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CHICAGO PREMIERE | BY LUCY PREBBLE

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Dear Friends, , a company with one I saw people clutching the of the greatest business free new biography of Steve Jobs. “Our continual search for Welcome to TimeLine’s 50th falls in our nation’s history. In airports, coffee shops, on production! the next pioneer surely will the subway—everywhere But those who fail to learn I must say, this milestone I turned, people were from history are doomed go on. Perhaps we’ll have is a bit astonishing. In probing and mourning the to repeat it, and Enron is a many ways, it seems like life of Apple’s visionary. trajectory that I assure you wider eyes about how or if just yesterday the six of And I couldn’t help but TimeLine has no intention of us who founded TimeLine think of and their moral compass factors following! Fifty shows, but were each pitching in $50 how, at one time during we’re just gettin’ started! to get the company started. raucous, gluttonous and his prime as Enron’s chief into the company’s bottom line. But since that auspicious And—ominous superstitions seductive world of money- executive officer, he and beginning in 1997, TimeLine aside—I couldn’t be happier making (and losing). his legions of supporters Or perhaps not, just as long as has grown exponentially, to have Enron as our 50th imagined that he would be The story of Enron is one they deliver whatever it is we thanks largely to passionate production or more excited revered in the way that Jobs you surely know and might supporters like you. Your to have it be our first under is. At Enron’s height, Skilling prefer to forget, but the want from them.” patronage, curiosity the direction of the über- possessed such astonishing appeal of Prebble’s script and desire to engage talented Rachel Rockwell. vision, chutzpah, hubris and is not merely to repeat the Skilling’s obituary will be Indeed. Well put. in provocative theater She has become one of the drive that those around him sensational news story or to markedly different from has inspired us to make most prolific, heralded and believed he would change It’s a question we’re always rail at the villains involved. that of Jobs, and some TimeLine a stronger and admired artists in ’s the world—and the way that happy to discuss with The theatrical roller-coaster day people may probe more dynamic organization theater community, for business was done. you, and we’re glad you’re ride the play takes us on his biography for vastly with each passing day and good reason. here to be a part of that offers fodder for much He and the ever-shining different reasons. And our production. conversation about Enron. We’ve presented her with more conversation and gleam of the Enron logo continual search for the So, after a string of 14 Lucy Prebble’s epically introspection about what were so seductive. People next pioneer surely will go I thank you for believing in seasons operating in scaled play, which was a we asked ourselves during wanted to, needed to on. Perhaps we’ll have wider and supporting TimeLine the black, more than 50 sensation in London and the collapse of (fill-in-the- believe in the company’s eyes about how or if their through our first 49 stories, awards for our art and a swiftly extinguished blank-company) in recent promise—and this belief moral compass factors into and I look forward to talking management, and 49 plays misfire in New York. Such years—“How exactly could is what would make it all the company’s bottom line. with you about the 50th, that have furthered our are the challenges we relish that have happened!?” thrive, providing the life and Or perhaps not, just as long 100th and beyond… mission of exploring history, at TimeLine, and Rachel fortune of their dreams. About a week before we as they deliver whatever it is All the best, it is perhaps ironic—and and her design team have started rehearsals for Now, with the perspective we want from them. hopefully not a harbinger— created a sleek, stripped- Enron I was traveling, and it of time (and after the that we mark our 50th down arena in which you Over the next several seemed everywhere I went bottom fell out), we have a production with the story of will become engulfed in the months, we will hear a lot more cynical and skeptical of politicians talking about view. In many ways, deregulation. Enron reminds “It is perhaps ironic—and hopefully not a harbinger— Skilling’s foot soldiers at us why we need to keep Enron were right: He did asking questions. Ironically, that we mark our 50th production with the story of change the way business the Enron company motto Enron, a company with one of the greatest business was done. But for how long? was, “Ask why.” free falls in our nation’s history.” That’s a trickier question. Playwright, Production History and Players

