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Home , Alan Blumenfeld, Born Yesterday (play), Garson Kanin, Judy Holliday, Max Gordon (producer)

42nd Season • 403rd Production SEGERSTROM STAGE / OCTOBER 14 - NOVEMBER 20, 2005

David Emmes Martin Benson PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

presents

BY

SCENIC DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN Michael Ganio Frances Kenny York Kennedy

COMPOSER/SOUND DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER STAGE MANAGER Jim Ragland Jeff Gifford Randall K. Lum*

DIRECTED BY Warner Shook

HONORARY PRODUCERS CORPORATE PRODUCER Larry and Dee Higby Haskell & White LLP

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

Born Yesterday • SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P1

CAST OF CHARACTERS Billie Dawn ...... Jennifer Lyon* Harry Brock ...... Richard Ziman* Paul Verrall ...... Paul Morgan Stetler* Ed Devery ...... Richard Doyle* Senator Hedges/Assistant Hotel Manager ...... Hal Landon Jr.* Mrs. Hedges/Helen ...... Jane Macfie* Eddie Brock ...... Alan Blumenfeld* Bellhop/Barber ...... Dale Jones* Bellhop/Bootblack/Waiter ...... Derek Armstrong Manicurist ...... Kacie Brown* Herself ...... Bella Luna

SETTING: The scene is Washington D.C. Time: 1946 Act I: September Act II: About two months later Act III: Later that night

LENGTH Approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

PRODUCTION STAFF Assistant Stage Manager ...... Chrissy Church* Casting ...... Joanne DeNaut Dramaturg ...... Linda Sullivan Baity Fight Choreographer ...... Ken Merckx Stage Management Intern ...... Andrew Metzroth Assistant Lighting Designer ...... Michael Schrupp Costume Design Assistant ...... Merilee Ford Additional Costume Staff ...... Bronwen Burton, Catherine Esera Stacey Nezda, Peg Oquist, Swantjie Tuohino

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ACT Theatre for their assistance with props and costumes.

Please refrain from unwrapping candy or making other noises that may disturb surrounding patrons. The use of cameras and recorders in the theatre is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the theatre. Cellular phones, beepers and watch alarms should be turned off or set to non-audible mode during the performance.

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers.

Official Airline Media Partner

P2 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday Hooray for Garson Kanin’s ‘Hollywood’

n 1974, playwright Garson Kanin published a tanta- “I don’t think you should do that. It doesn’t lizing personal chronicle of the glamour guys and work out. Every director needs a writer and every gals who populated Tinsel Town in its heyday. The writer needs a director. And they both need a produc- Ibook’s title says it all—Hollywood: Stars and Starlets, er!” Tycoons and Flesh-Peddlers, Moviemakers and Money- “Well,” Kanin huffed, “it worked out pretty well makers, Frauds and Geniuses, Hopefuls and Has- this time.” Beens, Great Lovers and Sex Symbols. “Never mind this time,” Goldwyn said scornfully. Kanin arrived in Los Angeles in 1937 as an “odd- “I’m talking about a lifetime.” looking, 24-year-old bundle of nerves who had been a “Okay,” Kanin said, remembering that argument high school dropout, a mediocre with this man was fruitless. musician, a burlesque stooge, a “I love the theatre. If stock clerk at Macy’s, a drama stu- there’s one thing I love in New dent, a mildly successful actor, and York it’s the theatre in New York. the director of a Broadway flop.” I always loved the theatre. Even as One of the first people he encoun- a kid I would go. The peanut Itered in Hollywood was the leg- gallery. Sarah Bernhardt, once. endary Sam Goldwyn, who And Richard Mansfield. What a promised him a weekly paycheck star. Modjeska. She was Polish. and a chance to learn the movie And Nazimova. She wasn’t Pol- business at the foot of the master. ish. The theatre is great when Many years later, after having es- it’s good. Now about your tablished himself as a talented and high- play. I’m sorry to say this, ly sought-after independent writer and but I don’t think it will ever director, Kanin was summoned for an au- make a picture.” dience with Goldwyn. “He still thinks I “You don’t?” Kanin work for him!” Kanin marveled, recalling asked. ’s famous pronouncement: “No,” said the great “To understand Sam, you must realize that man, shaking his head he regards himself as a nation!” with genuine distress. “In According to Kanin’s account in Garson Kanin the first place, it’s dirty. I Hollywood, Goldwyn began their meeting mean censorable. This man with, “I hear at Columbia they’re making Born Yester- living with this girl not married. And you can’t have a day. You know. Your play. I want to tell you some- crooked Senator in a movie, f’Chrissake! Your ending thing.” He paused, looking grave. is no good, either. You’ve got your two stars and in “Oh Christ,” thought Kanin. “How am I going to the end you split them up. Audiences hate that. No, I handle this?” know I’m right. It’s no picture. Are you sore? Be- “I like that play. I saw it. I am very, very proud cause I express my views? Why is it people can’t of you. It’s a fine piece of work. Very strong. And stand the truth?” very American. Yes, you turned out to be some kid.” “The fact that it’s your opinion, Mr. Goldwyn, There were tears in his eyes. “I’m really proud of you. doesn’t make it the truth.” I mean it.” Momentarily stunned, Goldwyn quickly changed And Kanin knew he did. the subject and never mentioned Born Yesterday “Who directed it?” Goldwyn asked. again. One can only imagine his reaction when the “Why, I did,” Kanin answered. movie version of the play that was “no picture” went “You directed it yourself?” asked Goldwyn again, on to win accolades for Garson Kanin and his collabo- astonished. rators, eventually taking its place among the classic “Yes.” film comedies of all time.

