Photography Corey Olsen

Sound Equipment Provided By DnB Design

SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television Scene, Prop, Sound, and Costume Shops; Intiman Theatre; American Repertory Theater; The Porkalob Family; Amy Benjamin

MUSIC CREDITS “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” Written by Robert Hazard.

“Face A New Day” Written by Craig Brandwein, Mary Brandwein, Jeff Parrett, Jefrey Poppe, Michael Dunn.

“Set Yourself Free” Written by Andrew Kingslow.

“Love Takes Control” Written by Iain Harper.

“Oh Sheila” Written by Gerald Andre Valentine, Gordon Strozier, Melvin C Riley Jr.; Performed by Ready for the World.

“Up All Night” Written by Tarlton & Narbom.

“Hip Hop Hooray” Ernie Isley, Ronald Isley, O’Kelly Isley, Marvin Isley, Rudolph Isley, Vinnie Brown, Anthony Shawn Criss, Keir Gist and Chris Jasper; Performed by Naughty By Nature.

“Be My Lover” Written by Donald Lane McCray, Gerd Amir Saraf, Melanie Thorton; Performed by La Bouche.

“I Have Nothing” Written by David Foster, Linda Thompson Jenner.

“Set Me Free Again” Written by Richard John Cottle.

“Kiss of Life” Written by Helen Adu, Paul Denman, Andrew Hale, Stuart Matthewman; Performed by Sade.

“Send for Me” Written by Phred Mosbey.

This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Actors Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

The Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

This theater operates under agreement between the League of Resident Theaters and Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union.

The Director is a Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

Geffen Playhouse is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Department of Arts and Culture.

Geffen Playhouse, a not-for-profit theater company, is proudly affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles.

The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 7

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

SA R A P O R K A LO B (she/they) Playwright & Performer

Sara Porkalob is so excited to be back at the Geffen Playhouse! She is a writer, cultural worker, and creator behind The Dragon Cycle, a trilogy of matrilineal musicals about her Filipina-American gangster family;

“Edward Rutledge” in 1776.

Award–winning Intiman Theatre

She’s also a Creative Consul-

in Seattle from 2011-2017,

tant with the City of Seattle

Andrew played a critical role in

and their Creative Strategies

reorganizing and reopening the

Initiative (CSI), a new city

theater after its closure in 2011.

effort that uses arts- and cul-

He is a graduate of Carnegie

ture-based approaches to build

Mellon School of Drama.

racial and gender equity in non-

@heyheyandyk

arts policy areas like the environment, housing, workforce, and community development.

She is currently writing her first feature film and hopes to adapt The Dragon Cycle for television one day. Socials: @sporkalob, www.saraporkalob.com

our collective histories. They are

2017, with awards including

honored to be returning to the

three 2018 Gregory Awards

Theater Critics Choice for Solo Performance. The second in the cycle, Dragon Mama, premiered at American Repertory Theatre in 2019, with awards including two Elliot Norton Awards for Outstanding New Script and Outstanding Solo Performance, and the 2023 Craig Noel’s Outstanding Lead Performance in San Diego. The final play, Dragon Baby, is currently under a Geffen Playhouse finishing commission. She is a 2021 recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Theater. Broadway:

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mixed-Asian, trans, and non-bi-

ries that question and celebrate

at Seattle’s Intiman Theatre in

2023 San Francisco Bay Area

NYC, LA, and SF. Driven by their

provocative, and expansive sto-

cycle, Dragon Lady, premiered

Musical Production, and a

production designer based in

creative teams to tell radical,

protagonist. The first in the

in a Musical, and Outstanding

a Berkeley-born scenic and

portunities to work with diverse

built around a central female

Design, Outstanding Actress

Randy Wong-Westbrooke is

nary identities, they seek op-

one play for each generation

for Outstanding Sound/Music

RANDY WONG-WESTBROOKE (they/them) Scenic Designer

A N D R E W R U SS E L L (he/him) Director

Andrew Russell is a writer and director who creates new work often inspired by real-life events, including Stu for Silverton (Intiman Theatre); John Baxter is a Switch Hitter (Intiman Theatre); Full Gallop (The Old Globe); and Sara Porkalob’s The Dragon Cycle, featuring Dragon Lady (Intiman Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Geffen Playhouse), Dragon Mama (American Repertory Theatre, Diversionary Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival), and Dragon Baby (in development). As Producing Artistic Director of the Tony

Geffen Playhouse with Part II of Sara Porkalob’s Dragon Cycle, Dragon Mama! Additional credits include: M. Butterfly (San Francisco Playhouse); Paranormal Inside (East West Players), Do You Feel Anger? (Marin Theatre); Thirty-Six, Man of God, The Flick (Shotgun Players); Crumbs from the Table of Joy, Stoop Stories (Aurora Theatre Company); Two Mile Hollow (Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company). They have also designed sets at IAMA Theatre Company, Crowded Fire Theater, TheatreFIRST, New Conservatory Theatre Center, Marin Shakespeare Company, and many other new and independent projects.

