The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season Brochure

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THE BROAD STAGE 2020/21 SEASON

The Westside’s home for live arts

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Cover photo: Matthew Murphy

Let’s look to the future, toward a time when we can once again relish live performances together and in person. This period of disruption is forcing us all to adapt and evolve in ways we never imagined. Fortunately, we turn to the arts to unite, inspire, heal and bring us joy. Artists help to illuminate and interpret the world around us, envisioning new paths and possibilities.

We are thrilled to introduce you to a new era at The Broad Stage, an unparalleled adventure bursting with fresh faces, returning favorites and boundless energy. In the Fall, we’ll start outside with a world-premiere mobile opera. Our in-theater season begins in January 2021 and extends through July. And along the way, we’ll bring you original online content via The Broad Stage At Home.

We know there is much to determine about how to gather safely in the future.

While we are optimistic, we’re also proceeding with an abundance of caution, as your safety is our top priority. Purchase your tickets now and help to ensure a future for the artists we champion on our stages. Your tickets are 100% refundable if performances are cancelled or you simply have a change of heart.

INVEST IN THE FUTURE – SUBSCRIBE TO A SERIES OR CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN PACKAGE TODAY!

The Broad Stage is associated with Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, presenting primarily in its spaces including The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage Main Stage, The Edye Second Space, The East Wing and outdoors on the campus quad.

The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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“We have the great privilege of introducing to you this astonishing group of performing artists, assembled to inspire, disrupt, uplift and engage us as we urge each other along toward deeper understanding, new visions of the world we inhabit, glimpses of worlds as yet unseen and a greater empathy for one another.”

– Rob Bailis, Artistic & Executive Director

SERIES SPONSORS Beethoven, Bagels & Banter: Barbara Herman blackbox: Ann Petersen and Leslie Pam Classical Music: The Colburn Foundation Jazz & Blues: Richard and Lisa Kendall Theatre: Laurie and Bill Benenson, Susan Stockel The 7 Fingers: Passengers

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WELCOME TO THE BROAD STAGE 2020/21 SEASON FALL 2020 Birds in the Moon TBD. . ................................................................................ 6 2021 Takács Quartet JAN 15. . ................................................................................ 7 The Stanley Clarke Band JAN 16......................................................................8 Acrobuffos: Air Play JAN 23........................................................................... 9 Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés & Joe Lovano: DUETS FEB 4-5............................. 10 Simone Dinnerstein FEB 6. . ........................................................................... 11 Heartbeat Opera: Fidelio FEB 13-14................................................................12 The 7 Fingers: Passengers FEB 19-21................................................................13 Ephrat Asherie Dance Company: Odeon MAR 5-6. . ............................................ 14 Miloš MAR 12-13..........................................................................................15 Cristina Pato & Mazz Swift: INVISIBLE(s) MAR 20................................................16 The Colburn Orchestra MAR 21...................................................................... 17 Keb’ Mo’ MAR 26........................................................................................ 17 Compagnie Marie Chouinard: Hieronymus Bosch – The Garden of Earthly Delights APR 16-17. . ........................... 18 Yo-Yo Ma & Austin Mann: Truth, Trust and Service – How Culture Connects Us APR 29............................... 19 THEATRE IN THE EDYE

Fauxnique: The F Word APR 2-3 | Nassim APR 17-18 | Sea Sick APR 23-24................. 21 Ell̄na Garanča, mezzo-soprano MAY 9............................................................ 22 Mark Morris Dance Group & Music Ensemble: Mozart Dances JUN 10-13............................................................................ 23 Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro: Och and Oy! A Considered Cabaret JUL 30-31........... 24 Beethoven, Bagels & Banter JAN 31, FEB 28, APR 11.. ............................................. 25 blackbox FEB 26, MAR 19, APR 9, JUN 25. . ............................................................. 26 Nat Geo Live MAR 18-19, APR 1-2, MAY 20-21. . ....................................................... 27 Red Hen Press FEB 13, MAR 13, MAY 8................................................................ 28 EDUCATION & COMMUNITY. . .................................................................... 29 SUBSCRIPTION & MEMBERSHIP.. ............................................................... 30

