Performances Magazine | La Jolla Playhouse, Fall 2021

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021

Artwork courtesy of Suzanne Coley and Baltimore Center Stage.

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TO THE YELLOW HOUSE

BHANGIN’ IT

PLAYHOUSE GALA

November 16 – December 12

March 8 – April 17, 2022

March 19, 2022

F E S T I VA L R E T U R N S N O V. 11 - 14 , 2 0 21

ARRIVE AT

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T I C K E T S & S C H E D U L E AT : S A N D I E G O W I N E C L A S S I C . C O M Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.

Produced by:

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MAGAZINE

contents P1 Program Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes, donors and more.

6 In the Wings San Diego International Film Festival; San Diego Opera concerts; Mingei International Museum reopening; and more.

10 Dateline New shows at The Public in NYC; Life of Pi in London; The Band’s Visit in Hollywood; Paradise Blue at L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse; and more.

14 Dining

18 Local

Theater Spotlight Sadly put on hold amid the pandemic’s onslaught, La Cage aux Folles is being staged live once again by Cygnet Theatre.

24 Travel

24

Considering a semi-local getaway to San Luis Obispo?

Two fabulous new hotels have made it an idyllic destination.

30 Parting Thought Performances’ new program platform for shows and concerts brings the stage to your fingertips. Access it on any digital device.

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32 Parting Shot An unsung gem of artsy treasures in Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art is slated to reopen this fall.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: HOTEL SLO BY RYAN GOBUTY, KARLI CADEL PHOTOGRAPHY, CESARINA BY ARLENE IBARRA

Fall weather (even in San Diego) means heartier comfort cuisine, so we rounded up our favorite Italian restaurants.

China Before Communism

The Show Chinese Communist Party Doesn’t Want You to See Many of Shen Yun’s artists escaped ongoing persecution in China. Now, guided by their faith, propelled by their work ethic, and refreshed by the freedom they found in the U.S., these world-class artists took a profound culture almost lost under the tyranny of communism, and brought it back to life.

Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance — along with innovative multimedia effects and alloriginal orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom.

“A Must-See!” —Broadway World

“It’s really out of this world! If I had to describe

it, the words might be ‘Divine,’ ‘Reborn,’ and ‘Hope.’”

—Christine Walevska, master cellist

“So much depth, and beauty, and spiritual ex-

pression, and art. Amazing!”

All-New Program with Live Orchestra

OctOber 23–24, 2021

California Center for the Arts, Escondido ShenYun.com/SD • 1-888-973-7469 Text to 1-855-921-7979 for Info Presented by San Diego Falun Dafa Association

—Ola Rafalo, opera singer

Two Shows Only. Get Tickets Today!

For the safety of both our audience and

artists, we’re following the health and safety guidelines issued by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, as well as federal and state guidelines.

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER

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“Completely captivating.”

“A song-filled valentine.”

BROADWAYWORLD.COM

LOS ANGELES TIMES

“Thought-provoking and sidesplitting.”

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DEC 8 – JAN 2 2020/2021 HOLIDAY SHOW

OCT 20 – NOV 14

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A dramatic musical theatrical experience, ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE has enjoyed great success all over the U.S. The show is based on a true story of Patsy’s friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, who continued a correspondence with Cline to the end of her life. The musical play includes many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” and “Walking After Midnight.” Treat yourself to the play that will leave you humming these memorable songs.

(858) 481-1055 | NorthCoastRep.org

IN T H E W IN GS

FILM

The San Diego International Film Festival returns Oct. 14-24.

MOVIE MAGIC AMERICA’S FINEST CITY rolls out the red carpet for the San Diego International Film Festival (SDiFF), returning Oct. 14-24—showcasing around 80 features, documentaries and short films. Presented by the San Diego Film Foundation, SDiFF is celebrating its 20th anniversary—changing things up this year with a hybrid of both virtual and in-person events. The lineup includes the Opening Night premiere at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park on Oct. 14; film screenings at MOPA and San Diego Museum of Art Oct. 15-16; screenings and a “culinary cinema” at Catamaran Mission Bay on Oct. 17; a screening and reception aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier/museum on Oct. 23; and online streaming movies and Q&As with filmmakers via the Festival Virtual Village throughout the week. See website for individual ticket pricing and festival passes. sdfilmfest.com

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Concerts to Comedy THREE CONCERTS comprise the fall 2021 season for San Diego Opera. Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe takes the stage at Balboa Theatre on Oct. 23— performing Johnny Mercer: America’s Lyricist. Catch soprano Michelle Bradley (who sang the title role of Aida in 2019) performing at The Conrad Nov. 20-21. Tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz makes his company debut, singing at California Center for the

Arts, Escondido on Dec. 3.

Two San Diego Repertory Theatre productions will light up Lyceum Stage this fall. Inspired by John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, Latinx playwright Octavio Solis brings us Mother Road, Oct. 7-31.

Prepare for belly laughs in She The People, Nov. 18-Dec. 5—a sketch show created and performed by the women of worldfamous improv comedy troupe, The Second City. sdopera.org; sdrep.org STAGE

ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY IMAGES

From top: opera singer Michelle Bradley; San Diego Rep’s She The People.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 7

IN T H E W IN GS

Mingei International Museum’s expansive Plaza de Panama; a glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly on the commons level.

Museum Marvel EXPERIENCE “ART OF the people” like never before. Housing historical and contemporary folk art, craft and design across different cultures, Mingei International Museum has reopened after a three-year, $55 million remodel. Designed

by LUCE et Studio, the renovation encompasses a 10,000-square-foot expansion—including new civic space, an education center for K-12 students, a theater, library, courtyard,

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galleries, shopping and dining. Reopening exhibits include Global Spirit: Folk Art from the Ted Cohen Collection, featuring 200 folk art pieces spanning more than 20 countries; and Humble Spirit/Priceless Art, a collection of works made from modest materials such as cotton, paper, clay, straw and tin.

And say hello again to beloved mosaic alligator “Nikigator” on your way in.

1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0003, mingei.org

FROM TOP: COURTESY LUCE ET STUDIO, RON KERNER / COURTESY MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM

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Ga

DA T ELIN E

THE WEST

The cast of The Band’s Visit

MUST-SEE SHOWS NEARBY A PERFECT PIECE FOR current times, playwright Richard Greenberg delivers the world premiere, A Shot Rang Out, to South Coast Repertory’s Segerstrom Stage, Oct. 2-Nov. 6. David Ivers stars as an actor returning to the stage after a long time in isolation. Travel back to Detroit’s gentrifying Black Bottom neighborhood circa 1949 in playwright Dominique Morisseau’s Paradise Blue—Nov. 9-Dec. 12 at L.A.’s Geffen Playhouse. In it we meet Blue, a troubled trumpeter and club owner, whose life changes upon the arrival of a mysterious woman. Based on the 2007 Israeli film of the same name, The Band’s Visit comes to Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Nov. 30-Dec. 19. A winner of 10 Tony Awards, the musical follows an Egyptian police band arriving in Israel to perform a concert. When they find themselves lost in a remote village after a mix-up at the border, a cafe owner named Dina and her fellow locals take them in for the night and make them feel welcome—a glimmering and hopeful spark of shared humanity in the war-torn Middle East.

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Eye of the Tiger LIVE THEATER IS BACK in London, with stages across the city presenting myriad unmissable shows this fall.

If we had to pick just two, Life of Pi would be one of them.

Based on director Ang Lee’s Academy Award-winning film and Yann Martel’s bestselling novel, this enthralling stage adaptation runs at Wyndham’s Theatre—Nov. 15-Feb. 27, 2022. When a cargo freighter sinks in the middle of the ocean, a

young boy from India finds himself lost at sea with a few animals—among them a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The other must-see play would be Manor, a dark satire staged at National Theatre Nov. 16-Jan. 1, 2022.

Nancy Carroll stars as the owner of an old London manor, which takes in a colorful group of guests during a storm—including an outspoken right-wing leader played by Shaun Evans.

© JOHAN PERSSON (2); OPPOSITE: MATTHEW MURPHY

LONDON

Hiran Abeysekera as Pi and Richard Parker the Bengal tiger in Life of Pi.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 11

DA T ELIN E

From top: rehearsals for The Visitor; playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza.

NEW YORK

AFTER A YEAR-LONG pandemic shutdown, the Public Theater (aka “The Public”) returns to its landmark Lafayette Street home in NYC’s East Village with two premieres. The Visitor—by Pulitzer Prize and Tonywinning team Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey and Kwame Kwei-Armah—runs Oct. 7-Nov. 21. The new musical centers on a widower named Walter, who lives alone and is struggling through life … when two

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new characters unexpectedly enter the picture and change his world forever. Playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza (the 2021 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner) brings us Cullud Wattah, Nov. 2-Dec. 5.

The play centers on the current water crisis in Flint, Michigan—which has been without clean water for 936 days—and three generations of black women living in the thick of it. publictheater.org

COURTESY IMAGES

PUBLIC NOTICE

DININ G

Buon Appetito!

Inspired Italian Dining Across San Diego Awaits This Fall

/ by sarah daoust /

POINT LOMA’S ACCLAIMED cucina Cesarina is full of quaint charm and deliciousness. Standouts on the lunch/dinner menu (which is updated seasonally) include the Bruschettone Prosciutto e Fichi with figs, prosciutto, whipped ricotta and chestnut honey; scratch-made paccheri noodles with wild-caught langoustine and creamy vodka sauce; and Tagliata Porcini, a 10-ounce steak served with porcini mushrooms, heirloom carrots and fingerling potatoes. And don’t miss weekend brunch, boasting bottomless drinks by the pitcher, “breakfast pasta” and

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lemon-ricotta-raspberry waffles.

More bonuses: a full vegan menu and an adorable dining patio. 4161 Voltaire St., Point Loma, 619.226.6222 Find Cali-Italian cuisine with a splash of Baja in the heart of downtown at Salvatore’s Cucina and Lounge. This means dishes such as roasted corn with ricotta, truffle butter and chives; smoked-turkey-confit pizza with gouda; and fusilli pasta with Baja shrimp, squash blossoms and Parmesan. The cocktail menu features libations named after the area’s neighborhoods, such as the Golden Hill with Patron Silver tequila, prickly pear, pineapple and lime; and the East Village with Fords gin, watermelon and lemon. 750 Front St., downtown, 619.340.1115 Known for its flagship South Park location and authentic Neapolitan pizzas, calzones, pastas, salads and desserts, Buona Forchetta debuts its newest location in San Marcos’ North City development district. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant by owner Matteo Cattaneo seats 120

guests across a casual-chic dining room and shaded patio. A custom Stefano Ferrara Italian pizza oven helms the kitchen, churning out pies such as the popular Nicola with mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto di parma and truffle oil. 250 North City Drive, San Marcos, 442.515.3147 Escape to the Calabrian coast, sip by sip, at the Aperol Spritz Bar at Civico by the Park—where the Italian spritz goes hand in hand with aperitivo hour. Guests can order from a special Aperol Spritz menu, paired with aperitivo-sized snacks from chef Pietro Gallo. Offerings range from a traditional spritz to the Negroni Blanco with Fords gin; plus a selection of vegan bites. Stay for dinner and order a pizza made Roman pinsa dough. 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 619.310.5669 Escape to an alternate universe 19 stories up at the InterContinental with CH Projects’ newest stunner, Seneca. The decor (and views) will drop jaws—designed by New York-based /CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

THIS PAGE: ARLENE IBARRA; OPPOSITE: COURTESY BARBUSA

With the arrival of autumn comes a craving for comfort food, namely pastas, pizzas and other decadent dishes. San Diego’s Italian restaurants are happy to help, offering filling fare and inviting atmospheres. Following are a few of our favorite outposts to consider this season.

Tempura squash blossoms at Barbusa.

Opposite: caprese with fresh burrata and capers at Cesarina.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 15

The Artistic Director’s Circle

Season Sponsors

Brian & Silvija Devine Theodor S. & Audrey S. Geisel Fund Jeanne Herberger Joan & Irwin Jacobs Sheri L. Jamieson Becky Moores Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Karen & Jeffrey Silberman Steven Strauss & Lise Wilson

Weston Anson, Denise & Lon Bevers, Gail & Ralph Bryan, The Estate of Pauline Foster, The Fredman Family, Lynn Gorguze & The Honorable Scott Peters, K ay & Bill Gurtin, Debby & Hal Jacobs, Lynelle & William Lynch, Perlmeter Family Foundation, The Rich Family Foundation, The San Diego Foundation, Molli Wagner, Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust

The Garden SEPTEMBER21–OCTOBER17,2021

PRODUCTION SPONSORS The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women’s Voices in the Art of Theatre

P1 La Jolla Playhouse’s 2021/2022 subscription season is dedicatedPERFORMANCES to Audrey MAGAZINE S. Geisel.

