Performances Magazine San Diego | La Jolla Playhouse, June 2026

HA HA HA Begins July 28 THE FAMILY ALBUM Begins July 17

HA HA HA HA

The Glen at Scripps Ranch is a retirement community for adults 60+ who aren’t slowing down. Make the most of today with a smart, predictable plan for tomorrow.

• Maintenance-free homes in a 53-acre gated community

• 200+ monthly social, cultural, and fitness activities

• Multiple dining venues offering crave-worthy cuisine

• Priority access to the adjacent health care center with long-term care options Visit

P1 Program

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

6 In the Wings

The Monsters at La Jolla Playhouse; Measure for Measure and The Hombres at The Old Globe; San Diego Symphony’s Opening Night at The Rady Shell; new exhibits at Oceanside Museum of Art; and more.

10 Feature: Festival Spotlight

The Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra Festival returns, with shows at The Conrad and UCSD Epstein Family Amphitheatre in La Jolla.

17 Dining

Our restaurant picks for date night this summer, including The Marine Room, Leila, À L’Ouest, A.R. Valentien and Kingfisher (pictured).

24 Design

Balboa Park’s renovated Botanical Building unveils its newly restored Pergola and new gardens for summer

Masterpieces won’t ust han on walls—they’ll come alive in breathtaking living pictures at the ageant o the asters. et beneath the summer stars in aguna Beach, this year’s The Greatest of All Time production re-creates iconic works by ermeer, onet, van ogh, icasso, ahlo, and more through a mesmerizing blend o art, music, and theatrical illusion. air a seaside escape with one o outhern ali ornia’s most extraordinary cultural experiences—and discover why this iconic summer tradition is truly a work o art itsel . Advance reservations are recommended

July 9 to September 4, 2026 800-487-3378 PageantTicket com Plus, discover your next original work o art, en oy live music, and connect with local artists as they share the stories ehind their work. nhance your visit with engaging art workshops, tours, and more — all set within the vi rant atmosphere o the Festival o rts. July 7 to September 3, 2026 WHERE ART HAPPENS

FestivalofArts.org

PUBLISHER

Jeff Levy

EDITOR

Sarah Daoust

ART DIRECTOR

Carol Wakano

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Glenda Mendez

PRODUCTION ARTIST

Diana Gonzalez

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Benjamin Epstein, 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

For information about advertising and rates contact California Media Group 3679 Motor Ave., Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90034

Phone: 310.280.2880

Fax: 310.280.2890

Visit Performances Magazine online at socalpulse.com

Performances Magazine is published by California Media Group to serve performing arts venues throughout the West.

© 2026 California Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

OUR NEW EXHIBIT IS TOTAL TRASH

Beach trash resurfaces as ocean art in Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea. Explore imaginative sculptures created entirely from marine debris. A powerful reminder that our oceans need protecting.

It’s all part of a summer of wonder with two new films in our theater, Nat at Night on Fridays, and hands-on activities each weekend. Tickets at sdnat.org.

PRINT TO PAINT

ADD TWO NEW exhibits to your must-see list, thanks to Oceanside Museum of Art. On view through Aug. 2, Matrix Multiplied: Hybrid Approaches to Printmaking features works by 18 artists who go beyond the confines of traditional printmaking—using experimental, hybrid processes that combine two or more printmaking techniques. These may include lithography, intaglio, silkscreen and relief; layered with drawing, collage or digital technologies to create multidimensional prints and sculptures. The exhibit encourages you to consider not only the narrative behind each piece—from the environment to family history—but also the process. Through Sept. 27, Kate Tova: A Place to Rest (My Tired Mind) comprises a dynamic collection of paintings by California-based artist Kate Tova, whose work touches on modern life’s two pervasive conditions: collective exhaustion and burnout. These are captured by Tova’s imagery of seasonal blooms, such as wildflower-covered hills and meadows. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720, oma-online.org

This page, from top: “The Shores of a Lost Sea” by Frol Boundin; “Fredrick, 61, San Diego” by Neil Shigley; both are on view in Matrix Multiplied: Hybrid Approaches to Printmaking Opposite: “Collective Fatigue” by Kate Tova in Kate Tova: A Place to Rest (My Tired Mind)

JAZZ TO BROADWAY

TAKING IN A concert along the bay at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is a summer must.

Head there June 13-14 for the eighth annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius. This year’s lineup includes Boney James, Lalah Hathaway, Acoustic Alchemy, Bob James, Pieces of a Dream and more.

San Diego Symphony opens its Summer 2026 season on June 26, with Rafael Payare conducting and featuring violinist Stefan Jackiw. Opening Night’s repertoire spans Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture; Sergei Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2; and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. theshell.org And save the dates for July 7-12, when Broadway San Diego brings us Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Civic Theatre. It’s the first North American touring production of the beloved musical in more than 25 years, featuring its award-winning score by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice; infused with dazzling new costumes and sets. broadwaysd.com

June Gems

AWARD-WINNING playwright Ngozi

Anyanwu writes and stars with Sullivan Jones in The Monsters; La Jolla Playhouse stages its West Coast premiere, June 2-28. Obsessed with fighting for years, “LIL” has been quietly following her estranged older brother, “BIG,” who is a fighter in the Mixed Martial Arts circuit, from afar … until she decides to show up on his doorstep. lajollaplayhouse.org At The Old Globe May 30-June 21, don’t miss the San Diego premiere of The Hombres, written by Tony Meneses. The play centers on a gay Latino yoga teacher, who clashes with Latino construction workers outside his studio, and invites them to take a class. Head to The Old Globe’s outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre for Shakespeare’s timeless tale, Measure for Measure, June 14-July 12. theoldglobe.org Cygnet Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical, June 10-July 12, based on the Nickelodeon series by Stephen Hillenburg and book by Kyle Jarrow. cygnettheatre.org

THE SPIRIT OF REVOLUTION

the 2026

IF YOU’RE A classical music fan, one of your favorite sounds is probably in the moments before a concert starts, when the concertmaster leads the orchestra in tuning. Hearing those concordant notes builds anticipation and excitement before the conductor strides to the podium. Something good is about to happen ...

This feeling is even more thrilling if the orchestra you’re about to hear is the All-Star Orchestra, the crown jewel of the Mainly Mozart Festival, the only one in the

U.S. to annually assemble an orchestra made up entirely of concertmasters and principal players from the nation’s leading orchestras. Here, the player sitting in the third chair of the viola section might be the principal of the Chicago Symphony; the oboist might be the backbone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

Given the plethora of talent available, it has made sense for the Mainly Mozart All-Star Orchestra to make use of rotating concertmasters. But this year, for the first

time since 2018, the All-Stars will be led by David Kim, the longtime concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Kim will lead a supergroup that exists nowhere else in the world as the festival returns June 17-27, 2026—with five shows at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center; and one at the UCSD Epstein Family Amphitheatre.

“David Kim is such a doyen of concertmasters, as well as a wonderful teacher, a great person, who commands natural respect,” says Music Director Michael Francis, returning for his 12th year in that role. “He’s a great leader and communicator, and he loves Mainly Mozart. Bringing together top concertmasters and principal players from all over North America into one extraordinary orchestra; that doesn’t change. What’s exciting is we are now well established in our residency at The Conrad, where you can hear our orchestra indoors in a world-class acoustic, and it is amazing. In The Baker-Baum Concert Hall we’re re-finding the impact of a Mozart symphony; it’s so loud and exciting and kinetically rewarding, that it feels, I imagine, like it felt the first time anyone heard it performed. In a smaller venue you are physically living it as we play it.”

A centerpiece of the upcoming All-Star Festival is the exploration of Mozart’s relationship with his contemporaries. The programming doesn’t just treat Mozart as a museum piece; it places him in dialogue with the “all-stars” of his own time. By featuring works by Haydn, Beethoven, and even modern composers influenced by the Classical tradition, the festival creates a narrative arc that shows how the Mainly Mozart ethos influences the music we hear today.

The upcoming festival opens with Beethoven, Mozart

FEATURE

and Prokofiev on June 17 at The Conrad, featuring soloist Anne-Marie McDermott at the piano. On June 20, Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony is paired with Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Mozart’s Bardengesang auf Gibraltar

“Each year I have a theme or idea in my mind,” Francis says. “This year, as it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we’ll perform some lovely pieces drawing attention to the concept of revolution. For example, the Eroica Symphony, which was written for the French Revolution; paired with Appalachian Spring, which is revolutionary because it was so gentle and peaceful and written during World War II as a response to that violence.”

Accomplished soloists are also a draw at Mainly Mozart concerts, and this summer is no exception. Internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist James Ehnes plays Schumann’s Violin Concerto in D minor on June 25; paired with Mozart’s Jupiter and Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten. A Juilliard graduate, Ehnes is a Grammy and multi-Juno Award winner, widely praised for his extensive discography, including the Paganini Caprices. He leads the Ehnes Quartet and directs the Seattle

TIMELESS LIVING ON THE LA JOLLA COAST

Along the La Jolla coastline, there's a way of living that feels both timeless and deeply rooted.

At Casa de Manana, that tradition continues, shaped by ocean views, meaningful connection and a shared appreciation for culture and conversation.

With thoughtful support always close at hand, life unfolds with ease and intention, where each day reflects the beauty, rhythm and enduring spirit of the place you call home.

849 Coast Blvd., La Jolla, CA 92037 (858) 454-2151 I casademanana.org

Oneof thegreatestmusicalsever —VULTURE

JUNE 3 - JULY 5

Set against the sun-drenched Napa Valley vineyards, this lush romantic masterpiece by Broadway’s famed Pulitzerprize winning Frank Loesser (Guys and Dolls) weaves a passionate tale of unexpected love. With soaring melodies and vibrant Broadway showstoppers, this sweeping musical radiates with the timeless message that true affection sees beyond outward appearances to the real beauty within. Come see what makes this fella so happy!

Directed

by

JEFFREY B. MOSS

Chamber Music Society. “It’s always a great joy to perform for Mainly Mozart, an organization that has been close to my heart for nearly 20 years,” says Ehnes. “There is no finer collection of orchestral musicians anywhere. Playing Schumann and Brahms with them and Michael Francis is going to be incredibly inspiring, and performing the Brahms Double Concerto with one of my oldest and greatest friends, Robert DeMaine [cellist], is really a dream come true.”

On June 21, the tone shifts to gorgeous classical guitar, with soloist Mak Grgić in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez, programmed with Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony No. 4. Grgić is a Grammy-nominated Slovenian guitarist whose eclectic repertoire spans classical, avant-garde and Balkan music.

June 23’s concert features beautiful works by Mozart, Lully and Strauss; and then Ehnes returns as soloist for the grande finale Closing Night on June 27 at the Epstein Amphitheatre, featuring Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony; as well as Mozart’s Fantasia Fugato and Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor. For the five concerts at The Conrad, a pre-concert performance

/ CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE

SEASON SPONSORS

Melissa and Michael Bartell

Gail and Ralph Bryan

Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund

Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.

