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The Gallo Center has adopted the use of digital programs meant to be viewed on cell phones or other computer devices. This change has important public health, environmental and economic benefits: reducing close contacts between patrons and ushers, cutting our use of paper, and eliminating substantial printing costs. View the program only before shows begin or during intermissions. Please be considerate of other patrons and artists on stage by not viewing it during performances. Patrons who do not observe this courtesy and create distractions may be asked to leave. Thank you!

The Gallo Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts center with a deep commitment to enriching the people and communities of California’s vast San Joaquin Valley. From the scintillating performances of its wonderful resident companies, to the great variety of world-class entertainment presented by the Center each season, to robust arts education programs for the region’s youth, this is where the magic happens.
From the beginning, the Center’s mission has been clearly defined: to provide an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national, and international cultural activities illuminate, educate, and entertain. Since revenue from ticket sales and facility rentals only covers a portion of the costs associated with fulfilling this mission, the Center is dependent on the generous annual financial support from donors and program sponsors within our community.
LEARN MORE AT GALLOARTS.ORG/SUPPORTUS.


In Person: 1000 I Street, downtown Modesto
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The mission of the Gallo Center for the Arts is to enrich the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national and international cultural activities illuminate, educate and entertain. The Gallo Center for the Arts celebrates the diversity of the San Joaquin Valley by offering an array of affordable cultural opportunities designed to appeal, and be accessible, to all.

The Center opened in September, 2007 and consists of the 440-seat Foster Family Theater, the 1,248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, the Marie Damrell Gallo Grand Lobby and a plaza serving both theaters, and the Modesto Rotary Music Garden.
As a regional non-profit performing arts center, the Gallo Center for the Arts presents internationally recognized touring artists in all disciplines, and also is home to four resident companies: Central West Ballet, Modesto Performing Arts, Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Opera Modesto. The Gallo Center for the Arts is a unique public/private partnership. Construction was funded jointly by the County of Stanislaus, which owns the facility, and contributions from more than 4,000 individuals and businesses given to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which today operates the Center.

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Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Directed by Patrick Norris Music Directed by Lisette Sims
Original Broadway production by Heidi Landesman, Rocco Landesman, Rick Steiner, M. Anthony Fisher, Frederic H Mayerson, & Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theater, San Diego, CA
INTO THE WOODS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.
There will be one 15 minute intermission
Narrator ...........................................................................
Jeff Pierce
Cinderella .................................................................... Ally Munson
Jack .................................................... Laurence Turner-Cordova
Jack’s Mother ....................................................... Lauren Moraca
The Baker .......................................................................... Ryan Foy
The Baker’s Wife ...................................................... Chelsea Foy
The Witch ................................................ Colleen Hawks-Pierce
Little Red Riding Hood ........................... Evan Elisa Espinosa
Cinderella’s Step Mother ........................ Ambrosia Johnston
Florinda ....................................................................... Zuhey Perez
Lucinda ................................................................ Zefyra Mazuelos
Steward ............................................................... Michael Esquibel
Rapunzel ................................................................ Alyssa McCabe
Cinderella’s Prince .................................................... Justin Alvaji
Rapunzel’s Prince ................................................ Luke Gonzales
Granny/Giant .......................................................... Melinda Yerzy
Milky White ......................................................... Vance Whitaker
Conductor/Synth ……...................................…………. Lisette Sims
Piano ……….......................................................………. Jarred Wright
Percussion ………….....................................................……. Joel Maki
Flute …………………....................................................… Arturo Garcia
