Geffen Playhouse 2014/2015 Season Brochure

GeFFen playhouse2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 s e a s o n

“Each of these plays — whether about singing a hymn, writing a song or righting a wrong — is a battle cry to raise one’s voice.”

Welcome to the 2014/2015 season at the Geffen Playhouse. This wonderfully rich and varied group of plays intersects at the resounding theme of how a person chooses to use his or her voice. As artists, we too are charged with that very question. How are we using our voices to tell a story that resonates? How are we participating in a larger conversation with the plays we choose to produce? From playwrights Tarell Alvin McCraney to Joanna Murray-Smith, each of these plays — whether about singing a hymn, writing a song or righting a wrong — is a battle cry to raise one’s voice.

Your voice is an essential part of the accord we hope to create year after year. Without your voice — your questions, reactions, ovations — the art cannot thrive.

Randall arney Artistic Director

Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director Randall Arney in the Gil Cates Theater

Photo by Jeff Lorch Photography

Sing out proud.

choir boy Written by taRell alvin mccRaney Directed by tRip cullman Featuring JeRemy pope Additional cast to be announced

SePTeMBeR 16 – OCTOBeR 26, 2014 WeST COAST PReMIeRe

At the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, a young black man knows what is expected of him. Work hard, fall in line and if you’ve got the voice for it, use it to praise God in the school choir. Within these walls, Pharus Young, with the voice of an angel and a keen mind, should be a star. But in the face of Drew’s time-honored traditions, can music overcome silence? Award-winning playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney navigates expectation, alienation and the overwhelming desire to be heard.

Gil cates theaterat the geffen playhouse

“Exhilarating!” — The Guardian

“Jaw-dropping!”

“Musical interludes induce goose bumps!”

— Theatermania

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save over 10% vs single ticket prices

Jeremy Pope

A spirited debate.

the Gospel accorDinG to thomas JeFFerson, charles DicKens anD count leo tolstoy:DiscorDWritten by scott caRteR Directed by matt august Featuring laRRy cedaR, david melville & aRmin shimeRman

OCTOBeR 7 – NOveMBeR 16, 2014

A Founding Father, a victorian novelist and a Russian revolutionary walk into a … stop me if you’ve heard this one. Thomas Jefferson (yes that one), Charles Dickens (the very same) and Count Leo Tolstoy (who else?) are brought together in a blistering battle of wits for the ages. From Scott Carter (executive Producer of Real Time with Bill Maher), this whip-smart comedy examines what happens when great men of history are forced to repeat it.

auDrey sKirball Kenis theaterat the geffen playhouse

“Funny and thought-provoking!”

— Los Angeles Times

“A philosophical marvel!”

— LA examiner

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receive Free parKinG*

*Includes one parking lot pass per pair of subscriptions to each play purchased.

Larry Cedar

David Melville

Armin Shimerman

A musical story of America.

hershey FelDer as irvinG berlin Written by heRshey FeldeR Directed by tRevoR hay Featuring heRshey FeldeR

NOveMBeR 11 – DeCeMBeR 21, 2014 WORLD PReMIeRe

Hershey Felder brings to life the remarkable story of Irving Berlin, “America’s Composer.” From the depths of anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia, to New York’s Lower east Side, and ultimately all of America and the world, Berlin’s story epitomizes the American Dream. Featuring the composer’s most popular and enduring songs from “God Bless America,” to “White Christmas” and beyond, Hershey Felder’s masterful creation of character and musical performance makes this evening with Irving Berlin an unforgettable journey.


“Irving Berlin has no place in American music — he is American music.”— Jerome Kern

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access best seats before general public

Hershey Felder

the niGht alive Written by conoR mcpheRson Directed by Randall aRney

FeBRUARY 3 – MARCH 15, 2015 WeST COAST PReMIeRe

Tommy owes more than he earns. When he is unexpectedly compelled to help Aimee, a young woman with much harder luck than his own, the taste of turmoil he suffers becomes a full-blown meal. With his trademark humor and humanity, Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, The Weir) makes Phoenix Park, Dublin a place where anyone can rise from the ashes.


“A spellbinding and absolutely gorgeous new play by one of the true poets of the theater!”

— Time Out New York

“Extraordinary!”— The New York Times

subscribers

enJoy siGnature series events at no added cost

You only get a few goes at life.