TIMELINE: Rise the play and fall of Enron 1985 Lucy Prebble “There is something human, something Production History July Natural Gas, ucy Prebble is a personal, even emotional, about a financial nron debuted at the run by , merges British playwright and with Omaha-based natural L bubble. ... A marketplace is just a group EMinerva Theatre as gas company InterNorth, with screenwriter. She is the of people behaving, after all. Just like a part of England’s Chichester approximately 37,000 miles of creator of the television workplace, or a family.” – Lucy Prebble Festival. The production natural gas pipeline. series Secret Diary of a Call transferred to the Royal November Lay is named Girl, starring Billie Piper in Court Theatre and later to CEO of the new company, the title role. Secret Diary followed by the TMA Award the Noel Coward Theatre soon to be called Enron Corp. is now entering its fourth for Best New Play. in London’s West End. The (The company name is almost season on the Showtime Enteron, but abandoned right Enron, her second play, play was lauded throughout before the announcement network. Prebble won the won the TMA Award for England. The director, when it is discovered the term George Devine Award for Poster for the Broadway production Best New Play 2009 and was Rupert Goold, won the of Enron. also refers to the intestines.) Most Promising Playwright nominated for the Olivier Evening Standard Critics’ 1987 for her debut play, The Sugar Circle Award and an Olivier and Evening Standard The Players April Enron learns that Syndrome, in May 2004, Playwright Lucy Prebble. (Photo by Award for Best Director traders Louis Borget and Tom awards for Best Play. Bruce Glikas, Broadway.com) Kenneth Lay: Chief and Prebble was nominated Mastroeni, in the Valhalla, N.Y., executive officer (CEO). for the Olivier and Evening office, are trading beyond their Standard awards for Best Jeffrey Skilling: Chief limits and keeping two sets of books to make it appear the Special Events and Resources New Play. operating officer (COO) trading operation is making and for a time CEO. Enron opened on Broadway steady profits. Lay does not the conversation in April 2010 at the : Chief fire them; instead he increases their trading limits. Broadhurst Theatre to financial officer (CFO). October Borget and mixed reviews, and the Claudia Roe: A character TimeLine looks forward COMPANY MEMBER STUDY GUIDE Mastroeni trade badly and to engaging our audience DISCUSSION A study guide is available show closed after 22 inspired by Rebecca Mark, lose Enron $1 billion. Executive in conversations inspired Our Company Members at timelinetheatre.com. previews and 15 regular CEO of . Mike Muckleroy bluffs the by our productions. We shape the artistic vision performances. The play’s : Enron’s market and manages to reduce and choose programming BLOG AND MORE! regional U.S. debut was at the loss to $140 million, saving hope you will participate accounting firm. the company from bankruptcy. for TimeLine. On Sunday, Find behind-the-scenes Boston’s Zeitgeist Stage in the array of additional Ramsay & Hewitt: A law Lay says he is shocked at the Mar. 18, join them for a free insight and conversation on Company, in September resources and online com- firm inspired by Vinson & actions of the traders, who munities available: post-show discussion. our blog, Behind the ‘Line, of 2010. are fired. via timelinetheatre.com. Elkins, Enron’s law firm. SUNDAY SCHOLARS POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS October 19 Black Monday. The Dow Jones drops 508 After the show on Sunday, On Sundays, Jan. 29, points, 22.6 percent. Feb. 5 and 12 and Mar. 11; “Enron is the one to emulate” Mar. 4 is Sunday Scholars, 1988 Wednesdays, Feb 1 and 22 — Hillary Durgin, The Financial Times, December 8, 1999 a one-hour panel discussion Enron decides to shift its and Mar. 7; and Thursdays featuring experts talking “The powerful lesson from Enron for me is corporate strategy from about the play’s themes Feb. 9 and Mar. 1 and 15, For the latest, “like” us pursuing regulated pipelines and issues. Admission is moderated by a TimeLine on Facebook (TimeLine the power of self delusion and how people to unregulated energy trading. free. Visit timelinetheatre. Company member and Theatre Company) and rationalize and deceive themselves.” The gathering where this is featuring cast and produc- follow us on Twitter — Bethany McLean, Fortune magazine reporter and author of decided becomes known as com for panelists and more. the “Come to Jesus” meeting. tion staff. (@timelinetheatre)! The Smartest Guys in the Room, quoted in the documentary filmThe Smartest Guys in the Room Financial Terminology the jargon 1989 Enron launches the “Gas Bank,” which allows gas producers to changes in the prices of a secure unlawful financial Insider trading sell and wholesale suppliers “Enron is literally to purchase gas at firm prices commodity. gain. It is illegal for anyone with and simultaneously hedge the is when members of a Deregulation inside (i.e., non-public) unbeatable at price risk. It also begins trading company or brokerage firm knowledge of a company or natural-gas commodities. Between 1997 and 2000, 24 what they do.” misrepresent information financial situation to make 1990 states adopted some form —David Fleischer, Goldman Sachs about a company that a trade or tip someone off of energy deregulation, securities analyst June Jeffrey Skilling joins investors could use to about a trade for financial