Born Yesterday •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P3

Giving Birth to a Classic

arson Kanin’s Born Yesterday is an all-American with hiring . comedy that was conceived abroad. While sta- Like many plays, Born Yesterday was still very tioned in London during World War II, Kanin much a work in progress when the production opened Gbegan writing a play for his friend, movie star in New Haven for its first week of previews, with simi- Jean Arthur, that combined elements of Shaw’s Pyg- lar engagements slated to follow in Boston and malion with a comical exposé of governmental corrup- Philadelphia. Local critics gave the play mixed reviews, tion. The premise of the piece was to show that any noting that the comedy was uneven and the story fell one person has the power to facilitate change, and in apart halfway through the second act. While Arthur’s order to illustrate this point dramatically, Kanin created performance drew a rather tepid response, newcomer a protagonist, Billie Dawn, who is unpolished, unedu- Douglas was praised as a revelation. cated, and unaccomplished. Trouble was also brewing behind the scenes as Returning to New York after the war, Kanin Arthur’s list of demands and complaints grew daily. found a likely producer in , who was suf- She particularly hated the fact that her co-star (whom fering through a dry spell despite she clearly detested) was getting having a number of Broadway better notices, plus she was insist- hits under his belt, including The Jean Arthur ing on major script changes to ac- GBand Wagon, The Women, and commodate her “acting style.” My Sister Eileen. Gordon thought After only a few performances, Kanin’s script had potential, but Kanin received a note from his he was leery of working with former friend asking him to per- Jean Arthur, whose reputation as manently replace her. a difficult Hollywood diva preced- At this point, the chances of ed her. Coincidentally, Arthur Born Yesterday ever reaching herself was less than thrilled at Broadway seemed remote at best the prospect of playing Billie and gossip columnists picked up Dawn, but at Kanin’s insistence, the scent of desperation as the she agreed to take the part with show headed for Boston. Some- the following demands: $2,500 how Max Gordon managed to per week plus a percentage of the convince Arthur to remain in the gross, a personal hairdresser, a cast and Kanin began to surrepti- chauffeured limousine, and final tiously search for another actress. approval over advertising and the Among the front-runners were hiring of key personnel. June Havoc and Kanin’s wife, The play’s leading male character was a gruff and , neither of whom were available. Five uncouth junk tycoon named Harry Brock, whose abra- others were approached about taking the role, but all sive personality was modeled on the tough-talking turned it down. president of , . Kanin had The week-long Boston run had its peaks and val- offered the part of Harry Brock to , leys as Kanin reworked the script. With each perfor- who declined (although he would end up playing the mance, gained confidence and became part in the 1950 film). All other attempts to secure an more dynamic. Jean Arthur opened the run, but fell ill established actor at a reasonable price had also fallen mid-week and her understudy, Mary Laslo, was forced short. Running out of options, Gordon and Kanin de- to take over. With the Philadelphia engagement fast cided to take a chance on Paul Douglas, who at the approaching and Arthur’s health in jeopardy, finding a time was better known as a sportscaster than an actor. permanent replacement for her was Kanin’s top priori- Although he was light on experience, Douglas audi- ty. tioned well and his comparatively meager salary de- The name was first suggested to mands helped to offset the huge expense associated Kanin back in New Haven by the show’s wardrobe de-

P4 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday

signer, Mainbocher, who spoke glowingly of Holliday’s hotel by Kanin, who handed her a script and told her to supporting turn in the Broadway production of Kiss read it through once before deciding whether or not Them For Me. Kanin had seen her perform with she thought she could handle the role. Two hours and in their nightclub act, later, Holliday agreed. Her only question was “When The Revuers, but had dismissed the notion of casting do I start?” her in his play. By this time, however, he was getting “Whenever you’re ready,” said Kanin. desperate, and he set up a meeting with her in New “Saturday night,” said Gordon. York. Holliday was desperate, too, having been out of Looking thunderstruck, she shook her head in ter- work for six months, so Kanin returned to Philadelphia ror and cried, “I couldn’t!” This meant that she would with a possible “Plan B.” have to learn the entire part in four days instead of the The next morning, Jean Arthur failed to appear at customary four weeks—a daunting task for even a vet- rehearsal, and before long, Kanin and Gordon received eran actress, let alone one attempting her first major word that she was leaving the show immediately due to stage role. Although she pleaded with Gordon for “nervous exhaustion.” Without a leading lady, the more time, word had gotten out that Arthur was out of show couldn’t open. Gordon had begun making plans the show and folks were already lining up at the box to close the production for good office demanding refunds. There was no other choice. when Kanin suggested at least On Saturday, January 12, 1946, the curtain went Paul Douglas and Judy Holliday playing out the Philadelphia up on Born Yesterday at Philadelphia’s Locust Street in Born engagement with Judy Theater. Those who braved the harsh winter weather Yesterday. Holliday in the lead. to see a troubled play starring three relative unknowns “That fat Jewish girl were justly rewarded for their trouble. By all accounts, from The Revuers?” Judy Holliday gave a nearly flawless first performance, asked Gordon. and although she managed to hold her herself togeth- “But she’s er while onstage, she would burst into tears be- funny and a tween each scene. The enthusiastic response of helluva good both audience and critics confirmed that Kanin actress,” Kanin and Gordon had found their new Billie Dawn. argued. Born Yesterday had its Broadway premiere An SOS at the Lyceum Theatre on February 4, 1946, went out to where it played to sold-out houses for almost Holliday, who four years. Judy Holliday (who rarely missed a arrived later show during that time) took her final stage turn as that after- Billie Dawn on May 24, 1949, and headed for noon. Hollywood to reprise the role on film. She Ticket sales fell off sharply following was Holliday’s departure from the cast, met and after a history-making run of at her 1,642 performances, Born Yesterday closed on New Year’s Eve 1949.

This article is largely excerpted, with the author’s kind permission, from Glenn McMahon’s essay on the Judy Holli- day Resource Center website [www.judyhollidayrc.com]. McMa- hon’s sources include Hollywood by Garson Kanin (Viking, 1974), Judy Holliday by Will Holtzman (Put- man’s, 1982), and Judy Holliday: An Intimate Life Story by Gary Carey (Seaview, 1982).

