BWW Stage Mag The Lehman Trilogy - Capital Stage Stage Mag
 

Artistic Director Michael Stevenson &
Managing Directors Liz Gray & Keith Riedell Present


THE LEHMAN TRILOGY

by Stefano Massini

Directed by Michael Stevenson

August 27-September 28, 2025

PERFORMANCE LENGTH:  3 Hours, 2 Intermissions


FEATURING:

Matt K. Miller*      Jackson Goldberg*      Andrew Fridae

     
Scenic & Projections Designer
Ian Wallace
 
Lighting Designer
Ethan Hollinger
Assistant Lighting Designer
Ryan McKinney
Sound Designer
Ed Lee
 
Costume Designer
Gail Russell

Choreographer
Shannon Mahoney

Properties Designer
Riley Cisneros-Gruenthal
  Dramaturg
K. Kevyne Baar, PhD
     

 

Stage Manager
Erika L. Placencia*
 
     
Assistant Stage Manager
Hailey Bowland^

 

ADVISORY: Gunshots and flashing lights will be used during the performance.
 
SPONSORED BY:
 

 

 

SEASON WINE SPONSOR:

 

The Lehman Trilogy was first presented by the National Theatre and Neal Street Productions Ltd, that jointly commissioned the English adaptation of the original play, Lehman Trilogy, at the Lyttleton Theatre on Thursday 12th July 2018 and transferred to the Piccadilly Theatre, West End.

The National Theatre and Neal Street Productions Ltd presented the US premiere of The Lehman Trilogy on 27th March 2019 at the Park Avenue Armoury, New York and first presented the production on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre on 14th October 2021.

 
*Member Actors' Equity Association | ^Capital Stage Apprentice
 

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OUR MISSION

Capital Stage is dedicated to creating transformative, thought-provoking theater experiences that challenge, inspire, and connect.

 


 

THINGS TO KNOW

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Visit our COVID-19 Safety Protocols & Procedures Page to stay up to date on our Health & Safety requirements and recommendations. 

 

VIDEO/PHOTOS:

Recording and photography during the performance are prohibited at Capital Stage by copyright law and union regulations.

 

CELL PHONES:

Patrons are asked to turn any noise making devices off upon entering the theatre.

 

LATE SEATING & RE-SEATING:

Due to the design of our theatre, we cannot guarantee seating for late arrivals or for patrons who leave the theatre during the performance. As a courtesy to our artists and our audiences, late arrivals will be seated in a suitable location by our staff if possible and at the appropriate intervals.

 

REFRESHMENTS:

Only concession items purchased in the Wine & Dessert Bar are allowed in the theatre, patio and lobby areas. Yes, you can bring your drinks and snacks into the theatre!

 

CHILDREN:

Capital Stage is noted for bringing intimate bold productions to our region and we encourage young adults to experience a live performance. Children age sixteen and up are welcome at Capital Stage unless specifically noted in the production’s description.

 

WHEELCHAIR SEATING:

Seating locations at Capital Stage for patrons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility are located in the first row. Tickets for these seats may be purchased in person or by calling the Box Office at 916-995-5464. Please call ahead to notify the staff if you required these seats.

 

RESTROOMS:

Restroom facilities are located in the lounge behind the Wine & Dessert Bar.

 

INFORMATION:

Brochures and information about upcoming Capital Stage productions and events are available in the box office or by visiting capstage.org.

 


 

 

Capital Stage is a member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

 

Capital Stage is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.

 

Capital Stage is a member of the National New Play Network, the country’s alliance of leading nonprofit theaters that champion the development, production and continued life of new plays.

 

 

Capital Stage is a member of Blue Star Theatres, offering discounts to Military personnel, Military family members, and Veterans.

 

 

 

 

SDC is the theatrical union that unites, empowers, and protects professional Stage Directors and Choreographers throughout the United States.

 

The Representative Voice of Designers and Scenic Artists

Cast

Matt K. Miller*
Henry Lehman
Jackson Goldberg*
Emanuel Lehman
Andrew Fridae
Mayer Lehman

Creative Team

Stefano Massini

Playwright

Ben Power

Adapter

Michael Stevenson

Director & Artistic Director

Keith Riedell

Managing Director

Liz Gray

Managing Director

Tony Gabrielson

Production & Company Manager

Caleb Jones

Technical Director

Erika L. Placencia*

Stage Manager

Hailey Bowland^

Assistant Stage Manager

Melissa Jernigan*

Sub Stage Manager

Ian Wallace

Scenic & Projections Designer

Ethan Hollinger

Lighting Designer

Ryan McKinney

Assistant Lighting Designer

Gail Russell

Costume Designer

Shannon Mahoney

Choreographer

Ed Lee

Sound Designer

Riley Cisneros-Gruenthal

Properties Designer

Samantha McLean Haas

Scenic Charge Artist

K. Kevyne Baar, PhD

Resident Dramaturg

Peter Chapman

Special Thanks

Joe Bertolucci, Affordable Heating & Air, Inc.

