Geva Guide 18/19 SEASON
Pictured above: Geva Theatre Center’s production team loading in the set for the 18/19 Season opening production of Hair. Set design by Adam Koch. (585) 232-4382 • www.GevaTheatre.org Christopher Mannelli and Mark Cuddy. Photo by Huth Photography.
or 46 years, Geva Theatre Center has been a fixture of our downtown community. When our theatre was founded in 1973 across Fthe street, the landscape of our city was much different. Buildings and businesses have come and gone, but Geva has remained a cornerstone of the south side of our city core. We have proudly given life to our historic building since 1985, continuing the tradition of welcoming generations of Rochesterians who have gathered in this community facility for the last 150 years.
The corner of Woodbury and Clinton is a gateway to the city, and we embrace the responsibility to welcome all the residents of the region as they enter our city center. You see this reflected in the great variety of programming that Geva produces each year. You see the strength of our great city’s diversity represented in our productions. You see the stories of our community’s most celebrated historic figures brought to life on our stages. We renew our commitment to this responsibility each day as Geva’s teaching artists go out into our community and impact lives - young and old alike.
In Geva productions you see yourself, your neighbor; our past and our future.
We choose and produce theatrical art especially for you, and our staff makes it here in Rochester. By doing so, we are able to personally engage the public we serve. You can rest assured that when you see a play on a Geva stage, it was created for the people of the Rochester region. You also know that our mission is to bring you theatre of the highest standards: when you see a show at Geva it will be as good (or better!) than anything you can see across the country.
Thank you for your commitment. We are confident that you will enjoy this incredible 46th season, which we are so proud to share with you.
Welcome!
Mark Cuddy, Artistic Director and Christopher Mannelli, Executive Director
CONTENTS
01 Letter from Geva’s Leadership 18 Theatre Talk 02 The Trial of a Bluesman 22 Rochester Stories: Reflecting Our Place in the World 04 Geva for All 25 Secret Talents 06 There’s So Much More Than What’s On the Stage 26 Meet the Artists | (585) 232-4382 www.GevaTheatre.org 12 Meet the Costume Shop and Wardrobe Department 27 Geva Staff in the Community
14 Events Calendar 01
03 www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 (585) | www.GevaTheatre.org Revival: The Resurrection of Son Resurrection The Revival: Corn Hill. Photos by John Schlia. John by Hill. Photos Corn -From Son House’s “Walking Blues,” recorded in 1930 recorded Blues,” “Walking Son House’s -From it long. Electric and fun, but long. And it Electric And it long. and fun, but long. bigger was the piece also clear that was require – it would than most new plays a phenomenal artistic and a larger team, needed more We production budget. time artistically and administratively. shoes my for ‘round feeling got up this morning, “Well blues I got the walkin’ about that, Know shoes my for ‘round feeling I was I said I got up this morning, blues” I got the walkin’ now, about that know I said you 2018. Keith is summer, to forward Fast workingcurrently on the twelfth draft of and he years, Over. four past the Revival a lot of time talking spent on the I have about the story, email, phone and over Reading of at the corner of Clarissa and Greig Streets in Streets of Clarissa the corner Greig and at Festival. duringHouse the Son the Journey to Festival. Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Trail Mississippi Blues Circle: in Photo festival. the SonJourney to festival. Keith returned to Los Angeles and startedand Angeles Los to returned Keith months ten About writing immediately. first had our we 2015, June, in later, of Resurrection The of Revival: workshop dramaturg, Son director, – actors, House playwright sitting and musical director working the script. through a table, at valuable actors provide In a workshop, a understand to need they – insights in a way the inside out, character from So questions other artiststhat don’t. of a character’s the logic arise around the through actor an actions, how moves what and how emotions of a character, another. inspires happens in one scene without an internal, was workshop This a sharing of the play, to invited audience to Angeles Los back to and Keith went back the company brought We revise. 2015 and prepared in August, together this time with an audience, a reading, for during the and charged exciting was reading The But it was with the spirit of Son House. needed more the play also clear that work. trying It ambitious, too was to made which life, of Son’s much too cover Keith started researching, and Skip Keith started and researching, I met him in New Orleans during the summer of 2014, as part of a longer where the places of some trip to research walking I remember through Son lived. of New Orleans with Keith, the streets most The discussing his initial ideas. discussed earlyimportant we concept one that and it’s about structure, on was His instinct today. still defines the play tale as a passion Son write House’s to was soul. the story Son’s of a trial for play, on House fixated Mr. his life, Throughout of and hell, of heaven the dichotomies of God and damnation, and the salvation who played preacher a former As Devil. multiple marriages, had five the blues, weakness liquor and a prisonfor a affairs, Son bound House was murder, for record spiritual crisis. serious a internal have to – just internal struggle wasn’t Son’s And and in the long up in his music it showed concerts. his at delivered he monologues one that take shape, idea began to An that the personal price explore would defined his the music that Son paid for legacy. . At the same . At Thunder KnockingThunder the on Journey to the SonJourney to and received funding from the Maxthe and from funding received and Charitable Foundation Marian Farash honoring and a festival produce to and legacy, life Son House’s investigating called donor underwrote an anonymous time, about Mr. of a play the commissioning of dozens of work the scoured We House. looking the exactplaywrights, right for Playwright story. Son’s capture person to had actually been the first Keith Glover produced artistconsidered—we’d we his blues play would he Doorthought we 1999—but in to writingTV and film with busy too be Keith is an award-winning with us. work been have playwright whose plays country, the over all theatres at produced in the and one who has been steeped blues and music history childhood. since thought though we set up a call even We and our conversation a long shot, it was electrifying. simply quite was Keith with make time he willing to Not only was that discovered the project, but we for Son on a House had been an influence . character in Thunder this had Keith call phone first that On “When music: about Son House’s say to get where you the songs, to listen you the He is a musician at from. coming he’s the – between ways in many crossroads of that the top at and the profane sacred see can you his music, and In list. life his go into to much it takes out of you how call we what That’s those dark places. It music. bears a heavy price.” expensive
of a of So the idea that By Jenni Werner, Literary Dramaturg Director/Resident Werner, By Jenni he journey of a new play is never never is journeyplay he new a of as everypredictable, story unfolds
- From Son House’s “My Black Mama,” recorded 1930 recorded Black Mama,” “My Son House’s - From “Ain’t no heaven, ain’t no burnin’ hell no burnin’ ain’t no heaven, “Ain’t nobody tell can’t when I die, goin’ I’m Where hell no burnin’ ain’t now, no heaven Oh, it ain’t nobody tell.” can’t when I die, goin’ I’m Oh, where in its own way, on its own timeline. timeline. own on its way, own its in Sonof Resurrection The House Revival: idea first surfacedThe is no exception. associate education in 2009. Geva’s a music aficionado and Eric Evans, brought employee, store record former of director Skipa suggestion to Greer, Son and artist education in residence. famed Mississippi House, blues musician the Delta of the Father as to oftenreferred decades in Rochester had spent Blues, during the Folk “re-discovered” and was While HillRevival living in Corn in 1964. he left buried in 1979 and is Rochester always Rochesterians have in Detroit, Sonown, their of one House considered and honor his legacy with monthly of concerts, scholarly examinations of House’s and other reminders his life time in Rochester. a in life House’s investigate Gevawould And fitting. entirely was theatrical way contribute deciding exactly to how yet, time in Rochester the story to of Son’s I startedWhen as work some time. took the literary in 2011, this question director earliest my of some for basis the was new colleagues. with my conversations take do began to would we Just what for applied Gevawhen 2014, in shape T The Bluesman Trial on the electrical box at the corner of the corner on the electrical at box Eric Evans. by Photo South and Gregory. Thievin’ Stephen’s painting of Son painting House Stephen’s Thievin’
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www.panevinoontheriver175.com the night of your Geva performance. Geva of your the night 175 N. WATER STREET, WATER ROCHESTER,175 N. NY 14604 • (585) 232-6090 Complimentary appetizer with purchase of 2 dinners of 2 dinners with purchase appetizer Complimentary or a free glass of house wine with each entrée purchase purchase wine with each entrée glass of house or a free on the Revival together for a third workshop of the of workshop a third for together the story of exploration an it is as play, see you before And now. be will there 2019, in May, Stage Wilson cast as we drafts of the play more even and designers with work the actors, It’s rehearsal. begin and choreographers and journey, rewarding and long a been along on the bring you to wait can’t we ride.