Born Yesterday •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P5

Educating Billie n the stage directions for her entrance in Act One of Born Yesterday, Garson Kanin describes Billie Dawn as “breathtakingly beautiful and breathtakingly simple.” In the character’s own words, “I’m stupid and I like it.” A former chorus girl, Billie is the long-time mistress of junk tycoon Harry Brock, an ignorant, loud-mouthed lout Iwho has brought Billie along with him to Washington. But there’s a problem—every time Billie “opens her kisser, sump’n wrong comes out!” Enter Paul Verrall, a reporter with The New Republic hired by Harry to smooth off Billie’s rough edges and turn her into a woman of substance. Here are some of the sights, sounds and people chosen by Paul—and presumably Garson Kanin—as being essential to a well-rounded education in 1946.

The New Republic Jane Addams (1860-1935) progressive magazine founded in 1914, The New rom Hull House, the world ARepublic (TNR) is known for its strongly intellec- Ffamous social settlement tual bent. Although urging America’s entry into she founded in Chicago in World War I on the side of the Allies after the 1889, Jane Addams built her sinking of the Lusitania, its post-war stance shift- reputation as the country’s ed left-of-center. TNR supported the Socialist can- most prominent woman didate for president in 1932, switched to FDR in through her writing, her so- 1936, and by 1946, circulation had reached an all- cial work, and her interna- time high. Generally supportive of Communism tional efforts for world peace. and the Soviet Union, this avid liberalism changed She wrote prolifically, pro- with the start of the Cold War, as the publication ducing eleven books and numerous articles, as began edging towards the centrist position it occu- well as maintaining an active speaking schedule pies today. and playing an important role in many local and national organizations. Maintaining her pacifist stance after the United States entered World War I, Addams worked through the Women’s Peace Party, Brentano’s, Inc. which became the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom in 1919, and as a result, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

National Gallery edicated in 1941 Dby President rentano’s is one of the oldest and most respect- Franklin Roosevelt, Bed names in bookselling, and its current Fifth the National Gallery Avenue headquarters is ’s largest of Art in Washing- bookstore. August Brentano was young, ambi- ton, D.C., houses tious, and newly arrived from Austria in 1853 one of the finest col- when he set up a newsstand in front of the New lections in the world, York Hotel. He prospered enough to open a real illustrating major store in 1860 that catered to the fashionable “car- achievements in painting, sculpture, decorative arts, riage trade” from all over the city, and soon and works on paper from the Middle Ages to the Brentano’s was an institution. They opened their present. The museum’s most valuable paintings first Washington branch in 1884, and a second on and sculptures were evacuated to Biltmore House the concourse of the Pentagon Building in the late in North Carolina for protection during World War 1930s. II, not returning to the gallery until late 1944.

P6 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935) Alexander Pope (1688-1744) orn in Boston and nglish essayist, critic, Bnamed after his illustri- Esatirist, and one of the ous father, Holmes was greatest poets of the En- the most famous Harvard lightenment, Pope wrote his man in the 20th Mas- first verses at the age of 12. sachusetts Infantry Regi- His breakthrough work, “An ment during the Civil War. Essay on Criticism,” which In 1892, Holmes was ap- appeared in 1711 when he pointed by President was twenty-three, includes Theodore Roosevelt to the the famous line, “a little U.S. Supreme Court, learning is a dangerous thing.” Pope’s physical de- where he spent thirty years as one of the most in- fects made him an easy target for heartless mock- fluential political and cultural figures of the 20th ery, but he was also considered a leading literary century and was known as “The Great Dissenter.” critic and the epitome of English Neoclassicism. He exercised a deep influence on the law through his support of the doctrine of “judicial restraint” which urges judges to avoid letting their personal Tom Paine (1737 - 1809) opinions affect their decisions. Hollywood made a biopic about Holmes entitled The Magnificent om Paine was an English Yankee in 1950. Tjournalist living in Philadelphia in 1776. There he published his pamphlet, Common Sense, attacking Newsreel the British monarchy and ar- ewsreels guing for American indepen- Nwere an im- dence. When he returned portant means home after the war, Paine of mass com- published his most influen- munications tial work, The Rights of Man, in 1791, again attack- from the ing his government and arguing for equal political 1920s through rights. When the enraged British monarchy the late 1940s. banned his book, Paine became a French citizen, Most movie- but his radical views upset French revolutionaries, goers enjoyed these black-and-white short subjects who imprisoned him for several years. Upon his documenting current events along with a feature release in 1794, he published Age of Reason, a motion picture. There were, however, a number work that dared to question the truth of Christiani- of theatres across the country that presented only ty. By the time of his death, The Rights of Man newsreels, which usually lasted about 45 minutes had sold 1,500,000 copies in Europe. and were updated twice weekly. The newsreel helped the film industry cement political connec- tions with Washington and gave many Americans Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra, op. 47 their first real look at the people making headlines. by Jan Sibelius (1865-1957) orn in Finland and trained in Helsinki and Berlin, Jan (1833-1899) B Robert G. Ingersoll Sibelius composed seven merican political leader and orator, Ingersoll symphonies, symphonic Awas noted for his broad range of culture and his poems inspired by ancient defense of Agnosticism during the Golden Age of Finnish legends, and cham- Freethought. His radical views on religion, slav- ber music, in addition to his ery, women’s suffrage, and other issues of the day famous Violin Concerto, effectively prevented him from ever holding politi- which was written in 1903 and first recorded by cal office higher than that of Attorney General. Jascha Heifetz—”the violinist of the century.”