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COMING THIS FALL – FREE TO ALL! WORLD PREMIERE OPERA EVENT

Birds in the Moon

A new chamber opera by Mark Grey and Júlia Canosa i Serra Directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer Video Design by Deborah O’Grady Production Design by Chad Owens As we stand at the crossroads of life and begin to gather as an audience once again, do we look to the past, or towards a better tomorrow? In Birds in the Moon, a search for these answers pits the insatiable Ringmaster against the weary, yet persistent, Bird-Mother in this epic, fabled journey of prosperity and hope. The imaginative production from an accomplished creative team takes place outdoors, on the set of a fully transformable, self-contained, state-of-the-art shipping container featuring live music, soundscapes, video projections and actors.

PERFORMED OUTDOORS LOCATIONS AND TIMES TBD Physical distancing protocols will be in place at each location in compliance with current safety measures.

Commissioned by Linda & Stewart Nelson In collaboration with Meyer Sound

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CL ASSICAL SERIES

Takács Quartet BROAD STAGE DEBUT

“Chamber music royalty” — Bachtrack Join us as we proudly reopen our theater doors for an evening with “Arguably the greatest string quartet in the world” (The Guardian). The energetic and imaginative program features signature interpretations of iconic string quartets by Haydn, Britten and Debussy.

FRI, JAN 15 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

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JAZZ & BLUES SERIES

The Stanley Clarke Band

“King of Funk ‘n’ Roll” — LA Herald Examiner

Who better to lead the ultimate “welcome back” evening than Broad Stage-favorite and four-time GRAMMY® winner Stanley Clarke?

The acoustic and electric bass legend never fails to delight and uplift his audiences with unmatched musicianship, performing alongside his band of eclectic and diverse protégés.

SAT, JAN 16 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

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Acrobuffos Air Play LA PREMIERE

★★★★

“A joy from start to finish, Air Play will entrance children, and will act as a great reset button for stressed adults.”

Umbrellas fly, fabrics soar over the audience, balloons swallow people and snow swirls, filling the stage. A visual poem, using no words, brings to life the very air we breathe. With stunning images and gales of laughter, Air Play bounces on the edge of definition: part comedy, part sculpture, part circus, part theatre, all while transforming ordinary objects into uncommon beauty.

Great for all ages!

Photo: Florence Montmare

FAMILY SERIES

SAT, JAN 23 AT 11AM & 2PM | MAIN STAGE

— Sydney Morning Herald

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JAZZ & BLUES SERIES

Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés & Joe Lovano DUETS BROAD STAGE DEBUTS Three legends. Two nights. Twelve GRAMMY® Awards. This all-star concert features the most influential figure in modern Afro-Cuban jazz, Chucho Valdés, sharing the stage for unforgettable duets with iconic vocalist Dianne Reeves and celebrated saxophonist Joe Lovano.

THU-FRI, FEB 4-5 AT 7:30PM MAIN STAGE

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CL ASSICAL SERIES

Simone Dinnerstein BROAD STAGE DEBUT

Acclaimed pianist Simone Dinnerstein is considered one of the foremost interpreters of Bach in the world. In this special program, Dinnerstein follows the enormous success of her 2007 selfproduced debut album of The Goldberg Variations with a live performance of Bach’s masterpiece.

Patron Sponsor: Victoria Sussman

SAT, FEB 6 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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SPECIAL EVENT

Heartbeat Opera Fidelio LA PREMIERE

“Urgent, powerful & poignant” — The New York Times

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Heartbeat Opera’s daring adaptation of Beethoven’s Fidelio pits corruption against courage, hate against hope in this thrilling 90-minute work. The imaginative staging features five singers, seven band members, a chorus of recorded audio and video of more than 100 incarcerated singers and seventy volunteers from six prison choirs in four states across the Midwest.