the company to lead the new The “crooked E” —Enron’s famous removing government price make an informed financial trading and finance operations. logo oustide its headquarters. benefit before the general to buy or sell a commodity caps to allow free-market decision. Providing false public is made aware of the at a specific price and date. December Skilling hires buying and selling of energy information and/or Andrew Fastow to work for Arbitrage opportunity same information. from a variety of sources. withholding information Securities and Enron Capital Trade and This is any opportunity This allowed Enron and also are types of securities Mark-to-market Exchange Commission Resources (ECT). a company or trader has other energy companies fraud. Wire fraud describes This is an accounting system The SEC is the office of June 11 Enron asks the to make abnormally high to move into new markets. an attempt to defraud that allowed companies the federal government Securities and Exchange profits. In California, energy Enron was particularly Commission to approve mark- someone or obtain to count potential future tasked with regulating traders discovered that if active in lobbying for to-market accounting. money from them using profits as earnings on the securities and exchanges they bogged down certain deregulation spending 1992 electronic or interstate day a contract was signed. under existing laws. It is to areas of the power grid, and in making campaign communications. Bank This practice meant profits investigate any allegations January 30 The SEC then energy would have to contributions. During 2000, approves mark-to-market fraud is attempting to were very subjective and of wrongdoing in these be purchased from another Enron gave $1.1 million to accounting for Enron. receive funds from a open to manipulation. For markets and bring civil source at exorbitant prices. local candidates in a variety 1993 financial institution or example, Enron could sign actions to prevent fraud of elections. bank based on false and/or a three-year contract to In a joint venture with General Commodities trading and protect investors. The Electric and Bechtel, Enron supply power to a city and This is similar to stock Derivatives misleading information. SEC was created in 1934 signs a deal with the Indian mark those three years as trading except that These are contracts or Futures in response to corporate state Maharashta to build the earnings. However, since massive Dabhol power plant. instead of buying shares securities that derive value abuses that occurred These are a type of energy prices fluctuate, Costs will balloon to $2.8 billion. of a company, a trader from an underlying asset surrounding the 1929 stock commodity trade. Contracts there was no guarantee buys or sells a commodity such as another security market crash. 1994 to buy or sell a commodity they would be earning such as wheat, oil, gold or from the value of a rate, Special June Enron conducts its first at a certain price for future the same profit in year electricity trade. or natural gas. The price such as an interest rate or Purpose Entity delivery are called futures. three as in year one of of commodities is based rate of currency exchange, 1996 the contract. It also took An SPE is a corporation, on supply and demand, or from the index of an asset Hedging December 10 Jeffrey future profits as earnings limited partnership, trust creating risk in a market value, such as the stock In commodities trading, Skilling becomes chief for the present, essentially or limited liability company when factors like weather index. Swaps and options hedging refers to buying or operating officer, beating out borrowing from the future. created for a specific rival Rebecca Mark, who is influence a wheat harvest are types of derivatives. selling commodity futures An internal Enron skit joked legal purpose. SPEs were CEO of Enron international. or a hurricane shuts an oil to protect against losses Fraud about mark-to-market originally intended to isolate 1997 platform. Investors can that might occur due to accounting, calling it HFV— risk and offer a company an make money by predicting This occurs when a price fluctuation. July Rebecca Mark tries deception is practiced to Hypothetical Future Value. opportunity to secure less to sell 50 percent of Enron expensive financing. They International to Shell Corp., but Options “Enron has built a reputation as one of the world’s most innovative are used to finance certain the deal falls through. Mark This is another type of services while keeping the blames Skilling and Enron companies by attacking and atomizing traditional industry structure.” commodity trading. It executive John Clifford Baxter debt off the balance sheet for derailing negotiations. —David Campbell and Ron Hulme, praising Enron in a report by the McKinsey consulting firm published consists of buying the right of the sponsoring company. months before Enron’s collapse After Enron August Enron trades its first the fallout weather derivative. 