Born Yesterday •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P7

Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!

arry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United “I remember when I first came to Washington. States (1945-1953), assumed the Presidency fol- For the first six months, you wonder how the hell you lowing the sudden death of Franklin D. Roo- ever got here. For the next six months, you wonder Hsevelt only eighty-two days after having been how the hell the rest of them ever got here.” sworn in as FDR’s Vice President. A New Deal sss Democrat from Missouri, Truman presided over the “If I hadn’t been President of the United States, I dropping of two atomic bombs in Japan, the end of probably would have ended up a piano player in a World War II, the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, whorehouse. To tell the truth, there’s hardly any dif- the beginning of the Cold War, desegregation of the ference.” armed forces, founding of the United Nations, and sss most of the Korean War. Exceeding the low expecta- “It’s a recession when your neighbor tions many had at the start of his administration, Tru- loses his job; it’s a depression when you man developed a reputation as a strong, capa- lose yours.” ble leader who really had a way with sss words: “Those who want the Government to regulate matters sss H“A politician is a man who of the mind and spirit are like men understands government. A who are so afraid of being murdered that statesman is a politician who’s they commit suicide to avoid assassination.” been dead for 15 years.” sss “Upon books the collective education of the sss “A bureaucrat is a Demo- human race depends; they are the sole instruments of crat who holds some office that a Republi- registering, perpetuating, and transmitting thought.” can wants.” sss “When even one American—who has done noth- sss “A President needs political understanding to run ing wrong—is forced by fear to shut his mind and the government, but he may be elected without it.” close his mouth, then all Americans are in peril.” sss sss “All the President is, is a glorified public relations “When you have an efficient government, you man who spends his time flattering, kissing and kick- have a dictatorship.” ing people to get them to do what they are supposed sss to be doing anyway.” “Whenever a fellow tells me he’s bipartisan, I know he’s going to vote against me.” sss “Always be sincere, even if you don’t mean it.” sss “Whenever you put a man on the Supreme sss “I never did give anybody hell. I just told the Court, he ceases to be your friend.” truth and they thought it was hell.” sss “You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog!”

P8 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday

When Harry Met Billie could have been a star, probably,” Billie Dawn recalls wistfully, “if I’d of stuck to it.” Before Harry Brock came barrelling into her life, she had been in the cast of , one of the longest-running musi- cals of the 1930s, and even though it’s been more than a decade since her brush with big-time show biz, “Ishe can still recite the five lines she spoke and she can still warble the show’s catchy opening tune: “Anything Goes” Music and Lyrics by

Times have changed, And we’ve often rewound the clock, Since the Puritans got a shock, When they landed on Plymouth Rock. If today, any shock they should try to stand, ‘Steada landing on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock would land on them.

In olden days a glimpse of stocking Was looked on as something shocking, But now, God knows, Anything goes.

Good authors, too, who once knew better words, Now only use four-letter words Writing prose, Anything goes.

The world has gone mad today, And good’s bad today, And black’s white today, And day’s night today, When most guys today That women prize today Are just silly gigolos.

So though I’m not a great romancer, Anything Goes, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse, directed by I know that I’m bound to answer Howard Lindsay, and starring William Gaxton, , and Victor Moore, opened on November 21, When you propose, 1935, at the Alvin Theatre. The show transferred to the Anything goes. 46th Street Theatre on September 30, 1935, and closed on November 16, 1935, after 420 performances.

Born Yesterday •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P9

DEREK ARMSTRONG BELLA LUNA ALAN BLUMENFELD Bellhop/Bootblack/Waiter Herself Eddie Brock

Artist Biographies

DEREK ARMSTRONG (Bellhop/ pital. A five percent donation is Merchant of Venice, The Mad- Bootblack/Waiter) is making his made from the proceeds of her woman of Chaillot, The Merry SCR debut after having recently cards to the Animal Assistance Wives of Windsor (LA Drama completed SCR’s Professional In- League of Orange County. How- Critics Award) and Charley’s tensive Program. He is also a ever, until the end of the year Aunt at Theatricum Botanicum; graduate of the American Acade- she will be donating to spca.org Henry IV, Part I at the Ojai my of Dramatic Arts where he to help rescue and shelter ani- Shakespeare Festival; Twelfth appeared in Maybe Tuesday, mals devastated by Hurricane Night at The Old Globe; Bleach- Once in a Lifetime, Say Good- Katrina. er Bums and One Flew Over the night, Gracie, Sexual Perversity Cuckoo’s Nest at The Little Night in Chicago, Where’s My Money?, *ALAN BLUMENFELD (Eddie Fox Theatre; The Taming of the Assembly Line, Career and Pic- Brock) is making his SCR debut. Shrew at the Cannery Theatre; nic. On Broadway he appeared in Inherit the Wind, That Champi- Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Re- onship Season, Damn Yankees, A BELLA LUNA (Herself) is making gional theatre credits include Streetcar Named Desire and her SCR debut. Bella Luna is a Much Ado about Nothing, A Westside Story at the Pacific Con- playful Pomeranian with a line Midsummer Night’s Dream, A servatory of the Performing Arts; of greeting cards. While she is a Flea in Her Ear and School for Romeo & Juliet, Henry IV, Part I natural entertainer, this is her Wives at A Noise Within; We Are and All’s Well That Ends Well at first stage appearance. She is a Family, Creatures, Rhinoceros the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; licensed therapy dog (LoveOn (Garland Award) and Threepen- Misalliance, Pillars of the Com- ALeash.org) and has spent many ny Opera at the Odyssey The- munity, The Taming of the years bringing joy to senior citi- atre; The Skin of Our Teeth, Ly- Shrew, Richard III and Cyrano zens and visiting people in hos- sistrata 2003, King Lear, The de Bergerac at the American