Donna Chipps

Di Arie Vineyard & Winery

Muffy Franke

Gigi Linquist

Bob Mandelson 

Rabbi Deni Marshall

Oak Park Brewing Company

Owen Smith


 

 

Production Staff

Director & Artistic Director - MICHAEL STEVENSON

Production & Company Manager - TONY GABRIELSON

Stage Manager - ERIKA L. PLACENCIA*

Assistant Stage Manager - HAILEY BOWLAND^

Sub Stage Manager - MELISSA JERNIGAN*

Technical Director - CALEB JONES

Lead Carpenter - CONOR WOODS

Carpenter, Painter - SUNNY MACKEY

Lighting Designer - ETHAN HOLLINGER

Assistant Lighting Designer - RYAN MCKINNEY

Lead Electrician - SHAE MERCER

Scenic Charge Artist - SAMANTHA McLEAN HAAS

Sound Designer & Engineer - ED LEE

Scenic & Projections Designer - IAN WALLACE

Properties Designer - RILEY CISNEROS-GRUENTHAL

Costume Designer - GAIL RUSSELL

Choreographer - SHANNON MAHONEY

Build Crew - SUNNY MACKEY, CONOR WOODS, CALEB JONES

Painters - SAMANTHA McLEAN HAAS, CALEB JONES, SUNNY MACKEY, CONOR WOODS

Wardrobe/Run Crew - STEPHEN BYRUM^, LYDIA CRIST^, JAMES SIMPSON^ 

Resident Dramaturg - K. KEVYNE BAAR, PHD

Infection Control Manager/Admin. & Payroll Assistant - ELIJAH PETERS

Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager, Webmaster - MISTY MCDOWELL

Photographer - CHARR CRAIL

 

^ Capital Stage Apprentice  |  * Member Actors' Equity Association 


 

About The Play

by K. Kevyne Baar, PhD

 

“We have to display the ignorance of the brothers. They’re completely unaware of the depth of the suffering that they’re engaging in and therefore profiting from. We have to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions.”

– Adrian Lester, Emanuel Lehman, Original Broadway Company

 

What you are about to see presented on our stage is the epic story of a family of Jewish immigrants from Rimpar, Bavaria who began arriving on the shores of American in 1844. Written in three distinct parts (allowing 2 intermissions): Three Brothers, Fathers & Sons, and The Immortal, their story will come to a sad and catastrophic ending 164 years later.

And why this subject by this author? It is said that Stefani Massini’s “ears pricked up when all those around him began calling bankers immoral thieves following the crash in 2008.” Massini was looking “to find answers to how we got to where we are...The Lehman brothers are emblematic, paradigmatic, of a much bigger historical phenomenon. I wrote it because I was convinced that if we can understand man’s relationship with money, we, as individuals who must deal with money every day, can live our lives more fully.” In the collapse of the bank, and in the foundation story of Lehman, “he discovered catnip: family, consumerism, the birth of a superpower, neurosis, immigration, religion.”

The story of how the play, the one you are seeing at this performance, came to be is a story worthy of its own play. First came the novel, Qualcosa sui Lehman. It took Massini 3½ years to write, was published in 2016 and won the Prix Médicis in 2018. Translating it into English in 2019, Richard Dixon understood that “The novel is written in blank verse, so I had to follow its rhythm and cadences. I had to remain faithful to the original meaning, but of paramount importance was its sound. Each line had to sound right, as well as being as readable and compelling as the original.”

The translation is almost 700 pages but still carries the same three distinct parts although there is no indication as to who speaks, or which character is which. This held true when the play was first done in the original Italian in 2016. It ran 5 hours with a cast of 12. It was this form of the play that found its way into the hands of the British director Sam Mendes and the adaptor, Ben Power. They got it translated and then went into a room with 12 actors. When they left that room 2 weeks later. There were three actors and a script which still retained the three parts, but had lines assigned to various characters.

As of this writing it has been translated into 27 languages and has been performed in more theatres around the world than the work of any other living Italian writer. As Ben Power opined, “The play uses the past to understand the present moment. And so, as the present moment has changed dramatically and in myriad ways since 2016, the play has evolved as well.” As you are reading this essay in 2025, dear Capital Stage audience, the time has come for you to draw your own conclusions.

 


 

About The Playwright

by K. Kevyne Baar, PhD

 

“Those who live in Florence, live immersed in a tremendous amount of art and history. Every character portrayed, every painting or sculpture is a story, even if in the form of images and not words. I believe it is impossible not to be influenced by these stories, which get under our skin inadvertently.”

–Stefano Massini

 

An internationally renowned novelist and playwright, Stefano Massini was born in Florence, Italy on September 22, 1975. He grew up in a Catholic family but also attended a Jewish school thus immersed in two cultures. During a February 2024 interview Massini spoke of his unconventional childhood, where for four years he went to ordinary Italian primary school every morning, and to the Jewish school in the afternoons, learning English and much else. “I had Christmas and Hanukkah, Pater Nostre and Baruch Atah Adonai. I had Pesach Seder, Sukkot, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah.”

It was through this Jewish community that he had his first exposure to theatre. “I met the theatre for the first time in my life not through the Italian language, but in dialect — Hebraico Fiorentino — in the synagogue basement. For me, the Jewish world, Jewish culture, Jewish literature — with [Isaac Bashevis] Singer, [Franz] Kafka — was the language of theatre, of invention. That is the reason my books are so full of Jewish culture.”

After graduating from the University of Florence with a degree in Ancient Literature, Massini worked as an actor and theatre director, then started writing his own plays. Almost immediately he began winning accolades and prestigious Italian literary awards for “works whose eclectic subject matter set him apart from more parochial Italian writers.” As he noted, “I am not a real Italian writer. I hate — I really hate — to tell traditional Italian stories: my town, my country. In this 21st century, we live in a time when everything is globalized. We have no countries, no flags. We have only the flag of the whole world.”