They have been part of Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s FAIR

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES SPENSE MATUBANG (they/he) Lighting Designer

Awards for Outstanding Sound

Program. B.F.A. Ithaca College.

Spense Matubang is a lighting

been seen both Off-Broadway

M.F.A. UCLA.

and projections designer current-

and in numerous regional the-

www.wongwestdesigns.com

ly based in Oakland, California.

aters across the U.S. In addition

They received their degree in

to her design work, Erin is a

SA R A H L I N D S L EY (she/they) Costume Designer

Theater Arts from the University

committed educator and mentor:

of California, Santa Cruz in 2020.

Sarah is the resident Costume

she has taught at a variety of in-

Spense first joined The Dragon

Shop Supervisor for the Geffen

stitutions including NYU, Cal Poly,

Cycle team with Marin Theatre’s

Playhouse and has been with

Pomona College, Cornish College

2023 production of Dragon Lady

the theater since 2019. Being a

of the Arts, University of Wash-

and are so happy to be bringing

multi-media artist, Sarah has

ington, and is a current lecturer

Dragon Mama to the Geffen

worn many different hats such

at UC Riverside. Beyond design

Playhouse! Recent lighting credits

as: Associate Costume Designer

and teaching, Erin was previously

include Georgiana and Kitty:

for The Brothers Size (Geffen

Producing Director at Washing-

Christmas at Pemberley and Miss

Playhouse, The Shed), Head

ton Ensemble Theatre, a founding

Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

of Wigs/Assistant Costumes

member of dramaturgical incu-

(TheatreWorks Silicon Valley);

for the international tour of

bator Umbrella Project, and one

Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre);

Finding Neverland: The Musical

quarter of Cheat Day Collective.

Indecent, The Roommate, FROG-

(2019-2020), and Watercolor

Her sound and musical work

GY, and The Great Leap (Center

Illustrator for the virtual opera

have been featured in high-profile

REP); Yellow Face, Thirty-Six, Best

Cindrillon (Pepperdine, 2021).

press outlets including The Wall

Available, and The Triumph of

However, her bread and butter

Street Journal and The New York

Love (Shotgun Players); The Last

has been working as a stitcher

Times. Erin is currently enrolled at

of the Love Letters and Edit Annie

in the industry; making every-

pointblank Music School as a We

(Crowded Fire Theater); Fellow

thing from jackets for Kanye

Are Moving The Needle scholar

Travelers and The Emissary (Op-

West, to theme park uniforms,

studying Music Production and

era Parallèle); and Dragon Lady

and most things between. When

Sound Design. @play__pranks

(Center REP, Geffen Playhouse,

she’s not stitching, she performs

Pittsburgh Public Theater, Marin

locally in LA as the performance

Theatre). Spense is a proud mem-

artist “Feral Fatale” where she

ber of United Scenic Artists Local

Nick Carvalho is excited to return

lets her imagination run on the

829. www.spensematubang.com

to work with Geffen Playhouse

program and both a mentee and mentor in the USITT Gateway

wild side. Special thanks to her great-grandmothers, Gene-

Design, and her designs have

N I C K CA RVA L H O (he/him) Production Stage Manager

after previously stage managing E R I N B E D N A R Z (she/her) Sound Designer

Dragon Lady. Select regional:

both immigrants and worked

Erin Bednarz is a multidisci-

Conservatory Theater); A Driving

tirelessly in the Los Angeles

plinary theater artist whose work

Beat (TheatreWorks Silicon Val-

garment construction industry.

spans sound design, music,

ley); The Cherry Orchard, Eureka

It’s because they were deter-

performance, production, and

Day, Torch Song, Bees & Honey,

mined to dream that she has

dramaturgy. She is known for cre-

Dragon Lady, Where Did We Sit

this opportunity to share her art

ating immersive sonic landscapes

on the Bus?, Justice, August Wil-

with you today. Enjoy the show

that amplify the emotional core of

son’s Two Trains Running, Dun-

and los amo.