Dear Friends,

MISSION STATEMENT: La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form and as a vital social, moral and political platform by providing unfettered creative opportunities for the leading artists of today and tomorrow.

With our youthful spirit and

After eighteen months apart, it is our extreme pleasure to welcome you back into our theatre for the start of our three-show 2021/2022 season.

Words cannot express our gratitude for your support over the last year and half – your patience, understanding and flexibility have been invaluable as we navigated a course for a safe return to the theatre.

While 2020 was challenging in many ways, the creativity and resiliency of Playhouse artists, staff and audiences never ceased to amaze us. We built a new model for theatre in a digital landscape, commissioning and launching 14 new Digital Without Walls pieces; we hosted such live online events as our Spring Fundraiser and the monthly Coffee with the Playhouse series; and our Learning and Engagement team created a wonderful set of online education tools to help keep the arts alive during remote learning.

eclectic, artist-driven approach, we will continue to cultivate a local and national following with an insatiable appetite for audacious and diverse work. In the future, San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse will be considered singularly indispensable to the worldwide theatre landscape, as we become a permanent safe harbor for the unsafe and surprising. The day will come when it will be essential to enter the La Jolla Playhouse village in order to get a glimpse of what is about to happen in American theatre.

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As we return to the theatre, it’s entirely fitting that we open with a new Playhouse-commissioned work by Charlayne Woodard, a stellar artist whose relationship with the Playhouse dates back to 1986, when she appeared in the world premiere of Shout Up a Morning. She has graced our stages numerous times in the years since, including in two solo works of her own creation.

We’re also delighted to welcome the play’s co-directors, Patricia McGregor and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, two visionary local artists making their Playhouse mainstage debuts.

The mother and daughter at the heart of The Garden are two very strong women whose love for each other is complicated by history – that of their family and of our country. Their relationship is equal parts tenderness and tension, compassion and competition. But if The Garden illustrates how the unacknowledged past can poison the present, it also shows us that there is a path forward to grace and forgiveness. While it’s true that we reap what we sow, and that the occasional snake can lurk under the leaves, gardens – if tended and nurtured properly – are also places of rebirth, replenishment and sustenance. Your presence here tonight is a testament to that spirit of rebirth, and we are deeply grateful to have you with us on this journey.

CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY

DEBBY BUCHHOLZ

THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS Christopher Ashley The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse

Debby Buchholz Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse

The Garden BY

CHARLAYNEWOODARD CO-DIRECTEDBY

PATRICIAMcGREGORANDDELICIATURNERSONNENBERG ACO-PRODUCTIONWITHBALTIMORECENTERSTAGE

FEATURING

STEPHANIEBERRY*, CHARLAYNEWOODARD* SCENICDESIGN RACHELHAUCK COSTUMEDESIGN KARENPERRY LIGHTINGDESIGN SHERRICEMOJGANI SOUNDDESIGN LUQMANBROWN ORIGINALMUSIC KIRSTENCHILDS WIGDESIGN NIKIYAMATHIS CASTING ERICAJENSEN(CALLERIJENSENDAVIS) DRAMATURG SHIRLEYFISHMAN STAGEMANAGER CHANDRAR.M.ANTHENILL* ASSISTANTSTAGEMANAGER EVELYNMYERS* PRODUCTIONMANAGER BENSEIBERT TheGardenwasoriginallycommissionedbyLaJollaPlayhouse.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P3

THE CAST (in alphabetical order)

Claire Rose.................................................................................................................... Stephanie Berry* Cassandra...............................................................................................................Charlayne Woodard* Time: The Present Place: A garden in Upstate New York The Garden will be performed in one act.

ADDITIONAL STAFF Assistant Director...................................Kimberly Dodson Associate Scenic Designer........................................Diggle Assistant Costume Designer.............. Betty Fenner-Davis Assistant Lighting Designer..................Venus Gulbranson

Wig Stylist................................................ Cheryl Dishman Fight Consultant......................Lorraine Ressegger-Slone Production Assistant............................Edward Fernandez

‡

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Special Thanks to Walter Andersen Nursery Special Thanks to Mandisa Reed and Katrina Herrmann

of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage * Members Managers in the United States. The theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association.

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

‡ UC San Diego M.F.A. Candidates in residence at La Jolla Playhouse.

This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE. 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.

This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 122.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EVENTS: THE GARDEN The Green Room

Join us before the show on the first Friday of the run to hear directly from writers, directors and designers about their process from the page to opening night.

Friday, September 24 at 7:00 pm

Talkback Tuesdays

Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following these performances.

Tuesday, September 28 and Tuesday, October 5 after the 7:30 pm performances

ACCESS Performance

On select performances, La Jolla Playhouse provides American Sign Language interpretation for audience members who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision.

Saturday, October 9 at 2:00 pm

Discovery Sunday P4 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

Join special guest speakers post-performance as they engage audience members in a moderated discussion exploring the themes in the play.

Sunday, October 10 after the 2:00 pm performance

THE COMPANY STEPHANIE BERRY, Claire Rose is the 2021 recipient of The League of Professional Theatre Women’s Lee Reynolds Award. During the pandemic she was seen in Romeo N Juliet at Pittsburgh Public Theater, For Which It Stands with New York Theatre Workshop, 24 Hour Plays Viral Monologues, Having Our Say at New Jersey City Theater. She was seen as Frankenstein at the Classic Stage Company, for all the women who thought they were mad at Soho Repertory and Gloria: A Life at Daryl Roth Theatre. She was nominated for a 2019 Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actress for her role in Suga in Our Wounds at Manhattan Theatre Club and a Helen Hayes Award for Best Lead Actress for her role in Gem of the Ocean at the Round House Theater. She appears in the movies Before You Know It, O.G., Delivery Man, Invasion, No Reservations and Finding Forrester. TV credits include Luke Cage, The Last OG, Bull, Blue Bloods and all the Law & Order shows. She is the recipient of an OBIE Award for The Shaneequa Chronicles and a TCG/Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship as a Distinguished Artist.

CHARLAYNE WOODARD, Cassandra/Playwright Two-time Obie Award winner and Tony Award nominee. Broadway: Ain't Misbehavin' (original cast), Hair (revival). Off-Broadway: "Daddy", Hamlet (Gertrude), WAR (Mother), The Substance of Fire (Marge Hackett), The Witch of Edmonton (Witch), In the Blood (Hester), Fabulation (Ondine), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Grusha), Twelfth Night (Maria), Stunning, Sorrows and Rejoicings. Regional: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Titania), The Taming of the Shrew (Katherine), The Good Person of Setzuan. Film: Glass, Unbreakable, The Crucible, Eye for an Eye, Sunshine State. TV: Pose (series regular); recurring roles: In Treatment, Prodigal Son, Sneaky Pete; Law & Order, Special Victims Unit; ER; guest star: All Rise, The Leftovers, The Blacklist. Playwright: The Garden, Pretty Fire, Neat, In Real Life, The Night Watcher, Flight.

Nominations: Tony, Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Adjunct Professor: USC, CAL ARTS.

PATRICIA McGREGOR, Co-Director Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, director and writer McGregor has twice been profiled by The New York Times.

Credits include: Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole (Geffen Playhouse, People’s Light); Sisters In Law (Wallis Annenberg); What You Are, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Measure for Measure (The Old Globe); Skeleton Crew (Geffen Playhouse, Studio Theatre); Good Grief (Center Theatre Group); Hamlet (The Public Theater); Ugly Lies the Bone (Roundabout Theatre Company); Holding It Down (Metropolitan Museum); Becky Shaw (Round House); A Raisin in the Sun, The Winter’s Tale, Spunk (California Shakes); Blood Dazzler (Harlem Stage); Hurt Village (Signature Theatre).

She served as tour consultant to Raphael Saadiq and J Cole, co-founded Angela’s Pulse, is Artist in Residence for Arts In the Armed Forces and is a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop. McGregor attended the Yale School of Drama where she was a Soros Fellow and Artistic Director of the Yale Cabaret.

DELICIA TURNER SONNENBERG, Co-Director Playhouse credits include the 2018 POP Tour #SuperShinySara, WOW Festival’s The Car Plays SD and Counterweight. Regional: Skeleton Crew (The Old Globe); Roz and Ray, Sex with Strangers, My Mañana Comes, In the Wake, The Seafarer, The Good Body, Miss Witherspoon, Intimate Apparel, Proof (San Diego REP); The Piano Lesson, Fences (Cygnet Theatre); The Amish Project (Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company). Delicia is a founder and the former Artistic Director of MOXIE Theatre, which she helmed for 12 acclaimed seasons receiving The Des McAnuff New Visions Award for Risk Taking Leadership and Body of Work and 2015 Director of the Year from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle.

Other directing credits include: Hamlet, Prelude to a Kiss (New Village Arts); Fit to Be Tied (Diversionary Theatre); Voyeurs de Venus, or Emily Post Is Dead (MOXIE Theatre), and productions at The Old Globe/University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program, San Diego State University and UC San Diego, among others. Delicia was twice a recipient of the Van Lier Directing Fellowship through Second Stage Theater in New York, and is an alumna of the New York Drama League’s Directors Program as well as TCG’s New Generations Program. She has received NAACP Theatre awards, a Women's International Center Living Legacy Award as well as many Craig Noel Awards from the SD Theatre Critics Circle.

RACHEL HAUCK, Scenic Designer La Jolla Playhouse: An Iliad, Surf Report, Mother Courage and Her Children, The Country, Be Aggressive, Wonderland.

Broadway: Hadestown (Tony Award, Drama Desk and Outer Critic nominations), What the Constitution Means to Me, Latin History for Morons. Recent work: The Wrong Man (MCC), Hurricane Diane (NYTW); Othello, Twelfth Night (Public Theater/ Shakespeare in the Park); The Lucky Ones (Ars Nova); You’ll Still Call Me By Name (Sonya Tayeh/Jacob’s Pillow); Tiny Beautiful Things, Dry Powder (Public); 72 Miles to Go, Amy and the Orphans, On the Exhale (Roundabout); Recipient of Princess Grace and Lilly Awards; Drama Desk, Lortel nominations and an OBIE Award for Sustained Excellence.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P5

THE COMPANY KAREN PERRY, Costume Designer Credits include Lackawanna Blues (Broadway, MTC); My Lord What a Night (Ford’s Theatre); Fun Home, Skeleton Crew (Baltimore Center Stage, Huntington Theatre); We All Fall Down, Breath, Boom (TRTC); Radio Golf, Joe Iconis' Love In Hate Nation, Oo Bla-Dee (NYTW); runboyrun, In Old Age, Breathe, Boom (Huntington); Jazz (MTC); Black Superhero Magic Mama (Geffen Playhouse); Steel Magnolias, Hair, Dreamgirls, Miller Mississippi, A Raisin in the Sun, Clybourne Park (Dallas Theater Center); Oklahoma! (Houston Ballet at TUTS); Cinderella (Eglevsky Ballet Company); Danai Gurira’s Familiar (Woolly Mammoth, Guthrie Theater, Seattle Repertory Theatre); Cabin in the Sky (Encores!); Blues for an Alabama Sky (Pasadena Playhouse); Crowns, Stop-Reset, Trinity River Trilogy (Goodman Theatre, STC, Dallas Theater Center/Arena Stage); The Trip to Bountiful, The Fall of Heaven (Cincinnati Playhouse); The Brother/Sister Plays (Public Theater/McCarter Theatre); Having Our Say (McCarter Theatre); A Time to Kill, Resurrection (Arena Stage); The Lion in Winter (Guthrie). She has designed nine of the ten August Wilson Century Series plays (she has not yet designed Fences).

TV: Gregory Hines Show, Saturday Night Live and The Brother from Another Planet. Perry received a Lucille Lortel Award, LA Ovations Awards, a CDG Award, Ace Award, Hewitt Award, and is an Emmy and Audelco Award nominee and recipient.