Massini began his theatrical career at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano and the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. He is the recipient of the Vittorio Tondelli prize and the Ubu award in Italy. Yet even as he was gaining fame as a writer, he continued to perform. “Here in Italy, we have an idea of writers — or artists — as not so far from a priest. I love the US so much because you have another idea: entertainment, show business. But the middle way between the priest and show business is a performer-writer, a writer that is unable to suffer the loneliness of writing. I can write a book in silence, and then you can buy my book and read my words in silence. But I hate this. I need not only silence. I need bodies. I need smiles. I need the audience.”

Enter Qualcosa sui Lehman (Something About the Lehmans), a novel, translated from the Italian by Richard Dixon, that became the play we know as The Lehman Trilogy. In 2022, Massini became the first Italian Playwright to accept the Tony Award for Best Play. Accepting alongside him was Ben Power who adapted Massini’s massive first version of the play (200 pages in Italian with 12 actors and a running time of 5 hours) into the magical and lyrical production you will be seeing at this performance at Capital Stage.

 


 

Meet the Company

Matt K. Miller*

Henry Lehman
Matt K. Miller* - Henry Lehman This is Matt’s ninth production at Capital Stage, some others being SOMEONE WHO’LL WATCH OVER ME, SUPERIOR DONUTS, SWEAT, and THE HUMANS. For many years Matt was a company member at the Sacramento Theatre Company, acting in over forty productions including ARMS AND THE MAN, THE TEMPEST, OTHELLO, THE GRAPES OF WRATH, AMADEUS, TARTUFFE, OF MICE AND MEN, PRIVATE LIVES, two sold-out runs of FULLY COMMITTED and several years as Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He was appointed Artistic Director in 2010. Other Northern California credits include numerous roles at B Street Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Lucky Penny Productions, Davis Shakespeare Festival and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

Jackson Goldberg*

Emanuel Lehman
Jackson Goldberg* - Emanuel Lehman Jackson is thrilled to make his Capital Stage debut! Recent credits include: Yepikhodov in THE CHERRY ORCHARD at North Coast Rep, 25+ characters in Donald Marguiles’ SHIPWRECKED at Wellfleet Harbor Actor’s Theater, Liam in BAD JEWS (American Stage Co. Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, directed by Amy Resnick); Doug in GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES (4615 Theatre, DC); Inspector Moore in DAK GHAR (George St. Playhouse); AEA National Tour: 17 characters, speaking in Arabic, Hebrew, and English in THERE IS A FIELD. Jackson is from San Francisco, CA.

Andrew Fridae

Mayer Lehman
Andrew Fridae - Mayer Lehman Andrew is a multidisciplinary theater artist delighted to return to Cap Stage after working there as an apprentice, carpenter, and marketing associate, as well as appearing twice in GEORGIANA & KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY. Other local credits include Vladimir in WAITING FOR GODOT at The Stage @ Burke, Feste in 12TH NIGHT under Janis Stevenson with Happy Hour Theatre, and “the Man” in Black Point’s HEIGHT OF THE STORM, directed by Adrienne Sher. Andrew is also a passionate writer, director, crafts-person, and musician. More of all their work is available at andrewfridae.com

Stefano Massini

Playwright
Stefano Massini - Playwright Stefano Massini is an Italian writer, essayist and playwright. He was born September 22, 1975 in Florence, Italy, and graduated in Ancient Literature from the University of Florence. While working for the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Massini met theatre director Luca Ronconi, who later took him as an assistant at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano. Ronconi's words of encouragement were pivotal in prompting Massini to start writing his first plays. His play 7 MINUTI was the basis for the 2016 film 7 MINUTES, directed by Michele Placido. He is the author of THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, which has played in both London and Broadway to great critical acclaim, was nominated for five Laurence Olivier Awards and won five Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Play. The play was also the basis for his novel QUALCOSA SUI LEHMAN, winner of the 2018 Prix Médicis. His work has been staged in the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, Canada, Argentina, Algeria, Peru, Mexico, South Korea, Russia and Hungary.

Ben Power

Adapter
Ben Power - Adapter Ben Power is a British dramaturg, playwright and screenwriter. Since 2010 he has primarily worked at the National Theatre. He adapted Stefano Massini's play THE LEHMAN TRILOGY for the National Theatre in 2018. It transferred to the West End and Broadway, where it won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Play. His screenplays include the Netflix adaptation of Robert Harris' MUNICH - THE EDGE OF WAR and several parts of the BBC Shakespeare seriesTHE HOLLOW CROWN. His screen adaptation of JO NESBO'S BLOOD ON SNOW will be filmed by director Cary Fukunaga in 2025.

Michael Stevenson

Director & Artistic Director
Michael Stevenson - Director & Artistic Director For Capital Stage, Michael has directed KING JAMES, ARCHDUKE, HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, GLORIA, THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT, ADMISSIONS, THE HUMANS, THE OTHER PLACE, SWEAT, THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, LUNA GALE, STUPID F##KING BIRD, HOW TO USE A KNIFE, DISGRACED, MR. BURNS, IDEATION, CLYBOURNE PARK, MAURITIUS, ERRATICA (World Premiere), and LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES. He has directed at regional theaters including: B Street Theater, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Orlando Shakespeare Company, Perseverance Theater Company, and Sacramento Theater Company. As an actor he has appeared at many regional theaters including: 42nd Street Moon, American Conservatory Theater, The Aurora Theater, Bailiwick Repertory Theater, Capital Stage, B Street Theater, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theater. He holds an M.F.A. from the American Conservatory Theater.

