Table 17 Program

WELCOME TO

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

TARELL ALVIN MCCRANEY

I thought I knew how hard it might be to ask

But that doesn’t mean love is over. You come

the love of your life to marry you… until I saw

back, you step in, and you fail better. Table

Table 17.

17, with this incredible cast, allows us to see

Every story previous made it feel simple, an easy step you fall into, much like you read in the romance novels. Something so intimate but often performed for the world, and all goes well (or it doesn’t), but the doing is… cut and dried, right?

Table 17 reminds us, well me, that time is of the essence. But while time waits on no one, it will make an exception for two. It also reminds us that love takes the time it takes.

This incredible play feels like a perfect meal between folx who need to remember that love, and loving, is hard. It’s a practice. And sometimes no matter how earnestly we approach our practice, we fail.

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so many versions of ourselves in and out of love. The play joyfully, as only Douglas Lyons can do, piques our interest in the spicy, sweet, and bitter taste of romance, betrayal, and reignition. It’s delightful, its place setting so enticing, we invite you to come back for more.

Welcome.

Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director

BLACK PARTNERS APPRECIATION NIGHT TABLE 17 • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

In the spirit of Broadway’s Black Out Nights, we welcome Black audiences to experience Table 17 alongside passionate community partners in a celebratory environment, with a post-show party that includes DJ, desserts, and drinks!

100% of single ticket proceeds for this performance benefit these community partner organizations.

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

FOR TICKETS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT

geffenplayhouse.org/blackpartners

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / CEO

GIL CATES, JR.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adi Greenberg CHAIR

Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO Mary Ann Cloyd Vice Chair

PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

Merle Dandridge

Welcome to the West Coast premiere of Table 17!

On behalf of our Board of Directors and everyone at the Geffen, I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who joined us for Backstage at the Geffen on Sunday, October 19. It was a truly unforgettable evening as we honored Frank Marshall, Danielle Pinnock, and Matt Bomer—and thanks to your generosity, we raised vital funds to support our artistic and educational programming.

As we continue through this season, we’re also looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics. With the Games arriving in Los Angeles in just a few years, we see a rare and exciting opportunity to think boldly and creatively. We’re committed to using this moment as a launchpad for the future of theater— exploring new ideas, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact.

FOUNDING TRUSTEES Harold A. Brown Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly

Dr. Brad Edgerton

David Geffen

Bonnie E. Eskenazi

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Mark Fleischer

Frank G. Mancuso Chair Emeritus

Susan Nahley Fleishman Dr. Julio Frenk Brenda Garcia Patricia L. Glaser John Horn Carla Malden Brian Mann Tiffany Mayberry Tarell Alvin McCraney Artistic Director Mary Osako Danny Passman Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin

Ron Meyer Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch

IN MEMORIAM Gilbert Cates Founder Marcia Israel-Curley Herbert M. Gelfand Quincy Jones Glorya Kaufman

And you—right here, right now—are a vital part of that future. Whether you’re seated in the theater, mingling in the lobby, or enjoying the courtyard, your presence brings this space to life. Theater thrives not only because of the artists and crew, but because of you—your energy, your reactions, your voice in the shared experience.

Matt Shakman

Audrey Skirball Kenis

Richard Sherman

Charles Kenis

Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus

Karl Malden

JaHan Wang

Jerry Moss

We’re grateful for the time you spend with us and encourage you to share this experience with others.

The more voices we bring into the fold, the richer the story becomes.

Marc Weinstock

Jerry Perenchio

Thank you for your continued support of live, local theater. Enjoy the show!

Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director / CEO 4 P L AY B I L L

Miranda Tollman

Ginny Mancini

Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman Dr. Charles E. Young

LEGAL COUNSEL Nikki Kerman Venable LLP

THANK YOU!

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS, DONORS, HONOREES & STORYTELLERS PRESENTING SPONSORS

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VIEW EVENT PHOTOS & TRIBUTE MESSAGES AT

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F LO C K H

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GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS THE MCC THEATER PRODUCTION OF

TABLE 17 WRITTEN BY

DOUGLAS LYONS DIRECTED BY

ZHAILON LEVINGSTON PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MARK CORTALE

SCENIC DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

JASON SHERWOOD

DEVARIO D. SIMMONS

LIGHTING DESIGNER

SOUND DESIGNER

BEN STANTON

CHRISTOPHER DARBASSIE

HAIR & WIG DESIGNER

COMPOSER

NIKIYA MATHIS

TRE MATTHEWS

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

INTIMACY DIRECTOR

ROSALIND BEVAN PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

SAM ALLEN

JOY DEMICHELLE ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

LYDIA RUNGE

LOS ANGELES CASTING

PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA

OPENING NIGHT

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025 2025/2026 SEASON SPONSOR

Commissioned and developed by New Works Provincetown Mark Cortale, Jonathan Murray & Harvey Reese, Producing Partners Produced at MCC Theater, September 2024 Artistic Directors: Bernard Telsey & William Cantler; Executive Director: Blake West 6 P L AY B I L L

TABLE 17 CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Jada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GAIL BEAN Dallas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIKO EISEN-MARTIN River, Eric & Others. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MICHAEL RISHAWN

UNDERSTUDIES

u/s Jada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IMANI BRANCH u/s Dallas / River, Eric & Others. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CALVIN M. THOMPSON Understudies never substitute for listed players unless specified.

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.

SETTING/TIME

PLEASE NOTE

Yesterday, Today & Forever

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

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

RUNNING TIME

85 minutes, no intermission.

