Gala Ad Journal

50th Anniversary Gala

— HONORING —

Merissa Buczy, NBPAC Executive Director, DEVCO Vice President The City of New Brunswick represented by Mayor Jim Cahill and the City Council as the recipients of the 2024 Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award Sunday, May 19, 2024 NBPAC & The Heldrich Hotel

OUR MISSION & VALUES GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE The mission of George Street Playhouse is to enrich people’s lives by producing world-class theatre. To accomplish our mission, we seek the following: To produce the highest quality of intellectually and emotionally challenging new works, re-imagined classics, and educational programs that speak with relevance to society; To serve as a vital cultural institution in New Jersey and a creative force nationally; To positively shape and be shaped by the diverse character of our community; To create a nurturing home for the highest level of professional in the arts.

The values of George Street Playhouse embody and celebrate the identities, backgrounds and diverse experiences of our communities.

We are an organization fully committed to: Being open to and receptive of new ideas. Being an advocate of diverse populations within our communities. Being collaborative within our organization by giving everyone a voice.

Being authentic in our curiosity and seeking opportunities to develop our own lives through learning and celebrating others.

WELCOME TO THE 2024 GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE GALA BENEFIT As we gather tonight for our 50th Anniversary Gala, we reflect on the journey we've embarked on since return to our beloved home at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center. In the wake of the pandemic, and through our industry’s continued recovery, your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our resilience and success, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.

Tonight, it is our honor to present the Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award to two extraordinary recipients whose dedication to the arts in our community has been nothing short of inspiring. We celebrate Merissa Buczny, the Executive Director of NBPAC and Vice President of DEVCO, whose tireless efforts have enriched our cultural landscape with a beautiful new venue for the arts. We also applaud The City of New Brunswick, represented by Mayor Jim Cahill and the City Council, for their unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant arts scene that uplifts and empowers our entire community.

To our cherished sponsors and supporters, your generosity fuels our creative endeavors and ensures that the magic of the stage continues to captivate audiences far and wide. Thank you for standing by us and for joining us in celebrating the transformative power of the arts.

As we anticipate the upcoming season, we eagerly look forward to welcoming you back to New Brunswick for a series of unforgettable experiences that promise to captivate hearts and minds for another 50 years.

James N. Heston Chairman, Board of Trustees

Penelope Lattimer, Ph.D. President, Board of Trustees

David Saint Artistic Director

Edgar Herrera Managing Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman James N. Heston*

President Penelope E. Lattimer, Ph.D*

Treasurer Kimberlee S.P. Murphy*

Vice President Philip L. Kirstein* Secretary Sharon Karmazin*

Trustees Ronald Bleich* • Edgar Herrera* • Lucy Hughes • Adele Macula, Ed.D.* Dina M. Mastellone, Esq. • Norman Politziner, CFP, CeFT • David Saint* Jocelyn Schwartzman • Janic G. Stolar • Lora Tremayne *Denotes members of the Executive Committee

TRUSTEE EMERITUS Al D’Augusta • Cody P. Eckert • Kenneth M. Fisher • Peter Goldberg • William Hagaman Clarence E. Lockett • Anthony L. Marchetta • Alan W. Voorhees • George Wolansky

HONORARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES James Cahill • Thomas H. Kean • Eric Krebs, Founder

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HONORARY MEMORIAM

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Maurice Aaron Dr. Edward Bloustein Robert L. Bramson** Dora Center** Douglas Fairbanks Milton Goldman John Hila Betty Wold Johnson Arthur Laurents Richard Sellars Barbara Voorhees** Edward K. Zuckerman Adelaide M. Zagoren

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**- Denotes Trustee Emeritus - Denotes Honorary Trustee

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THOMAS H. KEAN ARTS ADVOCACY AWARD George Street Playhouse is pleased to Honor Merissa Buczny Executive Director, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center Vice President, New Brunswick Development Corportation The City of New Brunswick represented by Mayor Jim Cahill and the City Council with the 2024 Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award The Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award was instituted by the George Street Playhouse Board of Trustees and management in 1989 as an annual tribute to an individual, corporation, or foundation whose dedication to the arts enhances the cultural life of our state. The inaugural award was presented to the Honorable Thomas H. Kean, who as governor and private citizen, has had, and continuesto have, a lasting and profound impact in making New Jersey a national model of excellence in the arts.

— PREVIOUS HONOREES — Withum+, 2024 Robert Wood Foundation, Jocelyn Schwartzman, and Lora Tremayne, 2022 The Honorable Thomas H. Kean, Thomas F. Kelso, Esq., and James N. Heston, 2021 Cecelia & Seward Johnson, and The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, 2019 Penelope E. Lattimer, Ph.D. , 2018 Marlene and Tony Volpe, 2017 Joseph P. Benincasa and The Actors Fund, 2016 Stephen K. Jones, 2015 Honorable Mayor James M. Cahill, 2014 The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, 2013 William V. Engel, 2012 Betty Wold Johnson, 2011 William R. Hagaman, Jr. , 2010 Christopher J. Paladino and Geroge R. Zoffinger, 2009 Ralph W. Voorhees, and in remembrance, Barbara Voorhees, 2008

Robert E. Campbell, 2007 Carol Ann Herbert, 2006 Bank of America, 2005 Freeholder, Director, David B. Crabiel, 2004 John A. Lynch, 2003 New Jersey State Bar Foundation, 2002 Sharon Karmazin and The Karma Foundation, 2001 Clarence E. Lockett, 2000 PNC Bank, 1999 The Eleanor B. Reiner Foundation, 1998 CoreStates Bank, 1997 The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, 1996 The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, 1995 Brother International Corporation, 1994 Merck and Company, 1993 Johnson & Johnson,1992 The Prudential Foundation, 1991

