The Mountaintop Program

THE MOUNTAINTOP

WELCOME TO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

GIL CATES, JR.

Welcome to The Mountaintop, the final production

I would also like to offer a special thank you to

of the 2022/2023 Season in the Gil Cates

everyone who participated in our Backstage at

Theater. We are thrilled to have director

the Geffen event this year honoring Debbie Allen

Patricia McGregor return to our stage and also

and Greg Berlanti. This annual event raises

to welcome playwright Katori Hall to Geffen

funds to support our ongoing commitment to

Playhouse for the first time.

bring the power and inspiration of the arts to

As this season nears its close, I invite you to explore our exciting new lineup of plays for

youth and adults in communities throughout Los Angeles.

next season. The Geffen Playhouse 2023/2024

We are thrilled to welcome you and appreciate

Season is filled with inspired storytelling at its

your ongoing support of the performing arts.

best. We look forward to bringing new voices to our LA stages, artists we are sure you will

Gil Cates, Jr.

love for years to come. We hope you will join us

Executive Director

in experiencing these plays that run the gamut from comedy to tragedy and give us new takes on stories we thought we knew.

2 P L AY B I L L

NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE LOBBY

ART LIVES HERE

Geffen Playhouse celebrates the diversity in our audiences and our productions, and it is our mission to create, foster, and nourish an environment that is open and welcoming for all. We are a home for the arts, and we believe our physical space should also reflect and be representative of our ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do and the communities we support.

Next season, we welcome Terrell Tilford (Band of Vices) as Creative Director of Art Lives Here. For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.org/artliveshere.

I was 17 and already well on

capacity for understanding

my way to theatre school

and empathy in the world.

that I discovered that not

Zach is passionate about

only were both of my biolog-

social justice and holds

ical parents actors, but that they had actually met while performing. Thinking about my own origins often makes me think about the origins of theatre itself... not the Greeks, but the earliest theatre. The cave paintings of theatre. My painting seeks to imagine the FIRST theatre and pay tribute to these early actors. In a time

FEATURED WORK #8 The Storyteller ARTIST

Zachary Bones ON DISPLAY

June 6 – July 30, 2023

Theatre is in my blood. By the time I was 5 years old, I

the conviction that the creation of art is vital to the progress of anti-racist work, the social evolution of our country, and even the survival of our species. Zach has worked on a variety of artistic projects over the years including: working as a storyboard artist for film and television, live speed

when human life was little

painter, and a comissioned

more than survival, these

portrait and memorial

storytellers gave meaning to

artist. Zach has worked

our lives, and a name for our

as a muralist, designer,

fears. Theatre is innately

scenic painter, and master

and uniquely human—it is

carpenter with: Theatre of

our birth right passed down from these first storytellers.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Zachary Bones is an LA based visual artist,

Note, Finite Films, Illyrian Players, Escape Room LA, Encore Entertainers, and more. You can learn more and see some of Zach’s

performer, activist, and

work on his website at

arts educator who believes

www.zachbart.com, or

performer. I was a child of

that art and storytelling

follow him on Instagram

adoption and it wasn’t until

have the power to grow our

@art_on_my_sleeve.

knew that I wanted to be a

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT VISIT GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/ARTLIVESHERE

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

AMY LEVINSON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adi Greenberg CHAIR

Dr. Gene D. Block

PHOTO BY ISAAK BERLINER

Gil Cates, Jr. Executive Director

evocative and haunting play The Mountaintop to the Geffen. Hall’s ability to dramatize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a larger-than-life giant of the Civil Rights Movement, with humanity and human frailty brings

Andy Spahn

Merle Dandridge

Steve Tisch

Dr. Brad Edgerton

Dr. Charles E. Young Chair Emeritus

Bonnie E. Eskenazi

IN MEMORIAM

Susan Nahley Fleishman

Gilbert Cates Founder

Patricia L. Glaser Eric Heer Carla Malden Brian Mann Tiffany Mayberry

us to an emotional truth and reminds us that greatness and perfection are not one and the same.

Danny Passman

long-time friend and collaborator Patricia McGregor, who has, as always, assembled an electric cast and an amazing group of designers. Together they have created not only an immediately recognizable motel room, but also a magnificent envelope for the action of the play that allows the story to live simultaneously in the past, the present, and the future.

As we wind down our 2022/2023 Season, I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the patrons, for making your way back to the theater. This season,

Steven Spielberg

Mark Fleischer

Mary Osako

It is our particular pleasure to welcome back our

Victoria Mann Simms

Mary Ann Cloyd Vice Chair

Brenda Garcia

We are thrilled to welcome Katori Hall and her

Bruce M. Ramer Founding Chair

Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin Matt Shakman Richard Sherman Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum Chair Emeritus JaHan Wang Marc Weinstock

FOUNDING TRUSTEES

Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden Ginny Mancini Jerry Perenchio Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman

LEGAL COUNSEL Nikki Kerman Venable LLP

ADVISORY BOARD John Sonego Chair Stephanie Carson Lori Collins Ellyce R. Cooper Debra Davis Giovanna Desselle

Harold A. Brown

you have continually embraced ambitious and some-

Ann Gianopulos

Kirsten Combs

times difficult subject matter, not to mention some

Priscila Giraldo

Robert A. Daly

Laura Kennedy

lengthy running times. Your enthusiasm and invest-

David Geffen

John McCrite

ment in the work we are doing here buoys us more

Herbert M. Gelfand Chair Emeritus

Audrey Povar

than you know, and we can’t wait to share a new season of plays with you in the 2023/2024 Season.

Until then, enjoy the show!

Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director 4 P L AY B I L L

Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Glorya Kaufman Frank G. Mancuso Chair Emeritus

Eric Rollins Scott Sandler Cela Devine Sutton Uma Swami Miranda Tollman

Ron Meyer

Rebecca Vail

Jerry Moss

Laurie Ziegler

THANK YOU!

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 SPONSORS, DONORS, HONOREES & STORYTELLERS TITLE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SUPPORTERS

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VIEW EVENT PHOTOS & TRIBUTE MESSAGES AT GEFFENPLAYHOUSE.ORG/BACKSTAGE

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THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION OF

THE MOUNTAINTOP WRITTEN BY

KATORI HALL DIRECTED BY

PATRICIA MCGREGOR SCENIC DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

RACHEL MYERS SOUND DESIGNER

DENNIS WHITEHEAD DARLING PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

ALYSSA ESCALANTE

LAP CHI CHU PROJECTION DESIGNER

CRICKET S. MYERS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

LIGHTING DESIGNER

MYLETTE NORA

YEE EUN NAM

INTIMACY & FIGHT DIRECTOR

DRAMATURG

SASHA NICOLLE SMITH

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

AMBER R. DETTMERS

REBECCA PHILLIPS EPSTEIN CASTING DIRECTOR

PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA

OPENING NIGHT

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023 OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS

The Mountaintop is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

6 P L AY B I L L

THE MOUNTAINTOP CAST OF CHARACTERS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JON MICHAEL HILL Camae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMANDA WARREN

UNDERSTUDIES Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BRIAN NELSON JR. Camae. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COURTNEY THOMAS 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.

TIME/SETTING

PLEASE NOTE

April 3, 1968.

Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel.

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

90 minutes There will be no intermission.