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF FOR TABLE 17 Assistant Scenic Designer Carter Vickers

Wigs Haley Ruby

Scenic Painter Chandish Nester

Assistant Costume Designer Lawrence Henry

Wigs Swing Kassidy Klinesmith

Associate Lighting Designer Claire Chrzan

Dresser Maya Channer

Properties Artisans & Carpenters Sigourney Chin, Danny Dolan, Ryan Howard, Josh Hunt

Casting Consultant Jamila Webb

Light Board Operator Jesús Cambero Elias

Production Assistant Siena Viviano

A2 Mo Tandrow

On-Book Production Assistant Ryan Foreman

Carpenters Oliver Brink, Enrique Garcia, Ryan Howard, Mason Irwin, Claudia Peterson, Kalika Reece, Sam Sully, Zach Young

Automation Operator Enrique Garcia Wardrobe Supervisor Michayla Van Treeck

Stitchers Lucy Black, Mekhell Cassagnol Electricians Nikki Alday, Bianca Bishop, Ezra Fisher, Ben Loudermilk, Juan Lozano, Ezra Muthiah, James Tatsch, Sketkh Williams Sound Technicians Michael Svolos, Mo Tandrow

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; The teams at MCC Theater and New Works Provincetown

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.

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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.

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

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.

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

G A I L B E A N (she/her) Jada

BIKO EISEN-MARTIN (he/him) Dallas

M I C H A E L R I S H AW N River, Eric & Others

Gail Bean is an NAACP Image

Off-Broadway: MCC Theater

Michael Rishawn is an

Award–winning actress best

world premieres of Table 17

award-winning, classically

known for her roles in television

(AUDELCO Award winner) and

trained actor whose work spans

and film. Though her start was

soft (Lucille Lortel and AUDEL-

Broadway, television, film,

on stage, she gained widespread

CO nominations); The Public

voiceover, and performance

recognition for her performance

Theater, LAByrinth Theater

capture. He is the recipient

as “Wanda Bell” in the hit FX

Company, Rattlestick Theater,

of a Lucille Lortel Award, an

series Snowfall. Bean has also

Ensemble Studio Theatre,

Outer Critics Circle Award,

appeared in notable favorites

59E59, and more. Regional:

and Drama Desk recognition,

P-Valley, Harlem, and Insecure,

“Hamlet” in Hamlet at Penn-

celebrated for bringing emo-

to name a few. With a passion

sylvania Shakespeare Festival;

tional truth and commanding

for storytelling, she brings a vi-

The Old Globe, Hudson Valley

presence to every role. Stage

brant and authentic energy to all

Shakespeare Festival, Studio

highlights include originating

her roles. Known for her versatile

Theatre, Folger Theatre, Cross-

roles in Table 17 (MCC Theater),

acting skills, she has built a

roads Theatre Company, Arden

Handjob (Echo Theater Com-

reputation for portraying com-

Theatre Company, Syracuse

pany), and Broadway’s Ain’t No

plex characters with depth and

Stage, Long Wharf Theatre,

Mo’, produced by Lee Daniels.

authenticity. Bean continues to

Actors Theatre of Louisville,

On screen, he has appeared in

rise in prominence within Holly-

Chautauqua Theater Company,

FBI: Most Wanted, BUNK’D, And

wood, taking on more significant

Campo Santo, and more. TV/

Just Like That…, Raising Dion,

roles across various genres. She

Film: East New York (CBS),

Survival of the Thickest, and

recently returned to stage and

Buck (Sundance), Modern Love

Crutch, alongside indie gems

(Amazon Prime Video), Power

like The Send Off. His versatility

Book II: Ghost (Starz), Blue

extends to audiobook narration

Bloods (CBS), Dietland (AMC).

for Audible, performance

Biko's artwork has been in

capture in the WWE 2K22

various publications and films,

franchise, and commercial

as well as a mural in San Fran-

campaigns for nationally rec-

cisco's landmark Clarion Alley.

ognized American brands. He

B.A./M.A.T. Brown University;

holds an M.F.A. from UC San

M.F.A. National Theatre Con-

Diego and has also performed

servatory. @saybiko

at Carnegie Hall.

will have her LA theater debut at Geffen Playhouse with Tony Award–winning director Zhailon Levingston for Douglas Lyons’ Table 17 this winter. Gail Bean is the current generation of young Hollywood. She’s not just dynamic onscreen, Bean is equally amazing off camera—with her non-profit, Dream Above the Influence, Bean uplifts the community through youth mentorship, resources and exposure to greater opportunities.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 9

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

I M A N I B R A N C H (she/her) u/s Jada

Imani Branch is thrilled to be making her Geffen Playhouse debut with Table 17! Imani is an actor, singer, and writer and at the heart of her work, she loves to explore layered, humanizing, and joyful stories centered around black and brown folks.

Favorite credits include: “Desi/ Renata/Sherry” in Passing Strange and “Ensemble/ Maureen u/s” in Rent with Signature Theatre, and Blood at the Root with Theater Alliance which won her a best ensemble Helen Hayes Award. She has a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Howard University and recently completed the two-year Meisner training at Baron Brown Studio.

She would like to thank her teachers Elaine Williams and Eddie Singletary as well as her amazing support group of family and friends. Glory to God! More at www.imanibranch.com.