An audio-described performance by a live narrator is offered for each production in audio-described An is offered narrator performance a live by A pre-performance available. description are of programs and Braille Stage Wilson the curtain, prior to minutes 20 details visual and approximately begins costumes and sets during the performance. verbalized are an open-captioned and offers is also wheelchair accessible Stage Fielding The a for www.gevatheatre.org/visit/accessibility/ Visit performance each production. for and open-captioned performances, interpreted sign full schedule of audio described, services. as all their accessibility as well about his vision for it onstage, about it onstage, for his vision about his with relationship his and life Son’s the ways and also about spirituality, own Rights the Civil mirrors life in which Son’s talked about the We’ve movement. Africa, the drums of to relationship blues’ and era, slavery Crow Jim the and to blues as the audience, a new white to became part movement. of the folk actors brought we of July, the end At
The building is wheelchair accessible and the lobby contains a wheelchair accessible, accessible, a wheelchair contains and the lobby accessible building is wheelchair The Stage Wilson the seasons ago, two its renovation Following restroom. gender-neutral to in addition side of the balcony, in the house seating right wheelchair offers now a giving patrons in the main floor of the theatre, existed which already those seats options. of seating range greater Listening Assistive request. Geva’s upon devices listening assistive offers theatre The Chapter, of America – Rochester Association the Hearing Loss by is sponsored System each production For Stuart I. MacDonaldJ. and the Hearing Clarity & Phyllis Fund. open-captioned three performances are there and one sign Stage, Wilson in the performance. Open-captioning with support the Hearing is provided interpreted from Chapter. of America – Rochester Association Loss both of law, State York the Americans with Disabilities Act and New Geva abides by in out building a performance public spaces attend or enter to which permit a patron do not fall Animals (Companion with a ServiceTraining. or Service Animal in Animal are within the definition of service animals or service and therefore, animal in training not permitted.)
Geva for All for Geva
))) D offers a wealth of accessibility services ensuring that everyone has the ability to enjoy live theatre. it Indeed, serviceswealth of accessibility theatre. a ensuring everyone live that has the ability offers to enjoy Center Theatre Geva performance in Rochester. is one of the most accessible venues Photo by John Schlia. by 2015. Photo of Revival, Cleavant Derricks as SonCleavant House in the reading www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 04
07 www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 (585) | www.GevaTheatre.org went went Anne Frank from members Cast community educational the out into discuss the impactto performing that had on their lives. Anne Frank House in Amsterdam Frank Anne The that display a lobby create helped us to included a cross-section of the annex just for family lived Frank’s Anne where of a a chronology and years, two over Frank. of Anne “typical in the life” day working with the Jewish finally, And scheduled we of Rochester, Federation all talkbacks eleven followed that matinees and Student matinees Sunday to, speak to time audience the allow to of stories the life and be impacted by, remarkablethree survivors Rochester of Malek, Lea Hess, – Steven Holocaust the and Werner Schenk. Following the performance,the audience Following a take to encouraged were members words with the printed button black coat to today?” do I make a difference “How action, take a positive them to inspire along so othersthen pass the button on then shared They do the same. might gone had the button social media where the full feel our community could so that of its reach. breadth We made the extraordinary made the decision We an into our Lipson Lounge convert to hall filled with artifactsexhibit from the Holocaust and a timeline that portrayed side-by-side of events the family’s II with the Frank War World time in hiding. as a Geva Discovery Anne Frank Discovery workshops, Discovery workshops, Anne Frank . The student cast worked cast worked student The . Anne Frank More than 3500 students from schools from 3500 students than More region the Rochester throughout sold-out seven the student attended performances. matinee our used Teachers place Frank’s Anne explore to Guides Artist Educators and Geva’s in history, led the discuss to classroom each visiting the of our production before content performance. the attended students selected Anne Frank We a local invited and DoorStage Project Mendon high school (Pittsford area High School Kelli Loucks with director version their own Hawryschuk create ) to of side-by-side the with us throughout of and all elements process, rehearsal marketing, the Geva production (design, with and were worked etc) dramaturgy, Mendon their Pittsford by mirrored Pittsford The High School counterparts. Mendon performed production was on . stage during the run of Anne Frank Geva’s seen again.” Holocaust SurvivorHolocaust Werner Schenk - Werner “Universally, the “Universally, we tend to forget forget to tend we a performance of only to the Franks the Franks only to stations when told stations when told stated stated Frank Anne to the millions who the millions who to what happened not to do so, never to be to never do so, to reported the train to peoplewho attended and the Van Daans in and the Van hiding with them, but hiding with them, thatis a shame it that our friends at the Jewish Federation our friends the Jewish Federation at to helped They Rochester. Greater of in shaping the and assisted guide us, the surrounded that programs many so there’s see, you’ll performance.As on the stage…. than what’s much more
provides us with a perfect provides example Frank programming. of that of the breadth , Anne Frank produce to decided we When to Abrams, Bonnie reached out first we Holocaust for of the Center the Director and (CHAI) and Information Awareness By Skip Greer, Director of Education/Artist Director in Residence By Skip Greer,
On the Stage...
