The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation has bestowed a $15,000 grant on Sierra Madre Playhouse in support of its upcoming production, Bee-luther-hatchee. Sierra Madre Playhouse is one of four Los Angeles and Seattle area theatres newly designated a grantee, and is the only intimate theatre to be so awarded.
The Foundation’s website states, “The Foundation’s theatre enrichment work fosters the art form by expanding access to inspiring productions and immersive educational experiences. We endeavor to support excellent artistic content that promotes important conversations around timely social issues. Further, we believe that active engagement before and after performances provides additional access points that are welcoming to new and underserved audiences.”
Thomas Gibbons’ play Bee-luther-hatchee directly confronts issues of race, cultural appropriation and authenticity, expanding the communal conversation of issues that have a continuing presence in today’s headlines. The engagement of the play will be accompanied by concurrent educational and cultural activities, exhibit displays and conversations with playmakers and guest panelists.
“We act as a catalyst to advance positive and sustainable change…We invest in bold ideas that inspire collective action in order to achieve powerful results.”—Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
Sierra Madre Playhouse Artistic Director Christian Lebano commented, “Bee-luther-hatchee has been a passion project for me for several years…We were able to keep the very talented cast together and the same creative team and are now deep into rehearsals for this beautiful play…I’m feeling pretty validated about what we are planning…”
The Sierra Madre Playhouse gratefully acknowledges the generosity and commitment of the Biller Family Foundation in its support of the arts.
Bee-luther-hatchee. A play. Written by Thomas Gibbons. Directed by Saundra McClain. Produced by Christian Lebano, Estelle Campbell and Joan Riback for Sierra Madre Playhouse. At Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. This is just east of Pasadena. There is ample free parking behind the Playhouse. January 13- February 18, 2017. Fri. & Sat. at 8:00, Sun. at 2:30. Additional Saturday matinee on February 18 at 2:30. Admission: $30. Seniors (65+) $27. Youth (13-20) $20. Children 12 and under, $17. Reservations: (626) 355-4318. Online ticketing: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