IG: @imanibranch

CA LV I N M . T H O M P S O N (he/him) u/s Dallas / River, Eric & Others

D O U G L AS LYO N S (he/him) Playwright

Calvin M. Thompson is a 2025

Emmy–nominated multi-hy-

AUDELCO Award nominee for his role in the Off-Broadway revival of Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (Negro Ensemble Company, directed by Clinton Turner Davis), a New York Times Critic's Pick. His Off-Broadway credits include Harlem Hellfighters on a Latin Beat, The Falling Season, Couriers and Contrabands, The Two Roberts, and At Buffalo. NY Theatre: A Soldier’s Play, Staged, Fly. Regional: The Hot Wing King (Alliance Theatre, Hartford Stage, Baltimore Center Stage), Hurt People (Eugene O’Neill Theater Center), The Mountaintop, The Bluest Eye, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Flyin’ West, and Voodoo Macbeth. Film/TV: Ophelia, Ying and Yang, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. A 2019 American Black Film Festival Star Project semifinalist. All gratitude to God and to his incredible family for their love and support. www.calvinmthompson.com IG: @mr.callycal

Douglas Lyons is a two-time phenate artist. As a writer, he earned a GLAAD Media Award nomination for his Broadway playwriting debut, Chicken & Biscuits, which was the second-most produced play in America in 2022-2023. His most recent play, Table 17, which premiered Off-Broadway at MCC Theater, was deemed a New York Times Critic’s Pick and won two 2024 AUDELCO Awards for Best Playwright and Outstanding Ensemble, two Lucille Lortel Awards, and an Outer Critics Circle Award. Douglas served as a writer on both seasons of Apple TV+’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. His Broadway acting and touring credits include The Book of Mormon, plus the original casts of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the recent Tony Award–winning Broadway revival of Parade, RENT, and Dreamgirls. As a composer-lyricist, his music and lyrics have been featured on Nickelodeon, BET+, Apple TV+, CBS, Audible, and more. His other written stage works include Don’t Touch My Hair (IAMA Theatre Company), Polkadots (Off Broadway Alliance Award Winner Best Family Show, Atlantic Theater

1 0 P L AY B I L L

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Company), Beau the Musical

ater Company, The Playwrights

Baltimore Center Stage. Other

(Out of the Box Theatrics), the

Realm, Signature Theatre,

credits include Rustin (Netflix),

world premiere of Five Points

ART, The Old Globe, Alliance

three seasons of AMC’s televi-

(Theater Latté Da), and more.

Theatre, Denver Center for the

sion show TURN: Washington’s

He is currently developing tele-

Performing Arts, and more. His

Spies, the 2nd National Touring

vision with Skydance and Ryan

TV production design work

production of In the Heights, and

Reynolds’ Maximum Effort.

includes the Oscars, Rent: Live,

two seasons of PBS television

www.douglaslyons.net

the Kennedy Center Honors, the

series Mercy Street. Member of

IG: @chocolatehipster

Grammy Awards, and perfor-

United Scenic Artist 829.

mances for Elton John, Eminem, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Cynthia Erivo, and Janelle Monae. Sherwood also designed world tours for Sam Smith, the Spice Girls, and Sara Bareilles.

He is the recipient of Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel Award Z H A I LO N L E V I N G S TO N (he/him) Director

Zhailon Levingston is an Obie and Lucille Lortell Award–winning storyteller and director.

He is a board member for the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, which received an honorary Tony Award in 2021. Zhailon is also the Artistic Director of Inheritance Theatre Project.

Select credits include: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Broadway), Hadestown (Korea), The Wiz Jr. (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati), Chicken & Biscuits (Broadway), Patience (Second Stage Theatre), Little Miss Perfect (Goodspeed Musicals), Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Perelman Performing Arts Center).

JAS O N S H E RWO O D Scenic Designer

Jason Sherwood is a two-time Emmy Award–winning designer.

He has designed world premiere plays and musicals at New York Theatre Workshop, Atlantic The-

nominations and a Henry Hewes Design Award. NYU grad.

B E N S TA N TO N (he/him) Lighting Designer

Ben is a lighting designer for theater, concerts, dance, installations, and events. He is a five-time Tony Award nominee as well as an Obie, Lucille Lortel, Henry Hewes Design, IRNE, and Ovation Award

@JasonSherwoodDesign

winner. Ben’s work is current-

D E VA R I O D. S I M M O N S (he/him) Costume Designer

in the Tony Award–winning

Devario D. Simmons is an Amer-

starring Sean Hayes; and on

ican costume designer. His credits include Broadway: Thoughts of a Colored Man; Off-Broadway: Beau the Musical, Table 17 (MCC Theater); The White Chip, Bees & Honey, Tumacho, Between the Bars, EMERGENCY!, and P.S. Additionally, Simmons has had the pleasure of being a guest artist at Santa Fe Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. His regional credits include MCC Theater, Geffen Playhouse, Clarence Brown Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Asolo Repertory Theatre, TheatreSquared, Geva Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bucks County Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, Jean’s Playhouse, Syracuse Stage, and

ly represented on Broadway musical Maybe Happy Ending; in London in Good Night, Oscar the North American tour of the musical The Notebook. Recent Broadway credits include The Notebook; Mary Jane; Days of Wine and Roses; Good Night, Oscar; The Collaboration; A Christmas Carol; The Rose Tattoo; Derren Brown: Secret; Regina Spektor: Live at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater; Junk; Six Degrees of Separation; Deaf West Theater’s Spring Awakening; Fully Committed; and Fun Home (Broadway, Off-Broadway, 1st National Tour, London).

Ben is an assistant professor at Brooklyn College where he teaches lighting design and programming, and lives in Brooklyn with his partner, the projection designer Lucy Mackinnon, and their two children.

