Performances Magazine San Diego | La Jolla Playhouse, June 2025

INDIAN PRINCESSES

Begins June 10

THE HEART

Begins August 19

ALL THE MEN WHO’VE FRIGHTENED ME Begins September 16

“What happens here is that you find yourself. You’re actually opening. You’re walking through many, many doors inside of you. I take with me a quietness that I’m able to share and instill in people. Because I’m back as Diane. I’m back whole.”

The Iconic Retreat

P1 Program

Cast, performances, who’s who, director’s notes, donors and more.

6 In the Wings

The Book of Mormon and Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Civic Theatre; Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at La Jolla Playhouse; One of the Good Ones at The Old Globe; the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival; and more.

8 Feature: Spotlight on Mainly Mozart

A preview of the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival, with concerts at The Conrad and Epstein Family Amphitheater (pictured).

13 Dining

Our favorite food and drink picks for June, including Mister A’s, Little Victory Wine Bar (pictured), Brisa Restaurant & Bar, and more.

24 Parting Thought

Performances’ program platform for theater shows and concerts can be accessed from any digital device

ALL OUR FOSSILS. ALL IN ONE PLACE. FOR ALL TO ENJOY.

Your support of The Nat makes big things possible. Like the debut of our brand-new Paleontology Center, which brings our fossil collection together under one roof. This state-of-the-art venue ensures our 1.5 million fossil specimens are cataloged and cared for well into the future and makes them more accessible to researchers and visitors.

The Paleontology Center is part of our newest exhibition experience, Amazement in the Basement, opening June 6 at The Nat. Learn more at sdnat.org/amazement.

PUBLISHER

Jeff Levy

EDITOR

Sarah Daoust

ART DIRECTOR

Carol Wakano

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Glenda Mendez

PRODUCTION ARTIST

Diana Gonzalez

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Stephanie Saad

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Kerry Baggett

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Walter Lewis, 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

Kerry.Baggett@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

WEBSITE

Lorenzo.DelaRama@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

CIRCULATION

Christine.Roessler@ CaliforniaMediaGroup.com

HONORARY PRESIDENT

Ted Levy

Fax:

Plug into Your Creative Side. Experience Art!

JULY 5 - AUG. 29, 2025

800-487-3378

PageantTickets.com

WHERE ART COMES TO LIFE No CGI, no deepfakes—just real people stepping into iconic works of art at the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. Watch masterpieces transform into living pictures, with narration and an original score performed by a live orchestra under the stars. It’s not just a show—it’s an unforgettable experience!

WHERE ART HAPPENS. No screens, no shortcuts—just real artists showcasing original works at the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show in Laguna Beach. Stroll through an outdoor gallery, join free art tours, enjoy live music, and create your own masterpiece in hands-on workshops. It’s art you can explore, experience, and take home. JULY 2 - AUG. 29, 2025 (closed July 4)

EXCITING

THE OUTRAGEOUS MUSICAL comedy The Book of Mormon returns to the Civic Theatre, June 10-15—following two young Mormon missionaries who travel to a remote village in northern Uganda, where a brutal warlord reigns. It’s followed by the San Diego premiere of Moulin Rouge!

The Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards, also at the Civic Theatre, June 24-July 6. broadwaysd.com Jocelyn Bioh’s Broadway hit, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, runs at La Jolla Playhouse through June 15; the comedic play takes us inside a bustling hair-braiding shop in the heart of Harlem. lajollaplayhouse.org

The cast of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Opposite (from top): Classic Albums Live; saxophonist Eric Darius; The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.

At The Old Globe through June 22, don’t miss the San Diego premiere of Gloria Calderón Kellett’s heartwarming comedy, One of the Good Ones. Cultural assumptions and generational differences surface when Yoli brings home her new boyfriend to meet her Latino American parents. theoldglobe.org

Bayside Delights

THERE’S ARGUABLY NO better way to spend a San Diego summer afternoon or evening than at a concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. On June 20, Classic Albums Live will perform David Bowie’s groundbreaking 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, note for note, just as fans remember hearing it. If you like your jazz smooth, head to The Rady Shell June 21-22 for the seventh annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by saxophonist, vocalist and songwriter Eric Darius. This year’s diverse lineup of musicians includes Brian Culbertson, October London, Will Downing, Jackiem Joyner, Jeanette Harris, Erisa Nicole, Down to the Bone, and BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo. The San Diego Symphony opens its 2025 Summer Season on June 27, with Music Director Rafael Payare conducting and featuring trumpeter Paul Merkelo. The repertoire spans works by Ginastera, Wynton Marsalis, Dukas and Debussy. See website for The Shell’s full June concert schedule and tickets. 222 Marina Park Way, downtown, 619.235.0804, theshell.org

MUSIC

AN ALL-STAR ASSEMBLY

MAINLY MOZART’S ANNUAL FESTIVAL IS A CONFLUENCE OF MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

by STEPHANIE SAAD

SINCE ITS INCEPTION in 1988, Mainly Mozart has established itself as a significant presence in the classical music landscape. Founded by Maestro David Atherton and former San Diego Symphony Executive Director Nancy Laturno, the organization was conceived to provide SoCal and Baja with opportunities to experience

live performances by principal orchestral musicians during the summer months. Initially focusing on the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the festival has broadened its scope to include compositions from the 18th and 19th centuries. “Mainly Mozart is now the largest Mozart festival in North America,” says Laturno. “We always have Mozart on our program, but we

took a different look this year at the role of the festival from a national perspective. We should be a place that someone in the Midwest or on the East Coast, or anywhere in the country, looks to come to if they’re a Mozart lover.”

The organization’s flagship event, the annual Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival, brings concertmasters and principal players from

“A truly must-see show. Epic and beautifully written.”

— NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

leading North American orchestras to converge in San Diego. This assembly of talent forms a temporary, yet remarkable, orchestra under the baton of Music Director Michael Francis, who has held the position since 2014. The festival offers a concentrated series of performances, drawing attention to the artistry and collaborative spirit of the musicians.

SAN DIEGO PREMIERE

JUNE 4-29

A touching journey through one woman’s ordinary life, weaving laughter, tears, and reflections on the passing of time and evolving relationships. The play offers a unique perspective on life’s milestones, capturing profound changes from one year to the next.

by NOAH HAIDLE | directed by DAVID ELLENSTEIN

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“I’m always looking for pieces that let the orchestra just fly,” says Francis. “They love playing these extraordinary pieces with each other, playing off each other. You see this energy that is produced by artists at the peak of their talent. Each has the capacity to play their part at their highest level and be completely aware of what everyone else is doing—anticipate and spontaneously make music with everybody else. It’s like Lionel Messi

playing football—you sense what’s going to happen and react accordingly, while being completely in control of your instrument. It creates a frisson, a magic electricity that for me is extraordinary and for the audience as well.”

The upcoming AllStar Orchestra Festival, scheduled for June 18-28, 2025, provides a unique opportunity to witness a concentration of exceptional musical talent in a single ensemble. The temporary nature of this orchestra, drawing principal players from orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and many others, offers a distinct musical experience for audiences in San Diego.

This year’s All-Star Orchestra Festival promises a diverse program across six concerts, / CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

MAY

17 – JUNE 15, 2025

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE SEASON SPONSORS

Denise and Lon Bevers

Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund

Kay and Bill Gurtin

Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.

Joan and Irwin Jacobs

Sheri L. Jamieson

La Atalaya Fund

Rebecca Moores Foundation

Paula and Brian Powers

Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Weston Anson, Melissa and Michael Bartell, Gail and Ralph Bryan, Gary and Marlene Cohen, Brian and Silvija Devine, The Estate of Pauline Foster, Hanna and Mark Gleiberman, Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters, Debby and Hal Jacobs, Laurents / Hatcher Foundation, Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq., Perlmeter Family Foundation, Maryanne and Irwin Pfister, Robin and Larry Rusinko, Karen and Jeff Silberman, The Stockdale Family, Molli Wagner, Peggy Ann Wallace, Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Gail and Ralph Bryan

A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the beginning of La Jolla Playhouse’s 2025/26 Season, my final season in residence as the Playhouse’s Artistic Director. This season holds particular resonance for me – not just because of the shows we will be sharing with you, but also because of the extraordinary person to whom it is dedicated: Joan Jacobs.

With her husband Irwin, Joan helped change the face, heart and soul of San Diego through her tireless philanthropy. As a trustee of the Playhouse for decades, Joan held us to a very high artistic standard. When we returned from the Covid shutdown in July 2021 – a time of acute anxiety and economic uncertainty everywhere, but not least amongst theatres – Joan led the chorus from our board that we continue to be a safe harbor for unsafe and surprising work, and that we maintain our commitment to developing the new and the next in American theatre. I’d like to think she would have been proud of this season.

This year’s shows – including five world premieres and a Southern California premiere – have tremendous heart and joy, even when tackling thorny issues. It’s a season of welcome returns for Playhouse veterans (Claudia Shear, Lisa Peterson, Ian Eisendrath) and La Jolla debuts by thrilling newcomers (Eliana Theologides Rodriguez, Miranda Cornell, Noah Diaz and Kat Yen, our inaugural Directing Fellow). And I am overjoyed to be directing two new musicals in this season, The Heart and Working Girl.

To kick off our season, it’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. When it premiered on Broadway in late 2023, I was utterly charmed by its characters and moved by their stories. Jocelyn’s warm, funny and perceptive script – and Whitney White’s gorgeous, stellar production – is a celebration of the women who inhabit the unique cultural hub of a hair braiding salon in Harlem. But this play also asks how communities come together when they are still viewed as outsiders in their own home – a question that has become increasingly urgent as of late.

Thank you, as always, for taking this ride with us.

CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY

THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

La Jolla Playhouse acknowledges the land on which our theatres sit as the unceded territory of the KUMEYAAY NATION. Today, the Kumeyaay people continue to maintain their political sovereignty and cultural traditions as vital members of the San Diego community. Their contributions to our region are tremendous and we thank them for their stewardship.

LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS

Christopher Ashley

THE RICH FAMILY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

Debby Buchholz MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

In a co-production with Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Center Theatre Group and Chicago Shakespeare Theater In association with Madison Wells Live and LaChanze

Jocelyn Bioh BY Whitney White

DIRECTED BY

FEATURING

Melanie Brezill*, Leovina Charles*, Victoire Charles*, Mia Ellis*, Onye Eme-Akwari*, Tiffany Renee Johnson*, Claudia Logan*, Jordan Rice*, Aisha Sougou*, Bisserat Tseggai*

ADDITIONAL DIRECTION FOR LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

SCENIC DESIGN

COSTUME DESIGN

LIGHTING DESIGN

ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SOUND DESIGN

VIDEO DESIGN

WIGS AND HAIR DESIGN

SENSITIVITY SPECIALIST

CASTING

DIALECT AND VOCAL COACH

STAGE MANAGER

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

GENERAL MANAGER

ARTISTIC PRODUCING DIRECTOR

Manna-Symone Middlebrooks

David Zinn

Dede Ayite

Jiyoun Chang

Justin Ellington

Stefania Bulbarella

Nikiya Mathis

Ann C. James

Erica A. Hart, CSA; Kelly Gillespie, CSA; David Caparelliotis, CSA

Jacqueline Springfield

Melanie J. Lisby*

Edward Khris Fernandez*, Brillian Qi-Bell*

Becca Duhaime

Ryan Meisheid

Eric Keen-Louie

World premiere produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Chris Jennings, Executive Director) and Madison Wells Live with LaChanze & Taraji P. Henson at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on September 12, 2023. Commissioned by Williamstown Theatre Festival (Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director), Williamstown, MA.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. (www.dramatists.com)

THE CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Michelle/Chrissy/LaNiece ........................................................................... ..........Melanie Brezill*

Vanessa/Sheila/Radia..........................................................................................Leovina Charles*

Jaja ........................................................................................................... ..........Victoire Charles*

Jennifer Mia Ellis*

James/Franklin/Olu/Eric Onye Eme-Akwari*

Aminata Tiffany Renee Johnson*

Bea Claudia Logan*

Marie Jordan Rice*

Ndidi Aisha Sougou*

Miriam ............................................................................................................... Bisserat Tseggai*

Nollywood Dreams Actors..................................................... Onye Eme-Akwari*, Morgan Scott*

UNDERSTUDIES

Miriam/Ndidi/Aminata........................................................................................ Debora Crabbe*

Michelle/Chrissy/LaNiece ............................................................................................... Mia Ellis*

Jaja/Bea/Jennifer Mysia Anderson-White*

James/Franklin/Olu/Eric Vandous Stripling II*

Marie/Vanessa/Sheila/Radia Donae Swanson

Understudies are never substituted for listed roles unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

Associate Scenic Designer

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Teresa Willams

Associate Costume Designer Chris Hynds

Associate Lighting Designer Jacob Zedek

Associate Sound Designer .............................................................................................. DJ Potts

Associate Wigs and Hair Designer ........................................................................... Tinika Sadiku Stage Manager Understudy .................................................................................... Isabelle Louis Production Assistant ........................................................................................... Jazmine Villalino

SYNOPSIS

Every day, a lively and eclectic group of West African immigrants at Jaja’s African Hair Braiding create masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. On a particularly muggy summer day, Jaja’s daughter Marie is running the shop while her mother prepares for her courthouse, green-card wedding — to a man no one seems to particularly like. Just like her mom, Marie is trying to secure her future; she’s just graduated high school and all she wants to do is go to college. While Marie deals with the laugh-out-loud drama of the customers and stylists, unwelcome news pierces the hearts of the women of the salon, galvanizing their connections and strengthening the community they have longed to make in the United States.