Keith Riedell

Managing Director
Keith Riedell is celebrating his 19th year at Capital Stage and brings to the company his varied experiences in the theatre, management, team building, counseling, training and corporate improvement. While at Capital Stage he has grown box office operations and installed online ticketing and donor systems, developed sound accounting and financial policies and systems, led efforts to provide living wages and benefits to the staff and artists, and has been an outspoken voice for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. Working with the board of directors Mr. Riedell is leading a five-year strategic planning process with Michael Kaiser and the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. The plan, completed in the Summer of 2023 is now in the implementation phase. Along with Artistic Director Michael Stevenson, Keith has worked on capacity building projects with Third Plateau and the University of the Pacific.

Liz Gray

Managing Director
Liz Gray holds an MFA in Arts Leadership and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit and Nongovernmental Organization Management (Virginia Tech); a BFA (NYU, Tisch); and certifications from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London) and the Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC). Previously, Liz worked as a strategic planner, capital campaign designer, arts marketer, accessibility auditor, community engagement coordinator, and fundraiser; and has taught accessible communications and theatre arts courses collegiately. Liz presented research on nonprofit fiscal embeddedness within city-entities at the League of Historic American Theatres’ Conference, and facilitated communications workshops at Rutgers University and the Society for In Vitro Biology.

Tony Gabrielson

Production & Company Manager
Tony has worked with many theaters and dance companies locally and around the country over the last 20 years as a stage manager, carpenter, painter, and technician. Favorite productions include: DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA, ON BORROWED TIME at Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ, and developmental workshops of BOTTLESHOCK! THE MUSICAL. He is blessed and beyond grateful to continue working as an artist in our community. Love and thanks to Jessa and Piper - his favorite people.

Caleb Jones

Technical Director
Caleb is proud to be Capital Stage's Technical Director since the 23/24 Season. He is new to Sacramento but has worked at the San Diego REPertory theater and with several theaters within Fresno County. This year serves as his 11th year in the field, and he hopes you enjoy our shows. Lots of love to Clarissa and all of his loved ones.

Erika L. Placencia*

Stage Manager
Erika L. Placencia* - Stage Manager Erika Placencia is ecstatic about being the Production Stage Manager for THE LEHMAN TRILOGY. She has also been with Capital Stage as the Production Stage manager for KING JAMES, ENGLISH, THE HEART SELLERS, NOW CIRCA THEN and CRY IT OUT. She has been an assistant stage manager at Capital Stage for AMERICAN FAST, HOMBRES and HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING. She has a bachelor’s in communications studies and a Bachelors in Theatre Arts. As a 21-year Air Force Veteran, her husband and family have been by her side through one career and fully support her in her new endeavors. She would like to say that “It’s never too late to follow your dream!” GO FOR IT!

Hailey Bowland^

Assistant Stage Manager
Hailey Bowland has recently been brought into the Capital Stage family as an aspiring apprentice and is delighted to be working as the assistant stage manager for THE LEHMAN TRILOGY. As a recent graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Theater and Design, Hailey is thrilled to be diving into the professional world of theater. She would like to thank the amazing people at Capital Stage for the opportunity as well as the family, friends, and professors who have continued in their support of Hailey's passion for storytelling and the arts. For her family- Love you Most!

Melissa Jernigan*

Sub Stage Manager
Melissa Jernigan* - Sub Stage Manager Melissa most recently worked at Capital Stage on UNSEEN and the world premiere of EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENS AT NIGHT. She has been stage managing at Capital Stage since 2016. Some of her favorites include VIETGONE, THE NETHER, STUPID F##KING BIRD, CLYDE’S and THE HOMBRES. Other credits include being a PA on Broadway’s LENNON, Off-Broadway: FELA! the Lagos Tour, David Cromer’s OUR TOWN, John Leguizamo: A WORK IN PROGRESS, BEAUTY OF THE FATHER at Manhattan Theatre Club, BREATH & IMAGINATION at Hartford Stage, OUR TOWN starring Helen Hunt at The Broad Theatre in Santa Monica. She was a sub stage manager on HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD in SF and this past holiday season returned to her roots as an ASM on ELF: THE MUSICAL at Broadway at Music Circus. She is a proud Equity Member. When she’s not inside the stage management booth with her good friend Ed Lee, Melissa enjoys spending time with her Husband and two sons.

Ian Wallace

Scenic & Projections Designer
Ian Wallace is excited to be returning at Capital Stage where previously he has designed SMART PEOPLE and THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY. Locally he has also designed for Broadway Sacramento, B Street Theatre and the Mondavi Center. Regional credits include designs for The La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Repertory, Opera San Jose, Utah Opera, Pittsburgh Opera and Des Moines Metro Opera. Internationally his design work has been seen in Toronto, London, Romania, Budapest, and Avignon. TV: “Guiding Light” (CBS). USA829 member. Department Chair of Theatre and Cinema Arts at Folsom Lake College and lecturer at UC Davis. B.F.A from NYU; M.F.A from UC San Diego.