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

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES C H R I S TO P H E R DA R B AS S I E Sound Designer

and Chicken & Biscuits. Up-

ciate directed tiny father at Gef-

coming: Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

fen Playhouse; and Arrowhead

Off-Boadway (select): The Antiq-

Off-Broadway credits include

and Don’t Touch My Hair at IAMA

uities, Amusements (Playwrights

Goddess, Lights Out: Nat “King”

Theatre Company. As a member

Horizons); The Counter (Round-

Cole, Primary Trust, This Land

of the Drama League, she was

about Theatre Company); Caro-

Was Made, A Raisin in the Sun,

the associate to Whitney White

line, Table 17 (MCC Theater); Six

Nollywood Dreams, and Stew.

on White’s original piece Mac-

Characters (LCT3); Grangeville,

She has earned the Obie, Henry

beth in Stride at Yale Repertory

A Bright New Boise, A Case for

Hewes Design, Drama Desk,

Theatre and Brooklyn Academy

the Existence of God (Signature

and Black Women on Broad-

of Music. Selected directing

Theatre NYC); The Apiary, Camp

way’s Kathy Perkins Awards and

credits include Stuck at the

Siegfried, Patience (Second

teaches nationwide.

Hollywood Fringe Festival; Stew

Stage Theater); I’m Almost There (Audible’s Minetta Lane Theatre/ Francesca Moody Productions at Edinburgh Festival Fringe); This Beautiful Future (Cherry Lane Theatre); the Uncle Vanya in a loft, Heaux Church, P.S. (Ars Nova); Black Exhibition, demons.

(The Bushwick Starr); and work at Petzel Gallery, Goodman Theatre, Alliance Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory Company,

at Gloucester Stage Company; T R E M AT T H E WS (he/him) Composer

Tre Matthews is a versatile music producer blending hip hop, R&B, gospel, and jazz into dynamic, genre-crossing soundscapes.

Born in Detroit and based in the DMV (DC/MD/VA), he brings both authenticity and innovation to every project. A graduate of American University with a

No Child… and Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 at Newton Theatre Company; Echoes and The 54th In ‘22, two short audio plays at The Huntington; and Marcus; or The Secret of Sweet, The Moors, and Proof as a guest director at Boston University. www.rosalindbevan.com

degree in audio production, Tre

J OY D E M I C H E L L E (she/her) Intimacy Director

seum in Harlem, and more.

combines technical precision

Joy DeMichelle is a multi-hy-

N I K I YA M AT H I S (she/her) Har & Wig Designer

a sought-after collaborator for

Nikiya Mathis made Broadway

sound. Beyond the studio, he

history as the first wig designer

draws inspiration from his

to receive a Special Tony Award

Christian faith, grounding his

for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

work in purpose and connection.

by Jocelyn Bioh. A classically

With more than two decades

trained actress with an M.F.A.

immersed in music, Tre contin-

from NYU Tisch School of the

ues to push boundaries, shaping

Arts, she has recurred as “N’Ki-

fresh sounds that resonate

yah Franklin” in Power Book

across audiences and genres.

Brooklyn Museum, Studio Mu-

with a creative ear, making him artists aiming to elevate their

III: Raising Kanan (Starz) and appeared in Snowfall (FX), The Blacklist, Chicago Med, BrainDead, New Amsterdam, Blue Bloods, and The Night Of. Her Broadway wig design credits include Liberation, Purpose, Home, The Heart of Rock and Roll, Once Upon a One More Time, Death of a Salesman, Topdog/Underdog,

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R O SA L I N D B E VA N (she/her) Associate Director

Rosalind is a director and producer. She has co-produced and directed independent projects in LA including a workshop production of How to Have Sex Again by Louis Reyes McWilliams and a staged reading of Kira Rockwell’s Oh, To Be Pure Again. She asso-

phenate artist, who specializes in sensual connection and emotionally heightened storytelling. Joy’s most recent intimacy direction includes: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (A Noise Within); Bacon (Rogue Machine Theatre); Jelly’s Last Jam (Pasadena Playhouse); Choir Boy (Dezart Performs); Hedda Gabler, The Winter’s Tale (Bedlam); Apartment Living (Skylight Theatre Company); and TJ Loves Sally 4 Ever (Theatre Horizon). Film/Television: Wild Rose (ALLBLK); We’re Not Married? (Independent). University: Numerous student productions and Guest Lecturer at USC and CSULB. As an actress, this year Joy has appeared on Matlock, Grey’s Anatomy; Macbeth at A Noise Within and as “Fannie Lou

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Hamer” at the Greenway Court

Heels, The Great Leap (Pasadena

Theatre in Greenwood 1964.

Playhouse); Our Dear Dead Drug

Education: B.F.A., North Carolina

Lord (Center Theatre Group);

Mark Cortale (Artistic Director,

A&T State University and M.F.A.,

An American in Paris, Cinderella,

New Works Provincetown)

Rutgers University’s Mason

Grease, Ragtime (Musical The-

recently produced the Broadway

Gross School of the Arts.

atre West); Jersey Boys (Pioneer

premiere of the six-time Tony–

www.joydemichelle.com

Theatre Company); Beautiful:

nominated musical Floyd Collins

The Carole King Musical, Singin’

by Adam Guettel and Tina Lan-

SA M A L L E N (they/them) Production Stage Manager

in the Rain, On Your Feet!, Kinky

dau with Lincoln Center Theater.