There’s So Much So There’s
What’s What’s Than More
t Geva, choosing a play for our for t Geva, choosing a play and season includes considering
creating all of the programming that that all of the programming creating help spur the to play that will surround Last impact in our community. greatest co-production with Arizona season’s Diary of The of Anne Company Theatre A
Anna Lentz and Steve Hendrickson in The Diary of Anne Frank. Photo by Goat Factory Media Entertainment. www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 06
09 www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 (585) | www.GevaTheatre.org . Photo by by . Photo It gave me the strength to tell the the tell to me the strength It gave short a audience of my version handle and Germany in experience student The questions. the excellent familiar quite obviously were audiences asked I was with the story Frank. of Anne I survived the caused why and what What found. be to attic the in people done differently? should they have people about many talked to I have ended. the play production since Geva’s the people who attended Universally, a performance it is a shame that stated happened what forget to tend we that Van and the the Franks not only to the millions who reported but to Daans, do so, to when told stations the train to be seen again.” to never Schenk Werner John G. Preston, Anne Arvia, Gus Cuddy, Steve Hendrickson, and Dick St. George Hendrickson, and Dick St. Steve Arvia, Anne Gus Cuddy, John G. Preston, Goat Factory Media Entertainment.Goat Factory Only my parents and I survivedand the parents my Only members family 40 than More Holocaust. in the extermination murdered were the United to coming After camps. and a marrying, children having States, career of those yearsI had put the horrors talked about I never mind. far back in my My wife. my to except experiences, my notdid friends co-workers and children, painful It too literally was story. hear my an I watched those events. recall me to for the play When earlyperformance Geva. at monologue I was ended with Otto Frank’s last my from not move – I could in tears about 15 minutes. for seat row times three play the entire I watched every one of and the ending before talkbacks. My the my reaction was same every first that time – just like a side were performance. Bad dreams about I had not thought effect. Relatives came back – amazing. years for
The The Revival: Revival: being produced in 2018-19, you in 2018-19, you being produced opportunities on more count can the with level deep a in engage to on our stage. stories So, as you can see, ”there’s so ”there’s can see, as you So, Geva than what’s at much more is use what We on the stage”. for on our stage as a catalyst community. the into out reaching Jr’s Steven like George plays With Ramirez’s Marco , Thurgood , and Keith Glover’s Royale Resurrection of SonThe House Anne Anne Frank: A Young Girl We Forget. Must Never survivora the of horrors the of “As aware been had I Germany, in Holocaust via her diaryof the story Frank of Anne Center Theatre Geva When survived.that in 2018 and stage the play decided to survivorsRochester involve decided to participate. to talkbacks,via agreed I talkbacks Anne Frank Steven Hess Steven the concentration camps from there on there camps from the concentration trains. death Tuesday one of the regular ended up in the and her sister Anne of Bergen-Belsen, but camp” “star same just walking like all of corpses they were passed like ships in undoubtedly We us. occasions. on many the night rehearsal, first the for up showed I When with I experience Geva. first my it was been in the building: my even had never loss. participating was in “job” My major as bus loads of talk backs” “student matinee high schoolers attended hours few a performances.wanted had I do with 15 minutes. but had to least, at But the kids has its compromises. Life and attentive.“ silent rapt, were Lea Malek won’t just stand by; just stand they will protect won’t this our country from world and the them I wanted happening again! ever my and understand appreciate know, to all the Despite personal experiences. this now, our world things happening in They country the best in the world. is still keep it this way to a responsibility have startThey by come. to generations for been we’ve As past. the forgetting not the “those remember who cannot told If we it.” repeat to condemned past are history again itself repeat will forget, it God forbid sometime and somewhere. door.“ our front happens at Anne Frank and her family fled Nazi Frank Anne did. parents my as Holland, to Germany German. My were sister her and Anne family Frank The Dutch. are I and sister betrayed. were eventually and hid Both in our home. arrested were We transit Dutch the to sent were families and deported Westerbork, to camp of and her sister Margot held on to life for a for life held on to Margot and her sister after or two month the brutality of their I Finally, imprisonment in Auschwitz. of obsessed chronicler am a somewhat survived it, lived having the Holocaust, it for taught and years studied it for it, decades. in history, it seems that it’s destined it’s seems that it in history, the history in a footnote be just to girl little a just was I Although books. the to sent and I were family when my it has changed me camp concentration thinkingand impacted my and behavior it is importantSo, life. every of my day people the history young tell me to for forgotten it’s cautionary a as before tale living survivorsand while the last still a voice. have phenomenal! It was response made The listened and hopeful as they me happy hopefully questions; asked and me to carryand up grow will teens these to gone in order are after we the torch from the world and safeguard teach they Hopefully, another catastrophe. had on each of the survivorson each had us. who joined . Without even even Without . The DiaryThe of Anne Frank We thought it might be interesting for you to hear, in their own words, the impact the words, their own in hear, to you for be interesting it might thought We “I was both intrigued and flattered when both intrigued and flattered “I was I got an email asking participate if I might be an educational to was in what in the production students for element of uniquely I was of modesty, a pretense to do that. My and qualified twin sister twinsJewish of last the arguably are I who survived the Nazi concentration deported, In of Jews 5% Holland, camps. survived over we for survived. Moreover, Anne in Bergen-Belsen, where a year “Whenpart be asked to was I of the hesitant, production I was Anne Frank Itbut thrilled. very personal and so was important, very and a timely subject now and we time goes by As than ever. more farther are those fartherand from away times indescribableand unforgettable
www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 08 Geva Salutes Our 2018-2019 SEASON SPONSORS Thank you for taking on leading roles in the Rochester community and for your strong commitment to the arts. We Proudly Support We simply couldn’t do what we do at Geva without your extraordinary support. Geva Theatre
Center
Clifton Springs Hospital & Clinic Newark-Wayne Community Hospital Rochester General Hospital The Gouvernet Arts Fund United Memorial Medical Center at The Community Foundation Unity Hospital
RochesterRegional.org