1998 March Andrew Fastow The sponsor is also to give to minimize risk or raise and the market price, or becomes chief financial officer. assets to the SPE to balance capital. For example, a bank hold the stock to see if the July Enron forms , a the debts that are taken might bundle together a price of a share went up separate water company, which off the balance sheet. For number of loans and sell further. They often make will be run by Rebecca Mark. example, if a sponsor uses that debt to a group of up part of an employee’s 1999 an SPE to finance a gas investors, who would buy compensation package. March Enron’s Dabhol plant pipeline, neither the assets the debt because of the Structured finance in opens. given by the sponsor nor the financial incentive to make April Enron begins commercial debt incurred in building the profits as the loans are This is a highly complicated financial transaction offered operation of its fiber network pipeline would appear on repaid with interest. Turning for high bandwidth uses. the sponsor’s balance sheet. loans into an investment is a to companies by large financial institutions in May 24 Tim Belden, head If a project undertaken by process called securitization. of the company’s West cases where basic financial an SPE failed, the company If the loans go into default, Coast trading, experiments would not be liable for the the investors risk financial transactions, such as loans, Jeffrey Skilling on a break during his appearance before the Senate Commerce with the newly deregulated Committee in February 2002. (Robert Trippett, Sipa Press) losses but it would lose losses. Enron’s SPEs do not meet the company’s California energy market. In financing needs. The SPEs the “Silverpeak Incident,” he the assets. The SPE also functioned similarly, as a he impact of the fall of employees lost $1.2 billion are a type of structured increases congestion on power can raise assets by seeking means for raising capital Enron rippled through in retirement funds, and lines, causing prices to rise and finance. T investors. by making debt into an a variety of communities. retirees lost $2 billion in costing California $7 million in investment opportunity. higher electricity prices. In May 2000, Enron, under Take-or-pay Not only were many Enron pension funds. Debt, equity and derivative CFO Andrew Fastow, This refers to a type of executives tried and found June 28 Having the CFO Also in 2001, top Enron run a private equity fund is a contracts are all securities. contract in the natural- guilty of crimes related created several SPEs executives cashed in $116 conflict of interest, so Enron’s gas industry in which a to keeping company designed to hedge assets Stock options million in stock and were board of directors exempts buyer agrees to take the stock prices high, many worth billions of dollars These give an employee of paid $55 million in bonuses. Fastow from the company’s individuals were directly code of ethics so he can run a and avoid reporting the a company the option to set amount of natural gas mark-to-market losses on determined by the contract impacted. People who had Arthur Andersen, one of the Special Purpose Entity that will buy a specific number of raise money for and do deals or pay a fee to not take the investments or retirement largest and most respected Enron’s books. Since they shares in the company’s with Enron. It is named LJM, for funds that included Enron accounting firms in the were backed mostly by stock at a time and price gas. This shields the supplier Fastow’s wife, Lea, and their stock saw the value of United States, could not Enron stock, they were risky set by the company. It is from price fluctuations two sons, Jeffrey and Michael. those funds disappear. The recover from the scandal. vehicles. Fastow called some usually less than the stock’s and allows the buyer to October Enron launches American public’s faith In 2001, the firm received of them “raptors,” after current market price, giving negotiate lower prices. This EnronOnline for its wholesale in the financial reporting $1 million a week from commodity-trading business. the velociraptor dinosaurs an employee the possibility caused Enron financial made by major corporations Enron. By Aug. 31, 2002, in the movie Jurassic Park. of owning stock in the losses in certain large October 12 Enron’s board also was severely shaken. it had lost the right to again exempts Fastow from its Another was called JEDI, company at a discounted contracts with suppliers when they agreed to a take- practice accounting in the code of ethics so he can run a which stood for Joint Energy price. After a given period The majority of Enron’s or-pay arrangement: Gas U.S., and 85,000 people second Special Purpose Entity, Development Investments of time, an employee could employees were not the private equity fund LJM2. prices fell, and it had to pay had lost their jobs. but also was a nod to sell the stock, making a involved in the financial the higher prices previously 2000 Fastow’s love of the Star profit from the difference practices that led to the The impact in California, Wars movies. negotiated. January 20 Enron stock between the option price company’s collapse. But where Enron had influenced rises to a new high of $67.25 a Security 20,000 employees lost their the market, was even share (up 26 