SAT, FEB 13 AT 7:30PM SUN, FEB 14 AT 4PM | MAIN STAGE

“Dazzling acrobatic and aerial feats. A SPELLBINDING PERFORMANCE.” — The Boston Globe

DANCE SERIES & FAMILY SERIES

The 7 Fingers

Passengers LA PREMIERE

FRI, FEB 19 AT 7:30PM SAT, FEB 20 AT 11AM & 7:30PM SUN, FEB 21 AT 2PM | MAIN STAGE

Photo: Sébastien Lozé

Montréal’s award-winning circus troupe The 7 Fingers returns with their newest production, a scintillating mix of evocative dance, physical expression, thrilling acrobatics and mesmerizing projections. Passengers reflects on our nostalgic and symbolic fascination with trains, transporting audiences to dreams of another era and land, while celebrating the beauty of interpersonal relationships.

The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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DANCE SERIES

Ephrat Asherie Dance Company Odeon LA PREMIERE

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Experience the show that catapulted choreographer Ephrat Asherie to the front of the dance world. Odeon, a highenergy, joyful fusion of breaking, hip hop, house and vogue dance styles is set to the rich and buoyant sounds of fin-de-siecle Brazilian composer Ernesto Nazareth, performed live.

FRI-SAT, MAR 5-6 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

“Just when you thought you knew something about dance, along comes Ephrat Asherie to blow that all to smithereens.” — The Berkshire Edge

Photo: Lars Borges

CL ASSICAL SERIES & FAMILY SERIES

Miloš

BROAD STAGE DEBUT Discover the young virtuoso who has revitalized the role of the guitar in classical music, Miloš Karadaglić. With a repertoire spanning Bach to The Beatles, this program expands baroque, traditional and contemporary selections with skillful and imaginative arrangements.

FRI, MAR 12 AT 7:30PM SAT, MAR 13 AT 11AM | MAIN STAGE

“One of the most exciting and communicative classical guitarists today.” — The New York Times The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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Photo: Xanadron

JAZZ & BLUES SERIES

Cristina Pato & Mazz Swift INVISIBLE(s) WEST COAST PREMIERE 16

Cristina Pato, gaita (Galician bagpipe) superstar and member of the Silkroad Ensemble, and critically-acclaimed violinist and composer Mazz Swift use stirring music and performance to shed light on the experiences of forgotten communities. INVISIBLE(s) is a truly unique performance that shows how the work of groundbreaking artists can respond to challenges.

SAT, MAR 20 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

JAZZ & BLUES SERIES

Keb’ Mo’

Over the past two decades, Keb’ Mo’ has proven to be a musical force who defies typical genre labels. The five-time GRAMMY® winner has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music, and his eagerly-awaited return to The Broad Stage promises an evening of old-fashioned blues mixed seamlessly with contemporary soul and folksy storytelling that simply must be experienced live.

FRI, MAR 26 AT 7:30PM MAIN STAGE

The Colburn Orchestra The Colburn Orchestra programs put renowned guest artists on stage with future stars from the Colburn Conservatory of Music. Concerts feature a unique blend of beloved classics and innovative contemporary works. Past guests include pianist Emanuel Ax, clarinetist Andrew Marriner and the Calidore String Quartet.

SUN, MAR 21 AT 4PM | MAIN STAGE The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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DANCE SERIES

Compagnie Marie Chouinard

Hieronymus Bosch: The Garden of Earthly Delights LA PREMIERE The internationally-renowned and startlingly-original choreographer Marie Chouinard creates a living canvas from one of the most famous paintings of all time.

This surreal dance vision squarely confronts the before, during and after of original sin, brimming with visual wit, wonderment and chaos.

Contains nudity throughout. Not recommended for children.

