2017/18 Annual Report - Two River Theater

OUR

MISSION

WE CREATE GREAT AMERICAN THEATER BY DEVELOPING AND PRODUCING NEW WORKS AND WORLD MASTERPIECES THAT MOST RICHLY DIRECT OUR GAZE TO THE LIFE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. WE CULTIVATE AN AUDIENCE THAT CHERISHES THE INTIMATE JOY OF THEATER, ENRICHED WHEN SHARED BY A COMMUNITY OF OTHERS.

VISION

TO BE A THEATER WHOSE WORK CONTRIBUTES TO THE CANON OF WORLD THEATER AND IS A VITAL CULTURAL RESOURCE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

CORE VALUES ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

We nurture and challenge the visions of adventurous theater artists. Our commitment to the artistic process is sustained over time through an investment in people, their creative process, and our dedication to the highest artistic standards.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

We make our theater a welcoming resource for all. We create engagement programs and partnerships that encourage all voices to come together in conversation around the stories we tell. We invest in the next generation of artists and audiences by introducing students and lifelong learners to the possibility and adventure that theater brings to our lives.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that the essence of theater is democratic: it invites us to encounter, consider and perhaps adopt other points of view, if only for a brief time in a darkened theater. We aspire to build an environment in which artists, audiences, employees, and Board members from different backgrounds and experiences together form an institution that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

We dedicate ourselves to the highest standards in our governance, management, operational, and financial practices. We are committed to developing and retaining an experienced and accomplished staff, an engaged and informed Board of Trustees, and a working environment that attracts staff, volunteers, and artists of the highest caliber.

Cover pictures, clockwise from top: The Company of A Raisin in the Sun, Photo by T. Charles Erickson; Felicia Finley in Songbird, photo by T. Charles Erickson; David Greenspan and Elizabeth Ramos in The Bridge of San Luis Rey, photo by T. Charles Erickson; Federico Rodriguez and Rosa Gilmore in The Importance of Being Earnest, photo by T. Charles Erickson; Christa Scott-Reed and Mandy Siegfried in Dancing at Lughnasa, Photo by T. Charles Erickson; Cesar Rosado and Bradley James Tejeda in El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom, photo by Richard Termine.

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LEADERSHIP John Dias Artistic Director Michael Hurst Managing Director Robert R. Rechnitz Executive Producer Joan H. Rechnitz Associate Producer BOARD OF TRUSTEES Todd Herman President Anne Luzzatto Vice President Robert Butters Treasurer Susan Olson Secretary Stephen Becker Marilyn Broege Amanda Butterbaugh Carolyn Cushman DeSena Kathleen Ellis Gale Grossman Caroline Huber Mary Jane Kroon Hon. Edward J. McKenna, Jr. Nyire Melconian Adam Rechnitz Joan H. Rechnitz Robert M. Rechnitz Geoffrey Sadwith Maureen Silliman Mary Carol Stunkel Webster Trammell Richard B. Worley Howard P. Aronson William Marracini Kathryne Singleton Emeritus Board Members ARTIST ADVISORY BOARD May Adrales Barbara Andres Brandon J. Dirden Joel Grey Lisa Kron Martin Moran Brenda Pressley Ruben Santiago-Hudson Tanya Saracho Maureen Silliman Leigh Silverman Jennifer Tipton

T

wo River Theater is proud to enjoy the support of some of our region’s most noteworthy institutional funders and generous individual donors. Our partners—like you—enable Two River to bring great American theater to Red Bank: classics, world premieres, musicals, and theater for families. During our 2017/18 Season we were able to share this work, and our vast community programming, with more than 44,000 visitors.

NOTE FROM MANAGING DIRECTOR MICHAEL HURST AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOHN DIAS

One of the things that has been most meaningful to all of us at Two River over the years is the relationship we have with curious, adventurous audiences who care deeply about the work of the theater. And, together with that audience, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a family of artists who love coming to Red Bank to develop and create work born from the stirrings of their minds and hearts and souls.

We are proud to have launched our 2017/18 Season with A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry’s earth-shattering answer to Langston Hughes’s most profound question: “What happens to a dream deferred?” Each play that followed in some way addressed the pursuit of a world that’s new and better, pointing us forward through laughter, tears—or just the telling of a really great story.

Your passionate support makes all of this possible—and so much more!

Generous donations also help provide countless opportunities for students and lifelong learners of all ages to enjoy the more than 40+ arts and humanities programs we produce at the theater and around Monmouth County. Additionally, this season more than 4,200 children attended a student matinee at Two River, many of them experiencing live theater for the first time.

Today, as we embark upon the significant milepost of our 25th Anniversary Season, we also look forward to completing construction on our Center for New Work, Education and Design, which will open next year. This new facility will allow us to expand our programming and begin the next era of growth for Two River Theater and our community.

We are deeply appreciative of the generous individuals, corporations and foundations whose support enables us to pursue the highest standards of artistic excellence. Thank you for supporting Two River Theater!

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2 0 1 7/ 1 8 S U B S C R I P T I O N S E R I E S

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

BY LORRAINE HANSBERRY DIRECTED BY CARL COFIELD RECHNITZ THEATER

SEPT 9 – OCT 8 / 2017 Brenda Pressley and Crystal A. Dickinson in A Raisin in the Sun. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Societal hypocrisies were exposed, invented identities created confusion, and dazzling bon mots and plot twists kept the audience on their toes in Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners, appearances, lies, and love. Tony Award-nominated actor and director Michael Cumpsty directed this great comedy, which starred Randy Danson as Lady Bracknell.

“Superbly directed by Michael Cumpsty, the play features the ideal cast to portray Wilde’s farcical classic.” – BroadwayWorld

STUDENT AUDIENCES: #1 show this season for student matinees—over 1,000 students attended!