www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 (585) | www.GevaTheatre.org 12 L C these changes?Let’s meetthem! to work on.” whichmadeit so fun with lotsofdetailwork, Blond asanotherfavorite. was colorful “It ofLegally production Merry-Go-Round’s withinterestingworking andcites fabrics was specific and challenging. Casey enjoys can work pieces onperiod andthisshow season. It’s rare whenthecostume shop really enjoyed onThe Agitators working last Playhouse, Round Go amongothers. He the associate costume designer for Merry additionto hehasbeen Geva, . In Quartet At Wit’sBombeck: End for lastseason’s of productions himself, Casey designed costumes designer will make and what will be purchased. A look at designs anddecidewhat theshop designer andtheshop. Together theywill Casey istheliaisonbetween thecostume AsoftheCostumeof Kansas. Manager Shop, a M.F.A. inScenography from the University and Technologies from Avila University and Geva. He received a B.F.A. in Theatrical Design Casey isbeginning hissecond seasonat CASEY McNAMARA Meet The of sixactors, butthere were 34wigsand88costume changes. Who are thepeoplecreating theselooks andchoreographing all ast season, Costume ShopManager STUME SH STUME had a cast of 19 actors and atotal of67differentIn theHeightshadacastof19actors looks. and Million Dollar Dollar Million Erma lights andonthat set, Iwas soproud.” stage, seeinghow beautiful itwas underthe evening gown myself. When Isaw that upon to finish.piece from start “Imade Amanda’s on that occasion was ableto work ona also enjoyed on working and thecostumes were justbeautiful.” She to work pieces ontrue period opportunity has beenThe Agitators. “We rarely getthe purchased. Her favorite show to work on costumes willbebuiltandwhich works closelywithCasey to figure outwhich troubleshooting andproblem solving. She built andaltered –whichinvolves lotsof fittings anddetermines how costumes are costumebuilt intheGeva shop, runs She creates thepatterns for everything Wonderettes:The Marvelous Caps &Gowns. she designed lastseason’s of production Geva, At Connecticut Repertory Theatre. CenterStage, theEveryman Theatre, and Shakespeare,technician at Arkansas Baltimore Janice worked asafreelance draper and her undergraduateearning and grad degrees seasonas draper.finished her fourth After Originally from Baltimore, Janice hasjust JANICE FERGER Draper P Private Lives and and WARDR The Other Josh Cohen Josh hadamuchsmallercast The Other fabrics. to work on1930sgarmentswithsumptuous Private opportunity Lives, itwas awonderful ofapiece.the additionorsubtraction With silhouette could beeasilychangedwithjust in suchaway that theoverall lookand The Agitators, costumes hadto bemade their own uniqueproblems to solve. With were somuchfunto me.” alsohad Both clothesandbothofthoseproductions style israre to“It beableto work ontrulyperiod on have been favorite inrecent productions years to work by Janice. Shealsoassistsinfittings. Her pieces usingthepatterns createdactual the garmentsoutfor bothmockupsand costumes are completed ontime. Shecuts keeping track thatof timing and ensuring to thedraper, andregulates work flow, asassistant a decadeat Sheacts Geva. hasjustcompletedCollege alum,Katie A native of Horseheads, N.Y. and a Nazareth KATIE McCARTHY Department The Agitators andPrivate Lives. First Hand BE A Week in the Life of Wardrobe andWigs A Weekof intheLife to work on.” unusual fabric. was souniqueandfun “That animal heads and made of the most sported – an intricate bra with clawsparticular that FaganGarth Dance. There was one piece in Famous with co-production , aGeva Orpheus favorite to production work onwas 1998’s night. night after Her these willperform a lotofwear andtear andCarol ensures that the shop’s overlock machine. Costumes get and likes to Industrial work ontheBernina each ofwhichhasitsown personality. She – machinery and on somereally powerful gets to work withsomeincredible fabrics at bothhandandmachinesewing, Carol Katie, theyare assembledby Carol. Agenius by Janice, andgarmentpieces are cutby this isaprofession. After patterns are created sewing lessons, butistheonlyonefor whom only siblinginherfamilywhowas notgiven wanted to be a veterinarian and was the 1997. Anative ofGreece, N.Y., sheoriginally She hasbeenafulltimestitcher here since seamstress intheCostume Shopin1992. at work Carol Geva, asanoverhire started One of the longest-standing employees lbs of dry cleaning lbs ofdry Sends out Sends Does Does laundry CAROL UNRUE 60
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show actors every every actors Wardrobe andWigsSupervisor little girls breakfast cocktail. sandwichorcraft spot, recommendations hiking for theperfect from homeopathic remedies and chocolate to can findjustaboutanything theymight need Green iswelcoming Room, andguestartists side underthestage.the Heroffice, justoffof fast enoughto keepherrunningfrom sideto busy with manyvery quick changes occurring as memorable productions. Geva were Both to Normaland Next completely Shecites ontheironstagework. sotheycanfocus to theguestartists security andasenseof She alsoprovides support overseeing ofcostume change. allaspects show, every after repairs and laundry making night by maintaining their appearance, doing opening after they didwhenthedesigner left ensures that costumes inashow lookjustas staff. andGeva between guestartists She isthemainconduit show goesinto itsrun,Karin Wardrobea personal, andwhen staffis very 2014. The relationship andthe between actors Rochester in2007,andhasbeenfull-timesince freelancing at whenshereturned Geva to Seattle, Los Angeles andNYC. Shebegan in costume shopsandbackstageinLondon, Literature. Shedeveloped a30+year career College herdegree andearned inEnglish A native ofRochester, attended Bard Karin laces Braids hairfor times aweek 7 a week KARIN ECKERT corsets 10 times 10 4
A Midsummer Night’sA Midsummer Dream Applies 11 (beards, chopsand moustaches) facialappliances times aweek typical weektypical ofGeva’s ofAChristmasCarol production , thecrew: Checkoutthesestats! For youSo thinkyou doalotoflaundry? a 24 wigsand 10
In theHeights onlastseason’sworking Sheespeciallyenjoyedon wigwork. Magnolias, sheconcentrates exclusively large numberofwigs, asinlastseason’s and repaired. For musicalsorplays witha and ensures that wigsare styled, cleaned them through quickchanges guides wear, cares for thecostumes that Geva’s actors Adriana meticulously Along withKarin, Theatre andEastmanOpera Company. designed wigsandmakeupfor Blackfriars season freelancing at andshehasalso Geva, since her second2015. 2018 marks full cosmetologist since 2005,andanesthetician and psychology. Shehasbeenalicensed studied ceramics, mixed mediasculpture whereMCC she andSUNY Brockport Originally from Greece, Adriana attended these peopleitwas ajoy.” andourcrew –with between guestartists changesrequireQuick alotofcooperation busy. andtheykeptusvery productions were anumberofquickchangesinthese casts are somuchfunto work with. There of costumes to and Carries Carries 35 from more than Wardrobe andWigsCrew backstage times aweek quickchanges ADRIANA LIPOMI 14 baskets 10 and
A ChristmasCarol 40 In Addition- there are hours spent working hours spent working dress ironing above on the actual two- on theactual and beyond the hours of shirt and hoursofshirt One HouseOver,One act musical act . “These . “These Steel
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SATURDAY Fielding Stage Performance Stage Fielding Performance Stage Wilson ACC 2pm ACC 7:30pm ACC 2pm ACC 7:30pm ACC CELL 2pm CELL 8pm CELL 4pm CELL 8:30pm 2:30pm MAG CELL 4pm 7:30pm MAG CELL 8:30pm 2:30pm MAG CELL 4pm 7:30pm MAG CELL 8:30pm 2:30pm MAG 7:30pm MAG HUM 2pm HUM 8pm HUM 4pm HUM 8:30pm HUM 4pm HUM 8:30pm ACC 2pm ACC 7:30pm ACC 2pm ACC 7:30pm ACC 9 16 22 29 5 12 19 26 2 23 2 9 8 15 F W Discussion Donor Exclusive FRIDAY ACC 7:30pm ACC 7:30pm ACC CELL 8pm CELL 8pm 7pm MAG CELL 8pm 7pm MAG CELL 8pm 7pm MAG HUM 8pm HUM 8pm HUM 8pm ACC 7:30pm ACC 7:30pm ACC 15 21 28 4 11 18 25 FEB 1 8 22 MAR 1 8 7 14