SHERRICE MOJGANI, Lighting Designer recently designed The Heiress and Two Trains Running (Arena Stage); Spunk, Ain’t Misbehavin’ and The Scottsboro Boys (Signature Theatre Company); A Few Good Men, Sweat (Pittsburgh Public Theatre); What You Are and Skeleton Crew (The Old Globe); Roz and Ray, Black Pearl Sings and Outside Mullingar (San Diego Repertory Theatre); Blue Door, Trouble in Mind and Mud Blue Sky (MOXIE Theatre). She is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University in northern Virginia. She holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from UC Santa Cruz and an M.F.A. in Lighting Design from UC San Diego. smojgani.com LUQMAN BROWN, Sound Designer Broadway: Hot Wing King (Signature Theater); Revolving Cycles Truly and Steadily Roll’d (Duke Theater); Hurt Village (Signature Theater). Off Broadway: Three Musketeers (Classical Theater of Harlem); Peculiar Patriot and Seed (National Black Theater); Adoration of the Old Woman (Inter Theater); Detroit 67 (Julliard); ACE (Lyle Courtney Production); El Coqui Spectacular and the Bottle of Doom (La Vega Production); White People and Cock Fight (Fordham University Theater); 12 Angry Men (Billie Holiday Theater); Br’er Rabbit the Opera: A Funky Meditation on Gentrification and How to Survive (BRIC). Regional: Legacy Land (KC Rep); America V2.1, The Sad Demise and Eventual Extinction of the American Negro (Barrington Stage); What You Are (The Old Globe); The Corpse Washer, How to Defend Yourself, We’ve Come to Believe (original music), Everybody Black (Humana Fest 2019); Skeleton Crew (TheaterSquared); Chad Deity (Asolo Rep); Sense & Sensibility (Cape Fear Theater); The Parchment Hour (Guthrie Theater); An Oresteia (Rutgers Theater). Other credits: Winner of the 2017 & 2018 Audelco Awards for sound design. As a professional musician, Mr. Brown has performed in numerous bands as well as produced many others. You can check out more at luqmanbrown.nyc P6 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

KIRSTEN CHILDS, Original Music La Jolla Playhouse: co-lyricist for Fly. Other credits include The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin (Obie, Kleban, Audelco, Richard Rodgers, Gilman Gonzalez-Falla Awards; Rockefeller and Jonathan Larson Grants; and Lortel, NAACP, Drama Desk Award nominations); Bella: An American Tall Tale (Frederick Loewe Award, Edward M. Kennedy Prize finalist, four Audelco Awards); Washington Square with Ben Wexler; New Group commission with Gordon Greenberg; Funked Up Fairy Tales; Miracle Brothers; Lucky Boy (Penn State Commission).

NEA, Larson grants; American Songbook series; New Electric Company; Disney’s Believe and Disney’s Wishes. Guggenheim Museum Works & Process. Dramatists Guild Council member.

Songwriter for Dianne Reeves (with Billy Childs).

NIKIYA MATHIS, Wig Designer Ms. Mathis holds an M.F.A. from NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Acting Program. She’s excited to be back, after appearing in La Jolla Playhouse’s world-premiere production of Milk Like Sugar. As a designer, she is the recipient of the 2020 Henry Hewes Design Award, The Antonio Award and a Drama Desk nominee. Hair/Wig Design Off-Broadway: The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, MCC, Soho Rep, Women’s Project, Ars Nova, Page 73 Productions @ Walker Space, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Classical Theater of Harlem, National Black Theater. Regional & University: Baltimore Center Stage, Hartford Stage, Huntington Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Berkshire Theatre, Theatre Works, NYU Tisch, American Academy of Dramatic Art, AMDA and Barnard College. She is excited to be making her Broadway design debut with Chicken & Biscuits this Fall.

ERICA JENSEN (CALLERI JENSEN DAVIS), Casting is excited to cast for La Jolla Playhouse for the first time! Regional theaters include Long Wharf Theater, McCarter Theater, Berkeley Rep, and Hartford Stage. Broadway credits include Thoughts of a Colored Man, Fool for Love, Hughie, A Raisin in the Sun, Of Mice and Men, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Living on Love, The Visit and the upcoming For Colored Girls. TV credits include Chappelle's Show, Army Wives, Lipstick Jungle, Hope & Faith, The Path, Love Life (HBO Max) and Queens (ABC).

SHIRLEY FISHMAN, Dramaturg during numerous seasons at La Jolla Playhouse, worked with playwrights and directors on productions of new plays and musicals, including 2016 Tony Award-winning shows Come From Away and Indecent, the Playhouse’s annual POP Tour that brings new plays to elementary schools throughout San Diego County, as well as workshops and readings of projects in development for the DNA new work series and beyond. At New York’s Public Theatre as literary manager and dramaturg, she worked on new plays, classics, musicals, projects in development and was co-curator of the annual New Work Now! new play reading series. Affiliations: San Diego Rep, Denver Center Theatre, Magic Theatre, Native Voices at the Autry, New Village Arts, New York Stage and Film, among others. M.F.A.: Columbia University.

THE COMPANY CHANDRA R.M. ANTHENILL, Stage Manager La Jolla Playhouse: Stage Manager for Emily Driver’s Great Race Through Time and Space, Assistant Stage Manager for Junk.

Other regional credits include: What You Are, Tiny Beautiful Things, Winter’s Tale and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Old Globe); Fun Home, Beachtown, Roz and Ray, Into the Beautiful North, R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE, Outside Mullingar, The Oldest Boy, Oedipus El Rey and Honky (San Diego REPertory Theatre); The Last Wife, Bad Jews, Sons of the Prophet, Spring Awakening, Assassins and Company (Cygnet Theatre).

EVELYN MYERS, Assistant Stage Manager As a San Diego native, Evelyn Myers is thrilled to be joining La Jolla Playhouse once again for this incredible production. Her favorite credits include POP Tour: Emily Driver’s Great Race Through Time and Space (La Jolla Playhouse); The First and the Last (Hollywood Fringe Festival’s Encore Award); Savage in Limbo (Grand Central Art Center) and Bell, Book, and Candle (Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Excellence in Stage Management Award).

She is excited to welcome you all back to the theatre!

BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE, Co-Producer Designated the State Theater of Maryland in 1978, Baltimore Center Stage provides the highest quality theater and programming for all members of their communities, including youth and families, under the leadership of Artistic Director Stephanie Ybarra and Managing Director Michael Ross. They ignite conversations and imaginations by producing an eclectic season of professional productions across two mainstages and an intimate 99-seat theatre, through engaging community programs, and with inspiring education programs. Everything they do at Center Stage is led by their core values – chief among them being Access For All. Their mission is heavily rooted in providing active and open accessibility for everyone, regardless of any and all barriers, to their Mainstage performances, education initiatives and community programming.

PATRON SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY

CONCESSIONS

Designated wheelchair-accessible seating is available and accessible parking is provided by UC San Diego in the Osler 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.

Start your night off right with bar and concessions service from James' Place: serving beer, wine, sodas and individually-wrapped snacks.

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.

COVID-19 SAFETY The Playhouse continues to follow guidelines and strategies provided by San Diego County, California Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all in-person activities.Please go to LaJollaPlayhouse.org/plan-your-visit/covidsafety 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/plan-your-visit/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) 534-4357 (HELP).

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PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY, The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he has helmed the Playhouse’s productions of The Squirrels, Hollywood, The Darrell Hammond Project, His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Dram of Drummhicit, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Restoration and the musicals Diana, Escape to Margaritaville, Disney’s Freaky Friday, Chasing the Song, Xanadu, Memphis, which won four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and Come From Away, for which he won the 2017 Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical and the Craig Noel Award for Direction. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) series and the Resident Theatre program.

Prior to joining the Playhouse, he directed the Broadway productions of Xanadu (Drama Desk nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations), as well as the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration productions of Sweeney Todd and Merrily We Roll Along. Other New York credits include: Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla, 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 also directed the feature films Jeffrey and Lucky Stiff, as well as the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. He is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.

DES McANUFF, Director Emeritus served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director from 1983 through 1994, and from 2001 through April 2007. Under his leadership, the Playhouse garnered more than 300 awards, including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. His Playhouse to Broadway credits include: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical; Doctor Zhivago; Jesus Christ Superstar; Jersey Boys (four Tony Awards); Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award); How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (five Tony nominations); director and co-author with Pete Townshend on The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Director) and Big River (seven Tony Awards), among others. He also directed the premieres of Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, which he co-wrote. Opera credits: Faust (The Met, ENO). Film credits: Cousin Bette (director), Iron Giant (producer, BAFTA Award) and Quills (executive producer). Recipient of the Drama League’s 2006 Julia Hansen Award, Mr. McAnuff served as Artistic Director at Canada’s Stratford Festival from 2007 through 2012. In 2012, he was awarded Canada’s esteemed Governor General’s National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada.

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DEBBY BUCHHOLZ, Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse joined the Playhouse in 2002, serving first as GeneralManager before becoming Managing Director. She is a VicePresident 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 and are the proud parents of Victoria, Katherine and Alexia.

ERIC KEEN-LOUIE, Executive Producer (he/him/his) 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 Secretary on the National Alliance of Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors. He shares his commute to La Jolla with his husband Anthony Keen-Louie, an administrator in student affairs at UC San Diego. He is a proud third-generation Chinese-American.

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 Awardwinning 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 Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. Internationally-renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, the Playhouse has mounted 105 world premieres, commissioned 60 new works, and sent 33 productions to Broadway – including the currently-running hit musical Come From Away – garnering a total of 38 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

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Shirley Fishman: We first met at Sundance Theatre Lab in 1997. I was a dramaturg and you were in a workshop of Sapphire’s stage adaptation of her novel Push, playing the lead role of Precious. I was surprised to see you in such a dramatic role. I had seen your breathtaking Tony-nominated performance in Ain’t Misbehavin’ on Broadway and had always associated you with musicals.

Charlayne Woodard: Most people think I’m a musical theatre actor. By the time I’d reached tenth grade, my plan was to follow my best friend to college and then law school.

But then I met John Velie, head of my high school’s Theatre Club, who taught Introduction to Drama, Shakespeare and the Greek tragedies. I couldn’t wait to get to that class.

He ushered me into the theatre and I lost all interest in making money — all I wanted to do was be surrounded by artists and make art.

SF: Was there an actor who became your role model?

CHARLAYNE WOODARD ACTOR, STORYTELLER,

CW: When I saw Cicely Tyson in the film Sounder I realized that if the world lauded this slight, dark-skinned, buck-toothed woman (which was me before braces), then I had a place in the world as an actor. That’s what made me decide to go to drama school and get a good foundation in theatre. I studied at the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, and then went to New York City. Within two weeks I was cast in the Broadway revival of Hair and nine months later I was in the original Broadway company of Ain’t Misbehavin’.

PLAYWRIGHT

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cher; phot Night Wat rd in The e Wooda Charlayn

Dramaturg Shirley Fishman speaks with The Garden playwright Charlayne Woodard about her journey from junior church choir soloist to Broadway musical theatre actor, performing in new and classic plays, film and television, and how she became a playwright.

o by J.T. M acMillan

Charlayne in A Midsummer Night’s Dream; photo by Craig Schwartz

SF: What was that experience like for you?

CW: I had to research Fats Waller and the times he lived in. I knew nothing about singing in the 1930s musical style. I watched films from the period and learned how people behaved and performed, which helped me create my character. When The New York Times review came out and we were a huge hit, I was pegged as a musical theatre actor and couldn’t get an audition for anything else. That said, working on the show with Andre De Shields, Nell Carter, Ken Page and Amelia McQueen, I learned how to work, get out of my comfort zone and rise up to the material at every performance. They told me, “We’re a hit — there’s no failing.”

SF: When I began working at the Playhouse, I did some research into its history. I found that you’ve been associated with the Playhouse going back to its early days.

CW: Des McAnuff cast me in Shout Up a Morning, a big musical in the Playhouse’s 1986 season. That’s when I came to the Playhouse for the first time. Since then, I’ve worked with every artistic director at LJP, performing either in a new play, a classic (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Christopher Ashley) or in one of my own plays.

SF: It was a number of years before you returned to the Playhouse to perform in Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s The Good Person of Setzuan.

CW: Thank God for Robert Blacker! He came to the Playhouse with Des as Associate Director and Dramaturg. He brought me in for The Good Person of Setzuan, directed by Lisa Peterson.

There was music in it, so I still had to sing, but it was a play and it was Brecht — full immersion theatre: ten acts and three hours long. I played dual characters, Shen Te, a soft-hearted prostitute, and her cruel, greedy male cousin, Shui Ta. I love to tackle the classics, and I love a play that challenges you and makes you a better actor. I love plays, that’s why I write them.

SF: How did you come to write your first solo play, Pretty Fire?