Jaja's African Hair Braiding is performed without an intermission.

THE COMPANY

Melanie Brezill (Michelle/Chrissy/LaNiece)

Broadway/National Tour: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia!. Select Regional: Go Dog Go! Ve Perro ¡Ve! (Chicago Children's Theatre); Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf, Man in the Ring, Caroline, or Change (Court Theatre); Beautiful, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Marriott Theatre); The Comedy of Errors at Shepperton, As You Like It (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Nina Simone: Four Women (Northlight Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre); Crowns (Goodman Theatre); The MLK Project (Writers Theatre). TV: Empire. Film: Reporting for Christmas. Brezill is the creator of The Grandmother Project and Pearls & Pocketbooks series on YouTube. @shinegirlshine @thegrandmotherproject

Leovina Charles (Vanessa/Sheila/Radia) is a Haitian-American actress, singer, and dancer born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Making her professional theatre debut as Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway, she has long believed in the transformative power of storytelling and has a passion for stepping into the shoes of those whose stories often go untold. She is thrilled to be back on the Playhouse stage and thanks God, her family and friends for their unending love and support! Select Credits: Lempicka (La Jolla Playhouse), I Am Antigone (Theatre for a New City), The Waterfall (Thrown Stone), Soñadora (Tribeca Film Festival, Amazon Prime), In the Red and Brown Water (UCSD). M.F.A.: Acting, UC San Diego. B.F.A.: Musical Theatre, Howard University.

Victoire Charles (Jaja)

Theatre: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Broadway); Golden Age (MTC); Ruined (MTC, Intiman, Geffen Playhouse); Moby Dick Rehearsed, The Tempest (The Acting Company, Group 35); Intimate Apparel (Portland Stage Company); The Trojan Women (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); The Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Theatre Company). TV: New Amsterdam (NBC); FBI (CBS); Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Pretty Little Liars: Summer School (HBO Max). She can currently be seen recurring as Judge Stella McRae on this season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. @victoryc

Mia Ellis (Jennifer)

Select Regional: The Amen Corner (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Fairview, The Mountaintop, Intimate Apparel, Ragtime (Trinity Rep); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); A Raisin in the Sun (Seattle Rep); Hamlet (Santa Cruz Shakespeare). TV/Film: The Good Fight, Elementary, Person of Interest, Welcome to the Blumhouse Live, Lavender Men, The Surrender. Mia received her M.F.A. in acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep and is also a narrator, writer, producer, and member of the Trinity Rep Acting Company. She sends a special thanks to Linda, Semoune, and L.B. Instagram: @ellismia09. Website: miaellis.com

Onye Eme-Akwari (James/Franklin/Olu/Eric) is a Nigerian-born actor, producer, musician, and educator. He has performed in and taught numerous marching bands, indoor drum lines, and world-class touring drum corps. Recent theatre credits include the regional premiere of Spirits to Enforce (Vernal & Sere), as well as the five-time Tony-nominated Jaja’s African Hair Braiding on Broadway (Manhattan Theatre Club). Recent TV/Film credits include guest star and recurring appearances in FBI: Most Wanted (CBS), The Good Doctor (ABC), Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS), Will Trent (ABC), Random Acts of Flyness (HBO), and Outer Banks (Netflix). Onye teaches at the Robert Mello Studio in Atlanta, GA, as well as the Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn, NY. He also holds an M.A. in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology from the University of Georgia. Instagram: @onye.emeakwari

Tiffany Renee Johnson (Aminata)

is a proud Chicago native with a B.F.A. in Theatre from Howard University, and is repped by Gray Talent Group. She is thrilled to make her La Jolla Playhouse debut! Regional credits: Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Blues for an Alabama Sky (Remy Bumppo Theatre — Core Ensemble Member); Chlorine Sky (Steppenwolf Theatre); School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre); Red Velvet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); The Garbologists (Northlight Theatre); Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and A Doll's House (Writers Theatre). TV/Film credits: Shameless and The Chi (Showtime); Chicago PD and Chicago Med (NBC); Soundtrack (Hulu); and Range Runners (Amazon Prime). When she is not acting, she is writing for film and speaking to students. To God be the glory. Instagram: @tiffanyreneej_ Website: tiffanyreneejohnson.com

Claudia Logan (Bea)

La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Off-Broadway: Six Characters (Lincoln Center Theater); Exception to the Rule (Roundabout Theatre Company); Push Party (The HEARTH). Regional: From the Mississippi Delta (Westport Country Playhouse); The Most Spectacularly Lamentable of Miz Martha Washington, The Tempest (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival); Penny Candy (Dallas Theater Center). TV: Diarra from Detroit, Harlem, The Equalizer, Blue Bloods, Hightown, Pause with Sam Jay, That Damn Michael Che, New Amsterdam, Tales of the City, Random Acts of Flyness.

THE COMPANY

Jordan Rice (Marie, she/her) is thrilled to join the cast of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Jordan can currently be seen as a recurring guest star on Swagger on Apple TV+, and in the feature film One True Loves starring Simu Liu and Phillipa Soo. At age 11, Jordan made her feature debut in Ava DuVernay’s Selma and has loved creating ever since. Jordan is a 2020 National YoungArts Winner in Theatre, and a 2021 US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist. Additionally, she recently completed an intensive acting training course at LAMDA (UK). To follow her journey, follow her on Instagram: @actressjordanrice #ThatGirlBeActing

Aisha Sougou (Ndidi, she/her) was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is the daughter of immigrants from Senegal. Past credits include Beehive, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Marriott Theatre). She graduated from the School of Drama at The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Class of 2023. She radiates love and gratitude for her friends and family, especially her mother and sisters, who taught her everything she knows about respect and selfworth. So much love for Stewart Talent and the faculty at UNCSA. Go Pickles! Instagram: @_aisha_marie_

Bisserat Tseggai (Miriam) is an Eritrean-American actor whose work in theatre includes The Jungle at St. Ann’s Warehouse and the Curran Theatre, and For All the Women Who Thought They Were Mad at Soho Rep. Her television credits include The Accidental Wolf, Seven Seconds, Succession, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Orange Is the New Black, Billions, Alternatino with Arturo Castro, Luke Cage, and Rival Speak. You can follow her @bisserat on all social media platforms.

Please refer to our digital program for understudy bios and additional production information.

Jocelyn Bioh (Playwright) is an award-winning, Tony Award-nominated GhanaianAmerican writer/performer from New York City. Her written works for theatre include Jaja's African Hair Braiding (MTC), which premiered on Broadway in 2023 and was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Play; Merry Wives (Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, PBS Great Performances) which won the 2022 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Adaptation; Nollywood Dreams (MCC Theater); and the multi-award-winning School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, which was originally produced at MCC Theater in 2017/2018 and has gone on to have over 70 regional productions and premiered in the UK in 2023. Jocelyn was a 2017 Tow Playwriting Fellow and has won several playwriting awards, including the Dramatists Guild's Hull-Warriner Prize (2018 and 2024), Steinberg Playwright Award, Lortel Award, Drama Desk Award, and is the winner of the 2024 Horton Foote Prize. Jocelyn has also written for TV on Russian Doll, Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It (Netflix), Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu), and the Star Wars series The Acolyte (Disney+), and is writing the live-action film adaption of the hit Broadway musical Once On This Island for Disney.

Whitney White (Director)

Broadway: The Last Five Years, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Marvin’s Room Off-Broadway: Jordans, What to Send Up When It Goes Down (Public Theater); Soft (MCC Theater); On Sugarland, Othello (New York Theatre Workshop); If I Forget (Roundabout Theatre Company), Vineyard Theatre, The New Group, Page 73, The Playwrights Realm, Juilliard, Trinity Rep, The Drama League, and others. International: The Secret Life of Bees (Almeida Theatre); Sundance. Regional: The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Amen Corner (Shakespeare Theatre Company); An Iliad (Long Wharf Theatre); Canyon (IAMA Theatre Company); world premiere of Jump (PlayMakers Repertory Company); Trinity Repertory Company. Original Works: Semblance, Definition, Macbeth in Stride. Education: M.F.A. in acting, Brown University; B.A., Northwestern University. Awards: Obie, Lilly, Tony nominations for direction, writing, and music; two New York Times Critic’s Picks, LA Times Critics Choice, Elliott Norton Award for Outstanding Musical Performance, Susan Stroman Directing, Herb Alpert, Jerome Fellowship. White is an Artistic Associate (Roundabout Theatre Company) and former staff writer on Boots Riley’s I’m a Virgo.

Manna-Symone Middlebrooks (Additional Direction for La Jolla Playhouse)

Recent work on Broadway includes Jaja's African Hair Braiding. Recent directing credits include The Tempest, sandblasted, Precious Little and The Revenger's Tragedy at Northwestern University; Romeo & Juliet at Wittenberg University. Other regional associate and assistant director credits include The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf), The Amen Corner (Shakespeare Theatre Company), All's Well That Ends Well (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Indecent and Turn Me Loose (Arena Stage); Henry IV, Part I and Amadeus (Folger Theatre), The Wolves, Skeleton Crew and Translations (Studio Theatre), BLKS (Woolly Mammoth). IG: @mannasymone. Website: mannasymone.com

David Zinn (Scenic Design)

Previous work at La Jolla Playhouse includes set design for Tobacco Road, Notes from Underground, Peer Gynt and Diana. Recent set designs on Broadway include The Last Five Years, Stereophonic, The Notebook, Kimberly Akimbo, Funny Girl and The Humans; set and costume design for Here We Are (also at the National Theatre), SpongeBob SquarePants, Amelie and Fun Home; and costumes for Enemy of the People and A Doll’s House Part 2. Recent OffBroadway includes Bess Wohl’s Liberation, as well as work at Playwrights Horizons, MTC, NYTW, Lincoln Center and Second Stage. He’s also designed at A.C.T., A.R.T., Berkeley Rep, The Guthrie, The Old Globe, Seattle Rep, Santa Fe Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Young Vic, Hampstead (UK), Berlin Staatsoper and Theater Basel. He's received Tony, Drama Desk, Hewes and Obie awards for his work.

Dede Ayite (Costume Design) is a Tony Award-winning costume designer. La Jolla Playhouse: Here There Are Blueberries, The Year to Come, The Last Tiger in Haiti. Recent: X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X at the Metropolitan Opera. Select Broadway: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Tony Award), Hell’s Kitchen, Appropriate, Topdog/Underdog, Slave Play. Select Off-Broadway: Merry Wives (Public), Buena Vista Social Club, Days of Wine and Roses (Atlantic). Select Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Arena Stage. TV: Netflix, Comedy Central. Awards: TDF/Kitty Leech Young Master Award, Obie, Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, Audelco, Jeff awards.

Jiyoun Chang (Lighting Design) loves to work on new stories and adaptations that connect her to communities around her and share a deep understanding of them with the audience. Her credits on Broadway are Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Stereophonic, The Cottage, KPOP, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf, and Slave Play. Her other credits are from the Noël Coward Theatre at West End, Arena Stage, The Public Theatre, Roundabout, NYTW, MCC, Signature, ATC, Guggenheim, Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Cal Shakes, Guthrie, Old Globe, and OSF. She has been nominated numerous times for Tony, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel Awards. She is a recipient of the Henry Hewes Design Award ‘24, Obie Award, and Suzi Bass Award. Jacob Zedek is the Associate Lighting Designer who has transferred Jaja from Broadway to La Jolla Playhouse.

Justin Ellington (Original Music and Sound Design) La Jolla Playhouse: The Outsiders, to the yellow house, The Seven. His impressive portfolio spans theatre, film and radio, with Broadway credits including Othello, Our Town, McNeal, Home, Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Tony nomination), for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf (Tony nomination), Topdog/Underdog, Pass Over and Clyde's. Off-Broadway he's contributed to productions at New York Theatre Workshop, Lincoln Center and The Public Theater. Justin has earned awards like the Obie, Audelco and Henry Hewes Design, and has been recognized by ASCAP and the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is currently a Lecturer in Sound Design at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University.