In September of 2024 he pro-

Sam Allen is freelance stage

Boots, Jersey Boys, Million Dollar Quartet, Honky Tonk Angels (Riv-

duced Table 17 at MCC Theater

erside Theatre); The Little Foxes,

starring two-time Tony–winner

Our Town (South Coast Reper-

Kara Young which won an

tory); Assassins, Mamma Mia!,

Outer Critics Circle Award, two

Man of God, As We Babble On,

Lucille Lortel Awards, amd two

Allegiance (East West Players);

AUDELCO Awards. Also in 2024,

Two Mile Hollow (Artists at Play).

he produced the three-time

Graduate of the University of

Tony–nominated musical Days

Wisconsin–La Crosse with a B.A.

of Wine and Roses on Broadway,

in Theatre Stage Management.

with music and lyrics by Adam

manager, director, and producer currently based in Los Angeles.

Off-Broadway: The Brothers Size (The Shed). Regional: Not About Nightingales (Williamstown Theatre Festival); Furlough’s Paradise, Noises Off, The Brothers Size (Geffen Playhouse); La Cage aux Folles (Pasadena Playhouse); Me and the Devil, Fat Ham, King James, Pleasant, The Merry Wives of Windsor, All Day (The Old Globe); Animals Out of Paper, Flowers of Hawaii (Chautauqua Theater Company); #SLACabaret (Salt Lake Acting Company); Cherry Wine in Paper Cups (Sackerson); The Audacity, Flora Meets a Bee, P.G. Anon (Plan-B Theatre). A recipient of the 2024 Charlie Blackwell Symposium Scholarship and the 2023 Cody Renard Richard Scholarship.

Education: B.F.A. in Stage Management and Directing from Westminster University (2020), M.F.A. in Stage Management from University of California,

M A R K C O R TA L E (he/him) Producer

Guettel and book by Craig LuP H Y L L I S S C H U R I N G A , C SA (she/her) Los Angeles Casting

Phyllis is an Artistic Associate and the Casting Director for Geffen Playhouse. Recent productions include: The Inheritance: Part 1 & Part 2 (Artios Award), Every Brilliant Thing, The Power of Sail, Witch, and Barbecue. Before joining the Geffen, she cast for Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago where her favorites include Frank Galati’s adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath (also La Jolla Playhouse, National Theatre in London, and Broadway, where

cas. In 2020, Mark founded the developmental theatre lab New Works Provincetown. In conjunction with producing partners Jonathan Murray and Harvey Reese, he has commissioned five works to date including Beautiful Little Fool with a book by Mona Mansour and music and lyrics

by Hannah Corneau. This new musical directed by Michael Greif will have its world premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in London this January. www.markcortalepresents.com IG: @cortalemark

it received the Tony Award

M C C T H E AT E R Originating Producer

for Best Play) and the original

MCC Theater is one of New

Theater) to kick off 2026!

production of Steve Martin’s

York’s leading nonprofit

Picasso at the Lapin Agile.

Off-Broadway companies,

LY D I A R U N G E (she/her) Assistant Stage Manager

Broadway transfers include One

driven by a mission to provoke

Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

conversations that have never

Geffen Playhouse debut. Select

(Tony Award for Best Revival),

happened and otherwise never

credits include: La Cage aux

The Song of Jacob Zulu, and The

would. Founded in 1986 by Bob

Folles, Sanctuary City, Head Over

Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

LuPone (1946-2022) and Bernie

Irvine (2024). Upcoming projects include A Doll’s House (Two River

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

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Telsey, and later joined by co-Ar-

McCraney is an award-winning

audiences with live theater of

tistic Director Will Cantler, MCC

writer, producer, and educator,

the highest caliber. Prior to being

fulfills its mission through pro-

best known for his acclaimed

named Executive Director in

ducing new plays and musicals

trilogy, The Brother/Sister Plays.

2015, Cates served as Geffen

that challenge artists and audi-

His script In Moonlight Black

Playhouse Board Vice Chairman

ences to confront contemporary

Boys Look Blue is the basis

since 2012 and served as a

issues. Celebrated MCC Theater

for the Oscar–winning film

producer and director in theater,

productions include Emmanuelle

Moonlight directed by Barry

film and television. His theater

Mattana’s Trophy Boys, Douglas

Jenkins, for which McCraney

credits include the award-win-

Lyons’ Table 17, the world pre-

and Jenkins also won a Best

ning Names (Matrix Theatre

miere of Jason Robert Brown’s

Adapted Screenplay Oscar. He

Company) and Three Sisters and

The Connector, Gavin Creel’s

is an ensemble member at Step-

David Mamet’s A Life in the The-

Walk on Through: Confessions of

penwolf Theatre and a member

atre (both at Syracuse Stage).

a Museum Novice, Hansol Jung’s

of Teo Castellanos D-Projects in

Cates’ film credits include The

Lucille Lortel Award–winning

Miami, a graduate of New World

Surface (starring Sean Astin and

Wolf Play, Jocelyn Bioh’s School

School of the Arts, The Theatre

Geffen Playhouse alumnus Chris

Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls

School at DePaul University,

Mulkey), Jobs (starring Ashton

Play; Robert Askins’ Hand to God

and the David Geffen School

Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot

(Broadway transfer; five 2015

of Drama at Yale. He received

Mulroney, as well as Geffen

Tony Award nominations), and

an honorary doctorate from the

Playhouse alumni Matthew

many more. MCC’s playwright

University of Warwick. He was

Modine and Ron Eldard) and the

development initiatives foster

recently Co-Chair of Playwriting

2011 feature film Lucky (starring

the next generation of theater

at the David Geffen School of

Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor and

artists, and education initiatives

Drama, where he remains on

Ann-Margret). In addition, Cates

impact thousands of students

faculty. He is an associate at the

co-produced and co-directed

through innovative programs

Royal Shakespeare Company,

the critically acclaimed Life

and partnerships.