theatrical storytelling. Erin holds

sinane (Marin Theatre); Dragon

the LA Drama Critics Circle, Bay

Lady (Center REP); Monument, or

va and Margarita, who were

Nobody Loves You (American

Area Critics Circle, and Gregory G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 9

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Four Sisters (A Sloth Play) (Magic

President (co-written with Tina

2015, Cates served as Geffen

Theatre); Twelfth Night (Marin

Landau), The Brother/Sister

Playhouse Board Vice Chairman

Shakespeare Company); Theatre-

Plays trilogy, Head of Passes, Wig

since 2012 and served as a

Works Silicon Valley New Works

Out!, and Choir Boy, which was

producer and director in theater,

Festival; The Ground Floor at

nominated for four Tony Awards.

film and television. His theater

Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Nick

McCraney is the recipient of a

credits include the award-win-

is also the Production Manager

MacArthur Fellowship “Genius

ning Names (Matrix Theatre

for El Campanil Theatre. Nick

Grant,” the Joyce Award, the

Company) and Three Sisters and

serves on the Technical Theatre

Whiting Award, the Steinberg

David Mamet’s A Life in the The-

Advisory Board at Diablo Valley

Playwright Award, the Evening

atre (both at Syracuse Stage).

College. Proud AEA member. He

Standard Theatre Award, the

Cates’ film credits include The

would like to thank his partner,

New York Times Outstanding

Surface (starring Sean Astin and

Emma, for her continued love

Playwright Award, the Paula

Geffen Playhouse alumnus Chris

and support!

Vogel Playwriting Award, the

Mulkey), Jobs (starring Ashton

Windham Campbell Prize, and

Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot

a USA Fellowship Award. He is

Mulroney, as well as Geffen

a lecturer at the UCLA School

Playhouse alumni Matthew

of Theater, Film, and Television;

Modine and Ron Eldard) and the

an associate artist at the Royal

2011 feature film Lucky (starring

Shakespeare Company, UK; an

Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor and

ensemble member at Steppen-

Ann-Margret). In addition, Cates

wolf Theatre Company, Chicago;

co-produced and co-directed

TA R E L L A LV I N M c C R A N E Y

and a member of Teo Castellanos/

the critically acclaimed Life

(he/him) Artistic Director

D-Projects, Miami.

After Tomorrow, featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, which premiered

Tarell Alvin McCraney is Artistic

on Showtime. His other films

Director of Geffen Playhouse. His

include Deal (starring Burt Reyn-

script In Moonlight Black Boys

olds, Bret Harrison and Charles

Look Blue is the basis for the

Durning) and The Mesmerist

Oscar–winning film Moonlight

(starring Jessica Capshaw and

directed by Barry Jenkins, for

Geffen Playhouse alumnus Neil

which McCraney and Jenkins won an Oscar for Best Adapted

Patrick Harris). Cates’ television directorial debut was an episode

Screenplay. McCraney created

G I L CAT E S, J R .

Executive Director / CEO

the critically acclaimed, Peabody

Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive Direc-

ring Emmy winner Matt LeBlanc.

Award–winning OWN: Oprah

tor / CEO of Geffen Playhouse.

He recently directed Displaced,

Winfrey Network drama David

In this role, he is responsible for

a documentary short chronicling

Makes Man, which was executive

managing the Geffen’s day-to-

the journey of one of the first ref-

produced Michael B. Jordan and

day operations; developing new,

ugee families to flee Ukraine and

Oprah Winfrey. McCraney also

ongoing theater partnerships

arrive in the U.S. after escaping

wrote the film High Flying Bird

and leading its mission to inform,

the Russian invasion. He studied

which premiered on Netflix and

entertain and inspire diverse

at the National Theatre Institute

was directed by Steven Soder-

audiences with live theater of

in Waterford, Connecticut, and

bergh. McCraney’s plays include

the highest caliber. Prior to being

holds a B.F.A. in Drama from

We Are Gathered, Ms. Blakk For

named Executive Director in

Syracuse University.

1 0 P L AY B I L L

of the NBC comedy Joey, star-

THE NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Supporting artists is central to the mission of the Geffen Playhouse, and play commissions are a cornerstone of that support. To commission a playwright to write a play means making a commitment to their voice, craft, and vision, with the hope of sharing the fruits of their work on our stage.

We are proud to have the following artists under commission:

GEFFEN AT A GLANCE CONTACT Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

310.208.6500 Monday–Friday, 10:00am–6:00pm AUDIENCE SERVICES

310.208.2028 Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–6:00pm

QUI NGUYEN

MICHAEL GOLAMCO

Co-Commission with Manhattan Theatre Club

Please visit geffenplayhouse.org for hours, parking and more information.