FRI-SAT, APR 16-17 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE 18

SPECIAL EVENT

Yo-Yo Ma

Truth, Trust and Service – How Culture Connects Us LA PREMIERE An evening of conversation, music and images with Yo-Yo Ma & Austin Mann Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and photographer Austin Mann explore the role culture can play in helping us to imagine and build a stronger, more resilient society. This special collaboration continues the experiment that Yo-Yo began with the Bach Project, in which performances of Bach’s suites for solo cello on six continents were paired with “Days of Action” to ask how culture seeks truth, builds trust and encourages us all to work in service of one another. As Austin documented Yo-Yo’s journey, the two developed a friendship rooted in their shared belief that culture can connect us in our pursuit of a better future.

Lead Patron Sponsor: The W.M. Keck Foundation.

All proceeds benefit Education & Community Programs at The Broad Stage.

THU, APR 29 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

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Photo: Gareth Gooch Fauxnique: The F Word Nassim

Photo: David Monteith-Hodge

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Alanna Mitchell: Sea Sick

THEATRE IN THE EDYE Series Sponsors: Laurie and Bill Benenson, Susan Stockel

“amazingly skillful performance” — SF Chronicle

FRI-SAT, APR 2-3 AT 8PM

“a deceptively simple meditation on language, home and theatre itself” — Financial Times, London

FRI-SAT, APR 16-17 AT 8PM SUN, APR 18 AT 4PM

★★★★ “...a quiet call to action...a crucial examination of an underexposed issue.” —The Arts Desk FRI, APR 23 AT 8PM SAT, APR 24 AT 2PM

Fauxnique: The F Word LA PREMIERE The F Word is Feminism! Through personal anecdote, song, dance, drag lip-synch and simple stage magic, Fauxnique celebrates and pokes fun at feminism in a high-energy show that is revelatory, inspiring and laughout-loud hilarious.

Nassim LA PREMIERE Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, Nassim is a striking theatrical illustration of how language can both divide and unite us. Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour offers an audacious new theatrical experiment in which a different performer joins the playwright on stage each night, while the script waits unseen in a sealed box...

Sea Sick

Written & performed by Alanna Mitchell The Theatre Centre production

LA PREMIERE Award-winning journalist Alanna Mitchell is a master storyteller, and this power is center stage in her mesmerizing solo show, Sea Sick. Culled from her work with leading ocean scientists and infused with her innate ability to lure an audience in, Sea Sick tells Mitchell’s most important story: her journey to the bottom of the ocean, the demons she discovered there and, most importantly, her hope for the future.

Student Matinee Sponsor: Kissick Family Foundation The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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Photo: Holger Hage / Deutsche Grammophon

CELEBRIT Y OPERA RECITAL

Ell̄na Garanča, mezzo-soprano Malcolm Martineau, piano One of the music world’s major stars returns to the site of her U.S. recital debut in 2012 for another glorious evening of arias and songs.

Celebrity Opera Recitals at The Broad Stage are supported by a generous gift from the Lloyd E. Rigler – Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation.

SUN, MAY 9 AT 6PM | MAIN STAGE 22

Photo: Kenneth Friedman

“The most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical” – The New York Times

DANCE SERIES

Mark Morris Dance Group & Music Ensemble Mozart Dances BROAD STAGE DEBUT Experience the sublime joy of dance with the world-renowned Mark Morris Dance Group. Mozart Dances has been praised as music embodied, with three exquisite Mozart piano works set to Morris’ buoyant, exhilarating choreography.

The program features world premiere chamber interpretations of Piano Concerto No. 11, Sonata for Two Pianos and Piano Concerto No. 27 performed live, designed especially for our intimate hall.