Cello ….........................................................................….. Perri Hunn
Violin ……................................................................. Joshua Kimball
Horns …...............................................................….. Bryon Johnson
Director…................................………..........…………….. Patrick Norris
Music Director ……..........................................……….. Lisette Sims
Stage Manager ................................................... Jewel Whitaker
Technical Director ........................................ Dustin Venicombe
Costume Design ..................................................... Noelle Souza
Production Assistant ......................................... Clara den Dulk
Costume Assistant ............................................. Laura Martinez
Puppetry Design ............................................... Vance Whitaker
Crew Chief ….......................................................... Thomas Garcia
Head Electrician .................................................... Iris Rodriguez
Head Audio ................................................... Veronica Caballero
Deck Audio ................................................................ Josh Reeder
Director of Produced Theatre &
Special Programming ................................................. Ryan Foy
Special Programming & Events Manager ............................................ Jewel Whitaker
Technical Manager of Produced Theatre ………….................…… Dustin Venicombe
Director of Production & Technical Operations ………....………………… Jeremiah Lewis
Assistant Director of Production & Technical Operations …………....................… Thomas Garcia
Chief Executive Officer ………...................………. Chad Hilligus
Ann Endsley
Opera Modesto
Marilyn Days Photography
SaveMart Cares Foundation
Cal State Stanislaus Theatre Department
Into the Woods is a piece of theatre I have found renewed relevance within time and time again throughout the changing seasons of my life. As a child, I discovered the original production recording shortly after the passing of my mother. The song “No One Is Alone” resonated with me profoundly and became an anthem as I walked the path of grief. Later, in my teen and early adult years I began to resonate with the stories of Jack and the Princes, seeking new adventure and romance. Now, as my wife and I welcome our second child into our young family of four, the story of the Baker and his journey into fatherhood resonate most profoundly.
A show about struggle, personal choice, and finding yourself, Into the Woods masterfully weaves familiar fairy tales together, each with its own lesson to learn, and the intersecting chaos of it all closely mirrors and celebrates the human experience. What choices can one make? What consequences will be brought about? Can we lose our true north in pursuit of what we think we want most? In today’s socio-political climate, we are overwhelmed by a culture that encourages punishing those for their mistakes, punishing those in need, and turning our backs on those who need help. Into the Woods instead teaches us to love, to care, and to trust, especially when the path forward is unclear.

















Justin Alvaji (Cinderella’s Prince) is honored to appear in Into the Woods. A lifelong performer, he has been involved in theater from an early age and continued acting through high school and beyond, building a deep appreciation for storytelling, musicality, and the community that theater creates. At 18, Justin worked behind the scenes as a stagehand at the Gallo Center — an experience that introduced him to the technical side of production and gave him a lasting connection to this theater. Returning now as a performer makes this production a meaningful full-circle moment. Born and raised in Turlock, Justin spent several years living in Los Angeles before returning home to start a family. Now celebrating 18 years with his husband and enjoying life as a proud dad to a 5-year-old daughter, stepping back onto the stage after a long hiatus has been deeply fulfilling. Justin is grateful to share this show with such a talented cast and to reconnect with the art form that has always been a defining part of his life.
Evan Elisa Espinosa (Little Red Riding Hood) is very excited to journey into the woods with GCRC once again after their performance as Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Evan is currently majoring in Theater at Modesto Junior College. Love and thanks to their wonderful friends and family for the continued support!
Michael Esquibel (The Steward) is excited to be a part of Into the Woods. His last Gallo Center Repertory Company production was Twisted Tales of Edgar Allen Poe in The Black Cat as the husband. Other GCRC roles include the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Gilmer, in To Kill a Mockingbird, the mailman, Charlie Martin, in On Golden Pond and the Sheriff and other supporting roles in Holes. Several years ago he was also seen at Playhouse Merced as Dr. Madden in Next to Normal and as Rod in Avenue Q. Michael would like to thank his amazing wife and his three wonderful children for their ongoing support.