Dates, times, shows and artists shows times, subject change. to Dates, information. date the most up to for www.GevaTheatre.org Visit
Reservation Required Event Free FREE THURSDAY MAG 7pm MAG HUM 7:30pm HUM 7:30pm HUM 7:30pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC 7pm ACC 7pm ACC Holidays for Home ACC 7pm ACC CELL 7:30pm CELL 7:30pm 7pm MAG CELL 7:30 7pm MAG CELL 7:30pm 7 14 21 28 7 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 31 Opening Night WEDNESDAY MAG 7pm MAG HUM 7:30pm HUM 7:30pm HUM 7:30pm ACC 7pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC 7pm ACC CELL 7:30pm CELL 7:30pm CELL 7:30pm CELL 2pm 7pm MAG CELL 7:30pm 6 13 20 27 6 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 Sign Interpreted TUESDAY MAG 7pm MAG HUM 7:30pm HUM 6pm HUM 7:30pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC Student Matinee ACC 7pm ACC CELL 7:30pm CELL 6pm CELL 7:30pm 7pm MAG CELL 7:30pm 4 29 19 5 12 26 5 11 18 25 JAN 1 8 15 22 Open Captioned MONDAY
Plays in Progress 7pm in Progress Plays ACC 12pm ACC VIP Tour
Open 4pm-7pm House 3 18 4 11 25 4 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 Magic in the Making
Audio Description Audio FONT 7pm SUNDAY
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CELL 2pm 3pm MAG 3pm MAG HUM 2pm HUM 7pm HUM 2pm HUM 7pm ACC 12pm ACC 4:30pm ACC 12pm ACC 4:30pm ACC 12pm ACC 4:30pm ACC 12pm ACC 4:30pm ACC CELL 2pm CELL 7pm CELL 2pm CELL 7pm CELL 2pm 3pm MAG CELL 7pm 24 10 17 3 DEC 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 3 DEC - MAR - DEC
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SATURDAY
THR 4pm THR 8:30pm THR 4pm THR 8:30pm 7pm ACC HAIR 2pm HAIR 8pm HAIR 4pm HAIR 8:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 4pm HAIR 8:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 4pm HAIR 8:30pm FOR 2:30pm HAIR 4pm FOR 7:30pm HAIR 8:30pm FOR 2:30pm FOR 7:30pm THR 2pm FOR 2:30pm FOR 7:30pm THR 8pm THR 4pm THR 8:30pm THR 4pm THR 8:30pm 10 17 24 DEC 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 FONT 7pm FONT 7pm FRIDAY
FOR 7pm THR 8pm THR 8pm THR 8pm THR 8pm THR Student Matinee THR 8pm 7:30pm ACC HAIR 8pm HAIR 8pm Performances Fringe HAIR 8pm Performances Fringe HAIR 8pm FOR 7pm HAIR 8pm FOR 7pm 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 5 12 Revival:The Resurrection of Son House The Royale Native Gardens
| NAT ROY | SON | THURSDAY FOR 7pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR Student Matinee 7:30pm ACC HAIR 7:30pm HAIR 7:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 7:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 7:30pm FOR 7pm HAIR 7:30pm FOR 7pm 29 18 25 NOV 1 8 15 22 6 13 20 27 4 11 WEDNESDAY FOR 7pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR 2pm THR 7:30pm THR Student Matinee HAIR 7:30pm HAIR 7:30pm HAIR 7:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 7:30pm HAIR 2pm HAIR 7:30pm FOR 7pm 28 17 24 31 7 14 21 5 12 19 26 3 10 The Humans The Magician’s Daughter Hard Cell Erma Bombeck: AtWit’s End | WIT | HUM | CELL | MAG FONT 7pm
TUESDAY
THR 6pm THR 7:30pm THR 7:30pm THR Student Matinee HAIR 7:30pm FOR 7pm FOR 7pm THR 7:30pm HAIR 7:30pm HAIR 6pm HAIR 7:30pm Performances Fringe HAIR 7:30pm 6 13 16 27 20 30 18 25 2 9 23 11 4 FONT 7pm
MONDAY
Hair
Thurgood Fortune A Christmas Carol
| 5 12 Hornets’ Nest 7pm Nest Hornets’ 26 19 29 15 22 8 17 24 One Sale Day A for Carol Christmas OCT 1 10 3 | HAIR FOR | THR | ACC FONT 7pm FONT 3pm SUNDAY
Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday
THR 2pm THR 2pm THR 2pm THR 7pm THR 7pm FOR 3pm THR 7pm THR 2pm THR 2pm FOR 3pm HAIR 2pm FOR 3pm HAIR 2pm HAIR 7pm HAIR 2pm HAIR 7pm HAIR 7pm Performances Fringe HAIR 7pm HAIR 2pm HAIR 2pm 25 18 11 4 28 21 16 23 14 7 30
9
SEP 2
SEP - DEC - SEP CALENDAR EVENTS www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 14 2018/2019 season. continued success in the continued success share a common goal of making a common share to live, work and be entertained. work live, to The Democrat & Chronicle The Democrat Rochester a greater place in which in which place a greater Rochester We appreciate our partnership and appreciate We would like to wish Geva Theatre wish Geva to like would
SATURDAY
Young Writers 3pm Writers Young SON 4pm SON 8:30pm SON 4pm SON 8:30pm SON 4pm SON 8:30pm SON 4pm SON 8:30pm WIT 2:30pm HUM 4pm WIT 7:30pm HUM 8:30pm WIT 2:30pm WIT 7:30pm 2pm NAT WIT 2:30pm WIT 7:30pm 8pm NAT 4pm NAT 8:30pm NAT 4pm NAT ROY 2:30pm ROY 7:30pm 8:30pm NAT ROY 2:30pm 4pm NAT ROY 7:30pm 8:30pm NAT ROY 2:30pm ROY 7:30pm SON 2pm SON 8pm
23 11 18 25 JUN 1 8 16 30 6 13 20 27 4 FRIDAY ROY 7pm ROY 7pm 8pm NAT SON 8pm SON 8pm SON 8pm SON 8pm WIT 7pm HUM 8pm WIT 7pm WIT 7pm 8pm NAT 8pm NAT ROY 7pm 8pm NAT 26 22 7 19 3 10 17 24 31 Summer Curtain Call 15 29 5 12
THURSDAY SON 7:30pm ROY 7pm 7:30pm NAT ROY 7pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm WIT 7pm HUM 7:30pm WIT 7pm WIT 7pm 7:30pm NAT 7:30pm NAT ROY 7pm 7:30pm NAT 25 21 6 18 2 9 16 23 30 14 28 4 11 WEDNESDAY SON 2pm SON 7:30pm NAT 2pm NAT ROY 7pm 7:30pm NAT ROY 7pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm HUM 2pm WIT 7pm HUM 7:30pm WIT 7pm WIT 7pm 7:30pm NAT 7:30pm NAT 7:30pm NAT 20 5 17 24 1 MAY 8 15 22 29 13 27 3 10 TUESDAY ROY 7pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 7:30pm SON 6pm NAT 6pm NAT 7:30pm NAT ROY 7pm 7:30pm NAT WIT 7pm HUM 7:30pm WIT 7pm WIT 7pm 7:30pm NAT 21 26 14 23 30 7 19 4 28 2 9 16 12 MONDAY
19/20 Season
Regional Writers 7pm Writers Regional 7pm Writers Regional Director’s Forum Dinner Forum Director’s
Hornets’ Nest 7pm Nest Hornets’ Hornets’ Nest 7pm Nest Hornets’ 22 29 18 25 3 27 13 20 6 8 15 APR 1 11 Announcement 5pm Announcement SUNDAY
Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday Sunday Salon Sunday
SON 7pm SON 7pm SON 2pm SON 2pm SON 2pm SON 7pm SON 2pm SON 7pm SON 7pm ROY 3pm SON 2pm ROY 3pm NAT 7pm NAT 2pm NAT NAT 2pm NAT ROY 3pm NAT 2pm NAT 7pm NAT WIT 3pm 7pm NAT WIT 7:30pm NAT 2pm NAT WIT 3pm WIT 7:30pm HUM 2pm WIT 3pm WIT 7:30pm HUM 7pm HUM 2pm 2
26 19
12 5 21 14
7 31 24 28 17
MAR 10
MAR - JUN MAR CALENDAR EVENTS www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 16 Prologue Sunday Salon Play Club One hour before every Wilson Series 2nd and 4th Sundays of each Wilson Meetings open to members only performance (plus A Christmas Carol) Series production (not including A Christmas Carol), immediately Club members get together throughout Open to all ticket-holders for the following the 2pm performance July and August to explore four of the performance, at no additional charge season’s upcoming plays, examining Open to all ticket-holders for the the historical, political, philosophical In these lively and informative half- performance, at no additional charge and cultural influences around them. hour talks, a member of the cast or Guest speakers facilitate discussions. Theatre Talk Geva’s artistic staff shares background Want to talk about the play you just Additionally, a Production Panel meeting on the play’s origins and context, saw? Curious about how the artists held during the season with a panel of By Becca Poccia, Assistant Literary Director discusses the creative process that approach their work? Sunday Salon is directors, designers, and other artists is shaped the production, and addresses an informal opportunity for audience a unique opportunity to talk with those questions from the audience. members to ask and answer questions involved in the physical production of a with cast members in the production. show at Geva. I like knowing [the Prologue speakers] are real people, to see them as equals My favorite part about the Sunday Reading new plays was a thrill, and not putting on the act; knowing Salon talkbacks are the interest and knowing we were reading something where they