Stefania Bulbarella (Video Design) is a projections designer from Argentina based in NY. Broadway: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (MTC). OffBroadway: Space Dogs (MCC); Travels (Ars Nova); A Bright New Boise, The Watering Hole (Signature Theatre); Semblance (New York Theatre Workshop); among others. Nominations: 2024 Tony nominee for her work in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding; Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee for Outstanding Video/Projection Design for Space Dogs. Awards: HOLA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Design for Vamonos! stefaniabulbarella.com

Nikiya Mathis (Wigs and Hair Design) is a multi-hyphenate actress and wig designer. She has originated roles in world-premiere plays including Blood Quilt at Arena Stage; Off-Broadway premieres including Tarell McCraney’s The Brother/Sister Plays, Dominique Morisseau’s Skeleton Crew, Kirsten Greenidge’s Milk Like Sugar; and Lynn Nottage’s NY revival of Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine. She currently recurs as N’Kiyah Franklin in Power Book III: Raising Kanan on Starz. Nikiya is the first wig designer ever to receive a special Tony Award for her design of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. She is an Obie Award winner, Drama Desk Award winner, Black Women on Broadway Award winner, and Henry Hewes Award winner. Nikiya’s Broadway credits include Purpose, Home, The Heart of Rock and Roll, Once Upon a One More Time, Death of a Salesman, Topdog/Underdog, and Chicken & Biscuits. Her Off-Broadway credits include the re-envisioning of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Goddess, Liberation, among others. Instagram: @our_black_tresses @nikiyamathis

Ann C. James (Sensitivity Specialist) debuted as the first Black Intimacy Coordinator on Broadway for Pass Over. Recently, her company Intimacy Coordinators of Color was awarded a Special Citation from the Obie Awards. Broadway: John Proctor Is the Villain, Sunset Boulevard, A Wonderful World, Eureka Day, Lempicka, The Outsiders, Hamilton, Parade, Sweeney Todd, Heart of Rock and Roll, Illinoise. Off-Broadway: Shit. Meet. Fan., The Hippest Trip, Sunset Baby, Jonah, White Girl in Danger, How to Defend Yourself, The Comeuppance, Evanston Salt Costs Climbing, My Broken Language, The Half-God of Rainfall, Here There Are Blueberries, Life and Trust, The Lonely Few. Tour: Hamilton USA, UK and AUS.

Erica A. Hart, CSA (Casting)

Broadway: Chicken & Biscuits, Pass Over, Death of a Salesman, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Television: Black Mirror, A Black Lady Sketch Show (Artios winner), That Damn Michael Che, Bust Down, The Girls on the Bus, The Equalizer, Survival of the Thickest. Film: The Surrogate (Artios winner), We Strangers (SXSW), Cupids (Tribeca). Music video: “Fight for You” by H.E.R. Thanks Jocelyn Bioh, Whitney White, Kelly Gillespie, David Caparelliotis, and the Jaja’s African Hair Braiding family!

THE COMPANY

Kelly Gillespie, CSA (Casting) has been on the casting staff at Manhattan Theatre Club for 17 seasons. Favorite MTC projects include Prayer for the French Republic (Broadway and Off Broadway), Mary Jane, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, The Best We Could, Skeleton Crew, Ink, Choir Boy, and The Explorers Club. Other credits include Bite Me, Sancocho, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, What We’re Up Against, Sundown Yellow Moon, Ironbound (WP Theater); Melancholy Play, A Map of Virtue, The Zero Hour, Monstrosity (13P); Good Person of Szechwan (Foundry and Public Theater); Photograph 51 (Ensemble Studio Theatre); Exclusion, POTUS (Arena Stage); Age of Innocence, Trouble in Mind (The Old Globe); Two Sisters and a Piano (Two River Theater); and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America, Residence, Seven Guitars, 4000 Miles, Dot, The Roommate, and Eat Your Heart Out (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Gillespie also was resident casting director for several seasons for the Off Broadway companies TACT and Keen Company. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan.

David Caparelliotis, CSA (Casting) Select Broadway/Off Broadway: Good Night and Good Luck; Mary Jane; Prayer for the French Republic; Jaja’s African Hair Braiding; 2:22 A Ghost Story; Grey House; Summer, 1976; The Comeuppance; Ohio State Murders; Cost of Living; Macbeth; The Minutes; Skeleton Crew; Ink; Letters From Max; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; The Waverly Gallery; Boys in the Band Select theatres: Signature NYC, Atlantic, Ars Nova, The Old Globe. TV/Film: New Amsterdam (NBC, series casting), The Boys in the Band (Netflix, original casting).

Jacqueline Springfield (Voice and Dialect Coach) La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Off-Broadway: Ensemble Studio Theatre. Regional: South Coast Repertory, Goodman Theatre, Alliance Theatre, True Colors Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, American Players Theatre. Education: M.F.A. from UNC Greensboro, Certified Instructor of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. jacquelinespringfield.com

Melanie J. Lisby (Stage Manager) she/her/hers

La Jolla Playhouse: Wild Goose Dreams. Broadway: Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, Tina—The Tina Turner Musical, Grand Horizons, On the Twentieth Century. Off-Broadway (select): Dark Disabled Stories, american (tele)visions, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, Hurricane Diane, Wild Goose Dreams, Jersey Boys, Pacific Overtures, Dead Poets Society, Mobile Unit’s Hamlet, Once Upon A Mattress. Regional: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Williamstown, Two River, Pig Iron, Gulfshore Playhouse, The Barnstormers, Crossroads Rep. Numerous readings, labs, workshops and special events. Proud Indiana State University alumna.

Edward Khris Fernandez (Assistant Stage Manager, May 30 – June 15)

La Jolla Playhouse: The Garden. Regional: Cambodian Rock Band, Pacific Overtures, On This Side of the World, Vietgone (East West Players); This Bright Wilderness, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Clyde’s (Center Theatre Group); The Engagement Party (Geffen Playhouse); The World Is Not Silent (Alley Theatre); Clyde’s (Goodman Theatre); In the Heights (Colorado Fine Arts Center). Opera: Roméo et Juliette, Cosi Fan Tutte (San Diego Opera). Education: San Diego State University. Visit ekfsm.com for more!

Brillian Qi-Bell (Assistant Stage Manager, May 17 – June 1)

La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. New York: PSM for Amerikin (Primary Stages); ASM for Bees & Honey (MCC Theater); ASM for 38th Marathon of One-Act Plays (Ensemble Studio Theater); PA/ASM sub for The Harder They Come, PA for Hell's Kitchen (The Public Theater); PA for Suffs development (101 Productions). Regional: ASM for previous stops of Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater); ASM for A Thousand Maids (Two River Theater). National Tour: PA/ASM sub for & Juliet, PA/ASM sub for Funny Girl, PA for Jagged Little Pill. Qi-Bell has participated in advocacy programs including the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship, Beyond the Stage Door (Baseline Theatricals), and the Harriet Tubman Effect.

Arena Stage

The first racially integrated theatre in our nation’s capital and a pioneer of the regional theatre movement, Arena Stage was founded in 1950 in Washington, D.C. Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Hana S. Sharif and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is a national center dedicated to American voices and artists. They produce plays of all that is passionate, profound, deep, and dangerous in the American spirit, and present diverse and groundbreaking work from some of the best artists around the country. Consistently contributing to the American theatrical lexicon by commissioning and developing new plays, Arena Stage impacts the lives of over 10,000 students annually through its work in community engagement and serves a diverse annual audience of more than 300,000. arenastage.org

Berkeley Repertory Theatre

has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre and has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Berkeley Rep’s shows have gone on to win eight Tony Awards, nine Obie Awards, eleven Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, one Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work was launched in 2012. Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre helps build the audiences of tomorrow with its nationally recognized programs. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org.

Center Theatre Group

One of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, Center Theatre Group is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company, which, under the leadership of the Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director Snehal Desai, Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman, and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs the Mark Taper Forum, the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics, and circumstances to serve Los Angeles. CenterTheatreGroup.org

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

a Regional Tony Award recipient, produces a bold and innovative year-round season that includes Shakespeare, original plays, musicals, family programming, and international theatrical events. CST is committed to serving as a cultural center across its three stages – the 700+-seat Yard, 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs as well as in classrooms, neighborhoods and venues around the world. CST has a deep commitment to education and lifelong learning with robust programming for students, teachers and lifelong learners, and engagement with communities across the city. Onstage, in classrooms and neighborhoods across the city, and in venues around the world, Chicago Shakespeare is a multifaceted theatre –inviting audiences, artists and community members to share powerful stories that illuminate the complexities, ambiguities and wonders of our world. chicagoshakes.com

Madison Wells Live is the live entertainment arm of Madison Wells, Gigi Pritzker’s award-winning, independent production company who believes in telling stories by, and about, badass women, as well as people who love pushing boundaries. Led by Executive Producer Jamie Forshaw, Madison Wells Live focuses on producing purpose-driven projects through collaboration with partners who are aligned in the belief that great storytelling can provoke, inspire, and move audiences around the world. Broadway credits include Swept Away, Water for Elephants (Tony Award nomination), Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Tony nomination), Shucked (Tony nomination), Company (Tony Award for Best Revival), The Old Man and The Pool, Pass Over, Hadestown (Tony Award for Best Musical), The Inheritance (Tony Award for Best Play), Million Dollar Quartet (Tony nomination). West End: Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder!, The Motive and the Cue (Laurence Olivier nomination) and The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Laurence Olivier nomination). Off-Broadway: We Live in Cairo, Seven Deadly Sins (Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience). For more information about Madison Wells Live, visit madisonwellsmedia.com.

LaChanze

Broadway: Celie in The Color Purple (Tony Award), Ti Moune in Once on This Island (Tony Award nomination), Trouble in Mind (Tony Award nomination), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Tony Award nomination), A Christmas Carol, If/Then, The Wiz, Company, Ragtime and Dreamgirls. Off-Broadway: The Secret Life of Bees, The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, The Vagina Monologues and Cabin in the Sky at New York City Center Encores!. TV: Handel’s Messiah Rocks: A Joyful Noise (Emmy Award), East New York, The Blacklist, HBO’s The Night Of, Law & Order: SVU, The Good Fight, Sex and the City. Film: The Help, Melinda and Disney’s Hercules among other titles. As Director: Alice Childress’ Wine in the Wilderness at Classic Stage Company next season. As Producer: The Outsiders, adapted from S.E. Hinton’s classic novel (Tony Award), Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh (Tony Award nomination), Here Lies Love by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim along with the 20th Anniversary revival of Suzan-Lori Parks’ acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/ Underdog (Tony Award) and Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire’s new musical, Kimberly Akimbo (Tony Award), both co-produced with David Stone. President of Black Theatre United, a community dedicated to awareness, accountability, and advocacy. Proud mother to Celia Rose and Zaya LaChanze. She resides in Westchester, New York with her three cats and gardening hats.

San Diego M.F.A. Candidates in residence at La Jolla Playhouse. ‡

PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP

Christopher Ashley, (he/him) The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse has served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director since 2007. During his tenure, he directed the world premieres of Come From Away, The Untitled Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical, Babbitt, Diana: The Musical, Memphis, Escape to Margaritaville, The Squirrels, A Dram of Drummhicit, Restoration and Chasing the Song, as well As You Like It, His Girl Friday, Glengarry Glen Ross, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Freaky Friday and Xanadu. He also spearheaded the Playhouse’s Without Walls (WOW) initiative, the DNA New Work Series and the Resident Theatre program. Mr. Ashley Come From Away for AppleTV+ and Diana: The for Netflix. Other screen credits include the feature films , and the American Playhouse production of Blown Sideways Through Life for PBS. Mr. Ashley’s Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nomination), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk Award nomination), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Award nominations). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nomination), Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Other national tours include Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis, Xanadu, All Shook Up and Seussical: The Musical. Additional New York stage credits include Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards), The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla (Lucille Lortel Award nomination), Regrets Only, Wonder of the World, Communicating Doors, Bunny Bunny, The Night Hank Williams Died and Fires in the Mirror (Lucille Lortel Award), among others. Mr. Ashley is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/TCG Director Fellowship.

Debby Buchholz, (she/her) Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse joined the Playhouse in 2002, serving first as General Manager before becoming Managing Director. She is President of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and a member of its Executive Committee. She is a recipient of a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Prior to joining La Jolla Playhouse, she served as Counsel to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. She was a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution’s program on Legal Problems of Museum Administration. Prior to The Kennedy Center, she served as a corporate attorney in New York City and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of UC San Diego and Harvard Law School. Ms. Buchholz and her husband, noted author and White House economic policy advisor Todd Buchholz, live in Solana Beach.

Eric Keen-Louie, (he/him) Artistic Producing Director joined the Playhouse in 2018 as Producing Director, before becoming Executive Producer in 2021. He previously worked at The Old Globe (Associate Producer and Associate Artistic Director) and The Public Theater (Assistant to the Associate Producer and Director of Special Projects). He assisted Broadway producer Margo Lion on Hairspray and Caroline, or Change. He is a graduate of Columbia University where he received his M.F.A. in Theatre Management & Producing as a Dean’s Fellow and New York University where he earned a B.A. in Dramatic Literature. He serves as Vice President on the National Alliance of Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors. He is a proud third-generation Chinese-American and is married to Anthony Keen-Louie, a local mediator and Associate Ombuds at UC Santa Cruz.

