T H E AT R E W O R K S S I L I C O N V A L L E Y 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 S E A S O N Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #275 Palo Alto, CA
PO Box 50458 Palo Alto, CA 94303-0458
T HEAT REWO R KS SI L ICO N VA LL E Y 2 01 5/ 16 S EA S O N
Wherever you live, make TheatreWorks your home. J O I N US T O D AY! t h e a tre wo rk s . o rg 6 5 0 . 46 3. 1 9 6 0 Downtown San José
Robert Kelley, Artistic Director
Phil Santora, Managing Director
One of the nation’s leading professional theatre companies, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents both plays and musicals, from world premieres and re-envisioned classics to the regional debuts of Broadway’s latest hits. Our nationally acclaimed New Works Festival is the highlight of the summer, giving our audience a first look at new shows from across the country. You can find TheatreWorks throughout the Bay Area—performing year-round at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts and Palo Alto’s Lucie Stern Theatre; visiting classrooms from San Rafael to San José, Fremont to Hollister; building scenery in our shops in Newark; and rehearsing at our headquarters in Redwood Shores.
“TheatreWorks produces the best musicals and adaptations west of the Hudson, bar none.” Martha Seaver & Scott Walecka, Producing Partners, of Santa Cruz
“I volunteer at TheatreWorks because I’m passionate about having world-class theatre here in my community. Whether I’m in the office or in the audience, TheatreWorks feeds my soul.” Cindi Sears, Valued Volunteer & Subscriber, of Portola Valley
We’re committed to bringing you quality art—compelling stories told by brilliant artists. Join us for our stunning 46th Season and experience the best. Wherever you live, make TheatreWorks your home.
“I’m so lucky to have relocated from New York City to a community that embraces TheatreWorks: an incredible, innovative company producing the highest quality of theatre.” Tory Ross, Broadway Actress, of San José
“TW artists deploy their craft at a high level—writers, actors, musicians, technical and backstage personnel as well as office staff—all demonstrate dedication and professionalism.” Downtown Palo Alto
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Janet & Ronald Goodman, 30-year Subscribers, of Fremont
T H E AT R E W O R K S S I L I C O N V A L L E Y 2 0 1 5 / 1 6 S E A S O N A BRILLIANT CONTEMPORARY DRAMA
Proof By David Auburn Pulitzer Prize for Drama—Tony Award Best Play Proof is a riveting drama of the heart, the captivating tale of a faded mathematical genius and his brilliant but damaged daughter, a young woman caught in a quest for legitimacy in the male-dominated world of top-level science. It is a mystery of family instability and fledgling attraction, an exhilarating, funny, and fulfilling tribute to the humanity that permeates our world of equations, equivocations, and codes. Contains mature language.
“Rich and compelling. Full of life, laughter, and hope.” New York Daily News Oct 7 – Nov 1, 2015
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
A MUSICAL JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
THE HIT BROADWAY COMEDY
A MUSICAL ROMANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Triangle
The Country House
Jane Austen’s Emma
Music by Curtis Moore Lyrics by Thomas Mizer Book by Thomas Mizer, Curtis Moore, & Joshua Scher Directed by Meredith McDonough
By Donald Margulies
Music, lyrics, & book by Paul Gordon Adapted from the novel by Jane Austen Directed by Robert Kelley
WORLD PREMIERE In an inspiring journey through time, a high-tech scientist learns that his New York lab was once the site of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and discovers his mysterious connection to several of its Jewish immigrant victims. In this compelling contemporary musical, parallel affairs unfold a century apart, interweaving two star-crossed couples willing to risk everything they have, and believe, for love. Don’t miss this favorite from TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival. Contains mature language.
July 8 – Aug 2, 2015
Northern California Premiere A revered stage and film star summons her show-biz family to her Berkshires home for a summer stock season soon overstocked with memories. In a Chekhovian blend of witty comedy and poignant drama, they grapple with fame, art, the promise of romance, and the frustration of faded dreams— and as always, each other. This recent Broadway hit is the latest from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Dinner with Friends. Contains mature language.