Lead Patron Sponsor: Laura and Jim Maslon

THU-SAT, JUN 10-12 AT 7:30PM; SUN, JUN 13 AT 2PM | MAIN STAGE The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret LA PREMIERE Presented in association with Southern California Public Radio Join Tony Award®-winning actor Alan Cumming and NPR’s All Things Considered host and frequent Pink Martini singer Ari Shapiro as they transport their audience through an evening of tunes and tall tales. This first-time collaboration is a must-see for fans of Broadway, standards and having a good time!

Patron Sponsor: Anne Taubman

FRI-SAT, JUL 30-31 AT 7:30PM MAIN STAGE

“I realized our chemistry and the unusual combo of us, as well as the fact that Ari has an amazing voice, would make for a really great cabaret show.”

— Alan Cumming 24

Photo: Emilio Madrid

SPECIAL EVENT

BEETHOVEN, BAGELS & BANTER A season-long celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday with your favorite chamber musicians.

“A terrific violinist. His technique is of the ‘wow’ variety, his tone as huge as he cares to make it.”

The popular series returns with a seasonlong celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday. Curated by Robert Davidovici and featuring a mélange of worldclass guest musicians, each program will include at least one work by the great composer himself. Spend your Sunday mornings with great music, lively conversation and freshly made bagels.

— The Boston Globe

Series Sponsor: Barbara Herman

SUNDAYS AT 11AM | EDYE JAN 31 / FEB 28 / APR 11 The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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BLACKBOX The hottest club in town is back and bigger than ever, now including social dances in the larger East Wing!

The Reverend Shawn Amos returns with his signature series of smooth grooves and robust rhythms, featuring a stellar lineup of musicians you’ll want to get to know! Whether you feel like dancing to high-energy beats in the East Wing, or relaxing to transcendent sounds in The Edye, you’ll be part of the sold-out craze that continues to enrapture our audiences.

Series Sponsor: Ann Petersen and Leslie Pam

FRIDAYS AT 8PM

Missy Andersen FEB 26 | EDYE

Jennifer Leitham MAR 19 | EDYE

King Solomon Hicks APR 9 | EAST WING

The Reverend Shawn Amos & The Brotherhood JUN 25 | EAST WING

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Photo: Raul Martin

Photo: Krus Ugarizza

Photo: Anand Varma

Journey with explorers who are at home wherever their adventures take them.

Improbable Ascent

Invisible Wonders

How to Clone a Mammoth

With her trademark humor and wit, world champion paraclimber and 2019 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Maureen Beck chronicles her adventures as a onehanded athlete.

Get a fascinating look at the hidden wonders of our world through the innovative techniques of photographer Anand Varma, whose images reveal life at the edge of our perception.

Join Beth Shapiro, evolutionary biologist and pioneer in ancient DNA research, on a journey through the astonishing and controversial science of deextinction.

THU-FRI, MAR 18-19 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

THU-FRI, APR 1-2 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

Maureen Beck, paraclimber

Anand Varma, photographer

Beth Shapiro, evolutionary biologist

THU-FRI, MAY 20-21 AT 7:30PM | MAIN STAGE

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The Broad Stage’s continued partnership with LA’s own esteemed literary publisher Red Hen Press makes for an extraordinary season of poetry in mixed-media and experimental performance formats.

African-American Poetry and the Blues Featuring Dexter L. Booth, Douglas Manuel and Eleanor Wilner Music by Keith Flynn and The Holy Men In this stunning collaboration, renowned poets and musicians help redefine “verse” with an unforgettable evening of deep soul poetry and sounds.

SAT, FEB 13 AT 8PM | EDYE

Those Who Loved Medusa Featuring Felicia Zamora and additional poet TBD Music by Mark Abel performed by Hila Plitmann This exploration of movement through music and poetry is brought to life through gorgeous operatic compositions, vocal fireworks and visceral original works.