Photo by Robert Schlatter

switzerlanD Written by Joanna muRRay-smith

MARCH 3 – APRIL 12, 2015 CO-WORLD PReMIeRe

Patricia Highsmith, master of the macabre, is racing to finish her novel when an attractive young man arrives representing her impatient publisher. Anxious to be rid of him and return to self-imposed exile, she attempts to terrorize him into fleeing. But he has a dark agenda of his own and will not leave until the final chapter is written.

In this new Geffen Playhouse commission, Joanna Murray-Smith (The Female of the Species), with her unique brand of humor and mystery, brings to life this literary giant best known for Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

A Geffen Playhouse commission funded by the edgerton Foundation


“Obsessions are the only things that matter.”

— Patricia Highsmith

“One closes Highsmith’sbooks with a feeling that the world is more dangerous than one had imagined.”

— The New York Times

Deadlines are murder.

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reserve seats for future seasons

The father, the son and the local host.

the power oF DuFF Written by stephen BelBeR Directed by peteR duBois

APRIL 7 – MAY 17, 2015 WeST COAST PReMIeRe

Charlie Duff’s nightly newscast makes him a voice to be heard, so why isn’t his teenage son listening? When an on-air prayer for his father goes viral, Duff finds himself at the center of a firestorm over God’s place in the newsroom. When his prayers turn prophetic, Duff suddenly has the power to reach everyone — except his own son. Stephen Belber’s sharp new play asks if there is anything more vital than the faith we have in one another.


“Hilarious!”— Broadwayworld

“Smart and intriguing!”— The Boston Globe

“Really quite extraordinary!”

— WGBH

subscribers

exchanGe ticKets into other performances*

*Within the same production run.

They put the laughter in manslaughter.

murDer For two Book and Music by Joe Kinosian Book and Lyrics by Kellen BlaiR Directed by scott schWaRtz

MAY 27 – JULY 7, 2015

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman with dreams of making it to detective. One fateful night, shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of Great American Novelist Arthur Whitney and the writer is killed … fatally. With the nearest detective an hour away, Marcus jumps at the chance to prove his sleuthing skills — with the help of his silent partner, Lou. everyone is a suspect in Murder For Two, a hilarious musical murder mystery with a twist. One actor investigates the crime. The other plays all the suspects. And they both play the piano.


“A hilarious musical whodunit!”— The New York Observer

“Ingenious! A snazzy double-act!”

— The New York Times

“A must see jolt of caffeinated creativity!”

— NY1

subscribers

save with reDuceD Fees convenience fees waived

baD JewsWritten by Joshua haRmon Directed by matt shaKman

JUNe 9 – JULY 19, 2015 WeST COAST PReMIeRe

In the Feygenbaum family, Daphna is the most devout. Just ask her. But her cousin Liam has the rights of the first born grandchild. Just ask him. When their grandfather dies leaving a treasured family heirloom, a battle ignites, escalating to Old Testament proportions. Hailed as one of the funniest plays of the year, Bad Jews can’t resist pointing out the worst in all of us.


“The best comedy of the season!”

“Delectably savage humor!”

“Bad Jews crackles with energy!”— The New York Times

Chai anxiety.

subscribers

access spotliGht events before general public*

*Subscribers have the opportunity to purchase tickets to most Spotlight entertainment Series events before they’re announced to the general public.

the geFFen playhouse’s innovative education and outReach pRogRams use theater arts to ignite positive change in the most in need communities and disadvantaged schools in Los Angeles.

We believe theater is a one-of-a-kind tool for learning, healing, connecting and profoundly enriching the lives of children and adults. We currently have a wait list of more than 50 social service organizations, veterans groups and low-income public schools in Los Angeles that have no other access to the arts and are eagerly waiting to be a part of our inspiring education and outreach programs. And we need your help.

suBscRiptions and single ticKet sales coveR only halF oF ouR expenses each yeaR. Become a donor today and help us bring creativity, inspiration and the healing power of theater to over 15,000 underserved children, at-risk teens, homeless adults, low-income seniors and rehabilitating veterans in Los Angeles who otherwise have no opportunities to experience the arts.

learn more about your impact at GeFFenplayhouse.com/outreach

Students attending a performance in the Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater.


“The Geffen’s work with our students

has given them permission to feel

free and to think outside the box.

Students now see themselves as

thinkers, writers and creators.