“Funny and poignant.” USA Today Aug 26 – Sept 20, 2015
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Reprising TheatreWorks’ World Premiere TheatreWorks’ beloved musical hit makes a triumphant return for the holidays, featuring one of Jane Austen’s most delightful heroines, an effervescent ingénue whose matchmaking mischief inevitably misfires. Obsessed with romance, but clueless about her own feelings, Emma navigates the course of true love with a generous heart and an indomitable spirit. A masterpiece brought to joyous life, this funny, irresistible revival features a glorious score by the Tony Award-nominated composer of Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs. “Everything a musical should be!” The Mercury News Dec 2 – 27, 2015
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
Moffett Field, Mountain View
Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
A NEW MUSICAL PLAY
THE SWASHBUCKLING ROMANCE
AN EXPLOSIVE COMEDY
Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin
Cyrano
The Velocity of Autumn
Lyrics & music by Irving Berlin Book by Hershey Felder Directed by Trevor Hay
By Edmund Rostand Translated by Michael Hollinger Adapted by Michael Hollinger & Aaron Posner Directed by Robert Kelley
By Eric Coble Directed by Giovanna Sardelli
Northern California Premiere
Regional Premiere
The inspiring story of “America’s Composer” Irving Berlin takes center stage in this tour-de-force performance by piano virtuoso Hershey Felder, internationally acclaimed for bringing to life such composers as Gershwin, Beethoven, Chopin, and Bernstein. Capturing the rhythms of the Lower East Side, and eventually enchanting the entire world, Berlin epitomizes the American dream. From “Blue Skies” to “White Christmas,” this remarkable evening with Irving is an unforgettable journey in song. “A remarkable portrait…richly entertaining.” Los Angeles Times
Alive with swashbuckling swordplay, witty wordplay, and irresistible romance, this classic tale of unrequited passion and panache flows from the rollicking theatres of 17th century Paris to distant battlements long besieged. Here literature’s greatest love triangle evolves in a modern, intimate, and goodhumored adaptation that entangles the enchanting heiress Roxane, handsome cadet Christian, and nose-challenged swordsman Cyrano in the love affair of a lifetime.
Jan 13 – Feb 6, 2016
“Sterling. Illuminating. A joy to watch.” Philadelphia Inquirer
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
April 6 – May 1, 2016
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
A DELECTABLE COMIC DRAMA
tokyo fish story By Kimber Lee Northern California Premiere Generations, gender, and tradition collide as a revered Sushi Master struggles to preserve ancient artistry in a society obsessed with change. In pursuit of perfection, Koji inspires his brilliant protégé of a son, intimidates a parade of young apprentices, and discovers that in today’s world, even a three-star chef has much to learn. Set in a legendary sushi restaurant, this warm-hearted comic drama was a highlight of TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival. Contains mature language.
Mar 9 – Apr 3, 2016
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
Hakone Estate & Gardens, Saratoga
Inner Quad, Stanford University
Regional Premiere An octogenarian artist has barricaded herself in her Brooklyn brownstone, booby-trapped with enough homemade bombs to take out the neighborhood. In a wry, spirited quest to “not go gentle” into a retirement home, Alexandra battles both the fears of her family and the ravages of time, negotiating the terms of her future with a long-estranged son who has battles of his own. Contains mature language.
“Wickedly funny and wonderfully touching.” Broadway World June 1 – 26, 2016
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
14TH ANNUAL
New Works Festival
Education and Outreach
Attracting theatregoers from across the country, TheatreWorks’ New Works Festival is the artistic highlight of the summer. An extraordinary opportunity to experience new musicals and plays in their early stages of development, the Festival has launched many new works onto TheatreWorks’ stage and on to productions nationally. This season’s Triangle and tokyo fish story first came to life in the Festival, as did our triumphant musical Emma and Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Memphis. For two weeks in August you’ll applaud, debate, and help shape five new shows of America’s future, sharing fine wines with their authors in the starlit courtyard of Palo Alto’s Lucie Stern Theatre—all for just one low price. August 7 – 16, 2015
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
“While Silicon Valley has achieved unprecedented advancements in technology, it has been markedly lacking in its ethnic diversity, and so it is all the more important to have a professional theater like TheatreWorks, celebrating the human condition and committed to presenting and casting a wide and diverse variety of plays and performers.”
