Performances Magazine San Diego | La Jolla Playhouse, December 2025
THE RECIPE Begins February 10 DNA NEW WORK SERIES December 4 – 14
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE GALA
P1 Program
Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes, donors and more.
6 In the Wings
Bach Collegium San Diego, SIX The Musical, Canadian Brass, Lightscape (pictured) at San Diego Botanic Garden, 2 Pianos 4 Hands, and more.
10 Feature: Spotlight on Holiday Shows
A roundup of our favorite holiday concerts, ballets and theater productions. (Pictured: Christopher Sieber and Josh Breckenridge in Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show at The Old Globe.)
18 Dining
Where to satisfy your sweet tooth this winter, including Cellar Hand (their pavlova is pictured), Mastro’s Ocean Club, Wildflour and more
32 Parting Thought
Performances’ program platform for theater shows and concerts can be accessed from any digital device
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5,000 Years of Civilization Reborn
CHINA BEFORE COMMUNISM
SPREADING BENEVOLENCE, BEAUTY, AND HOPE
“I love Shen Yun.
A story of incredible hope and incredible spirit! Everyone around the world should see it.”
— Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist
“These beautiful, gifted people are expressing something that’s both pure and good.”
—Philadelphia Weekly
“Go see it to believe it, because otherwise, you are going to miss the most important thing in your life.”
—Joe Heard, former White House photographer
Why is Beijing so afraid of Shen Yun?
Because Shen Yun reveals the beauty and spirit of China before communism. It also portrays the regime’s persecution of faith—truths Beijing works hard to silence.
How is Beijing trying to silence Shen Yun in America? Through spies, threats, and disinformation spread by paid social-media influencers and biased media. Baseless lawsuits and fake news stories have been traced to a coordinated campaign from Beijing.
Why see Shen Yun?
More than dazzling your senses, it uplifts your spirit. Built from nothing—without government grants or corporate sponsors—Shen Yun is an American success story of vision, courage, and perseverance. Every soldout show is a triumph of freedom, faith, and truth.
IN THE WINGS
FROM CIRQUE TO SIX
GET INTO THE holiday spirit at Coronado’s Lamb’s Players Theatre, which brings us its popular Festival of Christmas, Dec. 3-28, but in a brand-new production by Kerry Meads for 2025. Prepare to be dazzled by a talented ensemble of singers and musicians. lambsplayers.org Two December productions presented by Broadway San Diego await at the Civic Theatre downtown. In A Magical Cirque Christmas, Dec. 28, Cirque performers from all over the world will dance, sing and showcase jaw-dropping stunts and acrobatics in a spellbinding staging—all set to a soundtrack of Christmas classics. The Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation SIX The Musical returns Dec. 30-Jan. 4. Presented in the form of a pop concert, the British musical comedy—with music, book and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss—introduces us to the six wives of Henry VIII. In a modern retelling (spanning 500 years), each wife tells her story to see who suffered the most at the hands of the notorious King of England. broadwaysd.com
From top: Leila Noone defies gravity in A Magical Cirque Christmas; Festival of Christmas at Lamb’s Players Theatre.
STAGE
Bach, Brass & Billy Joel
HANDEL’S EPIC oratorio Messiah comes to life, courtesy of Bach Collegium San Diego, led by Artistic Director Ruben Valenzuela. Take your pick of two special performances by an exceptional cast of musicians and operatic soloists: The Conrad in La Jolla on Dec. 6; and First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley, Dec. 7. bachcollegiumsd.org Internationally acclaimed brass quintet Canadian Brass visits The Conrad on Dec. 11, performing a joyful arrangement of holiday hits from “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to “Jingle Bell Rock,” presented by La Jolla Music Society. theconrad.org
Looking for a few laughs to carry you through the holiday season? Hilarious duo (and incredibly
accomplished pianists) Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll take the stage at North Coast Rep in Solana Beach for their musical comedy show: 2 Pianos 4 Hands (back by
popular demand!) Dec. 11-31, performing everything from Billy Joel to Bach as they lament on their wouldbe careers as concert pianists. Tom Frey directs. northcoastrep.org
Clockwise from top: Bach Collegium San Diego; Ruben Valenzuela; the Canadian Brass quintet.
LIGHTSCAPE TO ILAN-LAEL
THE HOLIDAY SPECTACLE
Lightscape returns to San Diego Botanic Garden for its fourth annual installment, running through Jan. 4. Wear comfy shoes for a festive evening stroll along a 1-mile, inclined trail filled with illuminated, colorful installations by international artists—from the popular Tunnel of Lights to the glowing California Poppies to several brand-new installations this year; plus seasonal libations and treats available for purchase along the route. sdbg.org Sparks Gallery presents The Power
of Place, Inspirations from Ilan-Lael, on view through Dec. 31. The exhibit showcases eight visiting artists from the Ilan-Lael Foundation, whose creative processes were inspired by their time at the Ilan-Lael compound
near Julian (the home and studio of renowned artist and architect James T. Hubbell, 1931-2024). Works span photography, plein air paintings, woodworking, stained glass and mixed media. sparksgallery.com
ART
Floraison at Lightscape at San Diego Botanic Garden; the Ilan-Lael Foundation Center
A Festive Feast of Ballet, Theater and Concerts Await to Celebrate the Holidays by STEPHANIE SAAD
WHEN IT’S TIME to celebrate the end-of-year holidays, the hardest part is choosing which performing arts events to attend. As in the past, this year brings a plethora of festive choices—from classical ballet to heavenly choirs, the Grinch, Dickens, movies and more.
City Ballet of San Diego‘s staging of The Nutcracker features elaborate scenery and gorgeous costumes to bring Clara’s enchanting journey with her Nutcracker Prince to life. Tchaikovsky’s timeless score is performed live by the City Ballet Orchestra, conducted by John Nettles. Elizabeth Wistrich’s choreography is based on
City Ballet of San Diego’s staging of The Nutcracker
the classic designs of Rudolph Nureyev, Lev Ivanov, Vassily Vainonen and William Christensen. City Ballet performs The Nutcracker at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Dec. 20-23. cityballet.org
Again presenting The Nutcracker this year is
Golden State Ballet, featuring the choreography of Artistic Director Raúl Salamanca, with live accompaniment by the San Diego Symphony. Golden State’s Nutcracker has become known for filling the massive Civic stage with dancers in wonderful costumes and large sets. Performances are at the Civic Theatre downtown, Dec. 12-21. goldenstateballet.org
The San Diego Ballet dances into The Magnolia theater in El Cajon for its staging of The Nutcracker, Dec. 20-21, featuring exquisitely costumed dancers. sandiegoballet.org
At The Old Globe theater in Balboa Park, holiday revels are doubled, with ticket buyers choosing from two options.
Back for its 28th year, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the whimsical musical based upon the classic Dr. Seuss book, has become a beloved holiday tradition for families. With a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and additional lyrics by Theodor S. Geisel (Dr. Seuss himself), the show features music by Mel Marvin and an original production conceived and directed by Jack O’Brien. The family favorite features the songs “Santa for a Day,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” and “Welcome, Christmas,” from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage will be once again transformed into the
snow-covered Whoville, to the delight of kids and their parents. Children under age 3 are welcome at 10:30 a.m. all-ages performances, with free tickets available for infants sitting on adult laps. There is an ASL-interpreted performance on Dec. 12, a sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 13, and an open-caption performance on Dec. 19. The Grinch runs through Dec. 31.
A more recent addition to The Old Globe’s holiday fare is Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, running through Dec. 28 at the “in the round” Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre. Written by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen and based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, this is a theatrical reimagining of one of the most beloved holiday stories ever
Clockwise from left: Scrooge (2023) and Grinch (L-R: Andrew Polec and Tommy Martinez) at The Old Globe; David McBean in A Christmas Carol
told. All the traditional elements of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are still intact—including the iconic ghosts of Christ-mases Past, Present and Future— but with a laugh-out-loud, comic local twist, set in “wintery” San Diego. theoldglobe.org
If the ballet companies have their Nutcrackers and the Globe has the Grinch, Cygnet Theatre has become known for presenting its own telling of A Christmas Carol. The recent move to Cygnet’s new home at Arts District Liberty Station, The Joan, allows the outfit to present the classic Dickens tale in its full glory in a musical version—adapted and with lyrics by Artistic Director Sean Murray; with an original score by
by Ted Dykstra & Richard Greenblatt directed by Tom Frey featuring Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll
JAN 14-FEB 8, 2026 by Joanna
McClelland Glass directed
by David Ellenstein
FEATURE
Billy Thompson. Directed by Murray and with music direction by Patrick Marion, A Christmas Carol features Patrick McBride as Scrooge—teaching lessons about mortality, pride, greed, and the true meaning of the holidays that are as relevant today as they have ever been. The show takes the stage at the Joseph Clayes III Theater through Dec. 28.
The move to The Joan allows Cygnet Theatre for the first time to mount two shows at once, and they are taking advantage by putting on a holiday special in the smaller Dottie Studio Theater.
Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan runs Dec. 10-28. Created and directed by Carlos Mendoza, with choreography by Mendoza and Kristel Nichols, this all-singing, all-dancing revue features musical arrangements by Justin Gray and music direction
by Lyndon Pugeda of classics like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.” They promise a show that is reminiscent of the iconic Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, suitable for all ages. cygnettheatre.org
For more than a decade, the eclectic choral group Sacra/ Profana has been bringing San Diegans carefully curated concerts showing off their members’ vocal chops and director Juan Carlos Acosta’s programming of a wide selection of both traditional and contemporary works. Their holiday album, A Longing for Christmas, was released in 2021. This year, they bring us “Immeasurably Bright,” a holiday concert designed to “warm and uplift the soul” during the darkest time of the year, when—even in San
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Sacra/Profana
WORKING GIRL
THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S CIRCLESEASON SPONSORS
Denise and Lon Bevers
Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund
Kay and Bill Gurtin
Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.
Debby and Hal Jacobs
Joan* and Irwin Jacobs
Sheri L. Jamieson
La Atalaya Fund
Rebecca Moores Foundation
Paula and Brian Powers
Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Weston Anson and Alice Mitchell
Weston Anson and Alice Mitchell, Melissa and Michael Bartell, Gail and Ralph Bryan, Marlene and Gary Cohen, Drs. Edward and Martha Dennis, Hal and Hilary Dunning, Greg and Marike Fitzgerald Charitable Fund, The Estate of Pauline Foster, Hanna and Mark Gleiberman, Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters, Laurents / Hatcher Foundation, Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq., Perlmeter Family Foundation, Maryanne and Irwin Pfister, Robin and Larry Rusinko, Karen and Jeff Silberman, The Stockdale Family, Molli Wagner, Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo, Peggy Ann Wallace, Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust
Denise and Lon Bevers Sheri L. Jamieson Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq.
Paula and Brian Powers The Stockdale Family
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Dear Friends,
I’ve been sitting at my desk for the last hour, doing everything I can think of to avoid writing this letter. When I joined La Jolla Playhouse in 2007, I’d only ever been a freelance director, traveling from one theatre company to another. I craved the opportunity to have an artistic home, to engage in meaningful conversation with the same audience over several years. Now, after nearly two decades coleading this amazing organization, how do I say goodbye?
The obvious answer is to do it the same way we’ve always communicated: through the art. Working Girl has been close to my heart since I joined the project nearly a decade ago. Though it’s still set in the 1980s, it resonates deeply with today – both because of the extraordinary changes in workplace leadership opportunities for women, and the intractable problems that still prevent them from achieving their full potential. Thanks to the incredible artistry of Cyndi Lauper and Theresa Rebeck – whose lifelong bodies of work have been in conversation with this story – this hopeful celebration of perseverance and friendship feels like the perfect way to make my exit.
But I also want to express my profound and unending gratitude to the people who make this organization what it is. Our Board of Trustees remains consistently and steadfastly committed to our mission to be the new and the next in American theatre, even – especially – in tumultuous, uncertain times. Our unparalleled staff lifts everything we do with indefatigable energy, boundless skills and a hunger for innovation. The theatre-making community in San Diego County generously supports each other, and our arts journalists continue to be full-throated advocates for theatre, even in the face of staffing cuts.
I want to make special mention of two others: Eric Keen-Louie, whose stellar producing skills, communication and compassion have transformed not just the art we do, but the way we do the art; and Debby Buchholz, my trusted and tireless co-leader – whose belief in, and dedication to, this organization equals my own, and whose tenure (23 years and counting!) surpasses mine.
And, of course, there’s you. I’ve always been humbled by the curiosity, passion and loyalty I’ve witnessed from our patrons. Given the Playhouse’s primary focus on new works, I’ve had so many conversations with audience members who’ve taken pride in being the first to see a show that goes on to productions around the country – and who still have a helpful note to share. I can’t thank you enough for this enormously rewarding chapter in my life.
CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY
THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
La Jolla Playhouse acknowledges the land on which our theatres sit as the unceded territory of the KUMEYAAY NATION. Today, the Kumeyaay people continue to maintain their political sovereignty and cultural traditions as vital members of the San Diego community. Their contributions to our region are tremendous and we thank them for their stewardship.
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS
Christopher Ashley
THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Debby Buchholz
MANAGING
DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
WORKING GIRL
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY Theresa Rebeck BOOK BY
BASED ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX MOTION PICTURE WRITTEN BY Cyndi Lauper
Kevin Wade
CHOREOGRAPHED BY Christopher Ashley
Sarah O'Gleby
DIRECTED BY
FEATURING
Jacqueline B. Arnold*, Jesse Bhamrah*, Ashley Blanchet*, Anoop Desai*, Michael Genet*, Patricia Jewel*, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer*, Amy Hillner Larsen*, Bailey Lee ‡, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque*, Ashley Levin*, Nathan Madden*, Alisa Melendez*, Sydni Moon*, Jennifer Perry*, Julio Rey*, Elliot Sagay◊‡, Jaxon Smith, Gabi Stapula*, Joey Taranto*, Ian Ward*, Sean Watkinson*
ADDITIONAL MUSIC AND LYRICS
SCENIC DESIGN
COSTUME DESIGN
LIGHTING DESIGN
SOUND DESIGN
PROJECTION DESIGN
HAIR AND WIG DESIGN
MUSIC SUPERVISOR
CO-ORCHESTRATORS
MUSIC DIRECTOR
DIALECT COACH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
ASSOCIATE CHOREOGRAPHER
ASSOCIATE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
SENSITIVITY SPECIALIST CASTING
LOCAL CASTING
STAGE MANAGER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
GENERAL MANAGER
ARTISTIC PRODUCING DIRECTOR
Rob Hyman and Sammy James, Jr.