TO OUR 2024 HONOREES Recipients of the 2024 Thomas H. Kean Arts Advocacy Award

Merissa Buczny

The City of New Brunswick

Executive Director, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center Vice President, New Brunswick Development Corporation

represented by Mayor Jim Cahill and the City Council

Our hometown, under the leadership of long-serving Mayor Jim Cahill, has been a welcoming and nurturing Ms. Buczny was the key project leader in the creation home for arts and culture. We are honored to of the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and has recognize our partnership with the city as we strive to guided its success in the years since its opening in fulfill our mission to enrich people’s lives through the September 2019. We are pleased to acknowledge her production of world-class theatre. leadership and her advocacy of New Brunswick as an arts and culture destination.

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors A Friend of the Playhouse

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Joan and Bob Campbell James N. Heston Lucy Hughes and Sean Devlin Sharon Karmazin and The Karma Foundation SJP Properties

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors Johnson & Johnson The Honorable Thomas H. Kean Mindy Raso and Philip L. Kirstein Parker Health Group Dorothy and Norm Politziner David Saint Withum+

Special Thanks Mrs. Peggy Barbella Nancy and Joseph Benincasa Lois and Ronald Bleich Bloomberg Boraie Development, LLC Nancy Brannegan and John Hoffman Donna Castronovo in Honor of Jim Heston EisnerAmper Elkus Manfredi Architects Erdmann Group/Merril Lynch Fox Rothschild

Special Thanks Betsy and Lou Garlatti Genova Burns, LLC Thomas and Margaret Gorrie Austin Hagaman Bill and Rhonda Hagaman Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation Ruth and Steve Hendel Dan Loughlin, JLL Josh Kalafer/Clinton Honda, Somerset Patriots, and Land Rover Princeton Thomas and Leslie Keslo

Special Thanks KMS Development Partners, LP Penelope E. Lattimer, Ph.D. Adele Macula, Ed.D. Nancy and Duncan MacMillan Magyar Bank Dina Mastellone Jocelyn Schwartzman

Nonny and Paul Stahlin Janice and Lewis Stolar THA Consulting Lora Tremayne U.S. Title Solutions Vollers Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

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ArtsNewBrunswick

NewBrunswickCulturalCenter

908.917.2862

www.NewBrunswickArts.org

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GEORGE STREET!

YOU DON’T LOOK 50!

and congrats to the great David Saint for keeping you young and strong!

With Love, Marlo Thomas

50

Congratulations on 50 Years Cheers to David Saint and Sharon Karmazin Your friends, Ruth and Stephen Hendel

Congratulations to the

2024 Honorees

MERISSA BUCZNY, NBPAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DEVCO VICE PRESIDENT & MAYOR JAMES CAHILL AND THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK BEST WISHES FROM, TOM AND LESLIE KELSO

Congratulations to the Honorees We thank you for your continued support of the arts George and Michele Wolansky

BRAVISIMO! Dr. & Mrs. Michael and Marlene Nissenblatt

Comgratulations

to our Honorees

Merissa Buczny & The City of New Brunswick We salute and value the long term leadership and support you have provided to George Street Playhouse that has allowed our audience to enjoy our plays in a world class venue.

Mindy Raso and Phil Kirstein

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

We thank you for your continued support of the arts!

Assemblyman Kevin Egan, Assemblyman Joseph Danielsen and Senator Bob Smith

Happy 5oth, George Street!

Best Wishes, Winnie Holzman and Paul Dooley

Good times and bad times, I’ve see them all and, my dear, we’re still here

Congratulations

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE ON 50 YEARS! Jocelyn Schwartzman

C H E E R S

F O R

50 YEARS! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, THE LAUGHS, THE TEARS, THE INSIGHTS AND THE ENTERTAINMENT THAT GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE HAS AFFORDED THE PUBLIC FOR FIFTY YEARS AND MORE. OUR LIVES HAVE BEEN ENRICHED AND ENHANCED BY QUALITY PERFORMANCES WITH DYNAMIC ACTORS AND STAFF. OUR THANKS EXTEND TO JIM HESTON AND PENELOPE LATTIMER FOR THEIR EXTRAORDINARY VISION AND LEADERSHIP. BEST WISHES FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS!

NONNY AND PAUL STAHLIN

BEST WISHES TO OUR HONOREES Congratulations to Eric Krebs, founder of George Street Playhouse.

Thank you Eric, for creating our beloved theatre 50 years ago!

LORA TREMAYNE

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES AND GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY LOIS AND RON BLEICH

JANICE AND LEWIS STOLAR ARE PLEASED TO HONOR AND CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE AND 25 YEARS OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

BY DAVID SAINT CONGRATULATIONS TO THE THOMAS H KEAN ARTS ADVOCACY AWARD HONOREES MARISSA BUCZNY AND THE CITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

Congratulations

and thank you to our friend Mayor Jim Cahill & the City of New Brunswick and Merissa Buczny of DEVCO for all you do for George Street Playhouse and our community.

Lisa Goldstein and Ira Novak

standing ovation Congratulations to George Street Playhouse on your 50th Anniversary and to this year’s annual gala honorees: Merissa Buczny & The City of New Brunswick.

Kimberlee SP. Murphy CPA, MBA, CGMA Partner, Withum Proud GSP Board Member

withum.com