EL COQUÍ ESPECTACULAR AND THE BOTTLE OF DOOM

BY MATT BARBOT DIRECTED BY JOSÉ ZAYAS MARION HUBER THEATER

JAN 6 – FEB 4 / 2018 Gabriel Diego Hernandez and Bradley James Tejeda in El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom. Photo by Richard Termine.

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Produced at Two River for the first time in the theater’s 24-year history, A Raisin in the Sun is one of America’s greatest plays—and one of the greatest works of art ever created. We built this production around the talents of an extraordinary family of Two River actors: Brenda Pressley as Lena Younger; Brandon J. Dirden as Walter Lee Younger; and Brandon’s wife, Crystal A. Dickinson, as Ruth Younger. They were joined by Brandon’s father, Willie Dirden, as Bobo, making this the first time that father and son acted together.

“In his debut project at Two River, award winning off-Broadway director Carl Cofield finds the music, the dance, the celebration, and the outright laughs that are all part of this one family’s journey to the crossroads, and beyond into uncharted territory.” – The Asbury Park Press

NEW AUDIENCES: 54% of ticket buyers were brand new attendees to Two River—the season’s highest!

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

BY OSCAR WILDE DIRECTED BY MICHAEL CUMPSTY RECHNITZ THEATER

NOV 11 – DEC 3 / 2017 The Company of The Importance of Being Earnest. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom was introduced to Red Bank audiences when it was read as part of Two River’s 2016 Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) festival of new Latino plays. Making deft use of superheroes, comic books and Puerto Rican folktales, the play explored questions of individual and national identity—including what it means to be “Latino” or “not Latino enough”—in contemporary America.

“Aside from having what may very well be the greatest title of any play ever, El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom at Red Bank’s Two River Theater is smart, warm, inventive, vibrant, and simply a great deal of fun.” – The Star-Ledger

UNDER 30 AUDIENCES: 30% of ticket buyers were under the age of 30—the season’s highest!

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2 0 1 7/ 1 8 S U B S C R I P T I O N S E R I E S

Thornton Wilder won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for the classic American plays Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth, and one for his novel, The Bridge of San Luis Rey. We are proud to have brought to the stage this seemingly “unstageable” novel, adapted by and starring five-time Obie Award winner David Greenspan, directed

by Ken Rus Schmoll. The production was critically acclaimed and played to consistently sold-out houses.

“If you like your theater theatrical—meaning seeing and hearing something on stage that cannot be replicated in another medium without its verisimilitude being compromised—you don’t want to miss this superb production.” – Two River Times

THE ESTATE OF THORNTON WILDER APPROVED Two River Theater as the producer of this world premiere adaptation.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA

BY BRIAN FRIEL DIRECTED BY JESSICA STONE RECHNITZ THEATER

APRIL 14 – MAY 13 / 2018 The Company of Dancing at Lughnasa. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

One of the seminal plays in theater history, The Seagull examines the dreams—and the darkness behind those dreams—of a group of artists in the turn-of-the-century Russian countryside. To end our season, Two River produced a new musical adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece. Songbird dropped Chekhov’s play into a Nashville bar, delighting audiences with its rousing folk, bluegrass, and pop-country score.

“You need not have ever seen or studied The Seagull to find fellowship with any of the interlocking tales of heartbreak at the core of Michael Kimmel’s adaptation—and you need not even especially love country music to connect with Lauren Pritchard’s smart score.” – BroadwayWorld

NEW YORK TIMES CRITIC’S PICK featuring much of the cast from the 2015 Off-Broadway world premiere!

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THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY

BY THORNTON WILDER ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY DAVID GREENSPAN DIRECTED BY KEN RUS SCHMOLL MARION HUBER THEATER

FEB 17 – MARCH 18 / 2018 The Company of The Bridge of San Luis Rey. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Director Jessica Stone previously delighted Two River audiences with her productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Absurd Person Singular. She returned to direct an acclaimed production of Dancing at Lughnasa, Brian Friel’s Tony Award-winning memory play set on the west coast of Ireland in 1936.

“It is theatre at its very best with stirring dialogue, the finest staging, and a remarkable cast. You will be swept away by this humorous and heartwarming production about the joys and struggles of family life.” – The Star-Ledger

GROWING REVENUE: The 4th highest-grossing Two River production ever!

SONGBIRD

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL KIMMEL MUSIC AND LYRICS BY LAUREN PRITCHARD BASED ON CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL MUSIC DIRECTION, ORCHESTRATIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS BY KRISTOPHER KUKUL CHOREOGRAPHY BY MARC KIMELMAN DIRECTED BY GAYE TAYLOR UPCHURCH RECHNITZ THEATER

JUNE 9 – JULY 1 / 2018

Bob Stillman, Felicia Finley, Marrick Smith, and Eric William Morris in Songbird. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

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THEATER

FOR

YOUNG AU

Skeletons. Photo by Teatro SEA

The Rainbow Fish. Photo by Michael Venn

SKELETONS: THE A DAY OF THE DEAD RAINBOW FISH BEDTIME STORY TEATRO SEA, NEW YORK MARION HUBER THEATER

OCT 12-15 / 2017 In the spirit of the play’s bedtime story theme, Two River encouraged all attendees to wear pajamas to performances of this comedy about a boy who learns to cope with the loss of his beloved grandfather. Performed in Spanish and English simultaneously, Skeletons was presented

by New York’s Teatro SEA.

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BASED ON THE BOOK BY MARCUS PFISTER MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA RECHNITZ THEATER

DEC 15-18 / 2017 Celebrated throughout the world of Theater for Young Audiences for their brilliant storytelling and clever puppetry, The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia launched the world premiere of The Rainbow Fish in Red Bank. This adaptation of the awardwinning book about a beautiful fish that learns to share his most prized possession delighted even the youngest children.

4,000 patrons attended theater for young audience performances this season!

UDIENCES The Company of A Little Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors. Photo by Scott L. Friedman.