Ethan Hollinger

Lighting Designer
Ethan Hollinger returns for his fifth Capital Stage production, this time shedding light on THE LEHMAN TRILOGY — tracing a journey from the warm glow of 1800s candlelight to the stark fluorescents of the 21st century. When not illuminating family dynasties and financial drama, he serves as Head of Theatrical Design at UC Davis, where he helps students embrace the strange and rewire the grid—sometimes literally. A writer, artist, musician, and advocate, his lighting, sound, and media designs span theatre, dance, opera, art installations, and concerts across the country. Recent work includes SHE KILLS MONSTERS (UC Davis), DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS (B Street), ONCE (Duluth Playhouse), and STUPID FUCKING BIRD (UMD). BA: NGU, MFA: Illinois State. Eternal thanks to Chris & Diego, who light up his life. Deep breath. Follow the shenanigans at ethanjhollinger.com and IG: @ethanjhollingerdesigns.

Ryan McKinney

Assistant Lighting Designer
Ryan McKinney is a UC Davis theatre student brought onto this project by lighting designer Ethan Hollinger. They would like to thank Ethan, as well as the wonderful people at Capital Stage, for the opportunity to work on such an engaging and unique production. Ryan has designed, co-designed, and assistant-designed lighting for various shows at UC Davis, including ISCARIOT, GROUNDHOG DAY, RULES OF PLAY, and SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS.

Gail Russell

Costume Designer
With Capital Stage for almost 20 years, she counts among her favorites: UNSEEN, NOW CIRCA THEN, “Everything Pemberley!”, MARJORIE PRIME, AN OCTOROON, BETRAYAL, THE HOMECOMING, A DOLL’S HOUSE, IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR, DANGEROUS LIASONS. Other credits include FOOTLOOSE Broadway Sacramento Music Circus. ELEANOR RIGBY and DORETHEA PUENTE at California Stage, GUNPOWDER MAN and ABOLITION for Duende: Drama and Literature, HEIGHT OF THE STORM and THE CHILDREN Black Point Theatre. Gail teaches at American River College in the theatre arts and fashion departments, designing costumes for recent productions of SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, PUFFS, MACBETH, and THE WIZ, plus their upcoming musical AMELIE.

Shannon Mahoney

Choreographer
Shannon Mahoney is thrilled to return to Capital Stage Theatre Company. Choreography credits include: VIETGONE, MR. BURNS, and ANNA KARENINA at Capital Stage; CABARET and RENT at Falcon Eye Theatre Company; CARRIE THE MUSICAL for Sacramento City College; ROMEO & JULIET, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, and TWELFTH NIGHT for the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival. Acting credits include FAIRVIEW, GLORIA, LUNA GALE, MAPLE AND VINE, and CLYBOURNE PARK at Capital Stage. She holds an MFA from CSU Fullerton and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Ed Lee

Sound Designer
Ed is delighted to be part of another season at Capital Stage. He has been involved in almost every production since the company’s aquatic days at the Delta King, from artwork for SPEECH AND DEBATE to appearing in FIRST PERSON SHOOTER. Favorite sound design credits include: MASTER CLASS; SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME; 4000 MILES; MISTAKES WERE MADE; RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN; and UNCANNY VALLEY.

Riley Cisneros-Gruenthal

Properties Designer
Riley Cisneros-Gruenthal is thrilled to be part of the team for THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, her 11th show with Capital Stage (their work was previously seen in KING JAMES, UNSEEN, EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENS AT NIGHT, ENGLISH, GEORIGIANA & KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, THE HEART SELLERS, CLYDES, ARCHDUKE, & CRY IT OUT). Riley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Oregon University in 2020 with a degree in Theatre Arts. Previous credits include props designer for CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME, WAIT UNTIL DARK, and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Sacramento Theatre Company.

Samantha McLean Haas

Scenic Charge Artist
Samantha has been painting sets for over 15 years in the greater Sacramento area. She’s absolutely thrilled to be joining Capital Stage for her sixth season as Scenic Charge Artist. In addition to Capital Stage, she’s worked at Sacramento City College, Sierra College, California State University Sacramento, University of California Davis, Sacramento Theatre Company, B Street, and Broadway at Music Circus.

K. Kevyne Baar, PhD

Resident Dramaturg
Kevyne is thrilled to be a member of the Capital Stage family as the Resident Dramaturg. Productions include GLORIA, HEROES OF THE FOURTH TURNING, PREDICTOR, ARCHDUKE, NOW CIRCA THEN, EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL HAPPENS AT NIGHT and KING JAMES. Kevyne also serves as Literary Manager for Capital Stage’s popular new play festival, Playwrights' Revolution. A member of Viola Spolin’s Young Actors’ Company who became an Equity Stage Manager, and then the Field Representative for Actors’ Equity’s Western Regional Office, she returned to school in 2001 to work on a PhD. This led to her being Equity’s archivist at the Tamiment Library/Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives at New York University. Kevyne moved from Brooklyn, NY to Davis, CA in 2015, and in 2019 her book, BROADWAY AND THE BLACKLIST was published.

Peter Chapman

Peter Chapman is author of THE LAST OF THE IMPERIOUS RICH: LEHMAN BROTHERS, 1844-2008, a leading reference on the history of the Lehman family.

ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA)

Founded in 1913, this union represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence.