Joan* and Irwin Jacobs

Sheri L. Jamieson La Atalaya Fund

Rebecca Moores Foundation

Paula and Brian Powers

Karen and Jeff Silberman

Weston Anson and Alice Mitchell, Denise and Lon Bevers, Drs. Edward and Martha Dennis, Hal and Hilary Dunning

Greg and Marike Fitzgerald Charitable Fund, The Estate of Pauline Foster, Hanna and Mark Gleiberman, Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters, Debby and Hal Jacobs, Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq., Jeff and Carolyn Levin

Steven and Jerri Nagelberg, David Overskei, Perlmeter Family Foundation, Maryanne and Irwin Pfister, Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation, Robin and Larry Rusinko, Stern Leichter Foundation

The Stockdale Family, Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo, Peggy Ann Wallace, Philip and Margarita Wilkinson

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Steven and Jerri Nagelberg

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends,

Welcome to La Jolla Playhouse and our production of The Monsters! The piece made its debut off-Broadway earlier this year, and we couldn’t be more excited for Playhouse audiences to experience this exhilarating new play.

Written by UC San Diego MFA graduate Ngozi Anyanwu, The Monsters is a physically thrilling piece about siblings, ambition and ultimately, recovery. It is at once funny, painful, and beautiful, offering an examination of hard and soft, big and small – and all the ways in which we need to be both.

The extra icing on this particular cake is that not only did Ngozi write the piece, she is also performing the role of LIL in our production, which gives us all an extra layer of artistry to enjoy. She’s a true multi-hyphenate, and we’re so pleased to have her back on campus to share her acclaimed work as both playwright and performer.

We are deeply proud of our partnership with UC San Diego, which incorporates residencies for all Theatre & Dance graduate students in acting, directing, design, and stage management, as well as a commission for every MFA playwright. We’ve worked closely with the University for more than 50 years to create an integrated environment for exceptional training and adventurous theatre-making.

This collaboration is alive and well with The Monsters. Championing UCSD alumni like Ngozi is central to our mission, and we’re delighted you are here to support her spectacular new work.

JESSICA STONE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DEBBY BUCHHOLZ MANAGING DIRECTOR

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.

Jessica Stone

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Debby Buchholz MANAGING DIRECTOR

In a Co-Production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Ngozi Anyanwu BY

CHOREOGRAPHY

BY

Adesola Osakalumi

DIRECTED BY

Tamilla Woodard

FEATURING

Ngozi Anyanwu*, Sullivan Jones*

SCENIC DESIGN

COSTUME DESIGN

LIGHTING DESIGN

SOUND DESIGN

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CONSULTANT

FIGHT CONSULTANT CASTING

STAGE MANAGER

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

GENERAL MANAGER

ARTISTIC PRODUCING DIRECTOR

Nina Ball

Celeste Jennings

Reza Behjat

UptownWorks – Daniela Hart, Noel Nichols,

Bailey Trierweiler

Sijara Eubanks

Chelsea Pace

Karina Fox

Kristy Bodall*

Lucas Bryce Dixon*

Becca Duhaime

Ryan Meisheid

Eric Keen-Louie

The world premiere production of The Monsters was originally produced by Two River Theater and Manhattan Theatre Club

Justin Waldman, Artistic Director / Nora DeVeau-Rosen, Managing Director

Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director / Chris Jennings, Executive Director

The Monsters was originally commissioned by Two River Theater

John Dias, Artistic Director / Michael Hurst, Managing Director

The Monsters was developed with the support of New York Stage and Film.

Developed with support from The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley, CA.

THE CAST

(in alphabetical order)

LIL ......................................................................................................................... Ngozi Anyanwu*

BIG...........................................................................................................................Sullivan Jones*

The Monsters is performed without an intermission.

UNDERSTUDIES

LIL Carol J. McKenith*

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

ADDITIONAL STAFF

Assistant Director Elena Sanchez

Assistant Lighting Designer Claire Chesne

Assistant Sound Designer....................................................................................... Reily Oberting

Fight Captain ............................................................................................................ Jamal James

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Cover photo of Sullivan Jones and Ngozi Anyanwu by Bethanie Hines

Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The theatre operates under an agreement between League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association.

The Director and Choreographer are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

This theatre operates under an agreement between League of Resident Theatres and United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

This theatre operates under an agreement between La Jolla Playhouse and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 122.

La Jolla Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national service organization for the nonprofit professional theatre.

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

THE COMPANY

Ngozi Anyanwu (LIL, Playwright)

is a multihyphenate storyteller coming fresh from her professional directing debut with The Monsters' world premiere at Two River Theater in conjunction with Manhattan Theatre Club in 2025. Her previous plays include Leroy and Lucy (Steppenwolf; Jeff Award nomination), The Last of the Love Letters (Atlantic Theater), Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre, Center Theatre Group; NYT Critic’s Pick) and The Homecoming Queen (Atlantic Theater; sold-out world-premiere run and a NYT Critic’s Pick). Good Grief was on the Kilroys List 2016, a semifinalist for the Princess Grace Award, and a Humanitas Award winner. Her play Nike… (Kilroys List 2017) was workshopped at The New Black Fest with The Lark, The Strand Festival with ACT, SPACE on Ryder Farm, and New York Stage and Film. Ngozi has been commissioned by NYU, The Old Globe, Two River Theater, Atlantic Theater and Steppenwolf. She has received residencies from LCT3, National Black Theatre, SPACE on Ryder Farm, the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, The New Harmony Project, New York Stage and Film, and Page 73. She earned her B.A. at Point Park University and received her M.F.A. in acting from UC San Diego.

Sullivan Jones (BIG)

is an actor known for his work across television, film and theatre. In television, Sullivan has appeared in award-winning series such as The Gilded Age (HBO), Atlanta (FX), Interior Chinatown (Hulu), Harlem (Amazon), Elsbeth (CBS), and the Netflix series Halston, among others. On stage, Sullivan made his Broadway debut in the 13-time Tony-nominated Slave Play, and has appeared in regional stage productions at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Denver Center, Baltimore Center Stage, Berkeley Rep, Long Wharf Theatre, TheatreWorks, and the African-American Shakespeare Company, among others. In film, Sullivan recently starred as Muhammad Ali in the feature film Big George Foreman for Sony. In addition to his on-camera work, Sullivan has narrated award-winning audiobooks and voiced characters for major videogames.

Jamal James (Understudy: BIG)

A recent transplant to LA, he is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Ravenous for all things storytelling, he has acted and toured all over the country (and sometimes outside of it!). Some of his favorite stage credits include The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare & Company); The Royale (Kitchen Theatre Company, Geva Theatre, American Players Theatre); Hamlet, Love’s Labour's Lost (American Players Theatre); A Case for the Existence of God (Forward Theater Company); The Color Purple (National Broadway tour); Beauty and the Beast, Violet: The Musical (Barter Theatre). His TV credits include Gotham, Blue Bloods, City on a Hill, and FBI: Most Wanted. Grateful to God, his friends and family, and to all who have hearts to care for others. TheJamalJames.com

Carol J. McKenith (Understudy: LIL)

is a dynamic actor known for her compelling character work across television, film, and stage. A proud Jersey Girl from Englewood, she brings authenticity, strength, and emotional depth to every role she portrays. Her television credits include Chicago Med (NBC), Outer Banks (Netflix), BMF (Starz), Gotham Knights (CW), and Saturdays (Disney), among others. On stage, she passionately embraced the work of August Wilson, portraying Dussie Mae in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, where she showcased her command of language and boldness within Wilson’s celebrated work. One of her proudest screen achievements is her role as Willie Mae in MGM's historical drama Till, a project that deepened her passion for civil rights storytelling and culturally resonant narratives. Beyond acting, she channels her artistic vision into photography and interior design.

Tamilla Woodard (Director)

is a resident director at Yale Repertory Theatre, Chair of the Acting Program at the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale, and the co-founder of the site-specific international partnership, PopUP Theatrics. Recent credits include Zora Neale Hurston’s world-premiere musical SPUNK at Yale Rep. Tamilla has directed at theatres nationally and internationally, including at WP Theater, Alliance Theatre, the Guthrie, Baltimore Center Stage, American Conservatory Theater, Folger Theatre, Classical Theatre of Harlem, and Clubbed Thumb, among others. Represented in film and other media by the concert film Weightless by Bay Area’s own The Kilbanes. Tamilla is a proud board member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, previously named one of 50 Women to Watch on Broadway, and is a recipient of the Josephine Abady Award from the League of Professional Theatre Women.

THE COMPANY

Adesola Osakalumi (Choreographer)

Adesola's choreography credits include Skeleton Crew (Broadway, Manhattan Theatre Club); Akinola (Guggenheim); Sweetwater (National Black Theatre); The Wash (New Federal Theatre); Cullud Wattah, Coal Country, Othello (Public Theater); Leroy and Lucy (Steppenwolf); The Grove (Huntington Theatre); Syncing Ink (Victoria Theater); runboyrun, Eyewitness Blues (NYTW); Good Grief (Vineyard); Jam on the Groove (City Center & Minetta Lane); School of Rock (2003 film). He is the recipient of a Bessie Award and a Drama Desk nominee.

Nina Ball (Scenic Design)

Recent credits include The Unexpected Third (New York Theater Workshop); Girls: Chance: Music (American Conservatory Theater and the Vineyard, NYC), Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, TheatreWorks, California Shakespeare Theater, People's Light, Shotgun Players, and San Francisco Playhouse, among many others. Notable productions include the West Coast premiere of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 (Shotgun Players, SFBACC Award nominee); Romeo and Juliet, and How I Learned What I Learned (OSF). Other awards include SFBACC Awards for My Fair Lady (SF PLayhouse) and Come Back to the Five and Dive, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (Theatreworks); TBA awards for Blasted (Shotgun Players) and The Nether (SF Playhouse). Affiliations include: Scenic Design Faculty, Stanford University; Company Member, Shotgun Players; Artistic Associate, Marin Shakespeare Company; United Scenic Artists Local 829.

Celeste Jennings (Costume Design)

is a passionate playwright and costume designer. Recent and upcoming designs include Fun Home (Huntington Theatre), As You Like It (Folger Theatre), Memnon (The Classical Theatre of Harlem), Minority (Women’s Project & Colt Coeur), Furlough’s Paradise (Geffen Playhouse), and Appropriate (The Old Globe). She’s a current Terrance McNally Fellow with Rattlestick Theatre and recently developed her play Potliqka. Her plays ‘Bov Water and Citrus were produced at Northern Stage and she developed a play with music, Contentious Woman (Relentless Award Honorable Mention) with PlayCo. Jennings holds an M.F.A. in costume design from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Reza Behjat (Lighting Design)

is an Obie Award-winning lighting designer and theatre artist based in New York. Broadway credits include English (Atlantic/Roundabout). His off-Broadway design credits include Atlantic Theater, BAM, Signature Theatre, Public Theater, The New Group, MCC, Playwrights Horizons, Primary Stages, Audible, Page 73, Flea, Red Bull Theater, Ars Nova, and more. He has worked with regional theatres such as Guthrie Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre, Berkeley Rep, Old Globe, Milwaukee Rep, Seattle Rep, Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Wilma Theater, Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Geva Theatre, Long Wharf, and Alabama Shakespeare, among others. He is the recipient of Obie Awards in Design for English and Wish You Were Here, a Knight of Illumination Award for Nina Simone: Four Women, and a nominee for Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, and Jeff Awards.