Jacqy Phillips and Tim Overton in The Young King. Photo by Andy Rasheed, Eyefood.

A LITTLE THE YOUNG KING SHAKESPEARE: THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY SARA HOLDREN RECHNITZ THEATER

MARCH 6–11 / 2018

Shakespeare’s high-energy, madcap comedy about two sets of identical twins was joyously adapted and directed by Sara Holdren as A Little Shakespeare celebrated its 5th season as one of Two River’s most popular programs. In addition to student actors, the program included opportunities for students to work as an assistant director, assistant stage manager, assistant designers, and on the production’s run crew.

BASED ON THE SHORT STORY

BY OSCAR WILDE ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE

BY NICKI BLOOM PRODUCED BY SLINGSBY THEATRE, AUSTRALIA MARION HUBER THEATER

APRIL 20-22 / 2018 The young and young-at-heart were invited to join The Young King in this enchanting, moving, and immersive adaptation of the fairytale

by Oscar Wilde, which included unique and interactive stagecraft, puppetry and live music.

The show was produced by Australia’s Slingsby Theatre for audiences 8 and up.

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ARTISTIC

TWO RIVER THEATER

is committed to creating great American theater by developing and producing work by some of the country’s leading artists. We produce 8+ theatrical productions each year, including classics, world premieres, musicals, and theater for young audiences. We have built a robust initiative to develop and foster a pipeline of new plays and musicals; to produce original works and classics interpreted by some of the country’s leading artists; and to support previously produced works that are worthy of additional cultivation.

WE CREATE A PIPELINE

for new work by commissioning two-to-four plays and developing an additional four-to-six plays each season. We

typically invest $15,000 in a new play commission and an additional $25,000 to develop a play for production through workshops, readings, and dramaturgical support. Each season, we also host numerous readings and workshops, and present an annual Cabaret of New Songs for the Musical Theater in association with NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program. Additionally, we host numerous artist residencies including week-long retreats for playwrights from the New York-based company Clubbed Thumb.

COMMISSIONS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT include plays and

musicals by Rinde Eckert, Jessica Hagedorn, Lisa Kron, Tony Meneses, Martin Moran, and musicals by the teams of Joe Iconis/ Joe Tracz, and Daniel Maté/Marshall Pailet. Other musicals in development during the 2017/18 season included Oo-Bla-Dee by Regina Taylor (with music by Diedre L. Murray, directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson); Pamela’s First Musical (with a book by Wendy Wasserstein and Christopher Durang; music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by David Zippel, directed by Graciela Daniele); and Radiant Baby, a musical about Keith Haring (with a book by Stuart Ross, music by Debra Barsha, and lyrics by Ira Gasman, Stuart Ross and Debra Barsha).

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OUR COMMITMENT TO ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE applies to the production of

classics and masterpieces, which we invite artists to revisit with a fresh eye to better connect with contemporary audiences.

Programming classic plays is an opportunity for engagement with the highly skilled interpretive talents of great directors and actors, and

our goal is to afford these artists the time, resources, and financial support they need to fully explore classic plays.

WE ARE DEDICATED to creating the most

Bradley James Tejeda & Gabriel Diego Hernendez in El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom. Photo by Richard Termine.

diverse and representative theater that we can.

Through our play development programs, we are ensuring that works by a wide diversity of writers will have places on our stage in the years to come. Reflecting the demographics of our community, we cast our productions with diverse acting companies, and make plays by AfricanAmerican and Latino theater artists an essential part of each mainstage season—including making a commitment to produce

all 10 plays in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle. We have produced four so far, all of which enjoyed extended runs and critical acclaim.

Crystal A. Dickinson, Brenda Pressley & Owen Tabaka, A Raisin in the Sun. Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

CROSSING BORDERS (CRUZANDO

FRONTERAS) is an annual five-day festival that features free readings of works by Latino playwrights, at least one of which is also read in Spanish. In 2017, more than 800 people attended the festival—a

record number of attendees—and Crossing Borders expanded to include its first production for young audiences, Blancaflor, by Cecilia Cackley; and its first musical, The Golem of Havana: A New Musical, with music

by Salomon Lerner, lyrics by Len Schiff, and book by Michael Hausmann.

Since Crossing Borders launched in 2011, three productions developed in the festival have gone on to mainstage productions at the theater, including the

Musicians at Crossing Borders. Photo by Teja Anderson.

2017/18 season’s world premiere of El Coquí Espectacular and the Bottle of Doom.

NOSOTROS (“US”) an artistic outreach program

dedicated to supporting Latino artists and cultivating Latino audiences grew out of Crossing Borders and is now an ongoing initiative.

Highlights of the Nosotros program in the 2017/18 season include a Spanish-language reading of The Importance of Being Earnest (La Importancia de Ser Franco), the classic comedy by Oscar Wilde, in conjunction with our English-language mainstage production.

The Company of The Importance of Being Earnest (La Importancia de Ser Franco) Spanish-language reading.

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ARTS

At Two River Theater, WE BELIEVE that arts education promotes two central goals: supporting the artist within each student and building future audiences.

WE INSPIRE empathy, risk-taking and a sense of adventure; and WE SUPPORT academic achievement and life-long learning.

EDUCATION THEATERWORKS

STUDENT MATINEES

n 3,000+ students from NJ schools n 22 student matinee performances Every teacher receives a Curriculum Guide to help them integrate the work on stage with work done in the classroom. Following each performance, schools are invited to participate in talkbacks with members of the cast, helping to inspire relevant and interesting discussions and study topics for classrooms, after-school clubs, and groups.

n 75 participants from: the Friends in Need Children’s Center, the Minority Males Initiative Conference, and school-based youth services programs from Asbury Park High School, Red Bank Regional High School, and Long Branch High School.