NAZARETH HASSAN

STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR

BETH HYLAND

JIEHAE PARK

BOX OFFICE WINDOW

MEGHAN KENNEDY

SARA PORKALOB & BRIAN QUIJADA

LUIS ALFARO

KATIE LINDSAY, TOVA KATZ & ALEXANDRA KALINOWSKI MATTHEW LÓPEZ MARTYNA MAJOK

Co-Commission with Atlantic Theater Company

TARELL ALVIN McCRANEY & YORK WALKER

ESPERANZA ROSALES BALCÁRCEL JEN SILVERMAN N’YOMI ALLURE STEWART Co-Commission with New York Theatre Workshop, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

DAVID WIENER LAUREN YEE

For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/newplays.

Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00pm–6:00pm, as well as on performance days up until 15 minutes after curtain.

Please note: the box office window is unable to process exchanges or future sales one hour prior to curtain time on performance days.

ACCESSIBILITY Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to providing access to patrons with mobility, visual and hearing impairments. Parking spaces directly outside the theater are zoned for drop off and pick up, as well as disabled parking spots for patrons with appropriate placards and plates. For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.org/access or call Audience Services.

LATE SEATING

THE WRITERS’ ROOM A group for Los Angeles-based playwrights, The Writers’ Room is a product of the Geffen’s deep commitment to supporting new plays and specifically to fostering bold, relevant work by the vibrant artistic community of this city.

During this one-year residency, playwright members gather monthly at the Geffen to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and the Geffen’s artistic staff, culminating in a play reading series.

We are proud to have the following artists in the 2025/2026 Writers’ Room:

NO PHOTOGRAPHY There is no photography or filming of any kind allowed during the performance.

Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.

UCLA SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM AND TELEVISION

DIANA YIFEI DAI

FRANK PAIVA

LOUIS REYES McWILLIAMS

RYN STAFFORD

ZHARIA O'NEAL

Should you arrive late to the theater or vacate your seat during the performance, please expect to be held in the lobby until an appropriate pause in the action on stage. Some productions or circumstances may not allow for late or return seating. To minimize disturbances to other patrons, you may be seated in the first available location by the house staff even if it is different from your assigned seat.

HABIB YAZDI

The Writers’ Room is made possible through the generous support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

For more information on this program, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom.

Geffen Playhouse is affiliated with the University of California at Los Angeles, specifically the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. Geffen Playhouse values its role as an important educational resource by providing students with master classes, workshops and internships. Students are also able to work and learn from distinguished visiting Geffen artists in areas of directing, playwriting, acting, design, dramaturgy, management and production.

Geffen Playhouse also draws upon the distinguished experts in the university to enhance the theater’s programs and research.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 1

THE DRAGON CYCLE

THE DRAGON CYCLE SARA PORKALOB (she/her/they) is an award-winning artist, activist, and creator of The Dragon Cycle, a trilogy of matrilineal musicals about her Filipina American gangster family, with one play for each generation built around a central female protagonist.

This trilogy honors her family—three generations of Filipino Americans descended from gangsters and karaoke fighting to survive, thrive, and love.

Right: Three generations of Porkalobs—Sara Porkalob (bottom) with her mother, Maria Porkalob Jr. (left), and her grandmother, Maria Porkalob Sr. (right).

PART I: DRAGON LADY Premiered at Intiman Theatre, 2017 Produced by Geffen Playhouse, 2024 Dragon Lady is a two-act cabaret musical with a threeperson band. On the eve of her 60th birthday, faced with her crumbling legacy and apathetic children, Grandma Maria decides to share the dark secrets of her fantastical life with one lucky grandchild.

Intergenerational trauma and healing, lots of karaoke, and one murder: this is Dragon Lady.

Left: Sara Porkalob in the 2024 Geffen Playhouse production of Dragon Lady. Photo by Jeff Lorch.

1 2 P L AY B I L L

THE DRAGON CYCLE

PART II: DRAGON MAMA Premiered at American Repertory Theater, 2019 The most intimate play of the cycle, Dragon Mama focuses on Maria Porkalob Jr.’s story, examining lost dreams and a society that perpetually fails immigrant families. But, like her mother before her, Maria paves her own path. This journey is beautifully brought to life as Sara inhabits multiple characters, some familiar and some brand new, to tell this extraordinary story.

Right: Sara Porkalob in the 2019 American Repertory Theater production of Dragon Mama.

