Suspects and Sequins: A Mystery Masquerade
Spotlight Honorees
Jim and Becky Morgan exemplify visionary leadership across business, public service, and civic life. Jim spent nearly 30 years as CEO and later Chairman of Applied Materials, helping grow it into one of the world’s most influential semiconductor companies. Becky distinguished herself through public service as a California State Senator and later as President and CEO of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network, where she advanced regional collaboration, innovation, and economic vitality. Together, their careers reflect a shared commitment to thoughtful leadership and long-term impact.
That commitment is most powerfully realized through the James and Rebecca Morgan Family Foundation, which has awarded more than $158 million to over 200 organizations. Their philanthropy supports environmental conservation, education, youth development, and nonprofit leadership, with a strong emphasis on California-based initiatives. Jim further extended this impact by creating Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits, a global leadership resource sharing practical insights drawn from decades of executive experience.
Guided for more than three decades by a philosophy of “giving forward,” the Morgans have invested deeply in people and organizations, preserving tens of thousands of acres of wilderness, strengthening nonprofit leadership nationwide, and helping organizations expand their reach and effectiveness. Their legacy of strategic generosity and personal engagement continues to shape communities for generations to come.
David Hein and Irene Sankoff are an Olivier Award–winning, Tony- and Grammy-nominated creative duo whose work has reshaped contemporary musical theatre worldwide. Originally from Canada, based in New York City, and recognized internationally, they are best known as the co-creators of the global phenomenon Come From Away, inspired by the extraordinary kindness that emerged after September 11. The musical has earned numerous honors, including Olivier Awards for Best Musical and Best Score, and has been performed internationally.
Their collaboration began with My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding, an acclaimed autobiographical musical that established their voice as inventive, heartfelt storytellers. Since then, Hein and Sankoff have written for major platforms including Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros., HBO, and the CW, developing new projects across stage, film, and television with emotional depth, humor, and humanity.
They also share a deep creative relationship with TheatreWorks Silicon Valley as alumni of our New Works initiative, with readings and workshops of original material including My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding and their latest musical, Vienna. This spring, TheatreWorks will present Come From Away on our mainstage, celebrating community and connection with our Silicon Valley audiences.
Beyond their artistic achievements, Hein and Sankoff’s work embodies a philanthropic spirit rooted in generosity and human connection. Come From Away has inspired acts of kindness worldwide, from food-bank drives to community outreach, and they have been honored with the Four Freedoms Good Neighbor Award and Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross for their contributions to the arts and society.