percent) after the “Enron Corporation: The industry annual analyst meeting, where This is a type of investment jobs and medical insurance greater. Gov. Gray Davis standard for excellence” —The title of a 2000 —the average severance pay was recalled amid the the Enron Broadband unit is instrument that can be used announced. report by Edward Tirello, Deutsche Bank Analyst was $4,500. In 2001, Enron public outcry over the May Fastow creates Enron’s first “Raptor” Special Purpose Entity modeled on the LJM funds. The Raptors are designed rolling blackouts and Peninsula Hotel in Beverly oath their financial (PJP) Enron was heralded in to hedge investments, but they energy crisis. On May 29, Hills, to discuss a solution statements are accurate and London and a huge hit. Then are risky vehicles as they are 2001, President George W. to the state’s energy crisis. that they have established it moved to Broadway and backed primarily by Enron stock. Bush met with Davis, who The content of that meeting an effective set of internal flopped. We have a great May 5 Enron trader John urged the president to has never been publicly controls to ensure all opportunity to wipe the Forney, in an email to colleagues, enact federally mandated discussed. relevant information slate clean and start fresh. announces “Death Star,” a new price caps on energy reaches investors. What has that meant to you? strategy that takes advantage In the wake of the Enron of the flaws in California’s newly prices. Davis accused Enron Knowingly signing a false crisis, Congress passed (RR) I think Enron had an deregulated energy market to of manipulating energy statement is a criminal the Sarbanes Oxley Act of identity crisis. It was caught make enormous profits. prices. Bush told Davis he offense punishable with up 2002, and President George between the worlds of May 22 The California would have to solve the to five years in prison. W. Bush signed it into law. play and musical. And it Independent System Operator, crisis himself and could not the organization in charge of The legislation imposed To date, Sarbanes Oxley has was over-produced on expect any federal support. the state’s electricity supply strict rules on corporations, not been used to prosecute (PJP) What attracted you to Broadway. I think what’s on Before he was recalled, and demand, declares a Stage requiring chief executive any executives in the directing? the page is really amazing, One Emergency, warning of Davis proposed legislation officers and chief financial recent banking and without a bunch of stuff low power reserves. to create a state-run energy (RR) I love collaborating officers to certify under mortgage-loan crises. with intelligent, passionate heaped on top. July The company announces company to prevent the its broadband unit has joined state’s energy markets from “Enron still stands out, because, of course, people. It’s a daily exercise (PJP) How do you begin with Blockbuster to supply in trust. I also love watching being manipulated. Davis Enron was first. Up until that point, we believed that process? video on demand. The deal is was replaced as governor actors exceed their own terminated eight months later. in the permanence of big companies. They (RR) The physical by Arnold Schwarzenegger, expectations. A gratifying August As Azurix’s stock had their gleaming skyscrapers and their environment is really who met with Ken Lay, artistic experience can be prices drop, Rebecca Mark key to me. I want to former Los Angeles Mayor multibillion-dollar balance sheets. Surely, the life-changing, and each new resigns as its CEO. create the most focused, Richard Riordan and junk- solidity conveyed by such things was real, project has that potential. August 23 Enron stock hits interesting vantage point bond king Michael Milken and thousands of jobs and billions in savings a high of $90 a share and a (PJP) What was your initial for the audience to view market valuation of $70 billion. on May 24, 2001, in a couldn’t vanish almost overnight.” reaction to Enron? the relationships of the The Federal Energy Regulatory closed door meeting at the —Bethany McLean, Fortune magazine reporter and author of The Commission orders an Smartest Guys in the Room; quoted on NPR’s “Marketplace” in 2011 play. Then you take away (RR) The script is really investigation into the strategies on the 10th anniversary of the collapse of Enron anything that detracts from smart and darkly funny. designed to drive electricity those relationships. The crisis is seen through the prices up in California. Director Rachel Rockwell relationships of key players (PJP) Talk about the November 1 The and young punk traders who production design and how commission’s investigation thought they were invincible. you’re configuring the space exonerates Enron of any the interview wrongdoing in California. What’s disturbing about and the audience. it is how little the public December 13 Enron Early during rehearsals for (RR) My parents were bailed at the last minute. knew (or wanted to know). (RR) We decided to stage announces that president Enron, TimeLine Artistic in the business. I was The artistic director asked and COO Jeffrey Skilling