2023/24 Annual Report
30TH ANNIVERSARY
OUR MISSION We create great American theater by developing and producing new works and world masterpieces that most richly direct our gaze to the life of the human spirit. We cultivate an audience that cherishes the intimate joy of theater, enriched when shared by a community of others.
VISION To be a theater whose work contributes to the canon of world theater and is a vital cultural resource for our community.
Land Acknowledgement The land upon which we gather is part of the traditional territory of the Lenni-Lenape, called “Lenapehoking.” Two River Theater wishes to acknowledge the Lenni-Lenape as the original people of this unceded land where we proudly present our work and strive to be a vital cultural resource for our community.
2
__ CORE VALUES Artistic Excellence We nurture and challenge the visions of adventurous theater artists. Our commitment to the artistic process is sustained over time through an investment in people, their creative process, and our dedication to the highest artistic standards.
__
Education and Community Engagement We make our theater a welcoming resource for all. We create engagement programs and partnerships that encourage all voices to come together in conversation around the stories we tell. We invest in the next generation of artists and audiences by introducing students and lifelong learners to the possibility and adventure that theater brings to our lives.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION We believe that the essence of theater is democratic: it invites us to encounter, consider and perhaps adopt other points of view, if only for a brief time in a darkened theater. We aspire to build an environment in which artists, audiences, employees, and Board members from different backgrounds and experiences together form an institution that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE We dedicate ourselves to the highest standards in our governance, management, operational, and financial practices. We are committed to developing and retaining an experienced and accomplished staff, an engaged and informed Board of Trustees, and a working environment that attracts staff, volunteers, and artists of the highest caliber.
__
LEADERSHIP ________ JUSTIN WALDMAN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR NORA DEVEAU-ROSEN MANAGING DIRECTOR ROBERT M. RECHNITZ* JOAN H. RECHNITZ FOUNDERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES ________ HON. EDWARD J. MCKENNA, JR PRESIDENT MARILYN BROEGE SAMUEL G. HUBER CO-VICE PRESIDENTS GEOFFREY SADWITH SECRETARY ANNE MARIE SCHULTZ TREASURER DR. ANN BAGCHI AMANDA BUTTERBAUGH ELIZABETH COLUMBO CRYSTAL A. DICKINSON DELISHA GRANT KENNY D. KING BRIAN LEDDIN TONY MENESES LAUREN NICOSIA CATHY PUGLIESE-SIVO ADAM RECHNITZ JOAN H. RECHNITZ MAUREEN SILLIMAN JOANNE SPEARS MARY CAROL STUNKEL SUSAN WHYMAN RICHARD B. WORLEY
as of June 2024
EMERITUS TRUSTEE _______ HOWARD ARONSON* CAROLINE HUBER* WEBSTER TRAMMELL* KATHRYNE SINGLETON * we remember
Nora DeVeau-Rosen and Justin Waldman. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
Dear Two River Theater Community, This year we celebrated 30 adventurous years at Two River Theater—a milestone that honored our innovative history while looking boldly toward the future. Our 2023/24 season marked a moment of alignment, where vision, community, and artistry came together in thrilling ways. From reimagined classics to brand-new voices, we curated a journey across cultures, eras, and perspectives—reminding us all why live theater remains an essential part of the human experience. The season offered a tapestry of styles and stories: the fresh energy of our Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival, the radical joy of Hair, the literary resonance of The Scarlet Letter, the sharp wit of the world premiere A Thousand Maids, and the timeless poetry of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. Our educational and community programming also flourished, with A Little Shakespeare: Love’s Labour’s Lost engaging new artmakers and audiences across generations. A special engagement, On Beckett, brought Tony Award®–winner Bill Irwin to our stage, blending humor, heart, and insight in his singular interpretation of Samuel Beckett. Beyond our stages, the impact of this work resonated in classrooms and throughout our community. Together, we created a season that celebrated diversity of thought and experience while opening space for deeper dialogue, connection, and transformation. As we enter our next decade, we do so with gratitude for the artists, audiences, and supporters who make this work possible—and with great anticipation for all that is yet to come. With appreciation and excitement,
Justin Waldman Artistic Director
Nora DeVeau-Rosen Managing Director
3
BIG STATS 1,690
students and teachers attended student matinee performances
4
Two River Theater’s 2023/24 Season: By the Numbers
23,608 attendees across all performances and events
2,745 brand new patrons
179
2,993 youth served by our education programs
artists collaborated with us to create excellent productions
1,256
Subscribers— with 906 Renewals and 350 New Subscriptions, making for a 15% increase from the 2022/23 season!