UptownWorks – Daniela Hart, Noel Nichols, Bailey Trierweiler (Sound Design)

UptownWorks is a collaborative design team specializing in theatre, film, podcasts, installations, and other media. UptownWorks has worked with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Old Globe, Geffen Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Round House Theatre, Goodman Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Indianapolis Repertory Theater, Geva Theatre, NYTW, AMT, The Lortel, Ensemble Studio Theater, DCPA, Berkshire Theatre Group, Miami New Drama, Hartford Stage, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Baltimore Center Stage, Syracuse Stage, INTAR, WP Theater, Barrington Stage, National Black Theatre, Classic Stage Company, Studio and Signature Theatres DC. This design was led by Bailey Trierweiler (btsounddesign.com), Daniela Hart (uptownworksnyc.com), and Noel Nichols (noelnicholsdesign.com).

Sijara Eubanks she/her (Mixed Martial Arts Consultant)

La Jolla Playhouse: Debut. Two River Theater: The Monsters. Manhattan Theatre Club: The Monsters. Former UFC #1 Flyweight. 7x IBJJF World Champion. TUF Season 26 Finalist.

Chelsea Pace she/her (Fight Consultant)

La Jolla Playhouse: SUMO, As You Like It, Working Girl. Broadway: Strange Loop, Leopoldstadt, K-POP. Off-Broadway: Lincoln Center/LCT3, Public, Soho Rep, INTAR, TFANA, Shed. Select Regional: ACT, Signature, Woolly Mammoth, Berkeley Rep, CTG, Folger, Shakespeare Theatre Co, Studio, Arena, SF Playhouse. Select Film/TV: Behemoth (upcoming), Gold Mountain (upcoming), Dr. Odyssey, American Sports Story, Elsbeth, Yellowstone, League of Their Own, Harlem, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Tender Bar, Drive Away Dolls, Dr. Death, Mother’s Instinct, All’s Fair. Author of Staging Sex: Best Practices, Tools, and Techniques for Theatrical Intimacy (Routledge). Founder of Open Intimacy Creatives. www.chelseapace.com @professorpace

Karina Fox (Casting) has been working as a casting director, producer, and director in the Bay Area since 2017. Now on her fourth season at Berkeley Rep, Karina has worked on the casting of over a dozen mainstage shows as well as The Ground Floor's Summer Residency Lab. Before joining Berkeley Rep in 2022, she was at Magic Theatre serving as the producing and casting director. Previous Magic Theatre casting credits include The Kind Ones, Monument, or Four Sisters (A Sloth Play), The Resting Place, and The Virgin Play Series (2018-2022).

Kristy Bodall (Stage Manager) is a NYC-based stage manager and producer. Stage management credits include Mother of Exiles (Berkeley Rep), The Beastiary (Ars Nova), The Keep Going Songs (LCT3), Paris (Atlantic), The Maturation of an Inconvenient Negro (Cherry Lane), Ghost Quartet (NYTW), Material Witness (La MaMa), The Exalted (BAM). With Clubbed Thumb: Deep Blue Sound, Spindle Shuttle Needle, King Philip’s Head Is Still on That Pike Just Down the Road, Plano. With Pipeline Theatre Company: Playing Hot, Folk Wandering, Beardo, The Gray Man, Clown Bar Developmental work with the Public Theater, Second Stage, Playwrights Horizons, Center Theatre Group, and Fresh Ground Pepper. Co-Producer, Salty Brine's Living Record Collection.

Lucas Bryce Dixon (Assistant Stage Manager) Lucas' credits include The Monsters, Clyde’s (Berkeley Rep); Our Town, Hello, Dolly, Urinetown: The Musical, The Play that Goes Wrong, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Lyric Stage of Boston); Toni Stone, John Proctor Is the Villain, The Band’s Visit, Fat Ham, The Lehman Trilogy, Clyde’s, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Common Ground Revisited, The Bluest Eye, Hurricane Diane, Yerma (The Huntington); Heroes of the Fourth Turning, BLKS (SpeakEasy Stage Company); Hair, Oliver!, Trayf, and Nixon’s Nixon (New Repertory Theatre).

Berkeley Rep (Co-Producer)

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. Over 6 million people have enjoyed more than 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, including 88 world premieres. Berkeley Rep’s shows have gone on to win eight Tony Awards, nine Obie Awards, 11 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 ensures broad access to dynamic arts educational activities, especially for Bay Area youth, and provides immersive training for current and future theatre makers. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org.

Dora is now open across the road from La Jolla Playhouse, bringing a taste of coastal southern Italy to your pre-theatre evenings. Enjoy handmade pastas, Mediterranean seafood and seasonal dishes before the curtain rises, plus specialty prix-fixe menus and cocktails inspired by each Playhouse production.

9165 S Scholars Drive, La Jolla doralajolla.com | @doraristorante

PLAYHOUSE LEADERSHIP

Jessica Stone (she/her) Artistic Director Acclaimed director Jessica Stone was appointed Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse in November 2025. She was nominated in 2024 for a Tony Award for directing the original Broadway musical Water for Elephants, for which she also won the Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for Best Director. In 2023 she received a Tony Award nomination for her direction of Kimberly Akimbo, which won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Jessica worked as an actress on and off-Broadway, in television and in film for decades before transitioning to directing. Broadway credits included Anything Goes, Butley, The Odd Couple, The Smell of the Kill, Design for Living, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Grease. Jessica’s directing career began in earnest with her all-male 2010 production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum for Williamstown Theatre Festival. She has since been directing all over the country at such theaters as A.C.T., Shakespeare Theatre Company, Huntington Theatre Company, The Old Globe, Two River Theatre Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival, among others.

Christopher Ashley (he/him) Emeritus Artistic Director

Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley served as La Jolla Playhouse’s Artistic Director from 2007 to 2025. During his tenure, he directed numerous world premieres, including of Come From Away, Diana: The Musical, Memphis and Escape to Margaritaville, as well as 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. Ashley’s Broadway credits include Come From Away (Tony and Outer Critics Circle Awards), Diana: The Musical, Escape to Margaritaville, Memphis (Tony Award nom), Xanadu, Leap of Faith (Drama Desk nom), All Shook Up and The Rocky Horror Show (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle noms). He also helmed productions of Come From Away in London (Olivier Award nom), Toronto, Australia and on national tour. Additional NY stage credits include Blown Sideways Through Life, Jeffrey (Lortel and Obie Awards) and Fires in the Mirror (Lortel Award), among many others. He is the recipient of the Mr. Abbott Award, Princess Grace Award, Drama League Director Fellowship and an NEA/ TCG Director Fellowship.

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. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning 70 new works, and sending 37 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 42 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

Debby Buchholz (she/her) Managing Director joined La Jolla Playhouse in 2002, serving first as General Manager before becoming Managing Director. During her 24-year tenure at the Playhouse, the theatre has mounted 90 world premieres, commissioned more than 50 new works, and sent 26 shows to Broadway, including the Tony Award-winning musicals The Outsiders, Jersey Boys and Come From Away. Buchholz is President of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and a member of its Executive Committee. She is also a recipient of a San Diego Women Who Mean Business Award from The San Diego Business Journal. Prior to joining La Jolla Playhouse, Buchholz 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, DC. 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, serving as Producing Director and Executive Producer before becoming Artistic Producing Director. 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 President on the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Board of Directors. He is a proud third-generation ChineseAmerican and is married to Anthony Keen-Louie, a local mediator and Associate Ombuds at UC San Diego.

Ryan Meisheid (he/him) General Manager joined the Playhouse in October 2018. Most Recently Ryan was the Associate Managing Director at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company. Prior to the Denver Center, Ryan was in the General Management departments at New York’s Public Theater and the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and worked with Off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre and Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company. He graduated from the Theatre School, DePaul University in Chicago with a B.F.A. in Theatre Management, and was part of the 2015 artEquity Facilitator Training Cohort. He is a Trustee of the San Diego Theatrical Health and Pension Funds, and Associate Treasurer of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) .

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.

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 16 and June 23 after the 7:30pm show

ACCESS PERFORMANCE

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 14 after the 1pm show

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, June 20 at 2pm

SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

You're welcome to take photos in the theatre before and after the performance. If you post photos on social media, please tag La Jolla Playhouse:

MMA GLOSSARY

Cage Octogon- or hexagon-shaped combat arena where MMA fights take place.

Choke Submissions hold that impedes blood flow in the opponent's neck arteries.

Clinch Standing position with fighters facing each other, arms locking their upper bodies together.

Cornerman Coach or training partner responsible for attending to and instructing a fighter between rounds.

Grappling Any fighting that centers grabbing and pulling more than punching and kicking (wrestling, jiu-jitsu, judo).

Headlock Wrestling move in which a fighter controls an opponent by securing an arm tightly around the opponent's head and squeezing.

Jab Straight punch thrown with a lead fist.

Judo Grappling-focused martial art that relies on throws and takedowns to immobilize an opponent and set up a joint lock or choke submission.

Knockout Fight result when a strike or combination of strikes renders a fighter unable to continue. "KO" for short.

MMA Mixed Martial Arts.

Muay Thai Martial art from Thailand that utilizes standup strikes (punches, elbows, kicks, knees), some delivered from in a clinch.

Octagon Eight-sided cage in which UFC fights are fought. Other fight promotions use a cage of a different shape.

Rounds MMA fights typically are contested in three five-minute rounds, with one-minute breaks in between. Championship bouts and UFC main events are five five-minute rounds.

Strike Punch, elbow, knee or kick — anything that hits an opponent.

Submission Fight result when a fighter cannot escape a choke or joint lock and either taps out or verbally submits.

Takedown Wrestling maneuver to take an opponent to the mat and seize control.

Tapout Fight-ending move by a fighter who is caught in a choke or joint lock and wishes to submit, ending the bout.

UFC Ultimate Fighting Championship. The most prominent fight promotion in MMA, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Las Vegas.

Weight classes Division categories used to match competitors against others of their own size:

Heavyweight: Heaviest weight class. In MMA, these are competitors weighing 206-265 lb.

Light heavyweight: 186-205 lb

Middleweight: 171-185 lb

Welterweight: 156-170 lb

Reference: "A glossary of MMA and UFC terms." ESPN, 2023.

Lightweight: 146-155 lb

Featherweight: 136-145 lb

Bantamweight: 126-135 lb

Flyweight: 116-125 lb

Strawweight: 106-115 lb

EMPATHY WARRIOR

A conversation between playwright Ngozi Anyanwu and Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene.

GG: Ngozi, we’re so excited to have you back on UC San Diego’s campus and on our stages. What was your journey from getting an M.F.A. in Acting at UC San Diego to your flourishing career as a playwright? How did you first discover that you had stories to tell?