come from and what investment the audience has in who that had not yet been “born” as a drives them is cool to me. I am as a person. The audiences fully developed play. Seeing these Madeleine Lambert, Cedric Mays, and Lara -Jeremy Brown, Subscriber at Geva encourage actors to take plays later was so great: trying to Rhyner answer students’ questions about creative risks and tell stories figure out what changed. And for The Agitators during a post-show discussion. fearlessly. the more established plays it was Photo by immaginé Photography. The Hornets’ Nest -Anna Crivelli, equally interesting. Did the actors Steel Magnolias cast match what I had in my head when Monday, October 15, 2018 at 7pm I read the play? esponses from audiences are a Many of these conversations take place “The response was phenomenal! There Monday, March 25, 2019 at 7pm -Ginny Tucker, Subscriber/ crucial part of live theatre. A roomful regularly throughout the season at was a full house at each performance! Monday, May 20, 2019 at 7pm R Play Club Member of laughter, silent attention, or applause Prologue talks, Sunday Salons, Hornets’ It made me happy and hopeful as they – or, on the other hand, yawns and Nest readings, Tech Talks, and Play Club listened to me and asked questions; Free and open to the public; reservations Tech Talk fidgeting – influences a performance and meetings. Post-show conversations can hopefully these teens will grow up and recommended By invitation the artists’ understanding of the story also be scheduled based on requests carry the torch after we are gone in order they’re telling. This exchange is what from classes or other groups who to teach and safeguard the world from Geva’s Hornets’ Nest Series presents Tech Talk offers a behind-the-scenes puts the life in live performance, and sets attend performances together. And another catastrophe. If we forget, history readings of contemporary plays look at the making of a Geva production. investigating some of the most Guests are invited to sit in on part of a
www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 it apart from film or television. some productions just seem to require will repeat itself again sometime and additional space for people to talk about somewhere.” challenging and controversial ethical technical rehearsal, hear from a member But audiences often have responses what they’ve seen and what it meant to dilemmas of our time. Galvanizing of the design team about their work, and they can’t share during the show – at them. Want to join a conversation? Information post-play discussions are led by key discuss what they’ve observed. least, not without disrupting it! That’s about the ongoing programs that get experts and instigators from the why Geva’s programming includes not The 2017-2018 season production of people talking is to the right. In addition, Rochester community. I am always impressed with the sets just performances, but a wide variety of The Diary of Anne Frank was one of those Geva’s current season will feature and acting on stage, but never really I have appreciated the willingness of opportunities for conversation among shows. In order to make room to discuss special post-show conversations after knew how much goes into the “finished the Hornet’s Nest to lean into difficult patrons, staff, and guest artists. Some of the history behind that story, which select performances of Hair, Revival: The product.” It is a privilege, and eye- conversations - knowing full well these discussions focus on the process of looms so large and is so personal to many Resurrection of Son House, and perhaps opening, to hear a set designer or a that they won’t be resolved when the bringing a play to the stage, others dive members of the Rochester community, other productions as well. To get the director talk about what goes into conversation ends. This exemplifies the into the play’s background and context, Geva worked with the Jewish Federation most up-to-date information about these actually building a set or directing an impact that a local theatre can have and still others use a play as a starting of Rochester to bring Holocaust survivors events, e-mail [email protected] actor in the smallest detail. To see a in taking us deeper into the places of point for tackling the big questions in for post-show conversations after to sign up for Geva’s e-mail newsletter. scene broken down into the smallest tension and dissonance that are part of facing our community and our world. select public performances and every parts, then a few weeks later to see the Scenic Designer Jack Magaw our everyday lives but may not often be | (585) 232-4382 www.GevaTheatre.org student matinee. Here is how Lea Malek, production on stage, is nothing short discusses his work on Other Than part of our everyday conversations.
18 Honorable during a Tech Talk. one of those guest speakers, described of incredible. Photo by immaginé Photography. -Michael Boucher, Hornets’ 19 those talks: -Nina Walker, Subscriber/ Nest Instigator Donor
www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 (585) | www.GevaTheatre.org our place in of a reflection we produce are – that theplays world.” This concept each other and at our the way we lookat ourselves, isonourstageswhowe are“What and theatre movement, wrote in1969, inspirational mothers oftheresident The late Zelda Fichandler, oneofthe more. us? At Geva, we commit to all of this and the way theworld ischanging around we all are better equipped to understand a conversation withthiscommunity, so to live? Isitthat ourwork aimsto create bettermake ourneighborhoods places raise ourfamilieshere, andstrive to live inthearea, time staffandartists full- Rochester audiences? Orthat our inexceptionaltheatre Rochester, for theatre? Is it simplythat produces Geva professional resident Rochester’s is W that Geva Theatre Center hat doesitmeanto say Reflecting OurPlaceinthe Reflecting World Rochester Stories: By Jenni By Werner, Director/Resident Dramaturg Literary commissioned playwright Dan O’Brien commissioned DanO’Brien playwright in Rochester. More recently, in2006,Geva Mount Allegro, aboutgrowing upSicilian adaptation of Jerre Mangione’s novel Eberle Thomas andBarbara Redmond’s commissionedGeva andproduced wasproject even considered. 1992, In this concept longbefore aformal We dippedourinstitutionaltoes into and have aplace onanational stage. stories that are inspired by Rochester telling the stories of – our community causes, innovations andpassionsby ofchampioningprogressive history rich to celebrate ourregion’sopportunity Rochester Stories isGeva’sAt itsheart, we call “Rochester Stories.” over the last several years. It’s a project that hasbeengatheringsteam at Geva ofaninitiativethe world –isat theheart In 2014 I teamedDaniels, upwithSean In optioned. to write The House inHydesville adaptation rightshave since been inspired by theFox sisters and Geva’s then-director ofartistic the country, andthescreen and premiered at in Geva movement.the Spiritualist The Geva’s Programs Literary play was developed through early-2009. It has gone on early-2009. It to around otherproductions engagement, to co-produce an evening oflocal storytelling during our during storytelling Festival , Geva started to thinkmore consciously started Geva how othersseeustoo. staff at The artistic plays arole inhow we seeourselves, and onstage,we andhow seeourhistory that respond to thestories ofour region, how night was about how we as a community wasbecausethe glorious all).It idea, after wasof an onlythegerm (It spectacular staging, or even wasbecause the writing because ofstunningdesign orintricate eveningglorious inthetheatre –not legends that we tell ourselves. was a It