will I think the audience will be it in the round. I find it the Director PJ Powers (PJP) a performer, and then if I could direct it, too, and replace Kenneth Lay as chief shocked by the hubris that most natural way to view talked with director Rachel became a choreographer. I said I could. I knew what I something. I think backs executive officer in February was Enron. The conflict is so 2001. Lay remains chairman. Rockwell (RR), making her When I was 22, I was to wanted to do, but no idea can be really interesting large it is almost operatic in Late 2000 Enron uses TimeLine debut. choreograph an Equity how to do it. I need to find and looking through and scale, so we will incorporate “aggressive” accounting to production of Tintypes at those actors and apologize! (PJP) How did you get your elements of music and around things gives you declare $53 million in earnings the New Harmony Theatre I would like to think I’ve start as a director? fantasy. very interesting visual in Indiana, and the director grown a little ... . for its broadband unit—on institutes price caps across the analyst conference call that day, a collapsing deal that hasn’t western states. The California Lay announces a $1.2-billion cut earned a penny in profit. energy crisis ends. in shareholder equity. perspective. Something 2001 July 13 Skilling tells Lay he October 17 A Wall Street “Trust is healthy, faith is good, wants to resign. Lay asks him Journal article, written by that moves as fast as this January Tim Belden’s West to take the weekend to think it John Emshwiller and Rebecca almost demands it. We tried but if something seems too good Coast power desk has its most over. According to Lay, he tries Smith, appears. The article profitable month ever: $254 to neutralize the space and to talk Skilling out of resigning. reveals, for the first time, the to be true, it generally is.” million in gross profits. let video screens frame it. Skilling says Lay doesn’t seem details of Fastow’s Special January 17 Rolling blackouts (PJP) I know you’ve done a also theatrically exciting—to to care that he wants to resign Purpose Entities and shows the I think we have created a occur in northern California. and notes he has offered to precarious nature of Enron’s lot of spectacle out of very ton of research—every time go inside the story in 2012? February 5-14 Senior stay on for six months. Lay, business. little. Multi-functionality is I’ve seen you lately you’ve though, claims Skilling wants (RR) At the very least, we partners at Arthur Andersen, October 22 Enron been on fire with some new, an immediate out. important in a show that need to start questioning Enron’s Chicago-based acknowledges there is an enraging fact. Is research accounting firm, meet to switches locales as much our own accountability. August 3 Skilling makes a SEC inquiry into a possible as this one does. I would always part of your process? discuss whether to retain Enron bullish speech on EES. That conflict of interest related to Trust is healthy, faith is as a client. They call the use always rather see one thing afternoon, he lays off 300 the company’s use of Special (RR) Always. Research is good, but if something of mark-to-market accounting Enron employees. Purpose Entities. become many things, than one of the best parts. I can’t seems too good to be true, “intelligent gambling.” many things that only serve August 13 All Special October 23 Lay professes imagine leading the charge it generally is. If a person February 14 Writer Bethany Purpose Entities created to support for Fastow, saying that one purpose. without fully understanding gets a questionable report McLean interviews Skilling for isolate financial risk crash. he has the “highest regard” for Fortune magazine. (PJP) This play has been everything the text is based from a doctor, they get a That evening, in a board-only his character. session, Skilling, who is in tears, done in a larger space, on. Whether it’s Dickensian second opinion or ask for February 15 CFO Fastow and October 23 In a massive resigns as CEO. and you’ve directed many England, the Vietnam War clarification of things they Mark Palmer, head of publicity, shredding operation, Arthur go to Fortune to answer August 14 Skilling’s Andersen destroys one ton of shows in spaces larger than or what happens when you don’t understand. And questions. Fastow to McLean: resignation is announced to Enron documents. TimeLine’s. How do you tell slit a carotid artery with a we believe that doctors “I don’t care what you say about the public. Lay is named CEO. October 24 Fastow is ousted. this near-epic story in a very straight razor, I want to know have our best interests at the company. Just don’t make That evening, during an analyst intimate setting? everything I can about it! I’m heart. Yet, with financial me look bad.” and investor conference call, October 31 The company announces the SEC inquiry sure I am on some FBI watch institutions, we very often February 19 The Fortune Skilling says, “The company is in has been upgraded to a formal (RR) So much of this play list for all the grotesque, won’t question anything. article is published. It is titled great shape,” and Lay