London, and a member of the

After Tomorrow, featuring Sarah

Academy of Motion Picture Arts

Jessica Parker, which premiered

and Sciences (Writers Branch).

on Showtime. His other films include Deal (starring Burt Reynolds, Bret Harrison and Charles Durning) and The Mesmerist (starring Jessica Capshaw and Geffen Playhouse alumnus Neil Patrick Harris). Cates’ television directorial debut was an episode

TA R E L L A LV I N M c C R A N E Y (he/him) Artistic Director

of the NBC comedy Joey, star-

Tarell Alvin McCraney is Artistic

G I L CAT E S, J R .

Executive Director / CEO

Director of Geffen Playhouse.

Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive Direc-

In this role, he is responsible

tor / CEO of Geffen Playhouse.

for identifying, developing, and

In this role, he is responsible for

programming new works and

managing the Geffen’s day-to-

re-envisioned classics. He sets

day operations; developing new,

the strategic artistic course

ongoing theater partnerships

for the Geffen’s Gil Cates and

and leading its mission to inform,

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theaters.

entertain and inspire diverse

1 4 P L AY B I L L

ring Emmy winner Matt LeBlanc.

He recently directed Displaced, a documentary short chronicling the journey of one of the first refugee families to flee Ukraine and arrive in the U.S. after escaping the Russian invasion. He studied at the National Theatre Institute in Waterford, Connecticut, and holds a B.F.A. in Drama from Syracuse University.

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.

MEGHAN KENNEDY

STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR

KATIE LINDSAY, TOVA KATZ & ALEXANDRA KALINOWSKI

JIEHAE PARK

BOX OFFICE WINDOW

LUIS ALFARO

MATTHEW LÓPEZ MARTYNA MAJOK

Co-Commission with Atlantic Theater Company

TARELL ALVIN McCRANEY & YORK WALKER

SARA PORKALOB & BRIAN QUIJADA JEN SILVERMAN N’YOMI ALLURE STEWART Co-Commission with New York Theatre Workshop, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation

DAVID WIENER CRAIG WRIGHT LAUREN YEE

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

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 feed-

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 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.

back from their peers and the Geffen’s artistic staff, culmi-

NO PHOTOGRAPHY

nating in a play reading series.

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

Please turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones.

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

FRANK PAIVA

LOUIS REYES McWILLIAMS

RYN STAFFORD

ZHARIA O'NEAL

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.

UCLA SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM AND TELEVISION 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 5

A WORD FROM THE WRITER Laugh openly with us. Love with us. Let this play remind you of that ex you wanna strangle and the one you can't stop thinking of. Unbutton your top button, the pants too, and be free. be shy, talk to 'em. This restaurant is lively and we're oh so glad you're here.

—DOUGLAS LYONS, PLAYWRIGHT, TABLE 17

1 6 P L AY B I L L

PHOTO BY COREY OLSEN

The characters will ask you for advice, don't

BEHIND THE SCENES Q&A

LEAVE THEM LOVING

AN INTERVIEW WITH PLAYWRIGHT DOUGLAS LYONS

BY AMY LEVINSON, GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A M Y L E V I N S O N : The romantic comedy feels

A L : What do you want Geffen audiences feeling

like such a rarity in the theater these days, and a

when they leave Table 17?

welcome offering. What inspired you to pursue this genre?

D L : Complete and utter joy. It is so rare to witness unapologetic Black love like this in the theater. I

D O U G L AS LYO N S : I was raised on the Black

want couples from all backgrounds falling deeper

’90’s-early 2000’s rom com—Love & Basketball,

in love after they see this play. I want folks reach-

Poetic Justice, Two Can Play That Game, Love

ing out to the exes they still think about. I want

Jones, and more. Those films were such an iconic

people to ask themselves if they’re getting what

chapter in Black cinematic brilliance, and I wanted

they need from their current partners. In the tough

to bring that levity and love to the American stage.

times we’re currently living in, I want this play

“[I WANT AUDIENCES TO FEEL] COMPLETE AND UTTER JOY. IT IS SO RARE TO WITNESS UNAPOLOGETIC BLACK LOVE LIKE THIS IN THE THEATER.” — PLAYWRIGHT DOUGLAS LYONS

A L : We always enjoy having a second production

to be a beacon of light, a tickle to the gut, and a

in house as we know how much can change from

reminder to love fearlessly.

the world premiere. Can you speak to one or two

A L : What or who inspires you as an artist?

discoveries you made during the first production that you knew you wanted to delve into for this incarnation?

D L : In my rewrite for the Geffen production my goal was to equal the scale of accountability between Jada and Dallas. Audiences at MCC Theater were extremely vocal—in the best way—and taught me where I could make the story even more complex. With Table 17, I never want to offer concrete answers, instead I want to offer various points

D L : I have a collection—Doechii, Ziwe, Ts Madison, Viola Davis, Mr. [Tyler] Perry, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Issa Rae, Quinta Brunson, and more. I love distinct, intentional human beings who own who they are and what they want. They don’t wait for the world to hand them anything, they go out and build it for themselves. I’m also very inspired by funny people. They’ve taught me not to take myself too seriously.

of view about relationships and let the audience

To read more about Table 17, visit

decide what feels right for them.

geffenplayhouse.org/blog.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 1 7

SARA PORKALOB IN DRAGON MAMA

N O S A E S 25/26ABOUT IS .

T I L T E G TO G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E.O R G/S U B S C R I B E · 310.2 0 8.2 02 8

3 - P L A Y P A C K A G E S S T A R T A T J U S T $9 0!

E B I T R O C D S A B Y! U S

3-PLAY CREATE-YOUR-OWN PACKAGES START AT JUST $90!