TheaterWorks connects at-risk youth to the spectrum of vocational opportunities available in theater through study of the behind-thescenes work that goes into putting up a professional play. Participants in this program met for pre- and post-show career workshops and talkbacks, in addition to attending Saturday matinee performances.

SUMMER THEATER CAMP n 80 participants n 12 full or partial needs-based student scholarships

Celebrating its 13th year, the Summer Theater Camp focuses on developing the artist inside every child. All of the classes are taught by professional, experienced teaching artists, and are designed to be fun, challenging, and inspire creativity and a sense of adventure.

SPECTRUM THEATER CLASSES n 8 students

NEW THIS YEAR: Two weeks of classes specifically designed for students on the autism spectrum. Led by teaching artists with extensive experience, students improve body awareness, verbal and non-verbal communication and selfconfidence through the art of theater.

NO SEATS EMPTY & NO SEATS EMPTY: TOTAL EXPERIENCE

n 1,200 students from low-income schools n 150 of them participated in No Seats Empty: Total Experience, taking n 30 pre- and post-performance workshops No Seats Empty makes theater accessible to all students by providing free tickets and transportation to low-income schools attending student matinee performances. No Seats Empty: Total Experience integrates seeing Two River’s productions with in-depth examinations of each show’s literary, historical and social context during inschool pre- and post-show workshops.

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METRO SCHOLARS n 10 students from n 6 local high schools

Metro Scholars assist Two River’s staff in several departments through this year-long program for high school juniors. They also see every show at Two River for free, participate in moderated conversations following each production; enjoy a backstage tour of each set; and take specially designed master classes with theater professionals.

FIRST MONDAY MASTERS n 7 classes n 93 students

Taught by: Caleb Teicher, Crystal A. Dickinson, Madeleine George, Michael Cumpsty, Sara Holdren, Jess Goldstein, Matt Barbot, and Joe Iconis NEW THIS YEAR: Master Classes taught by actors, directors, playwrights, and designers—great artists who are excited to share their visions and work with students and lifelong learners.

INSIDE TWO RIVER

For the 17/18 season, Inside Two River events reached over 5,300 patrons through 60 events. All events were open to the public, and most were free!

n INSIDE TWO RIVER is a series of arts & humanities events—specially curated for each of our productions. Events include literacy clubs and film screenings, behind-the-scenes insight and access, culture and community events, and opportunities for conversation and play.

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BEYOND

RED BANK Two River Theater is committed to contributing to great American theater by nurturing and producing the classics of tomorrow. Many productions that started at Two River Theater (including plays that we have commissioned, developed and premiered) have gone on to acclaim in other theaters around the country and internationally.

ReEntry by Emily Ackerman and KJ Sanchez 2008/09 Season

32 Productions

throughout the US

Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England by Madeleine George 2011/12 Season

8 Productions

Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine by Ruben Santiago-Hudson 2014/15 Season

1 Production in the US

throughout the US

Guadalupe in the Guest Room by Tony Meneses 2014/15 Season

2 Productions in the US

Be More Chill by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz 2014/15 Season

50+

Productions worldwide

Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George 2016/17 Season

1 Production in NYC

The Ballad of Little Jo

By Sarah Schlesinger, Mike Reid, and John Dias 2016/17 Season

1 Production in the US

P.J. Sosko in ReEntry. Jon Hoche and Lauren Culpepper in Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England. Charles Weldon and Brandon J. Dirden in Your Blues Ain’t Sweet Like Mine. Socorro Santiago and Alfredo Huereca in Guadalupe in the Guest Room. Will Connolly and Eric William Morris in Be More Chill. Mia Barron in Hurricane Diane. Teal Wicks, Eric William Morris, and Jane Bruce in The Ballad of Little Jo. Photos by T. Charles Erickson.

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2017:

THE YEAR OF BE MORE CHILL GLOBAL DOMINATION

In 2015, Two River Theater presented a world-premiere musical about a teenager, his desire to be cool, and the evil supercomputer he thought could make that dream come true. Be More Chill, with music by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz, based on the young adult novel by Ned Vizzini, began as a commissioned work at Two River Theater, and was much loved by Two River audiences, with fans coming back to see it as many as eight times.

In spring of 2017, due in large part to the original cast recording produced in partnership by Two River Theater and Ghostlight Records, the Be More Chill buzz suddenly exploded.

OPENS ON BROADWAY MARCH 2019!

FANDOM BY THE NUMBERS*

180+

198,000+

Original Cast Recording worldwide

in the #BeMoreChill tag on Instagram

million streams of the

posts

•

50+ #6 on productions

of Be More Chill around the country and world-wide

Billboard’s

cast album chart & the top 15 for 52 weeks and counting

JUST 1 MUSICAL MORE POPULAR

The Company of Be More Chill.

Photo by T. Charles Erickson.

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n1

SOLDOUT OFFBROADWAY RUN in

than Be More Chill on tumblr.com in 2017 (a little sleeper hit by the name of Hamilton)

summer 2018, featuring most of the original Two River Theater cast & creative team!

* As of September 2018 15

FUNDRASING EVENTS At our 2017/18 fundraising events, over 300 individuals and sponsors raised more than $221,000 16

HALLOWEEN BALL II

A NIGHT OF TERROR UNDER THE BIG TOP

OCTOBER 21

AN EVENING WITH JOE ICONIS AND FAMILY MAY 19

THE YOUNG KING ICE CREAM SOCIAL JUNE 22

Photos by Teja Anderson

The Sensation of the Century – an evening at the haunted CarnEvil for some freaky fun under the Big Top. Fearless souls came in costume and dared to peek under the tents at the slideshow curiosites.

• Pho tos by Teja An

Photos by Lisa Campbell

Two River welcomed home Joe Iconis (Be More Chill) and his clan of collaborators, performers, and musical mavericks for a concert performance directed by John Simpkins. The jamboree was followed by a post-performance not-so-nuclear family dinner with the Joe Iconis and Family artists.

