Scan to access digital program
Deep expertise Personally applied.
That's the power of personal.
When insight into who you are and all you envision comes together with care and financial expertise, advice becomes more than a plan – it becomes a path forward shaped by what matters most.
Along the edge of the Pacific, Terranea offers space to unwind, reconnect, and experience the coast at its most effortless. Days unfold between oceanfront dining, spa rituals, coastal adventures, and quiet moments by the water—giving you more time to linger. All shaped by a setting that feels open, unhurried, and distinctly Southern California.
TERRANEA COM |
contents
P1 Program
Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes and donors
6 In the Wings
Celebrating Gustavo Dudamel at the Hollywood Bowl; BalletNOW: Superstars of Paris at the Music Center.
10 Tuners and Technicians
Meet some of the wizards who keep musical instruments such as the piano, oboe and violin in tune and in shape—just in time for a new movie called “Tuner.”
18 Deco Devotees
Design: The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles celebrates a style that transcends architecture and is embedded in the city’s DNA.
24 Ancient Origins
Dining: Celebrity chef Michael Mina takes diners on a Mediterranean journey from Athens to Alexandria, complete with coastal views.
A culinary
for your theatre outing encore
A
PERFECT
DINING EXPERIENCE TO PAIR WITH YOUR PERFORMANCE
Indulge in a seasonal three-course prix fixe menu at Noé Restaurant & Bar, just a short walk from the theatre. Enjoy a stress-free meal with valet parking for $25 and receive 15% off your bill at Noé when you present your theatre program. Scan the QR code & reserve your table now for an unforgettable evening.
PUBLISHER
Jeff Levy
EDITOR
Benjamin Epstein
ART DIRECTOR
Carol Wakano
CONTIBUTING WRITERS
Roger Grody, Libby Slate
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Glenda Mendez
PRODUCTION ARTIST
Diana Gonzalez
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Walter Lewis
ACCOUNT DIRECTORS
Kerry Baggett, Jean Greene, Liz Moore
CIRCULATION MANAGER
Christine Noriega-Roessler
BUSINESS MANAGER
Leanne Killian Riggar
MARKETING/ PRODUCTION MANAGER
Dawn Kiko Cheng
DIGITAL MANAGER
Lorenzo Dela Rama
Contact Us
ADVERTISING
Walter.Lewis@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
WEBSITE Lorenzo.DelaRama@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
CIRCULATION Christine.Roessler@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com
HONORARY PRESIDENT Ted Levy
For information about advertising and rates contact California Media Group 3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90034 Phone: 310.280.2880 Fax: 310.280.2890
Visit Performances Magazine online at socalpulse.com
Performances Magazine is published by California Media Group to serve performing arts venues throughout the West. © 2026 California Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
CELEBRATING GUSTAVO
GUSTAVO DUDAMEL RETURNS to the Hollywood Bowl for his 17th and final season as music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the venue’s resident orchestra. Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl is a four-concert tribute to Dudamel’s tenure before he assumes that role at the New York Philharmonic. Aug. 20, he leads the L.A. Phil, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) and renowned soloists in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony; the evening begins with a world premiere by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino that features a children’s choir and lyrics by youngest-ever presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman. Aug. 21 brings “Dudamel’s Playlist,” a curated evening with surprise guests, and Aug. 22 the Foo Fighters and the L.A. Phil. “A Musical Legacy,” Aug. 23, is a genre-spanning concert with the L.A. Phil and YOLA covering classical, pop and Latin music. 2301 N. Highland Ave., L.A., 323.850.2000, hollywoodbowl.com
MUSIC
The Hollywood Bowl. Opposite: Gustavo Dudamel, outgoing Los Angeles Philharmonic music and artistic director.
Superstars of Paris Opera Ballet
DANCE
RENOWNED FOR his technique, artistry and stage presence, Paris Opera Ballet danseur étoile Hugo Marchand brings an extraordinary lineup of the company’s principals and soloists to Walt Disney Concert Hall. BalletNOW: Superstars of Paris, presented by the Music Center, takes place July 31-Aug. 2.
Marchand reimagines the ballet experience through performances that showcase the elegance and intimate artistry of Paris’ top dancers. Diverse repertory includes Delibes Suite by Jose Martinez; The Dying Swan by Michel Fokine; Carmen Pas de Deux by Roland Petit, Pas de Deux from Angelin Preljocaj’s Le Parc, and Le RendezVous Pas de Deux by Roland Petit;
Sonatine by George Balanchine, Trois Gnossiennes by Hans van Manen, and L’Esprit du bleu from Signes by Carolyn Carlson. Onstage are company principals Marchand, Germain Louvet, Dorothee Gilbert, Marc Moreau, Hannah O’Neill and Léonore Baulac, and soloists Antonio Conforti and Latizia Galloni. 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711, musiccenter.org
Hugo Marchand
Hannah O’Neill
Letizia Galloni
Dorothee Gilbert
Germain Louvet
Masterpieces won’t ust han on walls—they’ll come alive in breathtaking living pictures at the ageant o the asters. et beneath the summer stars in aguna Beach, this year’s The Greatest of All Time production re-creates iconic works by ermeer, onet, van ogh, icasso, ahlo, and more through a mesmerizing blend o art, music, and theatrical illusion. air a seaside escape with one o outhern ali ornia’s most extraordinary cultural experiences—and discover why this iconic summer tradition is truly a work o art itsel . Advance reservations are recommended
July 9 to September 4, 2026 800-487-3378 PageantTicket com Plus, discover your next original work o art, en oy live music, and connect with local artists as they share the stories ehind their work. nhance your visit with engaging art workshops, tours, and more — all set within the vi rant atmosphere o the Festival o rts. July 7 to September 3, 2026 WHERE ART HAPPENS
FestivalofArts.org
Tuners and Technicians
Meet some of the wizards who help keep musical instruments in tune and in shape. by LIBBY SLATE
A NEW FILM premiered in theaters in May, Tuner, following a festival run that included being featured in the Spotlight category at the Sundance Film Festival.
The first narrative film from co-writerdirector Daniel Roher—a 2023 Oscar winner for his documentary Navalny the movie is about a piano tuner whose hyper-acute hearing leads to his involvement as a safecracker for a criminal gang —he can hear the safes’ combination clicks.
Leo Woodall and Dustin Hoffman star
as title character Niki and his mentor, respectively, with Tovah Feldshuh as Hoffman’s wife and Havana Rose Liu as Niki’s love interest, a pianist and composition student.
Roher was inspired to make the film by a piano tuner he knew; the premise does indeed turn the spotlight on this sometimes overlooked profession—we’ll just leave the criminal element out of it.
“It’s not about hearing. It’s about feeling,” Hoffman’s character remarks at one point. For the real-life instrument
MICHAEL HIRABAYASHI
Oboe repair technician John Peterson and, top, his workshop.
technicians who provide their services to the many musicians of Los Angeles and beyond, caring and craft both come into literal play.
That’s certainly true for Moritaka “Mori” Kina, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s chief piano technician; Kina comes from a musical family and is himself a pianist.
“Often, technicians talk about a really long list of, ‘You’ve got to have this, and then that,’” he says. “But the most important thing is, you’ve got to love music. If you don’t, you can’t do this. Music teaches us so much, and guides our footsteps.”
When it comes to tuning, decent hearing and a sense of pitch are also important, though not perfect pitch; most of the process is pure mathematics. It involves expanding or contracting the interval between notes by loosening or tightening the piano strings.
“Some notes have a single string, or wire, some have two, and most have three,” Kina explains. “Each string is wrapped around the tuning pin, used to raise or lower the pitch.
“We need to humbly consider the pianist’s requests.... Our humility needs to be greater than our technical skill.”
—Moritaka Kina
“Tuning a guitar or violin is basically the same process, but we use a tool called a tuning hammer—the pins are very tight on the piano and can’t be done by hand. Most pianos have 88 keys, or notes, so there are more than 200 tuning pins that need adjustment. It’s time consuming.”
The other elements of Kina’s work are action regulation—the mechanical adjustment of piano parts to make the keys respond in a certain way to the player’s touch—and voicing, the tone or sound of the piano.
“When a pianist says, ‘Wow, this piano feels great,’ that’s mostly good action regulation,” Kina says. As for voicing, no two pianos sound the same, and whether the requested tone is bright, powerful, mellow or anything else is based on the requirements of the music and the artist’s preferences. The acoustics of the concert locale also affect the tone, but primarily, Kina says, “our main goal in the end is to make sure every artist feels satisfied. It’s so important to listen
MORITAKA KINA
Dustin Hoffman with Tuner co-writer -director Daniel Roher. Below: L.A. Philharmonic chief piano technician
Moritaka “Mori” Kina
carefully and humbly consider the pianist’s request and advice. Our humility needs to be greater than our technical skill.” Providing emotional support is also part of the job; he has become friendly with numerous artists.
Affecting all aspects of piano care are the temperature and humidity of the concert venue, particularly outdoors, where those elements can’t be controlled.
On concert day at the Hollywood Bowl, Kina tunes at the morning dress rehearsal, makes necessary adjustments during the day and is on hand at night; many artists invite him to sit in the house to listen and enjoy the fruits of his work. He credits the Bowl stage crew for their help in keeping the piano cool and out of the sun before the concert.
Outdoor conditions also affect the violin, says Samantha Galletly, a violin repair technician at Robert Cauer Violins in Los Angeles. Her clients range from young students to established musicians.