FINANCIAL RESULTS
FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 INCOME FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024 EARNED INCOME INCOME AMOUNT % OF TOTAL Single Ticket Sales EARNED INCOME ENDING 481,338 FISCAL YEAR 5.5% AMOUNT % OF TOTALJUNE 30, 2024 Subscription Single TicketSales Sales 178,426 2.0% INCOME 481,338 5.5% Other Earned Income Subscription Sales 393,139 4.5% 178,426 AMOUNT 2.0% EARNED INCOME % OF TOTAL Other Earned Income 1,052,903 TOTAL EARNED INCOME 393,139 4.5% Single Ticket Sales 481,338 12.1% 5.5% 1,052,903 TOTAL EARNED INCOME Subscription Sales 178,426 12.1% 2.0% CONTRIBUTED INCOME Other Earned Income 393,139 4.5% CONTRIBUTED INCOME Corporate 817,999 1,052,903 9.4% 12.1% TOTAL EARNED INCOME Foundation 4.6% 264,906 Corporate 817,999 9.4% Fundraising Foundation Events (net) 399,109 2.7% 4.6% 264,906 CONTRIBUTED INCOME Government Fundraising Events (net) 236,060 2.7% 399,109 Corporate 817,999 28.9% 9.4% Government Individuals 2,518,846 236,060 2.7% Foundation 4.6% 264,906 39.2% Released 3,418,383 Individualsfrom Temporary Restricted 2,518,846 28.9% Fundraising Events (net) 399,109 39.2% 2.7% Released from Temporary Restricted 3,418,383 7,655,303 TOTAL CONTRIBUTED INCOME Government 236,060 87.9% 2.7% 7,655,303 TOTAL CONTRIBUTED INCOME Individuals 2,518,846 87.9% 28.9% Released from Temporary Restricted 3,418,383 39.2% OTHER INCOME 5,000 In kindINCOME Donations OTHER TOTAL CONTRIBUTED INCOME 5,000 TOTAL OTHER INCOME In kind Donations 5,000 TOTAL OTHER INCOME OTHER INCOME TOTAL INCOME 8,713,206 In kind Donations TOTAL INCOME 8,713,206 TOTAL OTHER INCOME EXPENSES EXPENSES PROGRAMTOTAL SERVICES INCOME TheatricalSERVICES productions PROGRAM 6,131,367 Education and other Theatrical productions 424,293 6,131,367 EXPENSES Education and other 424,293 6,555,660 TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES PROGRAM SERVICES 6,555,660 TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES Theatrical productions SUPPORTING SERVICES Education and other ManagementSERVICES and General Administration SUPPORTING 757,841 Management and General Administration Fundraising 1,211,399 757,841 TOTAL PROGRAM SERVICES TOTAL SUPPORTING Fundraising 1,211,399 1,969,240 SERVICES TOTAL SUPPORTING 1,969,240 SUPPORTING SERVICES SERVICES Management and General Administration TOTAL EXPENSES 8,524,900 Fundraising TOTAL EXPENSES 8,524,900 TOTAL SUPPORTING OPERATING SURPLUS 188,306 OPERATING SURPLUSSERVICES 188,306
TOTAL EXPENSES
0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 100.0% 5,000 100.0% 5,000
7,655,303
8,713,206
6,131,367 424,293
71.9% 5.0% 71.9% 5.0% 76.9% 76.9%
Individuals
Corporate Corporate
87.9% Government Government
0.1% 0.1%
71.9% 5.0%
8.9% 14.2%
1,969,240
23.1%
76.9%
Foundation
EXPENSES EXPENSES 71.9% Education and other 5.0% Theatrical productions
Foundation
Management Genera 8.9% Education and&other 5.0% Fundraising Fundraising 14.2% Management 8.9% % of total Fundraising & Genera EXPENSES EXPENSES 71.9% Fundraising 14.2% Theatrical productions
Education and other Management Fundraising & Genera Fundraising
Management & General & Management Administration General
5.0% 8.9% 14.2%
Administration
Education and other and Education
100.0%
Corporate
Foundation
EXPENSES % of total Government Theatrical EXPENSESproductions % of total71.9%
100.0%
8.9% 8.9% 6,555,660 14.2% 14.2% 23.1% 23.1% 757,841 100.0% 1,211,399 100.0%
8,524,900
INCOME
INCOME INCOME % OF TOTAL Ticket Sales Ticket Sales 7.6% INCOME % OF TOTAL Ticket Sales Fundraising 2.7% Ticket SalesEvent (net) 7.6% INCOME Other EarnedEvent Income 4.5% Fundraising (net) 2.7% INCOME % OFFundraising TOTAL Event Ticket Sales (net) Event Corporate Other Earned Income 4.5% Fundraising Ticket Sales9.4% 7.6% (net) Foundation 4.6% Corporate Fundraising 9.4% Event (net) 2.7% Government 2.7% Foundation 4.6% Other Earned Income 4.5% Fundra Other Earned Individuals 28.9% Government Corporate 2.7% 9.4% Income Other Earned Other Income 0.1% Individuals 28.9% Individuals Foundation 4.6% Income Other Income 0.1% Individuals Government 2.7% Ot Individuals 28.9% Other Income 0.1%
other
Management & General Administration
Education and other
Theatrical productions Theatrical productions
SURPLUS 188,306 In Fiscal Year OPERATING 2024, we maintained strong financial health and responsible stewardship, concluding the year with a positive The majority of our income cameand from contributed sources, reflecting thethe generosity ofa In Fiscal operating Year 2024,result. we maintained strong financial health responsible stewardship, concluding year with individual donors, multi-year partners, and government positive operating result. Thecommitments, majority of ourcorporate income came from foundations, contributed sources, reflectingsupport. the generosity of individual donors, multi-year commitments, corporate partners, foundations, and government support. Our expenses remained mission-focused, with the vast majority dedicated to program services. Administrative, operational and fundraising costs were carefully managed to ensure the greatest possible impactAdministrative, from every dollar Our expenses mission-focused, the vast majority dedicated to program services. Fiscal Year 2024, we maintained strong financial health and responsible stewardship, concluding the year with a Inremained Fiscal Year 2024, wewith maintained strong financial health and responsible stewardship, concluding the year with a positive operating result. The majority received. operational and fundraising costs were carefully managed to ensure the greatest possible impact from every dollar positive operating result. The majority of our income came from contributed sources, reflecting the generosity of of our income came from contributed sources, reflecting the generosity of individual donors, multi-year commitments, corporate partners, foundations, and received. individual donors, multi-year commitments, corporate partners, foundations, and government support. government support. This year’s financial performance underscores our community’s unwavering support and our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, ensuring we are well-positioned for continued artisticsupport growthand andour service. This year’s financial performance underscores our community’s unwavering ongoing commitment to Our expenses remained mission-focused, with the vast majority dedicated to program services. Administrative, operational excellence, ensuring we are well-positioned for continued artistic growth and service. Our expenses remained mission-focused, with the vast majority dedicated program services. operational and fundraising costs were carefully managed to ensure the greatest possible to impact from every dollarAdministrative, operational, and fundraising costs were carefully received. managed to ensure the greatest possible impact from every dollar received.