AMP featuring Erica Jiaying Zhang
Linda Cho
Amanda Zieve
Gareth Owen
Hana S. Kim
Charles G. LaPointe
Stephen Oremus
Stephen Oremus, Brian Usifer, Scott Wasserman
Julie McBride
Deborah Hecht
Jacole Kitchen
Jennie Ford
Brian Usifer
Ann C. James
The Telsey Office, Rachel Hoffman, CSA; Rashad Naylor, CSA
Joe/Ensemble................................................................................................................................... Julio Rey*
Armbruster/Ensemble Jesse Bhamrah*
Mick Joey Taranto*
Jack ........................................................................................................................................... Anoop Desai*
Trask/Ensemble Michael Genet*
Swings ........................................................... Patricia Jewel*, Jaxon Smith, Gabi Stapula*, Sean Watkinson*
UNDERSTUDIES
Jack ........................................................................................................................................ Jesse Bhamrah*
Katharine Amy Hillner Larsen*
Tess Bailey Lee‡, Ashley Levin*
Cyn ........................................................................................................................................ Alisa Melendez*
Mick ................................................................................................................................................. Ian Ward*
Understudies are never substituted for listed roles unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Associate Music Director Alex "Goldie" Golden
Assistant Director ..................................................................................................................... Patrice Amon
Associate Costume Designer Patrick Bevilacqua
Associate Lighting Designer Brandon Rosen
Associate Sound Designer .................................................................................................... Russell Godwin
Animator/Associate Video Designer ........................................................................................... Kylee Loera
Staring You Right in the Face ......................................................................................
Trask, Mick, Tess, Jack
Act II
I’m Back
Katharine, Tess, Secretaries
Dream in Royalty ......................................................................................................... Jack, Tess, Secretaries
Mergers and Acquisitions Tess, Jack, Cyn, Secretaries
Get You Hot Mick, Jack
The Way It Works (Reprise) ............................................................................................................. Ensemble
Something More (Reprise) Tess
You and Me Tess, Cyn
Working Girl ......................................................................................................................... Tess, Secretaries
Music Assistant........................................................................................................................ Lyndon Pugeda
In Wood Productions: Robyn Goodman and Josh Fiedler; Gorgeous Entertainment: Kumiko Yoshii; Jack Lane; with Tatum Ludlam, Brendan Walsh, and Natsumi Shinohara
THE COMPANY
Jacqueline B. Arnold she/her (Lois/ Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut! Broadway: Chicago (Mama Morton), Smash (OBC, Anita), Moulin Rouge! The Musical (OBC, La Chocolat), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (OBC, Diva 1). National Tours: We Will Rock You, Rent, Hairspray. Many regional credits and a Bette Midler Harlette. Thank you to my amazing team at MMV Talent and to my wife, Shannon. @jacquelinebarnold
La Jolla Playhouse: Bhangin' It. Regional: Noises Off (The Old Globe); Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Once (Writers Theater); 1776 (Marriott Theater); As You Like It (Guthrie Theater); An Enemy of the People (Goodman Theater); A Christmas Carol, Man of La Mancha (Milwaukee Rep); productions with Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Indiana Repertory, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, and First Stage Children's Theater. TV/Film: Chicago Fire (NBC); Hot Mess Holiday (Comedy Central); Chhaya. @jessebhamrah on Instagram.
Ashley Blanchet she/her (Cyn) Thrilled to be back at the Playhouse after collaborating on The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical by Joe Iconis in 2022! Broadway: Waitress, Frozen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Annie, Memphis. Select Off-Broadway/ Regional: Dual roles Kate Mullins/Charlotte Cardoza in Titanic (Encores!); title role in Cinderella and The Sound of Music (Paper Mill Playhouse); Miss New Hampshire in Sarah Silverman's The Bedwetter (Atlantic Theater/ Arena Stage); Belle in Beauty and the Beast (The Muny). Film/TV: The Good Fight, The Equalizer, WonderPets, Noggin123, Better Nate Than Ever, and Raquelle in the short animated film Are You Okay? by WonderMedia. Instagram: @a_Blanchet.
Anoop Desai (Jack)
is an actor, writer, and vocalist from Chapel Hill, NC. La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. OffBroadway: The Wrong Man (MCC). Recent on-screen credits include Babygirl (A24), Under the Bridge (Hulu), What We Do in the Shadows (FX), and St. Denis Medical (NBC). Music written and performed by Anoop under the pseudonym TOTEM has been streamed over 75 million times. @totemsound
Michael Genet (Trask/Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: A Few Good Men, Hamlet, Lestat, Wicked, The Prom, Choir Boy. Off-Broadway: Is God Is, A Soldier's Play, The Whipping Man. Regional: Hamlet (The Old Globe). Film: One Fine Day, 25th Hour, She Hate Me, Death on the Brandywine, Terrified 3. TV: Best Man: The Final Chapters, Billions, Blue Bloods, The Affair, Fosse/Verdon, Law & Order, Ugly Betty, The Mysteries of Laura, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. Screenwriter: Hallelujah (American Playhouse), Talk to Me (Focus Features; Winner, NAACP Image Award), She Hate Me (w/ Spike Lee), Trouble Man (Drama Series in Development).
Patricia Jewel (Swing)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Regional: Waitress (The Muny); Once on This Island, King John (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Hair, Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (The Old Globe); Chicago (Alaska Center for the Performing Arts); Tarzan, Once on This Island, The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Moonlight); OLIVÉRio, A Brazilian Twist (Main Street Theatre Company); The Bodyguard (Welk Theatre); Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Performance Riverside). Concerts: Patricia Jewel: Gems of Stage and Screen, There’s a Place for Us, S’Wonderful, S’Marvelous: The Songs of the Gershwins, Ladies Who Lunch: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim. Education: University of Redlands. @iampatriciajewel
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut! Broadway: Once Upon a One More Time (Belinda). Off Broadway: Marvelous Wonderettes (Susie), Newsical (u/s Christine Pedi). National Tours: Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hairspray. Favorite regional credits include: All Shook Up (Goodspeed); …One More Time (DC); Kinky Boots (Bucks County); First Wives Club (Chicago); Footloose (PCLO); Hairspray (Hollywood Bowl); Fiddler (Ventura); Seussical (Milwaukee). Amy was featured on The 66th Annual Tony Awards (Tracy in RCCL’s Hairspray montage) and served as choreographer for Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza: The Musical, featuring Dolly Parton, Doja Cat and Barlow & Bear. Thanks to Take 3 Talent & Telsey. For my Kevin, I love you más. @ahillarsen
Bailey Lee she/her (Ensemble/Understudy: Tess)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Regional: Execution of Justice (Chautauqua Theater Company); Pirates of Penzance, Romeo and Juliet (North Carolina Symphony). Education: M.F.A. candidate at UC San Diego. B.F.A. from UNCSA. @baileyllee
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque she/her (Tess)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Moulin Rouge! The Musical. New York Times best-selling author. Youngest solo artist to have a #1 song on Billboard Top 40 Chart. Movies: Aquamarine and RV. Education: surviving the music industry.
Ashley Levin she/her (Ensemble/ Understudy: Tess)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. TV/Film: Joker 2: Folie a Deux (Warner Bros. Pictures), Wish (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Zootopia 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios), Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist (NBC, Netflix), NBC's The Voice (Season 12 Finalist), Tom Segura Comedy Special (Netflix). Education: University of Miami Jazz Vocal Department.
Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (Katharine)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Spamalot (Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League Award nominations), Beetlejuice (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League Award nominations), A Catered Affair (Drama Desk Award nomination), Legally Blonde, Sondheim on Sondheim, Elf, Something Rotten and Hairspray. Off Broadway: The Robber Bridegroom (Lucille Lortel Award, Drama Desk nomination), Let’s Call Her Patty!, GIGANTIC (Lucille Lortel nomination), and others. She is the voice of Rosie on the Amazon animated series Hazbin Hotel and was recently featured as Carol Burnett in the series finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. TV credits include: The First Lady, Bridge and Tunnel, New Amsterdam, Vinyl, Difficult People, Kevin Can Wait, Younger and Law & Order: SVU.
Nathan Madden (Bob/Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Fresh from the Hollywood Bowl’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, staring Cynthia Erivo. Broadway: An American in Paris (OBC), Hello, Dolly!, Chicago, Twyla Tharp’s tour of Come Fly Away, and Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular. Select regional: Rocky Horror (Frank), Curious Incident... (Ed Boone), and numerous productions at The Muny. TV: Welcome to Chippendales (Dr. Hunkenstein), Hunters (Ernst), Étoile, Perfect Harmony, Homecoming: All American and General Hospital. He choreographs and designs immersive experiences worldwide, including aquatic creations at Atlantis Palm Sky Blaze in Dubai, and Las Vegas. As a graduate of Juilliard he’s passionate about arts education and thrilled to be a working girl! @nathanmaddenofficial
Alisa Melendez (Amy/Ensemble/ Understudy: Cyn)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Almost Famous. National Tours: Mamma Mia!. Regional: Rent (Paper Mill Playhouse); Almost Famous (The Old Globe). Education: Pace. @alisamelendez
Sydni Moon she/her (Lee Ann/Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Elf. Off-Broadway: Joy. Regional: Les Misérables, Andrina in The Little Mermaid (The Muny); Sillabub in Cats, Regina in Rock of Ages, Beauty and the Beast (Music Theatre Wichita); Chicago, Arista in The Little Mermaid (Lexington Theatre Company). Education: B.F.A. from the University of Oklahoma. Full of gratitude for this team, Dustin and Marc, and Telsey. Love always to Mom, Dad, Tyler, and Luna. @sydni.moon
Jennifer Perry she/her (Olympia/Mrs. Trask/ Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Kinky Boots (Original Cast), Mamma Mia! (Rosie). Off-Broadway: Nunsense, Bonnie and Clyde. Select regional credits include: Kinky Boots, (Hollywood Bowl, Sacramento Music Circus, The Muny); Mamma Mia! Las Vegas (Original Cast); My Very Own British Invasion (Paper Mill Playhouse); The New World (Bucks County); Idaho (Smith Center Las Vegas); Annie (Music Theater Wichita); Hairspray (The Muny). Film/TV credits include: Frozen, Better Nate Than Ever, FBI: Most Wanted, Blacklist, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Limitless, The Big C, True Blood. Much love to Andy and Wayne.
Julio Rey (Joe/Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Aladdin, Lempicka, Bad Cinderella. Regional: The Great Gatsby (Paper Mill Playhouse), Frozen (North Shore Music Theatre), White Christmas (City Springs), The Griswolds’ Broadway Vacation (Fifth Avenue), Titanic (Milwaukee Rep), West Side Story (Lyric Opera of Chicago), 42nd Street (The REV). Native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Amateur crochet master. Education: B.F.A. from Penn State University. Big thanks to Marc & Dustin at the Daniel Hoff Agency. Instagram: @julio.iguana.
THE COMPANY
Elliot Sagay he/him (Ensemble)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Regional: "Master Harold"...and the Boys, Into the Woods, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, As You Like It (Santa Cruz Shakespeare); we are continuous (Diversionary); Passing Strange (Theo Ubique); A Christmas Carol (Indiana Rep); Call Me Madam (Porchlight Music Theatre). TV: Chicago Med. Education: Northwestern University; M.F.A. Acting Candidate at UC San Diego.
Jaxon Smith he/him (Swing)
Regional credits: 3 Summers of Lincoln (La Jolla Playhouse); Oklahoma! (Cygnet); The Prince of Egypt, Fiddler on the Roof, Tootsie (Moonlight); Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play (New Village Arts); Fiddler on the Roof and The Addams Family (SDMT); Darkness Falls (Sea World). Education: SDSCPA
Gabi Stapula (Swing/Dance Captain)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut! Broadway and National Tour: Back to the Future. Regional credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, Arena Stage, Goodspeed, TUTS, The REV, Sacramento Music Circus, and Resident Choreographer, Associate, and Performer at The Muny. Performer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, SNL and The View. Co-founder of Production Company Glos Haus. Education: Pace University. Love to my family, CESD, and YOU for supporting theatre. @astoldbygabi
Joey Taranto (Mick)
is thrilled to return to La Jolla Playhouse!
Most recently he was seen at the Hollywood Bowl in the critically-acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar. La Jolla Playhouse: Lempicka. Broadway: Rock of Ages, SpiderMan: Turn Off the Dark (OBC) and Kinky Boots (OBC). Off Broadway: Bat Out of Hell. Regional: Little Shop of Horrors (Cleveland Play House); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Dorset Theatre Festival). TV/Film: Bros, Blue Bloods, Chrissy/Judy, J.G. & the B.C. Kids, Jesus Christ Superstar live on NBC, and more! Joey is also the co-host of “I Think Not: A Comedic True Crime Podcast,” available on all platforms. IG: @itsjoeytaranto. This one’s for you, Mom x
Sean Watkinson (Swing)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: A Beautiful Noise. National Tours: Hadestown. Regional: Jesus Christ Superstar (Asolo Rep); Spring Awakening (Round House); Billy Elliot (Signature). Education: B.F.A. from Florida State University.