Original Broadway production produced by Jean Doumanian, Sonia Friedman Productions, Ambassador Theatre Group, Raise the Roof 7, Ted Snowdon, Alhadeff Productions/Lauren Doll, B Square + 4 Productions/Broadway Across America, Jacki Barlia Florin/Cooper Federman, Ronnie Planalp/Moellenberg Taylor and Marla Rubin Productions/Blumenthal Performing Arts, in association with Scott Delman.

The Mountaintop was developed at the Lark Play Development Center, New York City, and was first produced

by Theatre 503 in June 2009 and further produced at Trafalgar Studio One in July 2009 by Sonia Friedman Productions and Jean Doumanian, Tali Pelman for Ambassador Theatre Group, Bob Bartner, Freddy DeMann, Jerry Frankel, Ted Snowdon and Marla Rubin Productions Ltd. The Mountaintop was developed at the 2008 Bay Area Playwrights Festival, a program of the Playwrights Foundation (Amy L. Mueller, Artistic Director).

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

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES

J O N M I C H A E L H I L L (he/him)

A M A N DA WA R R E N

K ATO R I H A L L (she/her)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Camae

Playwright

Jon Michael Hill has been a

Amanda Warren was born and

Pulitzer Prize–winning and two-

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

raised in New York, receiving her

time Tony Award–nominated

ensemble member since 2007

B.F.A. from New York University

Memphis-native Katori Hall is

where he has appeared in True

and her M.F.A. from Yale School

the book writer and co-producer

West (Steppenwolf, Galway

of Drama. She began her profes-

of the West End and Broad-

International Arts Festival),

sional career on stage in Three

way hit Tina: The Tina Turner

The Unmentionables (Steppen-

Sisters (The Classical Theatre

Musical. She’s also the creator

wolf, Yale Repertory Theatre),

of Harlem), Terrence McNally’s

and showrunner of P-Valley, the

Superior Donuts (Steppenwolf,

Golden Age (world premiere at

breakout Starz drama based on

Broadway, Outer Critics Circle

The Kennedy Center), and When

her play Pussy Valley. Katori’s

Award, Theater World Award,

I Come to Die directed by Thom-

latest theatrical piece, The Hot

Tony Award nomination), Kafka

as Kail (Lincoln Center Theater).

Wing King, premiered in Spring

on the Shore, The Tempest,

Amanda currently leads CBS’

2020 at the Signature Theatre

The Hot L Baltimore, Head of

hit cop drama, East New York.

and won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize

Passes, Constellations, Pass

Prior, she starred in Apple TV+’s

for Drama. Her play The Moun-

Over (Lincoln Center, Amazon

acclaimed series Dickinson,

taintop, which vividly reimagines

Prime, Broadway). Regional: A

and HBO Max’s Gossip Girl.

the final night of Martin Luther

Midsummer Night’s Dream at

Previously, she starred in the

King’s life, won the Laurence

The Public Theater’s Shake-

Blumhouse anthology series,

Olivier Award for Best New

speare in the Park, In the Red

The Purge; HBO’s The Leftovers;

Play in 2010 before opening on

and Brown Water at Alliance

NBC’s This Is Us; and Netflix’s

Broadway to critical acclaim.

Theater (Atlanta), The Cure at

Black Mirror and House of Cards.

Katori’s other works include the

Troy at Seattle Rep. Film/TV:

Up next, she will appear along-

award-winning Hurt Village,

“Detective Bell” on Elementa-

side Jaime Foxx and Tommy Lee

Hoodoo Love, Saturday Night/

ry (CBS), Eastbound & Down

Jones in the Amazon feature

Sunday Morning, Our Lady of

(HBO), Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC), Law

The Burial. Other film highlights

Kibeho, Children of Killers, and

& Order: Special Victims Unit

include the award-winning Fox

The Blood Quilt. She is also the

(NBC), Person of Interest (CBS),

Searchlight film, Three Bill-

director of the award-winning

61st Street (AMC), Widows (film

boards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,

short, Arkabutla. Katori is an

by Steve McQueen), and A Man

Sony Pictures’ Roman J. Israel,

alumna of Columbia University,

in Full (upcoming on Netflix).

Esq., Martin McDonagh’s Seven

ART at Harvard University, and

Psychopaths, and the Disney

Juilliard. She’s a graduate of

feature Safety.

the Sundance Episodic Lab’s inaugural class, the Sundance Screenwriting Lab, and Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation Directing Program. Katori’s other

8 P L AY B I L L

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES awards include a Susan Smith

Theatre Company); brownsville

Blackburn Prize, two Lecomte

song (b-side for tray) (Lincoln

worldwide, Wendy’s Shabbat

du Nouy Prizes from Lincoln

Center Theater); Indomitable:

(PBS and Topic) Academy

Center, National Black Theatre’s

James Brown (Apollo Theater);

Awards qualified. Her work has

August Wilson Playwriting

Holding It Down (The Metropol-

exhibited at the Museum of

Award, NAACP Image Award

itan Museum of Art); Adoration

Fine Arts, Northwest Film Cen-

for Best Television Drama, the

of the Old Woman (INTAR

ter, and Film Forum. Awarded

Columbia University Medal of

Theatre); Blood Dazzler (Harlem

Inaugural Shondaland Directing

Excellence, and many more.

Stage); Four Electric Ghosts

Mentorship, WarnerMedia

@katorihall www.katorihall.com

(The Kitchen); and the world

OneFifty Artist, Lynn Shelton

premiere of Hurt Village (Signa-

Grant Nominee, Sundance

ture Theatre Company). Other

Director’s Co-Lab and CDDP. In

credits include The Parchman

September Rachel joins NYU

Hour (Guthrie Theater); A

Tisch as Associate Profesor of

Raisin in the Sun, The Winter’s

Production Design. M.F.A. Yale

Tale, and Spunk (Cal Shakes).

Drama, ADG800, USA829.

She was a Paul & Daisy Soros

www.rachelmyersdesign.com

Springs and 70 other festivals

Fellow at the David Geffen PATRICIA McGREGOR (she/her)

Director

Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Patricia McGregor is the Artistic Director of New York Theatre Workshop, as well as a director and writer working across disciplines.

Los Angeles credits include Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole (co-writer and director; Geffen Playhouse); Skeleton Crew (Geffen Playhouse); Good Grief (Center Theatre Group); Place (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Brooklyn Academy of Music); Sisters in Law (Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts); Shakespeare: Call and Response, Krapp’s Last Tape, What You Are, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Measure for Measure (The Old Globe). McGregor has twice been profiled

by The New York Times for her direction of world premieres.

New York credits include Hamlet (The Public Theater); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout

School of Drama at Yale.

