February 19 - March 22, 2020
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Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by JOHN CARNEY Directed by MARK CUDDY Book by ENDA WALSH Music Director Music and Lyrics by DON KOT GLEN HANSARD Choreography by and MARKÉTA IRGLOVÁ WHITNEY G-BOWLEY A Co-production with SYRACUSE STAGE February 19 - March 22, 2020 Lead Co-Producers: Co-Producer: Associate Producer: Media Sponsors: Honorary Producers: Ken & Joan Slater 1 ABOUT GEVA THEATRE CENTER Geva Theatre Center is your not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre productions, programs and services of a national standard. As Rochester’s flagship professional theatre, Geva is the most attended regional theatre in New York State, and one of the 25 most subscribed in the country, serving up to 160,000 patrons annually, including 20,000 students. Founded in 1972 by William Selden and Cynthia Mason Selden, Geva was originally housed in the Rochester Business Institute building on South Clinton Avenue. In 1982, Geva purchased and converted its current space – formerly a NYS Arsenal designed by noted Rochester architect Andrew J Warner and built in 1868 – and opened its new home at the Richard Pine Theatre in March 1985. Geva operates two venues – the 516-seat Elaine P. Wilson Stage and the 180-seat Ron & Donna Fielding Stage. As one of the country’s leading theatre companies and a member of the national League of Resident Theatres, Geva produces a varied contemporary repertoire from musicals to world premieres celebrating the rich tapestry of our diverse community. We draw upon the talents of some of the country’s top actors, directors, designers and writers who are shaping the American Theatre scene. Geva’s education programs serve 20,000 students annually through student matinees, in-school workshops, theatre tours, career day, the acclaimed Summer Academy training program, and opportunities such as the Stage Door Project, which pairs a local school with a production in the Geva season giving students an exclusive look into the entire process of producing a show. Geva has presented approximately 360 play readings and workshops since its inception. Geva’s New Play Development Programming offers new and established writers a nurturing environment from which to take their work to the next level. Programs such as the Festival of New Theatre, Plays in Progress, and Regional and Young Writers Showcases offer writers to have their plays workshopped and performed before an audience in a reading setting. Nearly 70 Geva-developed plays have had subsequent productions around the country. Geva’s nationally-recognized and innovative “Hornets’ Nest” series of play readings uses theatre to facilitate community discussions on contemporary topics. An active member of the Rochester community, Geva offers a multitude of opportunities for our audience and community members to engage with live theatre and the country’s best artists. Since the breadth of Geva’s programming cannot be sustained on ticket sales alone, this contribution to the region’s cultural, social and economic vitality is recognized by grants and charitable contributions from federal, state and local government agencies, national and local foundations, and businesses and individuals from throughout the region. For more information: GevaTheatre.org 2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hope Drummond Sergio Esteban* Dennis Bassett, Chair Mary Anne Fox David L. Fiedler* Kelly Shea, Treasurer and Chair Suzanne Gouvernet Ronald H. Fielding of Finance Committee Richard Gray Betsy T. Friedman* Frank Novak, Secretary Christina Gullo Patrick Fulford* Lloyd Holmes Joanna Grosodonia* Philip L. Burke, Chair of Barbara LaVerdi A. Thomas Hildebrandt Advancement Committee Dawn Lipson David L. Hoffberg* Peggy Boucher, Co-Chair of Faheem Masood Arthur M. Holtzman Education/Summer Curtain Call Diane McCue Maureen D. Holtzman Committee Suzanne Nasipak-Chapman John F. Kraushaar* Barbara Bruning, Co-Chair of Michael Ninnie Carol Love* Education/Summer Curtain Call Frank Novak Peter Messner* Committee Pamela O’Connor-Chapman Michael B. Millard* Faheem Masood, Vice President Wolfgang Pfizenmaier Emily Neece* at Large Loren Ranaletta Nannette Nocon Ted Boucher, Immediate Past Jean Gordon Ryon David Perlman Chair and Chair of Committee on Kelly M. Shea John C. Rasor* Trustees Matt Squires Joseph R. Rulison* Maggie Symington Robert Saltzman TRUSTEES Mimi Tilton Paul Seidel Dennis Bassett William Weir Paul L. Smith Peggy Boucher Kathleen Whelehan Mary Kay Taber Ted Boucher John Williams John Tyler Jr. Barbara Bruning Linda Cornell Weinstein* Philip Burke HONORARY TRUSTEES Henry W. Williams Jr.