Ian Ward he/him (Petey/Ensemble/ Understudy: Mick)
La Jolla Playhouse: Redwood (workshop). Broadway: Gettin’ the Band Back Together (original cast). Concerts: Jesus Christ Superstar (Hollywood Bowl); The Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall); Rent in Concert (Rady Shell). Int’l: Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 (Shanghai). Select Regional: Rent (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Rock of Ages Hollywood (Bourbon Room); Catch Me If You Can (The REV); American Idiot (La Mirada). TV: American Idol; 9-1-1; Lifetime’s Bad Tutor; Veronica Mars. Education: Berklee College of Music. Love to my family. @ianwardoutward
Cyndi Lauper (Music and Lyrics)
is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter and performing artist known for her iconic voice, influential punk glamor, and infectious live shows. Lauper won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist with her first album, “She's So Unusual.” She became the first woman in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album, and went on to release nine additional studio albums. In 2006, she made her Broadway debut as a performer in Threepenny Opera, and made her Broadway debut as a composer in 2013 with Kinky Boots, becoming the first solo woman to win a Tony Award for Best Original Score. She also won a 2014 Grammy Award for the show’s Cast Album. Let the Canary Sing, the acclaimed feature documentary film on her remarkable life and career, is now streaming on Paramount+, and Lauper just wrapped her international Farewell Tour. She has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and is a NY Times bestselling author. Lauper is also a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, co-founding True Colors Fund in 2008. cyndilauper.com
Theresa Rebeck (Book) is an award-winning and widely-produced playwright whose work has been staged across the globe. Her Broadway plays include the record-breaking Roundabout Theatre-produced hit I Need That (starring Danny DeVito), along with Bernhardt/Hamlet, Dead Accounts, Seminar and Mauritius. Other notable plays include the New York Times Critic’s Pick Dig (which she also directed) at Primary Stages/59E59 Theaters; Mad House, which premiered on London’s West End starring David Harbour and Bill Pullman; Seared (MCC); Downstairs (Primary Stages); The Scene; The Water’s Edge; Loose Knit; The Family of Mann; Spike Heels (Second Stage); Bad Dates; The Butterfly Collection; Our House (Playwrights Horizons); The Understudy (Roundabout); View of the Dome (NYTW); What We’re Up Against (Women’s Project); Omnium Gatherum (Pulitzer Prize finalist). As a director, her work has been seen at The Alley Theatre (Houston), the REP Company (Delaware), Dorset Theatre Festival, the Orchard Project and the Folger Theatre. Major film and TV projects include Trouble, with Anjelica Huston, Bill Pullman and David Morse (writer and director), NYPD Blue, the NBC series Smash (creator), the female spy thriller 355 (for Jessica Chastain’s production company) and Glimpse. As a novelist, Rebeck’s books include Three Girls and Their Brother and I'm Glad About You. Rebeck is the recipient of the William Inge New Voices Playwriting Award, the PEN/Laura Pels Foundation Award, and a Lilly Award. theresarebeck.com
Christopher Ashley (Director)
Please see Mr. Ashley’s bio on page 16.
Sarah O’Gleby (Choreographer)
Choreography credits include Shucked (Broadway, US Tour, Regents Park, London); Almost Famous (Broadway); The Wanderer (Paper Mill Playhouse); High Button Shoes (Encores); Mythic (Charing Cross). As Resident Choreographer for TV: Saturday Night Live (NBC); The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Immersive Events: Clients include Hermés, Target, Robin Hood Foundation, Google, Disney. SarahOGleby.com
Rob Hyman (Additional Music and Lyrics)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Musician and co-founder of The Hooters, a rock band based in Philadelphia. The group opened the Live Aid concert in their hometown at JFK Stadium (1985) and performed at Roger Waters’ The Wall in Berlin (1990). Rob also worked on Cyndi’s debut album “She’s So Unusual,” contributing keyboards, background vocals, and arrangements, and co-wrote “Time After Time,” the final track to make the album. Education: B.A. from UPenn. Working Girl will be his first theatrical production, excited to be a part of it!
Sammy James, Jr. (Additional Music and Lyrics)
Songwriter and Grammy-winning music producer whose credits include Kinky Boots, School of Rock, and Tropic Thunder. Founder of NYC garage rock combo The Mooney Suzuki.
Stephen Oremus (Music Supervisor/Co-Orchestrator)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: The Book of Mormon (Tony, Drama Desk, and Grammy Awards); Kinky Boots (Tony and Grammy Awards); Wicked; Avenue Q; All Shook Up; 9 to 5: The Musical; Disney’s Frozen; Smash. Off-Broadway: tick, tick…BOOM!. Film: Executive Music Producer of Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025); Vocal arranger/conductor for Disney’s Frozen and Frozen 2. TV credits: Music Director of the 2015 Oscars (Emmy nomination), Annie Live!, and The Wiz Live! (NBC), Rent Live! (FOX), A Very WICKED Halloween Special (NBC), Frozen-The Broadway Musical and Into the Unknown: The Making of Frozen 2 (Disney+).
AMP Featuring Erica Jiaying Zhang (Scenic Designer) AMP is a collective founded by Brett J. Banakis and Christine Jones to amplify emerging and underrepresented designers by engaging in equitable collaborations. For Working Girl, they are thrilled to be designing alongside Jiaying Zhang. Originally from Shanghai, China, Jiaying is drawn to the energy of bodies in space, the sculpting of atmosphere, and the interweaving of visual and emotional worlds. Her recent credits include There’s No Day or Night in Space (Soho Rep Lab) and A(U)NTS! (The Brick). Banakis and Jones have co-created multiple shows together including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Devil Wears Prada, The Cher Show, and as AMP Scenography: The Outsiders (Tony nom) and John Proctor Is the Villain.
Linda Cho (Costume Designer)
La Jolla Playhouse: Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin; Babbitt; Bhangin’ It; Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord; The Orphan of Zhao; Wild Goose Dreams. Broadway: Art; The Great Gatsby (Tony Award; West End, London, South Korea); Pirates! The Penzance Musical; Doubt; Summer, 1976; Take Me Out; Grand Horizons; Anastasia (Tony nomination); POTUS; Harmony; The Great Society; A Gentleman's Guide… (Tony and Henry Hewes Awards; Outer Critics Circle nomination); The Lifespan of a Fact; Velocity of Autumn. Numerous OffBroadway, International, Regional Theatre, Opera and Dance Productions. Serves on the Advisory Committee of the American Theatre Wing. M.F.A.: Yale School of Drama. Linda@LindaCho.com
THE COMPANY
Amanda Zieve (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be back at La Jolla Playhouse after designing The Heart, 3 Summers of Lincoln, Velour: A Drag Spectacular, The Ballad of Johnny and June, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical and Put Your House in Order. Other recent designs include: The Who's Tommy (Broadway/Goodman); Cabaret (Goodspeed); Into the Woods, Billy Elliot, Titanic (Signature Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (South Coast Rep); Deceived, I Hate Hamlet (Maltz Jupiter); Sweeney Todd, Roof of the World (KC Rep). Her Playhouse Associate credits include: Fly, Escape to Margaritaville, Hollywood, and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Other San Diego credits include: Noises Off, Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B, English, Crime and Punishment - A Comedy, Dial M for Murder, Hair, Tiny Beautiful Things, Barefoot in the Park, Native Gardens, The Wanderers and Rich Girl (The Old Globe); Follies, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812, Evita, Cabaret, Rock of Ages (Cygnet). amandazieve.com
Gareth Owen (Sound Designer)
La Jolla Playhouse: The Heart, Come From Away, Diana, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Broadway highlights: Boop!, Hell’s Kitchen (Tony nom), Tommy, Elf, Back to the Future, & Juliet (Tony nom), MJ (Tony Award), Bad Cinderella, Diana, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Come From Away, Bronx Tale, Spring Awakening, End of the Rainbow (Tony nom), Bat Out of Hell and A Little Night Music (Tony nom). West End highlights: Just for One Day, The Devil Wears Prada, MJ, Back to the Future (Olivier nom), Cinderella, Prince of Egypt, Come From Away (Olivier Award), Bat Out of Hell (Olivier nom), Memphis (Olivier Award), Top Hat (Olivier nom) and Merrily We Roll Along (Olivier Award). garethowensound.com; @garethowensound
Hana S. Kim (Projection Design)
Broadway: The Outsiders, Redwood, Real Women Have Curves, The Old Man and the Pool, Summer 1976. OffBroadway/New York: SUMO, The Harder They Come, Eve's Song (The Public Theater); Everything Rises (BAM); Magdalene (Prototype Festival). New music/ opera: L’Orfeo (Santa Fe Opera), Sweet Land (The Industry), The Anonymous Lover (LA Opera). Awards: Tony Awards, Princess Grace Award, Sherwood Award from CTG, Helen Hayes Award, LA Drama Critics Circle Distinguished Achievement Award, among others. www.hananow.com
Charles G. LaPointe (Hair and Wig Design)
La Jolla Playhouse: Over fourteen shows including Babbitt, Side Show, Chasing the Song, His Girl Friday, Fly. Broadway: Hamilton (Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylist Guild Award); Death Becomes Her (Drama Desk Award); The Great Gatsby; Pirates! The Penzance Musical!; Suffs (Drama Desk Award nomination); MJ The Musical; The Who’s Tommy; The Wiz; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; Beetlejuice; The Cher Show (Drama Desk Award); Anastasia; SpongeBob SquarePants (Drama Desk Award); Jersey Boys; A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder; In the Heights; The Color Purple (original and revival). Television: The Wiz Live! (Emmy Award nomination); Jesus Christ Superstar Live! (Emmy Award nomination and Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylist Guild Award).
Brian Usifer (Associate Music Supervisor/ Co-Orchestrator)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Chess, Swept Away, Heart of Rock and Roll, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Disney’s Frozen, Kinky Boots, and The Book of Mormon. Additional orchestrations: NBC's Annie Live, The Wiz Live, pianist for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon.
Scott Wasserman he/him (Co-Orchestrator/Ableton Programmer)
La Jolla Playhouse: Redwood, Bhangin’ It, Diana, Escape to Margaritaville. Broadway: The Queen of Versailles, Redwood, & Juliet, Diana, Escape to Margaritaville, Great Comet, Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, Annie, Leap of Faith. Selected Regional & Off-Broadway: Gun & Powder (Paper Mill; Signature); Walk on Through (MCC); We Are Your Robots (TFANA); Double Helix (Bay Street); Dare to Dream Jr. (Disney; MTI). Other Media: The Eyes of the World (PBS); Mufasa (Disney); Warriors (Atlantic Records); Losing My Mind: A Sondheim Disco Fever Dream (Broadway Records); Johnny & The Devil’s Box (streaming); 21 Chump Street (This American Life). B.F.A. from CMU.
Julie McBride (Music Director)
La Jolla Playhouse: Miss You Like Hell. Broadway: Redwood, Moulin Rouge, SpongeBob SquarePants, INK, Head Over Heels, Pretty Woman, Amazing Grace, Finding Neverland. Off-Broadway/regional: A Transparent Musical (Mark Taper Forum), TEETH (Playwrights Horizons, New World Stages), Unknown Soldier (Playwrights Horizons, Arena Stage), Next to Normal (Second Stage), These Paper Bullets! (Yale Rep, La Mirada, Atlantic Theatre Company), Deathless (Goodspeed), LMNOP (Goodspeed), Miss You Like Hell (Public Theatre), Daddy Long Legs (11 regional productions). Film/TV: Steven Spielberg's West Side Story, The Path (Hulu), Little Voice (Apple TV).
Ann C. James (Sensitivity Specialist)
La Jolla Playhouse: Lempicka, The Outsiders, Love All, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Velour: A Drag Spectacular, 3 Summers of Lincoln, Indian Princesses, The Heart, All the Men Who've Frightened Me. Broadway: Ragtime, Little Shop of Horrors, Sunset Boulevard, A Wonderful World, Eureka Day, Sh*t. Meet. Fan., John Proctor Is the Villain, The Outsiders, Lempicka, Illinoise, Hamilton, Parade, Sweeney Todd, Heart of Rock and Roll.
The Telsey Office (Casting)
With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theatre, film, television, and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable, and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability, and advocacy. Please visit thetelseyoffice.com for our credits.
Deborah Hecht (Dialect Coach)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: 101 productions including Ragtime, Purple Rain (upcoming), The Great Gatsby, How I Learned to Drive, Hangmen, The Ferryman, Harry Potter…, the recent and original productions of Angels in America. More on ibdb.com. Off-Broadway: numerous productions at MTC, Signature, NYTW, MCC, Playwrights Horizons, many others. Regional: Playmakers, Williamstown, Seattle Rep, others. England: RSC, Royal National. Film/TV: upcoming We Were the Lucky Ones, Tokyo Vice, Fosse/Vernon, All the Money in the World, Under the Skin, others.
Jacole Kitchen (Associate Director)
2025 Directing Fellow at La Jolla Playhouse. Most recently she was the associate director on the world-premiere musical The Heart (La Jolla Playhouse). Other directing credits include: Jin vs the Beach, Pick Me Last and Light Years Away (LJP POP Tour), Suburban Black Girl (Outside In Theatre), The Hula Hoopin’ Queen (Seattle Children’s Theatre), Manny and the Wise Queens (Oceanside Theatre Company), Our Town (Mira Costa College), Iron (Roustabouts Theatre Company), Cardboard Piano (Diversionary Theatre), An Iliad (New Village Arts), and more. Jacole is an arts educator, community advocate, and mentor for professional development. www.jacolekitchen.com
*
Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The theatre operates under an agreement between League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association.
The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
Jennie Ford she/her (Associate Choreographer)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: An American in Paris, Shucked, Evita, All Shook Up, Dance of the Vampires, The Music Man, Hairspray, Urban Cowboy, and Sweet Smell of Success National Tours: Ragtime, Hairspray, and Evita. Education: working on the job :). Author of the how-to books Be the Best Swing on Broadway and Be the Best Dance Captain on Broadway. Proud Mom of Hailey Hanneman.
Victoria Navarro (Stage Manager)
Broadway: The Notebook, Wicked, Jagged Little Pill, The Lion King, The Color Purple. Off-Broadway: Goddess, The Unsinkable Molly Brown. National Tours: Matilda, Annie, Cameron Mackintosh’s Oliver!, Seussical. Selected regional productions Evita (A.R.T.), Benny and Joon (PMP), Holiday Inn (PMP). Thanks to my family and friends for their love and support. UCSD graduate from the 90’s…nice to be back!