Des McAnuff, (he/him) Director Emeritus is a two-time Tony Award-winning director and served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director from 1983 through 1994, and from 2001 through April 2007 where he staged over 30 productions of classics, new plays and musicals. Under his leadership, the Playhouse garnered the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. He is also the former Artistic Director of Canada’s Stratford Festival and co-founder of Broadway’s Dodgers. Broadway: Ain’t Too Proud, Summer, Doctor Zhivago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention, Jersey Boys (Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Musical), Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Tony Award: Best Special Theatrical Event), Dracula the Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Who’s Tommy (Tony and Olivier Awards: Best Director), A Walk in the Woods, Big River (Tony Awards: Best Director, Best Musical). Selected New York: Fetch Clay, Make Man (NYTW); multiple productions at The Public and BAM. Stratford highlights: A Word or Two, Caesar and Cleopatra, The Tempest (all with Christopher Plummer), Twelfth Night (with Brian Dennehy). Opera: Faust (The Met, ENO). TV: 700 Sundays (HBO). Film: Cousin Bette (director, with Jessica Lange), The Iron Giant (producer, BAFTA Award) and Quills (executive producer). He has an honorary doctorate from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and in 2012, he was awarded Canada’s Governor Generals National Arts Center Award and the Order of Canada. His new version of The Who’s Tommy recently opened on Broadway in March, 2024.

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new works, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 36 productions to Broadway – among them the hit musical Come From Away – garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

MISSION STATEMENT

La Jolla Playhouse advances theatre as an art form, telling stories that inspire empathy and create a dialogue toward a more just future. With our intrepid spirit and eclectic, artist-driven approach we will continue to cultivate a local, national and global following with an insatiable appetite for audacious work.

We provide unfettered creative opportunities for a community of artists of all backgrounds and abilities. We are committed to being a permanent safe harbor for unsafe and surprising work, offering a glimpse of the new and the next in American theatre.

VALUES STATEMENT

Welcome to La Jolla Playhouse, where we believe that stories enhance the human experience, instill empathy and help us see the world in new ways. We respect all races, ethnicities, cultures, physical/cognitive abilities, ages, genders and identities, and endeavor to be an anti-racist and accessible organization that removes barriers to engagement. As a community of life-long learners who celebrate the spirit of play, we innovate and collaborate to bring theatre to life.

We practice empathy by listening, challenging our assumptions and staying open to all perspectives.

We respect and recognize the complexities of all lived experiences, identities and cultural backgrounds. We honor the Kumeyaay Nation, the original caretakers of the land on which our theaters sit. We will fight against anti-blackness, the many forms of racism directed at BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and all types of discrimination and harassment, to be a more inclusive space where everyone feels welcome onstage and off.

We work with our community to identify, understand and address ways to make our theatre more equitable and accessible.

We infuse the spirit of play into everything we do, sparking creativity, fun and life-long learning.

We innovate and take risks to propel theatre as an art form and as a pathway toward fostering belonging and enhancing human connection.

We collaborate by prioritizing inclusive practices from which diverse voices, talents and ideas can strengthen engagement and creative thinking.

We vow to grow and embrace these values. When we falter, we will hold ourselves accountable through transparent communication, measurable outcomes, self-reflection and humility. With great joy and a strong sense of responsibility, we commit to these values in every aspect of our work.

THE MOST HARLEM HARLEM THAT EVER HARLEM’D

A conversation with Jaja’s African Hair Braiding playwright Jocelyn Bioh

What is the origin story of Jaja’s?

JB: Braids are a big part of my life. I’m from New York. I grew up in Washington Heights, and I went to the hair braiding shop since I was about four years old and had hair long enough to braid. When I became a professional writer, I realized how right it was for a play setting. I knew [the story] would center somewhat around immigration; there was a lot of conversation about immigrants, and who immigrants were and why they were coming to our country, if you will. I wanted to have a response to that.

What was the development process for this show?

JB: In 2018, I was offered a commission by Williamstown Theatre Festival to write a play. The Artistic Director at the time said that I could write whatever I wanted, and I thought: I want to write a play about braids and a hair braiding shop. I went away and wrote the initial draft of Jaja’s within a couple of months. We were on the development track to do it at Williamstown, then a little thing called COVID happened. A lot of things shifted,

and after a very, truly long story, the play ended up at Manhattan Theatre Club. I asked them to consider it for their Broadway house because I actually felt the play, and what it required in terms of the cast size, felt on the scale of a Broadway production.

The trajectory of the play in terms of it being written to when it was produced was about four years, but in terms of its development, it felt pretty fast for me because I never had an opportunity to have many readings. There was one reading on Zoom, another reading in person (for MTC), and then MTC scheduled it [for production]. And then we had this moment in the development process where I had the opportunity to involve Nikiya Mathis, our Wigs Designer. I had to involve her in the development process because I had to understand if what I was writing and how I was writing it was going to even be possible to do. Can we jump three hours in time from scene to scene and [have] these braids still be able to be done? How can we do that in the wig design? I found myself for the first time collaborating with a designer as I was developing the show, which was really unique. I was learning

on my feet with this particular play, but I was up for the task.

How did you feel about making your Broadway debut?

JB: I don’t mess around. I think people don’t know that about me until they’re in a setting with me and understand that I’m working just as hard as everybody else. I didn’t feel super intimidated by Broadway. I think it just made me feel, “Okay, well, they’ve committed to doing it on this big platform, and now the work ethic that I’ve built over nearly the last decade will be on full display.” It made everybody sit up straighter, I think. There was no, “Can I just try it out, and then we’ll clean it up when we move to Broadway.” No, we’re doing it live. It made everyone show up with their A-game – not that I think they wouldn’t have in any other capacity. There was a lot of history that was involved with the play, too. It was the first play by a Black playwright to premiere “cold” on Broadway since 1991. And we had so many Broadway debuts: it was my Broadway debut as a playwright; Whitney’s Broadway debut as a director; and most of the cast had never been on Broadway before. So, it all felt extremely historic.

How

was your collaboration with Whitney

White?

JB: Whitney was a new collaborator, but this won’t be our last collaboration. We are already discussing at least two other projects that we will be working on together. She keeps me pulled, even reluctantly, into the theater. What is very special about Whitney is that…the best way I can describe it is: she’s a wholesale collaborator. When we’re looking at what we’re working on, she’s thinking about how the design of it is going to look, how the set is going to look, what the costumes are going to feel, what the music is going to be – all infused in it. At the same time, she’s really making sure that I’m getting what I need and having the conversations that I need with her – so dramaturgically, what needs to be happening in the play is there. She understands that it’s not just one person who makes all of this happen. In her email signoffs or after a big meeting, she will literally say, “Thank you all for your work. I know what you’re doing is really hard but thank you all for your work.” That’s a great way to sum up the kind of collaborator she is.

Why is Harlem an important setting for you?

JB: Most of my work centers Black people and Black diasporic realms. Settings are very important for me because they contextualize for the audience and, maybe, help them understand – we’re centering work and people that we’ve never really seen on stage before, and settings help audiences familiarize what is known to them. Harlem was important for two reasons: it was one of the few times — outside of my adaptation of Merry Wives — that I set a play in America; and two, I wanted Jaja’s to feel like it was the epicenter of something culturally specific. People have an idea of the different cultures that exist in a Harlem hair braiding shop, especially if all the people look the same or are of the same diasporic cultural connections; and people have an idea of what Harlem looks like, but now, it has a new face.

To expand on that: people always talk about America being a melting pot of different cultures, and I would say Harlem is a melting pot of different African cultures. It’s unique that these hair braiding shops have people

that are not just from one country. I’ve been to every hair braiding shop under the sun. There are some that have all women from Senegal; there are some that have women from various parts of Nigeria. But the shops that I frequent most tend to be eclectic, with people from various African countries. Showing that version of New York is really important. We’ve seen New York in so many ways, especially in film and TV. We rarely really see Harlem, and certainly not this shop. When I was doing research of other comparative narratives, anything that existed in even film or TV, I found there’s nothing. There’s nothing. There are little one-off 10-minute documentaries here and there about getting your hair braided or an immigrant experience or Harlem, but there’s nothing that centers what I’m crafting in the play, which made the worldbuilding need to be succinct and perfect. I’m also from New York, so I felt a real responsibility that if I’m going to show Harlem, I want it to be the most Harlem Harlem that ever Harlem’d. 

This interview has been slightly modified from the original, which appeared in the Berkeley Rep program for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding

WHY I SUPPORT THE PLAYHOUSE

Welcome to the first show of the 2025/26 Season at La Jolla Playhouse! I have been a long-time supporter of La Jolla Playhouse and have served on the Board of Trustees for 22 years. As trustees, a crucial part of our job is maintaining the financial health of the Playhouse to ensure that all the beloved Playhouse programs can continue to evolve. For most of my Board tenure, it has been my pleasure to serve on the Board’s Finance Committee, and for a time as its Chair, and it has been thrilling to participate as our organization has become today’s innovative, vibrant, and financially stable theatre community.

As a trailblazer in the industry, La Jolla Playhouse has birthed countless transformative works, many of which have gone on to grace stages around the world. The Playhouse’s dedication to fostering new voices and perspectives ensures a constant stream of fresh, thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Thank you for being here, and I hope you enjoy Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, a bright, humorous and heartfelt play by Jocelyn Bioh.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

DENISE BEVERS

Board Chair

SCOTT STANTON, Mintz

First Vice-Chair

KAREN SILBERMAN

Second Vice-Chair

RALPH BRYAN*

Treasurer

ANNIE ELLIS

Secretary

TRUSTEES

Weston Anson

Christopher Ashley**

Laurielynn Barnett**

Michael Bartell

David Brenner

Sanford Burnham Prebys

Janice Brown

Debby Buchholz**

Lisa Casey

Ann Cathcart Chaplin, Qualcomm

Randall Clark*, Sempra

Mary Coleman**

Stephan Coleman, PNC Bank

Doug Dawson

Edward A. Dennis, Ph.D.

Susan Dubé

Hal Dunning

Emily Einhorn

Ray Flores**

Judy Garrett

Robert Gleason

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Justin Gleiberman

Lynn E. Gorguze

Rachel Greenwald

Luke Gulley, Show Imaging

Kay Gurtin

Clark Guy

Bank of America Private Bank

Dean Haas

Osborn Hurston

Sheri L. Jamieson*

Debby Jacobs

Pradeep K. Khosla, Ph.D.**

Chancellor, UC San Diego

Veronica Leff

Lynelle Lynch*

Margret McBride*

Steven Nagelberg

Lorne Polger

Byron Pollitt

David I. Reynoso**

Becky Robbins

Phil Rudolph

Robin Rusinko

Tim Scott

Shane Shelley, Morrison Foerster

Greta Treadgold

Delicia Turner Sonnenberg**

Suzi Sterner**, UC San Diego

Marjorie Mae Treger**

Erin Trenda, Cooley, LLP

Mary Walshok, Ph.D.

Hanaa Zahran, US Bank

Debbie Zeligson

Barbara ZoBell

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Robert Caplan

Peter Cowhey, Ph.D.

Ivan Gayler

Jeanne Jones

Julie Potiker

Steven M. Strauss*

Geri Ann Warnke*

Robert Wright, Esq.

EMERITUS TRUSTEES

Rita Bronowski (1917-2010)

David Copley (1952-2012)

Ted Cranston (1940-2012)

Milton Fredman (1920-2005)

Ewart W. Goodwin, Jr.* (1938- 2019)

Joel Holliday* (1939-2022)

Joan Jacobs (1933-2024)

Marian Jones Longstreth (1906-1997)

Hughes Potiker (1925-2005)

Sheila Potiker (1930-2011)

Jeffrey Ressler* (1943-2022)

Ellen Revelle (1910-2009)

Roger Revelle (1909-1991)

Willard P. VanderLaan, M.D.* (1917-2012)

Arthur Wagner, Ph.D. (1923-2015)

Mandell Weiss (1891-1993)

1947 FOUNDERS

Mel Ferrer

Dorothy McGuire

Gregory Peck

*Past Chair of the Board **Ex-Officio

List as of April 2025

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Gail and Ralph Bryan

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding is one of the rare shows that started on Broadway before coming to La Jolla Playhouse. This beautifully told story takes us on a journey into the lives of a group women in a Harlem hair salon. Humorous and heartbreaking, this timely story explores the complexity of relationships, immigration and community. We are proud to sponsor this production.

Dove is committed to making a positive experience of beauty universally accessible. That’s why as a proud co-founder of the CROWN Coalition since 2019, we are proud to support La Jolla Playhouse’s production of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Together, we can Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural hair.

FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

LIST AS OF APRIL 2025

$100,000 +

$50,000 - $99,999

Laurents / Hatcher Foundation

Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust

$25,000 - $49,999

National Endowment for the Arts: Creative Forces

Parker Foundation

San Diego Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

California Arts Council

David C. Copley Foundation

Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation

Performing Arts Fund NL

Price Philanthropies Foundation

San Diego Scottish Rite Community Foundation

Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation

William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

Thomas C. Ackerman Foundation

Charles & Ruth Billingsley Foundation

City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office

Dutch Culture USA

Goodwin Family Memorial Trust

National Alliance for Musical Theatre

John and Marcia Price Family Foundation

Sutherland Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999

Creative West

Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation

Kiwanis Club of La Jolla

Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

$250 - $999

Actors' Equity Foundation

CORPORATE CIRCLE

ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S

CIRCLE - $100,000 AND ABOVE

Denise and Lon Bevers

Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund

Kay and Bill Gurtin

Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.