P10 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday

KACIE BROWN RICHARD DOYLE DALE JONES Manicurist Ed Devery Bellhop/Barber

Conservatory Theater; and Car- *RICHARD DOYLE (Ed Devery) is Woody’s snooty father-in-law men and La Clemenza di Tito at an SCR Founding Artist. He ap- Walter Gaines. Other film and the San Francisco Opera. Film peared earlier this season in The television credits include Air credits include Dickie Roberts: Caucasian Chalk Circle, last sea- Force One, “NYPD Blue,” “Sis- Former Child Star, The Ring, son as Eddie in A View from the ters,” movies of the week, “The Heartbreakers, The Flintstones in Bridge and Habeas Corpus and Practice” and guest star appear- Viva Rock Vegas, Dinner and the previous season in Intimate ances on “The Pretender” and Driving, Jingle All the Way, The Exchanges, The Last Night of “The Lot.” He is a voice-over Flintstones, Tin Men, K-9, Worth Ballyhoo and A Christmas Carol. actor in animation, CD ROMS, Winning, Problem Child and the Additional appearances include television, radio commercials soon to be released In Her the world premieres of The and documentaries, including Shoes. On television he has Beard of Avon, On the Jump the Emmy-winning series The made over 200 guest starring ap- (Robby Award), But Not for Me, Living Edens and Impressions of pearances including recent ap- BAFO, The Interrogation of California. He also narrates the pearances on “Century City,” Nathan Hale, She Stoops to Folly, Green and Green “Art-in-Archi- “,” Wit, Hospitality Suite and High- tecture” documentary. Mr. Doyle “,” “The Division,” est Standard of Living. Other currently plays the villain Enoch “CSI,” “” and credits include Relatively Speak- on Cartoon Network’s Benten. “Judging Amy.” ing, Proof, Major Barbara, Much Ado about Nothing, A Delicate *DALE JONES (Bellhop/Barber) is KACIE BROWN (Manicurist) is Balance, Of Mice and Men, Ah, making his SCR debut. Theatre making her SCR debut after hav- Wilderness!, What the Butler credits include Gypsy at the Park ing recently completed SCR’s Saw, Pygmalion, Six Degrees of Playhouse; Cabaret at Perfor- Professional Intensive Program. Separation, Arms and the Man, mance Riverside; The Will Rogers She appeared in Tony and The Cherry Orchard, Waiting for Follies and West Side Story at the Tina’s Wedding at the Curtis Godot, Our Country’s Good and Welk Resort Theatre; Guys and Theatre and is a graduate of the Intimate Exchanges, for which Dolls, Singin’ in the Rain, Me American Academy of Dramatic he earned a Los Angeles Drama and My Girl, Fiddler on the Roof, Arts where she appeared in Critics Circle Award nomination. Oklahoma! and Damn Southern Girls, Spoon River An- He won a LADCC Award for his Yankees at Bollinger’s Candle- thology, Miss Julie, A Streetcar role in Sally Nemeth’s Holy Days light Pavillion; Hello, Dolly!, Named Desire, The Pizza Man, and was nominated for Reverend Man of La Mancha, Gigi, The Beyond Therapy, Ah! Wilderness Hale in The Crucible. “” Fantasticks, Anything Goes, My and Macbeth. fans will remember him as Fair Lady, South Pacific and The

Born Yesterday •SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P11

HAL LANDON JR. JENNIFER LYON JANE MACFIE Senator Hedges/Ass’t Hotel Manager Billie Dawn Mrs. Hedges/Helen

Sound of Music at the Curtain Seven, Dancing at Lughnasa, ed by Pamela Hunt at the Studio Call Dinner Theatre; The Pirates The Miser, Our Country’s Good Arena Theatre. Ms. Lyon has of Penzance at the Curtis The- and Waiting for Godot. He cre- also appeared in the new musi- atre; The Mikado at the Moor- ated the role of Ebenezer cal Hexed in the City at the Belt park Melodrama Playhouse; Scrooge in SCR’s A Christmas Theatre, Only 10 Minutes to Buf- Once Upon a Mattress at the Carol, and has performed it in falo at the Lincoln Center Insti- Long Beach Playhouse; and the all 25 annual productions. He tute and David Simpatico’s Wait- European Tour of Fame. appeared in Leander Stillwell at er, Waiter at the Greenwich the Mark Taper Forum and in House Theatre. She would like *HAL LANDON JR. (Senator Henry V at The Old Globe in to thank her family, NCSA, Tal- Hedges/Assistant Hotel Manager) San Diego. Other resident the- entworks, the ice cream shop, is an SCR Founding Artist who atre roles include Salieri in and the wonderful director, cast recently appeared in The Cau- Amadeus, Malvolio in Twelfth and crew involved in this pro- casian Chalk Circle, A View from Night and Gordon Miller in duction. the Bridge, Habeas Corpus, Cyra- Room Service. Among his film no de Bergerac, Safe in Hell, credits are Trespass, Pacific *JANE MACFIE (Mrs. Hedges/ Antigone, The Drawer Boy Heights, Almost an Angel, Bill Helen) is happy to return to SCR (LADCC Award nomination), and Ted’s Excellent Adventure where she previously appeared Two Gentlemen of Verona, Major and Playing by Heart. in Major Barbara, How the Other Barbara, Getting Frankie Mar- Half Loves and Hay Fever. Other ried—and Afterwards, The *JENNIFER LYON (Billie Dawn) theatre credits include Long School for Wives, Much Ado is making her SCR debut. She Day’s Journey Into Night and Ah, about Nothing, Entertaining Mr. most recently played Billie Dawn Wilderness! on Broadway with Sloane, The Hollow Lands, True in Warner Shook’s production of Jason Robards and Colleen De- West, Play Strindberg, Tartuffe Born Yesterday at ACT Theatre. whurst; and Hamlet in Hamlet, and Ah, Wilderness! Other cred- She is a recent graduate of the Ruth in Blithe Spirit, Viola in its include Arcadia, Our Town, North Carolina School of the Twelfth Night, Truvy in Steel Sidney Bechet Killed a Man, Arts. At the Wilma Theatre she Magnolias and Rosalind in As BAFO, Six Degrees of Separation, played Violet Gray in Polly You Like It at the Grove Theater An Ideal Husband, A Mess of Penn’s world premiere musial Center. She has appeared at the Plays by Chris Durang, The Embarrassments, directed by Oregon Shakespeare Festival/ Things You Don’t Know, Faith Blanka Zizka, and the title role Portland, Yale Repertory Theatre, Healer, Ghost in the Machine, in Tom Duznick’s world pre- Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Green Icebergs, Morning’s at miere comedy Hail Mary, direct- in Sir Peter Hall’s Romeo and

P12 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday

Royal National Theatre of Great Britain. Film and television credits include Unholy, Private Parts, Clockers, Hackers, “Third Watch,” “The Sopranos,” “Law & Order” and “Law and Order: SVU.” Mr. Ziman is a graduate of the High School of Performing Arts and the Juilliard Theatre Center.