“Humidity is the No. 1 thing that damages instruments,” Galletly notes. “Any time it gets more humid, the wood swells. Any time
“Humidity is the No. 1 thing that damages instruments. Any time it gets humid, the wood swells. Any time it gets dry, the wood shrinks.”
—Samantha Galletly
it gets dry, the wood shrinks. Hopefully, if there’s going to be an issue, the seam— where the top or back meets the ribs—will open, rather than the violin cracking. That’s a pretty simple fix.”
Other issues: wooden tuning pegs that shrink or swell, fingerboard movement, and a change in string tone and response, all of which can render the instrument out of tune. String height can increase, resulting in difficult play. On the bow, the hair can stretch if the bow isn’t loosened enough.
Galletly’s specialty is varnish; she mixes her own using ingredients such as shellac and sandarac, the latter a resin from a tree in northwest Africa.
Once a crack is repaired with glue, she’ll mix colors to match those on the violin and blend in the varnish with a paint brush, then clean and polish the instrument. Having lots of patience is a must, she notes, as it takes time for the glue and varnish to dry.
The repair processes are often the same for larger stringed instruments, though, ironically for Galletly—since she earned a master’s in bass performance—she doesn’t service basses.
When it comes
Violin repair technician Samantha Galletly
THE BROADWAY SERIES AT LA MIRADA THEATRE
Produced for the CITY OF LA MIRADA by McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT
LA MIRADA THEATRE presents
Book by Music by Lyrics by
McNALLY
STEPHEN FLAHERTY LYNN AHRENS
Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton
Starring LENA CEJA DILLON KLENA
RICHARD BERMUDEZ PEYTON CRIM SUZANNA GUZMÁN SARAH WOLTER
SOFIA ANICETO ANNABELLE BERGOLD TUCKER BOYES ELAYNE COWDEN WES DAMERON LAUREN DECIERDO MICHAEL DENI CHRISTOPHER HO ANTON HARRISON LaMON MICHAEL LAVERDE SHANON MARI MILLS SABRINA MARIELLE TAYLER METTRA NATALIE PALMGREN KYLE VAUGHN TONI ELIZABETH WHITE RASHA WILLES SAMAHA Original
ANDREW HAMMER RICKY LAURIE JENNIFER EDWARDS JOSH BESSOM KAITLIN YAGEN AARON RHYNE
Additional Prop Design Associate Director Associate Sound Design
Conductor Casting Technical Director KEVIN WILLIAMS MARIA TURNAGE ILANA ELROI JENNIFER LIN JULIA FLORES KEVIN CLOWES
General Manager Company Manager Production Management
Assistant Stage Managers Publicity BUCK MASON DAVID NESTOR SHANON MILLS HABELOW JULIAN OLIVE LISA PALMIRE DAVID ELZER TIM WOODS AUDREY COLINDRES DEMAND PR
Music Direction by RYAN O’CONNELL
Directed and Choreographed by PARKER ESSE
ANASTASIA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
OPENING NIGHT JUNE 5, 2026
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS www.LaMiradaTheatre.com
THE COMPANY
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Little Anastasia/Alexei Romanov ....................... ANNABELLE BERGOLD, ELAYNE COWDEN
The Dowager Empress ............................................................................. SUZANNA GUZMÁN*
Tsarina Alexandra ....................................................................................... LAUREN DECIERDO*
Tsar Nicholas II MICHAEL DENI*
Young Anastasia ................................................................................................. SOFIA ANICETO
Maria Romanov .................................................................................. RASHA WILLES SAMAHA*
Olga Romanov TONI ELIZABETH WHITE*
Tatiana Romanov ........................................................................................ NATALIE PALMGREN
Countess Lily ..................................................................................................... SARAH WOLTER*
Gleb Vaganov RICHARD BERMUDEZ*
Dmitry Dunya ...................................................................................................... DILLON KLENA*
Vladimir “Vlad” Popov .......................................................................................... PEYTON CRIM*
Anya/Grand Dutchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov ....................................... LENA CEJA*
Paulina RASHA WILLES SAMAHA*
Marfa .................................................................................................................. TAYLER METTRA*
Dunya ........................................................................................................... NATALIE PALMGREN
Count Ipolitov MICHAEL DENI*
Gorlinsky ............................................................................................................... KYLE VAUGHN*
Count Leopold ................................................................................................... TUCKER BOYES*
Sergei the Doorman CHRISTOPHER HO*
Count Gregory .................................................................................................... MICHAEL DENI*
Countess Gregory ................................................................................... SHANON MARI MILLS*
Odette in Swan Lake ......................................................................... RASHA WILLES SAMAHA*
Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake ANTON HARRISON LaMON*
Von Rothbart in Swan Lake ................................................................................. KYLE VAUGHN*
ENSEMBLE
SOFIA ANICETO, TUCKER BOYES*, WES DAMERON*, LAUREN DECIERDO*, MICHAEL DENI*, SUZANNA GUZMÁN*, CHRISTOPHER HO*, ANTON HARRISON LaMON*, TAYLER METTRA*, SHANON MARI MILLS*, NATALIE PALMGREN, KYLE VAUGHN*, TONI ELIZABETH WHITE*, RASHA WILLES SAMAHA*, SARAH WOLTER*
UNDERSTUDIES & SWINGS
Understudies and Swings never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance.
Understudies: For Anya – TAYLER METTRA*, for Dmitry – CHRISTOPHER HO*, for Vlad – TUCKER BOYES*, for Gleb – MICHAEL DENI*, for Countess Lily/Dowager Empress – LAUREN DECIERDO*, for Odette in Swan Lake – NATALIE PALMGREN, for Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake – CHRISTOPHER HO* Swings: MICHAEL LAVERDE, SABRINA MARIELLE
Production Stage Manager ................................................................................. JULIAN OLIVE*
Assistant Stage Managers LISA PALMIRE*, AUDREY COLINDRES*
Dance Captain ..................................................................................................... KYLE VAUGHN*
There will be one 15-minute intermission. *Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law.
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT ONE
Setting: St. Petersburg, 1907, 1917 & 1927
Prologue: “Once Upon a December” .................. Dowager Empress and Little Anastasia
“The Last Dance of the Romanovs” ....................................................................... Ensemble
“A Rumor in St. Petersburg” ............................................................. Dmitry, Vlad, Ensemble
“In My Dreams” Anya
“The Rumors Never End” Gleb and Ensemble
“Learn to Do It” Vlad, Anya, Dmitry
“The Neva Flows” .............................................................................................Gleb and Anya
“The Neva Flows” (Reprise) .............................................................................................. Men
“My Petersburg” ........................................................................................... Dmitry and Anya
“Once Upon a December ” .................................................................... Anya and Ensemble
“A Secret She Kept” Anya
“Stay, I Pray You” Count Ipolitov, Anya, Dmitry, Vlad, Ensemble
“We’ll Go From There” Vlad, Anya, Dmitry, Ensemble
“Traveling Sequence” ...................................................
Gleb, Gorlinsky, Anya, Dmitry, Vlad
“Still” ................................................................................................................................... Gleb
“Journey to the Past” ........................................................................................................ Anya
ACT TWO
Setting: Paris, 1927
“Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart)” ..................................
Vlad, Dmitry, Anya, Ensemble
“Close the Door ” ....................................................................................... Dowager Empress
“Land of Yesterday” ................................................................. Countess Lily and Ensemble
“The Countess and the Common Man” .......................................... Vlad and Countess Lily
“Land of Yesterday” (Reprise) Gleb
“A Nightmare” Romanov Children, Tsar, Tsarina
“In a Crowd of Thousands” Dmitry and Anya
“Meant to Be” ..................................................................................................................... Vlad
“Quartet at the Ballet” .........................Anya, Dmitry, Dowager Empress, Gleb, Ensemble
“Everything to Win” ....................................................................................................... Dmitry
“Once Upon a December ” (Reprise) ..................................... Anya and Dowager Empress
“The Press Conference” Countess Lily, Vlad, Ensemble
“Everything to Win” (Reprise) Anya
“Still” / “The Neva Flows” (Reprise)
Gleb, Anya, Ensemble
Finale ................................................................................................. Anya, Dmitry, Company
ORCHESTRA
Music Director/Conductor - RYAN O’CONNELL
Associate Conductor - JENNIFER LIN
Keyboard 1 - ANTHONY ZEDIKER; Keyboard 2 - JENNIFER LIN; Reed 1 (Flute/Piccolo/Clarinet/Alto Sax) - BRETT MCDONALD; Reed 2 (Clarinet/Tenor Sax) - WILL VARGAS; French Horn - THEA HUMPHRIES; Trumpet/Flugelhorn - DAVID PITTEL; Trombone - DANNY LAWLOR; Acoustic Bass - CHELSEA GWIZDALA; Percussion - BEN MORROW; Orchestra Contractor - ERIC HEINLY
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE
JOURNEY TO MY PAST … at La Mirada Theatre
While you would normally find my observations about the current show on this playbill page (as I’ve done since instituting this “Artistic Director Notes” section five years ago), I hope you’ll indulge me in a brief look back, as I am ending my 10-year run at La Mirada Theatre with ANASTASIA. It has been an eventful decade, with some particular highlights:
• Installing the new seats you’re sitting in, as well as the new state-of-the-art sound system.
• Fully renovating the theatre’s lobbies, rehearsal hall, and backstage areas.
• Conceiving and creating the Courtyard Café. I spent many a night walking about that empty space, figuring out how it could become a much-needed amenity: a place to eat and drink before and after the show. I take great joy now, standing anonymously on the stairs, watching people’s eyes light up as they discover it for the first time. May it continue…
• Increasing the number of one-night shows (bands, holiday shows, comedians, etc.) We used to present eight per season. For the last decade, we’ve done 30 per season. The breadth of entertainment has drawn new people to our venue.