Joan and Irwin Jacobs

Sheri L. Jamieson

La Atalaya Fund

Rebecca Moores Foundation

Paula and Brian Powers

Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

SEASON SPONSORS -

$50,000+

Anonymous

Weston Anson

Melissa and Michael Bartell

Gail and Ralph Bryan

Gary and Marlene Cohen

Brian and Silvija Devine

Estate of Pauline Foster

Hanna and Mark Gleiberman

Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters

Debby and Hal Jacobs

Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq.

Perlmeter Family Foundation

Maryanne and Irwin Pfister

Robin and Larry Rusinko

Karen and Jeff Silberman

The Stockdale Family

Molli Wagner

Peggy Ann Wallace

PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE -

$25,000+

Christopher Ashley and Ranjit Bahadur

Roberta C. Baade Charitable Fund

The Paula Marie Black Endowment for Women's Voices in the Art of Theatre

Debby and Todd Buchholz

Susan E. Dubé

Hal and Hilary Dunning

Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs

Jeff and Annie Jacobs

Paul E Jacobs

Stacy Brackon Jacobs

Joy and Eric Laws

Jeff and Carolyn Levin

Lynelle and William Lynch

Margret and Nevins McBride

Teresa and Byron Pollitt

Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Tricia and Mark Rothschild

Stern Leichter Foundation

Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo

Philip and Margarita Wilkinson

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE -

$15,000+

Anonymous

Tony and Margaret Acampora

Big Blue Sky Foundation

Randy Camp and Susan Tousi

Lisa and David Casey

Karen and Donald Cohn

Amy Corton and Carl Eibl

Doug Dawson

Drs. Edward and Martha

Daniel and Emily Einhorn

Annie and Charles Ellis

Sonali and Eric Fain

Michael and Susanna Flaster

Bill and Judy Garrett

Justin Gleiberman

David and Claire Guggenheim

Dean J. Haas

Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma

Osborn and Dea Hurston

Jay Jeffcoat

Lorne Polger and Lori Weiner

Becky Lynne Robbins

Charitable Fund

Colette and Ivor Royston

Dawn and Phil Rudolph

Swanna and Alan Saltiel, Dan

Cameron Family Foundation

Stan Siegel

Iris and Matthew Strauss

Margie and Bill Strauss

Greta and Steve Treadgold

Mary Lindenstein Walshok, Ph.D.

Sheryl and Harvey P. White

DIRECTORS CIRCLE - $10,000+

Alex and Zsuzsanna Balazs

Gary and Barbara Blake Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Janice Brown

Holly McGrath, Highland Partners Charitable Fund

Pamela B. Burkholz

Randall and Michael Clark

Robin and Leo Eisenberg

Family

Dan and Phyllis Epstein

Gail Fliesbach

Jan and Helane Fronek

Wendy Gillespie

Alan and Marleigh Gleicher

Mrs. Ewart (Chip) Goodwin

Lamees Hamdan

Tammy and Larry Hershfield

Adam and Amy Jacobs

Sherry and Larry Kline, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

Andrew and Mackenzie

Linville, Linville Family Foundation

Christy and Alan Molasky

Jim and Susan Morris

Lee and Stuart Posnock

Karen Quiñones, The Quiñones Family Trust

Judy Robbins

Tammy and Cameron Rooke

Don and Stacy Rosenberg

Laleh Roudi

Lynn Schenk

Joseph Schuman

Linda J and Jeffrey M Shohet

Steven Strauss and Lise Wilson

Karen and Stuart Tanz

Leatrice Wolf

Barbara ZoBell

CELEBRATION CIRCLE$5,000+

Anonymous

Lisa and Steven Altman

Mrs. Valerie Ewell Armstrong and Mr. Sam Armstrong

Stephen Miller Baird,MD and Carol Davidson Baird

Mireille and Steven Barnard

David Bialis and Diana Breister

Julie and George Bronstein, The ARJ Fund of The San Diego Foundation

Nancy and Matt Browar

Christa Burke

Robert Caplan and Carol

Randolph

Dr. Marilyn R Carlson

Pamela and Edward Carnot

Maureen and Lawrence

Cavaiola

Michelle Crosby and Guity

Balow

Nancy Cunningham

Elaine S. Darwin

Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund

Marty and Shel Diller

Nina and Bob Doede

Doris and Peter Ellsworth, Legler Benbough Fund, San Diego Foundation

Pam Farr and Buford

Alexander

Drs. Bessie and Ron Floyd

Maria Frase

Fuson Family Fund at Schwab Charitable

David Newman and Samantha Goldstein, The Jasada Foundation

Beth Goodman

Beverly Goodman

Carrie and Jim Greenstein

Starr and John Grundy

Ivy Hanson, Hanson Family

Charity Fund

Gerald and Ingrid Hoffmeister Fund, The San Diego Foundation

Rosanne and Joel* Holliday

George and Maryka Hoover

Gail and Doug Hutcheson

Marguerite Jackson Dill

Conner Jacobs

Lindsey Jacobs and Nolan Weinberg

JM Foundation

Gina and Kent Johnson

Kathy and Rob Jones

Kavanaugh Family Foundation

Lynda and Richard Kerr

Pradeep Khosla and Thespine

Kavoulakis

Shirley King and Arthur Olson

Michael H Kossman

Tig Krekel

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Labowe, Labowe Family Foundation

Karen and Mark Liebowitz

Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky and Family

Barbara Loonin

Leslye and Scott Lyons

Tiffany Medina and Bruce Weisman

Daphne Muchnic

Steve and Jerri Nagelberg

Wendy Nash

Grant and Aradhna Oliphant, Prebys Foundation

Susan C. Parker

Bernard Paul and Maria

Sardina

Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara

Rosenthal

Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas

Rick Sandstrom and Sandy

Timmons

Jay and Julie Sarno

Tim and Emily Scott

Leslie Simon

Dawn and Ira Smalberg

Elizabeth and Joseph Taft

Revocable Trust

David and Tina Thomas

Erin Trenda

Dean Ujihara Charitable Fund

Geri Ann Warnke and Donald Frey

David and Sharon Wax

Linda Rankin and Rod Whitlow

Richard Winkler

Michael and Lisa Witz

Jill and Bruno Wolfenzon

Meryl and George Young

Debbie S. Zeligson

Diane and Robert Zeps

ACTORS CIRCLE - $2,500+

Anonymous

Dede and Mike Alpert

Dr. Kim E. Barrett

Joni and Miles Benickes

Liz Bernal and Suzanne LaTour

Steve L. Black and Kristen Richards-Black

Cindy and Steve Blumkin

Barbara L. Borden

Michele Braatz

Loyce R. Bruce

John and Jackie Bucksbaum

John and Nancy Jo Cappetta

Gary and Lynette Cederquist

Carol and Jeff Chang

Diane Clarke

Stanley Cohen and Mark Whitacre

Marilyn Colby and Evans Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Peter Cowhey and Margaret McKeown

Stacy Cromidas and Ruth Gilbert

Brian Danielson

Ana De Vedia

Karen B. Dow

Mark and Jenny Dowling

Dr. Robert and Mrs. Ann Dynes

Jill and Jeffrey Essakow

Paula Fitzgerald and Chris Nielsen

Marjorie Fox

Dr. Benjamin and Sue Frishberg

In memory of Dennis L. Field

Joyce M Gattas, Ph.D.

Susan Gembrowski Baker and Rex Baker

Barbara and Joseph Giammona

Pat and Norm Gillespie

Jim Gilmore

Robert Gleason and Marc Matys

Kimberly and Jeffrey Goldman

Bernard and Judith Greenspan

Julie Hall, Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Koji and Angela Fukumura

Nishma and John Held

Richard Heyman and Anne Daigle

Col. Michael and Diana Hill

Claudia Baranowski and Tom Horvath

Jess Jacobs and Bryan Keller

Larry Katz

Dr. Warren and Karen Kessler

Amy and Bill Koman

Ms. Gale M. Krause, in memory of Jim Krause

Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky

Helen and Sig Kupka

Samara and Paul Larson

Dr. K.B Lim and Linda Lee Lim Foundation

Lori and Joe Mahler

Edna and Daniel Maneval

Holley and Robert Martens, Sandstone Foundation

Dennis A. McConnell

Ilene Mittman, in memory of Dr. Charles Mittman

Kelly and Mike Moore

Judith B. Morgan

Gregg and Cindy Motsenbocker

Arlene and Louis Navias

Mark C. Niblack, MD

Mary Adams O'Connell, in honor of Louise and Brad Edgerton

Dr. Walter Olsen and Dr. Zdenka Fronek

Janet and Larry Pollack

Claudia Prescott

Dr. William and Marisa Rastetter

True Life Center

Dr. Joseph and Carol Sabatini

Scarano Family Foundation at The San Diego Foundation

Neil R. Senturia and Barbara

Bry

Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger

Maureen Elizabeth Sheehan

Alan and Esther Siman

Dr. Ed and Evelyn Singer

Dr. Robert Singer, in memory of Judith Harris

Susan and Gerald Slavet

Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford

Tom Templeton and Mary Ena Erlenborn

Jim and Kathy Waring

Hanaa Zahran and Dr. Richard Leung

Howard and Christy Zatkin

Helene and Allan Ziman Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Howard and Judy Ziment

Emma and Leo Zuckerman

INNER CIRCLE

Anonymous

- $1,000+

Hon. Louise De Carl Adler

Philip Anderson and Verónica

Valdés

Lynell Antrim

Sharon Ashley

Lisa Celia Balderston

Judith Bambace and Brian Trotier

Alisa and David Barba, Barba Charitable Fund

Lourdes and James Bass

Barbara Young Beebe

Chad Benefield, Marilyn and William Young Foundation

Jane and Michael Benton

Carolyn and Giovanni Bertussi

Anthony Bollotta, Bollotta

Entertainment

Nina and Tony Borwick

Paige Bosacki Santos

Tatiana and David Brenner

Merritt Brizolis

Dennis

Mary and Rolf Benirschke

Joan and Jeremy Berg

Alex Seaver

Gad and Suzan Shaanan

Johanna Brody

ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS

Jeanne Burton

Cheryl and Greg Carlson

Cathy and Michael Casteel

Kyle Chan and Cathy Swindlehurst

Kay Chandler

Katherine and Dane Chapin

Sue Lasbury, in memory of John C. Cochran

Liz Nederander Coden and Daniel J. Coden, MD

Wayne Saville and Laura Colban

Daniel E. Collins and Nancy Shimamoto

Christopher Cook

Coral Courts Donor Advised Fund, Corinna Cotsen and Lee Rosenbaum

Denis M. Crane, in memory of Rilla Crane

Maile and Brett D'Arcy

Gerral and Anne David

Denise and Gary David

Brett and Jennifer Dickinson

Wally and Linda Dieckmann

Bob Duffield

Gail Ebner and Tom Stockfisch

Toby Eisenberg

Steven Q Evans

Jennifer and Kurt Eve

Karen and Steven Feitelberg

Dieter Fischer's Mercedes Service, Inc.

Dr. Laurie Forrest

Susan Forsburg and Lisa Churchill

Robert and Mona Freels

Barbie and Dan Friedman

Catherine R. Friedman

Fran and Nick Frost

Anne and Mark Smith

Ira and Cheryl Gaines

Steven and Cheryl Garfin

Martha and Bill Gilmer

GlobalStar

Fred and Lisa Goldberg

Drs. Tom and Cindy

Goodman, in honor of Whitney Goodman

The Lloyd Gorcey Charitable Foundation, Inc. in memory of Lloyd Gorcey

Judi Gottschalk

Carmel Gouveia

George C. Guerra

Luke Gulley

Kendall Hall, Fred Jones Family Foundation

Cherie Halladay

Jeff and Joel Harms

Dr. Carol A. Harter and Mr.