Following the performance of Oscar Wilde’s The Young King, families joined the royal court for a fun afternoon of activities and treats, including an ice cream sundae bar provided by Crazees.

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INDIVIDUAL DONORS

THANK YOU to the following generous individuals who made contributions to the theater during the 2017/2018 Season.

VISIONARY CIRCLE ($25,000+) Anonymous Caroline P. Huber Joan and Robert Rechnitz The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation THE INNOVATOR CIRCLE ($10,000-$24,999) Lisa and Stephen Becker Marilyn and Bob Broege Phyllis Kinsler Mary Jane and Rick Kroon Anne Luzzatto and Gordon Litwin Victoria and William Marraccini Liz and Adam Rechnitz BENEFACTOR ($5,000-$9,999) Diane and Robert Butters Sam Chevalier Kelly and Brooks Cullen Carolyn DeSena Kathleen Ellis* Robert E. Evanson Gale and Dr. Robert B. Grossman Guttenplan Family Foundation Joan and Paul Hamelberg Lanae and Todd Herman Barbara and Jim Hrebek Joanna and Brian Leddin* Beth and Vincent Mazza* Linda McKean The Honorable Edward J. McKenna Nyire and Gregory Melconian Bob and Shirley Neff JP Nicolaides and the Honorable Ed Zipprich Sean O’Connell Susan and Ty Olson Elizabeth Tortorella and Ivan Polonsky Mary Beth Radke and Gerald Anne Marie Schultz Kathy and Webster Trammell Anne and Sheldon Vogel CHAMPION ($2,500-$4,999) Howard P. Aronson Shirely S. Boll Nancy Karpf and Scott Brady Patrick Callinan Lynne and Jan Dash The Devon Group Joan Ellis The Gravina Family Foundation, Inc. Juliet Cozzi and Ronald Gumbaz Christina Hewitt Eileen and Tim Hogan Barbara and Joseph Hollander Maureen and James Hurst* Katherine Kovner Cathy Larson

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Kathleen and Arthur McConnell Gloria Nilson Fund Allyn and Patrick Quagliano Patricia and Vernon Ralph Daryl and Steven Roth Foundation Linda and Andrew Safran Mary Carol and Ken Stunkel Susan E. Whyman Cynthia and William Wilby Meta and Dr. Ralph Wyndrum Chryssa Yaccarino PATRON ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Jutta and George Aguilar Barbara and Andy Andres Marie and Robert Arbour Kasandrea Banks The Honorable William G. Bassler Lois Broder Barbara and Tom Carroll Tamara Casriel Joan and John Cleary Robert Cordrey and Bruce Sherill Melissa and Joseph C. Del Broccolo, III Nancy and Michael Del Priore John Dias Gail and John Duffy Linda and Bob Ensor Vincent Gifford Margean Gladysz Lorraine and Bob Henry Catherine Weiss and Samuel Huber Michael Hurst Melissa and Paul Hurst Ginny Kamin Gerri and Brett Lawrence Edward Madden Wendy and Jerry Marks Jennifer Colyer and Shemmy Mishaan Aida and Brian Murphy Patricia Perfect Monica and John Ryan Lori and Geoffrey Sadwith Candy and Dr. Sigmund Sattenspiel June and Mort Seligman Caryl and Charles Sills Maureen Silliman and William Parry Cathy Sivo Rita and Arthur Steinman Laura and Gregg Wallace Warters Family Fund Cathy and Gene Weber* PRODUCER ($500-$999) Anonymous Jennifer and Joe Anderson Nancy and Ed Butler Barbara and Harold Chafkin Patricia and Dr. E. F. Cheslock

Isabella and John Chiappinelli Kathleen Anderson Culebro Judy and Richard Fuller Valerie Gordon-Johnson Eve R. Hershkowitz Thomas K. Hessman Patricia and William Jaeger Sheela Jain, M.D. and Suresh Jain, M.D. Natalia and Andre Kachala Giovanna Kanu Judith Laufer Kim Mason Lois and Robert Mortenson Lauren Nicosia Barry V. Qualls Penney Riegelman The Craig and Flori Roberts Foundation, Inc. Daryl and Steven Roth Anita and Robert Stix* Penny and Larry Turtel The Wilder Family Gail and Stuart Van Winkle DIRECTOR ($250-$499) Anonymous (2) Lucille and Richard Adelmann Nancy and Frank Bellezza Peg and John Bennett Dr. Janice Breen Harmon P. Bulter Dr. Joseph J. Calabro Lucy Campanella Barbara and Peter Carton Dennice and Ray Carey Marjorie and Peter Cavalier Susan and Alan Coen Robert Connolly Karen and Joseph D’Amore Barbara G. Fleischman Maria and Paul Galeota Susan and Roy Gelber Suzanne Longley and Guy Gsell Gail Klein and Marc L. Harrison Barbara Boas and Stephen Hecht Kerri Hoffmaster Phyl and Don Howard Patricia and William Jaeger May Louie and Walter Graczyk Ann Roseman and Stan Lumish Bob MacKasek Linda Mitchell Jennifer and Thomas Mullin Karen and David Rajala Toni Rinella and Brian Compton Louis Rodriguez Barbara Sager Peggy Sansone Peter A. Schkeeper Linda Schottland Kathryne and Richard Singleton Susan Stamler Karin and Joe Stein

Nannette and Richard Tereo Stephen Thurber Jennifer Tipton Judith and Joseph Vassallo Cheryl Wild Dee and Fred Williamson Marjorie and Zeke Zaccaro