Capital Stage Staff

MICHAEL STEVENSON - Artistic Director

KEITH RIEDELL - Managing Director

LIZ GRAY - Managing Director

KIRK BLACKINTON - Development Manager

TONY GABRIELSON - Production & Company Manager

MISTY MCDOWELL - Marketing Manager

LOGAN JACOB GERMANO HELLER – Education & Box Office Manager

AVERY HERSEK - Audience Services Manager

THEODORE ALEXANDER - House Manager

CALEB JONES - Technical Director

CONOR WOODS - Lead Carpenter

SUNNY MACKEY - Carpenter, Painter

ED LEE - Resident Sound Designer & Engineer

SHAE MERCER - Lead Electrician

CECILIA CASTILLO JUAREZ - Concessions & Box Office Associate 

YASMINE SALMERON - Production Associate

K. KEVYNE BAAR - Resident Dramaturg

JAMIE JONES, PETER MOHRMANN, GAIL RUSSELL, JANIS STEVENS – Associate Artists

ELIJAH PETERS - Infection Control Manager, Payroll & Administrative Assistant

2025/26 SEASON APPRENTICE COMPANY - Hailey Bowland, Stephen Byrum, Lydia Crist, James Simpson


 

Capital Stage Board Members

Lori Abbott Moreland
Arts Patron

Chastity E. Benson
California State Association of Counties

Dan Brunner, Treasurer
Arts Patron

Kathryn E. Doi, Board President
Feldesman Leifer LLP

Beth Hassett
CEO, WEAVE

Stephen C. Jones
Professor and Vice Chair of the CSUS Dept of Theatre and Dance

Leili Khalessi, Board Vice President
California Dept. of Human Resources

Steve Koonce
Arts Patron

Elena Lopez-Gusman
Executive Director, California Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians

Dena Martinez
Talen Agent, Director, Actor

Kristi Quesada Mathisen, Board Secretary
Sacramento Country Day School

Clif McFarland
Attorney

Stephanie Rowe
Professor, Sacramento City College

Vince Sales
Everyday Impact Consulting

Peggy Wheeler
California Hospital Association


Board Emeritus:

Stephanie Gularte, Founding Artistic Director
Capital Stage

Peter Mohrmann, Co-founder
Capital Stage

Jonathan Williams, Co-Founder
Capital Stage

Arlen Orchard
SMUD

Julie Stark
Arts Patron


 

Donors

Special Thanks to our Donors

Donation Totals from 8/25/24 to 9/5/25

Please alert us to any errors or omissions by contacting Development Manager, Kirk Blackinton at kblackinton@capstage.org.


 

Founder's Circle: $20,000+

Dan Brunner
Donna Chipps
Drs. John & Lois Crowe
Kathryn Doi
Golden 1 Credit Union
Lesley & Steve Koonce
Sacramento City Office of Arts and Culture
The Shubert Foundation
Chuck & Nancy Shulock

 

Executive Producer: $10,000+

John Abbott & Lori Abbott Moreland
Chastity E. Benson
Rebecca Boyd
Gail Finney
Gloriette C. Fong
James McElroy & Ann Gerhardt
Leonard Vincent Sales
Anita Scuri & James Simon
Patricia Wall & David Stavarek
Ruth Werner

 

Producer: $6,000+

Walter & Linda Barnes
Marcy Barnett
Steven Debry
Susan Edling
Deborah Franklin & Douglas Mitten
Linda McAtee & Steve Sphar
Gretchen Peralta
Leonard Vincent Sales
Art & Sue Scotland
Howard Slyter & Marge Ginsburg
Barbara Sommer
Ed Telfeyan & Jeri Paik

 

Director: $3,000+

David Bell & Katherine Newman
Susie & Jim Burton
Ted Cobb
Theresa Corrigan
Kathy Davenport & Ken Weiss
Cindy Dunning
Lisa Foster
James R Hargrove
Beth Hassett
Diane Holt
Lisa & Garen Horst
Dean & Sandi Karagianes
Robert Klass & Katy Globus
Michael Koltnow & Kathleen Stack
Scott & Linda Lasher
Dennis Link
Bob Mandelson
Clif McFarland
Rani Pettis
Stephanie Rowe
Peter Saucerman & Susan Twining
Diane Schertz
Tom & Hedda Smithson
Marty & Janet Steiner
Shirlee Tully
Susan Wheeler
Gloria & Don Yost

 

Lead Actor: $1,200+

Jacob & Beth Appelsmith
Peggy Beasley
Linda Brandenburger
Carol Buck & Dennis Beaty
Margaret L Buss
Kathleen Collins
Annabel Cooper
Ellen Covairt & Bernard Kalscheuer
Gayle Dax-Conroy
Jeffrey Farley & Mike Tentis
Patty French
Carole Fritz
Curtis Fritz
Helen & Glenn Hakanson
Matt Hart
Sherry Haus
Jane Hing
Stephanie & David Hunt
Laura Jackson
Barbara Jeffus
Janet Jensen
Laura Kee & Daryl Browne
Dawn & Dave King
Brian & Dorothy Landsberg
Marion Leff
Claire Lipschultz
Tiffany Little Canfield
Elena Lopez-Gusman
Dena Martinez & Paul Verke
Eugene Masuda
Kristi Quesada Mathisen & Josh Mathisen
Peter Mohrmann & David Harris
Karen Neuwald
Gail Pereira
Christopher Price
Laurie Nelson Randlett & Jim Randlett
Amy & Jason Rogers
Jim Rolewicz & Tim Curfman
Glenn & Rose Rondeau
Ken Rothaus
Lori Saper
Kim Silvers & Sheila Cardno
Ann Siprelle
Owen Smith
Roger & Barbara Smith
Rae-Nani Stokes
Robert Suskind & Leslie Lewinter-Suskind
Robert & Michele Van Eyken
Diane Van Maren
Denise Verbeck
Megan Van Voorhis
Peggy Wheeler
Karen Willstatter
Carol Wolff Barnes
Claudia Wrazel & Frank Horowitz