MYLETTE NORA

Costume Designer

R AC H E L M Y E RS

Ovation Award and NAACP

Scenic Designer

Theatre Award winner for best

Rachel is a Storyteller for Stage

costumes and listed in the hon-

and Film. Geffen Playhouse:

ors edition of The Cambridge

Skeleton Crew, Power of Sail

Registry of Who’s Who Among

(Winner of Ovation & LA Drama

Executive and Professional

Critics Circle Awards). Theatre:

Women, her work worldwide

BAM, Center Theatre Group,

consists of television, film,

South Coast Repertory, Los

video, and stage. Her work was

Angeles Philharmonic, Shake-

seen nightly on The Tonight

speare Theatre, Getty Villa, The

Show with Jay Leno, now on You

Watermill Center, Williamstown

Bet Your Life with Jay Leno and

Theatre Festival, Rattlestick

Kevin Eubanks, weekly on Jay

West, Boston Court, and IAMA

Leno’s Garage, and in the film

Theatre Company. Rachel has

Remember Me: The Mahalia

conceived events for Times

Jackson Story. The famed artist

Square and the Emmys, Golden

Synthia Saint James noted Myl-

Globes and VidCon, winning

ette as being the inspiration for

NAACP, Streamy, and Broad-

her world-renowned painting

way World Awards. Production

“Ensemble,” which graced the

Design Film: Short Term 12,

cover of the best-selling novel

Kim Possible, Desperados,

Waiting to Exhale by Terry Mc-

The Drowning. As a Director,

Millan. Mylette’s designer lines

Rachel’s films BOURN KIND,

include doggie wear (www.

Wendy’s Shabbat, and 2 Black

fromtheheartdoggiewear.com),

Boys premiered at Tribeca

heirloom dolls (My Mind’s Eye),

Film Festival, Outfest, Palm

and now face masks by Mylette.

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

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES L A P C H I C H U (he/him)

Lighting Designer

Recent designs at the Geffen include Man of God and Power of Sail. He recently designed the Broadway revival of Camelot.

Other New York design credits include The Public Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Lincoln Center Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Signature Theatre, Second Stage Theatre, Performance Space 122, and Kitchen Theatre Company.

Regional designs for Mark Taper Forum, Williamstown Theater Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, The Old Globe, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Contemporary Theater, Goodman Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Arena Stage, Dallas Theater Center, and the Alley Theater.

His awards include the Obie for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design, the Lucile Lortel Award, Los Angeles Drama Critics Cir-

Discord, Wrecks, Some Girl(s),

Theatre Company, Kansas City

Emergency); Mark Taper Forum

Rep-ertory Theatre, Wallis

(Bent, Steward of Christendom,

Annenberg Center for the Per-

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,

forming Arts, Getty Villa, Latino

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad

Theater Company, and many

Zoo); La Jolla Playhouse (The

more. She also has designed

Squirrels, Guards at the Taj,

visuals for Center Theater

Sideways, The Nightingale),

Group’s gala, San Francisco

South Coast Repertory (Sweeny

Symphony’s Lunar New Year

Todd, A Doll’s House, Part 2,

event, and Los Angeles Cham-

The Fantasticks); Kirk Douglas

ber Orchestra. Yee Eun received

Theatre (Endgame, Bengal Tiger

two Lucille Lortel Awards

at the Baghdad Zoo); Pasadena

nominations for her work in

Playhouse (Real Women Have

2022 and 2023. Yee Eun is a

Curves, Stoneface); The Wallis

winner of LADCC Theatrical

(Invincible, Sisters in Law, Blues

Excellence for CGI/Video. She

in the Night). Cricket has earned

is a member of United Scenic

24 Ovation nominations, as well

Art-ists, Local 829. M.F.A. in

as winning The Ruth Morley

Theater Design at UCLA.

Award from the League of Pro-

www.yeeeunnam.com

fessional Theater Women, The Kinetic Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Design, an LADCC, and a Garland Award in Los Angeles. www.cricketsmyers.com Y E E E U N N A M (she/her)

DENNIS WHITEHEAD DA R L I N G (he/him)

Associate Director

Dennis Whitehead Darling is an opera, theatre, and film/video stage director. World premieres: Marian’s Song (Houston Grand

cle Angstrom Award for Career

Projection Designer

Opera), Sanctuary Road (North

Achievement in Lighting Design,

Yee Eun Nam is a visual

Carolina Opera), Why I Live at

the Ovation Award, and multiple

artist and a media designer

Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle

for live performances. Recent

Awards. He is a professor and

collaborations for opera/music

the Head of Lighting Design

include Detroit Opera, Opera

at University of California, Los

Omaha, LA Opera, Boston Lyric

Angeles. lapchichu.com

Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, The Kennedy Center, San

C R I C K E T S. M Y E RS (she/her)

Sound Designer

On Broadway, Cricket earned a Tony nomination and a Drama Desk Award for her design of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. She has also designed regionally at the Geffen Playhouse (The Thanksgiving Play, Underneath the Lintel, Play Dead,

1 0 P L AY B I L L

Francisco Symphony, REDCAT, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, New World Center, and The Soraya. Theatre projects include Audible Theater, Ma-Yi Theater Company, Mark Taper Forum (Center Theatre Group), A.C.T., South Coast Reper-tory, Pasadena Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, The Movement

the P.O. (UrbanArias), Buried Deep (Endstation Theatre Company), and The Secret River (Opera Orlando). Other works include The Cunning Little Vixen (Manhattan School of Music), Maria de Buenos Aires (Opera Columbus), Jelly’s Last Jam (concert performance, Long Wharf Theatre), The Falling and the Rising (Arizona Opera), Lost in the Stars (Annapolis Opera), Hansel and Gretel (film, Playground Opera), La Bohème (Opera Columbus), Giulio Cesare in Egitto (film, Carnegie Mellon University), The Gershwins’

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES Porgy and Bess (Red Mountain Theatre), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Hattiloo Theatre/ Spazio Teatro No’hma, Milan), The Parchman Hour (Hattiloo Theatre), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Spazio Teatro No’hma, Milan), Intimate Apparel (University of Memphis), Movin’ Up in the World (Opera Memphis), Sunset Baby (Hattiloo Theatre), Blue Viola (Opera Memphis), and Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (Hattiloo Theatre). www.denniswhiteheaddarling.com.

SAS H A N I C O L L E S M I T H

R E B EC CA PH I L L I PS E PST E I N

(she/her) Dramaturg

Rebecca Phillips Epstein is a writer, translator, and dramaturg, originally from New York City.

Regional and off-Broadway credits include productions at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the

wrights Realm. Television credits include Emily in Paris, Roseanne, Bad Teacher, and Hot Spot (2020 SeriesFest Special Selection), and her essays have appeared

at the Geffen again! Other

Rebecca holds a B.A. from the

theater credits include: The

University of Chicago and an

Lonely Few and The First Deep

M.F.A. from the Yale School of

Breath (Geffen Playhouse), The

Drama, and is a proud member

Notebook (Chicago Shake-

of the Writers Guild of America,

speare Theater), Ms. Blakk

West. For more information, visit

For President (Steppenwolf

www.rebeccaphillipsepstein.com.

McSweeney’s Internet Tendency,

Theatre), Familiar (Steppenwolf

pany), Toni Stone (Milwaukee Rep), Trading Places (Alliance Theater), Smart People (Writers Theater). Film/Television: Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu), Daisy Jones & The Six (Amazon), Your Place or Mine (Netflix), That ‘90s Show (Netflix), How I Met Your Father (Hulu), Random Acts of Flyness (HBO), The Rookie: Feds (ABC), The Chi (Showtime), Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls (Amazon), Truth Be Told (Apple TV+).

(Boston Court Pasadena); Criers for Hire (East West Players).

Thanks to Mom, Dad & Minerva!