NA: I’d always written a little bit. I was very heavy into poetry in high school and really tried to get into creative writing programs, to no avail. So when I went to undergrad, I was like, “Well, let me focus on the acting of it all.” But while I was there, I wrote monologues and scenes and things like that, and I helped start a group called the Unfinished Works Festival. I didn’t have the discipline to create my own plays, but the other women and I selfproduced a night of scenes and monologues.

Then I moved to New York as an actor, and I found myself not getting that much work. I interned everywhere: The Public, Rattlestick Theater, reading a lot of plays. And [at Rattlestick] they tried to give me the opportunity, like, “Hey, do you want to have a reading of a play?” I was like,

“Oh, I’m not a playwright.” But I found other first-generation Nigerian women artists, and we began something like the Unfinished Works Festival, where we got together and wrote pieces about our experiences and selfproduced those around New York.

When I got to grad school for acting, I was more embedded in “how to make a play” because of the ensemble nature of our program – it’s a very small, intense program with eight actors. We had these great playwrights and directors and designers. Even as an actor, you’re sitting in playwriting classes, and I just paid attention. I kind of just learned playmaking through osmosis, essentially. And in my third year in grad school, I finished my first play, Good Grief. That was the first time I felt, “I could finish something by myself.”

GG: It feels like your origin story is partially about not finding a place for yourself where you wanted to be – in creative writing programs, in your early acting days in New York –and then creating a space for yourself. Was that what drove the desire to write plays?

NA: It was less of a “woe is me” thing, and more that I wanted to be in things and I wasn’t getting into those things. I was interested in theatre so much, but there was a messaging throughout my pursuit of it that if I wanted to be in it, I would have to make my own way. There’s two ways to get into plays right now: audition for the play or make the play.

I grew up on August Wilson. I went to undergrad in Pittsburgh and that was the person who was being lauded. And though it was a Blackness that I recognized, it wasn’t my Black experience. But it illuminated for me that I could illuminate my own experience. What would it be to share my specific Nigerian American experience the way that this man shared the vastness of his authentic Black experience?

I wanted to add to the idea that Blackness is not a monolith, that there is an array of Black experiences. And mine specifically was of a Blackness and an Americanness and a Nigerianness and a womanness that is worthy of exploration.

GG: What was the creative spark for The Monsters? How did the idea emerge, and how did Mixed Martial Arts become the lens through which to examine this sibling relationship?

NA: I remember when I’d written Good Grief – there’s a scene in that play between a brother and a sister. It’s only one scene, but it was the first scene I wrote in that play. And the response I always got was, “Oh my God, I would love to see a whole play about those two.” So that kind of stayed in the back of my head.

And then there were all these other influences, like The Brother/ Sister Plays by Tarell McCraney. I remember very specifically his plays were dedications: one was to his brother, one was to his mother, one was to a sister. I really loved the idea of making plays be love letters and dedications to people. So when I finally doubled down to write this play, I was like, “Oh, I want to do a love letter to my brother and to his culture,” which was the fight culture. My brother was an MMA fighter and a former CFFC [Cage Fury Fighting Championships] champion in Philadelphia and the Jersey area. MMA is boxing, it’s kicking, it’s wrestling, it’s something that we think of as really violent. But that’s never how I thought of my brother. To me, my brother is quite soft and thoughtful. That was what I got really interested in: the duality of this thing that feels really violent, but to be taught that there’s a deep thoughtfulness behind it – I mean, the word “arts” is in the name.

GG: One of the things I love about your play is how the language reflects that duality. Your words can be violent, they can be deployed to inflict bruises and cause pain. But sometimes they’re a hug, a balm, a cry for connection. All of those things are wrapped up together in your voice.

NA: The intention was to make LIL a person of many words – but not necessarily truth – and to make BIG a person of very few words, but everything he says is true. Which is why he doesn’t speak a lot — because if he does, he’ll fall apart. I was trying to capture their relationship in a very economical way, but in a way that still feels full. And there was definitely an intentionality around how I vocalize a fight. How do I make their dialogue feel like a round in a match? How do I make this play feel like a giant match, like we’ve gone through their entire lives in this very short period of time?

GG: You directed The Monsters’ world-premiere co-production between Two River Theatre and Manhattan Theatre Club in 2025. But for the La Jolla Playhouse’s co-production with Berkeley Rep, you’re now performing in it with Tamilla Woodward directing. Since the process of a playwright can be an isolating one – writing alone in a room – how has your perspective of your play changed as you became its director, then an actor?

NA: It’s interesting. This play wasn't so much written in isolation. I mean, I still had to go back and write the thing, but it was really quite generative. I told Two River Theater [the original commissioners of the play] I need two actors and an MMA fighter. So throughout the entire

developmental process, I had this amazing woman, Sijara Eubanks, who was our MMA consultant on both productions.

I really built it with her and those original actors. So many people’s DNA was in the original production. Sijara was so much in that first iteration because I was trying to give a dedication to the ritual of fighting; having a woman who fought and won and lost and had seen the ups and downs was something I really wanted. So there’s a lot of ritual in the first one. This production’s much faster, it’s much more literal, it’s much more flashy just because it’s in a bigger venue. And it’s hard on the body, Now that I’m doing it, I’m like, “Oh, I am not 29 years old like my leading lady in New York!”

What is nice about having multiple productions this close together is that it gives you more confidence as the writer to go, “We can get rid of that. I never needed that,” or, “Actually I missed that. I want to put that back in.” I feel like I’m still learning this play in the doing of it.

GG: What are you hoping an audience takes from this play?

NA: We’ve had such beautiful responses already. My intent was that this is a love letter to family and to siblings. I hope it opens people’s hearts towards forgiveness, to letting yourself say “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.” To me, it’s also a love letter to Black men and to strong Black women – something that makes people look past someone’s facade and have more curiosity about the masks that we put up. I’m like an empathy warrior. Hopefully this cracks some hearts open. 

WHY I SUPPORT THE PLAYHOUSE

Welcome to The Monsters, our second show of the 2026/27 season at La Jolla Playhouse. It is an honor to support an institution that continues to bring bold and thoughtprovoking work to the members of our community who are passionate about the arts.

In my professional life as a scientist and educator at the University of California, San Diego, I have spent decades exploring complex systems and the way individual components interact to shape larger outcomes. What particularly draws me to the theater is the representation of human experience presented on the stage. The Monsters brings us into a new world before our very own eyes. As an only child, I missed the experience of sibling rivalry and all the joys and challenges it entails. The Monsters gives us this opportunity.

Over the years as audience members, Martha and I have grown a deep appreciation for the rich and varied productions of the Playhouse. And in serving on the Board of Trustees for over 30 years, I have gained an even deeper understanding of the impact of the Playhouse on our community and the way it fosters creativity and dialogue. The same spirit of curiosity and discovery that drives scientific research is alive on our stage as well.

Thank you for being part of the Playhouse. Martha and I hope you enjoy The Monsters!

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

Laurielynn Bar nett**

Michael Bartell

Liz Bernal

David Brenner

Sanford Burnham Prebys

Janice Brown

Debby Buchholz**

Lisa Casey

Ann Cathcart Chaplin Qualcomm

Patricia Chavez

Bank of America Private Bank

Randall Clark*

Lucy Smith Conroy

Doug Dawson

Edward A. Dennis, Ph.D.

Susan Dubé

Hal Dunning

Emily Einhorn

Ray Flores**

Sutton Foster**

Judy Garrett

Robert Gleason

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Justin Gleiberman

Lynn E. Gorguze

Rachel Greenwald

Luke Gulley Show Imaging

Dean Haas

Debby Jacobs

Pradeep K. Khosla, Ph.D.**

Chancellor, UC San Diego

Kelly Kish** UC San Diego

Veronica Leff

Lynelle Lynch*

Sydne McMahon**

Becky Moores

Steven Nagelberg

Byron Pollitt

David I. Reynoso**

Becky Robbins

Phil Rudolph

Robin Rusinko

Shane Schmeichel**

Tim Scott

Shane Shelley Morrison Foerster

Delicia Turner Sonnenberg**

Ann Spira** UC San Diego

Jessica Stone**

Greta Treadgold

Erin Trenda Cooley, LLP

Mary Walshok, Ph.D.

Hanaa Zahran US Bank

Debbie Zeligson

Barbara ZoBell

HONORARY TRUSTEES

Robert Caplan

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

FOUNDING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Des McAnuff

EMERITUS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Christopher Ashley

*Past Chair of the Board **Ex-Officio

List as of April 2026

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Steven and Jerri Nagelberg

Supporting La Jolla Playhouse is always meaningful, and The Monsters stands out for its fearless storytelling and emotional resonance. It reminds us how theatre can illuminate the unseen and deepen our understanding of one another.

Morrison Foerster is proud to support La Jolla Playhouse and its role as a cultural leader that brings people together through bold, imaginative theatre. As a global law firm serving leading financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and technology and life sciences organizations, Morrison Foerster is pleased to invest in San Diego’s cultural and civic vitality through this partnership with the La Jolla Playhouse. We hope you enjoy The Monsters.

FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

$100,000 +

$50,000 - $99,999

National Endowment for the Art

William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation

Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust

$25,000 - $49,999

Capdevilla Gillespie Foundation

Laurents / Hatcher Foundation

Gerald T. and Inez Grant Parker Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

Charles & Ruth Billingsley Foundation

David C. Copley Foundation

Samuel H. French and Katherine Weaver French Fund

Peggy and Robert Matthews Foundation

National Alliance for Musical Theatre

Price Philanthropies Foundation

San Diego Scottish Rite Community Foundation

Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office Day for Change

John and Marcia Price Family Foundation

Sutherland Foundation Villa Albertine

$1,000 - $4,999

Creative West

Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Foundation

Kiwanis Club of La Jolla

Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation

List as of April 2026

CORPORATE CIRCLE

ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS

THE ARTISTIC

DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE -

$100,000 AND ABOVE

Melissa and Michael Bartell

Gail and Ralph Bryan

Theodor S. and Audrey S. Geisel Fund

Jeanne L. Herberger, Ph.D.

Joan* and Irwin Jacobs

Sheri L. Jamieson

La Atalaya Fund

Rebecca Moores Foundation

Paula and Brian Powers

Karen and Jeff Silberman

SEASON SPONSORS -

$50,000+

Weston Anson and Alice

Mitchell

Denise and Lon Bevers

Drs. Edward and Martha

Dennis

Hal and Hilary Dunning

Greg and Marike Fitzgerald Charitable Fund

Estate of Pauline Foster

Hanna and Mark Gleiberman

Lynn Gorguze and Scott Peters

Debby and Hal Jacobs

Veronica and Miguel Leff, Esq.