TheatreWorks strives to nurture the roots of creativity and encourage the instinct for art that lives in every corner of our Silicon Valley community. Our Education Department reaches more than 35,000 students in eight counties, and 1,700 adults annually. In the schools we offer the Young Playwrights Project, Young Storytellers Lab, the Oskar! School Tour, and Arts Integration residencies. Our outreach programs include the Children’s Healing Project at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, specially priced Student Matinees, audio described performances, theatre camps and advanced training studios for youth, writing and storytelling workshops for adults age 65+, and post-show discussions for all. TheatreWorks is a proud participant in the Kennedy Center Partners for Education program, collaborating annually with the Palo Alto Unified School District. theatreworks.org/learn
Harry Elam, TW Director & Former Trustee, & Michele Elam, TW Supporter, of Redwood City
Mary Avenue Bridge, Cupertino
San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
“TheatreWorks’ Children’s Healing Project is there for our patients on both good days and bad, encouraging them through patience and diligence, helping them find a voice.” Kathy Ho of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto
2015/16 SUBSCRIPTION PRICES
Partners In Art Each year thousands of our neighbors make a commitment to breathtaking professional theatre and groundbreaking education programs that define TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. Donations from these generous individuals and organizations come from every city and town throughout our region. Together, they cover approximately half of the cost of our programs each season. Your tax-deductible gifts help us serve Silicon Valley and the entire Bay Area on our stages and in our schools.
ADULT
SENIOR/EDUCATOR
30 & UNDER
8 7 6 5 4 Play Play Play Play Play
8 7 6 5 4 Play Play Play Play Play
8 7 6 5 4 Play Play Play Play Play
Opening Night
522 490 422 354 286
410 406 350 294 238
226 224 194 164 134
Fri, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat
498 455 392 329 266
394 385 332 279 226
210 203 176 149 122
DESIGN-IT-YOURSELF
Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun Eve
442 413 356 299 242
354 329 284 239 194
202 189 164 139 114
Customize your subscription to meet your needs by choosing any 4 to 7 plays.
Opening Night
514 469 404 339 274
402 385 332 279 226
218 210 182 154 126
SAVINGS
Fri, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat
490 441 380 319 258
386 364 314 264 214
202 189 164 139 114
Tiered seating ensures great seats at the right price for every performance.
Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun Eve
426 378 326 274 222
346 315 272 229 186
178 175 152 129 106
Preview Wed, Thur, Fri (Open Seating)
330 315 272 229 186
322 294 254 214 174
186 175 152 129 106
Opening Night
242 224 194 164 134
234 224 194 164 134
194 175 152 129 106
Fri, Sat Mat, Sat Eve, Sun Mat
226 210 182 154 126
218 203 176 149 122
178 147 128 109
Tue, Wed, Thur, Sun Eve
218 203 176 149 122
SECTION A
TheatreWorks is a true community resource. It is what you enjoy on our mainstage. It is the development of new plays and musicals. It is the thousands of youngsters from San Rafael to Hollister served by our education programs each year. It is the hundreds of talented actors, musicians, and designers from the Bay Area and across the country who bring each production to life. It is our generous donors from Sonoma to Santa Cruz investing in this thrilling new season and many more to come. TheatreWorks is each of YOU helping make possible the transformative experience of live performance.
8-PLAY SUBSCRIPTION You get the best seats and you keep them, year after year.
SECTION B
We couldn’t do it without you. theatreworks.org/give
PAINLESS EXCHANGES
SECTION C
Call 650.463.1960 for ADA pricing.
218 203 176 149 122
154 147 128 109
There are no exchange fees for subscribers, even if you miss a performance.
90
GIVE
90
Your added gift helps us share our art with the world. Thank you!
ADA/Companion seating
@TheatreWorksSV TheatreWorks’ 2015/16 Season is presented in cooperation with the City of Mountain View and the City of Palo Alto, Community Services Department, Division of Arts and Sciences. PHOTO CREDITS Inside front cover: Adrienne Muller in Once on This Island, photo by Mark Kitaoka Page 1: Christopher Tocco & Darren Dunstan in 2 Pianos 4 Hands, photo by Kevin Berne Page 2: Beth Glover in Grey Gardens, photo by Mark Kitaoka Page 3: Timothy Gulan & Lianne Marie Dobbs in Emma, photo by David Allen Page 4: Francis Jue & Pun Bandhu in Yellow Face, photo by Mark Kitaoka
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
Page 5: Justin Buchs in Little Women, photo by Mark Kitaoka Page 6: Javier Muñoz & Omari Tau in Cubamor, photo by Mark Kitaoka Page 7: Maggie Mason & Jon Deline in Oskar and the Big Bully Battle, photo by Tracy Martin
Train Station, Burlingame
Join us today! Call 650.463.1960 or visit theatreworks.org
Page 8: Anna Ishida & Anthony J. Haney in Water by the Spoonful, photo by Kevin Berne Back cover: Elena Wright & Matt Citron in Silent Sky, photo by Mark Kitaoka