AMBER R. DET TMERS (she/her)

Amber R. Dettmers has been

pany, Studio 42, and The Play-

and Human Parts by Medium.

Bluest Eye (Virginia Stage Com-

in Los Angeles, Happy Days

Theatre, IAMA Theatre Com-

Sasha is thrilled to be working

the Sun (Guthrie Theater), The

Named Desire, Mojada: A Medea

Assistant Stage Manager

in The Washington Post, Kveller,

(Goodman Theatre), A Raisin in

Coast Repertory); A Streetcar

Performing Arts, Yale Repertory

(she/her) Intimacy & Fight Director

Theatre), How To Catch Creation

Clash (Still) in America (South

A LYSSA E S CA L A N T E (she/her)

Production Stage Manager

Alyssa is a Los Angeles-based stage manager and graduate of Occidental College. Previous Geffen credits include: The First Deep Breath, A Wicked Soul in Cherry Hill. Other credits include What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank (The Old Globe); Spamilton (Musical Theatre West); All’s Well That Ends Well (A Noise Within); Lizastrata (Troubadour Theatre Company); Hamilton (Eliza Tour at the Pantages); The Bacchae (SITI Company at Guthrie Theater); Hold These Truths(San Diego Repertory Theatre); Fireflies, M. Butterfly, Photograph 51, Culture

working in Southern California for the past five years. Before coming to the West Coast, she stage managed for nearly a decade in Chicago after receiving her B.A. in Theatre from Loyola University Chicago. Previous Geffen projects: The First Deep Breath (ASM) and the un’admiring (The Writers’ Room reading, SM). Selected previous credits include: Grownup (The Associates Theater Ensemble, SM); Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Cirque du Soleil/VStar Entertainment, SM); The Great Jheri Curl Debate (East West Players, SM); HI, SOLO (MOCA, SM); All’s Well That Ends Well (A Noise Within, ASM); Noel Noel (San Diego Symphony, SM); Fly (La Jolla Playhouse, SM Resident); A Number and Scenes From an Execution (Runcible Theatre Company, SM); Seminar, A Walk in the Woods, Jake’s Women, and A Bright Room Called Day (Spartan Theatre, PSM); and Ghost Gardens (Pegasus Theatre, PSM). Amber has also served as Production Manager on various shows at MOCA (LA), Runcible Theatre, and The Poor Theatre (Chicago). Amber holds an M.F.A. in Stage Management from UC San Diego.

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

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES P H Y L L I S S C H U R I N G A , C SA

(she/her) Casting Director

Phyllis is an Artistic Associate and the Casting Director for Geffen Playhouse. Recent casting includes The Inheritance: Part 1 & Part 2 and TRAYF. She has received 8 Artios nominations: Power of Sail, Man of God, Witch, Significant Other, Actually, Barbecue, Barcelona, and The Country House. Before joining the Geffen, she was the Casting Director 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 it received the Tony Award for Best Play), the original production of Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile (and subsequent productions including Westwood Playhouse and Briar Street Theater in Chicago). Broadway transfers include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Tony Award for Best Revival), The Song of Jacob Zulu, and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. She is a member of the Casting Society of America.

for managing the Geffen’s day-

refugee families to flee Ukraine

to-day operations; developing

and arrive in the U.S. after es-

new, ongoing theater partner-

caping the Russian invasion, set

ships and leading its mission

for release in 2023. He studied

to inform, entertain and inspire

at the National Theatre Institute

diverse audiences with live

in Waterford, Connecticut, and

theater of the highest caliber.

holds a B.F.A. in Drama from

Prior to being named Executive

Syracuse University.

Director in 2015, Cates served as Geffen Playhouse Board Vice Chairman since 2012 and served as a producer and director in theater, film and television.

His theater credits include the award-winning Names (Matrix Theatre Company) and Three Sisters and David Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre (both at Syracuse Stage). Cates’ film credits include The Surface (starring Sean Astin and Geffen Playhouse alumnus Chris Mulkey), Jobs (starring Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot Mulroney, as well as Geffen Playhouse alumni Matthew Modine and Ron Eldard) and the 2011 feature film Lucky (starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor and Ann-Margret).

In addition, Cates co-produced and co-directed the critically acclaimed Life After Tomorrow, featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, which premiered 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 of

G I L CAT ES, J R .

the NBC comedy Joey, starring

Executive Director

Emmy winner Matt LeBlanc.

Gil Cates, Jr. is Executive

He is currently directing a

Director of Geffen Playhouse.

documentary short chronicling

In this role, he is responsible

the journey of one of the first

1 2 P L AY B I L L

A M Y L E V I N S O N (she/her) Associate Artistic Director

During her tenure at the Geffen, Amy has spearheaded numerous programs for commissioning and developing new plays and has shepherded more than 150 plays into production. Dramaturgy credits include the commissions and world premieres of Donald Margulies’ Time Stands Still and Coney Island Christmas, Jane Anderson’s The Quality of Life and The Escort, Amanda Peet’s Our Very Own Carlin McCullough, and Michael Mitnick’s Mysterious Circumstances.

Other dramaturgy credits include Actually, Invisible Tango, Extraordinary Chambers, Build, Equivocation, Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress, Guards at the Taj, and Geffen Stayhouse virtual shows including Helder Guimarães’ The Present and The Future, and David Kwong’s Inside the Box. She holds an M.F.A. in Dramaturgy from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES for accounting functions of the

CPA, after holding the position

theater, including operating and

of Director of Accounting at

capital budgets. In addition,

FABS Management, where she

she supports all IT and HR activ-

was responsible for overseeing

ities. Behnaz was named Chief

the finances of more than 25

Financial Officer in 2015 after

non-profit organizations. As

serving as General Manager

a financial professional with

since 2002. She first joined

more than 30 years’ experience

Geffen Playhouse in 1999. Previ-

in for-profit and non-profit

ously, Ataee worked as a senior

financial management and au-

financial analyst for Ultratech

diting, Ataee began her career

Behnaz “Nazy” Ataee is Chief

Inc., an international semicon-

in the Bay Area as a partner in

Financial Officer of Geffen

ductor company based in San

a small tech startup. She holds

Playhouse. In this role, she

Jose. Prior to Ultratech, she

a master’s degree from Pepper-

has oversight responsibility

was an auditor for Van Sloten

dine University.

B E H N A Z ATA E E Chief Financial Officer

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.

The Geffen Playhouse’s New Play Development Program is made possible, in large part, through the leadership and generosity of donations from: The Edgerton Foundation, The Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Fay & Frank Mancuso, Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald, Hilary & Jack Angelo and Mary Bianco, The MOCA Foundation.

We are proud to have the following artists under commission: LUIS ALFARO JONATHAN CAREN COLMAN DOMINGO MICHAEL GOLAMCO MEGHAN KENNEDY MATTHEW LÓPEZ

MARTYNA MAJOK QUI NGUYEN STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR JIEHAE PARK JOHN POLLONO

ROBERT SCHENKKAN JEN SILVERMAN 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 feedback from their peers and the Geffen’s artistic staff, culminating in a play reading series.

For more information on the 2023/2024 cycle of The Writers’ Room, please visit geffenplayhouse.org/thewritersroom.