Derric Nolte he/him (Assistant Stage Manager)
La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Broadway: Purpose, The Notebook, The Book of Mormon, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, The Prom, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Annie, Bullets Over Broadway, Evita. National Tours: Hadestown, The Book of Mormon. OffBroadway: Rock of Ages, Avenue Q, Rent, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Encores!). Regional: Evita (ART/STC); On Your Feet!, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Paper Mill Playhouse); Footloose (Kennedy Center). Education: B.F.A. from CCM.
Alexa Burn she/her (Assistant Stage Manager) La Jolla Playhouse: The Heart, Indian Princesses, 3 Summers of Lincoln, Your Local Theater Presents..., Derecho, Primary Trust. Select credits include Clyde’s (ASM) at the Denver Center, The Royale (SM) at American Players Theatre, Bald Sisters (SM) at San Jose Stage, Intimate Apparel (ASM), The Three Musketeers (ASM), Chicken and Biscuits (ASM), The Great Leap (ASM), Grand Horizons (ASM), Hood (ASM) at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and The Code (SM) at American Conservatory Theatre SF. Alexa was also a stage manager at the Disneyland Resort for many years, working with the Disneyland Band, Dapper Dans, and many more.
This theatre operates under an agreement between League of Resident Theatres and United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
All musicians are represented by the American Federation of Musicians Local 325 San Diego.
This theatre operates under an agreement between La Jolla Playhouse and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 122.
La Jolla Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre.
UC San Diego M.F.A. Candidates in residence at La Jolla Playhouse.
Appears by permission of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates:
TALKBACK TUESDAYS
Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following these performances.
Tuesday, November 11 and 18 after the 7:30pm show
ACCESS PERFORMANCE
DISCOVERY SUNDAY
Join special guest speakers post-performance as they engage audience members in a moderated discussion exploring the themes in the play.
Sunday, November 23 after the 1pm show
A select Saturday matinee of each show is designated as a relaxed performance, and live American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning is available for those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Audio description for those who are blind or have low vision is available upon request with prior notice. Find more info at lajollaplayhouse.org/access.
Saturday, November 15 at 2pm
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
You're welcome to take photos in the theatre before and after the performance. If you post photos on social media, please tag La Jolla Playhouse:
LIMITEDEDITION SOUVENIR TICKETS
Celebrate Artistic Director Christopher Ashley’s 18-year tenure and commemorate this extraordinary new show with these limited-edition souvenir tickets, featuring printed autographs of the creative team.
MAKE RIPPLES
A conversation with Working Girl’s composer Cyndi Lauper, book writer Theresa Rebeck, and La Jolla Playhouse’s Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene
GG: How did you both become involved with turning Working Girl into a musical?
CL: I was hired more than 10 years ago, in 2013. I had just opened Kinky Boots, and [Working Girl screenwriter] Kevin Wade was impressed with it. Kinky Boots was an incredible experience. I was a newbie, and [book writer] Harvey Fierstein was not only an inspiration but also a great teacher to me. Originally I thought he just wanted me to write songs with hooks. But once I was in it, the songs resolved something within the scene. And as Harvey said, “When there are no more words, you sing.” So how can I not love that?
I’m excited to see Working Girl finally going up on its feet. It was such an iconic and loved movie of the ‘80s. I thought it was a good thing to keep it set in the ‘80s; we need to remember how it was back then –see what’s changed and what hasn’t. Maybe some things haven’t changed that much. Anyway, it took a few years to get everybody together. Chris Ashley came on in 2015, 2016ish. Then eventually I met Theresa and we really connected on the story. We hit it off and here we are.
TR: They had worked on it for a while before they came to me. My agent called me up and said, “Are you interested in doing the book for
Working Girl? Cyndi Lauper is writing the score.” And I was like, “YES!” It’s a movie I loved so much, and I’ve been a fan of Cyndi’s for so long. This material is really in my wheelhouse – we’re still struggling to get stories told from a female point of view, which is a disaster for the culture. I knew that I would be in good hands working with Cyndi. And I also loved the idea of revisiting the ‘80s, and telling stories about how women struggled in the workplace: all the things we’ve yearned for, to enter the power structure and have our ideas and dreams fulfilled. But it’s still got so many obstacles to it, and I loved that the story handles that directly.
GG: Even though you’ve kept the original 1980s setting, the issues the musical deals with are – as you’ve both alluded to – still depressingly relevant.
CL: But this show isn’t depressing. I think it’s important to entertain people and tell a story. You know, make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, and make ‘em laugh again and feel a camaraderie with the characters. I don’t look at it like I’m going to change the world, but maybe I can widen the parameters a little bit. That’s what I want to do. I would like to make ripples.
I’m hoping to bring folks together with sound and rhythm. So that when you’re sitting there, you can’t
help but move. [Moves rhythmically in her chair] I want it to feel like the first time I saw MTV and I couldn’t get away from the screen. Like the first time I heard that gated snare drum sound and freaked over it. You remember so many songs like that, right? For me, musically, the ‘80s was filled with so many new sounds. It was exciting. We want the audience to feel that, too. I wanted to have fun with the music.
TR: And you have some great tunes in there.
CL: Well, I’m trying. [Laughter]
GG: What was it like to balance honoring the source material, but also giving yourself creative license to make the story your own?
TR: We really honor the structure of the movie, but we blow it open in a lot of ways. And listen, I say this with all affection for [the film’s director] Mike Nichols and Kevin Wade –
GG: The two men behind Working Girl, in other words.
TR: Yeah. But as a story about female empowerment, there were some touches in it where I went, “I dunno…” There’s one point where [Melanie Griffith as Tess] is vacuuming –
TR and CL [together] : – and high heels!
CL: Yeah, I always vacuum like that. [Laughter]
TR: And Kevin is very much behind what we’re doing. He said to me, “It’s great to see a couple of women take this story on and make it your own.” But we felt very strongly about preserving the arc of the story. We saved a bunch of the iconic lines and gestures because they were important to us. But we also honor some aspects of it more than the movie did; the relationship between Tess and her best friend, Cyn, became really central to our story in a way that I think is just beautiful. And all the other secretaries in the movie now have more to do.
GG: Cyndi, once you were ready to start writing, what was the first song that you decided to tackle?
CL: “Something More.” I remembered the opening shot of the movie: the ferry, the Statue of Liberty. I grew up in New York City. My family were immigrants, so the Statue of Liberty always meant very much to me. I thought maybe Tess would talk to her, like I did. Then I got together with Rob Hyman, who I wrote “Time After Time” with, and kind of wrote Lady Liberty a little love song.
GG: After so much development time, what's it like to finally be in rehearsals?
TR: We’ve found incredible moments that are starting to blossom when you put them on their feet. There’s a moment – we just rehearsed it yesterday – when Tess and Jack are going through their deal and Tess explains that she has a vision of bringing things together – building companies, rather than tearing them apart. Because that’s what was going on in the ‘80s. I remember having gone through that. My father lost his job in one of those deals. They forced him into retirement and it was very painful; he was too old to get another job.
CL: There were all those guys in the ‘80s who took the train back and forth because they didn’t know how to tell their families. My uncle was one.
TR: Yeah. It was devastating. But to be able to create a character who’s not interested in that – to give her that kind of vision, because she is a visionary character – both of us are putting our hopes and dreams into Tess. Cyndi talks a lot about that; she wants little girls and younger women to come in and see this and go, “Yeah!” and to spread that [feeling]. Those kind of movements were just seedlings in the movie, but they ain’t seedlings anymore!
CL: It all comes down to “home.” A home we will fight for, defend. A place you always can depend on. Whether you go through bad stuff or good stuff, you have to know where you came from to go forward.
GG: What do you enjoy most about each other as collaborators?
CL: Theresa’s really smart – I enjoy that!
TR: And I think she’s a poet.
CL: [Gives Theresa a look]
TR: You are. She’s very selfdeprecating, which I accept. It’s hard, what she’s accomplished.
CL: But I’ve got a team. It’s not just me.
TR: She’s been through a lot. But if you peel away the toughness, there’s such a kind heart in there.
CL: [Whispering] That’s not good for my image – I’m a rock and roller.
TR: And also she calls me sometimes and says, “Listen to this!” And then I have Cyndi Lauper singing to me on the phone, and I think, “My life has gotten really good.” [Laughter] It’s true! One time she called and [to Cyndi] you don’t know I did this, but my husband was standing right there and I put you on speakerphone and we were both like, “Cyndi Lauper is singing a really cool song on the phone!” This whole thing has been exciting. Sometimes she’s right and sometimes I’m right, but when I get a little stuck on something, she tells me, [impersonating Cyndi] “Dare to suck! We gotta dare to suck!” And I think, “Yeah, she’s right; get over yourself.” That’s a good lesson.
Photo credits: (Top left) Photo of Cyndi Lauper by Sophy Holland; photo of Theresa Rebeck by Cleo Lynn. (Bottom right) Joanna "JoJo" Levesque (Tess) and the cast of Working Girl in rehearsals at La Jolla Playhouse.
PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP
Christopher Ashley, (he/him) The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he directed the world premieres of Come From Away, The Heart, 3 Summers of Lincoln, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Babbitt, Diana: The Musical, Memphis, Escape to Margaritaville, Hollywood, The Darrell Hammond Project, The Squirrels, A Dram of Drummhicit, Restoration and Chasing the As You Like It, His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Freaky Friday and Xanadu. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) initiative, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. Mr. Ashley recently directed Come From Away for AppleTV+ and Diana: for Netflix. Other screen credits include the feature Lucky Stiff, and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. Mr. Ashley’s Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nomination), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nomination), Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other national tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits include Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel Award nomination), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.
Debby Buchholz, (she/her) Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse joined the Playhouse in 2002, serving first as General Manager before becoming Managing Director. She is President of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and a member of its Executive Committee. She is a recipient of a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Prior to joining La Jolla Playhouse, she served as Counsel to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She was a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution’s program on Legal Problems of Museum Administration. Prior to The Kennedy Center, she served as a corporate attorney in New York City and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of UC San Diego and Harvard Law School.
Ms. Buchholz and her husband, noted author and White House economic policy advisor Todd Buchholz, live in Solana Beach.
Eric Keen-Louie, (he/him) Artistic Producing Director joined the Playhouse in 2018 as Producing Director, before becoming Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at The Old Globe (Associate Producer and Associate Artistic Director) and The Public Theater (Assistant to the Associate Producer and Director of Special Projects). He assisted Broadway producer Margo Lion on Hairspray and Caroline, or Change. He is a graduate of Columbia University where he received his M.F.A. in Theatre Management & Producing as a Dean’s Fellow and New York University where he earned a B.A. in Dramatic Literature. He serves as Vice President on the National Alliance of Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors. He is a proud third-generation Chinese-American and is married to Anthony Keen-Louie, a local mediator and Associate Ombuds at UC Santa Cruz.
Des McAnuff, (he/him) Director Emeritus is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director from 1983 through 1994, and from 2001 through April 2007 where he staged over 30 productions of classics, new plays and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse garnered the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. He is also the former Artistic Director of Canada’s Stratford Festival and co-founder of Broadway’s Dodgers. Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud, Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award: Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula the Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards: Best Director, Best Musical). Selected New York: Fetch Clay, Make Man (NYTW); multiple productions at The Public and BAM. Stratford highlights: A Word or Two, Caesar and Cleopatra, The Tempest (all with Christopher Plummer), Twelfth Night (with Brian Dennehy). Opera: Faust (The Met, ENO). TV: 700 Sundays (HBO). Film: Cousin Bette (director, with Jessica Lange), The Iron Giant (producer, BAFTA Award) and Quills (executive producer). He has an honorary doctorate from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and in 2012, he was awarded Canada’s Governor Generals National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada. His new version of The Who’s Tommy recently opened on Broadway in March, 2024.
La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new works, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway – among them the hit musical Come From Away – garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
MISSION STATEMENT
La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form, telling stories that inspire empathy and create a dialogue toward a more just future. With our intrepid spirit and eclectic, artist-driven approach we will continue to cultivate a local, national and global following with an insatiable appetite for audacious work.
We provide unfettered creative opportunities for a community of artists of all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to being a permanent safe harbor for unsafe and surprising work, offering a glimpse of the new and the next in American theatre.
VALUES STATEMENT
Welcome to La Jolla Playhouse, where we believe that stories enhance the human experience, instill empathy and help us see the world in new ways. We respect all races, ethnicities, cultures, physical/cognitive abilities, ages, genders and identities, and endeavor to be an anti-racist and accessible organization that removes barriers to engagement. As a community of life-long learners who celebrate the spirit of play, we innovate and collaborate to bring theatre to life.
We practice empathy by listening, challenging our assumptions and staying open to all perspectives.
We respect and recognize the complexities of all lived experiences, identities and cultural backgrounds. We honor the Kumeyaay Nation, the original caretakers of the land on which our theaters sit. We will fight against anti-blackness, the many forms of racism directed at BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and all types of discrimination and harassment, to be a more inclusive space where everyone feels welcome onstage and off.
We work with our community to identify, understand and address ways to make our theatre more equitable and accessible.
We infuse the spirit of play into everything we do, sparking creativity, fun and life-long learning.
We innovate and take risks to propel theatre as an art form and as a pathway toward fostering belonging and enhancing human connection.
We collaborate by prioritizing inclusive practices from which diverse voices, talents and ideas can strengthen engagement and creative thinking.
We vow to grow and embrace these values. When we falter, we will hold ourselves accountable through transparent communication, measurable outcomes, self-reflection and humility. With great joy and a strong sense of responsibility, we commit to these values in every aspect of our work.
A STANDING OVATION FOR CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY
La Jolla Playhouse Tony Award-Winning Artistic Director
Bids Farewell to San Diego After Celebrated 18-Year Tenure
When Christopher Ashley, La Jolla Playhouse’s Rich Family Artistic Director, announced his departure from the Playhouse last September, it seemed a long way off. Now, as he directs his final project – the world-premiere musical Working Girl – his time is officially coming to an end, capping off an incredible 18-year tenure leading the nationally renowned theatre. Ashley will depart the Playhouse in January 2026 to lead New York’s esteemed Roundabout Theatre.