• Setting new records for the Broadway Series — attendance and subscriptions. 10 years ago, we had 58,000 patrons per season. Now? Over 121,000. And still, there’s room (and need) for more. Tell your friends!
• Having the idea of casting Jason Alexander in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF — our biggest all-time hit. When I then suggested that we do SWEENEY TODD this season, who knew it would become the theatre’s second-biggest all-time hit? Thanks to Jason, again.
• Creating the La Mirada Theatre Historians group to document and celebrate this venue’s rich history. Love the stars and shows here? We’d love to have you — just ask an usher! Our 50th anniversary is next season!
• Restoring and highlighting the magnificent art collection on our walls. One of the largest municipal art collections in the state!
• My final contribution is still to come: the swanky upper lounge jazz and cabaret club. I conceived it and laid it out five years ago, and it’s under construction now. I won’t be here when it opens — but you will. Go. Enjoy the singers, musicians, and stand-up comics. Have a drink. I’m toasting you in advance.
None of the above would have happened without the encouragement, belief, and support of the City Council. As I always say, this Theatre owes everything to them, so if you see them, thank them. And, of course, the excellent City Manager and City staff, as well as the Theatre’s vendors who contribute so mightily to our success: McCoy Rigby Entertainment (co-producers), Sunseris (concessions), Demand PR (press rep), Medrano Designs (graphics), and Table 7 Strategy (marketing).
But, most of all, it’s the Theatre’s staff and volunteers to whom I owe the greatest debt. They’ve put up with my endless ideas for improvements (all of which meant more work for them), then contributed to making them better and succeeding brilliantly on every front — backstage, onstage, in the lobbies, administrative offices, public spaces, box office, auditorium, etc. The building is in fine shape — and the La Mirada Theatre experience is thriving — because they ARE La Mirada Theatre. I give them a rousing, heart-felt standing ovation. Join me.
Finally, thank you — our patrons — for your enthusiasm, excitement, and support for what happens here. And there’s more to come. You’ll see. La Mirada Theatre’s best days are ahead of it. For now, I’m grateful to have been part of its story — and I appreciate you allowing me to take this journey to my past.
BT McNicholl Theatre Director
WHO’S WHO
SOFIA ANICETO (Young Anastasia, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her La Mirada debut in her all-time favorite show. She is currently a student at Pace University studying Musical Theater and Commercial Dance. Recent highlights include working with Deaf West and NAAP, founded by Baayork Lee. Past training includes the Colburn School in Los Angeles, where she performed various Balanchine and Jerome Robbins repertoire. She thanks Tim Nelson, her sister Olivia, and her parents for their endless support and guidance. Instagram: @sofaniceto
ANNABELLE BERGOLD (Little Anastasia/ Alexei Romanov) is thrilled to be returning to La Mirada and sharing the role of Little Anastasia with one of her besties, Elayne Cowden. Performance highlights include Lulu in Waitress (La Mirada), The Little Mermaid (ALC), Renaissance TNH Benefit (El Portal Theatre), Gretel in Once Upon a Fairy Tale and numerous dance competitions/showcases. She would like to thank Julia Flores and Parker Esse for this wonderful opportunity as well as her family and friends for always being her cheering section.
RICHARD BERMUDEZ ( Gleb Vaganov ) La Mirada Theatre debut. Winner: Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson award for Best Actor (Che in Evita, Drury Lane), and 2-time winner of San Diego Critics Circle Award for Best Actor (Valentin in Kiss of the Spider Woman and Jekyll/Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde The Musical). Select credits: Don Quijote in Man of La Mancha (Musical Theatre West), Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (Moonlight
Amphitheatre), and Giorgio in Passion (Boston Court). Love always to Alexandra and son Barrett.
TUCKER BOYES (Count Leopold, Ensemble, u/s Vlad) is privileged to have performed across his home state of California, as well as across the United States and Mexico. National Tour: The Addams Family. Regional: Sweeney Todd, Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, Little Women, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and more. For his darling girls Loralee and Charlie, who hold the key to his heart. Repped by the lovely folks at ATB Talent.
LENA CEJA (Anya) La Mirada debut. Winner of San Diego Critics Circle Actor of the Year, 2025. Regional: The Heart (La Jolla Playhouse); Anya in Anastasia (Moonlight Amphitheatre); Natasha in Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 (Cygnet Theatre); Susan in Tick Tick…BOOM!, Mimi in RENT (Chance Theater); Pipe in Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, Amy in Little Women (MOXIE); Wednesday in The Addams Family, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors; Daniela in In the Heights (SDMT). Up Next: Come From Away at Moonlight. DDO. IG: @lena.ceja
ELAYNE COWDEN (Little Anastasia/Alexei Romanov) Layni is thrilled to return to the stage with Anastasia! She’s appeared in national commercials and loves performing. Recent credits include Waitress (Lulu) and Harry Potter: The Musical (Ginny Weasley). She is excited to share the stage again with her bestie Annabelle after Waitress. She thanks director Parker Esse, Julia Flores Casting, her manager Mak, and her agents, and sends love always to her family.
PEYTON CRIM (Vlad Popov) is honored to make his La Mirada debut! Off-Broadway: The Play That Goes Wrong, Brigadoon (Encores!), Finian’s Rainbow (Irish Rep). Selected Regional: Huzzah! (Old Globe), 1776 (Paper Mill Playhouse), Fiddler on the Roof (ACT of CT), The Secret Garden (CTGLA), Into the Woods (Knot Free), Sweeney Todd (The Gateway). TV: “Solar Opposites,” “Law & Order: SVU.” His voice can be heard in numerous video games and commercials. For his Countess. Intsa/TikTok: @mrpeytoncrim
WES DAMERON (Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to be making his La Mirada Theatre debut! Wes is a UCSB Dance Alumni and has also trained with the Alvin Ailey School in New York. He was recently on stage in Musical Theatre West’s production of Man of La Mancha. He has also been a part of Moonlight Amphitheater’s Waitress, Anastasia, Fiddler on the Roof, Prince of Egypt, and more. Many thanks to my Friends, Family, and Mentors for your love and support.
LAUREN DECIERDO ( Tsarina Alexandra, Ensemble, u/s Lily, u/s Dowager) National Tours/ Original Chicago Cast: Jersey Boys (Lorraine/Lead Angel). LA: The Full Monty (Pam), CATS (Cassandra), Joseph… (Mrs. Potiphar), Catch Me If You Can, Cinderella (u/s Marie & Madame), Aladdin… (with Ben Vereen/SYTYCD’s Spencer Liff). Regional/ Tour: Pippin (u/s and performed Fastrada, Manson Trio), A Chorus Line (Cassie), Grease (Rizzo). Love to Cathy, Tom, Parker, Ryan, Julia and Ashley at Aperture. Proud AEA! GOD IS GREAT! Favorite roles: wife to Shawn/mama to Marshall & Claire. This one’s for my dad & Peggy. Keep having a blast in heaven! @laurenmarshalldecierdo
MICHAEL DENI (Count Ipolitov, Tsar Nicholas II, Count Gregory, u/s Gleb) La Mirada debut! Film and TV credits: “Laid Bare” (Apple TV/Out TV, Series Regular), “T-Rex Ranch” (Netflix, Series Regular), and “Into the Wild Frontier” (Tubi). Past theatre credits include Beast in Beauty and the Beast (Moonlight Amphitheater), Lt. Cable in South Pacific (REV Theatre, SALT Nomination for Best Supporting Actor), and Mamma Mia! (Hollywood Bowl). Huge thanks to Parker, Ryan, Julia and the rest of the Anastasia team for this amazing show! Insta: @michaeldeni_
SUZANNA GUZMÁN ( The Dowager Empress, Ensemble) is grateful to return to McCoy Rigby. A native Angelena and AEA member since 1982, she is a two-time LA Area Emmy Award–winning TV host, Grammynominated classical artist, and arts advocate. An internationally acclaimed opera singer, she serves on the Neighborhood Music School board and is a member of The Industry Company. Recent roles include Abuela Claudia (Musical Theatre West, Bristol Riverside) and The Dowager (Tuacahn Center). More: www.suzannaguzman.com
CHRISTOPHER HO (Sergei the Russian Doorman, Ensemble, u/s Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, u/s Dmitry) is thrilled to return to La Mirada after dancing with Carnival Cruise Line for 6 months. BFA in Musical Theatre from CSU, Fullerton. His favorite credits include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical (National Tour), The Little Mermaid (La Mirada), Newsies and Cabaret (5-Star Theatricals), Footloose and The Wedding Singer (The Colony Theatre),
A Chorus Line (Fullerton College), and SpongeBob SquarePants (CSUF). Christopher thanks the creative team, friends, family and YOU for supporting live theatre! @chrrisho
DILLON KLENA (Dmitry) is thrilled to be back with McCoy Rigby performing in this dream show! Credits include RENT (The Cape Playhouse), Rutka: A New Musical (World Premiere Cincinnati Playhouse), Jagged Little Pill (1st National Tour), Newsies (Musical Theatre West), Mamma Mia! (McCoy Rigby), Story of My Life (Chance Theater), Spring Awakening (Malibu Playhouse), The Little Mermaid (OBCT), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Fox Theater). Special thanks to Robert Stein, Natalie Kollar/LA Talent, and much love to family and friends! Instagram: @dillon_scott_klena