York, thepeoplewe’d heard about, the our own experiences in Western New from inthetheatre everyone about then theevening openedupfor stories things about Rochester.surprising And –theirfavoritecommunity ormost submitted to usby membersofthe event beganwithareading ofstories of New Theatre. Called about plays that have already beenwritten that takeplace nearby –like Buffalo-based playwright Tomplaywright Project, the ROC Dudzick’s are in process. This past spring, we held the the are held in we process. This past spring, Three more Rochester Stories commissions play. Agitators becameGeva’s best-selling new premiered the play inthefallof2017, the seats were allreserved). When we of New Theatre (readings are free, but out” readings the2016Festival during was aworkshop oftheplay andtwo “sold inthe fallof2016. ofthescript draft There researching andwriting, andsubmitted a and at hishomeinNew York City, spent agreat dealoftimeinRochester B. andFrederick Anthony . Mat Douglass to write The Agitators: ofSusan The Story 2015,weIn commissioned Smart Mat present.” And Rochester Stories was born. famous or obscure, can shed light on our events from ourpast, nomatter how treatment. Investigating and characters Western New York theatrical that deserves ofRochester and it istheimportance premieres onmany different subjects, While we stillwant to produce world anideainto anonstagereality.nurturing we findourselves capableof confidently under theleadershipofJenni Werner, grown more expansive and sophisticated new play development process has our region. According to Mark, “As our commission andproduce plays about proposed aformalto effort consistently Cuddy Director Mark 2019. And Artistic a world premiere at production Geva in of that play’s whichisslated journey), for onpage2for anexplorationthe article Revival: House The ResurrectionofSon commissioned KeithGlover to write Around thesametime, Geva produced). Street Division ,bothofwhichwe’veSouth plays ( Over theTavernOver and The setfor the reading ofRevival: The Resurrection of Son House. The ResurrectionofSon Photo by John Schlia. Miracle on (see The next draft. In mid-June, In draft. next we welcomed the andwethe script, lookforward to our of thecentury. Prince continues to revise Rochester, thought to date to theturn the first babyAsian in American born and photographa newspaper of article second inspiration for Prince’s play was in landmarks and describe Toronto. The phenomenon calledaFata Morgana, see could,Cemetery dueto anatmospheric toweran observation at Hope Mount first occurred in1871,whenvisitors to two historical events inRochester. The play first public reading of Gomolvilas’Prince Alabama-based playwright Elyzabeth Alabama-based playwright theatre, Ensemble Studio Theatre: commissioned a New York City-based Also intheworks isaplay we have co- ofbluesiconHouse.life Son andlegacy festival,the Son whichcelebrated the Geva’s during that started the blues – about music – particularly forward theconversationsa way to carry . Son This was commissioned in 2015, as work ontheircommission, and musical theatre group,poetry to Universes ensemble, amulti-disciplinary Panorama, whichwas inspired by Shadow ofthe Journey toJourney Media Entertainment. Media in The Agitators. Photo by Factory Goat andCedric Mays Lambert Madeleine
23 www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 Joseph is a Pittsburgh native who recently lived in Miami SECRET before moving to Rochester. He studied theatre in college and is TALENTS Taylor attended SUNY Geneseo for an accomplished singer. He writes Our Box Office Staff meet and greet the public English, Theatre, and Music and is for a TV Awards website, he once every day – both over the phone and in person. interested in writing, playing the saw 193 movies in theatres in They are some of Geva’s most public faces, so piano, and having a penchant for Joseph Moser Box Office Associate one calendar year and he’s totally we asked them about their hidden talents! playing and designing games of all obsessed with Harry Potter. kinds: board games, word games, improv games, interactive fiction, Gabriel Jason Dean speaking at Festival Allison Gregory - beginning a John was born and raised in New Taylor Walders Katherine received her B.A. in of New Theatre. Photo by Goat Factory commission about Louise Brooks and Subscription and more. He loves animals of all Prince Gomolvilas - Panorama playwright. Hampshire. He attended Alfred Coordinator Literature with a concentration in Media Entertainment. James Card. Photo by Anniewerks. kinds, and his life revolves around University where he majored in Gender and Sexuality Studies at Bard his little dog, Welker, a Chihuahua/Miniature Doberman Pinscher theatre with a minor in literary College. She spent a year volunteering mix, the cutest animal to ever grace the planet Earth. Wilder is writing The Color Girl, inspired We were thrilled to have Gabriel Jason Kansas-based playwright Catherine analysis. What he wants you to with AmeriCorps National Civilian by the color processing system Kodak Dean (Heartland) in residence this Trieschmann (One House Over) is know: He acted in High School Community Corps and lived in used for decades to calibrate skin summer to begin research on a project beginning to explore nineteenth John Hamolsky and College, but hasn’t performed Lily has been at Geva since A Katherine Kuhn Southern Mississippi for 8 years. She tones in photos. This commission was inspired by the life of George Eastman. century dress reformer Amelia Bloomer, Ticket Services in a while (and he’s really good at Christmas Carol in 2017, and has Box Office Associate enjoys writing, running and traveling, Manager underwritten by Geva donor Deanna who dared to wear pants in 1850. geography!) been full time since April, 2018. has a cat named ‘Mouse’ and her She loves having pets with funny favorite author is Virginia Woolf. Baker and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Texas-based playwright Allison Gregory Devone has a BA in Women and names: with a cat named Bunny and the first draft of the play will be read will begin investigating the relationship And this is just the beginning. Of course, Gender studies and Spanish. She and two guinea pigs named Shake Todd has been working at Geva during Geva’s Festival of New Theatre, on between reclusive silent film actress we eagerly await countless proposals loves to paint, draw and is a keen Lily Brunner and Stir. She absolutely LOVES for 6 months. He graduated from November 9 at 7pm. Louise Brooks and James Card, the about Wegmans and the invention of photographer. She is a vegetarian Box Office Associate reading! During any downtime, you East Ridge High School and his founding film curator at the George the garbage plate! If you know of other who is passionate about promoting can find her reading a book, and heading back to Full Sail University And there’s another level of commissions Eastman Museum. dramatic “Rochester” Stories, or if you’d like environmental health, especially she almost always goes to the Central Library during her break; for his Bachelor’s degree in Digital Devone Scala through the creation and use of eventually, she would like to go to grad school to get her Master’s – those that we are actively trying to fund. to talk about underwriting a commission, Cinematography. He is a musician Shift Supervisor products that reduce waste. She in Library Science. Her secret talent is playing the piano, viola, and Todd Elliott and a graphic designer. (Hint, hint: if you’re looking for a unique way I’d love to hear from you! Email me at adores her two dogs! the ukulele! Box Office Associate to make a donation to Geva, this is it!) [email protected].