Over the last two decades, Ashley directed more than 20 productions, oversaw the development of 50 world premieres and shepherded 20 shows to Broadway, among them the hit musicals The Outsiders and Come From Away, for which he won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Director.
Ashley also spearheaded the creation of the Playhouse’s popular and widely-acclaimed Without Walls (WOW) program of immersive and site-inspired work, including the annual WOW Festival. In 2013 Ashley launched the Playhouse’s DNA New Work Series, creating an incubator for playwrights and directors to develop their works – many of which have later been programmed as part of the Playhouse’s subscription season.
A champion of the San Diego theatre community, Ashley established the Resident Theatre Program in 2010, which provides a home and resources to an itinerant local theatre company each year. His vision has also helped launch such programs as the biennial Director Fellowship, paid internships, and the Veterans Playwriting Workshop, while also building on the success of the Playhouse’s signature Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour for young audiences.
Over the last 18 seasons, Ashley has brought extraordinary artists to develop their work at the Playhouse, among them Pulitzer Prize winners Ayad Akhtar, Paula Vogel and Doug Wright, along with celebrated artists Joe DiPietro, Anna Deavere Smith, Matthew Broderick, Danya Taymor, Moisés Kaufman, Idina Menzel, and countless others. Ashley’s legacy of innovation, community engagement, and new work development has cemented La Jolla Playhouse as the place to see what’s next on the American theatre landscape.
“It has been my utmost honor, privilege and joy to serve as the Playhouse’s Artistic Director for the past 18 seasons. La Jolla Playhouse will always remain a cornerstone of my career, both as an artist and a member of this extraordinary creative community. I am beyond grateful to all those who have supported the Playhouse mission: our incredible Board of Trustees; our unparalleled staff, artists and production teams, who work tirelessly to develop, build and sustain the exciting new work on our stages; as well as our passionate and loyal audiences – all of whom have contributed to making La Jolla Playhouse one of the most vibrant and innovative theatres in the country – if not the world.” — Christopher Ashley
Photo credits:
(Opposite, from top) The cast of Come From Away; photo by Matthew Murphy.
The cast of Escape to Margaritaville; photo by Matthew Murphy.
The cast of Memphis; photo by Kevin Berne.
Spheres at 2015 WOW Festival; photo by Darniel Norwood.
The cast of The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical; photo by Rich Soublet II. (Top of page) Christopher Ashley in rehearsal.
WHY I SUPPORT THE PLAYHOUSE
Being a Trustee and supporting La Jolla Playhouse has been a privilege and a gift. The Playhouse’s commitment to bold original storytelling, taking artistic risks, and nurturing new voices resonates with my vision of the transformative power of theatre. And I feel a sense of purpose knowing that our efforts extend far beyond the stage—into classrooms, communities, and the broader cultural conversation. 40 years ago, my husband Dan and I had one of our first dates at the Playhouse and it’s still one of our favorite places for a date.
I love observing the creative process from the first reading of a play, with the actors on a bare stage with only their scripts and their voices. I love the relationship between the artists and the audience which is revealed in the back and forth which follows many iterations. I love the intimacy of the small spaces in which we experience most of the productions.
Most of all, I love the people of the Playhouse. The artists, staff, fellow trustees, and patrons form a passionate, thoughtful, and collaborative ecosystem that reflects the very best of what theatre can be.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DENISE BEVERS
Board Chair
SCOTT STANTON, Mintz
First Vice-Chair
KAREN SILBERMAN
Second Vice-Chair
RALPH BRYAN*
Treasurer
ANNIE ELLIS
Secretary
TRUSTEES
Weston Anson
Christopher Ashley**
Laurielynn Bar nett**
Michael Bartell
David Brenner
Sanford Burnham Prebys
Janice Brown
Debby Buchholz**
Lisa Casey
Ann Cathcart Chaplin, Qualcomm
Randall Clark*, Sempra
Mary Coleman**
Stephan Coleman, PNC Bank
Doug Dawson
Edward A. Dennis, Ph.D.
Susan Dubé
Hal Dunning
Emily Einhorn
Ray Flores**
Judy Garrett
Robert Gleason
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Justin Gleiberman
Lynn E. Gorguze
Rachel Greenwald
Luke Gulley, Show Imaging
Kay Gurtin
Clark Guy
Bank of America Private Bank
Dean Haas
Osborn Hurston
Debby Jacobs
Sheri L. Jamieson*
Pradeep K. Khosla, Ph.D.**
Chancellor, UC San Diego
Veronica Leff
Lynelle Lynch*
Margret McBride*
Steven Nagelberg
Byron Pollitt
David I. Reynoso**
Becky Robbins
Phil Rudolph
Robin Rusinko
Tim Scott
Shane Shelley, Morrison Foerster
Suzi Sterner**, UC San Diego
Greta Treadgold
Marjorie Mae Treger**
Erin Trenda, Cooley, LLP
Delicia Turner Sonnenberg**
Mary Walshok, Ph.D.
Hanaa Zahran, US Bank
Debbie Zeligson
Barbara ZoBell
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Robert Caplan
Peter Cowhey, Ph.D.
Ivan Gayler
Jeanne Jones
Julie Potiker
Steven M. Strauss*
Geri Ann Warnke*
Robert Wright, Esq.
EMERITUS TRUSTEES
Rita Bronowski (1917-2010)
David Copley (1952-2012)
Ted Cranston (1940-2012)
Milton Fredman (1920-2005)
Ewart W. Goodwin, Jr.* (1938- 2019)
Joel Holliday* (1939-2022)
Joan Jacobs (1933-2024)
Marian Jones Longstreth (1906-1997)
Hughes Potiker (1925-2005)
Sheila Potiker (1930-2011)
Jeffrey Ressler* (1943-2022)
Ellen Revelle (1910-2009)
Roger Revelle (1909-1991)
Willard P. VanderLaan, M.D.* (1917-2012)
Arthur Wagner, Ph.D. (1923-2015)
Mandell Weiss (1891-1993)
1947 FOUNDERS
Mel Ferrer
Dorothy McGuire
Gregory Peck
*Past Chair of the Board **Ex-Officio
List as of April 2025
Photo credits: (Top row) Trustee Luke Gulley, Emma Malacaria, and Philanthropy staff; Dr. Richard Leung and Trustee Hanaa Zahran; (Bottom row) Trustee Lisa and David Casey; Jerri and Trustee Steven Nagelberg and Trustee Byron and Teri Pollitt
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
The Stockdale Family
Weston Anson and Alice Mitchell
We think Working Girl, directed by our own Christopher Ashley, is terrific, and we're proud to support it. This world-premiere production shines a spotlight on La Jolla Playhouse and its commitment to championing bold voices and the future of American theatre. This lively story of ambition, wit, and friendship is one you won’t want to miss. We hope you enjoy!
Denise and Lon Bevers
We are delighted to support the world-premiere of Working Girl, a celebration of friendship, ambition, and resilience that remains relevant and resonant today. This production brings together a powerhouse creative team: helmed by our very own Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, featuring an unforgettable new score by ground-breaker Cyndi Lauper, and a sharp, witty book by acclaimed playwright Theresa Rebeck. We’re proud to champion this bold, heartfelt musical that celebrates the strength and spirit of those breaking barriers - onstage and off.
Sheri L. Jamieson
I’m thrilled to support our wonderful Christopher Ashley once again—especially as he brings us his final production at La Jolla Playhouse. Working Girl reimagines the iconic story with an energetic new score by Cyndi Lauper and a clever, witty script by Theresa Rebeck. It’s funny, heartfelt, and full of spirit. This incredible creative team has poured so much into telling a story about ambition, success, and the power of friendship. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq.
We’re excited to sponsor the world-premiere musical Working Girl! This smart and hilarious reimagining of the iconic 1988 film features an electrifying score by Cyndi Lauper, a witty book by award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck, and direction by our very own Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley. We’re continually inspired by La Jolla Playhouse and their commitment to connecting artists and audiences through fresh, exciting work. We’re proud to support this dynamic new production and can’t wait for you to see it!
Paula and Brian Powers
As long-time subscribers at La Jolla Playhouse, we are delighted to be able to support the Playhouse’s production of Working Girl The Playhouse’s work continues to enhance the cultural life of San Diego, bringing entertainment and joy to its audiences and its commitment to new work provides a crucial incubator for the continued growth of the American theatre.
As patrons of La Jolla Playhouse for years, it is truly exciting for our family to sponsor Working Girl. This show encourages those with big dreams to take a chance on them: it's emblematic of the Playhouse in so many ways, but especially in the risks they take to bring exciting new works to San Diego.
Mintz is proud to partner with La Jolla Playhouse, and we applaud their commitment to developing new plays and musicals and to serving the community with award-winning learning and engagement programs. Founded in Boston in 1933, our 600 attorneys span eight offices, including Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto, ON, and Washington, D.C. Throughout them all, we are united with the same commitment to the highest quality legal services for clients large and small on their most important legal matters. From all of us at Mintz, thanks for supporting La Jolla Playhouse and enjoy Working Girl
At Show Imaging, we’re inspired by stories that celebrate bold ideas, unstoppable drive, and the power of community. Working Girl is a vibrant reminder that grit, heart, and teamwork can open doors and defy expectations. We’re proud to support La Jolla Playhouse in bringing this empowering and joyful new production to life.
ARTIST SPONSORS | Peggy Ann Wallace – Christopher Ashley
CORPORATE CIRCLE
ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS
THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S
CIRCLE - $100,000 AND ABOVE
Denise and Lon Bevers
Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund
Kay and Bill Gurtin
Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.
Debby and Hal Jacobs
Joan* and Irwin Jacobs
Sheri L. Jamieson
La Atalaya Fund
Rebecca Moores Foundation
Paula and Brian Powers
Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
SEASON SPONSORS -
$50,000+
Weston Anson and Alice Mitchell
Melissa and Michael Bartell
Gail and Ralph Bryan
Marlene and Gary Cohen
Drs. Edward and Martha
Dennis
Hal and Hilary Dunning
Greg and Marike Fitzgerald Charitable Fund
Estate of Pauline Foster
Hanna and Mark Gleiberman
Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters
Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq.
Perlmeter Family Foundation
Maryanne and Irwin Pfister
Robin and Larry Rusinko
Karen and Jeff Silberman
The Stockdale Family
Molli Wagner
Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo
Peggy Ann Wallace
PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE -
$25,000+
Christopher Ashley and Ranjit Bahadur
Roberta C. Baade Charitable Fund
The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women's Voices in the Art of Theatre
Debby and Todd Buchholz
Brian Devine
Susan E. Dubé
Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs
Jeff and Annie Jacobs
Paul E. Jacobs
Stacy Brackon Jacobs
Joy and Eric Laws
Jeff and Carolyn Levin
Lynelle and William Lynch
Margret and Nevins
McBride
Teresa and Byron Pollitt
Tricia and Mark Rothschild
Stern Leichter Foundation
Philip and Margarita
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE$15,000+
Anonymous
Tony and Margaret Acampora
Randy Camp and Susan Tousi
Lisa and David Casey
Big Blue Sky Foundation
Karen and Donald Cohn
Amy Corton and Carl Eibl
Doug Dawson
Daniel and Emily Einhorn
Annie and Charles Ellis
Sonali and Eric Fain
Michael and Susanna Flaster
Bill and Judy Garrett
Justin Gleiberman
David and Claire Guggenheim
Dean J. Haas
Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma
Osborn Hurston
Jay Jeffcoat
Lorne Polger and Lori Weiner
Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Becky Lynne Robbins
Charitable Fund
Colette and Ivor Royston
Phil Rudolph
Swanna and Alan Saltiel, Dan
Cameron Family Foundation
Stan Siegel
Margie and Bill Strauss
Iris and Matthew* Strauss
Greta and Steve Treadgold
Mary Lindenstein Walshok, Ph.D.