Chelsea Foy (The Baker’s Wife) is delighted to be back for another GCRC show after last season’s Spelling Bee! A Modesto native, she previously starred in local productions of Cabaret, Oliver!, Gypsy, Beauty and the Beast, and earned a SARTA Elly Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Annie in 42nd Street. After moving to NYC
in 2007, Chelsea performed in numerous national tours and regional productions. Favorite roles include Mo in Cowgirls (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Mickey in Cowgirls (Florida Studio Theatre), Alicia in Go, Diego, Go! (Nickelodeon), Pennywise in Urinetown (Fraggled Productions), and Dora in Dora the Explorer Live at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. Now back in CA with the best role of all (mom to Henry and Maggie), Chelsea couldn’t be prouder to share the stage with husband Ryan.
Ryan Foy (The Baker) is the Director of Produced Theatre and Special Programming for the Gallo Center for the Arts, and in that role serves as artistic leadership for the Gallo Center Repertory Company. Originally from Denver, CO, Ryan graduated from the University of Michigan Musical Theatre program and studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney, Australia. His early theatrical career was spent in New York City, appearing onstage in numerous national/ international tours and regional productions across America, Australia, and Asia, including performances at Radio City Music Hall and the New York International Fringe Festival. Favorite past roles include Bobby Strong in Urinetown, Cliff in Cabaret, and Harry Bailey in A Wonderful Life. For GCRC, Ryan has directed Winter Wonderettes, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and looks forward to directing The Da Vinci Code this spring. As a passionate local community member, Ryan is also a founder of the Modesto Children’s Museum, and serves on the Stanislaus Art Council board.
Luke Gonzales (Rapunzel’s Prince) graduated from Stan State with his degree in Theatre Arts with a focus in acting. An avid nerd from an early age, Luke fell in love with comics and video games then later found theatre as a medium to continue his love of interactive story telling. Some of his previous stage credits include George in Of Mice and Men, Robert Lambert in Boeing Boeing, and Richard Dreyfuss in The Shark is Broken. He thanks you for being a patron of the arts and hopes you enjoy the show!
Ambrosia Johnston (Cinderella’s Step Mother) is delighted to make her Gallo Repertory debut in Into the Woods. She most recently appeared as Belle in Beauty and the Beast with Modesto Performing Arts. Other favorite credits include Rizzo in Grease, Paulette Bonafonté in Legally Blonde, Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray, and Julia Sullivan in The Wedding Singer. Offstage, Ambrosia serves as an Instructional Coach for Modesto City Schools and holds a doctorate in Educational
Leadership. This show is especially meaningful to her, as her own journey to grow her family has been challenging. She is thrilled to share that she is now carrying a very special hidden cast member.
Colleen Hawks-Pierce (The Witch) has performed in the Broadway companies of Shrek: The Musical (Fairy Godmother, Lady in Waiting, Duloc Doll, Dragonette, Tapping Rat and Voice of the Bluebird – available on Netflix and Amazon Prime), The Boy from Oz (Trio, back-up singer to Hugh Jackman), and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Other NYC credits include APAC’s Blood Brothers (Mrs. Johnstone), MTC’s The Wild Party (the original Andrew Lippa Premiere) and Paper Mill’s Anything Goes starring Chita Rivera, among others. Colleen has performed numerous roles regionally and on tour. Favorites include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Polly in Crazy for You and the title role in Sugar. Film and TV Credits include The Narrows, Law and Order: C.I., and As the World Turns Colleen has taught private voice lessons for many years. She has also taught voice, dance, acting, and musical theatre residencies in the New York and New Jersey area through such institutions as Disney Musicals in Schools and Pierre Dulane’s Dancing Classrooms. Colleen is thrilled to be joining Gallo Center Repertory Company in one of her favorite musicals and especially to be acting with her husband again, Jeff Pierce. Shout out to her OHS cast of Mean Girls. www.ColleenHawks. com
Alyssa McCabe (Rapunzel) is excited to go into the woods again. She recently performed in Playhouse Merced’s Into the Woods as Cinderella. Other past performances include Playhouse Merced as Catherine in Pippin, Zazzalil in Firebringer, Barbara/Mackey in Sondheim on Sondheim, Daisy in Merced College’s Great Gatsby, the Queen of Hearts in Homecoming Troupe’s Alice by Heart, and Helena in Yosemite Shakes Midsummer Night’s Dream. Alyssa is currently majoring in theater and hopes to perform professionally one day. She is so grateful to work with this amazingly talented cast and wonderful crew. She wants to thank her parents, Bob and Michele; brothers, Matt and Michael; friends, and boyfriend Victor for their constant support in pursuing her dreams. Thank you for supporting and journeying into the woods with us!