 

Designer: $600+

Chris Abare
Wendell Alderson & Ken Nather
Kathleen Anderson
Stephen & Melva Arditti
David & Marsha Baskins
Peter Botto
Karen Broido
Dr. William Bronston & Lisa Levering
Les & Peggy Chisholm
Jim & Kathleen Deeringer
Fred Deneke & Jim Eastman
Matt Donaldson & Steve Kyriakis
Carol Enns & Don Nikkel
Nancy Erman
Richard & Barbara Falcon
Griff Field
Pamela Fitch
Wiley Fowler
Muffy & Terry Francke
David Fulk & Keith Riedell
Brian Galacio
Randy Getz
Carol & Steven Goldberg
Mary Graziose
Linda Gregory
Dennis Gunvalson & Richard Bay
Ed Hall & Warren Lindeleaf
Team Hanseth
Eileen Heaser
Zheyla Henriksen
Mary Herbert
Hirst Law Group, P.C.
Josh Horowitz & Patti Baggett
Mike & Doris Horton
David & Kathy Kahn
Jane Kirkland
Sayuri Kuo Sharper
Beverly & Ronald Lamb
Dr. John & Rosemary Lamb
Sandy Lee
Shannon Mahoney & Kirk Blackinton
John Marinko
Ed Mills
Keetha Mills & Phil Nanni
Julie Morandi
Sara Nichols
Catherine O'Brien
Steve Patwell
Richard Pearson & Jean Hart
John Peirce
Lowell Richardson & Paula Sugarman
Brian Rickel
Ron Robie
Bob & Shirley Rosenberg
Janet S Shibamoto-Smith
Sara Slocum
Patrica Symkowick
Robert Thompson
Shirley Toy & Dwight Crocker
Stephanie Tucker
Harold & Ilah Turner
Catherine Van Aken
Kim Varner
Chris Wagner
Buzz Wiesenfeld
John Wilson & Susie Monary-Wilson

 

Ensemble: $300+

Candace & Doug Adams
Elaine Alexander
Jean Alford
David Alois & Jacquie Embs
John Angell
Karen Auwaerter
Kristine Backus
Robert & Laura Jane Young
Eloise & James Barter
Don Beckham
Ruthann Biel & Bill Claypool
Barbara Black
Robert & Jean Bonar
Margaret & Stephen Brush
Carin & Bob Bryans
Celia Buckley
Lyndsay Burch
Steve Buri
Henry Chambers
Marilyn Champa
Greg Cook
Timothy Corcoran
Lyn & Jim Crouch
Gail Dartez & Don McGillivray
Anthony & Margie Deriggi
Jim Dodds
Katherine Downey
Tracie & Richard Fike
Clint Fleener
Niva Flor
Patty Garcia & Jim Mattesich
Anne Geraghty
Cynthia Gerber
Adrienne Graham
S. B. Hadley Wilson
Linda & Simon Haines
Suzanne Hanrahan
Linda Hansen
Polly Hasemann
Robert Herne
Theresa Holden
Patrick Hunt
Gary & Eva Incaudo
Lawrence Jacobs
Don Johnson & Elizabeth Miller
Leili Khalessi
Jolanta Kieturakis
Allyce Kimerling
Pamela Kisor
Derry Knight
Sally Knost
Dan & Stephanie Leahy
John Leonard
David & Ruth Lindgren
Dennis Mangers & Michael Sestak
Nancy McDevitt & David Wolffs
Terry McLean
Steven Meinrath & Helen Nusbaum
George Meyer
Steve & Cheryl Meyer
Mr. Colin A. Miller
Shirley Nelson
Danielle & Dean Newberry
Becky & Bob Norris
Michele Noufer
Erin O'neil
Tracey O'Reilly
Barbara Payne
Enid Pritikin
James Queirolo
Patti Roberts
Ruth Rosenberg
Linda Roth
Randy Sater
Fred & Polly Schack
Michael Scheible
Gerald Sharp
Joe Shea
Elaine Silver
Karen Smith
Susanne Sommer & George Ramsey
Harry & Linda Struthers
Patricia Sturdevant
Susan & Ken Taylor
Nina Thomson
Rachel Tooker & Randy Roberts
Mildred Torrance
Michael & Barbara Ullman
Irene Velasquez
Elaine Verbarg
James O Walker Jr
Bryan Weare
LeRose Weikert
Martha West
Jonathan Williams
Richard & Kathryn Williams
Wendy & Mark Zlotlow

 