PLAYWRIGHT, DIRECTOR & DESIGNERS

GARSON KANIN (Playwright) PAUL MORGAN STETLER RICHARD ZIMAN worked as an actor in the theatre Paul Verrall Harry Brock and as a director and producer on Broadway and in Hollywood, but he is best known as a writer. During the Great Depression, he Juliet at the Ahmanson. She is a California, Mr. Stetler is grateful dropped out of high school to founding member of the Pasade- for the opportunity to return to help support his family, working na Shakespeare Company. Film Orange County and work at SCR, as a musician and later as a co- and television credits include a theatre he attended regularly median. He attended the Ameri- “Daddy’s Little Angel” on HBO, while growing up. He holds an can Academy of Dramatic Arts “Frasier,” “Strong Medicine,” “Get MFA from Penn State University. from 1932-1933 and briefly Real” and the award-winning worked as an actor on Broadway short film High Water. She is a *RICHARD ZIMAN (Harry Brock) following his studies. Kanin be- Yale School of Drama graduate. is making his SCR debut. He came an assistant to Broadway most recently played Harry director in 1935, *PAUL MORGAN STETLER (Paul Brock in Warner Shook’s produc- and then joined Samuel Gold- Verrall) is making his SCR debut. tion of Born Yesterday at ACT wyn’s production staff in Holly- He currently lives in Seattle Theatre. On Broadway his cred- wood in 1937, but left for RKO where he most recently played its include Henry IV, Not About at the end of one year, frustrated Paul Verrall in Warner Shook’s Nightingales, Laughter On the at not having been given any di- production of Born Yesterday at 23rd Floor, Epic Proportions, Lost recting assignments by Mr. Gold- ACT Theatre. In Seattle, Mr. in Yonkers and Biloxi Blues. Off- wyn. At RKO he directed sever- Stetler has appeared in various Broadway appearances include al films including The Great Man roles at the Seattle Repertory Kit Marlow, Twelfth Night, Julius Votes in 1939 and Tom, Dick Theatre, Intiman Theatre, ACT Caesar, The Two Gentlemen of and Harry in 1941, but he was Theatre, Empty Space Theatre, Verona, The Normal Heart, How continually frustrated by the lack Seattle Shakespeare Company, It All Began, Polish Joke, The Re- of control he had over his films Seattle Children’s Theatre, Vil- sistible Rise of Arturo Ui, Dan- under the studio system, a frus- lage Theatre and Tacoma Actor’s ton’s Death, Misconceptions and tration which continued through- Guild. Prior to that, he was an Tulsa, for which he received a out his career. When drafted original company member of the Drama Logue Award. Regionally during World War II he made critically lauded Circle X Theatre he has appeared at ACT, The documentary films for the War Company based in Los Angeles. Shakespeare Theatre in Washing- Information and Emergency Film and television credits in- ton D.C., Hartford Stage, Alley Manpower offices. One of them, clude Life Or Something Like It, Theatre, Wilma Theatre, Hunt- (1945), won an Pleasantville, “The Drew Carey ington Theatre, Dallas Theater Academy Award for Best Docu- Show,” “Buffy the Vampire Slay- Center (Rabin Award for Twelfth mentary. During the war years er,” “The Fugitive” and “Sein- Night), Actors Theatre of Kanin began writing stories and feld.” A native of Seal Beach, Louisville, Long Wharf and The plays as well. After the war he