Zefyra Mazuelos (Lucinda) is thrilled to be performing with GCRC for the first time since 2020! She has a huge passion for theatre which she is currently studying at MJC. Some of her
favorite past roles include Brooke Ashton in Noises Off (MJC), Paulette Bonafonté in Legally Blonde the Musical (THS), and Sandy Cheeks in The SpongeBob Musical (THS). She hopes you have as much fun in the audience as she has on stage!
Lauren Moraca (Jack’s Mother) is so excited to make her GCRC debut as Jack’s Mother and her return to the stage after a 15 year hiatus! Previous roles include Rosie from Bye Bye Birdie with Riverbank Community Theater and Yum-Yum from The Mikado with CSU Stanislaus. She is currently the drama teacher at Whitmore Charter in Ceres, and recently wrapped up directing Spongebob the Musical: Youth Edition in November, and will be directing Shrek Kids in March. In her free time, Lauren enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, researching future shows to direct, reading, painting with watercolors, and enjoys anything Disney. She would like to thank Daniel, Onora, Roberta, Molly, Max, Taylor, Kendra, her mom and dad, and everyone else who encouraged her to audition for this role. Love you all!
Ally Munson (Cinderella) is an actor and singer from Modesto, CA. Some recent roles include Catherine in Proof (Prospect Theater Project), Amy in The Body Play (Town Hall Theater), and Joan of Arc in Mother of the Maid (Prospect Theater Project). She received a BFA in Acting from California Institute of the Arts and has studied music technology and vocal performance at MJC and NYU. Ally is honored to teach music and voice to first through eighth graders as part of the Gallo Center Youth Academy during the school year, and recently served as assistant choreographer for YES Company’s Mamma Mia! She is currently the Operations Manager at Prospect Theater Project, where she also produces the annual One-Act Play Festival. Ally was very fortunate to have participated in various productions on the Gallo stage throughout her youth and young adulthood, and is overjoyed to be a part of GCRC’s Into the Woods.
Zuhey Perez (Florinda) while not new to theater, is honored to be joining her first official production with GCRC. The stage has always been a creative outlet for Zuhey and outside of GCRC, she does her best to remain deeply involved in all aspects of Modesto’s growing theater community. Zuhey currently works as a production and teaching assistant with Gallo Center Youth Academy, where she continues to support young performers in developing their skills and love for the arts. Zuhey herself is a proud YES Company Alumni, having appeared in roles such as Miss Hannigan in Annie and
Grandma in The Addams Family. Zuhey is a current student at MJC majoring in Studio Arts and is beyond excited for the opportunity to be on the stage once more in this season’s beautiful production of Into the Woods.