CW: In 1992 my grandmother died, and I was in mourning. I’d just joined a mega church in L.A. and signed up for their women’s retreat.

The pastor’s wife called me and asked if I could perform a half hour of music for the first night of the retreat. I said no, but I ended up writing a story about my grandmother and how she

requested that I sing in the junior choir at church when I was twelve. At the retreat, I walked up to the stage and faced a group of 450 women seated in a grand ballroom. As I told the story, there was laughter, call and response, and tears as the women stood up waving their napkins in the air. When it was over, they all lined up to hug me. It was the best night of theatre in my life! I called that story “Joy,” wrote four more stories to accompany it and named it Pretty Fire.

SF: How did Pretty Fire come to the Playhouse?

CW: After Des left the Playhouse, Michael Greif became Artistic Director and he was all about new plays. He asked to bring the play to LJP and to direct it as well. I had already performed it at Fountainhead Theatre in L.A. and Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City.

I thought I would simply remount my play.

During rehearsals Michael asked me so many wonderful questions that I reimagined it. We completely rediscovered the play, with new sets and costumes, in the Mandell Weiss Forum. I consider the Playhouse production to be the definitive Pretty Fire. That production was an illuminating process that informed my future work.

SF: The Playhouse also produced a Page to Stage workshop production of The Night Watcher and your play, Phenom, was included in The Car Plays, as a part of the 2013 Without Walls Festival. The Playhouse then commissioned you to write a new play.

Did you have an idea of what you wanted to write about?

CW: Claire Rose, the mother in my play, is an amalgam of three women I know. She’s not my mother; I feel that she’s everyone’s mother.

My mother’s generation of Black women didn’t have the opportunities that were available to my generation. It was important that their daughters outdo them — but it had to be on their mothers’ terms. The play is also about family secrets, generational secrets so powerful that they can no longer be kept secret.

SF: What are your hopes for The Garden at La Jolla Playhouse?

CW: As we watch the play, all of us will be looking for a moment of truth. I hope to see the actors, directors, designers and audiences breathe air into what I’ve written, and that all the elements of The Garden come together in a moment of truth.

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LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS Lead Supporters: The William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation | Qualcomm Foundation 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.

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.

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.

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.

Innovation Lab Focusing on how theatre can improve communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking in the work place, Playhouse teaching artists lead interactive activities to build effective teams in any industry.

Residencies and Partnerships • UCSD MFA Residencies: 3rd-year UCSD MFA students participate in a residency within the Playhouse’s 6-show season.

• Resident Theatre Company: The Playhouse annually provides an artistic home and resources to a local theatre without a permanent space of their own.

• Good Neighbor Partnerships: The Playhouse offers opportunities to artists, theatre companies and collectives to use our spaces and resources for special projects that may not be possible without outside support.

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 postshow workshops, and a post-show talkback provides a deeper understanding on how a new play is uniquely developed with Playhouse staff.

YP@LJP Young Performers at La Jolla Playhouse offers exciting summer programs for kids: Young Performers’ Workshop (YPW), an exploration of theatre arts in a fun, creative way; Young Performers’ Academy (YPA), where students build upon the skills they learned in YPW; Young Performers’ Conservatory (YPC), a 5-week intensive that prepares actors for serious college theatre programs; and Tech Theatre, which introduces young people to the various aspects of technical theatre. Supported by the Sidney E. Frank Foundation, the Jordan Ressler Endowment Fund, David C. Copley Foundation and the Roberto Quiñones, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

For more information on La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning and Engagement Programs, please email learningandengagement@ljp.org and view our free resources for educators and families on our website.

STREAM LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE’S NEW PLAY FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

FOR FREE!

The Playhouse’s virtual 2021 Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour, Pick Me Last, is available for schools and individuals to stream for free through December 31.

A playground. 2 teams. 2 captains. It’s the same thing every day at Chavonne’s elementary school – her best friend Wes is always picked last. So she hatches a plan to end the schoolyard cycle. Still, after a few imaginary visits from visionaries Sigmund Freud and Elon Musk, plus a little help from the new kid, Chavonne learns that the problem she’s trying to fix may not be the one that needs solving.

Don’t miss this funny and touching story – infused with music and poetry – about standing up for your friends and learning to let them stand up for themselves.

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Visit pop-tour-lajollaplayhouse.com

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES RANDALL L. CLARK, Sempra Chair

HONORARY TRUSTEES Peter Cowhey, Ph.D.

SHERI L. JAMIESON First Vice-Chair

Ivan Gayler John Goodman Joel Holliday* Julie Potiker Geri Ann Warnke* Gary Wollberg* Robert Wright, Esq.

MICHAEL FLASTER Second Vice-Chair SUSAN TOUSI Secretary

Wright, L’Estrange & Ergastolo

SCOTT M. STANTON, Mintz Treasurer

Top row: Randall L. Clark, Sheri L. Jamieson, Christopher Ashley; Debby Buchholz, Ralph Bryan, Becky Robbins. Bottom row: Susan Tousi and friends; Robin & Larry Rusinko, Denise & Lon Bevers.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR It is an absolute thrill to welcome you back to the Playhouse for our 2021/2022 season!

Although our theatres were dark for the last 18 months, the Playhouse was still able to bring worldclass theatre to patrons during this time with an amazing series of Digital Without Walls productions.

Many of these offerings are still available to view on our website, including our virtual Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour for young audiences, Pick Me Last, which will be available through 2021 for schools and individuals to stream for free.

Speaking of streaming, three Playhouse-born musicals will be launching on major streaming platforms over the next several months: Come From Away on Apple TV+ and Diana on Netflix – both directed by our own Christopher Ashley – as well as Jersey Boys, directed

by Playhouse Director Emeritus Des McAnuff, on a platform to be announced soon. These new filmed versions will allow our productions to reach even more new audiences, all over the world.

These internationally-acclaimed works were made possible through your incredible support and helped make La Jolla Playhouse the place to see what’s new and next in the American Theatre. On behalf of my fellow trustees, thank you for your continued support and for joining us this season.

RANDALL L. CLARK CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

UC San Diego

TRUSTEES Christopher Ashley** Michael Bartell Denise Bevers David Bialis Andrew Boyd** Ralph Bryan* Debby Buchholz** Robert Caplan Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek

Hope Carlson

Dowling & Yahnke, LLC

Doug Dawson Edward A. Dennis, Ph.D. Brian Dovey Susan Dubé Hal Dunning Emily Einhorn Annie Ellis Teri Evons Hanna Gleiberman Lynn E. Gorguze Luke Gulley, Show Imaging, Inc. Kay Gurtin Clark Guy

EMERITUS TRUSTEES Rita Bronowski (1917-2010) David Copley (1952-2012) Ted Cranston (1940-2012) Milton Fredman (1920-2005) Ewart W. Goodwin, Jr.* (1938- 2019) Marian Jones Longstreth (1906-1997) Hughes Potiker (1925-2005) Sheila Potiker (1930-2011) 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 August 12. 2021

Bank of America Private Bank

Dwight Hare Osborn Hurston, US Bank Debby Jacobs Joan Jacobs Cynthia James-Price Jeanne Jones Pradeep K. Khosla, Ph.D. Chancellor, UC San Diego

Lynelle Lynch* Margret McBride* Lorne Polger Karen A. Quiñones Jeffrey Ressler* David I. Reynoso Becky Robbins Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm Tim Scott Shane Shelley, Morrison Foerster Karen Silberman Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Suzi Sterner, UC San Diego Steven M. Strauss*, Cooley, LLP Andy Thomas, Evans Hotels Mary Walshok, Ph.D. UC San Diego PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P15

THE GARDEN PRODUCTION SPONSORS La Cuisine Custom Catering is honored to sponsor The Garden and we are overjoyed to have live theatre in our community once again. During these tumultuous times, theatre provides an escape, and also an opportunity to explore life through a different lens. We are so pleased to support the voices of our community and celebrate the success and efforts of everyone involved.

Cheers to a brand new season.

The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women’s Voices in the Art of Theatre

The Paula Marie Black Endowment Fund for Women’s Voices in the Art of Theatre supports female playwrights and directors both on-stage and off. Established by former Playhouse Trustee Paula Marie Black, the endowment provides female artists, like The Garden playwright Charlayne Woodard and co-directors Patricia McGregor and Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, with invaluable resources to develop their work at the Playhouse. This generous gift helps amplify the voices of women that will benefit not only these female artists, but the countless lives they will affect by sharing their work with the world.

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT $100,000 +

$50,000 - $99,999

The San Diego Foundation Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust

$25,000 - $49,999

California Arts Council California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development County of San Diego Edgerton Foundation Las Patronas

$5,000 - $9,999

Betty Scalice Foundation (Coastal Community Foundation) John and Marcia Price Family Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999

The City of Encinitas Community Grant Program The Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation The Arthur and Jeanette Pratt Memorial Fund The Sutherland Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

David C. Copley Foundation Farrell Family Foundation Sidney E. Frank Foundation Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Price Philanthropies Foundation San Diego Scottish Rite Community Foundation Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation List as of August 17, 2021 P16 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE CORPORATE CIRCLE

$2,500 + Professional Maintenance Systems

Bella Vista Social Club & Caffé • HATCH – San Diego Magazine • The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint CORPORATE MATCHING COMPANIES Amazon Smile • Arch Insurance Group • Bristol Myers Squibb • Caterpillar • Chevron • Elsevier • Intuit • Lincoln Financial Foundation Nordstrom Foundation • Pfizer • Qualcomm Incorporated • Sempra • ServiceNow • U.S. Bank • Wells Fargo Opportunities for corporations to partner with La Jolla Playhouse are numerous and varied, each providing exclusive benefits and recognition.

For information, please contact Samantha Watkins at swatkins@ljp.org.

List as of August 17, 2021

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P17

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE - $100,000 AND ABOVE Brian and Silvija Devine Joan and Irwin Jacobs Sheri L. Jamieson Becky Moores Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Steven Strauss and Lise Wilson SEASON SPONSORS - $50,000+ Anonymous Weston Anson Denise and Lon Bevers Gail and Ralph Bryan The Fredman Family Kay and Bill Gurtin Debby and Hal Jacobs Perlmeter Family Foundation Lynn Gorguze and The Honorable Scott Peters Karen and Jeffrey Silberman Molli Wagner PLAYWRIGHT’S CIRCLE - $25,000+ Michael Bartell and Melissa Garfield Bartell Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma Lisa and David Casey Michael and Susanna Flaster Dr. Lawrence Friedman* Mark and Hanna Gleiberman Maryanne and Irwin Pfister Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Larry and Robin Rusinko LEADERSHIP CIRCLE - $15,000+ Anonymous David Bialis Randall and Michael Clark Karen and Donald Cohn Doug Dawson Drs. Edward and Martha Dennis Elizabeth and Brian Dovey Susan E. Dubé Emily and Daniel Einhorn, Einhorn Family Foundation of JCF and Leichtag Foundation Bill and Judy Garrett Jeanne Jones Rob and Kathy Jones Lynelle and William Lynch Margret & Nevins McBride Lorne Polger The Querin Family Karen Quiñones, The Quiñones Family Trust Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas Jack and Caroline Raymond Becky Lynne Robbins Charitable Fund Don and Stacy Rosenberg, Rosenberg Family Fund Swanna and Alan Saltiel Tim and Emily Scott Iris and Matthew Strauss Debbie Turner Peggy Ann Wallace Sheryl and Harvey P. White Barbara ZoBell DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE - $10,000+ Tony and Margaret Acampora Roberta C. Baade and George F. Yee Charitable Fund Joan and Jeremy Berg

Stern Leichter Foundation Barbara Bloom Pamela B. Burkholz Joseph and Joyce Cassin Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family Mrs. Ewart (Chip) Goodwin Starr and John Grundy Stacy Jacobs Jeff and Carolyn Levin Laurie Gore and Julie Osman Darlene and James Milligan, Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation Wendy S. Pincus Judy and Alan Robbins Colette and Ivor Royston Barbie and Dan Spinazzola Mary Lindenstein Walshok, Ph.D. OPENING NIGHT CIRCLE $5,000+ Anonymous (2) Browar Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Robert and Jaleh Brunst, Leichtag Foundation Christa Burke, Conrad and Christa Burke Fund at San Diego Foundation Linda Chester and Kenneth Rind Lee Clark and Jerry Pikolysky Una K. Davis Brett Dickinson in honor of Joan and Irwin Jacobs Marty and Shel Diller Amy Corton and Carl Eibl Enberg Family Charitable Foundation Mrs. Valerie Ewell Armstrong and Mr. Sam Armstrong Dr. Benjamin and Sue Frishberg Dr. Joyce M. Gattas Wendy Gillespie Lee and Frank Goldberg David Newman and Samantha Goldstein, The Jasada Foundation Dean J. Haas Eileen and Leonard Herman Rosanne & Joel Holliday Susan and Aaron Huniu Jay Jeffcoat Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund Mike Keefe and Mary Keough Lyman Labowe Family Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Labowe Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq. Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky and Family Barbara and Mathew Loonin Dr. Howard and Barbara Milstein Elspeth and Jim Myer Family Fund Bernard Paul and Maria Sardina Teresa and Byron Pollitt Brian and Paula Powers Rosenthal Family Fund, Renaissance Charitable Foundation Gad and Suzan Shaanan Elizabeth Taft Greta and Steve Treadgold Tom and Judy Tullie Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo Cynthia Walk Geri Ann Warnke Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler David and Sherry Winkler Richard Winkler The Helene and Allan Ziman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