Jeff and Carolyn Levin

Steve and Jerri

Nagelberg

David Overskei

Perlmeter Family Foundation

Maryanne and Irwin Pfister

Julie and Lowell Potiker Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Robin and Larry Rusinko

Stern Leichter Foundation

The Stockdale Family

Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo

Peggy Ann Wallace

PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE -

$25,000+

Roberta C. Baade

Charitable Fund

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

Pamela B. Burkholz

Ann Cathcart Chaplin

Marlene and Gary Cohen

Brian Devine

Susan E. Dubé

Bill and Judy Garrett

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth

Labowe, Labowe

Family Foundation

Lynelle and William Lynch

Margret and Nevins McBride

Teresa and Byron Pollitt

Judy Robbins

Tricia and Mark Rothschild

Stan Siegel

Molli Wagner

Philip and Margarita Wilkinson

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE -

$15,000+

Tony and Margaret

Acampora

Janice Brown

Debby and Todd Buchholz

Lisa and David Casey

Doug Dawson

Daniel and Emily Einhorn

Annie and Charles Ellis

Sonali and Eric Fain

Drs. Bessie and Ron Floyd

Hal and Pam Fuson, Fuson Family Fund

Justin Gleiberman

Rachel and Brad Greenwald

Kay and Bill Gurtin

Dean J. Haas

Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma

Osborn Hurston

Adam and Amy Jacobs

Paul E. Jacobs

Jay Jeffcoat

Gerald* and Ann Lipschitz

Becky Lynne Robbins

Charitable Fund

Laleh Roudi

Colette and Ivor Royston

Phil Rudolph

Swanna and Alan Saltiel, Dan Cameron Family Foundation

Margie and Bill Strauss

Greta and Steve

Treadgold

Mary Lindenstein

Walshok, Ph.D.

Debbie S. Zeligson

DIRECTORS CIRCLE - $10,000+

Anonymous

Alex and Zsuzsanna Balazs

Gary and Barbara Blake

Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Karen and Donald* Cohn

Christopher and Nancy Cook

Amy Corton and Carl Eibl

Michelle Crosby and Guity

Balow

Jendy Dennis Endowment Fund

Robin and Leo Eisenberg Family

Dan and Phyllis Epstein

Todor and Melissa Fay

Wendy Gillespie

David and Claire Guggenheim

Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs

Gina and Kent Johnson

Andrew and Mackenzie

Linville, Linville Family Foundation

Christy and Alan Molasky

Peter and Peggy Preuss

Tammy and Cameron Rooke

Roundabout Theatre Co, in honor of Chris Ashley

Herb Schnall, in memory of Ann Schnall

Joseph Schuman

Linda J. and Jeffrey M. Shohet

Karen and Stuart Tanz

Sheryl and Harvey P.* White

Richard Winkler

Barbara ZoBell

CELEBRATION CIRCLE -

$5,000+

Anonymous

Dede and Mike Alpert

Mrs. Valerie Ewell

Armstrong and Mr. Sam

Armstrong

Christopher Ashley and Ranjit Bahadur

Mireille and Steven Barnard

Michele Braatz

Loyce R. Bruce

Christa Burke

Randy Camp and Susan Tousi

Pamela and Edward Carnot

Maureen and Lawrence Cavaiola

Randall Clark

Marilyn Colby and Evans

Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Nancy Cunningham

Elaine S. Darwin

Ana De Vedia

Marty and Shel Diller

Ellen Sarver Dolgen and David P. Dolgen

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

Pam Farr and Buford

Alexander

Paula Fitzgerald and Chris

Nielsen

Michael and Susanna Flaster

Maria Frase

Dr. Benjamin and Sue Frishberg

Jan and Helane Fronek

In memory of Dennis L. Field

Robert Gleason and Marc Matys

Alan and Marleigh

Gleicher

David Newman and Samantha Goldstein, The Jasada Foundation

Beth Goodman

Beverly Goodman

Carrie and Jim Greenstein

Starr and John Grundy

Judith and Chris Hamilton

Judy Hertzberg

Col. Michael and Diana

Hill

Gerald and Ingrid Hoffmeister Fund, The San Diego Foundation

Rosanne and Joel* Holliday

George and Maryka Hoover

Claudia Baranowski and Tom Horvath

Gail and Doug Hutcheson

Marguerite Jackson Dill

JM Foundation

Kathy and Rob Jones

Angela and Matt Kilman

King Graul Trust

Shirley King and Arthur Olson

Kevin Kinsella and Paten

Hughes

Michael H Kossman

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

Drs. Janice and Matt Kurth

Sheila and Jeffrey Lipinsky and Family

Barbara Loonin

Leslye and Scott Lyons

Michael and Catherina Madani

David Marchesani, CFA

Janine Marcus, Marcus Giving Fund

Tiffany Medina and Bruce Weisman

Daphne Muchnic

Wendy Nash

Olympus Theatricals

Susan C. Parker

Bernard Paul and Maria Sardina

Janet and Larry Pollack

Lee and Stuart Posnock

Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal

Karen Quiñones, The Quiñones Family Trust

J.R. Rains

Jeannie and Gerry Ranglas

Jordan Ressler Charitable Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Dr. Joseph and Carol Sabatini

Jay and Julie Sarno

Lynn Schenk

Tim and Emily Scott

Neil R. Senturia and Barbara Bry

Gad and Suzan Shaanan

Leslie Simon

Dawn and Ira Smalberg

Dr. Doris Trauner and Mr. Richard Stanford

Scott M. Stanton

Iris and Matthew* Strauss

Elizabeth and Joseph Taft Foundation

Al and Stephanie Tarkington

David and Tina Thomas

Erin Trenda

Denise and Peter Walsh

Geri Ann Warnke and Donald Frey

Linda Rankin and Rod Whitlow

Steven Strauss and Lise

Wilson

Michael and Lisa Witz

Jill and Bruno Wolfenzon

Hanaa Zahran and Dr. Richard Leung

Diane and Robert Zeps

Emma and Leo*

Zuckerman

ACTORS CIRCLE - $2,500+

Anonymous

Philip Anderson and Verónica Valdés

Stephen Miller Baird, MD and Carol Davidson Baird

Alisa and David Barba, Barba Charitable Fun

Dr. Kim E. Barrett

Liz Bernal and Suzanne LaTour

Carolyn and Giovanni Bertussi

Cindy and Steve Blumkin

Barbara L. Borden

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

John and Nancy Jo Cappetta

Gary and Lynette

Cederquist

Janet and Maarten

Chrispeels

Diane Clarke

Sara Clemence and Drew Sanocki

Stanley Cohen and Mark Whitacre

ANNUAL SUPPORT FROM INDIVIDUALS

Ambrose and Lucy Conroy

Stacy Cromidas and Ruth Gilbert

Brian Danielson

Karen B. Dow

Mark and Jenny Dowling

Toby Eisenberg

Koji and Angela Fukumura

Barbara and Joseph Giammona

Pat and Norm Gillespie

Jim Gilmore

Steven Goe

Kimberly and Jeffrey Goldman

Bernard and Judith Greenspan

George C. Guerra

Julie Hall, Carrington/ Hall Fund

Thomas Harvey and Bonnie Drolet

Tom and Lynn Hawkins

Marcia Hazan and Mark Cammell

Nishma and John Held

Jamie Henson and Robert Houskeeper

Tony Isaac

Susan and David Kabakoff

Dr. Warren and Karen Kessler

Alexander and Sara Khalessi

Linda Lenhard and Mark Kritchevsky

Helen and Sig Kupka

Dr. K.B. Lim and Linda Lee Lim Foundation

Colleen Miller-Booth, Longfellow Real Estate

Partners

Lori and Joe Mahler

Edna and Daniel Maneval

Holley and Robert Martens, Sandstone Foundation

Valorie McClelland

Dennis A. McConnell

Valorie Miller, in memory of Lisa Uribe

Ilene Mittman, in memory of Dr. Charles Mittman

Judith B. Morgan

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

Claudia Prescott

Dr. William and Marisa

Rastetter

Caroline M Raymond

Manuel and Liz Rodriguez

Bingo and Gino Roncelli

Don and Stacy

Rosenberg

True Life Center

Beverly Sanborn, in memory of Warren Sanborn

David and Danielle Sardi

Teresa Shaffer

Richard Shapiro and Marsha Janger

Alan and Esther Siman

Dr. Ed and Evelyn Singer

Susan and Gerald Slavet

Mark and Elaine Smith

Judy Sweet

Marie Tartar and Steve

Eilenberg

John and Gail Tauscher

Tom Templeton and Mary Ena Erlenborn

Dean Ujihara Charitable Fund

Jim and Kathy Waring

Sharon Weremiuk

Karin E. Winner

Howard and Christy Zatkin

Howard and Judy Ziment

INNER CIRCLE - $1,000+

Anonymous

Hon. Louise De Carl Adler

Lynell Antrim

Sharon Ashley

Ginger* and Ken Baldwin

Judith Bambace and Brian Trotier

Alain D. Baron and Marilyn

M. Baron

Social Doctor

Barbara Young Beebe

Joni and Miles Benickes

Jane and Michael Benton

Nina and Tony Borwick

Paige Bosacki Santos

Tatiana and David Brenner

Cheryl and Greg Carlson

Amy and Reid Carr

Cathy and Michael Casteel

Kyle Chan and Cathy Swindlehurst

Kay Chandler

Carol and Jeff Chang

Steven and Adina Chinowsky

Sue Lasbury, in memory of

John Charles Cochran

Wayne Saville and Laura Colban

Coral Courts Donor

Advised Fund, Corinna Cotsen and Lee Rosenbaum

Carol and Joe Danks

Gerral and Anne David

Wally and Linda Dieckmann

Kim and A.T. Ditty

Bob Duffield

W. Byron and Pamela Dunn

Rebecca and David Ebershoff

Gail Ebner and Tom Stockfisch

Jennifer and Kurt Eve

Karen and Steven Feitelberg

Dieter Fischer's Mercedes Service, Inc.