Jeff Pierce (Narrator) debuted with GCRC as Inspector Hubbard in Dial M for Murder. He is thrilled to be in Sondheim and Lapine’s masterpiece with his lovely wife, Colleen HawksPierce. Jeff traveled the country in the Broadway First National Tour of MISS SAIGON, understudying and performing many times as Chris. A theatre veteran, he has enjoyed playing Edward in Big Fish the Musical, Marvin in Falsettos, Sky in Guys and Dolls, and Curly in Oklahoma! Off-Broadway, he was nominated for a Best Featured Actor in a Play at MITF for his portrayal of Bill Clinton in Hillary and Monica: the Winter of Her Discontent. Other New York City credits include the title role in the MAC nominated Bring Back Birdie at the Duplex and Felix in the classic comedy favorite, My Three Angels. Jeff received great critical acclaim in NYC for his one man show Southern Man based on the true story of a WWII POW. Other personal favorites include Reverend David Marshall Lee in The Foreigner and Miles Gloriosus in Forum. Jeff also received critical acclaim for his performance as Blane in the World Premiere of Trolls at the Coast Playhouse in West Hollywood. He can be heard on the original cast recording. Jeff has mentored, coached and directed numerous youth productions for Pied Piper Theatre of NYC. www.JeffPierce.net
Laurence Turner-Cordova (Jack) is thrilled to be returning to the Gallo Center stage in his first show with GCRC! A Central Valley native, he last performed here in YES Company’s 2011 and 2013 productions of Hairspray and Ragtime. Since then he has gone on to study musical theatre at UC Irvine, and now works as an educator and arts advocate for Manteca Unified School District and the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. He was last seen on stage in Stockton Civic Theatre’s production of Ragtime, and as the assistant director/ choreographer for Manteca High School’s productions of Mamma Mia! and Fiddler on the Roof. He’d like to thank his family and his partner, Hector, for their endless love and support.
Vance Whitaker (Milky White) is an actor, makeup artist, wig master, and special effects fabricator who has worked in the Modesto area for 40 years. When not doing makeup, his second love is creating practical and fantasy effects for the stage. Whether it’s the Horse and Donkey heads for MPA’s
production of Man of La Mancha, the Giants’ heads for Opera Modesto’s production of Sherlock Homles and the Case of the Fallen Giant, the armor for Joan of Arc in Prospect Theatre Projects production of Mother of the Maid, or even the “special” scissors for GCRC’s Dial M for Murder, he loves doing his part to make theatre a more magical experience.
Melinda Yerzy (Granny/Giant) is an actor, musician, and private music teacher, born and raised in Oakdale, CA. With a degree in music education, she started her acting career through audiobook narration and now voices everything from novels to children’s audio dramas (including a space pirate captain with a robot eye). She made her theatre debut at Prospect Theater Project in 2024 and was the Loudspeaker’s voice in GCRC’s 1984. She has trained in acting, improv, animation, and commercial voiceover and recently completed a mentorship with Penguin Random House Audio. Offstage, Melinda enjoys gardening, books, coffee, and time with her family.







Patrick Norris (Director) is a Theatre Director and Educator at John H Pitman High School in Turlock, CA. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Patrick studied Directing at Southern Oregon University and is thrilled to be directing at GCRC for the third time. Previous works include Twelve Angry Jurors, A Christmas Story (Director, GCRC) Hadestown: Teen Edition, Little Women, Chicago, Peter and the Starcatcher, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors (Director, John H Pitman). Patrick dedicates this production of Into the Woods to his late mother Teresa, his newborn son Benjamin, and his daughter Margot. Patrick also gives a special “thank you” to his wife Marilyn for her enormous support and partnership on their own winding path through the Woods of life.
Lisette Sims (Music Director) is excited to return to GCRC as Music Director, having previously collaborated with Jim Johnson on the 2021 production of All Is Calm. She brings to the role extensive experience, with credits that include work with Opera Modesto (The Merry Widow, Dead Man Walking, Sweeney Todd), Yes Company (Mulan Jr., A Year with Frog and Toad), and Turlock Youth Performing Arts (Seussical the Musical, Guys and Dolls, Bring It On: The Musical). In addition to her theatre and music directing work, Lisette is deeply committed to arts education. Having previously served as choir and theatre arts instructor at Central Valley High School, she currently works as vocal coach for both Pitman and Ceres High Schools, most recently working on their productions of Hadestown – Teen Edition (PHS) and Into the Woods (CHS), while pursuing a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Musical Theatre Education at CSU Stanislaus. She has contributed to several notable university productions at Stan State, including The Wolves (as Director), The Thanksgiving Play (Associate Director/Music Supervisor), and Ride the Cyclone (Assistant Director/Assistant Music Director). Sims is also an experienced voice teacher, having maintained a large private vocal studio for many years, as well as a veteran performer and songwriter/composer.