Complimentary appetizer with purchase of 2 dinners the night of your Geva performance. Entercom Rochester is Proud to Village Gate, 274 Goodman, Rochester (585) 473-2090 Support Geva Theatre Center thegatehousecafe.com Geva employs nearly 200 visiting artists each season. They are MEET the ARTISTS actors, designers, and directors and come from all over the USA. Geva Staff in the Community Meet three of the artists whose work you will enjoy this season! Geva’s staff are committed to making a difference in our community. In addition to their work at the theatre, many of our staff regularly volunteer and support other local organizations and non-profits. O’Neill Playwriting Conference); Bending was a 2005 Director’s Guild of America Reeds (Semi-Finalist Bay Area Playwrights Trainee, a member of SDC, the Lincoln Janice Ferger Lara Rhyner Draper Associate Director of Education Festival, Blank Theater’s Living Room Center Directors’ Lab, the Women’s Lollypop Farm Lollypop Farm, Blessed Sacrament Series Reading). His plays have been Project Directors Lab and a New George’s Supper Program, TheatreROCS, produced at or developed by Vital affiliated artist. She spent two seasons Dawn Kellogg blood donor Theatre, Melrose Theatre, The 78th Street as artistic associate in charge of new play Communications Manager Theatre, The Boston Theatre Marathon, development for Hartford Stage and three Washington Square Park Community Madeleine Lambert, Alana Sansone Brent Askari, Playwright Santa Fe Playhouse Different Festival seasons as artistic associate for Great Lakes Actor Association, Visitor Industry Council (the Director of Finance and the John Houseman Theater. Brent Theater Festival. Membership arm of Visit Rochester) Bivona Child Advocacy Center, BRENT ASKARI is a writer, actor, and MADELEINE LAMBERT made her Geva has been a finalist for the Actor’s Theatre National Center for Missing and ensemble member of Mad Horse “I think Geva is the perfect place to premiere Theatre Center debut last season as Nanette Falchi Exploited Children, West Webster of Louisville’s Heideman Award and the Geva Gift Shop Theatre Company. His play Hard Cell The Magician’s Daughter--a play which takes Susan B. Anthony in the world premiere Ladies Auxiliary (in support of West Reva Shiner Comedy Award. He has written The Bop Shop was developed at the 2017 PlayPenn a very personal look at a father daughter of The Agitators. Webster Fire Department) screenplays for Paramount Pictures, Marvel Conference, given a staged reading relationship,” commented Shelley. “Anyone Films, MTV, and Reveille Entertainment. As “I am thrilled to return to the Geva stage Jenny Daniels at EST L.A.’s Winterfest Series, and will can relate to the rollercoaster of sorting Stage Management Anna Beck an actor, Brent has appeared in numerous this upcoming season in the production Finance Assistant receive its world premiere as part of a challenging family dynamic but I think Meals on Wheels theatrical productions and audio dramas. of The Humans,” said Madeleine. “Playing Roc City Roller Derby / Flour City Fear Geva’s 2018-2019 Wilson Stage Season. Geva audiences will connect to Lila Rose’s He narrated the syndicated children’s Susan B. Anthony in The Agitators last & the charities they support writing which is formally inventive, fresh Mark Cuddy “I’m beyond thrilled to have Geva television program “Animal Science,” season was an extraordinary opportunity. Artistic Director and also great fun. The play tackles complex produce the world premiere of Hard Cell,” which was nominated for a national 2014 I grew both as an artist and as a woman. Rochester Fringe Festival Annette Ramos issues like alcoholism with an approach Engagement commented Brent. ”I often feel like there’s Daytime Emmy. Geva’s deep connection to the City of that isn’t like any I have experienced Arts and Cultural Council of Greater hesitancy in certain theatrical circles Rochester allowed me to engage in Peter Allen before. And the play includes some Assistant Front of House Manager Rochester, LaCumbre, Joseph Avenue to develop new comedies, particularly meaningful and challenging community exciting elements that will be a delicious Second Hand Dog Rescue Arts and Culture Alliance, Puerto Rican farcical comedies like Hard Cell. Geva, conversations which informed my work in challenge to solve with our excellent Parade Board, Latinas Unidas, Ibero however, has been incredibly encouraging the rehearsal room and ultimately on the design team as well as no shortage of Christopher Mannelli American Action League and supportive, understanding and stage. I am inspired by Geva’s commitment Executive Director real belly laughs. Combine all those championing the play that I’ve written. to community engagement and storytelling. Rochester Downtown Development Jenni Werner aspects and you have a beautiful play I’ve never had my work performed in a I look forward to collaborating again with the Corporation, Washington Square Literary Director and Resident with great heart and true theatricality—a Dramaturg theatre as large as the Wilson Stage. The artists and staff at Geva who are dedicated Park Community Association, Joseph feast for actors, audiences and certainly ImageOut Film Festival, Susan B. first time I walked inside the theatre, an to approaching stories with honesty, rigor, A. Floreano Rochester Riverside www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382 this director!” Anthony House & Museum expletive involuntarily passed my lips — and compassion.” Convention Center Shelley Butler, but only in the most positive, humbled, Director “Over the past five years Geva has become In addition to Geva, Madeleine has Tim Ryan Jenn Lyons and awestruck way imaginable. I’m fairly one of my favorite places to nurture new Stage Management SHELLEY BUTLER has worked extensively appeared at theatres across the country Geva Comedy Improv certain that my jaw hit the floor not long work. Since first meeting Jenni Werner five NextGen Rochester Victor Farmington Food Cupboard, with writers on new plays and musicals including Cleveland Play House, Syracuse afterwards. I’m honored that Rochester years ago and directing a workshop of a Girl Scouts of America accumulating over 30 Broadway, Off- Stage, Trinity Repertory Company, The audiences will be the first people to see new Christina Gorman play in the Festival Broadway and regional credits. Recent Gamm Theatre, Wellfleet Harbor Actors these characters fully realized. I’m also of New Theatre, I’ve had the opportunity (staff appreciation and productions include the world premiere of Theater, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, SASS grateful for the wonderful Geva staff to develop four different plays by a group support squad), Geva’s in-house Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2 at South and Manbites Dog Theatre Company. who have made me (and my play) feel so of top flight American playwrights. I’ve caring committee has organized staff Coast Rep, Human Error by Eric Pfeffinger Television credits include “Empire” and welcome.” found Geva audiences to be receptive and donation drives in recent years to the for the Denver Center Theatre and the “Chicago PD.” Madeleine received her M.F.A. razor sharp in responding to plays at all following organizations: Some of Brent’s other recent plays Japanese premiere of Beautiful: The Carole in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep different stages of development. When include: Digby’s Home (Semi-finalist O’Neill King Musical at Tokyo’s Imperial Theatre. and her B.A. from Duke University. She is a Irondequoit Community Cupboard, Code Blue/Bundle Up Rochester, Meals Mark Cuddy asked me for a new play Playwriting Conference, produced at Mad She has developed over two dozen new graduate of and instructor at The School on Wheels, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, Saint’s Place, Sojourner House, about which I was passionate, I knew it Verona Street Animal Shelter, St. Peters, Clean Sweep, Willow Domestic Violence
Horse Theatre); Cocktails and Travails (Winner plays and musicals at companies and at Steppenwolf and an adjunct faculty | (585) 232-4382 www.GevaTheatre.org was the right time to for The Magician’s of Neil Simon Festival’s National New Play regional theatres around the country, member in the Theater Studies Department Center, Rochester Regional Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Big Brothers &
26 Daughter and was thrilled both Mark and Contest, produced at The Theater Project); including Geva. She is the recipient of a at Duke University. Madeleine is an award- Big Sisters of Greater Rochester, Bridges for Brain Injury, Lollypop Farm, Children Jenni were as excited as I am to launch 27 American Underground (Semi-finalist Drama League Fall Directing Fellowship, winning audiobook narrator. Awaiting Parents and the Washington Square Park Community Association this brand new play.” In Photo: gifts SASS purchased for their adopted family through the Irondequiot Community Cupboard Geva’s Annual Open House Jan 28, 2019 4pm - 7pm Geva Theatre Center Non - Profit 75 Woodbury Blvd. U.S. Postage Rochester, NY 14607 PAID Rochester, NY Permit #482
2018-2019
www.GevaTheatre.org | (585) 232-4382
18/19 SEASON W Hair SEP 4 - OCT 7 W Hard Cell JAN 8 - FEB 3 W Native Gardens MAR 26 - APR 21 F F F The Royale APR 11 - APR 28 W Wilson Stage Series Fortune OCT 4 - OCT 21 The Magician’s Daughter JAN 24 - FEB 10 F Fielding Studio Series W Thurgood OCT 16 - NOV 18 W The Humans FEB 19 - MAR 17 W Revival MAY 1 - JUN 2
Front Cover: The set of Hair. Photo by Chris Mannelli. Back Cover: The cast of Million Dollar Quartet, 2018. Photo by Goat Factory Media Entertainment.