Maxine and Robert Guenther Joyce Haebler Andrea Harris Chris Havens Mack Heckman Kathleen Heilmann Emma Herlihy Ruth and Harry Hodum Coralie and John Hoffman James Hoffman Michelle Hollander Justin Hom Anna Grace Howie Martha and Bruce Huber Jo McKeon Hutton Max Ilavsky Terry Ingram Cathy and Evan Jahos Abigail Jaquez Cecilia and Boris Jelic Florence and Bob Jennes Saundra and Wilfred Johnen Mary and Keneth Johnson Reba and Ron Johnson John Kehoe Jeff Kesper Kaitlyn Kies Judy Kramer Margo Kramer Bobbi and Bob Kranz Joann and Verne Kreger Michael Kresevic Judy Krusell and David Landy Janet and Peter Lauro Maureen and David Leach Daniel LeMesurier Ellen and Dan Levine Karen and David Levinsky Claire Lincke Alison Lodge Lucy Loux Rebecca Lucas James Luce Judith Luger Katy Madsen Jodi Magee Howard Magill Adrian Maldonado Alan Mallach John Marshall Dolores and Stan Marszalek Susan Martin Renee Maxwell Ben McArdle Joseph McCarthy Liz Spellman Dean and James McCorkel John McEwen Cassidy McIntyre Mary Miskewitz Sharon and Lee Moffit Sheila Morris Julie and Jeffrey Mullen Patricia Murphy Lorna Myers Carroll Nugent Cady Odhner Anita and Harry Paborsky Linda Pacotti Reiley Parent Marilyn Pearlman Mary Pearson Aileen Perez-Crooks Madison Postma Olivia Priest

THANK YOU!

ASSOCIATE ($100-$249) Anonymous (4) Camilla May Anfinnsen Jade Aspros Christine Baugh Judith Tenzer Benn Jean Bennett Halle Berghoff Janice Bergstresser Madison Berkley Jane Bernheim Carole Beyer Barbara Birdsall Corrine and Marco Bonomi Bill Braden Judy and Don Bretzger Martin and Nancy Brilliant Amy and John Brogan Katelyn Brown Mara and Joel Browndorf Emily Buchholz Christina Bulman Bernice Burnstein Ellen and Don Byck Claudia Cacace Dove Calderwood Patricia Vigilante and Robert Candela Lorena Carbonaro da Silva Jacqueline Carboy Tom Carroll Candice Chirgotis Linda and Samuel Chororos Jill Clements Kathy and Mark Cohen Vicky Cohen Savannah Conner Joan and Anthony Cruz Gail and James Cullen Dr. Mary Ann Haggerty and Thomas Curran Rupa DasGupta Dorothy and Jim Davis Rebecca DeLuccia Dr. Jack Demarest Bonnie and Walter Dietz Mary Lou Donoghue Phil Dorian* Bernadette W Doubek Dalenys Drougas Megan Duffy Serena Dworzynski Fran Erlitz Susan Estomin Linda and Philip Falcone Dorothy Fama Deborah Shields and Robert Feldman Marna Feldt Kathy B. Findon Harriet and Robert Fortescue Hailey Gangitano Rob Gannon Laraine and Ned Gaunt Christine Gizzi Giaimo Barbara S. Goldstein Korissa Gozdziak Erik Grammer

Harriet Primack Audrey and Sid Rabinowitz Shirley F. Rathemacher Kim Reichelt Anna and Andres Roda Norma Rosenbloom Dr. Donald Rothman Dr. Judith and Ted Sandler Aimee Saville Jan and Bill Scheerer Sheryl Schermer Carole Schoening Courtney and Richard Schroeder Phoebe Schwartz Michele Senko Audrey and John Sheehan Felix Smith Janet and George Smuga Victoria J. Snoy* Phyllis Solomon Mary and Eugene Speer Pat and Dick Stenson Adrienne Straus Mary Lou Sweeney Shannon Sweet Sara and Dennis Swijter Fay Thomas Patricia and William Thorne Rena and Herb Tillem Barbara Toy Ann and Thomas Unterberg McKayla Vance Helen Vetter Diane and Frank Vigilante Adrienne Voigt J.T. Walker Wendie and Stephen Weinstein Debbie Herman and J. Shelby Wells Cas Wilkinson Nina and Kirk Willey Jordan Wood Paula Yarusi Christine Yovnello Rhoda Yucht Joan Zakanych MATCHING GIFTS The following have provided matching gifts to Two River on behalf of their employees.

C.R. Bard Foundation Johnson & Johnson Matching Gifts New Jersey Resources Matching Gift Microsoft Corporation Prudential Financial, Inc. (2) TE Connectivity Verisk Analytics (2) Verizon Wireless *Includes matching gift.

TRIBUTES AND MEMORIALS In memory of Art Kamin: Renee Maxwell In memory of Mary (Penny) Buchner: Joseph McCarthy In memory of Leon Yarusi: Paula Yarusi In memory of Bernice Steinman: Arthur and Rita Steinman In honor of Hannah Walker Jodi Magee Listing reflects gifts made between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

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INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT THE VISIONARY CIRCLE $25,000+

THE EDGERTON FOUNDATION THE STONE FOUNDATION

INNOVATOR CIRCLE $10,000-$24,999 The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

The Philip & Tammy Murphy Foundation

BENEFACTOR $5,000 - $9,999 THE HILARIA AND ALEC BALDWIN FOUNDATION

COMMUNITY PARTNERS DAVID SCHWARTZ FOUNDATION

The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation

IN-KIND SUPPORT

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THEATER ACCESS

TWO RIVER THEATER is committed to making our facilities and performances accessible for all patrons, actors, and employees.

BARRIER-FREE ACCESS

The theater provides barrierfree access for patrons using wheelchairs or walkers with on-grade entrances, elevators, railings, and wide doorways.

Integrated seating for patrons in wheelchairs, accessible restrooms, wheelchair requests, and wheelchair storing space during the performance are also available.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES

Assistive Listening Devices are available for individuals with hearing loss to assist with amplification and clarity.

Lightweight headsets, with no wires or cables, are available free of charge for all Two River Theater performances.