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

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PRODUCTION STAFF FOR THE MOUNTAINTOP Associate Scenic Designer Anna Grigo

Light Board Operator Justin Kelley-Cahill

Assistant Costume Designer Wendell Carmichael

Light Board Operator Swing Erica Ammerman

Assistant Lighting Designer Malcolm Wilson

A1 Bob Gilmartin

Associate Projection Designer Elizabeth Barrett

A2 / A1 Swing Ilana Elroi

Wig Designer Shelia Dorn

A2 Swing Stephanie Yackovetsky

Dialect Coach Judith Moreland

Projections Programmer Erin Teachman

Production Stage Manager Sub Kesia Ross

Properties Artisans & Carpenters Christopher R. Baab, Sigourney Chin, Danny Dolan

Production Assistant Juliet Park Directing Fellow Rachel Myers SDCF Directing Observer Felichia Chivaughn Deck Crew Oliver Brink, David Foubert, Ty Pickett Deck Crew Swing Greg Mueller Automation Operator Austin Bosley Carpenter Crew Lead Philip Rossi Wardrobe Supervisor Michayla Van Treeck Lighting Programmer Nicole Jaja

Carpenters Austin Bosley, Oliver Brink, James Chew, Chris Cowan, David Foubert, Enrique Garcia, Rob Hille, Shadow LaValley, Claudia Peterson, Lila Schmitz, Syd Shoell, James Stanley, Eiden Weissblum Scenic Painter Chandish Nester Stitchers Stephanie Castro, Sarah Lindsley Wardrobe Swing Stephanie Castro Electricians Ezra Fisher, Nicole Jaja, Justin Kelley-Cahill, Ezra Muthiah, Christiana Saldibar, Sydney Smith, James Tatsch, Ben Wendel

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

BOX OFFICE WINDOW 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.

ACCESSIBILTY 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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Scenery Built & Painted By F&D Scene Changes

Production Photographer Frank Ishman

Lighting Equipment Provided By Kinetic Lighting

Media Filming Ramon Garcia

Sound Equipment Provided By Jon Sound Inc., DnB Design, Launch

Design + Art Direction Base Design

Projection Equipment Provided By 4Wall Entertainment

Photography Justin Bettman

SPECIAL THANKS UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television Scene, Prop, Sound, and Costume Shops; National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel; The entire team at New York Theatre Workshop; Freedome Bradley-Ballentine; Orion & Jupiter

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 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.

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.

1 4 P L AY B I L L

GEFFEN AT A GLANCE

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.

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 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.

FREE COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BEYOND THE BARRACKS AN EVENING OF VETERAN CULTURAL IDENTITY MONOLOGUES MONDAY, JULY 31, 2023 • 8PM

FR E E A ND O P E N TO T HE P U BLI C !

REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS AT

geffenplayhouse.org/veterans

PHOTO BY JEFF LORCH

Join us for the culminating performance of the Veterans Cultural Identity Monologue Writing & Performance Workshop. Following an 8-week theater-making intensive, an ensemble of military veterans will come together to share personal, original monologues with the community.

THEMES & TOPICS

HARMONIES OF LIBERTY An infinite chorus of individual voices have contributed their verses to the powerful play of progress. We invite you to read through the quotations below and match each one to its source.

WHO SAID IT? Fred Hampton • Rebecca Solnit • Malcolm X • Gregg Popovich • Sojourner Truth Martin Luther King, Jr. • Talmud • Afeni Shakur

1 “Some people are uncomfortable with the disruption that change causes, but the disruption is necessary if anything is going to change.”

2 “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”

3 “We’re not gonna fight fire with fire, we’re gonna fight fire with water.

We’re not gonna fight racism with racism, we’re gonna fight racism with solidarity.”

4 “Hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch, feeling lucky.

It is an axe you break down doors with in an emergency.”

5 “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

6 “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws.

Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.”

7 “Our number one priority as far as the country and society is concerned is racial justice, actually racial injustice that exists in our country and trying to make everything just for all people.”

8 “Life is a hard battle anyway. If we laugh and sing a little as we fight the good fight of freedom, it makes it all go easier. I will not allow my life's light to be determined by the darkness around me.”

Right: The Stone of Hope monument at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C. Photo courtesy Unsplash.

Answers: 1. Afeni Shakur 2. Malcolm X 3. Fred Hampton 4. Rebecca Solnit 5. Talmud 6. Martin Luther King, Jr. 7. Gregg Popovich 8. Sojourner Truth 1 6 P L AY B I L L

THEMES & TOPICS

“THE BATON PASSES ON…” The journey to create a more just and equitable world doesn’t belong to any one person, or to any one generation alone. In The Mountaintop, Katori Hall invites us to join the relay race. Our task is to pick up the baton from the ones who came before us, carry it as far as we can, and then pass it along to those who follow after.

We’ve asked our creative team, “Who do you take the baton from, and to whom do you hope to pass it?” Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“Passed from: Oscar and Angela McGregor and so many generations working for a more just world. Passed to: My children Orion and Jupiter and all those seeing the world full of justice and joy that they deserve.” —Patricia McGregor “My mother and father handed me the baton. They raised me to have the mindset that, no matter what some may say, I am, without question, limitless.” —Amanda Warren “From my Grandma Annette, who was unafraid to go first so that others could follow. From Nora Ephron, Wendy Wasserstein, Dawn Powell, writers whose brutal honesty and resilient humor makes me feel better understood and less alone. And to my children Sam and Andrew, who will take it to places I can only imagine.” —Rebecca Phillips Epstein “I took the baton held by two amazing designers, Adele Farmar and April Hunter-Smiley, who with kindness and care made sure I learned correctly. I pass the baton onto my four dependable and spicy assistants who remind me daily of why I love what I do so very much.” —Mylette Nora “I was handed the baton to carry by my mother Advira and her mother Kiziah. I was handed the baton to carry by my creative foremothers Ntzoke Shange, Zora Neale Hurston, Audre Lorde, and Lucille Clifton. I hope to pass the baton to the next generation of black female storytellers to embrace their beauty, brilliance, and bravery. Most importantly, I pass the baton to my son Brixton in hopes that I have made his leg of the race a little easier.”

—Felichia Chivaughn What about YOU? What does the “baton” represent in your own life and work? Who did you take it from, and who will you hand it off to?

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

S U B S C R I P T I O N S S T A R T A T J U S T $1 5 6!

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

09.06–10.15.2023

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY 10.04–11.05.2023 Gil Cates Theater

POTUS

BLACK CYPRESS BAYOU

02.12–03.17.2024

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

The Broadway Production of

FAT HAM

03.27–04.28.2024 Gil Cates Theater

THE HOPE THEORY

04.25–06.09.2024

OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE

TINY FATHER

Gil Cates Theater

Gil Cates Theater

01.17–02.18.2024

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater

06.12–07.14.2024

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

2023/2024 SEASON

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

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

“

I’ve been working tirelessly to raise awareness about diabetes and its contributions to kidney disease, heart disease and more. It’s plagued my family for generations.

I am thrilled that UCLA Health is partnering with the Geffen because there is nothing like the arts to help address situations that need our attention, like health and wellness. The performing arts, like dance and theater, are transformative. I applaud UCLA Health and the Geffen Playhouse for coming together to help people.