Rik and Carol Floyd

Susan Forsburg and Lisa Churchill

Marjorie Fox

Catherine R. Friedman

Fran and Nick Frost

Anne and Mark Smith

Ira J. Gaines

Steven and Cheryl Garfin

Susan Gembrowski Baker and Rex Baker

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

M. Jean Gorman

Judi Gottschalk

Ed Greulich

Luke Gulley

Robert and Merrill Haimsohn

Kendall Hall, Fred Jones Family Foundation

Cherie Halladay

Professor Marc and Mr. James Harden

Jeff Harms and Joel Harms

Dana Harrel and Daniel Roemer

Dr. Carol A. Harter and Mr. William D. Smith

Joanna and Brooks

Herman Family Foundation

Sarah Herr

Dr. Peter and Mrs. Megan Hoagland

Robert and Carla Hoblit

Susan and Bill Hoehn

Ray and Kate Hong

Mark and Frances Huettinger

Aaron and Susan Huniu

Hilary and Selwyn Isakow

Nora Jaffe

Russell E Johnson

Wendy Johnson

Dario and Dan Jones

Samantha Keil

Anne M. and Richard C. Kruse

Gautam and Anjali Lalani

Samara and Paul Larson

Chuck Laughlin

Mick and Sherrie Laver

Tracey Lazarus

Dixon and Pat Lee

Michael Lee and Katharine Cline

Pamela Hamilton Lester

Rebecca Le Vasseur

Eliezer and Diana Lombrozo

Chris Longman

Pamela and Bradley Macaleer

Sally and Luis Maizel

Jasna Markovac and Gary Miller

Scott Markus and Luci Lander

Rob McManus

Dr. Ken Melville and Dr. Sabina Wallach

Kelly and Mike Moore

David Morris

Greg and Andrea Moser

Ann L. Mound

Chandra Mukerji

Stephen Cary Nagler

Lyn Nelson

Bob Nowlan

Kyomi O'Connor

Drs. Kim Kerr and Paul Pearigen

Dr. William and Beth Penny

Jerry Petree

Lori and Kenneth Polin

Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Adele Rabin

Sanjiv Nanda and Urmi

Ray

Edward Richard, in memory of Warren P

Kendrick-Richard

Russ and Marty Ries

IN LOVING MEMORY Jordan Ressler, 1981-2004

David A. Roth and Toni D. Wolinsky

Oliver Ryder

Scott Sandel and James Marich

Sanderson Family Donor

Advised Fund at Rancho

Santa Fe Foundation

Daniel E. Collins and Nancy Shimamoto

Mitchell and Elizabeth

Siegler

Dr. Robert Singer, in memory of Judith Harris

Harold and Susan Small

Family Charitable Fund of the JCF

Leslie Branman-Smith

Rod and Dolores Smith

Annie So

Marion So

John and Lynn Spafford

Nancy and Alan Spector

Mark and Barbara Spiro

Susan and Gary Spoto

Robert and Julie Sullivan

Karen J Surtes

Michael and Pamela Swartout

Barb and Sam Takahashi

Place D. Tegland

William Tong and Marilyn Newhoff

Chris and Rebecca Twomey Family Foundation of San Diego Foundation

Katie Wallace

Bobbi Warren

Jo and Howard Weiner

Diana Weiss-Wisdom and Gabriel Wisdom

Graydon and Dorothy Wetzler

Helen Willink

Wayne Wilson

Philip and Claire Wise

Elaine Wolfe

Carolyn and Peter Woodbury

Barry and Barb Zemel

Helene and Allan Ziman

Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Karen and Sidney Zisook

Steven and Cindy Zisser

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.

CENTER STAGE CLUB - $500 AND UP

Anonymous • Heather R. Adams • Jack Adcox • Robin Allgren, MD PhD • Janet Ambrozek and Bruce Kimmich • Rich and Mary Lou Amen • Sheila Amend • Robert Baizer and Diane Jacobs Baizer • Gil and Annabelle Balaoing • John Balen • Francis and Diane Bardsley • Bradford Bates • Dusty and Lynn Bernard • Johanna L. Brody • Alice W. Brown • Dr. and Mrs. Edgar D. Canada • Rachel Caparelli • Lorraine Chuman and Stephen Mikolajczyk • Bowers Jewelers • Julie Cooke • Peter Cowhey and Margaret McKeown • Denis M. Crane, in memory of Rilla Crane • Don and Julie DeMent • Eric and Kristine Doan • Rosalyn and Tim Dong • Beth and Stephen Doyne • Anne and Chris Duhaime, in honor of Rebecca Duhaime • Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Edelson • Diane L. Edge DDS • James and Marti Eisenberg • Barbara and Eric Emont • Debroah and J Faulkner • Drs. Linda and Gary Firestein • Beth Fischer • Ray Flores • Ruben Flores, in honor of Gail V. Flores • Gregory and Monica Foerster • Robert and Mona Freels • Shannon-Frink Family Gift Fund • Hortense Gerardo • GG Charitable Fund • Bonnie Gibbs • Doug Gillingham • Martha and Bill Gilmer • Drs. Charles and Nancy Girvin • David and Rachel Greenfield • Jas Grewal and Suren Dutia • Pat and Pepper Guevara • Terry Gulden and Renée Comeau • Elsa and Keith Hall • Cynthia Hamilton • Strait Hicklin • Bryan Hill • Hughes Family Foundation, in memory of Robert Petry, Ph.D. SEE NOTES • Robert and Pat Hughes • Beth Hulsart and Stephen L'Heureux • Randy and Carrol Jackson • Michael and Linda Karin • Rick and Beth Kent • Jerry and Martha Krasne • Patti Lamm and Sheldon Newhouse • Richard Leib and Sharon Rosen Leib Family Fund of JCF • Marshall and Judy Lewis Fund, Jewish Community Foundation • Zita Liebermensch • Susan and Peter Mallory • Edith Matsushita • Madonna Maxwell Omens • Carol Mazzetti • Des McAnuff • Wallace McCloskey • Larry McDonald and Clare White-McDonald • Jim and Cheryl McIlhon • Maggi McKerrow, in memory of Judie McDonald • Ryan Meisheid and Peter Pangalo • Leslie and Josh Mereminsky • Norma and Scott Miller • Evelyn Mishuck • Dr. and Mrs. Robert B Moore • Susan Muha • Esther R. Nahama • Ann Nathan • Robert C. Nelson and Jean Fujisaki • Sherry Nicholas • Daniel J O'Brien • Beatrice E. Pardo • Pamela Partlow and Bruce Maigatter • John and Paula Peeling • Mark Peterson • Lisa Portes • Laura and Mike Ravine • Carla and Rudolph Rehm • Margaret Riel and Hugh Mehan • Patrick Ritto • John and Johanna Roach • Mark and Lia Robinson • Jodyne Roseman • Kari Lorraine Scott • Barbara and Guy Shaw • Beverly and Howard Silldorf • Jacqueline and Stephen Silverman • Drs. Ronald and Marilyn Simon • Norman and Judith Solomon • Bob Steck • Stephen and Patricia Sulivan • Jennifer Tillman • Anne Turhollow, in memory of Michael Perkins • John Venekamp and Clifford Schireson • Joseph Viery and Steve Cusato • Dr. Ruth S. Waterman • Ted Scott and Joan Weber • Susan Chortek Weisman and Eric Weisman • Jennie Jackson Werner • Jean M Wilkinson • Joyce H. Williams • LeAnn and Sam Williams • Carey Winston • Sylvia and Ed Wrench • Susan and Jock Wright • Brendan and Kaye Wynne

Reflects giving to Annual Fund, Gala Underwriting and Paddle Raises from January 2025 – April 2026. 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.

The generosity of individuals has made such a difference for arts nonprofits this year. Thank you for attending live theatre in San Diego.

Gifts through IRA rollovers, appreciated securities or donor advised funds, are a smart way to support our work as you can receive tax benefits. These planned gifts sustain our mission to create the new and the next in American theatre.

To learn about including La Jolla Playhouse in your estate plans, contact Keely Daximillion, Director of Philanthropy, at (858) 2283084 or kdaximillion@ljp.org.

SET THE STAGE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

THESE GENEROUS SUPPORTERS HAVE BEEN SO INSPIRED AND, IN TURN, ARE INSPIRING OTHERS:

Anonymous Paula and Ted Adams

Christopher Ashley

Scott Aylward

Roberta C. Baade and George F. Yee*

Quaintance Bartlett*

Roger S. Benson*

Gary and Barbara Blake

Family Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation

Cynthia Bolker

Ralphº and Gail Bryan

Pamela B. Burkholz

Robert Caplan and Carol Randolph

Leslie J. Cohen*

Ted Cranstonº*

Robert William

Cunningham

Doug Dawson

Armando de Peralta, Sr.*

Janie Decelles

Jendy Dennis*

Endowment Fund

Grace Marie Duhamel*

Suzanne Figi*

Pauline Foster*

Lisa Gerardo

Ewart* “Chip” and Sherrilyn Goodwin

David and Claire Guggenheim

Kay and Bill Gurtin

Dean J. Haas

Professor Marc and Mr James Harden

Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma

Denise J. Harris

Diana Jillie Hill

Joel*º and Rosanne Holliday

Bob Jacobs

Joan* and Irwin Jacobs

Jay Jeffcoat

Charmaineº* and Maury* Kaplan

Olga Khitarishvili

Bill and Linda Kolb

Dr. Gloria C.L. Ma*

Josephine R. MacConnell*

Mandell Weiss

Charitable Trust

Valorie McClelland

Maggi McKerrow

Paul Miller

Stephen Cary Nagler

Teresa Nugent*

John O’Dea

Bernard Paul

Margaret F. Peninger*

Dr. Julie Prazich and Dr. Sara Rosenthal

Jennette Pyne

Karen Quiñones

Jeffreyº* and Vivien Ressler

Ellen* and Roger* Revelle

Michael S. Rosenberg

Warren Sanborn*

Ruth Shepherd*

Dale and Mark Steele

Mickey Stern*

Steven Straussº and Lise Wilson

Willardº* and Eileen* VanderLaan

Tammy Vaught

Arthur* and Molli Wagner

Peggy Ann Wallace

Geri Ann Warnkeº and Joseph F. Kennedy, M.D.*

Mandell Weiss*

Dr. Steve and Lynne Wheeler

Richard Winkler

Gary L. Wollbergº and Dr. Yumi Miyamoto

Liza Zinola

* Deceased Playhouse Legacy Circle Members

º Past Chair of La Jolla Playhouse Board

List as of September 2025

INNOVATION NIGHT

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE

There is no other night like it.

Join us at La Jolla Playhouse for Innovation Night 2026 – San Diego's most exclusive networking event for innovators and leaders across industries. An electric evening with exceptional bites, a hosted bar, awesome innovation exhibits, and a WOW-inspired performance. Unexpected and dynamic, just like us.

Honoring Dr. David A. Brenner, President and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys, whose visionary leadership and groundbreaking contributions to science and medicine embody the spirit of innovation.

Chaired by Adam Jacobs (Founder & CEO, Xzōm), Tim Scott (CEO, Biocom), and Mary Walshok (Director, Prebys Foundation). Learn more at lajollaplayhouse.org/innovation

Thank you to our WOW Festival supporters!

TITLE SPONSOR

HUB SPONSOR

VENUE SPONSOR

WOW SUPERFANS

Anonymous

Denise and Lon Bevers

Susan E. Dubé

Dwight Hare and Stephanie Bergsma

Greg and Marike Fitzgerald Charitable Fund

Peggy Ann Wallace and WALLY

WOW ACTIVATORS

David and Claire Guggenheim

Dean J. Haas

Gail and Doug Hutcheson

Steven and Jerri Nagelberg

Karen Quiñones

Robin and Larry Rusinko

Jay and Julie Sarno

Karen and Jeff Silberman

Theatre & New Forms, a program of Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation

Pamela J. Wagner and Hans Tegebo

NEW TECH THEATRE MOBILE LAB BRINGS WORLD OF THEATRE TO SCHOOLS

The Tech Theatre Mobile Lab from La Jolla Playhouse brings the exciting behind-the-scenes world of theatre directly to schools. Through a fully equipped traveling workshop, professional teaching artists guide students in hands-on activities exploring technical theatre disciplines such as lighting, sound, costumes, props, and scenic design.