* Margaret Busch Helen H. Berkeley* Deborah Wilson Essie Calhoun-McDavid William A. Buckingham Gloria Culver Barry B. Clements* Trustees are volunteers and receive no compensation. *Indicates Former Board Chair 4 2019-2020 Season MESSAGE FROM GEVA'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP IT’S NOT THE FINISH LINE We all know that if a story begins with “Once upon a time” then it inevitably ends with “And Christopher Mannelli and Mark Cuddy they lived happily ever after”, right? Which EXCEPTIONAL THEATRE actually sounds like a very long time, and most of their lives…whomever “they” are. So for me, Welcome to the fourth show in our Wilson most fables or fairy tales involve a challenging Stage series for the 19-20 season! We are so journey toward a beginning – not an ending. pleased to have been able to craft our very own Sometimes it takes a huge effort just to get to production of Once right here in Rochester. the starting line. We strive to create the most outstanding theatre productions we can for you each In our story, pointedly titled “Once”, two people season, and Once is no exception. This show generically named Guy and Girl happen upon is extraordinary for many reasons, especially each other as each is trying to get to the starting for how it showcases the talented performers line. In fact, Guy is ready to drop out of the who not only act and sing – but also play all race altogether. He has become disillusioned the instruments live on stage each and every with just about everything: love, music and night. I know many of you have loved this the future. When once he had dreams, he now music for so long, and we are thrilled to have sees only dead ends. Girl, on the other hand, you experience it live, right here in the Wilson is an immigrant to a new country that she Stage. The event of live theatre is like no other, hopes will lead to a new life. She has also left and we know that is why so many of you come complications behind her as she directly and back show after show. determinedly points herself forward. Here are two people going in different directions yet the We feel so fortunate to have you as enthusiastic fates have thrown them together. Before they members of our audience, especially our realize it, they are tethered. Bound together subscribers and donors, without whom, shows by music. With the help of a Dublin community like this would not be possible. If you have formed by songs and strings, they clarify each not yet become a subscriber, please take a other’s path. moment and consider joining us for all of our shows. We have several amazing productions Neither Girl nor Guy can completely shed their left in our 19-20 season in both the Wilson and past, however. In Ireland – and I was fortunate Fielding stages and, we are about to announce to live there for a year with my family about an incredible 20-21 season next year that you fifteen years ago – the past is always present. won’t want to miss! Subscribers also receive History is active. Ghosts seem to occupy first choice of seats and the best discount on minds, poetry and landscapes. Ireland is an tickets! ideal setting for a story about confronting one’s past while trying to forge a future. It is amidst Thanks you again for all of your support – you this mystical atmosphere, as well as the hustle keep theatre vibrant in Rochester. Enjoy! and bustle of Dublin, that our story unfolds. Will they live happily ever after? Well, raise your pint glass and toast the possibilities of love and music. Christopher Mannelli Executive Director Sláinte. Mark Cuddy Artistic Director Join us on and on . You can read Geva’s blog at gevajournal.wordpress.com. 6 2019-2020 Season The Joseph & Irene Skalny Charitable Trust is proud to support the nonprofit and educational organizations that enhance the quality of life that we enjoy in the Greater Rochester region... ...and supporting Geva Theatre Center’s education programs is an investment in the future of our youth and our community. Proud Lead Producer of Once www.GevaTheatre.org 7 SUPPORT TO TAKE YOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL ESL is committed to helping businesses grow. We start with sound partnership and a full range of commercial and business banking products and services that meet your cash management and lending needs. Backed by extensive financial and local market expertise, diverse resources and a deep understanding of businesses of all sizes. So we are able to tailor solutions that work for you. Now and in the future. esl.org > 585.336.1000 > 22 branches Membership subject to eligibility. ESL is a registered service mark of ESL Federal Credit Union. Federally insured by NCUA. ESL is an Equal Opportunity Lender. ESL09097_45x75_Ad, 4.5”w x 7.5”h finished, 4C Artistic Director Executive Director MARK CUDDY CHRISTOPHER MANNELLI In association with SYRACUSE STAGE ROBERT M. HUPP, Artistic Director JILL A. ANDERSON, Managing Director Present ONCE Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by JOHN CARNEY Directed by MARK CUDDY Musical Director Choreographer DON KOT WHITNEY G-BOWLEY Scenic Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer TIM MACKABEE CHRISTINA SELIAN ALEX MANNIX Sound Designer Dialect Coach Dramaturg ANDREW MARK WILHELM BLAKE SEGAL JEAN GORDON RYON Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager JENN LYONS* DANA ANGELLIS* Casting KOPPEL CASTING KARIE KOPPEL, CSA Originally Produced on Broadway by Barbara Broccoli John N.