William D. Smith

Thomas Harvey and Bonnie Drolet

Tom and Lynn Hawkins

Marcia Hazan and Mark Cammell

Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper

Ray and Kate Hong

Mark and Frances Huettinger

Robert and Pat Hughes

Aaron and Susan Huniu

Nora Jaffe

Operating Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Neil and Vivien Joebchen

Wendy Johnson

Dario and Dan Jones

Lewis and Patricia Judd

Angela and Matt Kilman

Cynthia King and John Graul

Gail and George Knox

Mike Krupp

Anne M and Richard C Kruse

Gautam and Anjali Lalani

Chuck Laughlin

Mick and Sherrie Laver

Brian and Joanna Leddin

Dixon and Pat Lee

Michael Lee and Katharine Cline

Jim Lennox and Brad Woodford

Pamela Hamilton Lester

Rebecca Le Vasseur

Gerald and Ann Lipschitz

Jasna Markovac and Gary Miller

Valorie McClelland

Wallace McCloskey

Rob McManus

Dr. Ken Melville and Dr. Sabina Wallach

Marci and Ronnie Morgan

Greg and Andrea Moser

Ann L. Mound

Chandra Mukerji

Stephen Cary Nagler

Ann Nathan

Lyn Nelson

Robert C. Nelson and Jean Fujisaki

Kyomi O'Connor

Mike and Joy O'Neil

F. Richard Pappas

Drs. Kim Kerr and Paul Pearigen

Dr. William and Beth Penny

Meredith Pierce and Bobby Ocampo

Wendy S. Pincus

Adele Rabin

Jennifer and Tom Ranglas

Sanjiv Nanda and Urmi Ray

Russ and Marty Ries

Dr. Stephen and Cheryl Rockwood

Bingo and Gino Roncelli

David A. Roth and Toni D. Wolinsky

Joy Rottenstein

Oliver Ryder

Bill and Dorian Sailer

Kristine and Denis Salmon

Beverly Sanborn, in memory of Warren Sanborn

Scott Sandel and James Marich

Teresa Shaffer

Tom Shapiro and Madeleine Grynsztejn, in honor of Flossie Cohen

Mitchell and Elizabeth Siegler

Debbie and Dr. Darren Sigal

Leslie Branman-Smith

Rod and Dolores Smith

Marion So

Mark and Caroline Sornson

John and Lynn Spafford

Nancy and Alan Spector

Scott M. Stanton

Dale and Mark Steele

Michael and Pamela Swartout

Judy Sweet

Al and Stephanie Tarkington

Marie Tartar and Steve Eilenberg

John and Gail Tauscher

Place D. Tegland

Janet Toon

Ray Lee and Teresa Trucchi

Alyce and Tom Vessey

Cynthia Walk

Denise Walsh

Bobbi Warren

Sharon Weremiuk

Graydon and Dorothy Wetzler

Joyce H. Williams

Wayne Wilson

Jennifer Winward

Diana Weiss-Wisdom

Gabriel Wisdom

Elaine Wolfe

Barry and Barb Zemel

Karen and Sidney Zisook

CENTER STAGE CLUB - $500 AND UP Anonymous • Barb and Jon Achenbaum • Jack Adcox • Sharon and Terry Allen • Robin Allgren, MD PhD • Sheila Amend •

Barbara Arledge • Robert Baizer and Diane Jacobs Baizer • Gil and Annabelle Balaoing • Francis and Diane Bardsley • Gerlinde and Greg Beuerlein • Alice W. Brown • Tonya Carlos • Chris Cheever, in memory of Andy Thomas • Lorraine Chuman and Stephen Mikolajczyk • Bowers Jewelers • Bob Cunningham • Marcus and Ann De Barros • Don and Julie DeMent • Dannielle Dickinson • Kim and A.T. Ditty • Eric and Kristine Doan • Jodi and Tom Dobron • Rosalyn and Tim Dong • Anne and Chris Duhaime, in honor of Rebecca Duhaime • James and Marti Eisenberg • Barbara and Eric Emont • Rachel and Michael Esposito • Debroah and J Faulkner • Annie Finch • Beth Fischer • Gregory and Monica Foerster • Judith and William Friedel • Shannon-Frink Family Gift Fund • Deanne Gage • Aruna and Sabodh Garg • Hortense Gerardo • Bonnie Gibbs • Russell H Ginns • Drs. Charles and Nancy Girvin • M J Gorman • Stephen and Karen Gray • Ed Greulich • Pat and Pepper Guevara • Terry Gulden and Renée Comeau • Elsa and Keith Hall • Cynthia Hamilton • Margo Hebald • Sarah Herr • Strait Hicklin • Bryan Hill • Dr. Peter and Mrs. Megan Hoagland • Robert and Carla Hoblit • Hughes Family Foundation, in honor of Robin and Larry Rusinko • Beth Hulsart and Stephen L'Heureux • Randy and Carrol Jackson • Michael and Linda Karin • Rick and Beth Kent • Laura Killmer • Jerry and Martha Krasne • Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth • Patti Lamm and Sheldon Newhouse • Richard Leib and Sharon Rosen Leib Family Fund of JCF • Bena Leslie • Marshall and Judy Lewis Fund, Jewish Community Foundation • Zita Liebermensch • Scott and Pamela Linton • Susan and Peter Mallory • Jeanne Maltese • Patsy and David Marino • Madonna Maxwell Omens • Maggi McKerrow, in memory of Judie McDonald • David and Patricia Meyers • Nathan Meyers • Norma and Scott Miller • Evelyn Mishuck • Robert and JoAnn Mogg • Laura Morkan • David Morris • Susan Muha • Esther R. Nahama • Sherry Nicholas • Barbara and Donald Niemann • Eric and Benedicte Otterson • Drs. Genevieve and Kelly Parsons • Pamela Partlow and Bruce Maigatter • Ms. Virginia S. Patch • Sheila and Ken Poggenburg • Marc Poland and Ellie Werner • Laura and Mike Ravine • Carla and Rudolph Rehm • Patrick Ritto • Mark and Lia Robinson • Jodyne Roseman • Bob and Beth Rosenfeld • Sharon Ruhnau • Ann Schall • Barbara and Guy Shaw • Emily and Lia Shen • Alan Shorr and Marcia Wagner • Marshall and Leslie Sigesmund • Beverly and Howard Silldorf • Elizabeth Simmons and Sekhar Chivukula • Drs. Ron and Marilyn Simon • Barbara Slater • Linda Small • Mark and Elaine Smith • Annie So • Norman and Judith Solomon • Gary and Susan Spoto • Bob Steck• Charles Stephens and Eric Meijer • Dr. Nancy Stewart, in memory of Dr. Charles Stewart • Jefferson Stone • Lisa Noelle Stone and Matthew A. Lab • Stephen and Patricia Sulivan • Jennifer E Tillman • William Tong and Marilyn Newhoff • Rick Van Noy • John Venekamp and Clifford Schireson • Joseph Viery and Steve Cusato • Ruth Passow Warburg • Dr. Ruth S. Waterman • Ted Scott and Joan Weber • Jean M Wilkinson • LeAnn and Sam Williams • Carey Winston • Philip and Claire Wise • Carolyn and Peter Woodbury • Susan and Jock Wright • Brendan and Kaye Wynne • Steven and Cindy Zisser

OVATION CLUB - $250 AND UP Anonymous • Heather R. Adams • Raul Arthur and Lisa Albanez • Janet Ambrozek and Bruce Kimmich • Rich and Mary Lou Amen • John Balen • John Baril • Jocelyn Carol Bauer • The BenMichel Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation • Eugene and Lauren Berkenstadt • Dusty and Lynn Bernard • Alice Bloom • Joyce and Bob Blumberg • Sue Boiko and Martin Schwartz • Peter and BJ Boland • David and Ginger Boss • Gregg Brandalise • Cherisse Brantz • Mary E. Brewer • Cliff and Lorie Briggs, in honor of Beatrice Briggs • Clare Bronowski and Jeff Lee, in memory of Rita Bronowski • David and Heather Bruner • Patricia and Michael Buczaczer • Samuel and Teresa Buss • Marlene Campbell • Rachel Caparelli • Kathleen and Joseph Carroll, in honor of Edwin C Iliff Jr • Alexandria Cassatt • Steven and Adina Chinowsky • June Chocheles • Alice and Arthur Clawson • Michael and Ellise Coit • Judith Collier • Julie Cooke • Eric Corona • Mary Corson • Debra and Kirk Crawford • Annette Cross • Marie Cyr • Dwight Detter • Virginia Dobias • James and Nancy Eastman • Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Edelson • Diane L. Edge DDS • Eric Eichorn • Beverly Emerson • Lynsey Fitzpatrick • Judy Fogel and George Diehr • Charlotte Fortier • Fabienne Fox • Linda and Reginald Frank • Pat Freeman • Ellen Fujikawa • Philip Garland and Michael Hubbard • Roberta C Gelardi, William R Long Charitable Fund • Rebecca Gennaro • Lynn Bell George • Jim Gilligan • David Glynn and Kevin Ottercrans • Cliff and Julie Gold • Michael and Brenda Goldbaum • Louis Goldich • Custom Logos • Dick and Lynn Gordon • Lloyd and Dinia Green • Jas Grewal and Suren Dutia • Harry Griswold and Stephanie Webber • Dawn Grossman • Professor Marc and Mr James Harden • Blake Harper and Janice Deaton • Judith M. Haxo • Alan Hay • Georgia Ann Hayashi • Jerry and Linda Hirshberg • Jonnie Hoffman • Jenny Price and Tony Hunter • Eric and Gay Hybertsen • Dr Craig M and Mrs Beth Jackson • Mark Jacobs • Sonya Jinich • Vesa Junkkarinen • Hamide Kayaci and Oktay Gumus • Cecil Keener and Cristie McGuire • Byron King • Ron Koren • Robert and Elena Kucinski • Patricia Lamont • Irene Law • Dr. and Mrs. Steven Leshaw • Lucy and Mitch Levy • John Lomac and Jill Schmidt • Eric and Lori Longstreet • Russell Mangerie • Marianne Marsch-Nakamura • Edith Matsushita • Robert McConnaughey • Jim and Cheryl McIlhon • Josh and Leslie Mereminsky • Thomas Hilton Miller • Craig and Betsy Monsell • Marilyn Moriarty and John Phillips • Daniel and Kristin Nadir • Dr. Donald Newman • Steven Nicinski • Max and Fredda Opalsky • Bonnie Packert • Beatrice E. Pardo • Carol Parker • Jan Parsons • John

and Paula Peeling • Penny Perryman • Mark Peterson • Kathleen Rae • Dennis Ragen and Christine Hickman • Steven and Doris Ratoff • Dr. Paul Abraham Rejto • John Roach • Joan Rothenberg • Richard Roy and Celsa Spina • Elva Salinas • James Sallis • Jeffrey Samberg • Bradford and Alice Saunders • Frankie and Howard Schiffman • Kari Lorraine Scott • Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Selzer • Richard and Eleanor Shorter • Scott Showalter • Jacqueline and Steve Silverman • Jill Skrezyna and Alex Sun • Clark and Kathryn Smith • A.J. Frank and Ed Stone • Jill Stone • Lilly Strausberg • Patti and Robb Street • Jill and Jeff Sugar • Alison Thomas • Edward L. Threat, In Memory of Karin U. Threat • Andrea Migdal and Mike Tierney • Anne Turhollow, in memory of Michael Perkins • Delicia Turner Sonnenberg • Anne Walter • Diane and John Watson • Martha White • Sandy Woodhouse • Peter and Donna Worcester • Sylvia and Ed Wrench • Charles Yackly • Larry Zeiger

FRIEND OF LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE - $150 AND UP Anonymous • Monica Aguirre and Michael J Berthelot • Sue and John Albright • Timothy W. Alexander • John and Laura Alioto • Mazin Al-Shalash • Alexander Ameen • Judith Anderson • Karen Anderson and Roman Zajcew • Kevin Artist • Lyman Avilla • Richard and Paula Beck • U Kelley Berman • Sandra Boyles • Philip and Doris Bracken • Janis Brams • Edmund and Gale Capparelli • Michael and Wendy Carey • Cindy Casselman • Richard and Pamela Cawthron • Jan Chatten-Brown • Bill Chatwell and Christine Oster • Betty Clarquist • Marjory Clyne • Suzanne Cohen • Rob and Eliza Contin • Lynn and Richard Cusac • Keely and Rick Daximillion • Leslie DiBona and Steven McGivern • Beth Epperson and Paula Doss • Kathy Dunlap • Joseph Faletti • Leif Fearn and Nancy Farnan • Barbara M. Finn • Drs. Linda and Gary Firestein • Gail Forbes • Richard and Karen Freeman • Joseph and Beverley Fremont • Wayne and Martha Gerth • Gary Gohring • Lori Good • Kathy Grauer • Gabriel and Maria Grosskopf • Diana and Dan Halvorson • Alec Harootunian • Jan and Mike Hegstad • James and Dagmar Helgager • Hon. Herbert Hoffman Ret. • Bryan Holker and Diane Cimarusi • Bob and Pat Hussa • Jimmy Jackson • Charles Johnson • Jeannette S Johnson and R Douglas Johnson • Erik and Sara Jorissen • Joseph Juliano • Dan Kaufman • Cynthia Kellogg • Nora Khatib • Carol Klaus • Mary Koto • Jay Kranzler • Lura Kulhavy • Christine Landis • Laurel Latto • Eliezer and Diana Lombrozo • Michelle Longtin • Sue and Peter Madsen • Jain Malkin Inc. • Marcia A. Mattson • Mac and Tort McCarter • Dale and Christa McIntosh • Sydne McMahon • Daniel J. McNamara • Tricia Meads • Ellen Michaels • Larry Alldredge & Dawn Moore • Mark Noland • Jodie Olson • Kim Owens-Cree • Gayle Patterson • Jeremy and Kelly Pearl • Richard D. Perlman, MD • Katrina Peterson • Cynthia James-Price and Curtis Price • Alexis and Kathleen Quiroz • Cynthia Raimo • Jack and Caroline Raymond • Richard and Paula Renkin • The Rich Family Foundation • Margaret Riel and Hugh Mehan • Katharine Ringel • Connie Rittichier • Dan Romano and Alice Garfield • Steven Rosenstein • Bruce Sachs and Phyllis Trombi • Stephen and Sherry Saltzman • Barbara Schoenberger • Robert and Janet Stuelpner • John and Amy Swazey • Nancy J. Taylor • Maxine Weseley • Dr. John and Darice Westwood • Bill Peters and Bev Willey • Mark and Lori Williamson • David Workman • Yata Family • Janice Zane • Roberta Zerda • Mike and Carole Ziegler • Pamela Zuckerman

Reflects giving to Annual Fund, Gala Underwriting and Paddle Raises from January 2024 – April 2025.