ANTON HARRISON LaMON (Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Ensemble) is grateful to make his La Mirada debut in Anastasia. Broadway: The Phantom of the Opera. National Tour: Movin Out. Regional: Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Light in the Piazza, Jelly’s Last Jam, A Chorus Line, Oklahoma!, The Wiz. Television: The Rose Parade 2026. Training: Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Indiana University Ballet Theatre, The Ailey School. Thanks to Ginny, Mark, family, and Friends of Bill W. @anton.harrison.lamon
MICHAEL LAVERDE (Swing) is thrilled to make his debut at La Mirada Theatre in his hometown. Recent credits include opening the Disney Adventure as Lumiere and serving as Dance Captain in the inaugural cast and performing as a dancer in Mickey’s Magical
Music World (Tokyo Disneyland). He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. Endless thanks to Mom, Dad, and Ryan for their love and support. Bear Down! @themichaellaverde | michaellaverde.com
SABRINA MARIELLE (Swing) is thrilled to be making her debut at La Mirada Theatre! She’s a recent graduate of UCLA earning a BA in Musical Theater and Entrepreneurship. She’d like to thank everyone at LMT, her agents, instructors, mentors, family and friends!! Recent Credits: Natasha in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, Mimi in RENT, Bardette/Ensemble in Something Rotten, Ensemble in Pippin, and a singer/dancer with Totality Entertainment and Universal Studios Hollywood. @sabrina.marielle
TAYLER METTRA (Marfa, Ensemble, u/s Anya) is thrilled to return to the La Mirada stage, which has become her “home, love, family.” National Tour: Fiddler on the Roof. Select Regional: Legally Blonde, Waitress (MRE); Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Candlelight Pavilion); Polly in Crazy for You (SDMT); Olive in …Spelling Bee (PVPA); Bluey’s Best Day Ever (Disneyland). BFA Elon University. Thanks to Parker, Ryan, Julia, Tom & Cathy, this cast & crew, Patrick, her supportive family and inspiring students! www.taylermettra.com
SHANON MARI MILLS (Countess Gregory, Ensemble) is grateful to be back at La Mirada! National Tours: Wicked (u/s Glinda) Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan, (Curly, u/s Peter/Mrs. Darling). Select Regional: McCoy Rigby: Frozen, Singin’ in the Rain,…Spelling Bee (Olive); Music Circus: Hello, Dolly!, Legally
Blonde, Seussical The Musical (Bird Girl), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Chimera). Additional: The Grinch (Pantages), South Pacific (Hollywood Bowl), Dames at Sea (Joan/ The Colony). Hugs: Penelope, Snickerdoodle, Bubba. Thanks: The entire Anastasia team, MRE, Julia, TomCat. @shanonmarimills
NATALIE PALMGREN (Dunya, Ensemble, u/s Odette in Swan Lake) is a Los Angeles–based dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. She holds dual BFA degrees in Dance Performance and Choreography from UC Irvine, where she trained extensively in classical and contemporary styles. Natalie has performed with companies including Oakland Ballet, Ballet Red, Hollywood Ballet and Luminario Ballet, appearing in galas, films, and concerts worldwide. She choreographs for stage and private events, teaches at numerous competition studios throughout Los Angeles and enjoys coaching rhythmic gymnasts. @natalie.palmgren
KYLE VAUGHN (Gorlinsky, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Dance Captain, Ensemble) La Mirada Debut! Tours: An American in Paris (1st National, Asia, Paris), All Shook Up!, Fame. Regional: 5th Avenue, Santa Fe Opera, Arena Stage, Paper Mill Playhouse, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Alliance Theater, Seattle Opera, Tuacahn, Ford’s Theater, TUTS, Grand Ole Opry, Holland America Cruises. Commercials: Coke Zero, Facebook 360, X-Box, NBC. Thanks to Parker! Enjoy the show.
TONI ELIZABETH WHITE ( Ensemble )
Broadway: Amazing Grace (Tennah and u/s Yema). Tours: Aida (u/s Aida and Nehebka),
Dreamgirls (Michelle), Guys and Dolls, Soul Doctor (Nina Simone), Amazing Grace . Regional: Sweeney Todd (La Mirada Theatre), Peter Pan (Tiger Lily) and Curtains (Walnut Street Theater), 9 to 5 (NSMT), The Prince of Egypt, Allegro . Select TV: “Chicago Fire,” “The Chi,” “Chicago PD,” “The 4400,” “Doogie Howser, MD” and “Cheers.” Grateful to do what I love. Love to Elias, and Mom & Dad. TandEVoicestudio.com
RASHA WILLES SAMAHA (Odette in Swan Lake, Paulina, Ensemble ) Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rasha is thrilled to be making her La Mirada Theatre debut in Anastasia ! Recent credits include Guys and Dolls (CVRep), Wicked Queen in A Snow White Christmas (Laguna Playhouse), Hello, Dolly! (Musical Theatre West), Frozen (5-Star Theatricals), The Hollywood Christmas Parade , and World of Dance Live. Endless love and gratitude to her family, and a huge thanks to the entire team, McCoy Rigby Entertainment and Go2 Talent! @rashawilless
SARAH WOLTER (Countess Lily, Ensemble) is delighted to be returning to La Mirada, where she last appeared as Elizabeth in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein . Recent regional credits include Sherlock Holmes in Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt 2B (ICT Long Beach), Emma Parker/Stella in Bonnie & Clyde (The Rubicon), Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (Greenway Court), Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music (Musical Theatre West), and Charlotte in A Little Night Music (Greenway Court). For her Common Man. Sarah is represented by Avalon Artists Group.
TERRANCE McNALLY ( Book ) was an American playwright, librettist and LGBTQ+ trailblazer, described by the New York Times as “the bard of the American Theater.” One of the few playwrights of his generation to successfully pass from the avant-garde to mainstream acclaim, Terrence redefined American playwriting for six decades and was the recipient of five Tony Awards (two for his plays Love! Valour! Compassion! and Master Class, two for the books to his musicals Kiss of the Spider Woman and Ragtime, and the 2019 Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement).
Terrence received many honors throughout his life, including the Dramatists Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (where he was Vice President from 1981 to 2001), the Lucille Lortel Lifetime Achievement Award, and inductions into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1996 and the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2018. His incredible legacy lives on in his plays, musicals and operas that continue to be performed all over the world, as well as in his papers, which are kept and open to the public at the Harry Ransom Center in the University of Texas at Austin.
LYNN AHRENS (Lyrics) and STEPHEN FLAHERTY (Music) have been collaborators since 1983, creating an array of notable Broadway and OffBroadway musicals, including Ragtime, Once on This Island, Seussical The Musical, Rocky, My Favorite Year, A Man of No Importance and the animated feature film Anastasia. In 2017, they brought Anastasia to Broadway, making it their third musical collaboration with Terrence McNally. They’ve won the Tony Award, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and the Olivier, and have been nominated for
two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes and four Grammys. They serve on the Council for the Dramatists Guild of America and co-founded the DGF Fellows Program for Emerging Writers, which has nurtured new generations of playwrights and musical theatre writers since 2000. In 2014 they received the Oscar Hammerstein Award for Lifetime Achievement, and in 2015 they were inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
PARKER ESSE (Director/Choreographer) After performing on Broadway in the Tony-winning Fosse, Parker was Associate for Broadway’s Finian’s Rainbow, A Tale of Two Cities, Follies (Pre-Broadway) and five City Center Encores! productions. Light in the Piazza & Sondheim and Marsalis’ A Bed and a Chair (Encores!), Oklahoma! 50th Anniversary (Arena Stage), West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof (The Muny), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and White Christmas (Fulton Theatre), Arena Stage (18 productions), Goodspeed Musicals (10 productions), Ed Mirvish (Toronto), Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera, Paper Mill Playhouse, Omaha Symphony/NBC Holiday Televised Specials, Lyrics and Lyricists 92nd St. Y, York Theatre, Signature, Ogunquit, and Buck’s County. Recently: Funny Girl (Shaw Festival) Upcoming: A Chorus Line (Barrington Stage, Geva) Something Rotten (The Muny). Proud member of SDC.
RYAN O’CONNELL ( Music Director/ Conductor) Thrilled to be back! More than 100 productions as MD, Orchestrator, and Composer. At La Mirada: Legally Blonde, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Grease. Other favorite credits: Ernest Shackleton
Loves Me (2nd Stage NYC), Ragtime (1st National), Mary Poppins (MTW), and Private Jones (Signature Theatre). Music teams for NBC, CBS, Fox, Netflix, Cartoon Network, Disney World, and Disneyland, where he currently works as an MD and teaching artist. Love to Sarah. www.ryanomusic.com
JULIA FLORES (Casting Director) Anastasia is a beautiful ending to our Season 32 with the incomparable McCoy Rigby Entertainment. My gratitude always to Tom, Cathy, Ana, Buck, David, Shanon and Tim! Additional casting credits include productions with Boston Court Theatre, The REV, Ensemble Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, Denver Center Theatre, A Noise Within, Pasadena Playhouse, and Portland Center Stage. For my beautiful Olivia, ILYTISHTS.
JENNIFER EDWARDS (Lighting Designer) is so grateful to be a part of McCoy Rigby’s production of Anastasia with this incredibly talented company of artists. Some favorite lighting designs include Ragtime at Moonlight Amphitheatre, Kiss of the Spider Woman at the Welk Resorts Theatre, Broomstick (LA Ovation Award Nominee) and My Mañana Comes (NAACP Theatre Award Winner.) Jennifer is forever grateful to her family and co-artists for making the magic that enlightens, inspires and entertains. Enjoy!
