Leading Ladies History

The Rep's Leading Ladies began their efforts during the 2008-2009 season. It was the first time in the history of The Rep that a group of individuals - men or women - came together to be the Major Sponsor of a Mainstage Production. This vibrant fundraising effort led by women interested in theatre arts has raised more than $850,000 since then.

REP1307_LeadingLadiesLogo_CMYK-01.pngAppreciation goes to past Chair, Linda Stark, Co-Chairs, Pamela Dern and Judith Weiss Levy, Margaret Augustin and Lois Schultz, Sarah Wilson, Social Media Chair, and the generous and hard-working committee members and individuals who joined in the effort to make a difference for The Rep through support of Leading Ladies.

2008-2009

miracle-worker.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2008-2009 effort focused on underwriting production costs in bringing The Miracle Worker by William Gibson to the stage. This story of joy and triumph chronicles Helen Keller's transformation from savage to an eager student at the hands of Miss Sullivan.

  • Raised: $26,210

2009-2010

anne-frank.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2009-2010 effort focused on underwriting production costs in bringing The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett to the stage. This play was selected as testimony to the power of hope, courage and love in the worst of times and to the individual good that is always possible.

  • Raised: $34,183

2010-2011

macbeth.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2010-2011 effort focused on underwriting production costs in bringing Shakespeare's most chilling tragedy to the stage - Macbeth, directed by Paul Mason Barnes.

  • Raised: $44,536

2011-2012

race.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2011-2012 effort focused on underwriting production costs in bringing Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet’s newest play Race to the stage. Directed by an artistically adventurous female director, Timothy Near, this play explored all sides of taboo conversation where cases – and people – are never just black and white.

  • Raised: $50,000

2012-2013

double-indemnity.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2012-2013 effort focused on underwriting production costs of the first stage adaptation of James M. Cain’s Double Indemnity; a dark and treacherous view of the power of greed and desire.

  • Raised: $68,090

2013-2014

noises-off.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2013-2014 effort focused on underwriting production costs of bringing the intricately crafted mayhem of Michael Frayne’s Noises Off to the stage. Clearly one of the greatest comedies ever written.

  • Raised: $75,080

2014-2015

vanya-sonia.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2014-2015 effort focused on underwriting production costs of bringing Christopher Durang’s 2013 Tony Award-Winning Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike to the stage. This is a very funny and clever play, written with integrity and intelligence.

  • Raised: $79,308

2015-2016

lion-in-winter.jpgThe Leading Ladies 2015-2016 effort focused on underwriting production costs of bringing James Goldman’s The Lion in Winter to the stage. Under the expert direction of Edward Stern, the play brought surprising humor and style to medieval family politics and proved to be a hit for The Rep.

  • Raised: $80,000

2016-2017

KillMockingbird_2017_spotlightThe Leading Ladies 2016-2017 effort focused on underwriting production costs for To Kill a Mockingbird to commemorate The Rep's 50th anniversary. This moving adaptation of Harper Lee's beloved novel was a hit with audiences and critics alike.

  • Raised: $92,000

2017-2018

In 2017-2018, the Leading Ladies supported The Rep's production of The Marvelous Wonderettes. This romp through the music of the 1950s and '60s was a total treat.

  • Raised: $93,380

2018-2019

In 2018-2019, the Leading Ladies supported The Rep's production of Oslo. This astounding production of J.T. Rogers' Tony Award-winning play was Steven Woolf's final directing credit as The Rep's Augustin Family Artistic Director

  • Raised: $95,650

2019-2020

This vibrant fundraising effort led by women interested in theatre arts has raised more than $850,000 since then.

  • Raised: $101,805


     

2020-2021

In 2020-2021, the Leading Ladies came together in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic to support education programming at The Rep.

  • Raised: $68,948


     

2021-2022

​​​​​​ In 2021-2022, the Leading Ladies will support The Rep’s entire Mainstage season. For the first time in Rep history, all productions will be directed by women.

  • Goal: $75,000