P18 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

ACTORS’ CIRCLE - $2,500+ Anonymous (3) Dede and Mike Alpert Charles Bergan and Lisa Kanetake Lisa and Jay Berlin Gary and Barbara Blake Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation The Boyd-Rawlings Family Maureen and Lawrence Cavaiola Leslie H. Coll Julie and Bert Cornelison Corinna Cotsen and Lee Rosenbaum, The Stolaroff Foundation Karen B. Dow Dan and Phyllis Epstein Inge Feinswog Beverly and Dick Fink Ross and Mary-K Gilbert Jim Gilmore Kimberly and Jeffrey Goldman Beverly Goodman James and Carrie Greenstein Julie Hall, Oklahoma City Community Foundation Koji and Angela Fukumura Dr. Warren and Karen Kessler Sherry and Larry Kline, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky Dr. K.B Lim and Linda Lee Lim Foundation Dennis A. McConnell Dr. Charles and Ilene Mittman Kelly and Mike Moore Gregg and Cindy Motsenbocker Arlene and Louis Navias Mark C. Niblack, MD Susan C. Parker Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal Dawn and Phil Rudolph Patricia and Douglas Sacks, in honor of Sheri Jamieson Beverly Sanborn, in memory of Warren Sanborn Jay and Julie Sarno Scarano Family Foundation at The San Diego Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Cary Shames Dr. Ed and Evelyn Singer Susan and Gerald Slavet Spielman Family Foundation Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford David and Tina Thomas Debbie S. Zeligson Emma and Leo Zuckerman INNER CIRCLE - $1,000+ Anonymous (10) Ahern Insurance Brokerage Robert Baizer and Diane Jacobs Baizer Ginger and Ken Baldwin Dr. Kim E. Barrett Barbara Y. Beebe Mrs. Esther W. Belinsky Joni and Miles Benickes Sondra and Robert Berk Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Mickey Berman Steve L. Black and Kristen Richards-Black Larry and Cindy Bloch Cindy and Steve Blumkin Barbara L. Borden Michele Braatz

Clare Bronowski and Jeff Lee, in memory of Rita Bronowski Helen and Darrell Brookstein, Brookstein Family Philanthropic Fund Loyce R. Bruce John and Nancy Jo Cappetta Cheryl and Greg Carlson Kay Chandler Joan and Lou Chesner Janet and Maarten Chrispeels Carol Clark Michael and Ellise Coit Daniel E Collins and Nancy Shimamoto Ambrose and Lucy Conroy Mary Corson Peter Cowhey and Margaret McKeown Stacy Cromidas and Ruth Gilbert Bob Cunningham, Volunteer Usher in Withdrawal Gerral and Anne David Denise and Gary David Dr. Ralph B. Dilley and Brian Danielson Mark and Jenny Dowling Jacqueline and Stanley Drosch W. Byron and Pamela Dunn Dr. Robert and Mrs. Ann Dynes Toby Eisenberg Doris and Peter Ellsworth Jennifer and Kurt Eve Karen and Steven Feitelberg Dennis Field Monica Fimbres M. Gregory and Monica Foerster Laurie Forrest Jan and Helane Fronek Ellen Fujikawa Harold and Pamela Fuson Fund at Schwab Charitable Ira and Cheryl Gaines Kathryn Goetz Fred and Lisa Goldberg The Lloyd Gorcey Charitable Foundation, Inc. in memory of Lloyd Gorcey Tom and Sheila Gorey Judy Grant Luke Gulley Dr. Richard and Phyllis Gundry Kendall Hall, Fred Jones Family Foundation Judith and Chris Hamilton Pat and Rick Harmetz Steve and Sue Hart Dr. Carol A. Harter and Mr. William D. Smith Tom and Lynn Hawkins Phil and Kathy Henry Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper Richard Heyman and Anne Daigle Craig Hightower and Steven Heitmiller Diana and Michael Hill Dr. Peter and Mrs. Megan Hoagland Gerald and Ingrid Hoffmeister Fund at The San Diego Foundation Bill and Nancy Homeyer Ray and Kate Hong Osborn and Dea Hurston Selwyn and Hilary Isakow David and Betty Johnson Anthony* and Joyce Joseph Lewis and Patricia Judd Oskar and Judy Kirsten

Ms. Gale M. Krause Helen and Sig Kupka Samara and Paul Larson Michael and Katharine Lee Arthur and Sandy Levinson Karen and Mark Liebowitz Hamilton Loeb Lori and Joe Mahler Sally and Luis Maizel Edna and Daniel Maneval Jasna Markovac and Gary Miller Rob and Holley Martens Jane and James McCarthy Valorie McClelland Professor Marianne McDonald Bill and Mim McKenzie Rob McManus Helga S. Moore Judith Morgan Ann L. Mound Chandra Mukerji Laurie Dale Munday Esther R. Nahama Lyn Nelson Phyllis and Jerrold Olefsky Dr. Walter Olsen and Dr. Zdenka Fronek Christopher and Susan Pantaleoni F. Richard Pappas Drs. Kim Kerr and Paul Pearigen David and Julieta Peterson Lori and Kenneth Polin Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Janet and Larry Pollack Dr. William and Marisa Rastetter Dr. Paul Abraham Rejto Russ and Marty Ries Laura and RJ Romero Bingo and Gino Roncelli David A. Roth and Toni D. Wolinsky Joy Rottenstein Kristine and Denis Salmon Herb Schnall, In Memory of Ann Schnall Dr. Morton and Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz The Sheridan and Baumgarten Family Fund Marshall and Leslie Sigesmund Alan and Esther Siman Jolene Smith Rod and Dolores Smith Mary Ann Rowan Susanne Stanford and Tom Matthews Kathryn Starr Dale and Mark Steele Jennifer and David Stickney Stephanie and Alan Tarkington Marie Tartar and Steve Eilenberg Place D. Tegland Eloise Fletcher Thomas Kelly and Elisa Thomson J. Marie Tuthill Twardowski Family Rebecca and Chris Twomey, in memory of Helen Goosenberg Jim and Kathy Waring Bobbi Warren Jo and Howard Weiner Graydon and Dorothy Wetzler Leilani Jones Wilmore, in honor of Charlayne Woodard Mr. Wayne Wilson Dr. Joseph Witztum and Ms. Mary Elinger Witztum Howard and Christy Zatkin Howard and Judy Ziment

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS CENTER STAGE CLUB - $500+ Anonymous (4) John and Ofelia Alksne Philip Anderson and Verónica Valdés Lynell Antrim Dr. Stephen Baird and Carol Davidson Baird, Ernest and Eva Davidson Francis and Diane Bardsley Helene Beck Dr. Jay Berenter and Ms. Caryn Stein Wendyce H. Brody Anita Busquets and William Ladd Daniel and Deborah Carnick Kyle Chan June Chocheles Kristen L. Churchill Betty Clarquist Kathleen and Bruce Clegg Wayne Saville and Laura Colban Robert A Cooper Donna Cross Anna De Angelis Lori and Tony Demaria Don and Julie DeMent Charles and Sara Dispenzieri Beth and Stephen Doyne Bob Duffield Drs. Marianne and Robert Engle Debroah and J Faulkner Drs. Linda and Gary Firestein Suzy Fitch and Ken Traupmann Drs. Bessie and Ron Floyd Susan Forsburg and Lisa Churchill Robert and Mona Freels Pat Freeman Catherine R. Friedman Anne and Mark Smith Brent Garcia Steven Garfin and Cheryl Kendrick Joseph and Barbara Giammona Dr. Irma Gigli Tom and Carolina Gildred Russell H Ginns Drs. Charles and Nancy Girvin Debbie and Joe Gonzales Drs. Tom and Cindy Goodman, In Honor of Whitney Goodman Dr. Michael Albo and Mr. Chris Graham Joann and Igor Grant Stephen and Karen Gray Bernard and Judith Greenspan Ed Greulich Harry Griswold and Stephanie Webber Terry Gulden and Renée Comeau Blake Harper and Janice Deaton Thomas Harvey and Bonnie Drolet Marcia Hazan and Mark Cammell Robert and Pat Hughes Gail and Stewart Hutcheson Nora Jaffe Neil and Vivien Joebchen Wendy S. Johnson David and Susan Kabakoff Ginger Kantor Ellen and Howard Katz David Auchterlonie and Barbara Keller Marian Kenney-Frick Shirley King and Arthur Olson Jerry and Martha Krasne Alexis Lasheras Mick and Sherrie Laver Dixon and Pat Lee

Richard Leib and Sharon Rosen Leib Family Fund of Jewish Community Foundation Marshall and Judy Lewis Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Zita Liebermensch Conyee and Jonathan Lim John and Angie Longenecker Michelle Longtin Kathleen and Ken Lundgren Jain Malkin Inc. Susan and Peter Mallory, in honor of Martha and Ed Dennis Scott Slater Markus Iris Masotti Maggi McKerrow, in memory of Judie McDonald Colleen McNally, M.D. Christa McReynolds Dr. Ken Melville and Dr. Sabina Wallach Josh and Leslie Mereminsky Louis and Judi Mezzullo Ellen Michaels Eric and Laura Michelsen Sandy and Jesse Morgan Marilyn Moriarty and John Phillips Martha Mutschler Ann Nathan Robert Nelson and Suzanne Foucault Carolyn Nydahl Dr. Rodney and Barbara Orth Janet and Clyde Ostler Carol Parker Adam Ith and Caroline Perry Patrick and Evelyn Phillips Sheila and Ken Poggenburg Marc Poland and Ellie Werner Greg Price, in honor of David Price - FLY Dr. Adele Rabin, in memory of Stephen Cohen Edward Richard, in memory of Warren P Kendrick-Richard Doug and Eva Richman Dr. Steven and Cheryl Rockwood, in memory of Bryan Rockwood Jodyne Roseman Richard Roy and Celsa Spina Oliver Ryder Nina Sabban Scott Sandel and James Marich John and Patricia Seiber Teresa Shaffer Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger Mitchell and Elizabeth Siegler Debbie and Dr. Darren Sigal Beverly and Howard Silldorf Elizabeth Simmons and Sekhar Chivukula Norman and Judith Solomon Gary and Susan Spoto Charles Stephens and Eric Meijer Bill and Barbara Stevens Adrienne and Matt Suster Mary and Tim Swift John and Gail Tauscher Tom Templeton and Mary Ena Erlenborn Andrea Migdal and Mike Tierney Antoinette Tishon Kanani Titchen and Louis Seitchik Erin and Nick Trenda Jennifer and Chris Wahl Michael and Beth Wapner Jeannine Kay Watkins Linda Rankin and Rod Whitlow