says the “company is in the strongest investigation. is closed-door, two-person violent, political things I And I am pretty certain that “Is Enron Overpriced?” shape that it’s ever been in.” November 8 Enron files conversations. Being this they don’t have our best March Enron transfers large research on my computer. documents with the SEC intimate allows us to keep portions of its Enron Energy September Skilling sells $15.5 interests at heart ... . revising its financial statements these conversations natural Dramaturg Maren Robinson Services (EES) business into its million of Enron stock. This brings the total value of the for the last five years to account and somewhat still, which has been a godsend. So (PJP) Have there been any wholesale commodity-trading shares he has sold since May for $586 million in losses. makes the stakes of the many mathematical surprises so far? operations to hide EES losses. 2000 to more than $70 million. November 28 Enron shares dialogue seem even higher. I concepts, such a foreign Arthur Andersen takes auditor (RR) It has become clear Carl Bass off the Enron account September 26 At an plunge below $1 and its bonds world, so many layers to think a huge space probably how stylistically diverse this because he continues to employee meeting, Lay calls are downgraded to “junk” status. this corruption—I really demanded that this show show is. Now I am dealing question its accounting practices. Enron stock an “incredible December 2 Enron files needed help putting it into bargain,” and says the “third be larger than it needed with how much to unify it or April 17 The quarterly for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a language we could grasp, quarter is looking great.” protection. With $62 billion to be. The intimacy of the emphasize the differences conference call is held. During and Maren did that. the call, now legendary on Wall October 16 Enron reports in assets, it is the largest-ever space at TimeLine actually of the various vocabularies. really helps with the focus. Street, an analyst questions a third-quarter loss of $638 corporate bankruptcy at the (PJP) Any mention of Enron One thing that surprised time. With 13 people in that tiny CEO Skilling on why he hasn’t million and a $1.01-billion non- elicits such passion, and the us all was how we liked produced Enron’s balance sheet. recurring charge against its rectangle, I have to be December 3 Enron lays audience may show up with these characters despite the Skilling dismisses the analyst as balance sheet, partly related to off approximately 4,000 crystal clear about where a fair amount of information despicable things they do an “asshole.” “structured finance” operations U.S. workers, the first of you are supposed to look! run by CFO Fastow. In an and emotion. Why do you and say. The characters are June The Federal Energy many layoffs. think it’s important—and almost Greek in scale. Regulatory Commission finally The Benefits of Donating BACKSTORY: backstage THE CREDITS Dramaturgy & Historical The History Makers Society and Donor Play Reading Research by Maren Robinson uring the first half of Written by Maren Robinson, Dthe 2011-12 season PJ Powers, Lydia Swift and TimeLine was pleased to Lara Goetsch welcome donors to two Edited by Karen A. Callaway special events. & Lara Goetsch Donors of $1,000 and more Photography by Lara Goetsch ast season more of this pivotal year with gathered in October at the Graphic Design by the trendy Sub51 lounge Lthan 200 TimeLine TimeLine’s hallmark style. Lara Goetsch of Hub51 for the History enthusiasts gathered for It’s going to be something Enron Photo Illustration by Makers Celebration. Guests our biggest party of the else! Guests will dine Ryan Robinson dined on delicious food year—Step Into Time. on a delicious gourmet they joined us for a special and sipped sumptuous This annual fundraiser dinner, shop live and silent Backstory is published four edition of TimeLine’s times each season. cocktails as they mingled is a unique celebration auctions and try their luck TimePieces play reading with TimeLine artists and of TimeLine’s mission of at our Grand Prize Raffle. Pictured on front cover series. This donor event fellow History Makers. The exploring history, and (from left): Actor Bret features a reading of a play All net proceeds from this highlight of the evening was it raises funds vital to Tuomi; actor Mark D. Hines; under consideration for gala benefit support the a conversation with John fulfilling that mission. director Rachel Rockwell; production. This time the to see. Shifting between mission and programs of Conroy, playwright of the cast and production team play was Concerning Strange Japan and the United States This season we mark TimeLine Theatre. upcoming world premiere gather at first rehearsal; actor Devices from the Distant and between the 1880s and our 15th Anniversary by My Kind of Town, and We hope to see you at The Sean Fortunato; and actor West by Naomi Iizuka, the present, Concerning stepping back five decades Amy Matheny. TimeLine’s Artistic Director Intercontinental Chicago, directed by Lisa Portes. The Strange Devices ... is a sexy to the year 1962. It was a