The sustainability your donors provide

to our school and community is

priceless.”— elizabeth Martinez, ed.D

3rd Grade Teacher Lorena Street elementary, Boyle Heights

The National endowment for the Arts indicates through intensive research that high-quality arts education is essential to prepare young people to fully participate and compete in today’s complex, dynamic and creative global economy.

you impact arts eDucation the Fact: Arts education results in higher graduation rates, increased academic performance and improved community engagement.*

the Result: “This play (Good People) at the Geffen was the first play I have ever seen. Seeing it changed my outlook on my future. The story let me see how important education is. I now understand from this play that it would be a lot better for me to go to college.”

— Desiray H., Student Roosevelt High School, east Los Angeles

you impact the economythe Fact: 1 in 10 jobs in California is part of the creative industries.*

the Result: “Once these young people view the superior professional productions at the Geffen and get to interact with the artists and teaching artists, these students really get to know what it is to have a career in the theater. I’ve had several students express interest in learning more about a career in acting, playwriting and even lighting and set design.”

— Jim Pentecost, High School Drama Teacher Santee education Complex, South Los Angeles

you impact our Futurethe Fact: Creativity is the top attribute sought by today’s CeOs.*

the Result: “I learned that writing doesn’t have to be the same all of the time … and that writing can be joyful. The Geffen taught us how to be more creative. Writing and reading are important because they are lifelong skills.”

—Storm R., 5th Grade Student Toluca Lake elementary, North Hollywood

*Source: California Arts Council. arts.ca.gov

Support the Geffen Playhouse today and become part of our family. You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits at all levels of giving, including the following:

proDucer gifts of $10,000+Receive four tickets to all Opening Nights in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season, which are by invitation only and include valet parking, a pre-show cocktail reception and a post-show cast party. Plus, you’ll receive four complimentary house seats per show for the three-play Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater season.*

Director gifts of $5,000+Receive two tickets to all Opening Nights in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season. Plus two complimentary house seats per show for the three-play Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater season.*

sponsor gifts of $3,000+Receive two complimentary center orchestra house seats to each show in the five-play Gil Cates Theater season.*

eDucation aDvocate gifts of $1,000+enjoy exclusive access to the Marcia Israel-Curley Founders Room, featuring complimentary snacks, beverages and private restrooms. Also receive recognition on our glass wall and access to purchase house seats throughout the season.*

artistic aDvocate gifts of $500+Access to vIP Parking directly across the street from the Geffen Playhouse.*

associate gifts of $250+Receive recognition in all programs and a season-long coffee card good for unlimited coffee and tea at our bar.*

aFFiliate gifts of $150+enjoy two complimentary drinks and a snack at our bar.*

2014 Backstage at the Geffen Host Committee donor dinner.

Photo by Jordan Strauss

Donor beneFits

become a Donor toDay! GeFFenplayhouse.com/Donate

*Additional benefits for each level of giving available online. See the full list at geffenplayhouse.com/benefits.

spotliGht entertainment series eventsGeffen Playhouse subscribers and donors receive early ticket access to most Spotlight entertainment Series events. Past productions have included the sold-out run of Bette Midler in I’ll eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, the hit magic show Nothing to Hide starring Derek DelGaudio and Helder Guimarães (directed by Neil Patrick Harris), the world premieres of Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane and Hershey Felder in Abe Lincoln’s Piano as well as one-night-only performances from Mel Brooks, Jackson Browne and Rita Wilson.

Don’t miss the next Spotlight entertainment Series event! dixie’s tuppeRWaRe paRty | ON STAGe NOW!

siGnature seriesGeffen Playhouse subscribers can subscribe into our Signature Series dates at no additional cost.

tGiF at the GeFFenWelcome the weekend and join us as we celebrate the first Friday preview for each main stage production. DJs spin classic and contemporary tunes pre-show and set a festive, end-of-workweek vibe.

talK bacK tuesDaysenjoy complimentary Peet’s Coffee & Tea before the show and dig deeper into plot, characters and themes with Geffen artists post-performance.

Girls niGht outGrab friends or a date and turn your ordinary Thursday evening into a scintillating one-of-a-kind night out with this post-show party featuring delicious buffets, a hosted bar, photo booth and much, much more!

lounGe FriDaysFast paced Angelenos will ease into their weekend and unwind at this cultural, bubbly happy hour. Complimentary sparkling wines and refreshments are served pre-show.

wine Down sunDaysSunday nights provide the perfect pairing — complimentary wine sampling, world-class theater and classic sounds of Southern California courtesy of 100.3 The Sound spinning vinyl.

Bette Midler in the 2013 Spotlight entertainment Series production of I’ll eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers.