Sheryl and Harvey P. White
Debbie S. Zeligson
DIRECTORS CIRCLE - $10,000+
Anonymous
Alex and Zsuzsanna Balazs
Gary and Barbara Blake Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Janice Brown
Holly McGrath, Highland Partners Charitable Fund
Pamela B. Burkholz
Randall Clark
Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family
Dan and Phyllis Epstein
Gail Fliesbach
Jan and Helane Fronek
Wendy Gillespie
Alan and Marleigh Gleicher
Mrs. Ewart (Chip) Goodwin
Lamees Hamdan
Tammy and Larry Hershfield
Adam and Amy Jacobs
JM Foundation
Sherry and Larry Kline, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation
Andrew and Mackenzie
Linville, Linville Family Foundation
Christy and Alan Molasky
Jim and Susan Morris
Lee and Stuart Posnock
Karen Quiñones, The Quiñones Family Trust
Judy Robbins
Tammy and Cameron Rooke
Don and Stacy Rosenberg
Laleh Roudi
Lynn Schenk
Joseph Schuman
Linda J. and Jeffrey M. Shohet
Leatrice Wolf
Barbara ZoBell
CELEBRATION
CIRCLE$5,000+
Anonymous
Lisa and Steven Altman
Mrs. Valerie Ewell Armstrong and Mr. Sam Armstrong
Stephen Miller Baird, MD and Carol Davidson Baird
Mireille and Steven Barnard
Mary and Rolf Benirschke
Joan and Jeremy Berg
David Bialis and Diana Breister
Nancy and Matt Browar
Christa Burke
Robert Caplan and Carol Randolph
Dr. Marilyn R. Carlson
Pamela and Edward Carnot
Maureen and Lawrence Cavaiola
Michelle Crosby and Guity
Balow
Nancy Cunningham
Elaine S. Darwin
Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund
Marty and Shel Diller
Dr. Margo Emami and Mr. Edward Lizano
Pam Farr and Buford
Alexander
Paula Fitzgerald and Chris Nielsen
Drs. Bessie and Ron Floyd
Maria Frase
Fuson Family Fund at Schwab Charitable
Robert Gleason and Marc Matys
David Newman and Samantha Goldstein, The Jasada Foundation
Beth Goodman
Beverly Goodman
Carrie and Jim Greenstein
Starr and John Grundy
Ivy Hanson, Hanson Family Charity Fund
Judy Hertzberg
Gerald and Ingrid Hoffmeister Fund, The San Diego Foundation
Rosanne and Joel* Holliday
George and Maryka Hoover
Gail and Doug Hutcheson
Marguerite Jackson Dill
Conner Jacobs
Lindsey Jacobs and Nolan
Weinberg
Gina and Kent Johnson
Kathy and Rob Jones
Kavanaugh Family Foundation
Lynda and Richard Kerr
Shirley King and Arthur Olson
Michael H Kossman
Tig Krekel and Sherry Bahrambeygui
Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Labowe, Labowe Family Foundation
Karen and Mark Liebowitz
Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky and Family
Barbara Loonin
Leslye and Scott Lyons
Tiffany Medina and Bruce Weisman
Daphne Muchnic
Steve and Jerri Nagelberg
Susan C. Parker
Bernard Paul and Maria Sardina
Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal
J.R. Rains
Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas
Clare Redlinger
Rick Sandstrom and Sandy Timmons
Jay and Julie Sarno
Tim and Emily Scott
Alex Seaver
Gad and Suzan Shaanan
Leslie Simon
Dawn and Ira Smalberg
Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford
Elizabeth and Joseph Taft Foundation
Karen and Stuart Tanz
David and Tina Thomas
Erin Trenda
Trude Tsujimoto
Dean Ujihara Charitable Fund
Denise and Peter Walsh
Geri Ann Warnke and Donald Frey
David and Sharon Wax
Linda Rankin and Rod Whitlow
Richard Winkler
Michael and Lisa Witz
Jill and Bruno Wolfenzon
Meryl and George Young
Diane and Robert Zeps
ACTORS CIRCLE - $2,500+
Anonymous
Dede and Mike Alpert
Dr. Kim E. Barrett
Joni and Miles Benickes
Liz Bernal and Suzanne LaTour
Carolyn and Giovanni Bertussi
Cindy and Steve Blumkin
Barbara L. Borden
Michele Braatz
Julie and George Bronstein, The ARJ Fund of The San Diego Foundation
Loyce R. Bruce
John and Jackie Bucksbaum
John and Nancy Jo Cappetta
Gary and Lynette Cederquist
Carol and Jeff Chang
Janet and Maarten Chrispeels
Diane Clarke
Stanley Cohen and Mark Whitacre
Marilyn Colby and Evans Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Peter Cowhey and Margaret McKeown
Stacy Cromidas and Ruth
Gilbert
Brian Danielson
Ana De Vedia
Karen B. Dow
Mark and Jenny Dowling
Dr. Robert* and Mrs. Ann Dynes
Doris and Peter Ellsworth, Legler Benbough Fund, San Diego Foundation
Jill and Jeffrey Essakow
Marjorie Fox
Dr. Benjamin and Sue Frishberg
In memory of Dennis L. Field
Susan Gembrowski Baker and Rex Baker
Pat and Norm Gillespie
Jim Gilmore
Kimberly and Jeffrey Goldman
Bernard and Judith Greenspan
Rachel and Brad Greenwald
Julie Hall, Carrington/Hall Fund
Koji and Angela Fukumura
Nishma and John Held
Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper
Richard Heyman and Anne Daigle
Col. Michael and Diana Hill
Claudia Baranowski and Tom Horvath
Jess Jacobs and Bryan Keller
Susan and David Kabakoff
Larry Katz
Dr. Warren and Karen Kessler
Amy and Bill Koman
Ms. Gale M. Krause, in memory of Jim Krause
Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky
Helen and Sig Kupka
Samara and Paul Larson
Dr. K.B. Lim and Linda Lee Lim Foundation
Lori and Joe Mahler
Edna and Daniel Maneval
David Marchesani, CFA
Holley and Robert Martens, Sandstone Foundation
Valorie McClelland
Dennis A. McConnell
Valorie Miller, in memory of Lisa Uribe
Ilene Mittman, in memory of Dr. Charles Mittman
Kelly and Mike Moore
Judith B. Morgan
Gregg and Cindy Motsenbocker
Arlene and Louis Navias
Mark C. Niblack, MD
Mary Adams O'Connell, in honor of Louise and Brad Edgerton
Dr. Walter Olsen and Dr. Zdenka Fronek
Janet and Larry Pollack
Claudia Prescott
Dr. William and Marisa Rastetter
True Life Center
Dr. Joseph and Carol Sabatini
Scarano Family Foundation at The San Diego Foundation
Neil R. Senturia and Barbara Bry
Teresa Shaffer
Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger
Maureen Elizabeth Sheehan
Alan and Esther Siman
Dr. Ed and Evelyn Singer
Dr. Robert Singer, in memory of Judith Harris
Susan and Gerald Slavet
Tom Templeton and Mary Ena Erlenborn
Jim and Kathy Waring
Karin E. Winner
Hanaa Zahran and Dr. Richard Leung
Howard and Christy Zatkin
Helene and Allan Ziman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Howard and Judy Ziment
Wilkinson
Steven Strauss and Lise Wilson
Wendy Nash
Grant and Aradhna Oliphant, Prebys Foundation
Barbara and Joseph Giammona
Emma and Leo Zuckerman
ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS
INNER CIRCLE
Anonymous
- $1,000+
Hon. Louise De Carl Adler
Philip Anderson and Verónica
Valdés
Lynell Antrim
Sharon Ashley
Lisa Celia Balderston
Judith Bambace and Brian Trotier
Alisa and David Barba, Barba
Charitable Fund
Alain D. Baron and Marilyn M. Baron
Social Doctor
Barbara Young Beebe
Chad Benefield, Marilyn and William Young Foundation
Jane and Michael Benton
Anthony Bollotta, Bollotta
Entertainment
Nina and Tony Borwick
Paige Bosacki Santos
Tatiana and David Brenner
Merritt Brizolis
Johanna Brody
Jeanne Burton
Cheryl and Greg Carlson
Cathy and Michael Casteel
Kyle Chan and Cathy Swindlehurst
Kay Chandler
Katherine and Dane Chapin
Sue Lasbury, in memory of John C. Cochran
Liz Nederander Coden and Daniel J. Coden, MD
Wayne Saville and Laura Colban
Daniel E. Collins and Nancy Shimamoto
Christopher Cook
Coral Courts Donor Advised Fund, Corinna Cotsen and Lee Rosenbaum
Carol and Joe Danks
Maile and Brett D'Arcy
Gerral and Anne David
Denise and Gary David
Brett and Jennifer Dickinson
Wally and Linda Dieckmann
Bob Duffield
Anne and Chris Duhaime, in honor of Rebecca Duhaime
Gail Ebner and Tom Stockfisch
Toby Eisenberg
Rachel and Michael Esposito
Jennifer and Kurt Eve
Karen and Steven Feitelberg
Dieter Fischer's Mercedes Service, Inc.
Dr. Laurie Forrest
Susan Forsburg and Lisa Churchill
Robert and Mona Freels
Catherine R. Friedman
Barbie and Dan Friedman
Fran and Nick Frost
Anne and Mark Smith
Steven and Cheryl Garfin
Martha and Bill Gilmer
Kathy and Gregg Glaser
Fred and Lisa Goldberg
Drs. Tom and Cindy
Goodman, in honor of Whitney Goodman
The Lloyd Gorcey Charitable Foundation, Inc. in memory of Lloyd Gorcey
Judi Gottschalk
Carmel Gouveia
George C. Guerra
Luke Gulley
Kendall Hall, Fred Jones Family Foundation
Cherie Halladay
Professor Marc and Mr. James Harden
Jeff and Joel Harms
Dr. Carol A. Harter and Mr. William D. Smith
Thomas Harvey and Bonnie Drolet
Tom and Lynn Hawkins
Marcia Hazan and Mark Cammell
Susan and Bill Hoehn
Ray and Kate Hong
Mark and Frances Huettinger
Robert and Pat Hughes
Aaron and Susan Huniu
Nora Jaffe
Neil and Vivien Joebchen
Wendy Johnson
Dario and Dan Jones
Lewis and Patricia Judd
Pradeep Khosla and Thespine
Kavoulakis
Angela and Matt Kilman
Cynthia King and John Graul
Gail and George Knox
Mike Krupp
Anne M. and Richard C. Kruse
Gautam and Anjali Lalani
Chuck Laughlin
Mick and Sherrie Laver
Tracey Lazarus
Brian and Joanna Leddin
Dixon and Pat Lee
Michael Lee and Katharine
Cline
Jim Lennox and Brad Woodford
Pamela Hamilton Lester
Rebecca Le Vasseur
Gerald and Ann Lipschitz
Jasna Markovac and Gary Miller
Wallace McCloskey
Rob McManus
Dr. Ken Melville and Dr. Sabina
Wallach
Marci and Ronnie Morgan
Greg and Andrea Moser
Ann L. Mound
Chandra Mukerji
Stephen Cary Nagler
Ann Nathan
Lyn Nelson
Robert C. Nelson and Jean Fujisaki
Kyomi O'Connor
Mike and Joy O'Neil
F. Richard Pappas
Drs. Kim Kerr and Paul Pearigen
Dr. William and Beth Penny
Meredith Pierce and Bobby Ocampo
Wendy S. Pincus
Lori and Kenneth Polin
Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Adele Rabin
Jennifer and Tom Ranglas
Sanjiv Nanda and Urmi Ray
Russ and Marty Ries
Dr. Stephen and Cheryl Rockwood
Manuel and Liz Rodriguez
Bingo and Gino Roncelli
David A. Roth and Toni D. Wolinsky
Joy Rottenstein
Oliver Ryder
Bill and Dorian Sailer
Kristine and Denis Salmon
Beverly Sanborn, in memory of Warren Sanborn
Scott Sandel and James Marich
Tom Shapiro and Madeleine Grynsztejn, in honor of Flossie Cohen
Alan Shorr and Marcia Wagner
Mitchell and Elizabeth Siegler
Debbie and Dr. Darren Sigal
Leslie Branman-Smith
Mark and Elaine Smith
Rod and Dolores Smith
Annie So
Marion So
John and Lynn Spafford
Nancy and Alan Spector
Susan and Gary Spoto
Scott M. Stanton
Dale and Mark Steele
Robert and Julie Sullivan
Michael and Pamela Swartout
Judy Sweet
Al and Stephanie Tarkington
Marie Tartar and Steve Eilenberg
John and Gail Tauscher
Place D. Tegland
Caroline Thornton and Mark Sornson
Janet Toon
Ray Lee and Teresa Trucchi
Chris and Rebecca Twomey
Family Foundation of San Diego Foundation
Alyce and Tom Vessey
Cynthia Walk
Jo and Howard Weiner
Diana Weiss-Wisdom and Gabriel Wisdom
Sharon Weremiuk
Graydon and Dorothy Wetzler
Wayne Wilson
Elaine Wolfe
Carolyn and Peter Woodbury
Barry and Barb Zemel
Karen and Sidney Zisook
CENTER STAGE CLUB - $500 AND UP Anonymous • Barb and Jon Achenbaum • Jack Adcox • Sharon and Terry Allen • Robin Allgren, MD PhD • Janet Ambrozek and Bruce Kimmich • Sheila Amend • Barbara Arledge • Robert Baizer and Diane Jacobs Baizer • Gil and Annabelle Balaoing • Francis and Diane Bardsley • Gerlinde and Greg Beuerlein • Alice W. Brown • Rachel Caparelli • Tonya Carlos • Chris Cheever, in memory of Andy Thomas • Lorraine Chuman and Stephen Mikolajczyk • Bowers Jewelers • Denis M. Crane, in memory of Rilla Crane • Bob Cunningham • Marcus and Ann De Barros • Don and Julie DeMent • Dannielle Dickinson • Kim and A.T. Ditty • Eric and Kristine Doan • Jodi and Tom Dobron • Rosalyn and Tim Dong • James and Marti Eisenberg • Barbara and Eric Emont • Mary and Jon Epsten • Debroah and J Faulkner • Annie Finch • Beth Fischer • Ruben Flores • Gregory and Monica Foerster • Judith and William Friedel • Shannon-Frink Family Gift Fund • Deanne Gage • Hortense Gerardo • Bonnie Gibbs • Russell H Ginns • Drs. Charles and Nancy Girvin • M J Gorman • Stephen and Karen Gray • Ed Greulich • Pat and Pepper Guevara • Terry Gulden and Renée Comeau • Elsa and Keith Hall • Cynthia Hamilton • Margo Hebald • Sarah Herr • Strait Hicklin • Bryan Hill • Dr. Peter and Mrs. Megan Hoagland • Robert and Carla Hoblit • Hughes Family Foundation, in honor of Robin and Larry Rusinko • Beth Hulsart and Stephen L'Heureux • Randy and Carrol Jackson • Michael and Linda Karin • Rick and Beth Kent • Laura Killmer • Jerry and Martha Krasne • Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth • Evelyn and Bill Lamden • Patti Lamm and Sheldon Newhouse • Richard Leib and Sharon Rosen Leib Family Fund of JCF • Bena Leslie • Marshall and Judy Lewis Fund, Jewish Community Foundation • Zita Liebermensch • Scott and Pamela Linton • Michael and Catherina Madani • Susan and Peter Mallory • Jeanne Maltese • Patsy and David Marino • Carol Mazzetti • Larry McDonald and Clare White-McDonald • Maggi McKerrow, in memory of Judie McDonald • David and Patricia Meyers • Nathan Meyers • Norma and Scott Miller • Evelyn Mishuck • Robert and JoAnn Mogg • Dr. and Mrs. Robert B Moore • Laura Morkan • David Morris • Susan Muha • Esther R. Nahama • Sherry Nicholas • Barbara and Donald Niemann • Bob Nowlan • Eric and Benedicte Otterson • Drs. Genevieve and Kelly Parsons • Pamela Partlow and Bruce Maigatter • Ms. Virginia S. Patch • Sheila and Ken Poggenburg • Marc Poland and Ellie Werner • Laura and Mike Ravine • Carla and Rudolph Rehm • Patrick Ritto • Mark and Lia Robinson • Jodyne Roseman • Bob and Beth Rosenfeld • Sharon Ruhnau • Ann Schall • Barbara and Guy Shaw • Emily and Lia Shen • Beverly and Howard Silldorf • Elizabeth Simmons and Sekhar Chivukula • Drs. Ron and Marilyn Simon • Barbara Slater • Linda Small • Norman and Judith Solomon • Bob Steck • Charles Stephens and Eric Meijer • Dr. Nancy Stewart, in memory of Dr. Charles Stewart • Jefferson Stone • Lisa Noelle Stone and Matthew A. Lab • Stephen and Patricia Sulivan • Jennifer E Tillman • William Tong and Marilyn Newhoff • Rick Van Noy • John Venekamp and Clifford Schireson • Joseph Viery and Steve Cusato • Dr. Ruth S. Waterman • Ted Scott and Joan Weber • Susan Chortek Weisman and Eric Weisman • Jean M Wilkinson • Joyce H. Williams • LeAnn and Sam Williams • Carey Winston • Philip and Claire Wise • Susan and Jock Wright • Brendan and Kaye Wynne • Steven and Cindy Zisser
OVATION CLUB - $250+ Anonymous • Heather R. Adams • Raul Arthur and Lisa Albanez • Rich and Mary Lou Amen • John Balen • John Baril • Jocelyn Carol Bauer