—DEBBIE ALLEN

”

Award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, director, producer, and Geffen Playhouse alum

ANNUAL DONORS Geffen Playhouse recognizes the following individuals and organizations for their generous support of our Annual Fund and Backstage at the Geffen. Donors are listed at the Partner’s Circle level and higher for gifts made between March 1, 2022 and May 1, 2023. † Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors ^ Geffen Playhouse Founding Trustees §

Geffen Playhouse Advisory Board

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

For more information, please call Tracy Reich at 310.208.6500 ext. 113.

PREMIERE CIRCLE $100,000+

Anonymous (2) Jana & Trevor Bezdek California Arts Council City National Bank Edgerton Foundation The Adi† & Jerry Greenberg Foundation William Randolph Hearst Foundation Martha Henderson Loretta Everett Kaufman† & Victor Kaufman Elizabeth & David Kerman Jerry & Terri Kohl Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Linda Bernstein Rubin† & Tony Rubin Shubert Foundation Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum† Miranda§ & Brett Tollman UCLA UCLA Health

INNOVATOR CIRCLE $50,000 – $99,999

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Eisenberg

Sue & Steve Glusker

Bonnie E. Eskenazi† / Greenberg Glusker

MaryAnn & Irwin Gold

Carol & Paul Frimmer

Alexander & Katie & Grey Grosvenor

Susan & Mark Fleischer†

Noble & Jacquelynn Hansen

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation

In Memory of Morris A. Hazan

Patty Glaser† & Sam Mudie Marcy Gross

Mellody Hobson / Ariel Investments, LLC

Capital Group Companies

Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation

Marcia Israel-Curley Foundation

Stanley Iezman & Nancy Stark

Erich and Della Koenig Foundation

David & Martha Kadue

Carla Malden† & Norman Beil

Julie & David Kavner Laura Kennedy§

Judith & Bruce Stern

Willette & Manny Klausner Marla & Daniel Klein

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE

Lyn & Norman Lear

Anonymous (2)

Brian† & Renee Mann

Eva Aaronson In Memory of Bucky Hazan

Tiffany Mayberry†

The Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation

Mary Osako†

$10,000 – $24,999

Pat & Sandy Adams Beth Behrs & Michael Gladis Mrs. Carol K. Block & Chancellor Gene D. Block†

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer

Kevin & Claudia Bright

Cindy & Alan Horn

Eileen & Harold Brown^

John McCrite§ & Juan Lopez

The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Matt Shakman† & Maggie Malone Holly Rice† & Vince Gilligan Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation

ARTISTIC CIRCLE $25,000 – $49,999 Anonymous Marcy Carsey City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

Samantha & Eric Heer†

Paramount Pictures

The Berlanti Family Foundation

The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

Manuela & James Goren

Mary Ann Cloyd† Comcast NBCUniversal Ellyce R. Cooper§ & Barry Cohen / Sidley Austin LLP Creative Forces Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton† Lisa Field, Field Family Foundation Eric Flamholtz & Yvonne Randle Susan Nahley Fleishman†

Fay & Frank Mancuso^

Carol & Bill Ouchi Soundis & Danny Passman† Shana & Don Passman Madeline & Bruce Ramer^ Thomas L. Safran Carol ‘Jackie’ & Charles Schwartz Richard† & Barbara Sherman Jane Rissman & Richard Sondheimer Sony Pictures Entertainment Kate Capshaw Spielberg & Steven Spielberg^ Cynthia P. Stafford† The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Deborah Tavlin Steve Tisch^ Daniel Tongbai & Henry Clancy U.S. Bank Foundation JaHan Wang†

Larry Gagosian

Joanne & Ken Weinman Aurora & Marc Weinstock†

The Walt Disney Company

Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.

Susan & Dan White

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

Brenda Garcia†

Ken Willner & Jim Stine

Merle Dandridge†

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 1

ANNUAL DONORS PLAYWRIGHT’S CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Anonymous Aversa Foundation David Bartman Judith & Thomas Beckmen Dr. Joan Denson & Dr. Victoria Berck Mara W. Breech Foundation Robert Brook & Jacqueline Kosecoff Glenn & Lynn Cardoso Dan Clivner In Loving Memory of Ed Cypert

Karen Zoller, M.D. & David Tillman, M.D.

Wendy & John Bergquist

William & Karen Timberlake

Westmount Asset Management

Kathryn & Alan Van Vliet

Larry & Julie Blivas In Honor of Phyllis Blivas

Marjorie Walsh Julie & Peter Weil Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Karen & Rick Wolfen

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $3,000 – $4,999 Anonymous (2) Cathy & Shel Bachrach Madelyn Bennett & Eric Gibson

Susan J. Booth & Christopher Wadden Paula Brand Dr. Wallace P. Brithinee Diana Buckhantz and the Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation Mrs. Dorothy Hoffman Lexy & John Carroll Stephanie§ & Jonathan Carson Sylvie & Peter Cartmell Gil Cates, Jr.†

Mary Jo & Caleb Deschanel

Shelly & Libby Bergen

Susan & Jonathan Dolgen

Susan Bloch-Kay & Stephen Kay

Robyn Field & Anthony O’Carroll

Steven Cerasale & Mary Katherine Cocharo

Philip Blumenshine

Caroline Choi

Steve Freedman & Helen Sideris

VJ Boyd

Cindy Clark

Mimi & Marvin Freedman

Noora Raj Brown

Larry Coben

Sonia & Robert Freedman and Family

Jay Butterfield & Susan Ewert

Ginger Conrad

Bob & Diana Friedman

Marissa Caudill & David Merrill

Tim Curtis & Shandon Youngclaus

Herbert M.^ & Beverly J. Gelfand

Linda & John Coleman

J. Jason Daunter

Ann§ & Jim Gianopulos

Don Dorsey

Phil Davis

David & Kiki Gindler

In Honor of Virginia Field

Waterman and Glicksteen Families

Dennis & Jackie Fox

Sir Elton John & David Furnish

Karney Guren Family Foundation

Mannon Kaplan

Alan & Michelle Heilpern

Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall

Stephen Sass & Steven Hochstadt

Daniel & Marla Klein

Victoria Jackson & Bill Guthy

Kling Family Foundation / Allen & Jessica Kling

Linda & David Kagel

Sandra Krause & William Fitzgerald

Jane & Rand Marlis

Wendy Kurtzman§

Robin Mitchel & Kathleen Marshall

Sherry Lansing Foundation

Michael R. Oppenheim

Karen & Walter Loewenstern

Carol & Alan Ostroff

Marcia E. Williams & Gene Lucero

John Shustitzky

Renee & Meyer Luskin

Mitch & Sherry Stein

Stewart Mayeda

Zackery Alexzander Stephens

Cara Gardenswartz & David Melnick

Eric Strom & Eileen Goodis

Bradley & Lisa Mindlin In Memory of Sandra Tenenbaum

Peter Van Haften

Rio & Frank Morse

Leslie White & Al Limon

Tina & Jerry Moss^ / The Moss Foundation

In Loving Memory of Herman Ziegler

Benedicta & Geoffry Oblath

CREATOR’S CIRCLE

Olympus Theatricals

Jerry Katell

Gelena & Seth Weissman

$1,500 – $2,999

Pam Dawber & Mark Harmon Brock Dewey Jacki & Murray Drechsler Colleen M. Ellis Terri & David Elston David & Joyce Evans AnonyMoose Foundation Dr. Kimberly Finney In Honor of Frank & Betty Fouce Joan & Charles Fox Anita Dann Friedman & Harvey Friedman Priscila Giraldo§ Charlotte Gold Jill Grigsby & Rett Bull Penny Grosz & Eugene Korney The Guerin Foundation Harris Family Foundation Barbara Herman Jean Himmelstein Dr. John D. Hofbauer & Dr. Laura E. Fox Rand Hoffman & Charlotte Robinson Freya & Mark Ivener Lynn Hunt & Margaret Jacob

Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes

Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Allen

Cheryl Petersen & Roger Lustberg

Katherine Kleindienst & Marc Goldsmith

Henry Alpert

Carolyn A. Poer & John M. Poer

Lena & Mark Labowe

Miriam Aguiar

Judith Reichman, M.D.