P E R S H O W C R E AT E -Y O U R - O W N S U B S C R I P T I O N P R I C I N G PREMIUM

SECTION

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$125

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$103

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SUBSCRIBERS RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS:

• Choose your date and price level for each show • Enjoy the best seats in the house • Priority access to purchase tickets to Dragon Mama • No per-ticket fees • Flexible exchanges... and more! *Create-Your-Own packages available for 2025/2026 Season Gil Cates Theater productions only; subscribers pay no per-ticket fees for additional productions in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.

G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E.O R G/S U B S C R I B E · 310.2 0 8.2 02 8

*

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

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 August 1, 2024 and September 30, 2025. A full listing of our supporters can be found at geffenplayhouse.org/thankyou. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors

^ Geffen Playhouse Founding Trustees

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 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 City National Bank 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

Capital Group

David & Martha Kadue

Marcy Carsey

Julie & David Kavner

City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

Karen & Walter Loewenstern

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

Mid-America Arts Alliance in Partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg Bob & Diana Friedman

Carla Malden† & Norman Beil

Carol & Paul Frimmer

Soundis & Danny† Passman

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation

Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Yvonne Randle

Kirsten Hansen & Allen Shay

Thomas L. Safran

Noble & Jacquelynn Hansen

Chris T. Schmidt

Martha Henderson

Marcia & Robert Shuwarger

Cindy & Alan Horn

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

Marcia Israel-Curley Foundation^ Carol & Bill Ouchi Judith & Bruce Stern Shel & Cynthia Stone Wolfen Family Foundation

PLAYWRIGHTS’S CIRCLE $10,000 – $24,999 Anonymous Eva Aaronson— In Memory of Bucky Hazan The Berlanti Family Foundation Katherine Brown & Rene Mendoza Cast Iron Entertainment Mary Ann Cloyd† Ellyce R. Cooper & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP Bonnie Eskenazi† Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll Susan & Mark† Fleischer

Deborah Tavlin U.S. Bank Waterman and Glicksteen Families Aurora & Marc† Weinstock 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

$25,000 – $49,999

Sue & Steve Glusker

Anonymous

In Memory of Morris A. Hazan

Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo

The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation

Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation

Donna & Steven Chisolm

Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark

Cindy Clark

Allen Blue & Kira Snyder

Steward Family Foundation

Linda & John Coleman G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 1

ANNUAL DONORS Ginger Conrad

Julie & Peter Weil

Peter & Heidi Cartmell

In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert

Joanne & Ken Weinman

The Christal Family

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Gelena & Seth Weissman

Michael De Luca

Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck

Alison Whalen & Steve Marenberg

Jacki & Murray Drechsler

Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin

Susan & Dan White

Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler

Barbara & Ed Dreyfus

Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras

Jeff Eckerle & Marilyn Osborn

Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation In Memory of Lucas Simon Foster

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston

$2,500 – $4,999

David & Joyce Evans

Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family

Aversa Foundation

Melanie Flamminio

G2 Graphic Service, Inc.

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In Honor of Frank & Betty Fouce

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Glorya Kaufman^

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Kelton Fund

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Laura Kennedy

In Memory of Jane F. Hall

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Harris Family Foundation

Ann & Jonathan Kirsch

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Kling Family Foundation / Allen & Jessica Kling

Barbara Herman

Lynn T. Franklin

Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick David Lee Foundation Rena & Craig Leeds Tania Lotia & Tamar Tokat Marcia E. Williams & Gene Lucero Renee & Meyer Luskin Mara W. Breech Foundation Laura Maslon Cookie Miller Haley Pigman Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer Richard Rasiej & Joan Herman Joyce Rey Carol Risher Susan Rogers The Ross Family

Jack Hileman & Roxanne Huddleston Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob Linda Janger Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith Nancy Koven Tim McNeal Thaine & Elizabeth Morris Susan Oka Joyce & Harvey Reichard Snyder Family Foundation

Catherine A. Froloff Richard & Lori Goldman Ellie Goodman Deidre Hall Pauliana Cheung Hall Richard Hart Scott Hartle Jackson Henry Hella Hershson Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone 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 Delores Komar & Susan Wolford Trice Koopman & Mark Freund Cori Lable Lena & Mark Labowe

Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis

Mindy Lauerlevin & Ed Levin

Leslie White & Al Limon

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DESIGNER’S CIRCLE

Trulee Lee

$1,000 – $2,499

Carl Levinger & Karen Siscoe Lawrin & Linda Lewin

Anonymous (2)

Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder

Jan & David Altemus

Judith Locke

Patti Amstutz

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Barbara Marshall

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Kathy & Jim McCaffery

Yvette Bergeron & Dean Bailey

S. McQueen & D. Whalen

Wendy & John Bergquist

Norma & Larry Meyers

Anne C. Taubman

Beverlee Bickmore & James Kelly

Andrew & Laura Mintzer

William & Karen Timberlake

John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey

Thomas W. Mitchell

Daniel & Shauna Valenzuela

Laura & Jerry Callaway

Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse

Cooper Roth Dinah C. Ruch & Bill Birdsall David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Nancy & Ted Sanborn Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt John Shustitzky & Rev. Christine Chakoian

2 2 P L AY B I L L

ANNUAL DONORS In Memory of Elliott Myron

Kay & Larry Driscoll

Nancy & Steven Schneider

Mark & Diane Neubauer

Terry Feuerborn & Connie Whitley

William Schreiber

Julie Nichols

Burt & Nanette Forester

John Schunhoff

Ornest Family Foundation

Bruce Fortune & Elodie Keene

Tina & John Scott

Ralph Page & Patty Lesh

Elaine & Larry Friedman

Marc Seltzer

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Mr. & Mrs. David Tann

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Susan Schwarz

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In Memory of Pippa Scott and In Honor of Miranda Rich Tollman