Born Yesterday • SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P13

directed several plays on Broad- Richard Easton at Duke Universi- Mutiny Court Martial (Cincinnati way, including his own, Born ty. Other regional credits in- Playhouse in the Park); Stones in Yesterday in 1946, for which he clude the Long Wharf Theatre, His Pockets and Arcadia (Reper- received the Donaldson Award The Old Globe, Hartford Stage, tory Theatre of St. Louis); King for Best First Play of the Season ACT in Seattle, Oregon Shake- Lear and Much Ado about Noth- and Best Director of the Season, speare Festival, Pasadena Play- ing (PCPA Theaterfest, Santa and which he later adapted for house and American Conservato- Maria); and The Ship of Fools the screen. Kanin collaborated ry Theatre. On December 5th (Mannes Camerata Opera, NY). on four successful screenplays he will be reunited with Ms. He has a MFA from New York with his wife, Ruth Gordon, in- Lansbury when he directs her in University and a BFA from Web- cluding Adam’s Rib (1949) and This is On Me (an evening of ster University, St. Louis. (1952) starring Dorothy Parker) at the Brent- and Spencer wood Theatre. FRANCES KENNY (Costume De- Tracy. Garson Kanin died in sign) designed the costumes for 1999 at age 87. MICHAEL GANIO (Set Design) is SCR’s The Last Night of Ballyhoo designing his first production at two years ago and is pleased to WARNER SHOOK (Director) di- SCR. In 14 seasons with the return with Warner Shook for rected SCR’s productions of The Oregon Shakespeare Festival he Born Yesterday. Some of her fa- Last Night of Ballyhoo, The Cir- designed The Visit, A Midsum- vorite design projects include the cle, You Can’t Take it With You, mer Night’s Dream, As You Like Pulitzer Prize-winning The Ken- Frankie and Johnny in the Clair It, The Merry Wives of Windsor, tucky Cycle which had produc- de Lune and Beyond Therapy. The Man Who Came to Dinner, tions on Broadway, at the Mark Most recently in Los Angeles his Seven Guitars, The Comedy of Taper Forum and the Kennedy acclaimed production of Edward Errors, The Two Gentlemen of Center; the West Coast premiere Albee’s The Goat or Who is Verona, Molière Plays Paris, of Edward Albee’s The Goat or Sylvia? was seen at the Mark Love’s Labours Lost, Macbeth, Who is Sylvia? at ACT in Seattle; Taper Forum. For seven years The Tempest, Toys in the Attic, The Mandrake Root written by he served as Artistic Director of The Taming of the Shrew (Ash- and starring , Seattle’s Intiman Theatre where land); and Dancing at Lughnasa which premiered at the Long he directed Angels in America, (Portland). Other design credits Wharf Theatre and San Jose The Little Foxes, Three Tall include Tristan und Isolde, Fide- Repertory; and Angels in Ameri- Women, Who’s Afraid of Vir- lio (Virginia Opera Company); ca at the Intiman Theatre in ginia Woolf?, Private Lives, Love! Lady Windemere’s Fan, Naples Seattle. Other credits include La Valour! Compassion! and The Gets Rich and The Mill on the Jolla Playhouse, Seattle Reperto- Royal Family among many oth- Floss (Milwaukee Repertory The- ry Theatre, the Oregon Shake- ers. He also directed the world ater); Agrippina (Chicago Opera speare Festival, the Denver Cen- premiere of The Kentucky Cycle Theater); The Royal Family and ter, Actors Theatre of Louisville, at Intiman plus the subsequent The Little Foxes (Intiman Theatre, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, productions of this six hour epic Seattle); The Cherry Orchard Seattle Children’s Theatre and at the Mark Taper Forum, The (American Players Theatre, the Arizona Theatre Company. Kennedy Center and on Broad- Spring Green, WI); A Kiss for She is also the resident costume way where it won the Pulitzer Cinderella and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. designer for the Pat Graney Prize and was nominated for the Hyde (The Cleveland Play Dance Company. When not Tony Award. Last year Mr. House); Woody Guthrie’s Ameri- doing theatre, Ms. Kenny styles Shook had the distinct privilege can Song (Willamette Repertory and designs wardrobe for com- of directing and Theatre); As You Like It and The mercials, print shoots and related Dana Ivey in a benefit perfor- Bacchae Revisited (Portland Cen- media. mance of Peter Shaffer’s Lettice ter Stage); Ma Rainey’s Black and Lovage at the Coronet The- Bottom, The Rivals, Seven Gui- YORK KENNEDY (Lighting De- atre. Most recently he directed tars, The Last Yankee and Uncle sign) has designed for theatres the world premiere of Gore Vanya (Denver Center Theatre across America and Europe in- Vidal’s On the March to the Sea Company); Old Wicked Songs cluding Berkeley Repertory, with Chris Noth, Michael (San Jose Repertory Theatre); Seattle Repertory, American Con- Learned, Charles Durning and The Underpants and The Caine servatory Theatre, The Old

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Globe, The Alley Theatre, Dallas Alice in Wonderland at Seattle productions. In 1997, Mr. Lum Theater Center, Yale Repertory, Children’s Theater; Our Coun- stage managed the AIDS Benefit Brooklyn Academy of Music and try’s Good and Fuddy Mears at Help is on the Way III at the the Whitney Museum in New ACT; Marisol at The Group; In Palace of Fine Arts in San Fran- York. His awards for theatrical Perpetuity Throughout The Uni- cisco. Other stage management lighting design include the verse and The Rocky Horror credits include the American Drama Logue, San Diego Drama Show at The Empty Space; Djinn Conservatory Theatre in San Critics Circle, Back Stage West and Sub Rosa with House of Francisco, The Old Globe in San Garland, Arizona Theatre Award Dames; The Tooth of Crime and Diego, Berkeley Repertory The- and the Bay Area Theatre Critics The Unseen Hand at New City atre, San Jose Civic Light Opera, Circle Award. In the dance Theater, where he was a found- VITA Shakespeare Festival, Pacif- world he has designed and ing company member. Other ic Conservatory of the Perform- toured with Malashock Dance credits include the Broadway ing Arts, Long Beach Ballet, San throughout Eastern Europe and production of The Kentucky Francisco Convention Bureau the United States. As an archi- Cycle, Hartford Stage’s Electra, and Kawasaki Motorcycles. He tectural lighting designer, he has Reckless at Berkeley Repertory, would like everyone to take a designed lighting for numerous and Jitney at Houston’s Alley moment to remember all those themed environment, theme Theatre. He has also scored who have lost the battle and all park and museum projects all three feature films, and works as those still suffering and fighting over the world including the a producer, arranger and back- the AIDS epidemic. Sony Metreon Sendak Playspace up musician for singer-songwrit- (2000 I.E.S. Award) in San Fran- ers. He teaches audio recording *CHRISSY CHURCH (Assistant cisco, Warner Bros. Movie World and guitar at Seattle University. Stage Manager) is very pleased in Madrid, Le Centre de Loisirs in Recently Ragland launched a to return to SCR for the 05-06 Morocco and The LEGO Racers new career as a country blues season. Previous credits at SCR 4D attraction in Germany, Den- singer, songwriter and recording include the world premieres of mark, England and the U.S.A. artist under the appropriate Mr. Marmalade, Getting Frankie His recent theatre projects in- name Slim Chanse. His first CD, Married—and Afterwards, Mak- clude The Shakespeare Festival “Slim Chanse: Greatest Hits - The ing It and Nostalgia and produc- this summer at The Old Globe in Second Fifty Years” will be re- tions of Pinocchio, The Little San Diego and a revival of the leased this fall on New Canary Prince, A Christmas Carol, Inti- musical Amore at Goodspeed Records. Along with his wife, mate Exchanges, La Posada Musicals. A graduate of the Cali- Sonya Joseph, he is the founder Mágica, Anna in the Tropics and fornia Institute for the Arts and of SongLab, a Seattle based non- Proof. She has also had the the Yale School of Drama, Mr. profit organization dedicated to pleasure of working on Clutter: Kennedy lives in Berkeley, CA. the advancement of the art and The True Story of the Collyer presentation of songwriting. Brothers (world premiere) at the JIM RAGLAND (Composer/Sound Colony Theatre, La Perichole and Design) has been based in Seat- *RANDALL K. LUM (Stage Man- Seven Small Operas at Long tle since 1985, where he has ager) begins his 16th season Beach Opera, The Spitfire Grill at worked on over a hundred with SCR. Last season he stage Laguna Playhouse and The King shows. He is, to his delighted managed Brooklyn Boy, Habeas and I, Chicago, Ragtime and She surprise, the recipient of Theater Corpus, Vesuvius, Princess Mar- Loves Me at Maine State Music Puget Sound’s 2005 Gregg Falls jorie and made his Argyros Stage Theatre. Award for Outstanding Contribu- Managing debut with On the tion to The Theater. His Seattle Mountain. The previous season DAVID EMMES (Producing Artis- credits include Angels in Ameri- he worked on Safe in Hell, tic Director) is co-founder of ca, The Kentucky Cycle, Hamlet, Antigone, Terra Nova and The SCR. He has received numerous Ghosts, Betrayed, Molly Sweeny, Last Night of Ballyhoo. During awards for productions he has The Royal Family, and Faith his long association as one of directed during his SCR career, Healer at The Intiman; Julius SCR’s resident stage managers, including a Los Angeles Drama Caesar, Beauty Queen of he has worked on more than a Critics Circle Award for the di- Leenane, The Cider House Rules dozen world premieres and has rection of George Bernard and Seven Guitars at Seattle Rep; been associated with over 75 Shaw’s The Philanderer. He di-