Trini Lewis

Laura & Harvey Alpert

Judith Locke

The Michael Schwab Family

Jan & David Altemus

Iris Tuesday Productions

In Honor of Richard Sherman From Ken & Lori Goldman

Patti Amstutz

Dr. Jennifer Lucero

Robert E. & Maria H. Barron

Gussie Paster Sitkin

The Malins Family Foundation

G2 Graphic Service, Inc.

David Israeli & Dr. Marie Mazzone

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor

Patricia & Mark Benjamin

Norma & Larry Meyers

Gil Schwartz Foundation

Paula & Bruce Bennett

Cookie Miller

Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham

Yvette Bergeron & Dean Bailey

Joan & Phil Miller

2 2 P L AY B I L L

ANNUAL DONORS Andrew & Laura Mintzer

Honorable Candace Cooper

S. McQueen & D. Whalen

Ron Myrick

Jen Crittenden & Bill Wrubel

Ali Meghdadi

Mark & Diane Neubauer

Hedva & Dr. Dudley Danoff

Anne & Ronald Mellor

Conan & Liza O’Brien

Susan Dashe

Cynthia Melville

Michael Parks & Judith Hayward

Joanna & Jeff Davis

Hillary & Lance Milken

Sallie Patrick

In Honor of Development

Mintz Family Fund

Phil & Agnes Peters

Lauren Shuler Donner

Thomas W. Mitchell

Ruth Popkin

Ed & Barbara Dreyfus

Laurie & Chuck Mondrus

Gary & Gail Rachelefsky

Dr. & Mrs. William M. Duxler

Thaine & Elizabeth Morris

Joyce & Harvey Reichard

Jeff Eckerle & Marilyn Osborn

Lon Morse & Toni Hollander Morse

Carol Risher

Carl & Courtenay Enright

Robert Nelson & Marguerite Renner

Dolores Rogers

Lynne & Michael Feldman

Albert & Barbara Nichols

The Ross Family

Susanna Felleman

Michael Nicklin

Carol Krause

Kenneth J. Friedman & Marilynn J. Friedman Family Foundation

Deborah & Stacey Olliff

Diane Futterman

Ornest Family Foundation

Jack Grossbart & Marc Schwartz Rita & Jose Sigal Ron Silverman & Soraya Ross Snyder Family Foundation Jerome & Joan Snyder John Sonego§ & Thomas Faughnan Cela Devine Sutton§

The Glass Family Linda & Louis Goldsman Ellie Goodman Deidre Hall Scott Hartle

Catherine & Leonard Unger

Mary Hartley

Theodore H. Sweetser & Jane L. Valentine

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Judith Leslie Waxman & Leo Stytle

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Gary T. Izumi Brenda Marie Izzi

DESIGNER’S CIRCLE

Carrie Johnson

Anonymous (2)

Sally & Dr. Manny J. Karbelnig

Dr. Richard Ackerman & Miriam Shakter

Patricia Keating

Bonnie & Bill Apfelbaum

Beverlee Bickmore & James Kelly

Eloise & Mark Appel

Corrinne Mann Kempinsky & Louis Kempinsky

$1,000 – $1,499

Margaret Campbell Arvey Don Bacigalupi Rob Bailis Karen Bell & Robb Cox

Linda Kaplan

Trisha Kelley

King Nutronics Corporation Wendy Kirshner Dr. Phyllis H. Klein

Tal Oren & Liana Morgado-Oren Ralph Page Jacalyn & Paul Pepperman Clark & Kathryn Porter Lise Ransdell & Eric Augusztiny Allison & Bennett Rosenthal Oren Rosenthal William Hoover & Jon Rupp David A. & Karen Richards Sachs Nancy & Ted Sanborn Joel & Sonia Schneider Jane & Bill Schopf Susan Schwarz & Stuart Berton John Shaw Karen & Bill Skinner Ronald Smith Lisa & Chris Stonich Melora Sundt & Rob Kadota Mr. & Mrs. David Tann Rose Tarlow The Tatasciore Family Anne C. Taubman John M. Teeples & Nicolas Martinez, Jr. Franklin David Tell Barbara & Larry Tenan Marjorie Thomson Leon & Stephanie Vahn Ira & Laurie Waldman

Lydia & David Bell

Barton H. Kogan

Yvonne Bernard & Henry De Priest & Lookout Entertainment

Norman Koplof & Leslie Falick Charles Kristenson

Artie & Ellie Berrick

Mindy Lauerlevin & Ed Levin

John Bjorge & Mary McKelvey

Rhonda K. Lawrence

Katherine Brown & Rene Mendoza

Rena & Craig Leeds

Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer

Carl Levinger

Dr. Fanya Carter, Ph.D.

Cathleen Fitzpatrick Linder

Jane Cates

Steven Llanusa & Glenn Miya, M.D.

Shelby & Lee Chaden

Tania Lotia

Martha J. Chase

Eric James Lund

Sachiko T. Cochran M.D. & Joseph T. Araki

Eric & Eva Plaza Mandel

Audrey & Martin Appel

Lori§ & Jerry Collins

Michael N. Marks Jeanne McDonald-Powers & Travis Powers

The Baek Family

Stephen & Erin Cook

Marcia & Charles Wasserman Ph.D Judith & Philip Winik Cherie Wrigley Lisa Yen & Tom Bajoras Elena & Drew Zager

PARTNER’S CIRCLE $500 – $999

Anonymous (3) Allan Africk Robert C. Anderson Bonnie R. Arnold

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

ANNUAL DONORS In Memory of Patricia Beals

Linda May

The Hammer Museum at UCLA

Marjorie Blatt

Douglas McAvoy, Jr.

Tom Kenny

Pamela & Bill Bohnert

Christina Medigovich

Michael & Susan Bordy

Mona D. & Steven J. Miller

The Lodge at Torrey Pines — Evans Hotels

Carol J. Bradshaw

Lee & Jeff Milman

Gavin D. Pak / East West Players

Steven Briggs

John Moschitta, Jr.