Jewel Whitaker (Stage Manager) has been Gallo Center Repertory Company’s Stage manager since 2021. Shows include All is Calm, To Kill a Mockingbird, 12 Angry Jurors, Boeing Boeing, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She stage managed YES Company’s productions of Oklahoma! and Mamma Mia! She recently directed Dial M for
Murder, and also stage managed and co-directed (along with Jim Johnson and Wes Page) Twisted Tales of Edgar Allan Poe. An active part of Modesto’s performing arts community, Jewel has performed with Prospect Theater Projects’ Radio Cavalcade since its inception, with Center Stage Conservatory in 2019, and with Opera Modesto in their 2022 World Concert. Jewel is also the Special Programming and Events Manager for the Gallo Center for the Arts, overseeing all Rentals and Resident Companies and their partnerships with the center. Dustin Venicombe (Technical Director) has been the lighting designer for GCRC since its conception; working on almost every show presented at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Known as a creative problem solver and cool dude, Dustin has been working in technical theater since the age of twelve with YES Company (1996-2002). As an active part of the local performing arts community, he has had the pleasure of working with Central West Ballet, Opera Modesto, Sankofa Theatre Company, Modesto Performing Arts, and Prospect Theater Project, as well as several Modesto area high school drama programs. Dustin brings his dedication and attention to detail to this new chapter of life and is excited to learn and hone his skills as the Technical Manager for GCRC.
Noelle Souza (Costume Designer) is delighted to be back working with her friends at GCRC! For the stage, she has recently designed Dial M for Murder, Spelling Bee, Boeing Boeing, 1984, Born Yesterday, 12 Angry Jurors, Winter Wonderettes, and Murder on the Orient Express for GCRC, Rough Crossing and Mother of the Maid for Prospect Theatre Project, and Oklahoma!, The Addams Family, Annie, YES Co’s 30th Anniversary Concert Spectacular, and Singin’ in the Rain for YES Company. For television, she has worked as the Costume Designer, Props Master, and Scenic Designer for over 40 national commercials for the brand, Grocery Outlet. Ms. Souza holds a degree from the University of San Diego and is passionate about sharing “costume magic” and storytelling through clothing. You can find more information about her work on her website: www.noellesouza.com.
Stephen Sondheim (Music & Lyrics) wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1962), Anyone Can Whistle (1964), Company (1970), Follies (1971), A Little Night Music (1973), The Frogs (1974), Pacific Overtures (1976), Sweeney Todd (1979), Merrily We Roll Along (1981), Sunday In The Park With George (1984), Into The Woods (1987), Assassins (1991), Passion
(1994), Road Show (2008) and HERE WE ARE (2023), as well as the lyrics for West Side Story (1957), Gypsy (1959), Do I Hear A Waltz? (1965) and additional lyrics for Candide (1973). Side By Side By Sondheim (1976), Marry Me A Little (1981), You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow (1983), Putting It Together (1993/99), Moving On (2001), Sondheim On Sondheim (2010) and Old Friends (2023) are anthologies of his work as composer and lyricist. For films, he composed the scores of “Stavisky” (1974), co-composed the score for “Reds” (1981), and wrote songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990). He wrote songs for the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966), coauthored the film “The Last of Sheila” (1973) and the play Getting Away With Murder (1996) and provided incidental music for the plays The Girls of Summer (1956), Invitation To A March (1961), Twigs (1971) and The Enclave (1973).
He won the Tony Award for Best Score for Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and Passion, all of which won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, as did Pacific Overtures and Sunday In The Park With George, the latter also receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1985).