Photo by Gretjen Helene

PART III: DRAGON BABY Currently under commission by Geffen Playhouse Dragon Baby is a new musical and, in a departure from Parts I and II, Sara is joined by a cast of ten to bring to life the final piece in this cycle. The first of her family to attend art school, Sara Lee Porkalob has one more year of her B.F.A. before beginning her glamorous life as a professional actress. Faced with her parents’ ugly breakup and a sudden lack of funds for tuition, Sara Lee must scramble for work, juggle 18 credits, and create an original solo performance piece for a pesky elective class she has to take to graduate. But what story does she have to tell? What can she craft that hasn’t already been invented? Picking up where Dragon Mama left off, we follow Sara Lee’s journey as she discovers what part she is meant to play in the Porkalob story.

Left: The creative team of Dragon Baby—Andrew Russell (director, left), Brian Quijada (lyrics and music, center), and Sara Porkalob (lyrics and book, right) at a 2026 Geffen Playhouse workshop.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 3

ANNUAL DONORS Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Fund. Donors are listed at the Partner’s Circle level and higher for gifts made between November 1, 2024 and January 31, 2026. A full listing of our supporters can be found at geffenplayhouse.org/thankyou. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors

^ Geffen Playhouse Founding Trustees

* Backstage at the Geffen 2025 Supporter

In appreciation, Annual Fund donors enjoy a host of special benefits including concierge ticketing services, complimentary drinks, receptions, and much more.

For more information, please call Anika Waco at 310.208.6500 ext. 195.

PREMIERE CIRCLE $100,000+

Anonymous The Ahmanson Foundation Jana & Trevor Bezdek Edgerton Foundation Louise & Dr. Brad† Edgerton Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie* The Adi† and Jerry Greenberg Foundation* William Randolph Hearst Foundation Jerry & Terri Kohl Mellon Foundation Linda Bernstein Rubin† & Tony Rubin* Jayne Baron Sherman Shubert Foundation The Simms/Mann Family Foundation^ S. Mark Taper Foundation Jodi & Howard† Tenenbaum Miranda† & Brett Tollman* UCLA UCLA Health*

INNOVATOR CIRCLE $50,000 – $99,999

Amblin Entertainment* City National Bank* Alan Hergott & Curt Shepard* K Period Media* Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Holly Rice† & Vince Gilligan* Richard† & Barbara Sherman*

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE $25,000 – $49,999

Anonymous The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Allen Blue & Kira Snyder Capital Group Marcy Carsey* City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs Disney* Dwight Stuart Youth Fund 1 4 P L AY B I L L

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Bob & Diana Friedman Carol & Paul Frimmer The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Kirsten Hansen & Allen Shay Noble & Jacquelynn Hansen Martha Henderson Cindy & Alan Horn* Marcia Israel-Curley Foundation^ Carol & Bill Ouchi Paramount Pictures* Judith & Bruce Stern Shel & Cynthia Stone Steve Tisch* Wolfen Family Foundation

PLAYWRIGHTS’S CIRCLE $10,000 – $24,999

Anonymous Eva Aaronson— In Memory of Bucky Hazan The Berlanti Family Foundation Jenna Blake Claudia & Kevin Bright* Katherine Brown & Rene Mendoza CBS/CBS Studios* California Arts Council Cast Iron Entertainment Mary Ann Cloyd† Ellyce R. Cooper† & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP* Cherie & Steve Crowe* Bonnie Eskenazi†* Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll* Sue & Steve Glusker Marcy Gross* In Memory of Morris A. Hazan Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark David & Martha Kadue Julie & David Kavner Laura† & Jarred Kennedy* Karen & Walter Loewenstern* Carla Malden† & Norman Beil* Mid-America Arts Alliance in Partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts Cookie Miller

Soundis & Danny† Passman* Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg* Yvonne Randle The Archer School for Girls* Thomas L. Safran Chris T. Schmidt* Marcia & Robert Shuwarger* The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Deborah Tavlin U.S. Bank Waterman and Glicksteen Families* Aurora & Marc† Weinstock Marcia E. Williams & Gene Lucero Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks* Robert Wilson, Jr. / Select Equity Group Foundation

CREATOR’S CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999

Laura & Harvey Alpert Margaret Campbell Arvey and The Arvey Foundation Shelly & Libby Bergen Laurie Bernhard Susan Bloch-Kay & Stephen Kay Dr. Adrienne Brandriss Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert* Dr. Fanya Carter, Ph.D. Marissa Caudill & David Merrill Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo Donna & Steven Chisolm Cindy Clark Linda & John Coleman Comcast NBCUniversal* Ginger Conrad Creative Artists Agency* In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert Marisa & Adam Davis Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck Mary Jo & Caleb Deschanel Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin Barbara & Ed Dreyfus Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler Fielding Edlow Julia & Behdad Eghbali Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation*