Philip and Claire Wise Susan and Jock Wright Summer Wynn Brendan and Kaye Wynne Barry Zemel OVATION CLUB - $250+ Anonymous (17) Ben and Debra Abate Heather R. Adams Louise Adler Ladan Daneshmand Dr. Randolph and Leslie Alexander Rich and Mary Lou Amen Alexander Ardwin and Sherry Santa Cruz Penny and Paul Arenson Barbara and Charles Arledge Beverly L. Bartlett Sharon G. Beamer The BenMichel Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation Martha Berner Gerlinde and Greg Beuerlein Nicholas and Samantha Binkley Peter Boland Helen and Douglas Boyden Sandra Boyles Gregg Brandalise Cherisse Brantz Mary E. Brewer Ms. Juanita Brooks Ruth Bunn Burger Construction Samuel and Teresa Buss Dr. and Mrs. Edgar D. Canada Bill Carrick, Wells Fargo Foundation Cindy Casselman Gary and Lynette Cederquist Rita Ceponiene Bill Chatwell and Christine Oster Elizabeth Chedrick Alexandra Cherwin Steven and Adina Chinowsky Lorraine Chuman and Stephen Mikolajczyk Laura Clapper Kristi Clark Barbara and Rick Cohen Sharon L Cohen Judith Collier Bowers Jewelers David and Cecelia Conover Rob and Eliza Contin Patti* and Coop Cooprider Charley and Barb Crew Annette Cross Fred Cutler Bruce and Joanne Dane Marcus and Ann De Barros Dwain and Cathy Deets Ted and Deanna DeFrank Dr. Cedric and June Dempsey Wally and Linda Dieckmann Bob and Chris Dilworth Kim and A.T. Ditty Eric and Kristine Doan Dr. and Mrs. Paul Alan Dores Anne and Chris Duhaime, in honor of Rebecca Duhaime Dan Eberle Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Edelson David and Dorothy Engel Kent Foster and Pam Fairley Julia S. Falk Leif Fearn and Nancy Farnan Barbara M. Finn

Dieter Fischer's Mercedes Service, Inc. Esther Fischer Paula Fitzgerald and Chris Nielsen Judy Fogel and George Diehr Linda and Reginald Frank Dr. Charles Freebern Aruna and Sabodh Garg Roy and Mary Garrett Carolyn Geller Lynn Bell George Wayne and Martha Gerth Dr. Nancy Giberson Joyce Glazer Diana and Murphy Glimm Michael and Brenda Goldbaum Judi Gottschalk Victoria Gramoy Lloyd and Dinia Green Jennifer Greenberg Dr. and Mrs. Richard C. Gross Pat and Pepper Guevara Jerome and Anita Gutkin Elsa and Keith Hall Victoria Hamilton and Paul Hobson James Hantske Don M Hardison James and Toni Harker Dana Harrel and Daniel Roemer Margo Hebald Kirk and Barbara Henry John and Yvonne Hildebrand Jennifer Hirsch Jerry and Linda Hirshberg Richard and Veronique Ho Hon. Herbert Hoffman Ret. Jonnie Hoffman Doan Hohmeyer George and Maryka Hoover Claudia Baranowski and Tom Horvath Nikki Hrountas Hughes Family Foundation Beth Hulsart and Stephen L'Heureux Jenny Price and Tony Hunter Randy and Carrol Jackson Dr. Craig M. and Mrs. Beth Jackson Ed and Linda Janon Kyle Jarrow Annika and Dimas Jiminez Sonya Jinich Mark Johnson Dario and Dan Jones Dr. and Mrs. Joel Kaplan Robert Kaplan and Marina Baroff Michael and Linda Karin Koji and Sue Kasuyama Roger and Lisa Kenchel Cecil Keener and Cristie McGuire Rick and Beth Kent Angela and Matt Kilman Martha Kohler Mike Krupp Anne M and Richard C Kruse Robert and Elena Kucinski Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth Ruth Ann and Alan Larson Sue Lasbury and John C. Cochran Jeff and Judy Lash Karen Sage and Charles Laughlin Irene Law Allen and Elizabeth Lemberg Steven and Honey Leshaw Pamela Hamilton Lester Rebecca LeVasseur B. Leonard Levy Lucy and Mitch Levy Drs. John and Mary Sanfelippo Lilley

Dr. and Mrs. Scott Lippman Gerald and Ann Lipschitz Patrice Lock Johnny Mah Jeanne Maltese Russell Mangerie Jordana March Andrea and Michael Markopoulos Marianne Marsch-Nakamura David and Jeanne Matthews Wallace McCloskey and Lynn Dolby Charlotte McConnell Patricia and Ken McCormack Robert T. McHugh Jim and Cheryl McIlhon Neil and Wendi McKenna David and Patricia Meyers Jeanie Milliken Brian Milum Dr. Nicola Moelter Craig and Betsy Monsell Kathryn and Lee Morgan Elizabeth Morgante Helene and Henry Morrison Art Mortensen and Patty Robello Greg and Andrea Moser Susan Motenko Susan Muha Craig and Janet Munson Timothy and Sharon Nagy Insu Nuzzi Jamie and Amy Ogle Michael R. Oppenheim Beatrice E. Pardo Drs. Genevieve and Kelly Parsons John and Paula Peeling Dr. William and Beth Penny Melissa and Daniel Pietenpol Ed and Nancy Quinn Kathleen Rae Dr. Kevin Rapeport and Dr. Angeli Hill Steven and Doris Ratoff Mark Remas Richard and Paula Renkin David and Melissa Rewolinski Drs. Sharon Lee and Christopher A. Rhodes Ph.D. Margaret Riel and Hugh Mehan Joanne and Stuart Roberts Krista Roybal George and Karen Sachs Rosalia Salinas Marilyn R. Scheininger Frankie and Howard Schiffman Patricia Schmidt Judy Schreiber, Playhouse Partner Kari Lorraine Scott Elizabeth Segil Amy Selich Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Selzer Alyssa Sepinwall and Steve Goldstein Guy and Barbara Shaw Jim and Joy Shaw CPAs Michael Sheehan Drs. Ron and Marilyn Simon Babrara Slater Bradford and Jeannine Smith Clark and Kathryn Smith Edward and Karen Soens John and Lynn Spafford Ray and Lauren Stainback Syliva Steding and Roger Thieme Roger Stern Nancy and Charles Stewart CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P19

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE: ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS James and Kathleen Stiven Janis Stocks Lisa Noelle Stone and Matthew A. Lab Stone Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation Tom and Patricia Stuart Mark and Christine Stuhmer Dr. Michael Sutherland and Linda Greenberg Robyn Swanland James and Martha Thompson Edward L. Threat, In Memory of Karin U. Threat Patricia Ann Tisdale, in memory of Chip Goodwin Drs. Katharine Sheehan and Frederick Walker Anne Walter Carolyn Crane and staff, in memory of Ewart "Chip" Goodwin Audrey and Byron Warfield-Graham Diane Watson Michael and Barbara Wengler Sharon Weremiuk Eileen Glasser Wesley and Mark Wesley Dr. John and Darice Westwood Jean M Wilkinson Curry Wolfe Peter and Donna Worcester Yata Family FRIEND - $150+ Anonymous (25) Gene and Pat Alfaro Sharon and Terry Allen Judith Anderson Scott Andreiko Cyla Andrus and Darrell Mead Maureen Arrigo Katherine Ashton Mark Ashton Robert and Jill Ayling Kenneth X. Baca Yali Bair Ruiz, PhD in memory of Aaron Bair, MD Gil and Annabelle Balaoing Edward and Susan Ball Judith Bambace and Brian Trotier John Baril Dr. and Mrs. David J. Barnette Jr. Laura Barry Kevin Baum Richard and Paula Beck Phylaine Bemel-Schermerhorn Arnold Berlin Lynn Bernard Dr. Ronald J. Bills Jana and Michael Birch Lee and Cyndie Birchansky Eleanor Birrell Paul and Julie Bishop Ms. Christine Blantz Alice Bloom Charles and Marilyn Bohle David and Ginger Boss Jack Boyce and Theresa Breining Susan Boyett Janis Brams Bryan Bratt Arthur Brauner and Brenda Scott Mead George and Johanna Brody Alice W. Brown Todd and Debby Buchholz Keith Bunin Clark Burnett

Rachel Caparelli Michael and Wendy Carey David Chang Mark Chapman and Heather Raymon Mr. Neal P. Chazin Victoria Chen Michelle Chereque Warren Cintron and Martha Senturia Arthur and Alice Clawson Ken and Linda Colby Melissa Collins-Porter Harry and Valerie Cooper Martin Cooper and Arlene Harris Eric Corona Lou Countryman Denis M. Crane Rosemary Cremo and Jim Smith Lee Curtis Gail Davis Nicole Davis Paige DeCino, in honor of Tom DeCino Edward DeRoche Leslie DiBona and Steven McGivern Ronald L Diepenbrock Stewart and Yvonne Dier Heather Dietsch Capt. Robert and Elaine Donnelly John and Mary Ann Driscoll Tina Dyer Diane Edgar Roberta Edwards in memory of Sara Hill Isaac Engel and Ruth Schwartz Steven and Amy Epner Beth Epperson Jan and Lynne Erikson Joseph Faletti Julia Farag Farhad and Fara Fashandi Esther and Robert Feier Jean Feinstein Bob and Cathy Fenstermacher Neil and Judy Finn Dale Fleming Rik and Carol Floyd Brett Flynn and Kim Perszyk Pamela and Michael Foley Gail Forbes Charlotte and Kenneth Fortier Dr. Jim and Mrs. Jenna Foster Mindi Frankel Michael Freet and Katie Kallshian Patricia H. Freund Judith and William Friedel Ronne Froman Al Gaines Briana Gallo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gans Joan and Arnold Gass Susan Gembrowski and Rex Baker Gwen and Robert Gerrity Pat and Norm Gillespie Ann Lantzy Glazener and Chris Glazener Dale and Donald Goldman Custom Logos Marlene and David Gotz T.C. Meyer and Anna Graham-Meyer Robert Gross Paul and Marilynn Gushard Rick and Leslie Hackley Robert and Merrill Haimsohn Dr. Jeffrey Hall and Fern Platt Diane Halvorson Carl and Jo Anne Hammond Prof Marc & Mr James Harden Mary Hardwick Jan Harrell and Janet Guidry

P20 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

Nancy Hartley Bob and Lisa Hartman Alan Hay Ann H Hein and Dawn M Formo Shea Hermann Maria G. Hernandez Catherine Hestilow Kimberly Hiland-Belding Bryan Hill Dianne Hill Laura Hoffman Dr. and Mrs. Michael Holland Joan Huck Gay and Eric Hybertsen Nancy Jamison Peter and Janeen Jensen Emily Jillette Galen Johnson Erik and Sara Jorissen Vesa Junkkarinen Jim and Sharon Justeson Elizabeth Pennington Paul R. Keith Jim and Jennifer Kelly Tove Lise King Michael Klein and Anna Tarvyd Klein Edward and Glenda Knight Rolf and January Knoke Bill and Linda Kolb William Koman Wendy Kramer Bryna Kranzler Michael Krucky and Gene Lee Tim and Mary LaBrucherie Michelle LaGrandeur Theresa Lai Vic and Mary Landa James and Katherine Laverty Tracey Lazarus G. Lebron Bob Lee Catherine and Stephen Lee Susy Lerner Bena Leslie Vicki Lindblade Emily and Charley Litt Kathy Lockridge John Lomac and Jill Schmidt Mary Long William Mack Robert MacKie Linda Madamba Sue and Peter Madsen Dr. Robert and Marcia Malkus The Mandell Family Ann Manring Team Awesome Richard Mastaler Tom and Ina Masten Michael and Brenda Mathews Edith Matsushita Marcia A. Mattson Mitzi Mayer Mac and Tort McCarter Lani and Herbert McCoy Kay McElrath and Sue Weir Dr. Elgie and Mary McGrath Marion Mettler Art and Jan Meyers Paul and Melissa Micou Bill Middleton Joseph Miller Norma and Scott Miller Tracie and Daniel Monk Akiko Charlene Morimoto Stephen Cary Nagler Geri Nicolson Theodore Niekras

Christopher Nielsen Takuya Ninomiya Tanya and Thomas O'Donnell Virginia Oliver Max and Fredda Opalsky Eric and Benedicte Otterson Kim Owens-Cree Bonnie Packert Mr. and Mrs. Ben Padilla Greg Park Judith Parzen Mr. and Mrs. Michael Paurazas David Pearlman Richard D. Perlman, MD Rachel and Robert Perlmutter Penelope Perryman Colin and Andrea Phan Sheila Pickwell Glenn and Bea Pierce Ruthe Ponturo in honor of Robin and Larry Rusinko Alan Portnoy Cynthia James-Price and Curtis Price Bill and Jamie Pugh Thomas Pugh and Barbara Millar John and Linda Quinn Alexis and Kathleen Quiroz Cynthia and Gilbert Raff David and Rhonda Rafsky Dennis Ragen and Christine Hickman Laura and Mike Ravine Cecile and Justin Renaudin Angela M Reyes and Tara Harre Mark and Lia Robinson Brett Robson Mary Rodgers and Elizabeth Palmer Dan Romano and Alice Garfield Stephen and Susan Root Michael S. Rosenberg Nancy Ross Joan Rothenberg The Royer Family Allan Rudick and Dolores Forsythe Ted and Carol Rutter Trabus Technologies Bradford and Alice Saunders Mark and Ruth Schlossberg Peter and Jocelyn Schultz Steve and Pat Seaborg Enid and Michael Seiden Neil R. Senturia and Barbara Bry Carolyn Shadle Richard and Eleanor Shorter Jacqueline and Steve Silverman Lynne Simon The Sinclair Family Joanie Smith Leslie Smith Marc Smith Peter Smith and Ralph Schneider Annie So Dr. James Spalenka

Dr. John Spicer and Mrs. Joyce L. Spicer Cheryl Standard Anthony and Ione Stiegler Nancy Stimson Tim Stirens Patti and Robb Street Joan Stroh Janet and Robert Stuelpner Jill and Jeff Sugar Steve Sullivan Ms. Nancy Sutton John and Amy Swazey Ernest and Darlene Tamayo Denis Tarakjian, M.D. Nancy J. Taylor Joseph and Ann Tebo Cal and Lynda Treger Tony and George Turner-Mercado David Valentine, in memory of Patti Valentine John Venekamp and Clifford Schireson Johanna Vertullo Jeff and Kim Wallace Marianne Wedemeyer Jane M. Wetzel, in memory of Chip Goodwin Bill Peters and Bev Willey Sandra Williams Melinda and Sterling Wilson Caryl Lees Witte Mr. and Mrs. Keene Wolcott Margaret Wolfe-Johnson Sandy Woodhouse Bennett Wright Michael Yablonsky Sandra Young Robert and Judith Zeiss Dr. Gabriel Zimmerer and Yunuen Zimmerer Steven and Cindy Zisser

Reflects giving to annual fund, endowment and Gala underwriting support from 2/1/20 – 8/12/21.

