Editor:
 
Last week as the East Coast got a second pounding after Hurricane Sandy, a group of intrepid Theatre Aspen board members made their way to New York City for an event-packed trip. Not everyone was successful making it in, and we were sad to give away coveted Broadway show tickets to Tony winners like “Once” and “Book of Mormon,” but those who were lucky enough to get there were rewarded with an exciting, educational theatriganza.
 
First, I had the privilege of moderating a panel of theater experts: Broadway and television director Scott Ellis, along with Todd Haimes, artistic director of one of the country’s largest nonprofit theaters; Jed Bernstein, former president of The Broadway League, and who just reopened the 75-year-old Bucks County Playhouse; and finally, Vicki Reiss, executive director of The Shubert Foundation, the organization responsible for granting the largest amount of money to theaters around the country. The group had over 100 years of experience in commercial and nonprofit theater among them and the 90-minute session about the state of the art, and the changing donor landscape was packed with funny anecdotes, cold realities and inspiring encouragement.
 
Oh yes, we had a productive board meeting, too, and attended a variety of Broadway shows. Bob and Soledad Hurst hosted a “toast to Theatre Aspen” cocktail party, introducing new friends to our organization and finally, we were entertained by singer Allan Harris (who will be at The Little Nell on Dec. 28). I’d love to thank the board of Theatre Aspen for continuing to support to events like these that are both educational and aspirational. I hope it makes their service to Theatre Aspen even more fulfilling and exciting.
 
Stand by for next week’s announcement of 30th anniversary season shows!