JOSH BESSOM (Sound Designer) Designs for MRE include Jersey Boys, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Les Misérables, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Ovation Nom), and more. Other favorites: National Tour of Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan,
Carrie: The Musical, Miss Saigon, LA Theatre Works’ National Tour of The Graduate, and LMT’s productions of American Idiot, Floyd Collins, and Spring Awakening. He runs the independent record label, Organik Records, and plays bass and flute.
KAITLIN YAGEN ( Hair/Wig/Makeup Designer) has been designing wigs for the past 15 years. Her credits include Sweeney Todd (McCoy Rigby Entertainment) directed by Jason Alexander, Peter Pan Goes Wrong , Waitress , Les Misérables , The Hunchback of Notre Dame , Beauty and the Beast , The Little Mermaid . Katie has also supervised on many National Tours including Jersey Boys , Elf The Musical , and Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby. Thank you to my Husband and son for their love and support!
AARON RHYNE ( Projection Designer ) designed the Broadway, touring, and multiple international productions of Anastasia, for which he won a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Projection Design. His designs have been seen on stages around the world in musicals, plays, operas, and dance performances as well as immersive experiences and nighttime spectaculars. With offices in NY and LA, Aaron has completed multiple projects for Disney’s Parks, Resorts, and Cruise Line, and most recently, designing the projections for The Tale of Moana stage show on the Disney Treasure. He currently teaches Projection Design at UCLA.
MARIA TURNAGE (Associate Director) 45 Minutes From Coontown (York Theater Co); Lyrics & Lyricists Oklahoma! 75 (92nd St.
Y); Valentino’s Tango (MSM); Fiorello! (MSM); DI GLOBALS w/Tony Artists (27K Stadium Concerts); NYC 29HR/STAGED INDUSTRY: Chéri with Vanessa Williams, Hazel (NYC); Beautiful (Casa Manana, Fulton, Maine State, NCT); CATS (Newly Conceived Rodeo), Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, Newsies (Casa Mañana); 11th Season Omaha Symphony Christmas; Love and Other Fables (Jay Binder); Directing Observer Anything Goes dir. Molly Smith (Arena Stage); Jukebox Hero: Foreigner (Ed Mirvish, Toronto). NBC TV Special-Physician’s Mutual Omaha Symphony Christmas 2020/2026; Co-Artistic/Managing Director Broadway MCS National Broadway Mentorship/Master Class Training. NYU/TSOA.
ILANA ELROI (Associate Sound Designer) has been mixing, designing, and A2ing around the Los Angeles area for over a decade. Some favorite recent credits include Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Rep (A1), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Asolo Rep (A1), all of the original StarKid Productions since 2018 (A1), and a handful of productions with Desert Theatricals in Palm Springs as A1 and Designer.
JENNIFER LIN ( Associate Conductor) is an LA-based Music Director and educator. Productions: Here Lies Love (Center Theatre Group), Mystic Pizza (Associate MD - La Mirada Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse), Waitress (LMT/McCoy Rigby), On This Side of the World (East West Players), Matilda (5-Star Theatricals, LMT), The Last Five Years (After Hours Theatre), LIZZIE (Color and Light Theatre Ensemble), Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Celebration Theatre).
Jennifer also teaches at LACHSA, LMU, and USC. Infinite love to Kyle and the cats.
JULIAN OLIVE (Production Stage Manager) is excited to be back at MRE! Other credits include productions at The Geffen Playhouse, Musical Theatre West, CCAE Theatricals, South Coast Repertory, Papermill Playhouse, 3-DT, 5-Star Theatricals, Rubicon Theater Company, Forestburgh Playhouse, Short North Stage and the National Tour of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. A proud graduate of Marymount Manhattan College!
AUDREY COLINDRES (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be back to close out another season with MRE! Previously she has been on the stage management teams for Frozen , The Play That Goes Wrong, Waitress, The Little Mermaid, Jersey Boys , etc. She is a proud graduate of San Diego State University and Fullerton College and will be pursuing an MFA from UCSD this coming fall. This one’s for all the friends and memories I’ve made during this journey! Instagram: aud.sm
DAVID ELZER/DEMAND PR ( Publicist ) represents La Mirada Theatre, 5-Star Theatricals, Ensemble Theatre Company, Laguna Playhouse, Road Theatre Company, Rubicon Theatre Company. He is also an Ovation, Drama Desk, LADCC, LA Weekly, and Garland Award-winning theatrical producer and recipient of the LADCC Joel Hirschhorn Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre. Productions include Justin Love , Having it All , The Marvelous Wonderettes and Winter
Wonderettes at the El Portal, Life Could Be a Dream at the Hudson, and the Off-Broadway run of The Marvelous Wonderettes . Many thanks to BT, Jane, Tom, and Cathy and thank you for supporting La Mirada Theatre!
Wonderettes at the El Portal , Life a at the Off-Broadway of The Many to Tom, Cathy and thank you for supporting La Mirada Theatre!
EQUITY
in more than actors and managers the States. Equity seeks art Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, range including member AFL-CIO, is performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our www.actorsequity.org
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org
McCOY RIGBY
ENTERTAINMENT (Tom McCoy & Cathy Rigby McCoy, Executive Producers ) Broadway: Peter Pa n starring Cathy Rigby, Jekyll and Hyde starring Deborah Cox. National Tours: Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, Camelot starring Michael York and Lou Diamond Phillips, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Carl Anderson, Annie Get Your Gun starring Cathy Rigby, Happy Days the Musical by Gary Marshall and Paul Williams, Seussical The Musical starring Cathy Rigby. International: Miss Saigon (Macau), Dreamgirls (Tokyo), Peter Pan (Macau & Riyadh). Awards: Emmy Awards and Nominations, Tony Award Nominations, countless Ovation Awards and Nominations. La Mirada Theatre: 30th season having produced over 100 musicals, plays, concerts, special events. TV: Peter Pan (A&E), A Night with Janis Joplin and Peter Pan (Broadway HD).
McCOY (Tom Cathy Executive Pa starring Jekyll starring Deborah National Pan Cathy Camelot and Lou Christ starring Anderson, Your starring by Gary and Paul Rigby. International: Dreamgirls Peter Pan (Macau & Riyadh). Awards: Emmy Awards Award Nominations, Nominations. Mirada season produced musicals, Peter Pan Janis and Peter Pan
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Tony-nominated theatre has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California.” This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions since 1977. The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades, including Tony, Emmy and Ovation Award nominations. For its 2012-13 season, it won the LA Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Best Season of the Year.
MIRADA THE Tony-nominated has Angeles as the best Broadway-style houses Southern beautiful been producing quality productions since 1977. The theatre several tours many Ovation Award nominations. For its 2012-13 season, it won LA Stage Alliance for of Year.
TheDesignersatthisTheatre The Designers at this Theatre areRepresentedby are Represented by
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL
ED ENG Mayor
ANTHONY OTERO Mayor Pro Tem
MICHELLE VELASQUEZ BEAN Councilmember
STEVE DE RUSE Councilmember
JOHN LEWIS ……...Councilmember
JEFF BOYNTON City Manager
SPECIAL THANKS
City of La Mirada and Friends of the La Mirada Theatre
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS STAFF
BT McNICHOLL ...................................................... Theatre Director
DEVIS ANDRADE House Manager
JANE LYNCH Theatre Operations Supervisor
HELENE DUARTE ......................................... Department Secretary
ELIZABETH CARLOCK ............................. Ticket Services Manager
SARAH PETHER-HAMILL Assistant Ticket Services Coordinator
KYLE DURAN Theatre Facilities Coordinator
NICHOLAS MASSEY ........................................... Technical Director
JOSH BESSOM Audio Engineer
MELISSA SKAU Master Electrician
JAVIER RUIZ Assistant Technical Director
ERICK LOPEZ ............................................ Interim Production Supervisor
ALYSSA BARRON, STEVE BEARD, RAELONI BENDER,
STEPHANIE BENITEZ, NICOLE BORDEN, MEGAN BURKE, ILANA ELROI, SAMUEL GUNTHER, ANDRIANA NIEDERECKER, PAIGE ROBITAILLE, JAHAN WATKINS ............................. Stagehands
JENNIFER REILLY Administrative Clerk
CELINA RODRIGUEZ Box Office Coordinator
AILEEN BELTRAN, NANCY DENTON, LORI JEAN, COLLIN LANTZ, BEVERLY KIRTON, MARLON MAGTIBAY, ALETHEA MILLER, ELAINE REZA, MEGAN SINGER, KATIE SPARKS, BRANDY VARGAS, CATHERINE VARTAN Box Office Associates
MERCY BLUMBERG, ALEXANDRA BRACCIO, LINDA COTA, HAZEL BUSCAINO, LOGAN CRAWFORD, JENNIFER DE LEON, TOMMY DODD, AARON ESPINOSA, ITZEL FALCON-VASSALLO, NORRIE FAULKNER, CYNTHIA GARCIA, TREVOR JONES, TATIANA MARTINEZ, JENNIFER NELSON, ROBERT PHIPPS, MARTHA REYES, ALEXANDRIA SHEETS, DESTINY SPRATT, GARY WONG, JENNIFER YOUNG Ushers
NEAL MYRON ANG, LUIS DIAZ, FRANCISCO FERNANDEZ, JOSE FLORES, PAUL GALVAN, RAYMOND F. GARCIA, TIMOTHY HILL, EDUARDO LOERA, JACOB MOLINA, RAY ROMERO .......................... Theatre Maintenance
ADRIENNE MEDRANO Graphic Designer
DAVID ELZER Publicist
TABLE 7 STRATEGY...........................................................Marketing
McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION STAFF
TOM McCOY and CATHY RIGBY .................. Executive Producers
DAVID NESTOR Company Manager
SHANON MILLS HABELOW, TIM WOODS Production Management
ANA LARA ................................................................ Office Manager
TARA PITT Assistant Office Manager
BUCK MASON General Manager
KEVIN WILLIAMS ........................................... Properties Supervisor
ADAM RAMIREZ Costume Coordinator
JOSELINE LOVETT Wardrobe Assistant
JOSELINE LOVETT, DANIEL REYES, ALYSIA SMITH ............Dressers
MELISSA DUPONT, LAURIE KURTZ, JESSA PRUITT Hair/Wig/Makeup Assistants
JEREMIAH YBARRA ..................................Head Carpenter/Assistant TD ERIN CARLSON Production Electrician
AUSTIN DYCUS Video Coordinator
AUSTIN BILLINS, AMY CHAFFIN, PADEN HARVEY, RYAN MASON, JEREMIAH YBARRA........Deck Crew
ASTAZZIA CALDERON Props
ANDREA DOBBINS, TAYLER METTRA Casting Assistants
RYAN MASON ................................................. Production Assistant
CAITLIN MUELDER Dialect Coach
MICHAEL POLAK Fight/Intimacy Coordinator
JAQUELINE LEMBESIS ..................................Child Actor Wrangler
ALYSSA FARINA Massage Therapist
ANTHONY ZEDIKER Rehearsal Pianist
GINA FARINA......................................Opening Night Coordinator
ELISSA SZIEFF Production Accountant
VENDORS
Set by Andrew Hammer by Moonlight Stage Productions
Costumes by Ricky Lurie provided by Tuacahn Costume Rentals
Props provided by Tuacahn and Moonlight Stage Productions
Media Rental from Broadway Media
Video Wall Rental from 4 Wall Entertainment
Visit www.LaMiradaTheatre.com or call us at (562) 944-9801.