Theatrical productions
This year’s financial performance underscores our community’s unwavering support and oursupport ongoing and commitment to This year’s financial performance underscores our community’s unwavering our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, ensuring we are operational excellence, ensuring weartistic are well-positioned forservice. continued artistic growth and service. well-positioned for continued growth and
5
ARTISTIC HIGHLIGHTS The 2023/24 30th Anniversary Season was the first fully curated year by Artistic Director Justin Waldman. Throughout his 20-year career as a producer and director, Justin has brought over 265 productions to life, including Two River Theater’s landmark production of Hair. The show was originally conceived under Justin’s tenure at The Old Globe in San Diego before being brought to New Jersey audiences to critical acclaim. Hair ranks in the top 10 highest grossing on-sale dates and top 15 highest total revenue earned in Two River history. During this season, Two River produced two world-premiere productions: The Scarlet Letter written by Kate Hamill—one of the nation’s most-produced playwrights—and based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, as well as Tony Meneses’ A Thousand Maids, the latter of which marked the company’s fourth world premiere production of Meneses’ work. The Scarlet Letter garnered 113% of total revenue goals, as well as 127% of the single ticket sales goal. Additionally, Two River welcomed esteemed creatives to the stage, including master clown and Tony Award®-winner Bill Irwin performing his incisive and thought-provoking original production of On Beckett. Beyond our mainstage programming, Two River continued its artistic development through a number of workshops and readings. Since its founding, we have premiered 23 original plays and musicals. We are currently supporting new works in development by nine commissioned artists: Ngozi Anyanwu, Jaclyn Backhaus, Jessica Hagedorn, James Ijames, Alex Lin, Eliana Pipes, Christina Pumariega, and the writing team of Joe Tracz & Joe Iconis. Justin Waldman. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
The 12th Annual Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival returned, with José Zayas curating for the fourth time. The plays featured included works by Tony Meneses, Christina Pumariega, Kristoffer Diaz, Melinda Lopez, and Joel Perez. The festival featured local musician Gil Cruz and the return of musician Alea, who performed on our outdoor
Crossing Borders. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
6
Bill Irwin. Photo by Emma Harken
Crossing Borders. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
stage. We continued to collaborate with community partners for the festival, including Project Write Now and coLab Arts. All events at Crossing Borders were completely free to the public. Over the course of four days, we welcomed over 700 patrons who enjoyed a weekend of delicious food, electric music, and excellent theater—all for free! In December 2023, we produced a two-day puppetry workshop for our upcoming production of The Scarlet Letter. Director Shelley Butler and Playwright Kate Hamill were joined by famed Puppet Designer James Ortiz and Puppeteer William Gallacher. In January 2024, we produced a one-day reading of 2018 Horton Foote winner Jaclyn Backhaus’ commissioned play, Secret Little Garden Princess in New York City. We were joined by a group of playwrights who shared their thoughts and advice with Backhaus following the read-through of her new draft. In March 2024, Two River produced a second workshop of 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award winner Ngozi Anyanwu’s commissioned play, The Monsters: A Sibling Love Story. This play tells the story of two siblings who reconnect after years of separation through their shared passion for mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting. For this workshop, we were once again joined by former UFC #1 ranked fighter, Sijara “SarJ” Eubanks to share her expertise on the unique culture of MMA. In May 2024, Two River produced a week-long workshop of Laowang by Weissberger nominee and Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Alex Lin and directed by Joshua K. Brody. A loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s King Lear, the story concerns an ailing grandmother, her Chinese food restaurant, and her three grandchildren. Two River is thrilled to be ushering in this exciting new chapter of artistic programming.
Nikki Calonge in The Scarlet Letter. Photo by Two River Theater
August 2023:
Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival enters its 12th year
September 2023: Two River produces Hair, kicking off the 30th Anniversary Season
December 2023:
Two River presents On Beckett featuring famed clown and Beckett scholar Bill Irwin
December 2023:
Two River produces a workshop focused on puppetry work in preparation for The Scarlet Letter with puppeteers Will Gallacher and James Ortiz
February 2024:
Two River produces the world premiere of Kate Hamill’s The Scarlet Letter, bringing TRT’s World Premiere count to over 23
April 2024:
Two River produces Tony Meneses’ A Thousand Maids, Tony’s 4th TRT World Premiere and the 6th Crossing Borders play to be fully produced by our theater
June 2024:
Two River produces August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, positioning Brandon J. Dirden to complete his own journey through all 10 plays
7
SEASON RECAP Two River is grateful for the longstanding support and partnership with its season sponsor
Janelle McDermoth in Hair. Photo by T. Charles Erickson
The Old Globe Production of
HAIR: The American Love-Rock Musical Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado Music by Galt MacDermot Directed by James Vásquez Original Choreography by Mayte Natalio Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater
Sept 30-Oct 22/2023 The 2023/24 season kicked off in hippie style with Hair, directed by James Vasquez (Old Globe Resident Artist, American Mariachi) and choreographed by Mayte Natalio (Love in Hate Nation). During the “Summer of Love,” a group of young Americans dream of a beautiful future filled with harmony and understanding. This production marked Two River’s highest-grossing on-sale date in the theater’s history! Sponsored by
8
Bill Irwin. Photo: Emma Harken
Bill IRWin in On Beckett An Irish Repertory Theatre Production Originally produced by Octopus Theatricals Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater
Dec 7-Dec 10/2023 This special presentation from acclaimed clown and actor Bill Irwin explored his storied relationship to playwright Samuel Beckett through his unique lens of physical and verbal performance. Irwin’s approach to the comic, the tragic, to every side of Beckett’s work—including Waiting for Godot, Texts for Nothing, and more— allowed audiences to experience the language in compelling new ways. This showcase resonated deeply, whether audiences were encountering the Nobel Prize winner’s writing for the first time or building on what they thought they knew of Beckett’s work.