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.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P21

P22 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM

DR. LARRY FRIEDMAN Dr. Friedman was a dedicated member of the Playhouse Board of Trustees for over three years. He helped introduce the Playhouse to new audiences and would often participate in trips to see Playhouse-born shows on Broadway. He was thrilled when the Playhouse delivered hand-sewn masks to front-line health workers and proudly distributed hundreds of them personally. Larry dedicated his life to helping others and making our community a better place through his work as a professor of pediatrics and medicine at UC San Diego and as associate dean for clinical affairs. Larry was a warm, gregarious and generous man who will be greatly missed by everyone at the Playhouse.

SUZANNE FIGI Fearless and a lover of the arts, Suzanne was a former Playhouse Trustee and art teacher at La Jolla High School. She made a deep impact in the San Diego art community, having inspired countless students to follow their passion. At the Playhouse, she could always be found celebrating the new and the next at Opening Nights. She was always delighted to tell the tale of performing a walk-on part as an extra in Jersey Boys on Broadway. All of us at the Playhouse will miss Suzanne and her spirit.

PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE P23

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

Christopher Ashley* The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse

STAFF

ARTISTIC Executive Producer Eric Keen-Louie Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene* Producing Associate Amy Ashton Executive Assistant to Christopher Ashley Rick VanNoy* Director Emeritus Des McAnuff Commissioned Artists Todd Almond, Jeff Augustin, Daniel Beaty, Keith Bunin, Guillermo Calderón, Fernanda Coppel, Steph Del Rosso, Kristoffer Diaz, Noah Diaz, Ava Geyer, Idris Goodwin, Joe Iconis, Hansol Jung, Mike Lew, Rehana Lew Mirza, Martyna Majok, Mona Mansour, Gregory S. Moss, Lisa Peterson, Theresa Rebeck, Harrison David Rivers, Claudia Shear, Christopher Shinn, Octavio Solis, Benjamin Velez, Keith Wallace, Cheryl L. West, Lauren Yee LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT Director of Learning Bridget Cavaiola Director of Arts Engagement and In-House Casting Jacole Kitchen Learning and Engagement Coordinator Hannah Reinert Learning and Engagement Assistant Luis Martinez Teaching Artists Andréa Agostino, Frankie AliceaFord, Julie Benitez, Leticia De Anda, Julia Cuppy, Kelly Derouin, Farah Dinga, Kristen Fogle, Melissa Glascow, Kirsten Giard, Samantha Ginn, Cory Hammond, Jeffrey Ingman, Levi Kaplan, Justin Lang, Bernardo Mazon, Wilfred Paloma, Michael Shantz, Arielle Siler, Bex Walker, Gary Ware, Sofia Zaragoza ASL Interpreters Lynn Ann Garrett, Anelia Glebocki, Billieanne McLellan, Alycen Haynesworth ASL Volunteer Esther Shen Audio Describers Mernie Aste, Brian Berlau, Tina Dyer, Shari Lyon, Deborah Sanborn, Sylvia Southerland, Michele Dixon, Lisa Illiana, Laurielynn Barnett, Leslie Satz, Ann McDonald ADMINISTRATION General Manager Ryan Meisheid Assistant General Manager Samantha De La Riva Corporate/Legal Counsel Robert C. Wright, Wright & L’Estrange Theatre/Legal Counsel F. Richard Pappas, Esq. COMPANY MANAGEMENT Company Manager Erica Martin

PHILANTHROPY Director of Philanthropy Julia B. Foster Senior Manager, Institutional Giving Rebecca Pierce Goodman Senior Manager, Individual Giving Cristina Hernandez Philanthropy Operations Manager Tony Dixon Special Events Manager Sarah Huddleston Corporate Relations Manager Samantha Watkins Philanthropy Coordinator Melvina Bridges Institutional Giving Coordinator India Benedetto Philanthropy Assistant Anna Juarez Grant Writing Consultant Allison Bechill COMMUNICATIONS Director of Communications Mary Cook* Director of Public Relations Becky Biegelsen* Director of Sales & Marketing Mia Fiorella* Communications Manager Grace Madamba Senior Multimedia Designer Nancy Showers Marketing Specialist Jacey Aldredge Marketing Database Analyst Dani Meister Patron Services Sales Specialist Paul Preston* Sales Concierge William Guiney PATRON SERVICES Associate Director of Ticketing Services Pearl Hang* Senior Patron Services Manager Travis Guss Patron Services Assistant Manager Mike Brown Lead Patron Services Representative Bill Washington Patron Services Representatives Devon Gonzales, Devin O’Reilly OPERATIONS Director of Operations Ned Collins* Operations Manager Jen McClenahan* Network Systems Specialist Daryl “Scooter” Davis FRONT OF HOUSE House Manager John Craft* Assistant House Managers Avery Floto, Jessica Loomer, Sara Lucchini, Amy Marquez*, Chastyn Rauh, Mondis Vakili Audience Concierges Ashley Carbonell, Sarah Delgado, Christopher Ferreria, Cory Kurkierewicz, Benjamin Nelson, Sultan Saeed, Gemina Soriano Janitorial Professional Maintenance Systems: Juan Mena, Maria Mena, Tony Villafuerte

FINANCE Chief Financial Officer Laura Killmer Controller Jared Jackson Accounts Payable Manager Sharon Ratelle* Human Resources Manager Jennifer Boaz

LaJollaPlayhouse

P24 PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE

Debby Buchholz* Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse

PRODUCTION Production Manager Benjamin Seibert Associate Production Manager Becca Duhaime Assistant Production Manager Carrie Bates Production Office Manager Caren Heintzelman SCENE SHOP Technical Director William Hartley Assistant Technical Director Jonathan Gilmer Shop Foreman David Weiner* Production Carpenter Zane Whitmore Lead Stage Carpenter Matthew Clark Carpenters Mihai Antonescu, Michael Brodsky, Jacob Bruce, Matthew Clark, Brylan Ranscht, Tim Van Der Linde, Kurtis Weichers Charge Artist Melissa Nalbach Scenic Painter Jennifer Imbler PROPERTIES SHOP Prop Shop Supervisor Deb Hatch* Lead Artisan Zlatko Mitev Artisan Rai Feltmann COSTUME SHOP Costume Supervisor Jennifer Ables Resident Costume Design Assistant Desiree Hatfield-Buckley Draper Alexander Zeek First Hand Rebecca Fabares Stitchers Stephanie Gift, Keira McGee Craft Artisan Tess Mattraw ELECTRICS Electrics Supervisor Jeff Brewer Master Electrician Kristyn Kennedy* Electrician Alex Cluff SOUND/VIDEO Sound/Video Supervisor Timothy Riggs Head of Sound Department Daniel Silva Sound Technician Amanda Cohen THE GARDEN CREW Stage Carpenter Brylan Ranscht Prop Runner Kevyn Fernandez Wardrobe Supervisor Junior Bergman Hair & Makeup Supervisor Alberto “Albee” Alvarado Light Board Operator Kristyn Kennedy Sound Engineer Daniel Silva

* Ten years or more with La Jolla Playhouse

@lajollaplayhouse

@LJPlayhouse

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LOC A L TH EATER S P OTLI GHT

CURTAIN CALL AT Cygnet’s stage at Old Town Theatre glows again with the musical farce La Cage aux Folles

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“It’s a very sneaky play, and that’s one of the reasons I chose to direct it,” Murray says. “I like to work on shows that have more to them than meets the eye, and explore the sides of the play that might bring more to the conversation.”

Murray couldn’t be happier to reopen Cygnet with this show. “I can’t even begin to describe how elated we are to invite our patrons back to in-person performances,” he says. “After a year and a half, we’re turning on the lights and dusting off the set that has been patiently

waiting for actors and audiences to return. Starting the season with La Cage aux Folles, and its message of hope, love and redemption is the perfect way to joyously make our way back to the art we all love.”

When it opened on Broadway in 1983, La Cage aux Folles broke barriers for LGBTQ representation by becoming one of the first hit Broadway musicals centered on a homosexual relationship. It ran for more than four years and won six Tony Awards. The basic plot of the play survives through its iterations

KARLI CADEL PHOTOGRAPHY

I

T’S LIKE ONE of those Internet quizzes: Share which version of La Cage aux Folles you saw first, and we’ll guess your approximate age. Was it the American 1996 film The Birdcage, the original 1973 French play La Cage aux Folles, the 1978 film or the 1983 Broadway musical?

Regardless, it’s been a hit at every stage. That award-winning musical is the version Cygnet Theatre will put on the boards this month for the first time, directed by Cygnet co-founder Sean Murray.

BY STEPHANIE THOMPSON

Production photos for Cygnet’s La Cage aux Folles.

Opposite: art for The Birdcage.

CYGNET THEATRE

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as a musical and two films: A young man raised by a loving gay couple begs them to pretend to be straight, so that the conservative parents of his fiancée will accept them. The tables are turned when the girl’s parents need the gay family’s help to survive a political scandal.

“Definitely, times were different,” Murray says. “Earlier versions use the flamboyance of the gay couple as the driver of the comedy. Their silly gestures and effeminate style made it palatable for audiences; we could laugh at them and be drawn in by how over the top they are; while underneath they’re just people and going through things we all go through. It’s very subtle.

“What drives the comedy is these relationships. The play was well ahead of its time. It presents this gay couple as matter-of-fact, walking around comfortable and confident in who they are. They are in a longterm relationship well before gay marriage was even conceived of.

When I first saw it, I never thought I would be a married person; as a teen I never dreamed of it.”

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Murray adds, “When the musical came out, its creators were concerned the mainstream Broadway audience would not accept it. They worked hard to draw people into the story. But by 1983, people embraced it wholeheartedly. They didn’t storm out; instead, they cried with joy. It was a revelation.”

However, as director, Murray had to look deeper. “Now, with advances in LGBTQ causes and acceptance of gay marriage, for the most part, that angle has become sort of secondary.

We don’t question that they have a relationship. And if that’s not what it’s about, what else is it about? The more I’ve been working on it, the more I realize there’s a much deeper layer to it. Without taking away from the comedy and farce, it’s also about the parent-child relationship.

It explores what parents are willing to sacrifice to make their kids happy, and the demands their children place on them. You can recognize yourself in this relationship, whether as a parent or a child.”

“I’ve discovered the musical has a lot to be said in general about

families,” he says. “Even though it focuses on a gay family, it’s pretty universal in the way that parents and children are portrayed. The comedy derives from the classics of farce— miscommunications, misperceptions or mistaken identity—trying to pass off a lie. The characters cannot sustain the deception they’re trying to pull off. The fun comes from watching them fail, and when all is exposed and broken up, the coming together and healing is wonderful.”

One of Murray’s challenges, he says, was making the character of Jean-Michel, the gay couple’s son, sympathetic. “Jean-Michel asks his parents to completely lie about who they are to make this work. It’s an outrageous demand of them, and they agree to do it! That was my first hurdle—why would they do it?