• The BenMichel Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Eugene and Lauren Berkenstadt • Dusty and Lynn Bernard • Nicholas and Samantha Binkley • Alice Bloom • Joyce and Bob Blumberg • Sue Boiko and Martin Schwartz • Peter and BJ Boland • David and Ginger Boss • Gregg Brandalise • Cherisse Brantz • Mary E. Brewer • Cliff and Lorie Briggs, in honor of Beatrice Briggs • Clare Bronowski and Jeff Lee, in memory of Rita Bronowski • David and Heather Bruner • Patricia and Michael Buczaczer • Samuel and Teresa Buss • Aaron Byrnes • Marlene Campbell • Alexandria Cassatt • Steven and Adina Chinowsky • June Chocheles • Alice and Arthur Clawson • Michael and Ellise Coit • Judith Collier • Julie Cooke • Eric Corona • Mary Corson • Debra and Kirk Crawford • Annette Cross • Marie Cyr •
Dwight Detter • Valerie Diaz and Mark Morgan • Virginia Dobias • James and Nancy Eastman • Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Edelson • Diane L. Edge DDS • Eric Eichorn • Beverly Emerson • Lynsey Fitzpatrick • Judy Fogel and George Diehr • Charlotte Fortier • Linda and Reginald Frank • Pat Freeman • Ellen Fujikawa • Aruna and Sabodh Garg • Philip Garland and Michael Hubbard • Roberta C Gelardi, William R Long Charitable Fund • Rebecca Gennaro • Lynn Bell George • Jim Gilligan • David Glynn and Kevin Ottercrans • Cliff and Julie Gold • Michael and Brenda Goldbaum • Louis Goldich • Custom Logos • Dick and Lynn Gordon • Lloyd and Dinia Green • Jas Grewal and Suren Dutia • Harry Griswold and Stephanie Webber • Dawn Grossman • Blake Harper and Janice Deaton • Nancy Hartley • Judith M. Haxo • Alan Hay • Georgia Ann Hayashi • Jerry and Linda Hirshberg • Jonnie Hoffman • Jenny Price and Tony Hunter • Eric and Gay Hybertsen • Dr Craig M and Mrs Beth Jackson • Mark Jacobs • Sonya Jinich • Vesa Junkkarinen • Hamide Kayaci and Oktay Gumus • Cecil Keener and Cristie McGuire • Byron King • Ron Koren • Robert and Elena Kucinski • Patricia Lamont • Irene Law • Dr. and Mrs. Steven Leshaw • Lucy and Mitch Levy • John Lomac and Jill Schmidt • Eric and Lori Longstreet • Megan Mandeville • Russell Mangerie • Marianne Marsch-Nakamura • Edith Matsushita • Madonna Maxwell Omens • Jim and Cheryl McIlhon • Josh and Leslie Mereminsky • Thomas Hilton Miller • Craig and Betsy Monsell • Marilyn Moriarty and John Phillips • Daniel and Kristin Nadir • Dr. Donald Newman • Steven Nicinski • Max and Fredda Opalsky • Bonnie Packert • Beatrice E. Pardo • Carol Parker • Jan Parsons • John and Paula Peeling • Penny Perryman • Mark Peterson • Kathleen Rae • Dennis Ragen and Christine Hickman • Cynthia Raimo • Steven and Doris Ratoff • Dr. Paul Abraham Rejto • John Roach • Joan Rothenberg • Richard Roy and Celsa Spina • James Sallis • Bradford and Alice Saunders • Frankie and Howard Schiffman • Kari Lorraine Scott • Elizabeth Segil • Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Selzer • Richard and Eleanor Shorter • Scott Showalter • Jacqueline and Steve Silverman • Jill Skrezyna and Alex Sun • Clark and Kathryn Smith • Delicia Turner Sonnenberg • A.J. Frank and Ed Stone • Jill Stone • Lilly Strausberg • Patti and Robb Street • Jill and Jeff Sugar • Alison Thomas • Edward L. Threat, In Memory of Karin U. Threat • Andrea Migdal and Mike Tierney • Anne Turhollow, in memory of Michael Perkins • Anne Walter • Diane and John Watson • Martha White • Sandy Woodhouse • Peter and Donna Worcester • Sylvia and Ed Wrench • Charles Yackly • Larry Zeiger
Reflects giving to Annual Fund, Gala Underwriting and Paddle Raises from April 2024 – September 2025. We apologize for any errors or accidental omissions. Please contact the Individual Giving Office at (858) 550-1070 x134 if you would like to change your listing.
IN LOVING MEMORY Jordan Ressler, 1981-2004
A Film and Theatre graduate from Cornell University, Jordan was an adventurer with a passion for the arts. Here at La Jolla Playhouse, he served as an assistant to Des McAnuff on Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays and was the script supervisor for Jersey Boys
The Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation was established by his parents, Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler, to honor their son and his love of theatre and film.
FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
$100,000 +
$50,000 - $99,999
Laurents / Hatcher Foundation
Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust
$25,000 - $49,999
Gerald T. and Inez Grant Parker Foundation
San Diego Foundation
William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999
Charles & Ruth Billingsley Foundation
California Arts Council
David C. Copley Foundation
Samuel H. French and Katherine Weaver French Fund
National Alliance for Musical Theatre
Performing Arts Fund NL
Price Philanthropies Foundation
San Diego Scottish Rite Community Foundation
Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office
Dutch Culture USA
Goodwin Family Memorial Trust
John and Marcia Price Family Foundation
Sutherland Foundation
Villa Albertine
$1,000 - $4,999
Creative West
Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation
Kiwanis Club of La Jolla
Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
$250 - $999
Actors' Equity Foundation
List as of September 2025
* Deceased
SET THE STAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
The generosity of individuals has made such a difference for arts nonprofits this year. Thank you for attending live theatre in San Diego.
As 2025 draws to a close, we ask you to consider La Jolla Playhouse. Year-end gifts through IRA rollovers, appreciated securities or donor advised funds, are a smart way to support our work as you can receive tax benefits. These planned gifts sustain our mission to create the new and the next in American theatre.
To see how you can help us begin 2026 with a strong first act, contact Jennifer Ledfors, Planned Giving and Endowment Manager, (858) 228-3083, or jledfors@ljp.org.
THESE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS HAVE BEEN SO INSPIRED AND, IN TURN, ARE INSPIRING OTHERS:
Anonymous
Paula and Ted Adams
Christopher Ashley
Scott Aylward
Roberta C. Baade and George F. Yee*
Quaintance Bartlett*
Roger S. Benson*
Gary and Barbara Blake Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Cynthia Bolker
Ralphº and Gail Bryan
Pamela B. Burkholz
Robert Caplan and Carol Randolph
Leslie J. Cohen*
Ted Cranstonº*
Robert William Cunningham
Doug Dawson
Armando de Peralta, Sr.*
Janie Decelles
Jendy Dennis* Endowment Fund
Grace Marie Duhamel*
Suzanne Figi*
Pauline Foster*
Lisa Gerardo
Ewart* “Chip” and Sherrilyn Goodwin
David and Claire Guggenheim
Kay and Bill Gurtin
Dean J. Haas
Professor Marc and Mr James Harden
Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma
Denise J. Harris
Diana Jillie Hill
Joel*º and Rosanne Holliday
Bob Jacobs
Joan* and Irwin Jacobs
Jay Jeffcoat
Charmaineº* and Maury* Kaplan
Olga Khitarishvili
Bill and Linda Kolb
Dr. Gloria C.L. Ma*
Josephine R. MacConnell*
Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust
Valorie McClelland
Maggi McKerrow
Paul Miller
Stephen Cary Nagler
Teresa Nugent*
John O’Dea
Bernard Paul
Margaret F. Peninger*
Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal
Jennette Pyne
Karen Quiñones
Jeffreyº* and Vivien Ressler
Ellen* and Roger* Revelle
Michael S. Rosenberg
Warren Sanborn*
Ruth Shepherd*
Dale and Mark Steele
Mickey Stern*
Steven Straussº and Lise Wilson
Willardº* and Eileen* VanderLaan
Tammy Vaught
Arthur* and Molli Wagner
Peggy Ann Wallace
Geri Ann Warnkeº and Joseph F. Kennedy, M.D.*
Mandell Weiss*
Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler
Richard Winkler
Gary L. Wollbergº and Dr. Yumi Miyamoto
Liza Zinola
* Deceased Playhouse Legacy Circle Members
º Past Chair of La Jolla Playhouse Board
List as of September 2025
Curated by Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene, DNA is a series of readings that provide a rare chance for audiences to be a part of new work in its earliest stages of development. Playwrights and directors are invited to the Playhouse for intensive work to develop their new projects. This year's DNA New Work Series takes place Dec 4 - 14.
To support the New Work Development program and learn about special benefits like the DNA Speakeasy Lounge, reserved seating and more, contact Taylor Lehmkuhl, Individual Giving Manager at (858) 228-3086 or tlehmkuhl@ljp.org
The cast of A Black-billed Cuckoo at DNA New Work Series 2024; photo by Samantha Laurent.
Georgie, a shy fourth-grader with a hidden talent for guitar, panics when asked to read aloud and ends up in the principal’s office, sparking an unexpected friendship with the fearless and ever-curious Inez. While Georgie worries about her grandfather in the hospital, she discovers an old story he once wrote: the magical tale of two fantastical creatures: Goyo and Gato. With help from her new BFF Inez, Georgie finds the courage to face her reading challenges and brings the story to life — just in time for the Festival de Primavera. In the end, talents are discovered, a family bond is deepened, and the story finds its perfect ending: ¡Colorín, Colorado, este cuento se ha acabado!
For more information on booking a POP Tour performance, please contact learningandengagement@ljp.org
LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Community Programs
The Playhouse partners with members of local affinity groups to create productions for, by, with and in the communities we serve. In addition, we provide creative opportunities for artistic development and growth for various community groups.
In-School Programs
The Playhouse partners with school districts across San Diego County to place professional teaching artists in schools for intensive artist residencies aimed at providing young people with meaningful opportunities to learn about theatre. Through the Kennedy Center’s Partner in Education program, the San Diego County Office of Education and LJP team up to provide professional development for educators on how to enhance their existing lessons with theatre strategies.
JumpStart Theatre
This three-year program provides curriculum and mentorship for a team of middle school teachers to produce musicals in their schools for the first time. After three years, the school receives continued support to maintain a viable theatre program. Supported by the Peggy and Roberts Matthews Foundation and the Sutherland Foundation.
Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour
Each year, the Playhouse commissions a new play that addresses real concerns of today’s youth and brings a professional production to schools and community centers across San Diego County. Supported by US Bank.
Spotlight On Playhouse teaching artists lead classes for adults on Improv, Musical Theatre, Acting and Technical Theatre.
Student Matinees Special student matinees of selected mainstage productions are offered throughout the school year. An online engagement guide, pre- or post-show workshops, and a post-show talkback provides a deeper understanding on how a new play is uniquely developed with Playhouse staff. Supported by California Arts Council.
Tech Theatre Training Each summer, the Playhouse hosts technical theatre training to provide exposure to career pathways in theatre production to students who are part of the SD County Juvenile Court and Community Schools
For more information on La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning & Engagement Programs, please email learningandengagement@ljp.org and view our free resources for educators and families on our website.
Three world-premiere musicals and three extraordinary plays. Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley has curated a season that reflects the full spectrum of human experience.
The most awarded play of 2025. “A thumping, riveting, guns-blazing, major new American play” (NY Daily News).
Lil and Big are siblings - their stylish and action-charged story is told through the propulsive lens of Mixed Martial Arts.
A humorous and poignant original musical about a singer-songwriter finding her voice and using it for change.
A close-knit birding group is thrown into chaos when some members glimpse the rare bird and others don’t.
An irreverent, hilarious and heartbreaking musical about how the Grim Reaper’s daughter, Diana, falls in love with life instead of death.
A love letter to curiosity itself; a new musical that hurtles audiences into the most ambitious scientific experiment ever attempted.
PATRON SERVICES
ACCESSIBILITY
Designated wheelchair-accessible seating is available and accessible parking is provided by UC San Diego in the Theatre District Parking Structure. Wheelchair seat locations are available for wheelchair users and a companion. Additionally, a golf cart is available to assist patrons with accessibility needs to and from the drop-off location. You may pull into the Passenger/ Ride Share Drop-Off area and a greeter will assist you. The Playhouse offers assisted listening devices free of charge at the Patron Information Booth for any patron who would like amplified sound (subject to availability). Please provide a credit card or ID for temporary deposit. Listening Devices Provided in Part by
CHILDREN under the age of 6 are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless otherwise posted. Unaccompanied minors ages 12 and under are not permitted in the theatre. Out of respect for fellow audience members and the performers, babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre during performances.
CONCESSIONS AND DINING
Start your night off right with bar and concessions service from James' Place: serving beer, wine, sodas and individuallywrapped snacks. Additionally, James’ Place provides dining service starting at 5:00pm before evening performances.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Please visit lajollaplayhouse.org/ healthandsafety for our latest policy updates.