The company of A Little Shakespeare: Love’s Labours Lost. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
A Little Shakespeare: Nikki Calonge and Amelia Pedlow in The Scarlet Letter. Photo by T Charles Erickson
The Scarlet Letter By Kate Hamill Based on the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne Directed by Shelley Butler Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater
Feb 3-Feb 25/2024 In this scathing reimagining from American playwright Kate Hamill (Pride and Prejudice, Little Women) and directed by Shelley Butler (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A Doll’s House Part 2), Hester Prynne dares to dream of a better life for herself and her young daughter in the face of a stringent and unjust Puritan society. Combining Hawthorne’s powerful language with innovative puppetry and searing performances, this was a world premiere that was not to be missed. The performance was live streamed through a brand-new partnership with the League of Live Stream Theater. Sponsored by
Love’s Labour’s Lost By William Shakespeare Adapted and Directed by Tai Thompson Marion Huber Theater
March 1-10/2024 This original 90-minute adaptation of the classic comedy incorporated 18 high school students in both performance and technical roles, supervised by leading industry designers, directors, and creatives. Students in the program came from seven high schools from Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Union counties. While the program remains free for all interested students, additional financial support allows students from across New Jersey to participate by eliminating transportation barriers. As one A Little Shakespeare student actor shared, “Being able to perform at Two River Theater has been a dream come true … This opportunity has been one of the most valuable learning experiences I’ve had as an artist.” The production was featured on the PBS docuseries Here’s the Story. The documentary is available to stream online at pbs.org. Sponsored by
9
The company of A Thousand Maids. Photo by T. Charles Erickson
A Thousand Maids By Tony Meneses Directed by Aneesha Kudtarkar Marion Huber Theater
April 6-28/2024 TRT Commissioned playwright Tony Meneses (The Hombres, Guadalupe in the Guest Room) returned with this new world premiere comedy the sixth full production to come out of Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival. Costume designer Cordelia is tasked with designing a maid’s costume, but she can’t stop thinking about The Help and Maid in Manhattan and Gone with the Wind and As Good as It Gets. How can she find a way to show these women for who they really are? This time-and-genre-bending comedic analysis was directed by Aneesha Kudtarkar (Water by the Spoonful, The Who and the What).
Steven Tyler and Brandon J. Dirden in Gem of the Ocean. Photo by T. Charles Erickson
August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean By August Wilson Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater
June 8-30/2024 Set in 1904, the opening installment in August Wilson’s The American Century Cycle includes the playwright’s most fantastical journey, where the secrets of the past point towards future liberation. Gem of the Ocean is the seventh production in the theater’s commitment to stage all ten of Wilson’s visionary epics. Featuring TRT favorites Brandon J. Dirden (Broadway’s Skeleton Crew, TRT’s Jitney, Raisin in the Sun) and Crystal A. Dickinson (Broadway’s Clybourne Park, TRT’s Wine in the Wilderness), this production also included performances by Bill Irwin (Broadway’s Waiting for Godot), James Williams (Broadway’s Radio Golf), Stephanie Berry (Broadway’s Drowning Crow), Brian Coats (TRT’s Seven Guitars), and Stephen Williams in a formidable, vibrant, and deeply compelling presentation of Wilson’s ultimate origin story. Sponsored by
10
EDUCATION Two River Theater’s Education programming is an invaluable outreach tool, solidifying established partnerships and fostering new connections. The 2,993 patrons served through Student Matinees, Summer Intensives, A Little Shakespeare, and The ART of Social Justice (with Project Write Now and the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center) include theatergoers ages nine to ninety-nine. By intentionally incorporating both the current and rising generations of artists and audiences, Two River has a formative role in the arts scene in Red Bank and beyond.
SUMMER INTENSIVES Two River offers a robust selection of summer programming specifically geared towards students from grades 7 through 12. These week-long camps provide students with experiences onstage and off, learning from professional teaching artists to create an original show. Thirty-one students worked behind the scenes and onstage to build two complete shows—the characters, story, costumes, set construction, lighting, sound design, and performance. Participants enjoyed creating their shows, with one student sharing: “I did not expect to be writing the play alongside the other actors, but I really liked that we did write it. It was fun. The whole week was better than expected and I can’t wait for next summer.” Two River Theater offers full and partial scholarships to offset the cost of tuition. In July 2023, five students received $2,100 in support.