Pasadena Playhouse

Howard Brightman

Dr. Paula C. Moseley

Petrossian Restaurant & Boutique

Marlene Bronson

Elizabeth Luster

Janet & Mark Brown

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Laura D. Campbell

Bonnie Nash

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Sean & Martha Carey Family

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Muriel Dance & Alvin Martin

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Zoud Danko

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Kristin Diehl

Elyse Resch

Linda Dozier

Barry Rosen & Neil Bokal

Jan & Thea Drayer

Dr. Martin & Lorraine Ross

Elizabeth A. Evans

Douglas Ross

Terry Feuerborn

Wil Rosser

Carol & John Fox

Peter & Andrea Roth

As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, the leadership wishes to acknowledge the historical contributions of these individuals to the Geffen Playhouse who have made the original vision of our founder, Gil Cates, possible:

Catherine Froloff

Lisa Rowley

Anonymous

Gordon Gerson

Arlene & Peter Sacks

Annenberg Foundation

Linda & Tom Givvin

Scott Sandler§

Ellen & Reginald Golla

Maxine Savitz

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

Howard Gradet

Cliff & Linda Schaffer

City National Bank

Vera & Paul Guerin

Mary Lou Schanche

Kirsten^ & Donald Combs

Roberta L. Haft

Jo Schiff

Maria Israel-Curley & Jim Curley

In Memory of Jane Hall

Mr. Bernard Schiffer

Hella Hershson

Nancy & Steven Schneider

Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman, Inc.

Dr. Shelley Hill

Gary & Karen Schneider

The David Geffen Foundation

Paul Gordon Hoffman & Sue Caren Hoffman

Lester Schwartz

Herbert M.^ & Beverly J. Gelfand

In Loving Memory of Stan Hollander

John H. Scott Donna Shapiro & Angel Castillo

Rabbi Uri D. Herscher & Dr. Myrna Herscher

Drs. Sharon & Lou Ignarro Elodie Keene William & Renee Kendall Nancy Kenney Sharon Kerson Dr. & Mrs. Klausner

Peggy & Robert Shapiro

HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

Thank you to our year-round in-kind hospitality sponsors for their incredible generosity and support of the arts: Skylight Gardens STK | The ONE Group W Los Angeles — West Beverly Hills

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

Audrey & Charles Kenis

In Memory of Michael Sherman

Lincy Foundation

Robert M. Shore

Fay & Frank^ Mancuso

Marlene Sklar & Joel Moskowitz

Tina & Jerry^ Moss / The Moss Foundation

Karen Smits Jill & Scott Spiwak

Perenchio Foundation The Shubert Foundation

Dr. Leonard & Stella S. Kleinrock

Audri & Stan Tendler

Patricia Klous

David & Cathy Thomas

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

Delores Komar & Susan Wolford

Johnson Thurston

Skirball Foundation

Sharon & Joel Koppelman

Rebecca Vail§

University of California, Los Angeles

Deborah Lacusta & Daniel Castellaneta

Elizabeth Wheat

Wasserman Foundation

Lynne Lainer

Herbert Wolas

Judy & Chancellor Charles^ E. Young

John & Sandra Langfitt

Arnold & Tricia Zane

Christo & Jeanne Lavagnino Tricia Lee & Joerg Huettner Julie Leeds

IN-KIND SUPPORTERS Kayla Allen / Pure Barre

Gina Maria Leonetti

Cyrus Batchan / Camphor

Lawrin & Linda Lewin

Ashton Easter / Playground LA

Renee Lonner

Fairmont Empress / Stephanie Jones

Barbara Marshall

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Deborah Marsten

The Friedman Group

24 P L AY B I L L

Donors at the $150 level and up are recognized on our website at geffenplayhouse.org/thankyou.

If your name has been misspelled or omitted from the list in error, please contact Tracy Reich, Director of Individual Giving at 310.208.6500 ext. 113.

Gil Cates, Jr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ARTISTIC

DEVELOPMENT

Daniel Ionazzi Producer

Elizabeth Kegley Director of Institutional Giving

Phyllis Schuringa Artistic Associate / Casting Director

Tracy Reich Director of Individual Giving

Amy Levinson Associate Artistic Director

Bella Luna Company Manager Olivia O’Connor Literary Manager & Dramaturg Lexy McAvinchey Artistic Coordinator Colm Summers Director in Residence

PRODUCTION

Renee Duron Director of Production Jill Barnes Artistic & Production Administrator Melissa Hartman Interim Technical Director Patty Squibb Interim Technical Director Alexandre Norkus Automation Supervisor Rick Gilles Properties Master Daniel Lynn Associate Properties Supervisor

Sarah Weinberg Director of Development

Christine Drew Benjamin Director of Donor Engagement Jessica Brusilow Rollins Grant Writing Consultant

EDUCATION

Brian Allman Director of Education & Community Engagement Paloma Nozicka Education Associate Sean Michael Boozer, DeJuan Christopher Conner, Lyssa Deehan, BJ Lange, Tara Ricasa, Kenzo Rice, Maddy Wagner Teaching Artists

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Patrick Brown Director of Marketing

Zenon Dmytryk Director of Communications

Audrey Lastar Costume Supervisor

Karen Gutierrez Director of Advertising & Audience Development

Sarah Lindsley Costume Shop Supervisor

Brian Dunning Director of Content & Creative

Spencer Doughtie Lighting & Projection Supervisor

Zack Hamra Associate Director of Audience Services & Ticketing

Jesus Cambero-Elias Assistant Lighting Supervisor

OPERATIONS

Jeni Pearsons Director of Operations Mel Yonzon Front of House Manager Amy Farkas Lead Concierge Rob Mersola Event Manager Sarah Chute, Anya Pryjmak, Emir Yonzon Part Time House Managers Cristiana Barbatelli, Savanna Chute, Ki Duncan, Elizabeth Fritsch, Tony Jose Garcia, Alia Mahboob, Shannon Noel, Autumn Oyemade, Adam Simers Guest Services Brynn Allen, Lulu Altabbakh, Hannah Battersby, Blaire Battle, Avery Brown, Marlon Campos, Matt Clark, Sofia Constantine, Lauren Curet, Enzo De Cunto, Cecily Dowd, Camille Edwards, Blake Elder, Hector Eribez, Sydney Fleischman, Aja Hinds, Meredith McClure, Austin Merrill, Kenneth Sambula Jr., Elena Scaringe-Peene, Areany Tolentino, Lanae Wilks Ushers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Karim Bouzzit Cloud System Administrator

James Grabowski House Sound Supervisor

Isaak Berliner Social Media & Communications Manager

Dream Warrior Group System Administrator

Bob Gilmartin Resident A1

Janice Bernal Box Office Manager

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Chloe Shi Production Assistant

ADMINISTRATION Behnaz Ataee Chief Financial Officer Erick R. López General Manager Berenice Campos Director of Human Resources Janice Gompers Payroll Manager & HR Admin Youra Kim Senior Accountant Clay Dzygun Office Coordinator Marguerite Harris Receptionist

Alyssa Tyson Box Office Manager

Art Guillen Facilities Manager

Jacob Feller Part Time Box Office Manager

Martin Ayala, Felipe Ayala Building Maintenance

Vaneh Assadourian House Seat Manager Brianna Barrett, Rachel Jacoby, Sean James, Lauren Machain, Katie Sparks, Sara Turken, Anika Waco, Dennis Woullard Box Office Staff

Mario Santillan-Perez Custodial Juan Carlos Umaña, Camerina Martinez Cleaning Custodial

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

This project was also funded in part by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.

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

G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E 2 5