LATE SEATING
Should you arrive late for any performance or need to leave your seat during the performance, you may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate moment. To minimize any disturbance to actors or other patrons, you may stand or be seated in the first available location by House Management even if not your assigned location. Please be advised that some performances may not allow for late seating or return to your assigned seat.
PARKING
For the latest parking information, please go to lajollaplayhouse.org/parking
PATRON SERVICES is located in the lobby or courtyard of each theatre. A volunteer is available to distribute assisted listening devices and answer questions.
PHOTOGRAPHY/RECORDING DEVICES
Photography and video or audio recording of performances is strictly prohibited.
PLEASE SILENCE or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones and watches, before the performance.
SAFETY IN THE THEATRE DISTRICT
La Jolla Playhouse is constantly working with UC San Diego Police Department and Transportation and Parking Services to maintain a safe and secure environment in the parking lots. Patrons are welcome to use the UC San Diego escort service by contacting UC San Diego Community Service Officers (CSOs) at (858) 534-9255 (WALK). Further questions regarding security, please contact UC San Diego Police at (858) 5344357 (HELP).
PLAYHOUSE STAFF
ARTISTIC
Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie
Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene*
Director of Experiences and Activations
Mia Fiorella*
Associate Producer Amy Ashton
Executive Assistant to Christopher Ashley
Rick VanNoy*
Producing Associate/Local Casting Director Hannah Reinert
Director Emeritus Des McAnuff
Directing Fellow Jacole Kitchen
Artistic Interns Abi Hood, Bluma Lezak
Commissioned Artists Melis Aker, Todd Almond, Jeff Augustin, Sam Chanse, Fernanda Coppel, Adrianne Gonzalez (AG), Matt Gould, Kenneth Lin, Mona Mansour, Jess McLeod, MILCK (aka Connie Lim), Lisa Peterson, Theresa Rebeck, Harrison David Rivers, Claudia Shear, Octavio Solis, Jonathan Spector, Benjamin Velez, Keith Wallace, Kristina Wong, Lauren Yee
UC San Diego M.F.A. Commissions Mylan Gray, Beth Hyland, Phanésia Pharel
Video Technicians Aimee Lee Calavera, James Wilkes, Maya Gabby, Gerald Weidemann, Brady Cooling, Alejandro Munguia, Colin Stokes, Willow Chan, Chris Jaggers, Patrick Garcia, Scott Stovre
* Ten years or more with La Jolla Playhouse
Follow Spot Operator Jenner Price
Electrics Board Operator Alex Cluff
Board & Spot Operator Swing Sandra Navarro
Spot Operator Swing Nick Shelton
A1 / Sound Engineer Chris Lüßmann
Audio Assistant A2 Mae Le
Audio Swings Jeremy Nelson, Camille Houze
Lead Props Runner Arlene Banuelos
Video Operator Sarah Rad WORKING GIRL CREW
Prop Runner Del Hanson, Sebastian Rubi
Props Swing Mel Picart
Wigs Crew Swing Shane Miles
Moving Light Programmer B Yamashita
Head Follow Spot Operator Michelle Aguilar
Sweet Somethings
Decadent Desserts, Breakfast Delights & Exquisite Bites Await This Winter. by
SARAH DAOUST
Craving a little something sweet this winter? You’ve come to the right place. (In San Diego, you can indulge now, and work off any extra calories on our worldclass beaches, bike paths and hiking trails later.) From brunch hubs to quaint bakeries to restaurants whose desserts are as delicious as their dinner entrees, these outposts across San Diego County really hit the sweet spot.
INVITING YOU TO start the day with a little fun (and sugar on top), 6th & G Breakfast Co. is the East Village go-to for all things brunch. The restaurant boasts whimsical, mood-boosting decor and plenty of savory fare, too—from omelets to Benedicts to hearty breakfast burritos. Those with a sweet tooth will love their Sunny Side Lemon Meringue French Toast and Strawberry Rhubarb Pancakes. MENU MUSTS: the Buttermilk
From left: Au Chocolat cake at Extraordinary Desserts; brunch at Cellar Hand.
A delicious new play about the early life of the endlessly fascinating Julia Child.
Get ready for six vibrant, bold shows from some of the brightest American creative teams. This season features three world-premiere musicals and three extraordinary plays. Premium 6-Play Subscriptions from just $50 per show.
Give the gift of a fantastic night out at San Diego’s award-winning theatre. Gift certificates available at lajollaplayhouse.org/gifts.
Waffle Pops, which come in flavors from maplebacon to s’mores; and the Espresso Martini with white chocolate and toasted marshmallow.
In La Mesa Village, Casa Gabriela is a
contemporary restaurant and bar known for its traditional Mexican dishes (seafood enchiladas, birria tacos and crispy carnitas) and spacious outdoor garden. Just save room for desserts such as roasted coconut flan and boysenberry-cheesecake flautas. MENU MUSTS: the Buñuelos Tower with cinnamon-sugar-dusted, deep-fried tortillas, spicy piloncillo and vanilla ice cream; and the Ancho Chocolate Bread Pudding. You’ll find local coastal
California fare, infused with Mediterranean flavors, at Cellar Hand (the first full-service restaurant by the same family behind Pali Wine Co.) in Hillcrest. Think: rockfish crudo, house-made labneh and Thompson Heritage Ranch pork chops for dinner; and the bluefin schnitzel and “Brunchy Burger” with Flannery Farms brisket for weekend brunch. MENU MUSTS: the pavlova (baked meringue) with fresh fruit after dinner; and the dark-
chocolate toasted babka with vanilla labne and burnt pita sugar on the weekend brunch menu.
In San Marcos, the new Christophe Rull Patisserie is the first namesake bakery by renowned pastry chef Christophe Rull (the Michelin-trained winner of several Food Network competitions). Indulge in his signature French pastries, macarons, croissants, muffins, breakfast items, and coffee and espresso drinks. MENU MUSTS: the scratch-made
Dessert platter at Mastro’s Ocean Club; pastry chef Christophe Rull.
cinnamon rolls and heavenly eclairs.
With locations in Bankers Hill and Little Italy, Extraordinary Desserts needs no introduction among San Diego locals. Owner Karen Krasne has been sweetening up the city for more than three
decades. In addition to savory fare such as paninis, charcuterie and cheese boards, soups and salads, the dessert selection—whole cakes, cupcakes, tarts, pastries, Napoleons and more—is truly extraordinary. MENU MUSTS: any of the
“petit desserts,” from cheesecakes to lemon bars to mini brownies to fruit pavlovas; and the chocolate-croissant bread pudding.
With three levels of elegant ocean-view dining, George’s at the Cove is a La Jolla
institution, known for its impeccable California cuisine by renowned chef Trey Foshee—from local swordfish to lamb chops to rock-crab spaghetti to truly next-level desserts.
MENU MUSTS: the Sticky Toffee Cake with saltedvanilla-brown butter ice
The Yodel at Juniper and Ivy; Extraordinary Desserts in Bankers Hill; mango-stickyrice ice cream at Stella Jean’s.
cream, caramel sauce and pretzel crumble; and the dark chocolate mousse accompanied by vanilla cake, strawberry jam and Chantilly.
Serving refined Cali-
American fare and craft cocktails in Little Italy, spacious restaurant and bar Juniper and Ivy is one of our favorite date-night destinations. The menu changes seasonally but
expect dishes such as swordfish yakitori, miso black cod, Berkshire pork cheeks, and linguine with prawns. MENU MUSTS: the famous “Yodel” dessert, which comes in seasonal
iterations; and the Sticky Buns with salted honey ice cream, toffee sauce, apples and pecans.
Normal Heights’ beloved brunch/lunch haunt, Madi, has a new sister
Celebrate the Holidays with the San Diego Symphony
*All artists, dates, programs and pricing subject to change
DINING
located just steps from the sand in Pacific Beach, Madi PB. Both casual spots serve fun takes on breakfast and lunch fare, creative coffee drinks and cocktails. Menu stars include the Mediterranean Breakfast with poached eggs, hummus, avocado, grilled pita and tangy cucumber salad; the G.O.A.T. breakfast sandwich; and savory build-your-own bowls. Their “Griddle Game” (an actual menu category) is also strong, with a sweet selection of pancakes and French toast. MENU MUSTS: the blackberry-goat-cheese
The chocolate buckwheat tart at Wildland; baked goods at Wildflour.
pancakes at Madi; and the coconut pancakes at Madi PB.
Plunked directly across from San Diego Bay downtown, swanky Mastro’s Ocean Club is known for its fine-dining service, ambiance and cuisine—serving extravagant seafood towers, caviar-topped oysters, herb-roasted branzino, Prime steaks and Japanese A5 wagyu. Desserts are just as decadent, including classic key lime pie and chocolate cake. MENU MUSTS: the legendary Butter Cake, which is topped in seasonal flavors such as lemon-blueberry and cinnamon-pecan, and worth every calorie.
The Sweet and Savory Collective’s two local chains, Pop Pie Co. and Stella Jean’s, offer multiple locations around town, but their dual station in South Park is our new favorite. At Pop Pie Co., order savory
DINING
chicken pie, salted-caramel-apple-crumble pie, hand pies, cookies, whole quiches, sausage rolls, and much more. At smallbatch ice cream shop Stella Jean’s, the scoops are seasonal; recent flavors include salted-maplebanana-bread and goatcheese-cranberry. MENU MUSTS: the purple-hued ube-coconut custard pie at Pop Pie Co.; and the mango-sticky-rice ice cream at Stella Jean’s (pending availability).
At Arts District Liberty Station, Wildflour is chef and restaurateur Phillip Esteban’s eatery, bakery, delicatessen and coffee shop all under one roof. We especially adore the brunch menu, which boasts buckwheat pancakes with black-sesame custard, almond-coconut crumble and fresh raspberries; washed down with the Maple Latte. MENU MUSTS: the
Interior of Madi PB; Buñuelos Tower at Casa Gabriela
FROM TOP: DIANA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF CASA GABRIELA
seasonal French toast on brioche; and any of the daily pastries.
Housed inside the original Morey Boogie Boards factory in Carlsbad Village, Wildland is an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery serving up wood-fired eggs and pastries for breakfast; pizzas, rotisserie chicken and house-made pastas for lunch and dinner; and classic tiramisu for a sweet finish. MENU MUSTS: the latest tart dreamt up by Wildland’s in-house bakery, with flavors such as chocolate-buckwheat and pistachio-blackberry. Consider your sweet tooth satisfied.
Diego—the nights are long and the air is relatively chilly. Listen for the soaring harmonies and pure vocal lines that are the hallmark of this talented group’s performances. “Immeasurably Bright” takes place Dec. 12 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Clairemont. sacraprofana.org
When it comes to the holidays, nobody does it up quite like San Diego Symphony. This year is no exception, with four different programs that appeal to audiences ranging from kids and movie buffs to classical and choral fans. Kicking off the holiday season at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park will be The Holiday in Concert on Dec. 12. This will be a whole new way to enjoy the film The Holiday, the 2006 film by director Nancy Meyers which has become a new classic. It will be presented live in concert,
the film’s musical score per-
Witness the poetic beauty of Sol Invictus by Compagnie Hervé Koubi at the Balboa Theatre on January 30, 2026. This theatrical production combines contemporary and urban dance movements with powerful imagery and thrilling choreography.
DONNA ORBITS THE MOON by Ian
August directed by Kandace Crystal
selections including “Say Hello (From Your Head to Your Toes),” “Sleigh Ride,” “Jingle Bells,” “Dreidel Song,” and more holiday favorites. These kids’ concerts are just 30 minutes long and sensory-friendly, designed with the little ones in mind—featuring sing-alongs, rhymes, dances, and musical games that introduce them to the instruments of the orchestra.
It’s back to The Rady Shell on Dec. 13 for another holiday movie classic: Home Alone in Concert. Thiago Tiberio leads the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Master Chorale in a score by renowned composer John Williams, performed live to picture. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and
Noel Noel at The Rady Shell; Christopher Dragon
finds himself defending his home against two dimwitted thieves.
Finally, it’s time for the return of Noel Noel, the Symphony’s annual holiday concert at The Rady Shell, that this year brings together the Orchestra, the San Diego Master Chorale, San Diego Musical Theatre Academy, San Diego Children’s Choir, vocalist Devin DeSantis, and Lena Palke as Noel the Elf. Christopher Dragon conducts. The Shell will be gorgeously lit for this popular show featuring Christmas classics and sing-alongs. Noel Noel runs Dec. 19-21. Dresss warmly for an evening by the bay. sandiegosymphony.org
Every Act of Giving Deserves the Spotlight
For 75 years, San Diego Blood Bank has taken center stage in our community’s story of healing.
As the curtain rises on our next chapter, your financial gift helps ensure an ample and reliable blood supply—today and in the future—and carries forward a legacy of compassion, care, and life-saving impact.
Give for local patients like Emma.
To support our mission and become part of our enduring legacy, call (619) 400-8214, scan QR code or visit sandiegobloodbank.org/give
REPROGRAMMED!
Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts
DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.
REGISTER
Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.
THE ESSENTIALS
Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.
CONTRIBUTORS
Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!
NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees . . . the digital Performances program platform has proved to be one of the more enduring recent theater innovations.
The touchless platform provides the programs for 20 Southern California performing-arts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Ahmanson Theatre to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.
Among a variety of features, it provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates, and numerous
other arts-centric features.
Audiences receive a link and a code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too.
Screens go dark when curtains go up and return when house lights come back on.
Updates—such as repertory changes, understudy substitutions and significant new donations —can be made right up to showtime, no inserts necessary.
Other plusses include video and audio streams, translations and expanded biographies.
SEARCH
Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.
SIGN IN
Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.
THE PLAYERS
Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.
WHAT’S ON
What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.
For those who consider printed programs to be keepsakes, a limited number, as well as commemorative issues for special events, continue to be produced. Collectibles!
Meanwhile, there is less deforestation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for landfills.
For the ecologically minded, the platform gets a standing ovation.
The digital Performances is but one more reason for audience excitement. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. CALEB WACHS