Photo by Richard Termine

subscriber beneFits


at a Glance

auDrey sKirball Kenis theaterThe Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse boasts an intimate setting that showcases productions in a wide variety of seating configurations. With variable seating for up to 150 patrons, each Audrey production promises audiences a unique, unforgettable and up-close experience.

Fixed Seating

PerFormance SPace

(includeS variable Seating locationS)

about the GeFFen playhouseFounded by theater, film and television luminary Gil Cates, the Geffen Playhouse has been an integral part of Los Angeles theater since opening our doors in 1995. Our groundbreaking education and outreach programs serve everyone from students to seniors who otherwise would not have access to live theater. There are two theaters in the playhouse: the Gil Cates Theater, a 512-seat theater, and the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, a flexible space which can seat up to 150.

10886 Le Conte Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90024

parKinGPalazzo Parking Structure 1010 Glendon Avenue | Los Angeles, CA 90024

Subscribers and donors of $500 or more receive complimentary parking passes for each season production. The Palazzo Parking Structure is located 1.5 blocks away and even closer to many restaurant partners.

Gil cates theaterThe Gil Cates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse seats 512 patrons including 388 in the orchestra, 116 in the Frank Mancuso Mezzanine and 8 in mezzanine box seats. It’s only 65 feet from the stage to the rear mezzanine, guaranteeing that there isn’t a bad seat in the house.

mezzanine

orcheStra

Stage

Brochure Art Direction BRian dunning

become a subscriber geffenplayhouse.com/subscribe

online

310.208.2028by phone

ope

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choir boy september 16 – october 26, 2014

gil cates theater

the Gospel accorDinG to thomas JeFFerson, charles DicKens

anD count leo tolstoy:

DiscorDoctober 7 – november 16, 2014audrey skirball kenis theater

hershey FelDer as irvinG berlin

november 11 – December 21, 2014 gil cates theater

the niGht alive February 3 – march 15, 2015

gil cates theater

switzerlanD march 3 – april 12, 2015

audrey skirball kenis theater

the power oF DuFF april 7 – may 17, 2015

gil cates theater

murDer For two may 27 – July 7, 2015

audrey skirball kenis theater

baD JewsJune 9 – July 19, 2015

gil cates theater

subscription pacKaGes

$334

rear mezzanine

$346

$418

$418

Full Price SubScriber

$372

$387

$467

$467

$334

$391

$483

$508

Front mezzanine


$372

$437

$542

$567

$424

orchestra & boxes

$456

$528

$553


$472

$512

$355$402$465$527$510$577

$592

$617

8-play season subscriptions

sun – Fri eveninG

sat & sun matinees

saturDay eveninG

sun – Fri eveninGPreviewS

sat & sun matinees, saturDay eveninG

PreviewS

Other packages are available for as low as $175 for a five-play Gil Cates Theater season subscription.

Call 310.208.2028 for other pricing and added benefits.

save over 10% vs single ticket prices • reDuceD Fees convenience fees waivedreceive Free parKinG Includes one parking lot pass per pair of subscriptions to each play purchased.

access best seats before general public • reserve seats for future seasonsexchanGe ticKets into other performances Within the same production run.

enhance your eveninG out at no additional cost with a signature series subscription

Signature Series events are offered for all Gil Cates Theater productions and a limited number of

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater productions.

rear mezzanine


Front mezzanine


orchestra & boxes


8-play siGnature series

subscriptions

Girls niGht outthirD thursDay oF

every main staGe run

talK bacK tuesDaysevery tuesDay aFter

preview weeK

lounGe FriDaysFourth & FiFth FriDay oF

every main staGe run

wine Down sunDaysevery sunDay aFter

preview weeK

tGiF at the GeFFenFriDay preview oF

every main staGe run$334$372$334$372$424$472

$355$402$465$527$510$577

$355$402$465$527$510$577

$355$402$465$527$510$577

$355$402$465$527$510$577

GeFFen playhouse2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 s e a s o n

Non-ProfitPostage

paiDLos Angeles, CA

Permit #250

proudly affiliated with

10886 le Conte avenue los angeles, Ca 90024

accessible accommoDationThe Geffen Playhouse is fully committed to ensuring a satisfying theater experience for patrons with special needs or disabilities.

Please contact the box office or our usher staff at 310.208.2028 for details.asl An

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what will you say, l.a.?season subscriptions start as low as $175!*

*Packages start at $175 for a five-play Gil Cates Theater season subscription.

310.208.2028geffenplayhouse.com/subscribe

Geffen Playhouse 2014/2015 Season Brochure

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