SAT, MAR 13 AT 8PM | EDYE

Poetry of Resistance Featuring Allison Joseph, Khalisa Rae, David Campos, Kazim Ali and Blas Falconer Music by percussionist Munyungo Jackson This earth-shaking evening of all poetry, layered with Jackson’s signature “jungle jazz,” is a sizzling mix of voices of color, women and LGBT writers. Don’t miss the chance to actively listen to the thundering sounds of their sorrows, experiences, joys and love.

SAT, MAY 8 AT 8PM | EDYE 28

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

At The Broad Stage, we believe the arts are essential for all.

The arts create community, nurture our self-expression, expand our global outlook and connect us all in powerful ways. We offer a variety of initiatives and immersive experiences including pre- and post-show activities for concert attendees, special programs and performances for students, teachers and families and new online Learning Guides. Visit thebroadstage.org/community for more information.

The Broad Stage is grateful to the many generous donors who share our commitment to arts education and creating a vibrant atmosphere in our community.

“Because it has done so much to teach, inspire and entertain us, The Broad Stage really is like family.”

— Sharon Hart, Lincoln Middle School

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ENJOY ALL THE BROAD STAGE HAS TO OFFER. There are two ways to craft your season. Many performances sell out, so lock in your seats and savings now!

SUBSCRIBE TO A SERIES • SAVE 10% when you select one or more of our curated, genre-based series • Enjoy the BEST SEATS for your series • Free and easy ticket exchange • SEAT LOCATIONS are yours to renew each year • PRIORITY ACCESS TO ADD-ON EVENTS OR CHOOSE-YOUR-OWN PACKAGE • SAVE 10% when you buy tickets to any 5-or-more shows • Get preferred seating after Series Subscribers but before the general public thebroadstage.org/subscribe

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Mark Morris Dance Group

Photo: Jason Bell

SERIES & ADD-ON EVENTS

Yo-Yo Ma

SERIES Beethoven, Bagels & Banter blackbox Classical Takács Quartet Simone Dinnerstein Miloš

Dance The 7 Fingers Ephrat Asherie Dance Company Compagnie Marie Chouinard Mark Morris Dance Group & Music Ensemble

Family Acrobuffos The 7 Fingers Miloš

Jazz & Blues The Stanley Clarke Band Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés & Joe Lovano Cristina Pato & Mazz Swift Keb’ Mo’

Nat Geo Live

Red Hen Press

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE! BECOME A MEMBER OF THE BROAD STAGE. •

Get FRONT-OF-THE-LINE priority ticket access for Add-Ons and Single Tickets

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SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% on Series Subscriptions and 10% on Add-Ons and Single Tickets

•

GET CLOSER TO THE ART AND ARTISTS – your tax-deductible gift activates the above Members-only benefits and much more

Theatre In The Edye Fauxnique | Nassim | Sea Sick

MAKE THESE POPULAR ADD-ON EVENTS PART OF YOUR SEASON! • Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés & Joe Lovano • Heartbeat Opera • Yo-Yo Ma & Austin Mann • Ell̄ na Garanča • Mark Morris Dance Group & Music Ensemble • Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro See all series dates and times at thebroadstage.org

thebroadstage.org/join The Broad Stage 2020/21 Season

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Unforgettable experiences await.

Subscribe today! thebroadstage.org/subscribe For more information, or to order by phone, please call 310.434.3200 or email us at patronservices@thebroadstage.org

Thank You The Broad Stage gratefully acknowledges The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and Santa Monica College for their leading support of the 2020/21 season.

The Broad Stage would also like to thank the following foundations, corporations and government bodies for their support of the 2020/21 season.

General operating support is provided by these funders:

Funding for Education & Community Programs is supported in part by:

Bank of the West

Leonard M. Lipman Charitable Fund

Meridith Baer Home

Sony Pictures Entertainment

In-Kind Support: City of Santa Monica Gelson’s

Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation

Johnny Carson Foundation

Shore Hotel

The Herb Alpert Foundation

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Urth CaffĂŠ

Ralph M. Parsons Foundation City of Santa Monica Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission

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