ANNUAL DONORS In Memory of Lucas Simon Foster Lynn T. Franklin Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family G2 Graphic Service, Inc. Dr. Cara Gardenswartz & David Melnick Carla Gardini* Fariba Ghaffari MaryAnn & Irwin Gold* The Goldenberg Family Ethel Greenbush Roni & David Greenwalt Jill Grey Marc & Erica Hankin Phyllis Horning & Larry Shafritz Monique & Jonathan Kagan Glorya Kaufman^ Kelton Fund Leslie King & Robert Welther Ann & Jonathan Kirsch Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick Karen Krull Lena & Mark Labowe David Lee Foundation Jason & Yvonne Lee Rena & Craig Leeds Renee & Meyer Luskin Mara W. Breech Foundation Dale S. Miller Regina & Wayne Miller* Dan & Margie Mintz Olympus Theatricals* Ralph Page & Patty Lesh Haley Pigman Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Joyce Rey Carol Risher Susan Rogers The Rosenthal Family Foundation* The Ross Family Cooper Roth Dinah C. Ruch & Bill Birdsall David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Nancy & Ted Sanborn Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt Amy & Andy Schwartz Dr. John Shustitzky & Rev. Dr. Christine Chakoian Anne C. Taubman William & Karen Timberlake Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela Julie & Peter Weil Joanne & Ken Weinman* Gelena & Seth Weissman Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg Susan & Dan White Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $2,500 – $4,999

Aversa Foundation Robert E. & Maria H. Barron Marsha & Philip Bartenetti Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson

Susan J. Booth & Christopher Wadden Paula Brand Amanda Brown & Justin Chang— In Honor of Adi Greenberg Diana Buckhantz and the Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Joanne Cohen Culture Machine Kathryn Falberg & Monique Predovich Lucy Farber & Jim Bright Dennis & Jackie Fox Deborah A Gero Richard & Lori Goldman In Memory of Jane F. Hall Harris Family Foundation Joseph & Kathy Hartley Barbara Herman Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Paula Holt / LA New Play Project Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Linda Janger Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith Nancy Koven Stephen & Cori Lable Tim McNeal Dr. Kristen Melnyk Thaine & Elizabeth Morris Susan Oka Joyce & Harvey Reichard Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer* Snyder Family Foundation Kirk & Mei-lan Stark Andrew Stearn Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis Theodore H. Sweetser & Jane L. Valentine* Leslie White & Al Limon

DESIGNER’S CIRCLE $1,000 – $2,499

Anonymous (2) Jan & David Altemus Patti Amstutz Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum* William Baker Randy & Michael Bayard Paula & Bruce Bennett Yvette Bergeron & Dean Bailey Wendy & John Bergquist Beverlee Bickmore & James Kelly John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey Tatiana & Oleg Butenko Laura & Jerry Callaway Peter & Heidi Cartmell Barbara Chiodo* The Christal Family Dan Clivner—In Honor of His Colleague Ellyce Cooper Tim Curtis & Shandon Youngclaus Steven & Linda Darling Drs. Davis & Nitzberg Michael De Luca Jacki & Murray Drechsler Jeff Eckerle & Marilyn Osborn Colleen M. Ellis

Terri & David Elston David & Joyce Evans Bill Fagerbakke Melanie Flamminio Susan Nahley Fleishman† In Honor of Frank & Betty Fouce Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman Catherine A. Froloff* Allen Grogan Ellie Goodman Deidre Hall Pauliana Cheung Hall Richard Hart Scott Hartle— In Memory of Esther Hartle Jackson Henry Hella Hershson Jean Himmelstein Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Ashley & Scott Hunter David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone Gary T. Izumi Brenda Marie Izzi Victoria Jackson & Bill Guthy Nancy & Len Jacoby Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig Louis Kempinsky & Corrinne Mann Kempinsky Sharon Kerson Dr. Phyllis H. Klein Dr. Leonard & Stella S. Kleinrock Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Trice Koopman & Mark Freund Thomas Kren & Bruce Robertson Mindy Lauerlevin & Ed Levin Christo & Jeanne Lavagnino Trulee Lee Carl Levinger & Karen Siscoe Lawrin & Linda Lewin Carol Lifland & Daniel Giesberg Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder Judith Locke Fran & David Loew Wendie Malick Susan & Peter Mallory Rand Marlis Barbara Marshall Kathy & Jim McCaffery S. McQueen & D. Whalen Norma & Larry Meyers Hillary & Lance Milken Andrew & Laura Mintzer Thomas W. Mitchell Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse In Memory of Elliott Myron Mark & Diane Neubauer Julie Nichols Louise Olin Deborah & Stacey Olliff Ornest Family Foundation Regina Pally & James Korb Brett Paul* Phil & Agnes Peters Ruth Popkin Clark & Kathryn Porter G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 5