Share photos of your experience with us on social media!
BECOME A VOLUNTEER USHER AT LA MIRADA THEATRE! Love the Theatre? Join our team and become a part of the exciting season!
Past customer service experience a plus. For more information, contact House Manager Devis Andrade at (562) 902-2911.
SUPPORTERS OF OUR 2025-2026 SEASON
$10,000 & Above
Cinda Shipman Colombana Trust
$5,000 & Above
Donna & Art Carter
Alfred and Michael Reyes
$2,000 & Above
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 281
Lynnette Weiss
$1,000 & Above
Aaron Adrian
Mr. and Ms. Kenneth F. Becker
Patsy Estrellas
Mrs. Rhona Gewelber and Mrs. Hali
Gewelber Lieb
John Hines
La Mirada United Methodist Men’s Club
Rita and Bob Rubin
Beverly Sutherland
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Werschmidt
$500 & Above
Richard and Chris Galyon
Linda Kusuda
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Leatherby
Weiya Lu
Lee and Carol Oldham
Glenn Osborne
Ms. Alice Van Klaveren
Mr. and Mrs. Brewer Ward
Gwen & Mahlon Woirhaye
Mr. Gregg W. Yost
$250 & Above
David & Julie Cole
Dawn Fielder
Mr. Robert L Henley
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Hershelman
Ms. Kathleen LeClair
Mr. Paul David K. Naval
Fred Ortega
Bonnie Jo & Lee Panagos
Jeanne & Larry Reddel
Cathleen and Ron Stearns
Ms. Sandy Wanamaker
$100 & Above
Connie Aldama
Ms. Gayelea Allison
Betsy Azariah
Susan Baker
Michael Barr
Mrs. Susan Beigbeder
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Beinbrech
Shallom Berkman
Marilyn Bradley
Mr. Larry Brennan
Ms. Janet Candelaria
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Chow
Ron Clark
Karen Conmy
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cooke
Mrs. Patricia Davis
Stephanie Davis and Diana Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Desowitz
Bruce and Sandy Dickinson
Ms. Cheryl Diggs-Hughes
Joel Drum
Ms. Natalie Fennel
Frank Gallegos
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Haburjak
Mr. John Hannum
Nancy K. Hiller
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Hinders
Mr. Andrew Hopwood
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Iachelli
Timothy and Pamela Jackson
David and Emily Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. James Kloman
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Koretz
Steve and Judy Kroll
Ms. Darlene Martin
Marco Mascari
Ms. Sharon McKay
Rob and Sandy McLaughlin
Joseph and Alane Mendez
John OConnor and Kathy Delorimier
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Remillard
Jill Ries
Albert Ruiz & Doris von Rotz
Mr. Frank Schools
Kristen Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shandrow
Michael Sheffield
Drs. Neal Shindel and Joan Dengrove
Mr. and Ms. Walter Smelich
Ms. Kathy Songer
Mr. and Ms. John Svet
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Tozaki
Jean Tsunekawa
Mr. and Mrs. Art Van Epps
William Wallace
Eric and Kathy Webber
Mimi Winship
Mr. Robert Yamaguchi
Mr. and Mrs. Stan Zone
Miss Beverly Zwick
$50 and Above
Ms. Cheryl K. Alcorn
Mr. and Mrs. Mario Avila
Tim Bielski
Ms. Sheila Billins
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bise
Robert Block
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Branson
Nancy Castle
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Celio
Lucretia Clayton
Mr. and Ms. Louis Cohen
Matthew Collins
Mr. Ruben De La Torre
Deny Derosier
Shirley Echternacht
Ms. Cathy Ferrin
Ms. Karen S. Fic
Mrs. Kathryn Gallardo
Mrs. Kathleen D. Glover
Gary Hamai
Nicole Hamilton
Mrs. Jean Harder
Ms. Cindy Havenhill
Ms. Marilyn A. Hills
Gail Hirano
Mr. Paul Jacobsen
Douglas Jones
Pamela L. Kaskela
Ms. Dorothy Lauterborn and Mrs. Morgan Long
Mr. Joe Mabry
Ms Laura Macias
Tim Masloski
Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Niccoli
Marieta M. Nowak
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Peters
Mrs. Monique Reed
Timothy Reynolds
Fausto and Cindy Rowlan
Mr & Mrs Anthony Skelly
Lynne Van Nice
Mr. Ray Ward
Mr. Greg Whitney
Ms. Carol Wiseman
Mr. Steven Wren and Ms. Andrea Morales
$25 and Above
Paula Abbott
Craig Acorn
Dave and Debi Armbruster
Robert Barnes
Nancy Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Bauler
Patricia Blakely
Mr. Bruce Block
Julie Braun
Pam Brennan
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brown
Ms. Jennifer Burton
J C. Calder
Ramon P. Calderon
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Cameron
Mr. and Mrs. Enrique Cardenas
Marvin Carlberg
Michael Carreno
Ms. Linda Chang
Tom Chappell
Mrs. Cheryl L. Chomchavalit
Paul A. Coleman
Ms. Wendy D. D’Amore
Ms. Francille Dailey
Soledad Edwards
Melanie Fabian
Diana Funk
Chad Gabbert
Yolanda Garcia
Ms. Heidi D. Golledge
Mrs. Katherine L. Goosman
Lila Gordon
Mr. David N. Hanna
Mr. Donald Hartley
Michael Hegeman
Mr. Charles Holman
Mr. Mike Johnston and Mrs. Eileen Ernest
Kennean K. Joseph
Mr. Frank Kawase
Mr. George Kish and Ms. Agnes Johnson
Rachel Korkos
Ms. Barbara Kovar
Barbara Krubski
Loretta Martinez
Ms. Patricia Martzen
Marcie and Tom Matassa
Marilyn McGraa
Mr. and Ms. Michael McNulty
Barbara R. Mendoza
Ms. Lisa M. Morissette
William Mower
Mr. Salvador Munoz
Pamela Musgrave
Mr. Salvador Ongaro and Ms. Elizabeth A. Dyer
Eliseo Orozco
Irma Oviedo Garcia
Paul Ozima and Ms. Deanna Kuper
Richard Page
Mrs. Mikkiala Peele and Mrs. Zinda L. Bower
Patricia Perez-Villalobos
Mr. David Perry
Mr. Jesus Pinera Jr
Sascha Recht
Audra R. Robertson
Ms. Pauline M. Rogers
Ms. Karen Rote
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph San Paolo
Mrs. Teresa Sangduan
Florence Sasaki
Anonymous
Anonymous
Monica Sepulveda
John K. Sheppard
Carole Spinak
Mr. and Mrs. Janet Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor
Todaytix
Ms. Gabriela Vargas
Mr. John E. Warkentin
Catherine Wieder
Stephen D. Wimberley
Mark Wood
Up To $25
Martin Abella
Anna Acevez-Funes
Martha Aguilar
Ms. Myrna L. Aguilar
Mrs. Silvia Aguilar
Mrs. Katherine Allen
Ms. Brandie Alvarez
Wayne Alves
Cynthia Amezcua
Itzel Amezcua
Mr. Michael Anderson
Jenny Anglin
Elena Aquino
Jeremy Aquino
Aura Argueta
Mrs. Martha Arroyo
Ian Astraquillo
Ms. Tracy Avila
Rosemary Ayala
Mark Baker
Andrew Balfour
David Ballman
John Baloff
Mr. Joseph Banal
Chi Bang
Tim Bangean
Marcella Barba-Olmos
Mrs. Olga S. Barnes
Angie Barragan
Ziad Bassaj
Thomas Becker
Richard J. Bernier
Nataly Betanzos
Cynthia Block
Laura Borie
Eric M. Bressler
Michael and Christine Ikeda
Maureen Broderson
Mr. Rafael E. Buitrago
Mr. David A. Cain
Mrs. Lizbeth Calderon
Natalie Calderon
Crystal Camarena
Norman Carbajal
Mrs. Karina Caseres
Raymond Castro
Raeanne Cendejas
Ryan Cendejas
Ben Chan
William Chang
Mr. and Ms. Gersain Chávez
Mr. Roger Chen
SUPPORTERS OF OUR 2025-2026 SEASON
Mr. Eugene Chow
Lucy Chung Fok
Brian Chunn
Daniel P. Clark
David R. Clark
Jacob Clavijo
Mr. David Clayton
Mr. J.P. Clelland III
John Clifford
Elizabeth Clinton