Patron: $150+

Meredith Abby
John & Kathleen Agnew
Susan Andrews
Anonymous
Terri Auwaerter
Maria Balakshin
Debra Baldwin
Heidi Ballard
Kim Barragan
Susan Benson
Brenda Betts
Karen Bleuel
Lydia Bourne
Bruce Bowers
Todd Boyd
Daniel Braunstein
Eve Bressler
Janis Briggs
Constance Brown
Marc Brown & Althea Cervantes
Terry Brown
Ted Calvert
Bernice Chin
Allison Claire
Idelle & Dan Claypool
Marilyn Cooper
Marcus Crowder & Laura Compton
Prietto Cueto Fund
Kelly Dodge
Kathy Dona
Deirdre Downes
Anne Duffey
Kathryn Dunker
Daniel & Diane Durawa
Elizabeth Edwards
Stuart Eldridge
Linda Esten
Rachel Falsetti
Carolyn Foland
Leah E Frey
Kelli Frostad
Sam Goby
Carol Goodman & Tony Gane
Lisa Goodwill
Patricia Gregory
Marina Gunst
J Paul & Judy Guyer
Dan Harlan
Mary Hellwig
Sharon Helmar
Linda Huang
Marlys Huez
Patricia Hull
Kim Hunter
Sumiko Ichikawa & Teruo Mizutani
Lydia Inghram
Linda Iseri
Jean Jackman
Chris & Sarah Janus
Samuel Jenkins
Anne Jennings
Lial Jones
Jason Jong
Jonel Jorgensen & Dennis Lloyd
Margaret Kane & Richard Frey
Cat Karell
John Katonah
Jamie Khan
Mimi Khan
Kay Michelle Khayat
Joann Kleemann
Anne Knuut
Nancy LaCasse
Paul & Jane Lammerding
Susie LaPointe
Renee Larsen
Janice Levin
Jonathan C Lewis
Janet Lial
Joanne Matsui & Arthur Lai
Geoff Maxey
Lynne Meredith
Connor Mickiewicz
Livia Moe
Diane & Lisa Moore
Karen Morrison
Hallie Morrow
Scott Moyer
Catherine Mulhall & Steve Danielson
Carly Narlesky
Michael Paparian
Kellie Paredes
David Paul
Cherril Peabody
Larry Pearson
Jeff & Karin Pelz
Sarah Phelan
Karyn Quan
David L. Reed
Margaret Roberts
Nancy Roberts
Rachel Roberts
Christine Rodrigues
Carol Rogers & Jon Courtway
Sally Rogers
Patrick Romano
Chris Ronshausen Household
Kurt Rosen
Ann Samuelson
Deborah Seiler
Adrienne Shapiro
Shonna Shearson
Adrienne Sher
Jean & David Shiomoto
Michael Sicilia
Nancy Silva
Susan & Ross Siragusa
Chris & Julia Smith
Robert Snider
James E Soller
Neill SooHoo
Pamela Stewart
David Stolcenberg
Dan & Karen Tajbl
Penelope Taylor
Patty Torbert & Ken Graber
Devin Valdez
Dennis Valentine
Rebecca Valentino
Christi Van Eyken
Kristina Vandershaf
Peter & Karen Von Elten
Robin Wallace
Kevin Walsh
John & Carole Whitelaw
Steven Winlock
Arnold Wolf & Fern Tablin
Mary Worthington

 

"The Crew" - Recurring Donors

Chris Abare
John Abbott & Lori Abbott Moreland
Candace & Doug Adams
John Angell
Merle Axelrad
Jose Barbosa
Peggy Beasley
Bill Bronston & Lisa Levering
Margaret & Stephen Brush
Celia Buckley
Margaret L Buss
Ann Byfield
Kathryn & Jim Carlson
Bernice Chin
Les & Peggy Chisholm
Kathleen Collins
Kaoru Cruz
Jennifer Cummings
Daniel DeFoe
Gail & Tom Devitt
Martha & Jim Dickson
Lily Douglas
Katherine Downey
Stuart Eldridge
Ellen Ferguson
Mary Helen Fischer
Sara Floor
Muffy & Terry Francke
Deborah Franklin & Douglas Mitten
David Fulk & Keith Riedell
Mary Graziose
Kathryn Grey
Stephanie Gularte
Suzanne Hanrahan
Courtney & Nate Hans
Dalinda Harman
Josh Horowitz & Patti Baggett
Suzanne Houlton
Stephanie & David Hunt
Kim Hunter & Sherry Reser
Linda Iseri
Eillen Jacobowitz
Anne Jennings
Iris Johnson
Maria Jurado
Dean & Sandi Karagianes
Pamela Kisor
Dr. John & Rosemary Lamb
Sandy Lee
Doron Levitan
Shannon Mahoney & Kirk Blackinton
John Marinko
Kristi & Josh Mathisen
Linda McAtee & Steve Sphar
Carol McCormick
Shelley & James McFarland
Peter Mohrmann & David Harris
Diane & Lisa Moore
Suzanne Ness
Ann OConnell
David Pitman & Rani Pettis
Laurie Nelson Randlett & Jim Randlett
Carol Rogers & Jon Courtway
Sunny Romer
Linda Roth
Donald Rubin
Leonard Vincent Sales
Peter Saucerman
Diane Schertz
Susan Scott
Chris & Julia Smith
Jennifer Sommer
Peggy Stare
Michael Stevenson
Michael Storey
Linda & Scott Taylor
Martha West
John Wilson & Susie Monary-Wilson
Claudia Wrazel & Frank Horowitz

 

Learn more about "The Crew": capstage.org/play-a-part/donate/ 

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