The company of Summer Intensives. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
STUDENT MATINEES Beyond camps and classes, educational programming also includes Two River’s Student Matinee performances, incorporating grade-level curriculum, workshops, and post-show discussions with the show’s performers. We held nine pre-show experiences and 12 post-show discussions. Student Matinee performances occur during the school day for each show between October and May, ensuring that students from across New Jersey have access to world-class theatre. In the 2023/24 season, 1,690 students and teachers joined us from 34 middle and high schools in eight counties. At a student matinee of A Thousand Maids, a student from Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies exclaimed: “I admire every single one of the actresses, set designers, costume designers—even more so the writer for opening up this discussion in such a creative and thoughtprovoking way. Seeing this show made me really want to try and step out of my comfort zone in order to try to act at some point.”
Our Have a SEAT (Student/ Engagement/ Access/Theater) program, that gives free tickets and transportation for qualifying school districts, accounted for
47%
of our student matinee attendance during the 2023/24 season, bringing in 791 students from 15 schools across Monmouth County and beyond.
11
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT In our continued commitment to work that carries beyond our stage and into our local community, Two River Theater hosts a wide variety of programming and partnerships. Two River rounded out the 2023/24 season with a full slate of new and returning programs, including the Inside Two River events series, Pride events, a hallmark Juneteenth celebration, and an all-new Women’s Wellness Fair. These TRT events served more than 500 attendees and upwards of 20 vendors and community partners.
Women’s Wellness Fair. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
Two River debuted the Women’s Wellness Fair, a partnership with Parker Family Health Center and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH). We offered COVID-19 and Flu vaccines, women’s health screenings, and presentations from HMH medical professionals on multiple components of women’s health to over 150 attendees. This new offering occurred in tandem with The Scarlet Letter and has become an annual event moving forward. Gilda Rogers and Djanna Hill. Photo by Brad Resnick Photography
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Two River’s inaugural Juneteenth Celebration featured a dynamic presentation from Grammy®-nominated poet, activist, and author Kevin Powell. A community celebration, in partnership with the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center and others, this interactive talk and conversation covered the history of Juneteenth, why it has re-emerged in the 21st century, and why the holiday is tied to larger conversations around opportunities for all Americans. This event was paired with our production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean.
12
In February 2024, Two River participated in WEForum’s Fit Crawl, as a yoga partner site. Many yogis practiced in our studio space for an afternoon of focus, meditation, and physical and mental wellbeing. We hosted the National African American Read-In in Partnership with T. Thomas Fortune Foundation & Cultural Center. This public event featured author and Djembe percussionist Kojo Ayinde who read his new book, The Lesson: Abu’s Curiosity, and hosted a drum circle for kids, ages 8 years old and up. Through partnerships with Monmouth University and T. Thomas Fortune, Two River has developed numerous programs to help inspire discussion on complex and landmark issues throughout each season.
Our Professional Development for Educators Program, The ART of Social Justice, and academic panels with Monmouth University help bridge the intersection of the arts and civic engagement in both classrooms and the greater community. Show-specific events, like The History of Black Women’s Hair and Wellness, led by Gilda Rogers and Dr. Carol Penn, focused on the cultural power, significance, beauty, and struggle of hair for Black women through American history. Two River’s other partnerships included events with Shore House, Grunin Foundation, 180 Turning Lives Around, Stone Foundation, and Visiting Nurse Association of NJ Health Group—all which aid in our commitment to making art for the people in our community.
ACCESS PROGRAMS
Throughout the 2023/24 season, Two River shepherded an expansion of our accessibility and inclusivity programs. From Sensory Inclusive performances to a new Pay-What-You-Want program to free childcare during one performance for every show via our Play Date program, we examined our role in increasing community accessibility and redoubled our commitment to lowering financial and social barriers for patrons. Additionally, in partnership with sensory inclusion consultants, Two River provided specialized training for staff and implemented audience-friendly adjustments for designated performances. These included modified sound levels, reduced flashing lights, and other supportive measures—making live theater more accessible than ever to individuals with sensory sensitivities and disabilities.
ELEVATING LGBTQ2S+ VOICES
Two River continues our commitment to elevating and celebrating LGBTQ+ voices through curated performances. TRT artistic collaborator Lady Celestina spearheaded WIG: Drag Sings Broadway, a cabaret featuring the talents of Lady Celestina, Chase Runaway, and Mona Little in an electrifying evening of live performances, with special appearances from Hair cast members Devin Cortez, Olivia Oguma, and Bailey Day Sonner.
Justin Waldman. Photo by Lisa Campbell
The fifth annual Pride on the Plaza was held on the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, marking a powerful moment of remembrance and celebration. The event featured performances by Lady Celestina, Asia Monroe, and Lady Keyante. Audiences were treated to a fierce and fabulous night of drag, community, and celebration—all in support of love, liberation, and visibility.
IN THE KNOW
The 2023/24 season saw the continuation of the ever popular In the Know event series with Artistic Director Justin Waldman. This intimate series interviewed playwrights and directors across the season, allowing a window into their creative processes. Guests included The Scarlet Letter playwright Kate Hamill, Hair Associate Director Noelle Marion, A Thousand Maids Director Aneesha Kudtarkar, and Gem of the Ocean Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.
The company of Wig! Drag Sings Broadway. Photo by Steven Stora
13
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HOWARD ARONSON METRO SCHOLARS
A highly competitive audition and interview-based program, the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars program gives New Jersey high school juniors a year-long, immersive experience in professional theater operations through free subscription tickets and hands-on workshops with Two River staff and teaching artists. As of 2023/24, the program has served 220 students, creating an important relationship between the organization and the next generation of theater lovers. The 2023/24 season class consisted of 13 students from eight area high schools. Highlights included Clowning with Bill Irwin, Dramaturgy 101, and a crash course in stage combat, as well as pre- and post-show discussions on all four of the season subscription shows. Participation in the program is entirely free to students, with travel assistance also available. On June 20, 2024, we held the first-ever Metro Scholars Meet Up! Program alumni and upcoming participants gathered at Two River to celebrate the program and
each other. Over 35 people attended from as far back as the inaugural 2005/06 class! Two River is grateful to the Tenenbaum family for their continued support of this program.