Suzanne Clinton
Ms. JoMarie Costello
Suzanne Coulson
Daniel Covarrubias
Cynthia Danna
Ms. Sandra G. Dar
Mario De La O
Mr. Antonio De Leon
Mr. Timothy DeBie
Ms. Roberta DeLaRosa
Laura Delgado
Susana Delgado
Joseph Dermody
Francisca Diaz
Ms. Kathleen M. Diaz
William Dispoto
Mr. Michael Distefano
Adriana Dominguez
Chelsea Dove
Marcella Duarte
Mrs. Gracita C. Dykstra
Ms. Eliza Easdale
Mr. Alan Eckheart
Alina Ecoff
Dawn Eddards
Laura Edmondson
Beatriz Elizarraraz
Mrs. Elizabeth P. Ertel
Veronica I. Escauriza
Mr. Jose Escobedo
Phillip Esparza
Raymond Esparza
Ms. Cindy Espinoza
Luis Estavillo
Kathleen Estrada
Ms. Marian Faulkes
Melody Feige
Pat Fieldgrove
Marie Fischer
Gregg Florence
Jorge Flores
Mrs. Brenda S. Fontaine-Spake
Necy Francisco
Sara Franco
Andrew Franczak
Rebeca Fredrickson
Mr. Spencer Freeman
Genevieve Friend
Mrs. Jessica Fuchs
Mrs. Virginia M. Gabler
Mr. David R. Gamboa
Cynthia M. Garcia
Leopoldo Garcia
Tyler J. Garcia
Vaughn V. Genuino
Amy Givan
Mr. Anders F. Gjesing
Christy Goglas
Andrea Gonzales
Martha J. Gonzales
Alma L. Gonzalez
Aracely Gonzalez
Melissa Gonzalez
Kathleen Gotch
Tania Grullon
Teraleigh Guiliano
Carol Guillaume
Mr. William Guppy
Marilynn Gushard
Carlos Gutierrez
Ms. Barbara E. Hadsell
Kathleen Hamamoto
Jessica Han
Richard J. Harmer
Sandra A. Harvey
Micheal Haven
Robert Havlik
Kimberly Hawk
Isela Hernandez
Mr. Ben Higashi
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Higgins
James H. Hilton
Janice Hobbs
Estelle Holder
Shawn Hoobler
Mrs. Jennifer L. Hounsley
Matthew Huffman
Sara Hutchinson
Mr. and Ms. Charles M. Janneck
Jeremie Javellana
Mrs. Daisy Jimenez
Derek Jimenez
Jordana Johnson
Gregory Jones
Mrs. Kathy Joyce II
Abdom Juarez
Mrs. Wafa Kaluzok
Mr. Jeffrey Kearney
Robert Kent
Barbara Kesel
Donna M. Kiley
Mrs. Toni Kimball
Angela R. Kneale
Miss Victoria M. Krusic
Philip La Farge
Ms. Gayla Landrum
Heidi Langway
Frank Lansner
Mechelle Lawrence Adams
Marie C. Leach
Andrew Lee
Zenia Leon
Patrick Letrondo
Eric Letson
Mr. Arthur Levert
Daisy G. Lizano
Claire E. Loesch
John Loggins
Ms. Chung Lone
Amy Lopez
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lozano
Laura Maccallum
Peggy Magee
Mrs. Raquel Malibiran
Ms. Jacqueline M. May
Mr. Roger Mayer
Lilia Mayorquin
Elizabeth McAllister
Michael McCann
Iyana McGiffert
Allison McVay
Rosio Medina
Vickie A. Mendez Navarro
Mr. Jesus Meza
Mrs. Aissa Miller
David Miller
Leslie Miller
Teresa Miller
Kim R. Mills
Laura Minaie
Terry Moad-Geiser
Carrie L. Monroe
Natalia Morales
Ramon Morales
Jillian Morrison
Linda Mossessian
Amanda Murray
Mrs. Dana Muus
Mr. Robbie H. Myles
Eddie Nagahashi
Lance Nakamura
Mrs. Emily Nava
Megan Neal
Mr. Nicholas R. Nelson
Ms. Paige Nelson
Tami Nettmann
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Nichols
Kealani Nickles
Janine Nicolescu and David Lisberg
Ms. Sandra Nunez
Mr. Manuel B. Ortiz
Lisa Page
Hetal Pahu
Alex Pait
Alec Paquette
John Patten
Thelma Pechy
Karissa C. Pedroza
Rachel Pena
Rosalba Pena
Tammy Perdomo
Rosario Perez
Ms. Carol Persinger
Paul Pham
Jeffrey Pickering
Gabriele Pierluissi
Phil J. Pinon
Mr. and Mrs. James Prerost
Vincent C. Price
Terrence Purdy
Diane Quigley
Linda Ramsay
Mr. Michael Reddick
Arianna Reed Rodriguez
Tom Reed
Amber Reyes
Rex Reyes
Mr. Arden P. Rivera
Prof. Richard Roberts
Kellie Robertson
Marissa Rojas
Carlos A. Roman
Toni Romano
Marty Roos
Danny Rosales
Adrianne Rosenfeld
Mr. Albert Rowuin
Leslie Rudolph
Sara B. Salazar
Mr. Ricardo Saldana
Mr. Randy Santiago Perez
Raul Santos
Ms. Yvonne Santos
Amalia M. Saucedo
David C. Schleeter
Claudia Schuetze
James Schwartz
George Serrano
Ms. Reena Shah
Richard Shaw
Richard Shields
Mr. Irv Shuldiner
Mr. Richard Sierra
Mrs. Eloise Simeon
Louise Siwik
Robert Smith
Sandra Smith
Ms. Lori SooHoo
Serena Sorajjakool
Ms. Annette Stanley
Christine Staswick
Mrs. Kathy Stephens
Mr. David R. Stone
John H. Sullivan
Sally Swartz
Jon Swedlund
Ray Tae
Mrs. Janet Tanner
Mrs. Ashley Taylor
Robert Thomas
Mark Tiedeman
Renee Tobin
Resa A. Tomoling
Alejandro Topete
Taylor Torres
Mrs. Faye M. Triggs
Tsz Fei Tsui
Mr. Wesley Turnbow
Melissa Utsler
Mrs. Deidre Vail
Leticia Valdez
Theresa Vanriper
Beth Vasquez
Mrs. Michael F. Vega
Hector Venegas
Jose E. Virtucio
Mrs. Kathy Voreh-Husek
Robin A. Walker
Vickie Walker
Victoria Waller
Ms. Evelyne Wang
Mr. Phil Wang
Dr. Megan E. Ward
David A. Weinberg
Avalon Whalen
Dale E. Whitehead
Weston Whitehouse
Dr. Charles Wilcox
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Williams
Mrs. Elena Wilson
Stanley M. Wolf
April Wood
Derrick Wroten
Norma Yanez
Jeanine T. Yotsov
Dr. Mia Young
Mr. Alan Zadikian
Carlos Zamora
Andres Zuniga III
Thank you for your generous support!
DECO DEVOTEES
The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles celebrates a style that transcends architecture and is embedded in the city’s DNA. by ROGER GRODY
ART DECO, INTRODUCED at Paris’ Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in 1925, remains enduringly relevant in 21st century Los Angeles. Not only do examples of Art Deco’s theatrical aesthetic line streetscapes throughout the city, it continues to be influential in fashion, home furnishings, graphic arts, and Hollywood.
Keeping the beloved style alive in L.A. is the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, whose busy calendar of events celebrates a movement that fused glamour, modernity
Clockwise from top: an Art Deco architectural element; gilt bronze and stained-glass ceiling fixture, and two tables, by Paul Fallot
The Music Center Foundation was established in 1973 by Dorothy Bu um Chandler to provide endowment support to The Music Center, its educational activities, dance programs, and its four Resident Companies: Center Theatre Group, LA Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Phil.
By making a gift through the Foundation, you can support performances that thread our community together.
To learn more about how to leave a lasting legacy with the Music Center Foundation, contact Justin Marsh: 213-972-8046, jmarsh@musiccenterfoundation.org
For more information on the Music Center Foundation musiccenterfoundation.org
Center Theatre Group Student Matinee; photo by Cristina Burgos
and optimism. Founded in 1983, the nonprofit is integrated into a global network of enthusiasts through the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies. The local organization is dedicated to educating the community about Art Deco and plays a leading role in historic preservation.
“I don’t believe Art Deco ever really went out of style, but it became less appreciated after World War II with the rise of Mid-Century Modernism,” says Art Deco Society of Los Angeles executive director Margot Gerber. Los Angeles, whose most intense development boom occurred in the 1920s, became a
natural laboratory for Art Deco architecture, and the style permeated the local culture.