ANNUAL DONORS Lise Ransdell & Eric Augusztiny Jeffrey S. Rapp & Neil S. Silverman Dolores Rogers Allison & Bennett Rosenthal Oren Rosenthal & Craig Kwiatkowski Linda Sandrich Cliff & Linda Schaffer Gary & Karen Schneider Susan Schwarz In Memory of Pippa Scott and In Honor of Miranda Rich Tollman Sylvan & Sandra Seidenman John Shaw Janne Shirley Lauren Shuler Donner* Brian Siberell Rita & Jose Sigal Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Ronald Smith* Diana & Steve Strandberg The Tatasciore Family William G. Tierney & Barry H. Weiss Catherine & Leonard Unger Leon & Stephanie Vahn Greg & Michelle Suess* Julia Wackenheim Paula Wagner* Marcia & Charles Wasserman Ph.D Alexx Wells Westmount Asset Management Herbert Wolas Cherie Wrigley Richard Yaffe Arnold & Tricia Zane Ellen & Arnold Zetcher

PARTNER’S CIRCLE $500 – $999

Anonymous (10) Toshka & Norman Abrams Linda Adams & Ken Larson Loren Adams Robert C. Anderson Elizabeth & Marc Axelrod Jean & David Bishop In Memory of Janet & William Birnkrant Frances & Thomas Booth Doug & Arlene Braun George Clardy & Christine Gregory Philip & Phyllis Colman Shelly D. Merle Dandridge†* Dr. Van Anh & Nariman Dastur Devine D’Amico* Kristin Diehl Curt Dittman Sherise Dorf & Avi Kamienny Linda Dozier Jan & Thea Drayer Kay & Larry Driscoll Rich & Suzy Eisen* Joan & Jerry Elledge Terry Feuerborn & Connie Whitley Geralyn Flood Burt & Nanette Forester 1 6 P L AY B I L L

Bruce Fortune & Elodie Keene Elaine & Larry Friedman Howard J. Fulfrost Olga Garay-English Francine Golden & Marvin Schlossman Debra Graham Akilah Green Eve Haberfield & David N. Johnson Roberta L. Haft Jeff & Betty Haller Barbara Eve Harris Gayla Kraetsch Hartsough & Jeffrey Hartsough Corinne Hayoun* Murray & Gail Heltzer Michael & Candie Herman Winifred C. Hervey Dr. Shelley Hill Paul & Sue Hoffman Adam Hunter Howard Ana Hubner Drs. Sharon & Lou Ignarro Robert & Gail Israel Nikolette Jacob* Stephen A. Jones & Victoria A. Walker Arnedra Jordan & Mason Rivera Peter & Cinthia Joyce Leana Kleinman & Jerald Johnson Kerry Korf Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta Jalyn Lang John & Sandra Langfitt Rhonda K. Lawrence Nancy & Michael Leb Gina Maria Leonetti Marla E. Levine Littleton Road Productions Leslie & Adam Lobel Renee Lonner Milli Low Natalie Mahdesian Deborah Marsten Diane McCaustland Maura McDonald Christina Medigovich Anne & Ronald Mellor Cynthia Melville In Memory of Gregory Millar Joan & Phil Miller Leslie Mitchner John Moschitta Steve Mueller Lawrence Murphy Bonnie Nash & Donald Wing Chris D. Olsen & Pierre Ouillet Marty & Jamie Ordman Carol Parry & John Fox Carol F. Phillips Norman & Beverly Pine Gary & Gail Rachelefsky Roger Recupero & Kyle Gehrmann Robert Rosania Mary Ann Rosenfeld & Sheldon Kadish Lorraine Ross— In Memory of Dr. Martin Ross

Bennett & Val Roth Dr. Robin Roy & Ms. Catherine Zoi Tom Saporito Productions* Joel & Sonia Schneider Nancy & Steven Schneider John Schunhoff Tina & John Scott Marc Seltzer Susanne & Marty Shallon Nancy & Bruce Silverman Ken & Marinette Simon Marlene Sklar & Joel Moskowitz Barbara Smith Glenn & Linda Solomon Frances & Sy Strasberg Joanne Takahashi Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Barbara & Larry Tenan David & Cathy Thomas Maud & Tonis Tilk Brigitta Troy Barbara Tuchi Linda & Rich Turco Shirah & Jim Vollmer William Wallace Deborah & Glenn Weinberg Michelle & Steven Windmueller