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Anonymous

The Tatasciore Family

Jalyn Lang

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Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block†

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Nancy Hytone Leb

Westmount Asset Management

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PARTNER’S CIRCLE

Drs. Sharon & Lou Ignarro

Cynthia Melville In Memory of Gregory Millar

Shirah & Jim Vollmer 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: Annenberg Foundation

City National Bank Kirsten^ & Donald Combs Marcia Israel-Curley & Jim Curley Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc. The David Geffen Foundation

Audrey & Charles Kenis Lincy Foundation Fay & Frank^ Mancuso

$500 – $999

Joan & Phil Miller

Tina & Jerry^ Moss / The Moss Foundation

Anonymous (7)

Dr. Gail Devlin Moradi

Perenchio Foundation

Toshka & Norman Abrams

John Moschitta, Jr.

The Shubert Foundation

Linda Adams & Ken Larson

Ron Myrick

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

Loren Adams

Louise Olin

Skirball Foundation

Robert C. Anderson

Carol F. Phillips

Frances & Thomas Booth

Gary & Gail Rachelefsky

Philip & Phyllis Colman

Robert Rosania

Steven & Linda Darling

Mary Ann Rosenfeld & Sheldon Kadish

Dr. Van Anh & Nariman Dastur

Brad Ross

Kristin Diehl

Linda Sandrich

Linda Dozier

Cliff & Linda Schaffer

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 Coordinator at 310.208.6500 ext. 195.

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 3

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN DONORS Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of this year's Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser, honoring Frank Marshall, Danielle Pinnock, and Matt Bomer, held on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Event photos and tribute messages can be found at geffenplayhouse.org/backstage. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors PRESENTING SPONSORS

Comcast NBCUniversal

The Adi† and Jerry Greenberg Foundation

Ellyce R. Cooper and Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP

UCLA Health

Creative Artists Agency

PLATINUM SUPPORTERS Amblin Entertainment Alan Hergott & Curt Shepard K Period Media Linda Bernstein Rubin† & Tony Rubin GOLD SUPPORTERS Cindy & Alan Horn Paramount Pictures Miranda† & Brett Tollman SILVER SUPPORTERS Marcy Carsey City National Bank Disney Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie

Merle Dandridge† Devine D’Amico Rich & Suzy Eisen Field Family Foundation Stephen Fisch Catherine Froloff Lorie Furie Brenda Garcia† Carla Gardini Robert & Carrie Glicksteen MaryAnn & Irwin Gold Corinne Hayoun Lynn James Heacox Kate Imel Nikolette Jacob

Steve Tisch

Omi Jones & Sharon Bridgforth

BRONZE SUPPORTERS

Sharon Kerson

The Archer School for Girls Claudia & Kevin Bright CBS/CBS Studios Cherie & Steve Crowe Bonnie E. Eskenazi† & Greenberg Glusker LLP Marcy Gross John Horn† & Linda Burrow Laura & Jarred Kennedy Karen & Walter Loewenstern Holly Rice† & Vince Gilligan Chris T. Schmidt Richard† & Barbara Sherman Marcia & Robert Shuwarger Joanne & Ken Weinman Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks

Larry Kaufman Carla Malden† & Norman Beil Pam Martin John McClure Tarell Alvin McCraney† Regina & Wayne Miller Olympus Theatricals Soundis & Danny† Passman Brett Paul Karen Peter Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer The Rosenthal Family Foundation Tom Saporito Productions Lauren Shuler Donner Ronald Smith

SUPPORTERS

Sarah Sturdivant

Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum

Jennifer D. Sturtz

Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert

Greg & Michelle Suess

Gil Cates, Jr.†

Theodore H. Sweetser & Jane L. Valentine

Barbara Chiodo

Paula Wagner

24 P L AY B I L L

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

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

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

EDUCATION

Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement Mark J. Chaitin Manager of Education & Community Engagement

Melissa Hartman Technical Director

Paloma Nozicka Education Associate

Philip Rossi Lead Scenic Carpenter

Sean Michael Boozer, Paris Crayton III, DeJuan Christopher Conner, Sidney Edwards, Margot Fitzsimmons, Aja Houston, Erròn Jay, BJ Lange, Tiffany Oglesby, Tara Ricasa, Ashley Denise Robinson, Gerry Tonella Teaching Artists

Greg Mueller Stage Operator Rick Gilles Properties Master Sarah Lindsley Costume Shop Supervisor Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Supervisor Jesus Cambero-Elias Assistant Lighting Supervisor James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor Bob Gilmartin Resident A1

ADMINISTRATION Sarah Sturdivant Chief Financial Officer Erick R. López General Manager 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

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Patrick Brown Director of Marketing Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative Zack Hamra Director of Audience Services & Ticketing

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 Marlon Campos Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Sarah Chute, Anya Pryjmak Part Time House Managers Vanessa Bradchulis, Jonathan McGill, Autumn Oyemade, Karl Perry, Carsen Schroeder Guest Services Savanna Chute, Ryan Foreman, Stephen Johnson, Dylan La Rocque, Shannon Noel Concessions Brynn Allen, Emma Cort, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Tyler DeLoatch, Camille Edwards, Sydney Fleischman, Alejandro Hernandez, Cassidy LeClair, Jalen McKoy, Austin Merrill, Luvina Navarro, Elena Scaringe-Peene, Cody Smith, Lanae Wilks, 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 2 5