AUDIODESCRIBED PERFORMANCES

Scheduled audio description performances for patrons with vision loss are offered for each of our subscription series productions. Using a lightweight headset, with no wires or cables, patrons can hear a live, objective, and concise description of the action on stage.*

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION Scheduled American Sign Language interpreted performances for patrons with hearing loss, and fluent in ASL, are occasionally offered.

LARGE PRINT PROGRAMS

Large print programs are available at the box office.

OPEN CAPTIONING

Scheduled open captioned performances for patrons with hearing loss are offered for each of our subscription series productions. A screen, which projects dialogue as the action occurs live on stage, is placed to the side of the stage, and no additional special equipment is necessary.*

RELAXED PERFORMANCES Scheduled relaxed performances are designed to provide a welcoming and judgement-free theater experience for people on the autism spectrum and with other sensitivity issues or special needs.

* REDUCED TICKET PRICES Discounted tickets are available for patrons benefiting from this service.

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FINANCIAL RESULTS

As a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization, Two River Theater is dedicated to creating great American theater while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Earned income from ticket sales represents less than one-third of our operating budget, therefore contributed income from generous individuals, businesses and foundations is critical to ensure Two River Theater remains a vital cultural institution.

FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2018

INCOME INCOME

FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30/2018 INCOME EARNED INCOME Single Ticket Sales Subscription Sales Other Earned Income TOTAL EARNED INCOME

AMOUNT 710,328 483,914 364,802 1,559,044

% OF TOTAL 12.2% 8.3% 6.3% 26.8%

Individuals

Single Ticket Sales

Government

CONTRIBUTED INCOME Corporate Foundation Fundraising Events (net) Government Individuals Released from Temporary Restricted TOTAL CONTRIBUTED INCOME

262,843 454,160 120,099 118,812 670,406 2,631,200 4,257,519

4.5% 7.8% 2.1% 2.0% 11.5% 45.2% 73.2%

TOTAL INCOME

5,816,563

100.0%

865,923 344,829 380,293

14.7% 5.9% 6.5%

1,591,045

27.1%

958,034 536,559 306,842 193,712 1,000,988 1,286,592

16.3% 9.1% 5.2% 3.3% 17.0% 21.9%

4,282,728

72.9%

Subscription Sales Foundation

Corporate

Other Earned Income

Fundraising Events (net)

EXPENSES PRODUCTION EXPENSES Rechnitz Theater Productions Marion Huber Theater Productions Production Department PRODUCTION EXPENSES SUBTOTAL DEPARTMENTAL EXPENSES Administrative Artistic Development Education Marketing and Audience Services Production and Operations DEPARTMENTAL EXPENSES SUBTOTAL

EXPENSES EXPENSES Rechnitz Theater Productions

Production and Operations

Marion Huber Theater Productions Production Department

Marketing and Audience Services Administrative Development Artistic

TOTAL EXPENSES

5,873,773

OPERATING SURPLUS

Education

100.0%

-57,210

During our 2017/18 Season, we received our fifth consecutive four-star rating-the highest possible-from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator, for our sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

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STAFF & VOLUNTEERS! ARTISTIC Stephanie Coen Associate Artistic Director Taylor Barfield Literary Manager Madeleine George Playwright in Residence Brian Eckert Artistic Assistant ADMINISTRATION Alma MalabananMcGrath General Manager Margaret Shafai Director of Finance Karen Pierce Staff Accountant AUDIENCE SERVICES, PR & MARKETING Courtney Schroeder Director of Marketing Jenna Rocca Associate Director of Marketing Hannah Walker Institutional Marketing Manager Yurik L. Lozano Multimedia Manager Michele Klinsky Box Office Manager Lauren Mancuso Box Office Supervisor Kristina Marinos Box Office Supervisor/ Student Matinee Coordinator Lynn Kroll Box Officer/Group Sales Coordinator Vernette Spicer Box Officer/Access Coordinator Evan Kudish Brianna Merriman Samantha Truglio Matt Yee Box Officers Angela White House Manager & Volunteer Coordinator Carmen Balentine Doreen Fromage Melissa Javorek Donna Stiles Francesca Trerotola Assistant House Managers Briana Butler Colette Dante Thomas Dougherty Matt Markowski

Daniel Pino Kayla Santry Gabby Scerbo John Knodel Front of House Staff DEVELOPMENT Denyse Reed Director of Development Jesse Beutell Individual Giving Manager Katie Benson Special Events Manager Ellen Hahn Institutional Giving Manager EDUCATION Kate Cordaro Director of Education Amanda Espinoza Education & Community Engagement Manager Lea Anello Corinda Bravo Amanda Butterbaugh Devin Fletcher Shane O’Neil Elliot Roth Teaching Artists Sara Holdren Adaptor/Director OPERATIONS Dave Hartkern Director of Facilities Wayne Van Sant Maintenance Supervisor Vinnie Gillick Lamar Hicks William Hinton Building Maintenance PRODUCTION Lauren Kurinskas Director of Production Will Cruttenden Associate Production Manager Kayla Allen Production Management Assistant Katherine Borden Company Management Assistant Joaquin Gomez Jackie Romeo Production Assistants Frank Meyer

Technical Director Fiona Malone Assistant Technical Director Duane Noch Master Carpenter Christian Dilks Staff Carpenter Laura Nuneliver Shop Assistant Colleen Dolan Scenic Charge Jeena Yoon Properties Supervisor Victoria Schilling Assistant Properties Supervisor Alison Marjean Frimmel Props Assistant Dan Montano Sound Supervisor Sue Patino Lighting Supervisor Abigail Lynn Smith Lighting Assistant Natalie Soto Sound Assistant Lesley Sorenson Costume Shop Supervisor Jill DiGiuseppe Draper Maggie Barnett Wardrobe Supervisor Jaclyn Vela Costume Assistant SPECIAL SERVICES Gilda Rogers Community Relations Social Sidekick Press & Publicity Design Army Graphic Design Suzanne Anan Graphic Design T. Charles Erickson Production Photography Michael Boylan Director, Cinematographer Gordon N. Litwin, Esq., Litwin & Provence, LLC Legal Counsel WithumSmith + Brown Auditors VOLUNTEER GUILD Arthur Aaron Ronnie Aaron Suzanne Allyn Marlene Abelon Debbie Adamchak Juanita Agee Irwin Altschiller