Students learn how designers and technicians collaborate to bring stories to life on stage while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. Workshops are interactive, age-appropriate, and aligned with arts learning standards, giving students the opportunity to experiment, build, and discover the many careers that make theatre possible. This engaging program transforms classrooms into creative learning environments — inviting students to explore the magic of theatre from a whole new perspective. To learn more, contact 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.

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 Table for any patron who would like amplified sound (subject to availability). Please provide a credit card or ID for temporary deposit.

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.

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.

PARKING

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

PATRON INFORMATION TABLE 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) 534-4357 (HELP).

PLAYHOUSE STAFF

ARTISTIC

Jessica Stone Artistic Director

Eric Keen-Louie Artistic Producing Director

Director of Artistic Development Gabriel Greene*

Director of Experiences and Activations

Mia Fiorella*

Associate Producer Amy Ashton

Producing Associate/Local Casting Director

Hannah Reinert

Assistant to the Artistic Director Katie Rodriguez

Directing Fellow Jacole Kitchen

Artistic Interns Eli Ander-Biegelsen, Olivia Picazo

Commissioned Artists Melis Aker, Todd Almond, Jeff Augustin, Sam Chanse, Fernanda Coppel, Adrianne Gonzalez (AG), Matt Gould, Kenneth Lin, Mona Mansour, Jess McLeod, MILCK (aka Connie Lim), Lisa Peterson, Claudia Shear, Octavio Solis, Jonathan Spector, Keith Wallace, Kristina Wong, Lauren Yee

UC San Diego M.F.A. Commissions Mylan Gray, Beth Hyland, Phanésia Pharel

LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

Director of Learning and Engagement

Bridget Cavaiola Stone

Learning and Engagement Manager

Gia Battista Figueroa

Learning and Engagement Assistant Ness Haro

Learning and Engagement Intern Kira Barker

Teaching Artists Abby Huffstetler, Ali Roustai, Desiree Clarke, Debrah Hale, Emily Stamets, Erica Kahn, Gill Sotu , Jeffrey H Ingman , Jefrey Scott Parsons, Jocelyn Tamayo, Julie Benitez, Justin Lang, Kirsten Giard, Kristen Fogle, Lettie De Anda, Lex Bezdeka, Lorena Santana, Marjorie Treger, Michael Willett, Michael Wogulis, Nicole DiazPellot, Sabrina Anderson, Shairi Engle , Shawn Foote, Trevor Tevel, Van Angelo

ASL Interpretation Deaf Community Services

ADMINISTRATION

Associate General Manager Erica Martin*

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

Employment/Legal Counsel The Law Office of Annie M. Ellis

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

Company Manager Grace Lehman

Assistant Company Managers Charlotte Perkis, Sarah Younan

General Management/Company Management

Intern Alyssa Van Waas-Andrews

FINANCE

Chief Financial Officer Patricia O’Shaughnessy

Director of Finance Jared Jackson

Accounts Payable Manager Sharon Ratelle*

Human Resources Manager Jennifer Boaz

Payroll Matthew Zapata

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 Sakshi Tiwari

Marketing and Communications Intern

Sydney Benjamin

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 Representative

Sara Heap, Rachel Lasker

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 Gisele Frazeur

Assistant House Managers Emerson Clarke, Simonne Darbonne, Emily Klemmetsen, Amy

Marquez, Olivia Newell

Audience Concierges Sydney Cicchitto, Christopher Ferreria, Kay Jensen, Sashank Kanchustambam, Sam Lebedev, Katie Lopes, Amrutha Ravi, Teya Searles, Avery Simonian, Emmett Torpey

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 Danielle Prince

Corporate Relations Manager Sarah Raider-Wexler

Grants Specialist Dylan Gervais

Events Specialist Gabriella Johnson

Donor Relations Coordinator Kayla Alperson

Philanthropy Coordinator Anna Stanton

Events Assistants Mark Dyachuk, Pier Garma, Lila Gavares, Finchley Hall, Trey Rosemond, Isadora Swann

Philanthropy Intern Skye Vacanti

Special Events Intern Kory Sanchez

Debby Buchholz* Managing Director

Ryan Meisheid General Manager

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 Madison Mercado

Technical Direction Intern Claire Irvin

SCENE SHOP

Technical Director Jared Roberts

Assistant Technical Director Cathy Lee

Lead Carpenter Nicholas Savage

Scenery Specialist David Weiner*

Scenery Shop Foreman Christopher Chauvet

Carpenters Justin Allen, Keegan Graham, David Johnson, Heather Rawolle, Joseph Valencia

Welders Diego Sierra, Wally Wallace

Riggers Jesse Setterberg

Charge Artists Alyssa Armstrong, Jennifer Imbler*

Lead Scenic Artist Melissa Nalbach*

Scenic Artists Mary Jhun

PROPERTIES SHOP

Production Props Anna Katharine Mantz

Associate Production Props Zlatko Mitev

Lead Props Rai Feltmann

Prop Artisan Arlene Banuelos

COSTUME SHOP

Production Costumes Jennifer Ables

Associate Costumes Desiree Hatfield-Buckley*

Assistant Costumes Claire Peterson

Lead Draper Sara Lindsey

First Hand Cody Grasher

Lead Crafts Tess Mattraw

Stitchers Sonya Levin, Faith Steenbergen

ELECTRICS

Production Electrician Kristyn Kennedy*

Moving Light Programmer B Yamashita

Electricians Jasmyne Birdsong, Alex Cluff, Michelle Luongo, D McCowen, Sandra Navarro, Nicholas Shelton, Aiko Whitmore

SOUND/VIDEO

Production Sound & Video Dan Barsky

Lead Audio Dominique Torres

Assistant Lead Audio Camille Houze

Audio Technicians Zach Goudey, Alanna IdanoPanos, Alfredo Madrigal, David Silva

* Ten years or more with La Jolla Playhouse

Lead Show Carpenter Jesse Setterberg

Stage Crew Swing Joseph Valencia

Lead Props Runner Del Hanson

Props Swing Arlene Banuelos

Lead Wardrobe Raven Winter

Moving Light Programmer B Yamashita

Electrics Board Operator Alex Cluff

Board Operator Swing D McCowen

A1 / Sound Engineer Dominique Torres

Audio Swing Alanna Idano-Panos

Summer Date Night Dining

10 San Diego Restaurants Offering Romantic Views, Dreamy Decor and More

Summertime is prime time for a fun, romantic and delicious date night in San Diego with that special someone. We picked 10 of our current favorite restaurants (listed in alphabetical order) across San Diego County, each offering its own distinctive ambiance, decor and cuisine—from trendy urban hot spots to revered ocean-view institutions. Summer lovin’ awaits.

[1] À L’Ouest

Chef Brad Wise and Trust Restaurant Group (Rare Society, Fort Oak, Cardellino) have opened a “nouveau brasserie” in North Park. A contemporary, Parisian-inspired bistro, À L’Ouest spans 4,800 square feet—featuring green upholstered banquettes, high ceilings with chic chandeliers, a glass-enclosed kitchen, imported Italian marble tile, an ample patio and bar seating outside, and plenty of live

by SARAH DAOUST

greenery. On the menu: refined, SoCal-infused French fare, such as Confit Pork Shank, Aged Duck À L’Orange and Dover Sole Meunière; wood-fired treats like smoked mussels; a full raw bar; charcuteries including crispy lamb-neck terrine and chicken-liver parfait; desserts like Banana Mille-Feuille and Grand Marnier Soufflé; and specialty martinis and French cocktails to wash it all down. Must Try: the Herb Spätzle hors d’oeuvre with braised

rabbit, maitake mushrooms and black truffles. 3002 University Ave., North Park, 619.257.0045, alouestsd.com

[2] A.R. Valentien

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’ fine-dining flagship is known for its seasonal American fare, elegant wood-beamed Craftsman decor, and indoor/outdoor layout overlooking Torrey Pines Golf Course. In addition to a newly renovated and expanded kitchen, A.R. Valentien recently welcomed a new culinary team: Owen Beatty, chef de cuisine; and Eric Sakai, executive chef of The Lodge. Dinner

entrees range from black cod and sea scallops with celery-root risotto, to duck with miso-apple butter. Feel free to dress up a little for date night here, and reserve a table on the deck, boasting views of the pool, golf course and ocean. Must Try: the California lamb with lentils, pistachios, carrots and confit bacon. 11480 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.777.6635, lodgetorreypines.com/dine

[3] Destiny Coast

This unexpected La Jolla gem offers coastal cuisine with jaw-dropping views to match, maximized by an ample alfresco dining

deck with panoramas of the Pacific. Destiny Coast is always bustling for breakfast and lunch, but its sunset dinners are truly magical. Offerings include starters like artichoke beignets and local bluefin tuna crudo; entrees such

as Mediterranean Chicken, slow-roasted Scottish salmon and prime steak frites; and olive-oil-lemon-meringue cake for dessert. The sunset dining experience comes complete with cocktails, cozy firepit seating, soft lighting

and water views for miles. Must Try: the local mussels with crispy pancetta, roasted tomatoes, sweet peppers, toasted garlic, white wine and focaccia. 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, 858.977.0011, destinycoast.com

[4] George’s Ocean Terrace

After a recent remodel, the Ocean Terrace at La Jolla dining institution George’s at the Cove has reopened. The rooftop dining area and bar boasts a new glass perimeter wall sans view-obstructing pillars, new dining tables and flooring, new permanent heaters and more. The Ocean Terrace and George’s Level 2 (indoor dining with ocean views) offer bistro-style California cuisine. Must Try: the local yellowtail, seared rare; and the clam spaghetti. (Another tip: When booking your reservation, choose the Premium Seating option, which guarantees a coveted table along the glass.) 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla, 858.454.4244, georgesatthecove.com

[5] Kingfisher

Largest

Indulge in inventive, French-infused Vietnamese cuisine and exceptional craft cocktails amid glam-chic decor at Kingfisher (named for the

beautiful kingfisher bird common to Southeast Asia). The Michelin-recognized Golden Hill nook emanates a vibrant NYC vibe, centered by a striking bar above which a gilded art-deco ceiling fixture hangs; with soft pink and green floral murals lining the walls. Dine on smoked Kurobuta pork collar, grilled Japanese eggplant and whole-fried rockfish; chased with one-of-akind libations like the Bird of Prey, made with gin, yellow chartreuse, Artonic Melon liqueur, Velvet Falernum, mango, Madras curry, lime and Thai basil, served in a Kingfisher tiki mug. We suggest the four-course chef’s tasting menu ($120) for some fun culinary globe-trotting. Must Try: the crispy

chicken wings with a tamarind glaze, crispy garlic, peanuts, house pickles, toasted coconut ranch and hot sauce. (Wing aficionadas will be transported to their happy place with this deliciously creative recipe.) 2469 Broadway, Golden Hill, 619.432.1014, kingfishersd.com

[6] Leila

This Persian-inspired paradise is reminiscent of a Moroccan night market, outfitted with a starry ceiling, water features, two bars and an open kitchen—anchored by a showpiece clay oven and Robata grill. The menu centers on Middle Eastern dishes and libations that pay homage to CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli’s roots and travels.