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

The Chairman’s Circle acknowledges the historical contributions of the following individuals, whose support of Geffen Playhouse made the original vision of our founder, Gil Cates, Sr., possible: Anonymous Annenberg Foundation Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block† City National Bank Kirsten^ & Donald Combs Marcia Israel-Curley & Jim Curley Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. The David Geffen Foundation Herbert M.^ & Beverly J. Gelfand Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher Audrey & Charles Kenis Lincy Foundation Fay & Frank^ Mancuso Tina & Jerry^ Moss / The Moss Foundation Perenchio Foundation The Shubert Foundation The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Skirball Foundation University of California, Los Angeles Wasserman Foundation Judy & Chancellor Charles^ E. Young If your name has been misspelled or omitted from the list in error, please contact Anika Waco, Donor Relations Manager at 310.208.6500 ext. 195.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Gil Cates, Jr.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO

ARTISTIC Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director Daniel Ionazzi Producer Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director Bella Luna Company Manager Olivia O’Connor Literary Manager & Dramaturg Lexy McAvinchey Associate Producer Dionn Richardson Assistant to the Artistic Director

PRODUCTION Matt Sweeney Director of Production Liz Brohm Hanrahan Associate Production Manager / Resident Production Stage Manager Melissa Hartman Technical Director Philip Rossi Lead Scenic Carpenter Greg Mueller Stage Operator Rick Gilles Properties Master Sarah Lindsley Costume Shop Supervisor Michayla Van Treeck Costume Shop Coordinator Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Supervisor Jesus Cambero-Elias Assistant Lighting Supervisor James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor Bob Gilmartin Resident A1

Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator Chloe Shi General Management Associate

DEVELOPMENT Elizabeth Kegley Director of Institutional Giving

Theater Direct Outbound Sales

Cody Metzger Advancement & Creative Partnerships

OPERATIONS

Anika Waco Donor Relations Manager Rachel Jacoby Data Management Coordinator Zoila Lopez Development Assistant

EDUCATION

Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement Mark J. Chaitin Manager of Education & Community Engagement Aja Houston Education & Community Engagement Associate / Lead Teaching Artist Sean Michael Boozer, Paris Crayton III, Sidney Edwards, Margot Fitzsimmons, Erròn Jay, BJ Lange, Tiffany Oglesby, Marta Portillo, Tara Ricasa, Ashley Denise Robinson, Gerry Tonella Teaching Artists

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Patrick Brown Director of Marketing Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications

ADMINISTRATION

Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development

Sarah Sturdivant Chief Financial Officer

Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative

Erick R. López General Manager

Zack Hamra Director of Audience Services & Ticketing

Berenice Campos Director of Human Resources

Grace Allen, Tori Eriavez, Peyton Fleming, Cat Hayes, Miranda Heath, Gabrielle Johnsen, Jeffrey Limoncelli, Kayla Page, Camila Robles Ruiz Box Office Staff

Janice Gompers Payroll Manager & HR Admin

Isaak Berliner Social Media & Communications Manager

Youra Kim Accounting Manager

Alyssa Tyson Audience Services Manager

Jake Jones Staff Accountant

Jacob Feller, Jon-Paul Schaut Box Office Managers

Jeni Pearsons Director of Operations Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Sarah Chute, Anya Pryjmak Part Time House Managers Vanessa Bradchulis, Marlon Campos, Jonathan McGill, Karl Perry, Carsen Schroeder Guest Services Savanna Chute, Ryan Foreman, Stephen Johnson, Dylan La Rocque, Shannon Noel, Alex Otto Concessions Brynn Allen, Emma Cort, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Tyler DeLoatch, Sydney Fleischman, Alejandro Hernandez, Ava Kitt, Tiffany Labarbera, James Lambert-Solano, Jalen McKoy, Austin Merrill, Luvina Navarro, Elena Scaringe-Peene, Cody Smith, Myles Williams Ushers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Abdelkrim Bouzzit Cloud System Administrator Dream Warrior Group System Administrator

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Art Guillen Facilities Manager Felipe Ayala, Juan Santillan Building Maintenance Mario Santillan Custodial Lead Juan Carlos Umaña, Camerina Martinez Cleaning Custodial G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 7