We apologize for any errors or accidental omissions. Please contact the Individual Giving Office at (858) 550-1070 x134 if you would like to change your listing.

IN LOVING MEMORY Jordan Ressler, 1981-2004

A Film and Theatre graduate from Cornell University, Jordan was an adventurer with a passion for the arts. Here at La Jolla Playhouse, he served as an assistant to Des McAnuff on Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays and was the script supervisor for Jersey Boys

The Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation was established by his parents, Vivien and Jeffrey Ressler, to honor their son and his love of theatre and film.

BY

Join us at La Jolla Playhouse’s signature event! Innovation Night is San Diego’s premier networking event for the arts and sciences industries. An elegant cocktail reception for 500+ C-level executives, innovators, and guests with delicious cuisine and an open bar. Plus, an Innovation Night gallery featuring interactive exhibits from leading San Diego companies and delightful Without Walls-inspired theatre to enjoy. The 2025 Innovation Night co-chairs will be Adam Jacobs (Co-founder, The Jacobs Scheriff Group) and Tim Scott (President and CEO, AustinPx).

THANK Y O U

Our annual GALA, on March 29, 2025, was a truly remarkable event to support La Jolla Playhouse and celebrate Joan Jacobs.

We offer a heartfelt thank you to eveyone who attended, and to our amazing GALA Chair Debby Jacobs, whose extraordinary creativity and dedication produced a spectacular evening.

A NEW CHAPTER IN SUSTAINING ARTISTIC INNOVATION

La Jolla Playhouse is proud to announce the evolution of our planned giving community: The Revelle Society is now the Playhouse Legacy Circle. While our name has changed, our mission remains steadfast – to ensure the future of visionary theatre through transformative philanthropy.

Same Impact: Your legacy gift still supports world-premiere productions, youth learning programs, and immersive theatrical experiences.

Artistic Vision: The Playhouse Legacy Circle reflects our deepened commitment to fostering creativity and accessibility for generations to come.

Enhanced Benefits: Members gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes events, personalized stewardship, and recognition in Playhouse publications.

Send a note to legacycircle@ljp.org or call  (858) 228-3083 to learn how your existing Revelle Society membership transitions seamlessly into the Playhouse Legacy Circle — or to begin your legacy journey today!

STUDENT MATINEES

San Diego High School Educators, save the date for 2025/26 Student Matinee Program!

• All the Men Who’ve Frightened Me: Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 10:30 am

• Working Girl: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:30 am

• The Recipe: Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 10:30 am

Virtual Study guides, pre-matinee Educator Nights, post-performance workshops and talkbacks are included in the experience. To be added to our Educator email list, please reach out to learningandengagement@ljp.org

LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Community Programs

The Playhouse partners with members of local affinity groups to create productions for, by, with and in the communities we serve. In addition, we provide creative opportunities for artistic development and growth for various community groups.

In-School Programs

The Playhouse partners with school districts across San Diego County to place professional teaching artists in schools for intensive artist residencies aimed at providing young people with meaningful opportunities to learn about theatre. Through the Kennedy Center’s Partner in Education program, the San Diego County Office of Education and LJP team up to provide professional development for educators on how to enhance their existing lessons with theatre strategies.

JumpStart Theatre

This three-year program provides curriculum and mentorship for a team of middle school teachers to produce musicals in their schools for the first time. After three years, the school receives continued support to maintain a viable theatre program. Supported by the Peggy and Roberts Matthews Foundation and the Sutherland Foundation.

Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour

Each year, the Playhouse commissions a new play that addresses real concerns of today’s youth and brings a professional production to schools and community centers across San Diego County. Supported by US Bank.

Spotlight On Playhouse teaching artists lead classes for adults on Improv, Musical Theatre, Acting and Technical Theatre.

Student Matinees Special student matinees of selected mainstage productions are offered throughout the school year. An online engagement guide, pre- or post-show workshops, and a post-show talkback provides a deeper understanding on how a new play is uniquely developed with Playhouse staff. Supported by California Arts Council.

Tech Theatre Training Each summer, the Playhouse hosts technical theatre training to provide exposure to career pathways in theatre production to students who are part of the SD County Juvenile Court and Community Schools and members of the military community.  We also provide professional learning opportunities in technical theatre to educators.

Young Performers’ Conservatory and Junior Conservatory (YPC) Summer intensive programs that guide young artists in the process of creating theatre and that prepares performers college theatre programs; and Tech Theatre, which introduces young people to the various aspects of technical theatre. Supported by the Jordan Ressler Endowment Fund, and the Roberto Quiñones, Jr. Scholarship Fund.

For more information on La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning & Engagement Programs, please email learningandengagement@ljp.org and view our free resources for educators and families on our website.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

Enhance your Playhouse experience by attending these free events. Simply book your performance for one of the following dates.

TALKBACK TUESDAYS

Participate in a lively discussion with performers and Playhouse staff members immediately following these performances.

Tuesday, June 3 and 10 after the 7:30pm show

PATRON SERVICES

ACCESSIBILITY

Designated wheelchair-accessible seating is available and accessible parking is provided by UC San Diego in the Theatre District Parking Structure. Wheelchair seat locations are available for wheelchair users and a companion. Additionally, a golf cart is available to assist patrons with accessibility needs to and from the drop-off location. You may pull into the Passenger/Ride Share Drop-Off area and a greeter will assist you. The Playhouse offers assisted listening devices free of charge at the Patron Information Booth for any patron who would like amplified sound (subject to availability). Please provide a credit card or ID for temporary deposit.

Listening Devices Provided in Part by

CHILDREN under the age of 6 are not permitted in the theatre during performances unless otherwise posted. Unaccompanied minors ages 12 and under are not permitted in the theatre. Out of respect for fellow audience members and the performers, babes in arms are not permitted in the theatre during performances.

DISCOVERY SUNDAY

Join special guest speakers post-performance as they engage audience members in a moderated discussion exploring the themes in the play.

Sunday, June 8 after the 1:00pm show

CONCESSIONS AND DINING

Start your night off right with bar and concessions service from James' Place: serving beer, wine, sodas and individuallywrapped snacks. Additionally, James’ Place provides dining service starting at 5:00pm before evening performances.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Please visit lajollaplayhouse.org/ healthandsafety for our latest policy updates.

LATE SEATING

Should you arrive late for any performance or need to leave your seat during the performance, you may be asked to wait in the lobby until an appropriate moment. To minimize any disturbance to actors or other patrons, you may stand or be seated in the first available location by House Management even if not your assigned location. Please be advised that some performances may not allow for late seating or return to your assigned seat.

ACCESS PERFORMANCE

A select Saturday matinee of each show is designated as a relaxed performance, and live American Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning is available for those who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. Audio description for those who are blind or have low vision is available upon request with prior notice. Find more info at lajollaplayhouse.org/access.

Saturday, May 31 at 2:00pm

PARKING

For the latest parking information, please go to lajollaplayhouse.org/parking

PATRON SERVICES is located in the lobby or courtyard of each theatre. A volunteer is available to distribute assisted listening devices and answer questions.

PHOTOGRAPHY/RECORDING DEVICES

Photography and video or audio recording of performances is strictly prohibited.

PLEASE SILENCE or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones and watches, before the performance.

SAFETY IN THE THEATRE DISTRICT

La Jolla Playhouse is constantly working with UC San Diego Police Department and Transportation and Parking Services to maintain a safe and secure environment in the parking lots. Patrons are welcome to use the UC San Diego escort service by contacting UC San Diego Community Service Officers (CSOs) at (858) 534-9255 (WALK). Further questions regarding security, please contact UC San Diego Police at (858) 5344357 (HELP).

BEGINS JUNE 10

Laugh-out-loud funny and delicately tender, this delightful new play illuminates the quirky, messy, and magical moments of growing up. As this patchwork group struggles to push through difficult conversations, they eventually discover the power, connection, and love that is gained when they do.

BEGINS AUG 19

This breathtaking new musical about one precious heart is an edge-of-your-seat ride on a wave of emotion. Over the course of 24 suspenseful hours in San Diego, we follow one precious heart on its vital, life-saving journey from donor to recipient, and meet the people whose lives are impacted along the way.

PLAYHOUSE STAFF

ARTISTIC

Artistic Producing Director Eric Keen-Louie

Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene*

Director of Experiences and Activations

Mia Fiorella*

Associate Producer Amy Ashton

Executive Assistant to Christopher Ashley

Rick VanNoy*

Producing Associate/Local Casting Director Hannah Reinert

Director Emeritus Des McAnuff

Directing Fellow Jacole Kitchen

Artistic Interns Lula Britos, Natasha Gomez

Commissioned Artists Todd Almond, Jeff Augustin, Sam Chanse, Fernanda Coppel, Kenneth Lin, Mona Mansour, Jess McLeod, MILCK, Lisa Peterson, Theresa Rebeck, Harrison David Rivers, Claudia Shear, Christopher Shinn, Octavio Solis, Jonathan Spector, Benjamin Velez, Keith Wallace, Cheryl L. West, Kristina Wong, Lauren Yee

Artist-in-Residence Maria Patrice Amon LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

Director of Learning and Engagement

Bridget Cavaiola Stone

Learning and Engagement Manager

Ebony Erickson

Teaching Artists Julie Benitez, Lex Bezdeka, Leticia De Anda, Nicole Diaz-Pellot, Shairi Engle, Kevyn Fernandez, Kristen Fogle, Shawn Foote, Melissa Glasgow, Kirsten Giard, Abby Huffstetler, Jeffrey Ingman, Erica Kahn, Justin Lang, Wilfred Paloma, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Lorena Santana, Gill Sotu, Emily Stamets, Marjorie Treger

ASL Interpretation Deaf Community Services

ADMINISTRATION

General Manager Ryan Meisheid

Associate General Manager Erica Martin

Corporate/Legal Counsel Robert C. Wright, Wright & L’Estrange

Theatre/Legal Counsel F. Richard Pappas, Esq. COMPANY MANAGEMENT

Company Manager Grace Lehman

Assistant Company Managers Charlotte Perkis, Austin Mahn

General/Company Management Intern Lauren Wiktowski

FINANCE

Chief Financial Officer Patricia O’Shaughnessy

Controller Jared Jackson

Accounts Payable Manager Sharon Ratelle*

Human Resources Manager Jennifer Boaz

Payroll Matthew Zapata

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING CREW

Deck Carpenter David Johnson

Stage Carpenter (Swing) Elias Solis

Prop Runner (Lead) Del Harison

Prop Runners Haley Hughes, Melony Picart

Wardrobe Supervisor Raven Winter

Dresser Rue Jarrett

Dresser (Swing) JoAna Dirilo

Wig Supervisor April Tillies

Assistant Wig Supervisor Janera Rose

Christopher Ashley*

The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse

COMMUNICATIONS

Director of Public Relations Becky Biegelsen*

Director of Sales & Marketing Stephanie Zappala

Associate Director of Sales & Marketing

Sonia Diaz

Senior Communications Manager

Grace Madamba*

Senior Multimedia Designer Nancy Showers*

Multimedia Designer Phyllis Sa

Marketing Database and Insights Manager

Dani Meister

Social Media and Content Manager

Samantha Laurent

Marketing Manager Alexis Alabado

Marketing Assistant Kate Ng

Marketing Intern Diego Gonzalez

Patron Services Sales Specialist Paul Preston*

Sales Concierge William Guiney

PATRON SERVICES

Associate Director of Ticketing Services

Pearl Hang*

Senior Patron Services Manager Travis Guss*

Patron Services Assistant Manager/Group Sales

Specialist Bill Washington

Lead Patron Services Representatives

Rachel Lasker, Claire Michael

Patron Services Representatives Mollie Davis, Devon Gonzales, Atalaya Gonzalez

OPERATIONS

Director of Operations Ned Collins*

Operations Manager John Craft*

Network Systems Specialist Daryl “Scooter” Davis

Office Administrator Debbie Berg-Swaton

FRONT OF HOUSE

House Manager Braulio Fernandez-Flores

Assistant House Managers Simonne Darbonne, Emily Klemmetsen, Amy Marquez, Maria Torpey, Olivia Newell, Gaby Mackie

Audience Concierges Chris Ferreria, Sashank

Kanchustambam, Sam Lebedev, Angela Park, Teya Searles, Avery Simonian, Emmett Torpey, Katie Lopes, Emerson Clarke, Sydney Cicchitto, Katelin Shum