“The style always conveyed elegance,” Gerber notes, “so it continued to be adopted for special occasions and by owners of boutiques and restaurants.” British art historian Bevis Hilli’s 1968 book Art
Deco of the 20s and 30s brought newfound attention to the glamorous but fading aesthetic. “The ’70s and ’80s saw a revival, with contemporary designers applying the principles of the original style,” Gerber adds.
Art Deco influenced transportation design from ocean liners to locomotives, automobiles to travel
Clockwise from left: Art Deco lighting, Hollywood First National Bank, and entertaining event. Below: Art Deco automobile
An Oasis for the Active and Independent Senior
Nestled in the heart of Pasadena’s walkable Playhouse Village neighborhood, Brantwood offers well-appointed private residences in a unique and tranquil setting, with community events and programs for the culturally minded. For
posters, and it continues to inform sophisticated graphic design.
As for its enduring appreciation in the fashion industry, Gerber says, “Every year you see designers modeling col-
lections with the lines and silhouettes of Art Deco— it never went out of style in fashion.” Noting that many Art Deco apparel elements are viewed as contemporary even today, she adds, “It was the first
style of fashion we considered modern wear.”
Art Deco became popular in set design, first in Europe and then in Hollywood, explains Gerber, a movie industry veteran: “The lavish penthouses portrayed in 1930s productions offered moviegoers a fantasy life and sense of escape during the Great Depression.”
The style remained prevalent on movie posters into the 1960s; it continues to inspire sets at events such as the Academy Awards.”
Events sponsored by the Art Deco Society
include vintage fashion shows, architectural tours and cocktail parties at landmarks such as the Oviatt Building.
The organization’s annual Avalon Ball at Catalina Island’s Catalina Casino draws up to 800 guests from around the world. “It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about and experience this extraordinary Art Deco landmark, the last of its kind in the nation,” says Gerber.
Art Deco Society of Los Angeles, artdecola.org artdeco@artdecola.org
Los Angeles Jewish Health...Energizing Senior Life!
Recent lecture at the Oviatt Building
ANCIENT ORIGINS
Celebrity chef Michael Mina takes diners on a Mediterranean journey from Athens to Alexandria, with coastal views. by ROGER GRODY
CHEF MICHAEL MINA’S dining empire encompasses restaurants around the globe from San Francisco to Dubai. At Orla, ensconced inside the oceanfront resort Regent Santa Monica Beach, Mina offers a wide-ranging Mediterranean menu that incorporates dishes inspired by his own Egyptian heritage.
Mina earned two Michelin stars at his eponymous, now-defunct San Francisco restaurant. Currently,
he offers approachable brasserie fare at Bardot in Las Vegas and pricey cuts of beef at Bourbon Steak locations across the country.
At Orla in Las Vegas and Santa Monica, Mina’s menu features both truffle- and caviar-enhanced fare and elevated versions of dishes that celebrate the cuisine of his native Egypt. With upscale Middle Eastern restaurants now a major trend, Orla is good business
as well as a passion project.
The sprawling space at the Regent (previously Loews Santa Monica Beach) provides sweeping ocean views framed both through doubleheight windows and from two levels of patio dining. There’s an elliptical bar beneath the hotel’s soaring glass-covered atrium; the dining room includes caramel-colored leather booths and Art Deco-esque lighting. Underfoot is an octopus-
Egyptianinspired caviar service, tuna falafel at Orla
themed mosaic floor comprised of 300,000 tiles handcrafted in Italy.
Shareable mezzes include saganaki, the famed flaming Greek cheese dish; it’s elevated here with black truffles, served with roasted wild mushrooms and honey, and flambéed at the table with Metaxa, a Greek brandy-like spirit. Shatta, a traditional Egyptian chili paste, is set out on every table, offering a pleasant heat and texture that complement almost every dish. Also available for sharing are grilled octopus, tuna-topped falafel with whipped tahini, and caviar service with Egyptian-inspired accoutrements. Grilled flatbread accompanies a trio of silky Mediterranean spreads—butternut squash hummus, baba ghanoush, and an addictive walnut- and pomegranate-inflected muhammara.
Perfectly grilled lamb chops are
presented with fava bean bissara, a purée common in Egyptian cuisine. Harissa gives the lamb a pleasant smokiness and a gentle heat cooled by lime yogurt.
Among seafood entrées, salmon is brushed with a tomato-ginger glaze and plated with saffron couscous; phyllo-crusted sole is topped with caper-studded meunière
Elliptical bar and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Top: Black truffle saganaki, flambéed tableside
sauce. Sides dishes include an elevated Mediterranean macand-cheese in which tube pasta stands upright in a pool of black truffle-inflected béchamel sauce.
In addition to both Greekand Egyptian-themed cocktails, the approximately 900-label wine list showcases scores of compelling vintages from volcanic island soils throughout the Mediterranean, including Santorini, Sardinia and Corsica. There are uber-pricey first-growth Bordeaux as well as reasonably priced esoteric gems on the global list.
For dessert, consider an olive oil cake topped with citrus mousse or the beautifully creamy labneh cheesecake with tart passionfruit sauce. A showy take on a humble snack is a blackwalnut baklava sundae prepared tableside with frozen Greek yogurt, a drizzle of 24-karat-gold honey, plus candied fruit and pistachios.
Orla, Regent Santa Monica Beach 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 310.899.4050, orlasantamonica.com
JUNE 22 – JULY 31, 2026
2026 SUMMER INTENSIVES & WORKSHOPS
SESSION 1
JUNE 22 TO JUNE 26 & JUNE 29 TO JULY 3
SESSION 2
JULY 6 TO JULY 10 & JULY 13 TO JULY 17
Train with expert faculty in Ballet, Jazz, Modern & more—designed to build technique, artistry, and support serious dancers on the path to a ballet career
SESSION 3
JULY 20 TO JULY 24 & JULY 27 TO JULY 31
/ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
to tone, just as with the piano, no two violins sound alike. Whether the strings are made of natural gut or synthetic material is the greatest determinant of brightness or warmth.
In contrast to strings’ similarities, the oboe stands out among most woodwinds for its complexity, according to John Peterson, an oboe repair technician at RDG Woodwinds in Pasadena. The shop’s clients include members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, L.A. Opera Orchestra and L.A. Chamber Orchestra.
“The oboe is a particularly fussy instrument, one of the most mechanically complex of the woodwinds,” Peterson says. “There are interrelated mechanisms that are very complicated, and that other instruments, such as the clarinet, don’t have.
“It’s also particularly
RDG Woodwinds’
John Peterson
susceptible to tiny adjustment errors and tiny leaks, more so than other woodwinds.”
The oboe’s double reed as opposed to single— and tiny conical bore, a tube responsible for its warm, penetrating tone— are two interior elements responsible for the complexity, as is an exterior system of tone holes, pads and keys.
“There are tone holes all the way up and down the instrument, and they are covered with keys that have pads, and those pads have to cover the keys and seal them perfectly. Those are always going out of adjustment, because everything is always moving,” Peterson says.
“The wood is absorbing moisture and releasing moisture during atmospheric changes. The pads are mostly made of cork, and they’re doing the same thing. Everything is moving at different rates
KASIMOFF-BLÜTHNER PIANO CO.
L.A.’s oldest piano store
Concert and Home Rentals
Blüthner Pianos (since 1853)
Neupert Harpsichords (since 1868)
Schiedmayer Celesta (since 1890)
FEATURE
and starts to leak air.”
Other factors: A player’s breath into the oboe introduces moisture; the fingers hitting the pads during play adds to wear and tear.
A problem isn’t always obvious. “We have to play detective a lot, because of the interacting parts,” says Peterson, an oboe major in college.
As with other instruments, players bring their personal preferences to the mix.
“One person might like a grand sound that’s heavy and Wagnerian, another player would like something that has more of a Mozartian, lyrical quality. Knowing those things helps the approach to setting up their instrument.”
Mechanical hand skills are a must for the job, Peterson says, as well as a good ear, strong concentration and even a knowledge of physics. And perhaps, as the L.A. Phil’s Kina mentioned, a bit of humility.
“I’ve been working at RDG for 38 years now,” Peterson reflects.
“The whole 38 years, I’ve been specializing in oboes, so I’m just learning more and more and more about the oboe.
“The more you learn, the more complex you realize it is—and the more you realize you don’t know.”
97% of audiences
6.2
BROADSTAGE THE EDYE | CENTER THEATRE GROUP AHMANSON THEATRE KIRK
DOUGLAS THEATRE MARK TAPER FORUM | LOS ANGELES OPERA DOROTHY CHANDLER
DANCE AT THE MUSIC CENTER
PAVILION | DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION JERRY MOSS
PLAZA | LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL | WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL | PASADENA PLAYHOUSE | AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM | LA MIRADA THEATRE | A NOISE WITHIN
MASTER CHORALE PASADENA
SYMPHONY | THE
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER BRAM GOLDSMITH THEATRE LOVELACE STUDIO THEATRE
| OLD GLOBE OLD GLOBE THEATRE WHITE THEATRE DAVIES FESTIVAL THEATRE | SAN
DIEGO SYMPHONY JACOBS MUSIC CENTER THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK | LA JOLLA
PLAYHOUSE MANDELL WEISS THEATRE MANDELL WEISS FORUM POTIKER THEATRE | SAN DIEGO OPERA SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE | SEGERSTROM CENTER BROADWAY SERIES
PACIFIC SYMPHONY DANCE SERIES PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY | SOUTH COAST REP FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION PERFORMANCESMAGAZINE.COM
I’m a
So, if you see me talking to myself (after 9 showings in one day), please do not disturb.
I’m having a staff meeting.