EMERGING PROFESSIONALS Two River’s Emerging Professionals program is a robust career-advancement opportunity for early-career artists and recent graduates. Participants secure full-time employment, free housing, and 100% paid employer health benefits, gain a year’s worth of experience in large-scale regional theater operations and practices, as well as an extensive network of professional artists, mentors, and peers. Consisting of artisans from across the nation, the program offers housing and healthcare at a critical juncture for those just breaking into the industry. The 2023/24 Emerging Professionals cohort included Nathan Vinz (Sound Assistant), Anika Jones (Lighting Assistant), Kelsea Sibold (Production Assistant), Alyssa Bowne (Props Assistant), Gwen Flowers (Production Management Assistant), and returning apprentices Terrell Jenkins (Costumes Assistant) and Bailey Dumlao (Artistic Assistant).
Photo Credit: Howard Aronson Metro Scholars from 2005-2024 at the Metro Meet Up. Photo by LC Photography 14 14
Two River Theater celebrated 30 years of producing extraordinary theater for all with two fundraisers attended by over 330 TRT patrons. Both events earned $515,918 in total for our artistic and education programs.
Fall Fundraiser | October 6, 2023
Our Fall Fundraiser launched our celebrated run of Hair. Partygoers dressed in their best vibrant 60’s attire and enjoyed an exclusive pre-show event complete with a sunken living room.
Fall Fundraising Celebration. Photos by Lisa Campbell 15
Spring Gala | May 4, 2024 Our 30th Anniversary Spring Gala celebration took to the Rechnitz—we platformed over seats in the theater, allowing for the evening to take place on stage! Andrew Polec (Hair) gave a rock-fueled performance while The Moroccan Sheepherders had everyone dancing into the evening.
30th Anniversary Gala. Photos by Lisa Campbell, Brad Resnick, Max Stolfe
Thank you to our Fall Fundraiser and Spring Gala sponsors! J OA N R E C H NI TZ
16
|
ELI Z A B ETH, MYLES, K EVIN C OLUMB O
|
T HE K RO O N FAM ILY
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT Listed below are funders who made contributions between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Thank you.
ACHELIS & BODMAN F O U N D AT I O N
The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation
EST.
1995
TRIUMPH RESTAURANT & BREWERY
17
INDIVIDUAL DONORS Listed below are supporters who made contributions to our Annual Fund, Events, and Capital Campaign between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Thank you. $25,000+
Elizabeth, Kevin & Myles Columbo Samuel Huber & Catherine Weiss The Leslie Miller & Richard Worley Foundation The Murphy Family Foundation Emily J. Rechnitz Joan Rechnitz Anne Marie Schultz The Estate of Gregory White
$10,000-$24,999
Anonymous Robert & Marilyn Broege Robert Evanson & Cynthia Bajorek Jeremy & Sabrina Grunin Phyllis Kinsler The Kroon Family Brian & Joanna Leddin Helaine Lerner Cathy Pugliese-Sivo & Tom Sivo Adam & Liz Rechnitz Stina Ross Susan E. Whyman Marvin Woodall
$5,000-$9,999
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Barrett Jr. Heather Burke & Colin Day Grace & Michael Conte Delisha Grant Tim & Eileen Hogan Barbara & Joseph Hollander Jim & Barbara Hrebek Cathy Larson The Honorable Edward McKenna Gregory & Nyire Melconian Magda & James Muka John Paul Nicolaides & The Honorable Ed Zipprich Lauren Nicosia Sean O’Connell Patricia & Vernon Ralph Lori & Geoffrey Sadwith Bruce Sherrill & Robert Cordrey Dr. and Mrs. Leonard and Deborah Waldman Chryssa Yaccarino Charitable Trust, in loving memory of Robert Rechnitz
$2,500-$4,999
John Cleary Nora DeVeau-Rosen & Kevin Service Beth Fitzgerald & Vinnie Mazza Margean Gladysz Ronald Gumbaz & Juliet Cozzi Jim & Susan Harbison Michael Hurst Kenny & Nora King Charles & Theresa Mattina Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Neff Thomas & Donna Snider Mary Carol Stunkel Chris & Brianna Torcivia 18
$1,000-$2,499