This means house-made spreads and sauces; kabobs and skewers with proteins such as chicken and salmon cooked over open fire; and specialties like whole fish and braised, grilled lamb shank; plus themed cocktails “for sharing” such as Date Night and Lion’s Milk. Must Try: the Soltani Platter with two beef kabobs, two chicken kabobs, grilled veggies, cucumber yogurt, toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) and basamati rice. 3956 30th St., North Park, 858.723.3766, leilanorthpark.com

[7] Lilo

Michelin-starred Lilo epitomizes intimate, immersive dining at its finest, thanks to just 22 seats surrounding a wide-open kitchen—

where executive chef Eric Bost and his team prepare a 12-course tasting menu before your eyes. The nature-inspired indoor/ outdoor space (dreamt up by renowned design firm Bells & Whistles) features a tranquil, wavelike wood-paneled ceiling inside. An enchanting tree-centered garden patio with a firepit and lounge seating awaits outside, where your dinner experience begins (with cocktails) and ends (with tea service) under the stars. Dishes change with the season, but expect elegant bites like a Santa Barbara sea urchin tartelette with English peas, rose geranium and alyssum. Must Try: the Goldilocks Pairing (one of three drink pairings offered)—a mix of wine pours, mini cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages —all of which are just as thoughtful and delicious as

the cuisine. 2571 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, 442.303.8245, restaurantlilo.com

[8] The Marine Room

High tide is a particularly magical time to visit this iconic La Jolla dining destination of 85 years (first opened in 1941!)—when waves actually splash against its glass windows. But low tide at The Marine Room is also uniquely lovely, offering unobstructed views of La Jolla Shores from its beachfront perch. Specializing in refined dishes from land and sea, the menu boasts decadence in the form of butter-poached lobster, Tasmanian ocean trout, caviar, Japanese A5 wagyu and truffle risotto. Or opt for lighter dining in The Lounge, offering small plates and the same epic views. Must Try: the Spindrift Cappuccino Cobblestone Pie with hazelnuts. 1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, 858.459.7222, marineroom.com

[9] Poseidon Restaurant

With a recently refreshed dining patio plunked right on the sand in Del Mar, Poseidon offers an idyllic backdrop for just about any occasion. We love it for an “elevated casual” date night and double dates, due to those relax-

ing sea breezes, warm and attentive service, and approachable menu of excellent-quality seafood. The local fish ceviche and pistachio-crusted brie make for tasty starters; followed by main entrees such as Hokkaido scallops with mascarpone mashed potatoes, seafood cioppino, and Madeira-braised prime short ribs; along with premium cocktails like the tequila-based Green Flash. (Hopefully you’ll spot an actual green flash at sunset.)

Must Try: the popular Chilean sea bass with a miso-citrus butter crust. 1670 Coast Blvd., Del Mar, 858.755.9345, poseidonrestaurant.com

[10] Starlite

“Reimagined” by CH Projects in 2025, Midtown’s beloved cocktail den and gastropub shines even brighter after a gorgeous remodel designed by Bells & Whistles—the

same firm that first brought Starlite to life back in 2007. Date night here is just plain sexy, thanks to softly glowing lighting and dark corners, starry ceilings, cavernous rock walls, a hexagon-shaped centerpiece sunken bar, and an overhauled back patio with hanging moss and crater-like firepits. Expect next-level craft cocktails, including the famous Starlite Mule; and food favorites such as the signature Starlite Burger, pan-roasted Jidori chicken, prime steaks and wagyu ribeye, French onion soup, caviar and seafood towers; plus sides like the twicebaked potato with aged cheddar and black truffles; and pistachio-toffee ice cream sandwiches to end the evening. Must Try: the salted croissant, slathered with “everything” butter (trust us). 3175 India St., Midtown, 619.618.2830, starlitesd.com

In Full Bloom

Balboa Park’s Renovated Botanical Building Unveils Restored Pergola & New Gardens by SARAH

HOME TO AROUND

2,100 permanent plants and rare flowers, as well as seasonal floral displays, the restored Botanical Building—one of the world’s largest lath structures, known for its distinctive redwood lath design—in the city’s

1,200-acre Balboa Park has completed another phase of restoration.

First constructed for the 1915-16 PanamaCalifornia Exposition, the Botanical Building (nicknamed the “Lath Palace” early on)—originally designed by architect

Carleton M. Winslow in a Spanish Colonial Revival style—recently unveiled its now fully restored, historical Pergola; as well as nine new surrounding Mediterranean gardens, which will bloom this summer. Originally constructed alongside

DAOUST

Botanical Building for the 1915 Exposition, the Pergola was one of 12 that once stood on the property; it later was lost when Balboa Park served as a military training site during World War II. The newly restored five-bay Pergola stretches 45 feet

Park’s serene Lily Pond and iconic Botanical Building

in length—serving as a striking visual corridor and focal point within the gardens—crafted with a redwood trellis and surrounded by plantings such as jasmine, wisteria and lavender. The Botanical Building, Pergola, gardens and Lily Pond collectively comprise the Balboa Park Central Gardens. (Some

DESIGN

Lily Pond fun facts: The famous reflecting pool fronting the building, known as “Laguna de las Flores,” was used by the Navy for swimming lessons during World War I and II. A horticultural marvel, the pond has been home to two dozen varieties of water lilies and five types of lotus.)

Led by Forever Balboa Park and the City of San Diego, this monumental project began in 2019, when the Botanical Building received state funding for its restoration that began in January 2022. The 15,000-squarefoot structure, standing at 250 feet long, 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall, reopened to the public in December 2024 after nearly three years of renovation work. The $28.5 million revital-

ization—with Platt/ Whitelaw Architects as the project’s architect of record—restored the

Botanical Building to its original 1915 grandeur with enhanced structural integrity. It includes a new redwood lath roof, comprised of narrow redwood slats, designed to serve as a non-glass, natural greenhouse—providing shade and encouraging air flow. The renovation also includes new LED lighting; water irrigation systems, including interior misters; wider pathways; the addition of programming and educational space; and restoration of the building’s historical elements, such as a refurbished

arched arcade and cupola. The project has transformed the building into a botanical wonderland once again, housing stunning collections of orchids, ferns, cycads, palms and many other tropical plants—representing a lush oasis of more than 350 species of flora. It remains one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks on the West Coast. Admission to the Botanical Building remains free and open daily to the public, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Next up, Forever Balboa Park has also recently

announced its initiative of planned enhancements to Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama, located within the El Prado complex— known for its tiled water fountain, seating areas, California Tower views and access to major museums and food stands—with a vision of creating a vibrant, more welcoming gathering hub for visitors.

The Botanical Building is located at 1550 El Prado, Balboa Park. For more info: 619.239.0512; balboaparkbotanical.org

SummerFest turns 40—and the celebration has never sounded better! Led by Music Director Inon Barnatan, you’re invited to The Conrad to experience unforgettable performances where “every concert

and conversation by pianist Anton Nel and members of the All-Star Orchestra in The JAI performance space are included.

“Finding the right venue for concerts is key,” says Nancy Laturno, who has been the director and co-founder of Mainly Mozart since it was established in 1988. “People love our presence at The Conrad as one of its Resident Companies. And performing at the Epstein allows us to bring in different audiences at different levels. It’s a less formal atmosphere, and you can bring your own food and picnic; as well as buy from the food vendors and bars there. It has been very popular with families and young audiences.”

Indeed, finding the right venue has always been paramount at Mainly Mozart. The first festival launched in 1989 at Balboa Park’s Old Globe Theatre, later moving to the Spreckels Theatre

and eventually the Balboa Theatre in 2008. Even when it seemed like performing would be impossible, during the pandemic lockdown, the group became the first arts organization in the country to host live, drive-in orchestral concerts. Since then, Laturno says, audiences for Mainly Mozart have continued to grow.

Laturno credits Francis with building loyalty among audiences.

“Michael Francis makes concertgoing very accessible,” she says. “I’ve never seen a music director/ conductor connect with the audience from the stage in the way he does, and bring a different level of meaning to the music.”

MONSTERS THE

BY NGOZI ANYANWU

DIRECTED BY TAMILLA WOODARD

CHOREOGRAPHY BY ADESOLA OSAKALUMI

CO-PRODUCED WITH BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE

"The Monsters hits hard and hugs harder." San Francisco Chronicle

For the audience, the festival-going experience is truly visceral. To see the principal horn of the New York Philharmonic trading solos with the principal clarinet of the Cleveland Orchestra is a “fantasy league” scenario for classical music lovers.

“Being centered in La

For years, LIL has observed her estranged brother from the shadows. BIG, a force in the mixed martial arts circuit, remains unaware his sister has been tracking his career… until she appears unexpectedly at his door. Award-winning playwright Ngozi Anyanwu writes and stars alongside Sullivan Jones (HBO’s The Gilded Age) in this warm-hearted sibling story about the fight to build a life you can be proud of.

TIX FROM $30 BEGINS JUNE 2

BUY NOW AT LAJOLLAPLAYHOUSE.ORG

miracle—scheduling dozens of the world’s busiest musicians to be in the same zip code for two weeks. For audiences, the festival is not just a series of concerts; it is a frontrow seat to a masterclass in human collaboration.

But the raison d’être of the festival is always at top of mind. “Mozart is the power of nature and nurture incarnate,” Francis says. “He is the monarch by which everyone is judged—he is the gold standard.”

The Mainly Mozart AllStar Orchestra Festival runs June 17-27. For tickets and more info: mainlymozart.org

65%

READERS SAY ADS INFLUENCE THEIR PURCHASING DECISION.

97% READ PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE WITH OVER HALF READING IT BOTH AT THE VENUE AND AT HOME.

92%

READERS SAY PERFORMANCES MAGAZINE ENHANCES THEIR ARTS EXPERIENCE.

BROADSTAGE THE EDYE | CENTER THEATRE GROUP AHMANSON THEATRE KIRK

DOUGLAS THEATRE MARK TAPER FORUM | LOS ANGELES OPERA DOROTHY CHANDLER

DANCE AT THE MUSIC CENTER

PAVILION | DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION JERRY MOSS

PLAZA | LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL | WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL | PASADENA PLAYHOUSE | AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM | LA MIRADA THEATRE | A NOISE WITHIN

MASTER CHORALE PASADENA

SYMPHONY | THE

WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER BRAM GOLDSMITH THEATRE LOVELACE STUDIO THEATRE

| OLD GLOBE OLD GLOBE THEATRE WHITE THEATRE DAVIES FESTIVAL THEATRE | SAN

DIEGO SYMPHONY JACOBS MUSIC CENTER THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK | LA JOLLA

PLAYHOUSE MANDELL WEISS THEATRE MANDELL WEISS FORUM POTIKER THEATRE | SAN DIEGO OPERA SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE | SEGERSTROM CENTER BROADWAY SERIES

PACIFIC SYMPHONY DANCE SERIES PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY | SOUTH COAST REP FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION PERFORMANCESMAGAZINE.COM