PJ Powers and Associate 505 N. Michigan, on Friday, Pictured on back cover play is about an invention and mysterious puzzle that world about to change, and Artistic Director Nick March 16, 2012. To learn (from left): Artistic Director that changed the world— explores the intersection of this glitzy night will bring Bowling. John is recognized more, visit timelinetheatre. PJ Powers and actor Terry the camera—which allowed art and authenticity. Guests to life the culture, fashion, as one of the most com/step_into_time or call Hamilton; stage manager people to see images of also enjoyed a reception politics and entertainment prominent voices bringing Lydia at 773.281.8463 x26. Cheney Tardio; costume exotic places they never and post-show discussion designer Elizabeth Flauto; the Chicago police torture dreamt they would be able with TimeLine artists. actor Demetria Thomas; scandal to light and keeping Win 7 nights in Maui for as little as $25! actors Christopher Allen and it there, and the trio tep Into Time Raffle Winner need not be present Matt Holzfeind; and actor discussed John’s process of Sean Patrick Fawcett. telling this complex story Stickets are on sale and at the time of the drawing! both as a reporter, and now you could win 7 nights in To learn more and to Our Mission: as a playwright. a beautiful one-bedroom purchase raffle tickets, visit condo in Hawaii, plus timelinetheatre.com/raffle. TimeLine Theatre presents In December, donors $1,000 good toward the stories inspired by history of $750 and more got a purchase of airfare. Cost is that connect with today’s peek into TimeLine’s play just $25 for one raffle ticket social and political issues. selection process when or $100 for five raffle tickets. Our collaborative artistic (Pictured above from left): Artistic Director PJ Powers, playwright John Conroy, History Makers Bruce and Mary Winner will be drawn at team produces provocative Feay and Associate Artistic Director Nick Bowling; TimeLine’s most generous donors gathered for the History Makers TimeLine’s Step Into Time theatre and educational Celebration at Sub51 in October; Director Lisa Portes and actors Lindsay Leopold, David Parkes, Cliff Chamberlain, benefit on March 16, 2012. programs that engage, Rebecca Spence, Rio Shegeta and Tiffany Villarin with Powers during the Donor Play Reading post-show discussion. entertain and enlighten. Enron the production

January 17 - April 15, 2012 by LUCY PREBBLE | directed by RACHEL ROCKWELL, SDC

One of the most infamous Christopher Allen Kevin O’Donnell: scandals in financial history Bear Bellinger Sound Designer/Original Music becomes Chicago’s newest Elizabeth Dowling Julia Eberhardt: theatrical event. Crafted Sean Patrick Fawcett Properties Designer as sprawling tragedy mixed Terry Hamilton Mike Tutaj: Projections Designer with savage comedy, Enron Mark D. Hines Dina Spoerl: Lobby Designer follows a group of ambitious Matt Holzfeind Maren Robinson: Dramaturg men and women through the Amy Matheny Eva Breneman: Dialects breathtaking rush of greed and Barbara Roeder Harris Cheney Tardio**: Stage Manager fraud that led to a legendary Benjamin Sprunger John Kearns: Production Manager financial collapse. Along the Demetria Thomas The director is a member of the Stage way we gain disturbing insight Production Team into the backroom secrets of Directors and Choreographers Society, Kevin Depinet, U.S.A.: a national theatrical labor union. big business and confront a Scenic Designer world where appearance has **Member of Actors’ Equity Nick Sieben: Association, the union of professional little relation to reality. Co-Scenic Designer actors and stage managers. Cast Elizabeth Flauto, U.S.A.: Those designers and scenic artists Sean Fortunato** Costume Designer identified by U.S.A. are members of United Scenic Artists, IATSE Local Bret Tuomi** Jesse Klug, U.S.A.: Lighting Designer 829, AFL-CIO

JANUARY 2012 MARCH 2012 Regular Performance SU M T W TH F SA SU M T W TH F SA Preview Performance Opening Night Sold Out 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 1 2 3 Post-Show Discussion with cast 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 & production crew Free 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Sunday Scholars a one-hour 29 30 31 post-show panel discussion with 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 experts on the themes and issues FEBRUARY 2012 of the play Free 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SU M T W TH F SA Company Member Discussion 1 2 3 4 APRIL 2012 a conversation with TimeLine’s Company members Free 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 SU M T W TH F SA 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 SHOW TIMES 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 PREVIEWS 8 PM 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (Except 2 pm & 7 pm on 1/22) 15 OPENING NIGHT 7:30 PM 26 27 28 29 WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS 7:30 PM (Except 8:30 pm on 4/5) LOCATION TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Avenue, Chicago. Directions, FRIDAYS 8 PM parking and dining information at timelinetheatre.com. SATURDAYS 4 PM & 8 PM SUNDAYS 2 PM