Born Yesterday • SOUTH COAST REPERTORY P15

rected the world premieres of ing of contemporary work, in- for Outstanding Resident Profes- Amy Freed’s Safe in Hell, The cluding William Nicholson’s The sional Theatre and won the 1995 Beard of Avon and Freedom- Retreat from Moscow, Horton Theatre LA Ovation Award for land, Thomas Babe’s Great Day Foote’s The Carpetbagger’s Chil- Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Ben- in the Morning, Keith Reddin’s dren and the world premiere of son received his BA in Theatre Rum and Coke and But Not for Getting Frankie Married—and from California State University, Me and Neal Bell’s Cold Sweat; Afterwards, the critically ac- San Francisco. the American premiere of Terry claimed California premiere of Johnson’s Unsuitable for Adults; Nicholson’s Shadowlands, the PAULA TOMEI (Managing Direc- the West Coast premieres of C.P. Southern California premiere of tor) is responsible for the overall Taylor’s Good and Harry Kon- Michael Healey’s The Drawer administration of South Coast doleon’s Christmas on Mars; and Boy; and the West Coast pre- Repertory and has been Manag- the Southland premiere of Top mieres of Peter Hedges’ Good As ing Director since 1994. A mem- Girls (at SCR and the Westwood New and Martin McDonagh’s The ber of the SCR staff since 1979, Playhouse). Other productions Lonesome West. He has won ac- she has served in a number of include the West Coast premieres colades for his direction of five administrative capacities includ- of Three Viewings by Jeffrey major works by George Bernard ing Subscriptions Manager, Busi- Hatcher, The Secret Rapture by Shaw, including the Los Angeles ness Manager and General Man- David Hare and New England by Drama Critics Circle (LADCC) ager. She is the immediate past Richard Nelson; and Arcadia by Award-winners Major Barbara, President of the Theatre Commu- Tom Stoppard, The Importance Misalliance and Heartbreak nications Group (TCG), the na- of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, House. Among the numerous tional service organization for Ayckbourn’s Woman in Mind world premieres he has directed the professional not-for-profit and You Never Can Tell by are Tom Strelich’s BAFO and theater and serves as a member George Bernard Shaw, which he Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize- of the Board. In addition, she restaged for the Singapore Festi- winning Wit, which he also di- has served as Treasurer of TCG, val of Arts. His producing re- rected at Seattle Repertory The- Vice President of the League of sponsibilities involve the overall atre and the Alley Theatre in Resident Theatres (LORT) and coordination of SCR’s programs Houston. He has directed Amer- has been a member of the LORT and projects. He has served as a ican classics including Ah, Negotiating Committee for indus- theatre panelist and onsite evalu- Wilderness!, A Streetcar Named try-wide union agreements. She ator for the National Endowment Desire, A Delicate Balance and A represents SCR at national con- for the Arts, on the Executive View from the Bridge. Mr. Ben- ferences of TCG and LORT; is a Committee of the League of Res- son has been honored with the theatre panelist and site visitor ident Theatres, and as a panelist Drama-Logue Award for his di- for the National Endowment for for the California Arts Council. rection of 21 productions and re- the Arts and the California Arts After attending Orange Coast ceived LADCC Distinguished Council; served on the Advisory College, he received his BA and Achievement in Directing awards Committee for the Arts Adminis- MA from California State Univer- an unparalleled seven times for tration Certificate Program at the sity, San Francisco, and his PhD the three Shaw productions, University of California, Irvine; in theatre and film from USC. John Millington Synge’s Playboy and has been a guest lecturer in of the Western World, Arthur the graduate school of business MARTIN BENSON (Artistic Direc- Miller’s The Crucible, Sally at Stanford and U.C. Irvine. She tor), co-founder of SCR with his Nemeth’s Holy Days and Wit. graduated from the University of colleague David Emmes, has di- He also directed the film version California, Irvine with a degree rected nearly one third of the of Holy Days using the original in Economics and pursued an plays produced here. He has SCR cast. Along with Emmes, he additional course of study in the- distinguished himself in the stag- accepted SCR’s 1988 Tony Award atre and dance.

The Actors and Stage Managers em- The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and The Director is a member of the Soci- ployed in this production are members Sound Designers in LORT theatres ety of Stage Directors and Choreogra- of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union are represented by United Scenic phers, Inc., an independent national of Professional Actors and Stage Man- Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. labor union. agers in the United States.

P16 SOUTH COAST REPERTORY • Born Yesterday