Stephen Sondheim was born and raised in New York City. He graduated from Williams College, winning the Hutchinson Prize for Music Composition, after which he studied theory and composition with Milton Babbitt. He served on the Council of the Dramatists Guild, the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, and served as its president from 1973 to 1981. In 1983 he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters and in 1990 was appointed the first Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford University. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 1993, the National Medal of Arts in 1996, the MacDowell Medal in 2013 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: “Finishing the Hat” (2010) and “Look, I Made a Hat” (2011).
In 2010 the Broadway theater formerly known as Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed in his honor, and in 2019 he became the first living artist to have a theatre named in his honor on Shaftesbury Avenue when the refurbished Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End was renamed the Sondheim Theatre to commemorate his 90th birthday, by Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
James Lapine (Book/Original Broadway Director) is a playwright and director. On Broadway he has worked with Stephen Sondheim on Sunday in the Park with George; Into the Woods; and Passion. He also conceived and directed the musical revue Sondheim on Sondheim. With William Finn he created Falsettos recently revived by Lincoln Center Theater; Little Miss Sunshine; Muscle; and directed Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other Broadway credits include his play based on Moss Hart’s memoir Act One (also LCT), Amour, The Diary of Anne Frank, Golden Child, and Dirty Blonde. He has written the plays Table Settings, Twelve Dreams, The Moment When, Fran’s Bed and Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing Lapine has been nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning on three occasions. He has also been the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, SDC’s Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater, and inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

Friday, February 13, 2026 7:00pm
Saturday, February 14, 2026 2:00pm
Sunday, February 15, 2026 2:00pm



Friday, March 13, 2026 7:00pm
Saturday, March 14, 2026 2:00pm
Sunday, March 15, 2026 2:00pm
Friday, March 20, 2026 7:00pm
Saturday, March 21, 2026 2:00pm
Sunday, March 22, 2026 2:00pm




Saturday, May 2, 2026 2:00pm
Sunday, May 3, 2026 2:00pm
Thursday, May 7, 2026 7:00pm
Friday, May 8, 2026 7:00pm
Saturday, May 9, 2026 2:00pm
Sunday, May 10, 2026 2:00pm

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Each season the Gallo Center partners with some of the region’s most prestigious companies, businesses that recognize the remarkable marketing value of associating with the Center.
Below are some of the ways* we connect corporate sponsors to Gallo Center patrons. Imagine how these might impact your marketing goals.
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• Six lobby monitors with rotating slides
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• Promotional table/displays
• Verbal pre-show recognition from the stage
• Logo/ID light projection inside theater
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for the a r t s
Ginger Johnson, Chair of the Board
Marie D. Gallo, President Emerita† June Rogers, Director Emerita
Christina Gomez, Immediate Past Chair
Mel Bradley, Chair Elect
Sarah Grover
Juan Sánchez Muñoz, Ph.D. Jeff
Todd Aaronson
Angelica Anguiano
Rebeca Baeza
Victor Barraza
John C. Bellizzi
Jennifer Coehlo
Stacey Filippi
Robert Fores
Lou Friedman
Julian Gallo
Diane
Stephanie
Ann M. Veneman
Geoff Wong
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mani Grewal Emma Grover
Irene Angelo†
Lilly Banisadre
Carl Boyett†
Joan Cardoza
Sheila Carroll
Suzanne Casazza
Paul Draper
Ron Emerzian
Ann Endsley
Kenni Friedman
Jaime Jimenez
Brian Kline
Kevin Luttenegger
Johann Ramirez
Catherine Rhee
Rosalee Rush
Robert Soria
John Schneider
Kate Trompetter
Philip Trompetter, Ph.D. Aaron Valencia
Colleen F. Van Egmond
Julie Vander Wall
Sue Zwahlen
FOUNDING TRUSTEES
Kate
Barry Highiet†
Jeanne
M.D.
Tony Mistlin†
M.D.
Schrimp
Fred A. Silva
Ray Simon
Delmar R. Tonge, M.D.†
Tom Van Groningen, Ph.D.
Doug Vilas
Carol Whiteside†
Jeremiah Williams
Alice Yip
Memoriam