Anonymous Barbara & Andy Andres Robert & Marie Arbour Dr. Ann Bagchi Peter Bruguiere Thomas Carroll Dr. & Mrs. E.F. Cheslock John & Isabella Chiappinelli James & Barbara Columbo Farah del Pilar & Tony Lau Nancy & Michael Del Priore Carolyn DeSena Crystal Dickinson & Brandon Dirden Stacylyn & Michael Doore Gail Duffy Carol Edelson Susan & David Fowler Jonathan Fox Barbara & Stephen Hecht Daniel Helmick Joyce & Pete Hendricks Thomas K. Hessman Christina Hewitt Robin & John Klein Angela Kluwin & Jim Noll Bobbi Krantz Suzanne Longley & Guy Gsell May Louie & Walter Graczyk JoAnn Luehring Wendy & Jerry Marks Bruce Meltzer & Tom McCormack Paula & Larry Metz Charles Moran Brian & Aida Murphy New Jersey Theater Alliance Gloria & Lennart Nilson John Nobles Victoria Perry Ed Potosnak Dr. Jeff Roffman Jonathan & Allsion Schultz June & Mort Seligman Maureen Silliman Kathryne & Richard Singleton Matthew Sivo Joanne & Darwin Spears Lynn & Billy Spector Jacqueline & Barbara Sturdivant Justin Waldman & Tara Traeder William & Cynthia Wilby Albert & Robin Zager
$500-$999
Tom & Nancy Blaney Ed & Nancy Butler Amanda Butterbaugh Joseph & Karen D’Amore Jody Falco & Jeffrey Steinman Pamela Farr Senator Vin Gopal Natalia Kachala Heywood & Claire Knopf Brian MacGeorge Chris & Veronica Meagher Laura Mulroy
Elizabeth Murphy Patricia Perfect Adam Philipson Ivan Polonsky & Elizabeth Tortorella Michael & Marion Portnoy Megan Powers & Michael Callari Barry V. Qualls Peggy Sansone Susan Stamler Terry Traeder Alexis Trujillo & Elizabeth Graham
$250-$499
Anonymous Ann Aronson Mr. Robert Barrett Susan & John Buckley Dr. Joseph J. Calabro Samuel & Linda Chororos Dana Cirincione Welle & Jonathan Welle Carla Culver Linda De Angelis Eileen DeVeau Cherie Diament John Dias & Michael Cumpsty Courtney Dileo Gordie & Shannon Eadon Drs Amy & Eric Eschinger Brian & Kate Fitzgerald Karen Fluharty Anne & Daniel M. Ford Susan Gelber David Golland & Svetlana Rogachevskaya Ellen Hahn Paul & Joan Hamelberg Pamela & Tommy Hearn Kathy Horgan William & Patricia Jaeger Etta Kelly Margo Kramer Stan Lumish & Ann Roseman Thomas Mason Douglas McGuirk & Mary Ann Green Charles McQuillan Robert L. Mortenson Julie & Jeffrey Mullen Gail & Brian O’Reilly Abigail Olsen Karen Pajak Mr. & Mrs. Robert Parry Barbara Sager Viola E. Smith Dick & Pat Stenson Anita & Robert Stix Dr Miriam Tetelbom Elena Tomkowich Dee & Fred Williamson Marjorie & Zeke Zaccaro Barbara & Maurice Zagha
$100-$249
Anonymous (4) Damarcus Adisa
Milicent Allen Ellie Anderson The Antin family Lisa Ardolina Christine Baugh Melvin & Maria Bellamy Mr. Prosper Bellizia Christine Berg Robin Berke James Berzok Dr. Janice Breen Bob & Joan Boglioli Nancy & Martin Brilliant Jennifer & Robbie Brown Dr. Dave Carroll Yvette Cataneo Miriam Cohen Harvey & Robbie Cohen Mr. & Mrs. William Colin Pat Chukurov Elaine Danzig Sandy Davis Diane Dempsey Maureen DeVoe Walter & Bonnie Dietz Margo Donohue Brian Dougherty Virginia & Ken East Jeff Egan Bob & Linda Ensor Lawrence Esterman Susan Estomin & Michael Boroznoff Toni Evangelista Harold & Bonnie Farin Jeff & Trish Ferretti Kathy Findon & Lori Yeager Thomas Foderaro Merle Frimark Richard & Judy Fuller Kim Geissel Margaret & Jim Graf Rob Gannon Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Hagan Dr. Mary Ann Haggerty & Thomas Curran Milton Hall Lisa Hannigan Tim & Kathy Hjelle-Zebo Kathy Hodecker John & Coralie Hoffman Michael Humphreys Pandora Jacoubs Vinita Jethwani Elaine Katz Kate Ketchem & Michael Wu Thomas & Bridget Kluwin Russ Kurtz Veronica Lake Etta Lamberti Kelly Charles Larsson Nicole Lerario David & Karen Levinsky Anne Leyh Phyllis Long Ian Macdonald Melissa MacDonald
Linda J. Mack Patty Mazzone Katharine E. McCleary Cynthia & Craig McKeown Fred & Kerstin McKitrick Dr. Cathleen McQuillen Tony Meneses & Mark Soriano Catherine Merker Birgit Mondesir Robert & Stephanie Morrow Dr. Monisha Nag Frank & Marion Norman Maureen O’Connor & David E. Leach III Gary Olivero & Sue Gronbeck Rosemarie Owens Anita & Harry Paborsky John Pantozzi Charles Parr Leslie Patient Jane & Marty Pattwell Mary Pearson Shirley F. Rathemacher Andres & Anna Roda Linda Roma Patricia Rose Barbara & Edward Rosen Theri & Fred Rossol Mark Rothstein Sandra Sadley Amir Sadrian Lois Salerno Richard Saybolt Mr. & Mrs. William Schumacher Dr. William Schreiber Michele Senko Sandra & Kenneth Shapiro Mr. & Mrs. Madhu Sheth Elaine Steelman Terry Stein Peter & Claire Stumpf Dennis Swijter Marcy Tardio Bonnie Torcivia Georgi Tsvetkov Betty Turock & Gus Friedrich Tom Walker Steve Ward The Wattenbargers Diane Wilkerson Elizabeth Wulfhorst The Wyche Family Dr. & Mrs. Ralph & Meta Wyndrum Christine Yovnello
Under $100