Then I thought of my parents—they would do anything for me if it were important to me. But to hide yourself for your child is a huge thing to agree to do. His request was really awful and selfish and rude. So I think it only works if the son is very young, and really naive about what he’s

FROM LEFT: KARLI CADEL PHOTOGRAPHY, KEN JACQUES

Cygnet Theatre’s cast and crew of La Cage aux Folles on stage; David McBean as Albin/Zaza.

asking. He’s so caught up in his love that he doesn’t care about anything else. The play allows him to realize that his parents are more loving and supporting than the conservative parents of the woman he loves. The gay family is more generous, open and accepting of the conservative family for who they are.”

Murray says that the messages of La Cage aux Folles are timeless and, sadly, timely right now. “It portrays a nontraditional family, and therefore makes us reconsider what defines a family. And it’s about reaching out to people who disagree with you and finding commonality.

“There’s no attempt to change the prospective father-in-law’s politics. It’s like, ‘You are going be in my family, so I have to help you.’

The way the gay family is generous to them is a lesson to everybody to let people be who they are.

Try to come together and work together—that’s not a bad lesson.”

Murray realizes some of today’s audiences may have missed out on the original run of the film and musical. “Younger people may not

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know of La Cage aux Folles, but they do know The Birdcage, so they totally get it. The film has a lot of the same tone, and by casting two brilliant comedians [Robin Williams and Nathan Lane] in the lead roles, it was disarming to people who might have a problem with the subject.

It allowed people a way into the movie, and the story.

“But they’re in for a treat. The musical has some of Jerry Herman’s greatest songs in it, gorgeous ballads, including ‘I Am What I Am,’ which has understandably become a standard for the LGBTQ community. It’s a song that is very specific to the gay experience but also transcends it and becomes rather universal—a declaration of independence for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast for anything that makes them feel different or lesser.”

As for the timing of the play, Murray says it’s unfortunate that our social and political discourse seems once again divided over basic issues of LGBTQ rights. “The story stays universal because there will always be people who have problems with

people different than themselves,” says Murray. “Sadly, the actual political climate right now is not that far from what the play shows.”

Cygnet Theatre was one of the first San Diego theater companies to announce it will require proof of vaccination from ticketholders to attend shows. “Our primary goal with our COVID-19 health and safety plan is to ensure our audiences, staff, artists—and ultimately our community—are all protected. We want our patrons to be able to enjoy with confidence the experience of live theater that we have all missed for far too long.”

The theater has upgraded its HVAC system, replaced all air filters to meet the CDC and ASHRAE guidelines, enhanced cleaning and sanitation of public spaces, and switched to paperless ticketing and programs. Masks and vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test are required for all attendees.

La Cage Aux Folles plays at Old Town Theatre through Nov. 7. For safety protocols, tickets and more info: 619.337.1525; cygnettheatre.com

KARLI CADEL PHOTOGRAPHY

A moment of truth in La Cage aux Folles

“A GLITTERING, FAST STEPPING EXTRAVAGANZA” – NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

LA CAGE

AUX FOLLES

Book Bookby byHarvey HarveyFierstein Fierstein• •Lyrics Lyricsand andMusic Musicby byJerry JerryHerman Herman Directed by Sean Murray Directed by Sean Murray Music MusicDirection Directionby byTerry TerryO’Donnell O’Donnell• •Choreography Choreographyby byLuke LukeHarvey HarveyJacobs Jacobs

Sep. Sep.10 10––Nov. Nov.7, 7,2021 2021

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical FAMILY HOLIDAY CLASSIC

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Nov. 23 – Dec. 26, 2021

Adapted by Sean Murray Original Score by Billy Thompson

Music, ghosts, and a little rede

mption.

Tickets: 619.337.1525 www.cygnettheatre.org

T RA VEL

SAN LUIS OBISPO GETAWAY

Chic new hotels transform the Central Coast city from drive-by to check-in / by benjamin epstein /

The rooftop pool at Hotel Cerro

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San Luis Obispo has always been at a crossroads—literally, at the intersection of California’s Highway 1 and U.S. Highway 101. Best known as a college town, it’s roughly halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles; most travelers think of it as an offramp to and from Big Sur or wine country. In fact, the city, often abbreviated to “SLO” by locals, offers one of the state’s most vibrant and walkable downtowns, full of eateries and drinkeries and hip upscale shopping; plus a Spanish mission for history buffs, galleries for art lovers and a renowned farmers market. Now there are two new reasons to take that offramp. Both are ultra-cool luxury properties that opened within blocks, and months, of each other.

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and Ox + Anchor, a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse. The Piadina lunch/dinner menu is served throughout the hotel: in the garden courtyard and S.Low lobby bar; and on the High Bar rooftop terrace, which has a bocce court and herb garden. Particularly memorable are pizzas such as one with blue cheese, Brussels sprouts, bacon and Bautista Farms lettuces. The 50-foot, garden-terrace swimming pool has cocktail and food service, too.

For an elevated meal, Ox + Anchor—arguably the city’s finestdining destination—presents the local terroir both on the plate and in the glass, the latter Central Coast wines, of course. Consider Laura Chenel Chevre croquettes and Snake River Farms kobe flat-iron steak; start with a barrel-aged vieux carré cocktail. The next morning, enjoy the Sol Spa—Sol is SLO

sideways!—fitness center, yoga, guided hikes and complimentary bikes. 877 Palm St., San Luis Obispo, 805.235.0700, hotel-slo.com Hotel Cerro looks intimate from the street, but its vintage brick storefronts are deceiving: The property occupies nearly a square block—with 65 rooms and suites, eight residences and a stunning rooftop pool. Decor merges contemporary with Spanish Mission and 19th-century industrial influences.

The hotel is filled with cool furnishings and provocative art.

Even before Hotel Cerro opened in early 2020, National Geographic Traveler named it one of the world’s best new green hotels; ecoconscious details marry luxury and sustainability. The raised-bed Edible Garden, on a second-floor terrace, is the property’s heart; its organic herbs and vegetables are destined

THIS PAGE AND PREVIOUS SPREAD: COURTESY HOTEL CERRO; OPPOSITE: COURTESY HOTEL SLO

Hotel San Luis Obispo, almost universally referred to as Hotel SLO, opened in late 2019. It’s steps from the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, which marks its 250th anniversary next year, in the heart of historical Chinatown. Chinese artistic and cultural elements can be seen throughout the hotel’s architecture and design. For starters, there’s a neon “Chop Suey” sign on the side of the building.

Reflecting the area’s rugged ranch and coastal landscape, its public spaces and nearly 80 rooms use warm woods, terra cotta, Corten steel, succulents and heritage olives in a modern context. The hotel is managed by Piazza Hospitality, known for Hotel Healdsburg and others in Sonoma wine country.

Chef Ryan Fancher heads up two onsite restaurants: Piadina, offering farm-fresh Cal-Ital dishes;

At Hotel SLO, clockwise from above: ahi tuna sashimi with pickled jalapeño, avocado and ponzu at Piadina; the exterior and neon “Chop Suey” sign; the Low Bar; and the rooftop High Bar and courtyard below.

Opposite: Hotel Cerro’s vintage facade and modern rooms behind.

for the hotel’s Brasserie SLO. Guests can forage, too; most simply enjoy a glass of wine in the verdant space.

Inspired by a “head to tail, root to fruit” philosophy, Brasserie SLO offers modern Mediterranean dishes from its wood-burning oven and grill. Riffs on brasserie classics might include mussels in coconut poblano broth; or Butcher’s Steak with bonemarrow butter and thyme fries.

Using local botanicals and citrus oils, its onsite distillery produces spirits in its copper Holstein still for the restaurant’s cocktails and desserts.

Behind the eatery’s SLO focus is a SoCal pedigree. Kenny Seliger, opening chef at Henry’s in Huntington Beach, launched the brasserie before departing for Paso Robles. Chef Vartan Abgaryan— of L.A.’s 71Above and Yours Truly, now at new A Crystal Cove in Newport Beach—was a guest chef

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The Edible Gardens, heart of Hotel Cerro

last summer. New chef Derek Brooks, most recently at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel, helmed Pelican Grill in Newport Coast for six years.

The hotel’s new Life of Pie bakery serves tarts and savory and sweet pies. The rooftop pool deck has a dedicated bar and pantry; the fitness center is adjacent.

Many treatments at Spa Cerro sound colorful, e.g., blue poppy organic enzyme, organic almond orange body polish and chromotherapy cascade.

Other amenities include bicycles and gigabite Wi-Fi. 1125 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, 805.548.1000, hotelcerro.com Bike paths and trails are draws at both hotels. The nearby coast invites surfing, kayaking, fishing and sunbathing. There are 30 wineries in the San Luis Obispo area and 200 in Paso Robles, a half hour north. Hearst Castle is an hour toward Big Sur. In his book Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way, best-selling author Dan Buettner named San Luis Obispo the “happiest place in America.” SLO down, check in and check it out.

COURTESY HOTEL CERRO

Elevate Your Experience

DININ G

JAMES TRAN

CONT’D. FROM PAGE 15

firm AvroKO, along with local designer Taylor Leage. The chic Roman trattoria channels a nostalgic, urban-nautical vibe— think: metal-paneled walls with exposed rivets; custom lighting with textured Holophane glass shades; high-gloss wood floors; an open kitchen; and heart-fluttering bay and city views. A statue of Seneca himself guards the outdoor dining deck. The decadent Roman menu— created by chefs Jason McLeod, Kat Humphus and Russell Rummer—features wood-fired prawns, truffle arancini, pizzas, pastas, wood-grilled porterhouse steaks and whole branzino; plus a roaming cheese cart, tiramisu for dessert and Italian cocktails dreamt up

by Anthony Schmidt and Andrew Cordero. Oh, and order the tableside mozzarella; it’s hand-stretched before your eyes. 901 Bayfront Court, 19th floor (separate valet stand and direct elevator entrance on Broadway), downtown, 619.877.8642 Serving Sicilian cuisine with seasonal offerings, the Busalacchi family’s modern trattoria, Barbusa, offers indoor dining and a quaint alfresco patio.

Our menu picks: the friedsquash blossoms stuffed with four cheeses, Sicilian meatballs with pine nuts

Aperol Spritz Bar at Civico by the Park

and pecorino, and oxtail risotto. Barbusa is also known for its handmade pastas, such as the cavatelli with bone marrow, ricotta and sausage; and southern Italian wines and cocktails. Try the Sicilian mule with Absolut Elyx vodka, Aperol, ginger beer and lemon. 1917 India St., Little Italy, 619.238.1917 Find comfort food in the form of baked goods,

hand-rolled pastas, pizzas and other crave-worthy carbs at Cardellino.

Trust Restaurant Group’s neighborhood gathering spot beckons with its lofty ‘hood-chic interior and alfresco dining patio—where you’ll find foodies feasting on Italian-American dishes such as the spaghetti alla carbonara with pancetta and black pepper; and the

Skillet Calzone pizza with mozzarella and meatballs.

And weekend brunch is a must—featuring bananavanilla pancakes with whipped honey butter and chantilly; prosciutto hash with pickled peppers; and even a fried-egg-andbologna sandwich with American cheese on a fresh-baked sesame bun.

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PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE 29

P A RTIN G TH OUGH T

reprogra mmed!

Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

SEARCH Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.

REGISTER Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.

SIGN IN Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.

THE ESSENTIALS Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.

THE PLAYERS Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.

CONTRIBUTORS Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!

NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees.... Of all the innovations to have come out of the pandemic, the new Performances program platform, accessed on any digital device, may be least likely to disappear in the foreseeable future.

Not only has its time come—it was long overdue.

Performances provides the programs for 20 SoCal performingarts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Ahmanson to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.

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WHAT’S ON What’s coming at a glance with ticket information.

The touchless platform provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates and arts-centric features. Audiences receive a link and code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too.

Screens go dark when curtains rise and return with the house lights.

Updates—repertory changes, understudy substitutions, significant donations—can be made right up to showtime, no inserts necessary.

Other features include video and audio streams, translations and expanded biographies.

For those who consider printed programs keepsakes, a limited number, as well as commemorative issues for special events, will continue to be produced. Collectibles!

Meanwhile, there will be less deforestation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for landfills. For the ecologically minded, the platform gets a standing ovation.

Theaters and concert halls are reopening after a year-long intermission. The stage is set, excitement is mounting. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. —CALEB WACHS

PERFORMCES MAGAZINE 31

Outside Balboa Park’s Timken Museum of Art

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