ASL Volunteer Esther Shen

PHILANTHROPY

Director of Philanthropy Keely Daximillion

Deputy Director of Philanthropy

Rebecca Pierce Goodman

Assistant Director, Philanthropy Operations

Tony Dixon*

Individual Giving Manager Taylor Lehmkuhl

Special Events Manager Haleigh Stewart

Corporate Relations Manager

Katie Wallace

Planned Giving Officer Renee Conrad

Grants Specialist Dylan Gervais

Donor Relations Coordinator Kayla Alperson

Special Events Coordinator Gabriella Johnson

Philanthropy Coordinator Anna Stanton

Events Assistants Mawce Dunn, Mark Dyachuk, Pier

Garma, Lila Gavares, Jackie Marlin, Justin Valine

Special Events Intern Trey Rosemond

Philanthropy Intern Janessa Whitlock

Debby Buchholz*

Managing Director of La Jolla Playhouse

PRODUCTION

Director of Production Becca Duhaime*

Production Manager Annette Nixon

Assistant Production Manager Julian Diaz

Production Office Manager Topaz Cooks

Resident Stage Manager Alexa Burn

Production Management Intern Haley Hughes

Stage Management Intern Isabelle Louis

SCENE SHOP

Technical Director Jared Roberts

Associate Technical Director Kyle Pollitt

Head Carpenter Nicholas Savage

Scenery Specialist David Weiner*

Shop Foreman Christopher Chauvet

Carpenters Justin Allen, Jeffrey Becker, Christopher Bridges, Michael Brodsky, Keegan Graham, David Johnson, Mark Murphy, Heather Rawolle, Elias Solis, Joseph Valencia

Welders Ava Roethe, Diego Sierra, Wally Wallace

Riggers Marcus Laskey, Jesse Setterberg, Antonio Valenzuela

Charge Artist Jennifer Imbler*

Lead Scenic Artist Melissa Nalbach*

Scenic Artist Mary Jhun

PROPERTIES SHOP

Prop Supervisor Deb Hatch*

Prop Design Associate Zlatko Mitev

Prop Lead Artisan Rai Feltmann

Prop Artisans Arlene Banuelos, Melony Picart

COSTUME SHOP

Costume Supervisor Jennifer Ables

Resident Costume Design Associate Desiree Hatfield-Buckley*

Costume Design Assistant Claire Peterson

Draper Sara Lindsey

First Hand Cody Grasher

Lead Crafts Artisan Tess Mattraw

Stitcher Faith Steenbergen

ELECTRICS

Production Electrician Kristyn Kennedy*

Moving Light Programmer B Yamashita

Electricians Michelle Aguilar, Hannah Beerfas, Jasmyne Birdsong, Alex Cluff, Michelle Luongo, Sandra Navarro, Jenner Price, Nicholas Shelton

SOUND/VIDEO

Production Sound & Video Dan Barsky

Head Audio Daniel Silva

Assistant Head Audio Mae Le

Sound/Video Technicians Camille Houze, Nathan Kunce, Sarah Rad, David Silva

* Ten years or more with La Jolla Playhouse

Wig Run Crew Ali Reyes

Wig Swing Rachel Gellenberger

Light Board Operator Michelle Aguilar

Moving Light Programmer B Yamashita

Sound Engineer Daniel Silva

A2 Camille Houze, Aiko Whitmore

Video Operator Sarah Rad

Electrics Swing Michelle Luongo

DINING GEMS IN JUNE

From an Iconic Outpost’s Big Birthday to a New Natural Wine Bar in Carlsbad by SARAH DAOUST

TWELVE FLOORS UP at the Manchester Financial building in Bankers Hill sits a very special place—an idyllic spot for date nights, marriage proposals, birthdays and anniversaries (and just a fun excuse to get dressed up a little for an elegant dinner on an otherwise

mundane Tuesday). Mister A’s has served as that very special place for six decades, celebrating its 60th anniversary this summer. Famous for its French-inspired American cuisine and unparalleled bird’s-eye views of the city, airport, bay, Balboa Park and beyond, the fine-dining

institution first opened in 1965 (named after founding owner John Alessio). It’s undergone just two ownership changes over the years; the torch was passed to Bertrand Hug in 1999; then to longtime operations manager Ryan Thorsen in 2022. Mister A’s underwent a

remodel in 2022 as well— updated with sparkling crystal chandeliers; seating wrapped in rich, blue jewel tones; a renovated patio and dining rooms that channel an upscale brasserie; an opulent private dining room; an allnew, 90-seat rooftop bar and lounge; and revamped dinner and cocktail menus. Book a table now for summer dining and indulge in beautifully plated, Frenchinfused dishes by longtime executive chef Stéphane Voitzwinkler. June is “Jerry’s Month” honoring Jerry Capozzelli—Mister

A’s beloved maître d’ of nearly 40 years who sadly passed away in

2023—complete with vintage menus and charity activations. “60 Years of Community” benefit dinners are scheduled for June 24-26, featuring 1965 menus (reimagined by chef Voitzwinkler) offered at 1965 prices. 2550 Fifth Ave., 12th floor, Bankers Hill, 619.239.1377, asrestaurant.com

Celebrate life’s little victories at Little Victory Wine Bar, by husbandand-wife team Jeremy Simpson and Kirsten Potenza (the same duo behind Encinitas’ popular Little Victory Wine Market). The Europeaninspired natural wine bar offers quaint indoor/

ning wineries from Santa Cruz to Sicily to Austria to Australia. Sniff, swirl, snack and stay awhile. 505 Oak Ave., Suite B, Carlsbad Village, 442.333.9134, littlevictorywine.com

outdoor seating; a curated wine list (Simpson is a sommelier) representing vintners from California and around the world; and global plates infused with seasonal SoCal ingredients—dreamt up by chefs Kelly and Elliott Townsend. Indulge in seasonal salads, cured meats and cheeses; as well as dishes such as local crudo with passionfruit, cucumber and celery; Thompson Heritage Ranch pork chops with spring peas; and risotto with artichokes alla Romana, mint and green garlic. Wines are sourced from grapes farmed using biodynamic, organic techniques—span-

Serving Latin American and Japanese fusion cuisine, Brisa Restaurant & Bar is now open in Little Italy. Translating to “breeze” in Spanish, the casually elegant outpost (under the leadership of partner and GM Jennifer Reinhart) boasts a gleaming low-lit bar and subtle, Tulum-inspired tropical decor. On the menu: bacon-wrapped scallops with purple smashed potatoes and chimichurri; smoked pork chuleta with cilantro-lime rice and veggies; and a lump crab nopal tostada with avocado-jalapeño cream, street corn and salsa macha; plus a raw bar, sushi rolls

and a wok-fried local fish served whole; and exotic cocktails like the Guava Lava with jalapeño-infused tequila. Come for weekend brunch and feast on green-matcha pancakes with jalapeño-infused syrup and crispy bacon; and a Brisa favorite: the Japanese-inspired Taiyaki Sandwich made with a waffle-style panini stuffed with bacon, American cheese and scrambled eggs. 2101 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.303.0415, brisasd.com

RMD Group’s new Solana Beach hot spot, Rustic Root, is now open seven days a week (beginning at 4 p.m.)—featuring rotating specials such as Meatloaf Monday, Prime Rib Thursday with live music, a daily happy hour and more. Serving modern American comfort food, the always-bustling indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar emanates a contemporary coastal

For more information: 37th San Diego International

Organ Festival

Every Monday Night July 7 - Sept 1 | 7:30 PM

The Spreckels Organ Society presents the largest organ festival in the United States, featuring the Spreckels Organ, the largest open-air musical instrument in the world.

• Acclaimed International Organists and Competition Winners

• An organ & orchestra celebration with concertos by Poulenc, Parker, Bach and Prieto Ramírez

• Silent Movie Night, featuring Laurel & Hardy films

• An all-Beatles Labor Day Classic Rock Concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Beatles concert in San Diego

Spring Artichoke Barigoule with French bean ragout, carrot and almond puree; Parisian gnocchi with spring vegetable fricassée, English pea soubise and toasted cashews; diver scallops with sunchoke velouté, asparagus and oyster mushrooms; and more. Little Frenchie also debuts three new curated picnic baskets to-go: a wine and cheese selection, a brunch assortment, and a dinner package. 1166 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.675.0041, littlefrenchiesd.com

Alisa Weilerstein

FEATURE / CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

held at two venues in La Jolla: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center and the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater. Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster David Kim serves as Concertmaster of the All-Star Orchestra for the first half of the Festival; while Los Angeles Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour serves as Concertmaster for the second half.

“The Epstein and The Conrad have become our two core venues,” Laturno says. “One is very different from the other, and it makes for a diverse festival experience. At the Epstein, ticket buyers can choose between lawn seating, Adirondack chairs, bleacher-style seats, or a table for four;

and we’ll be allowing people to bring food and nonalcoholic beverages for the first time to have their own picnics starting at 5:30 p.m. Also new this year, ensembles from our Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra will be stationed around the venue for picnickers’ enjoyment.” Laturno points out there will still be food for sale at the event, and picnic basket opportunities. “People loved picnicking when we were performing at Del Mar Surf Park during the [pandemic] years, so we wanted to bring it back.”

The festival starts on June 18 at The Conrad with a program featuring a newly discovered Serenade in C Major by Mozart; alongside Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” This

FEATURE

Opening Night sets the tone for a festival that juxtaposes familiar masterpieces with less-known gems. “The Conrad has a spectacular acoustic; it’s a fabulous place to perform and experience a concert,” Laturno says. “The opening concert is something very special. Michael Francis has programmed the ‘Four Seasons’ of Vivaldi and Piazzolla in such a way so that it goes back and forth between the seasons. Each of the eight seasons will be performed by a different concertmaster, so you will hear eight different incredible violin soloists in one single evening.”

The programming continues on June 20, also at The Conrad, with Mozart’s “Serenata notturna,” Strauss’ Duet Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon, Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante in A Major, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2. This concert highlights the interplay between solo instruments and the orchestra, showcasing the virtuosity of the principal players. Soloists for the Strauss Duet Concertino will be Boris Allakhverdyan (clarinet) and Whitney Crockett (bassoon).

Francis, who conducts all the Festival’s concerts, has become known for his introductions and explanations of the musical

pieces. “Mozart was [not only] a very prolific composer but also a multidimensional man and musician,” says Laturno. “The festival allows us to showcase not only his music but have conversations around the idea of prodigies, genius, and musical entrepreneurship—we delve into all of that. And Mozart composed for a chamber-sized orchestra; ours is a 44-piece, the size of the orchestra when he composed.”

Moving to the UC San Diego Epstein Family Amphitheater on June 21, the orchestra will present Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro; Mozart’s Symphony No. 40; and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring Joyce Yang as the soloist. This outdoor setting offers a different ambiance for experiencing these works.

Returning to The Conrad on June 24, the festival will feature Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-flat, Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 2 and 5, and Mozart’s “Haffner Symphony.” This program emphasizes the Baroque and early Classical periods, demonstrating the versatility of the assembled musicians.

The penultimate concert on June 26 at The Conrad includes Mozart’s Overture to Die Entführung aus dem Serail; BendixBalgley’s “A Klezmer Concerto,” featuring Noah Bendix-Balgley on

Aria Gala Sunday, June 29 | 6:00pm La Jolla Woman’s Club

A French Salon: Reynaldo Hahn and Friends Friday, July 11 | 7:00pm Sunday, July 13 | 6:00pm La Jolla Woman’s Club Exclusive Soirée | Private Residence

Armida | J. Haydn

Co-produced with the Hungarian State Opera July 18 & 19 | 8:00pm UC San Diego Park & Market

The Elixir of Love | G. Donizetti

July 25 & 26 | 8:00pm Spanish Village Art Center | Balboa Park

there, you’ll get fireworks.”

The All-Star Orchestra Festival runs June 18-28. For more info and tickets, visit mainlymozart.org

REPROGRAMMED!

Performances Magazine unveils a digital program platform for shows and concerts

DROP DOWN MENU Table of app contents.

REGISTER

Stay arts-engaged, access past programs.

THE ESSENTIALS

Acts, scenes, synopses, repertory and notes.

CONTRIBUTORS

Donors and sponsors who make it all possible—you!

NO RUSTLING PAGES, no killing trees . . . the digital Performances program platform has proved to be one of the more enduring recent theater innovations.

The touchless platform provides the programs for 20 Southern California performing-arts organizations, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Ahmanson Theatre to San Diego Opera, where the app made its debut.

Among a variety of features, it provides cast and player bios, donor and season updates, and numerous

other arts-centric features.

Audiences receive a link and a code word that instantly activate the app; QR codes are posted, too.

Screens go dark when curtains go up and return when house lights come back on.

Updates—such as repertory changes, understudy substitutions and significant new donations —can be made right up to showtime, no inserts necessary.

Other plusses include video and audio streams, translations and expanded biographies.

SEARCH

Find whatever it is you want to know—easily.

SIGN IN

Link to your performing-arts companies and venues.

THE PLAYERS

Bios and background for cast, crew and creators.

WHAT’S ON

What’s coming at a glance and ticket information.

For those who consider printed programs to be keepsakes, a limited number, as well as commemorative issues for special events, continue to be produced. Collectibles!

Meanwhile, there is less deforestation, consumption of petroleum inks and programs headed for landfills.

For the ecologically minded, the platform gets a standing ovation.

The digital Performances is but one more reason for audience excitement. Activate your link and enjoy the shows. CALEB WACHS

“What happens here is that you find yourself. You’re actually opening. You’re walking through many, many doors inside of you. I take with me a quietness that I’m able to share and instill in people. Because I’m back as Diane. I’m back whole.”

The Iconic Retreat