Anonymous (132) Michael & Lisa Absatz Wilma Alterio Alina Alvarez & Arthur Foresta Tanya Ashuck Elise & Marvin Baskerville Matilde Benveniste Eric Beyar Cathy & Mike Bickerton Beth Blickers Maxine Blumenthal Kelly Borden Dallas Bradford Linda Bradley Margaret Brady Richard Buntzen Mr. Thomas Burtnett Tirso Campos Jennifer Cartagena Donna & Michael Castellano The Chiarella Family Gale Chowanec
Kathy & Mark Cohen Sheldon & Iris Cohen Jean Colrick Judy Connolly Robin Cook Tom & Janine Corona Dorothy Cox Cara David Robert David & Barbara Flessas Robert Dawalt Peter De Marco Joy DeFabrizio Susan Derobertis Ambika Desa Janet Dilks Dorothy Dobkowski Jill Dolan & Stacy Wolf Elizabeth Domigan Tara Dorsi Rollin Dubois Tom & Linda Dunbar Margaret El Diane Fayer David Fennick Dr. Judy Ferguson Elaine Feyereisen Carlo Fiorletta Sarah & David Fischell Linda Fisk Jon Forman Jacinta Francis Lucille Fraumeni Mr. & Mrs. Michael Freda Holly Fullam Marie Gabrielson Sherry Galit Dinesh-Alpana Gandhi Craig Garcia Bob & Laura Garrett Joan & Randy Gill Sue Goldberg Fran Goldfarb Eleanor Goodman Bonnie & Charles Granatir Felicia Grant Victoria Grant Robin Greene Jones Bernard Gurman Patty & Herb Gutentag Elane Gutterman Kelly Hamilton Mary & Chris Havens Darcy Hazard Lance Henrickson Erika Hicks Harry & Ruth Hodum Robert Honecker Yvonne Hopson Alexander Ingham Lysa Israel The Honorable Debra A James Nancy Jamie Florence & Bob Jennes Margaret Jeter-Huggins Barry W. & Carol R. Johnson James W. Jones Marie Joyner The Honorable & Mrs. Andy Judkis Antoinette Karavolas Dr. Millicent H Kellner Erin Kelly Maureen Kelly Dr. Len & Sheryl Kessler Jane Kiernan Marianne and Larry Kligman Hope Knapp Boris Kofman Jerome Kootman
Edward & Lorre Korecky Friso Kramer gezegd Freher Deirdre Kugelmeyer Judy Landuyt Penelope Lattimer Peter & Janet Lauro Teri Lawrence Arlyne Le Schack Sandra & Bruce Lefkon William & Maryrose Little Frank & Diane LoPresti Harold Lowenfels Susan Lupow Adele T. Macula Mary Magee Maury Mangan Gracie Marciano Mary Marino Kim & Erin Mason Tita Matarazzo Sharon Mazzucca Richard McAdams Rosemary McCollum Carol Mcdonough Chris McMillan Walt & Kristine McThistle Tom Melville Max Mendizabal Thomas Merenda The Merhi Family Diane Mevorach Dana Miller C Mitter James Moore Maurice J. Moran Kathy Moroz Shannon Mosier Gabriela Mulheren Nancy A. Mulheren Lynne Mueller Barbara R. Nevius Barbara Noonan Ann Marie Norton Michelle Ogburn Gopi Oza Gina Palazzo Howard & Irene Passmore Kasandra Patterson Vaune Peck Personalities DISCovered Mary Anne Peterson Lloyd Peterson Taya Petino Larry Platkin Chinita J Pointer Joseph Poli Phyllis Porcello Mary Rawlinson Peggy Redd Wayne Redlich Maxine Reynolds-Richards Paola Ricardo Jim & Jeanmarie Rice Stephen Richardson Sr Ruth Rodriguez Gilda Rogers Kristie Rogers Mary Rohrlich Jose Rojas Patricia Romagna G&C Rose Tom & Barbara Rosensweet Debra Rosman Izzy Ruiz Mr. & Mrs. Robert Rumsby Georgiana Ryan Sheila & Richard Sachs Julie Saltman
Salvatore Saporita Mr. & Mrs. Schoenewolf Byron & Phyllis Shafer Todd & Nicole Shellenberger Nancy Scotto Robert Shaloo Mark C. Sharp Jeanette Sheffer Jermaine Shelton Brad Sherrill J. Geoff Shields David Siegel David & Esther Silberstein Margaret Skar Stephen Skuce & Ray Schmidt Carol Smith Russ Smith George & Janet Smuga Joseph Stack Amy Stark Samuel & Bernice Steinman Nick Strakhov Robert Sudano Nan Sullivan Reon & Diane Swaim Cathy Sweeney Arnone Harriette Tax Lawrence Taylor Mark Thomas Logan & Emma Travis Ellen Treanor Linda VanMelis Timber Washington Elaine & Evan Wasserman Jane Webster-Urbach Nicole Wetzel Peter A Wilcox Carlton Wilkinson Bill Winch Barbara Withers Elaine Young Ashley Zampogna-Krug
Tributes: Prosper Bellizia, in honor of Carmelina N. Bellizia Tom & Nancy Blaney, in honor of Joan Rechnitz Bob & Joan Boglioli, in honor of Robert Broege Dr. Dave Carroll, in honor of Jane Carroll Dr. & Mrs. Eugene Cheslock, in honor of Joan Rechnitz Sandy Davis, in honor of Marilyn & Robert Broege The Murphy Family Foundation, in honor of Joan Rechnitz Joan Rechnitz, in memory of Vincent DiMattio Joan Rechnitz, in memory of Ellen Messing Joan Rechnitz, in memory of Marion Quinn Sheila & Richard Sachs, in memory of Elaine Rennert Peggy Sansone, in honor of Robert Broege Lynn & Billy Spector, in honor of Robert Broege Harriette Tax, in memory of Marion Quinn 19
2024/25 SEASON