Maddy Altschiller Karen Anderson Cecelia Ambrosio Ellen Balthazar Gale Baran Myriam Barthole Paddy Barber Carl Battaglia Ellen Battaglia Joyce Becker Herb Bein Diane Bein Carmen Benimeli Barbara Berg Joan Blake Kathy Boushie Charles Blake Helena Blyskun Marti Bookstein Mercedes Brand Barbara Brodzinski Arlene Brown Robert Buchbinder April Bunn Carmen Cancel-Seaman Judith Carluccio Kathleen Castore Barbara Chasser Dora Chu Bob Connolly Roslyn Cooper Lynda Crawford Nancy Daley Elizabeth De Carvalho Diane DeLoche Florence Diller Eleanor Falcichio Ellen Falvo June Farkouh Steve Faustina Arleen Faustina Bonnie Foerst George Foerst Robyn Flipse Judy Fuller Prudence Frechette Janet Garcia Nancy Gargan Sidney Gelbein Pat George Bill Gerdes Lara Gomez Jim Graf Margaret Graf Marilyn Griffin Constance Gryczka Helene HelgesenMonserrate Roland Monserrate Nona Hammer Kathleen Hari Cynthia Hellman Greg Held Jeri Held Robert Hespe Karen Hespe Karen Heyer Marion Holinaty

Caroline Huber Cecilia Jelic Shirley Johnson Bonnie Johnson Thomas Johnson Virginia Kamin Barry Kaplan Dee Kaplan Karen Kelly Barbara Kenas Beverly Keyes Karen Kirkwood Valerie Kilpatrick Phyllis Kinsler Dottie Kirschenbaum Eleanor Kitzhoffer Mavis Kolb Diane Kragh Diane Kuriloff Harriet Kuropatwa Betti Lane Mary Anne Lapiana Margaret Lelivelt Donna Lizotte Bob Levine Carol Levine Barbara Lipton Kathy Lloyd Diane Lopresti Frank Lopresti Brittany Lovely Donna Lovely Gay Lowden Sharon Lucas Iris MacNeil Mary Mahoney Joanne Mallon Robert Mallon Janis Marano Pamela Marhan Libby Markowitz Mary Mason Susan Mazur Vinnie Mazza Joan McCue Eileen McDermott Jo McKeon-Hutton Bill McMurray Mary Melosh Evelyn Mendelsohn Anne Messinger Dorothy Michels Carol Migliore Bernard Miller Carol Miller Susan Minehardt Linda Monti Marilynne Morley Gloria Moro Susan Moss Michele Mullin Judith Mugrace Leslie Nicholson Kathy Nielsen Eileen Nolan Maureen O’Connor Leach Olivia Olson

Linda Pacotti Dolores Palonetti Katherine Parisi Terri Pinto Marilyn Pennell Art Perri Pat Perri Tracy Peternich Claire Planchere Terri Pontecorvo Philomena Porcello Lois Priest Marion Quinn Mark Rabinow Judy Rector Fran Reinhold Susan Richman Ruth Rosencrown Carl Rosencrown Lori Sadwith Gil Saltzman Marcia Saltzman Gail Sanderson Evelyn Schneider Connie Schulman Phyllis Searby Jeffrey Shepard Deb Sieron Robin Siegel Judy Simmons-Bradshaw George Smith Arlene Smelson Arthur Steinman Cathy Stelzner Howie Stelzner Linda Stewart Carol Stewart Mary Carol Stunkel Denise Sobotka Martin Sulkes Rose Sullivan Lorraine Stone Leila Sulkes Michele Susalis Eunice Taylor Steve Tepperman David Tolleth Deborah Tolleth Lauren Tolleth Chris Wallace Patricia Walter Mollie Warar Deborah Wasserman Marvin Wasserman Marty Weinstein Marla Weinstein Joy Weinstein Gregory White Nina Willey Kirk Willey Joyce Wingerter Barbara Withers Mary Ellen Wirin Zina Wolin Martin Wolin Joan Zakanych Laura Zakanych 23

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2018/19: TWO RIVER CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

THE NEW CENTER FOR NEW WORK, EDUCATION AND DESIGN WILL OPEN IN THE SUMMER OF 2019!

The Center will include expanded and modern scenery, costume and prop shops, and offices for the 25+ staff members in our education and production departments. In addition, two rehearsal studios will provide much-needed space for new play development activities, rehearsals, increased education programs and free community events.

SEPTEMBER 8 – OCTOBER 7/2018 Book by Wendy Wasserstein and Christopher Durang Music by Cy Coleman Lyrics by David Zippel Directed and Choreographed by Graciela Daniele

JANUARY 25 – FEBRUARY 2/2019

By William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Sara Holdren

NOVEMBER 10 – DECEMBER 16/2018 Directed by Brandon J. Dirden

NOVEMBER 23 – 25/2018 Experiential Theater Company Written and Directed

by Christopher Parks Music Composition and Sound Design by Josh Totora

JANUARY 12 – FEBRUARY 3/2019

By Tony Award winner Michael Frayn Directed by Sarna Lapine

FEBRUARY 23 – MARCH 24/2019

By Martin Moran Directed by Carolyn Cantor

APRIL 13 – MAY 5/2019 Starring Maureen Silliman

By William Luce Directed by Robert Rechnitz

JUNE 8 – 30/2019

By Regina Taylor Original Music by Diedre L. Murray Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson