BIG BUCKS BACKSTAGE
The Geffen Playhouse pulled its biggest take ever with more than $1 million raised for the institution’s education, outreach and artistic programs. Longtime Malibu resident and “Mary Poppins” icon Dick Van Dyke was on hand to present this year’s “Distinction in Theater Award” to comedy queen Carol Burnett.
The starry evening kicked off with a VIP dinner at the W Hotel in Westwood where guests gathered at The Backyard restaurant for a feast which included baby heirloom tomatoes stuffed with avocado mousse, grilled peaches with fresh buratta cheese and wild arugula, as well as braised beef short rib and grilled veggie tart topped with goat cheese and tomato fondue.
Next it was off to the playhouse where there was a big round of applause for the theater’s beloved producing director Gil Cates, who passed away last October.
Theater lovers, friends and family paid tribute to Gil with a touching video narrated by one of Hollywood’s greatest voices, actor Laurence Fishburne.
Acclaimed actress Annette Bening introduced the production with a few personal anecdotes about her early days on the stage. Hubby Warren Beatty wasn’t far behind as he presented the “Distinction in Service Award” to Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment Jim Gianopulos.
In keeping with tradition, the evening’s highlight was the sharing of personal, behind-the-curtain, backstage stories from the likes of Dana Delany, Dame Helen Mirren and Bruce Vilanch.
In addition to colorful stories and the inside theater scoop, there was music in the air. “Godfather III” star Andy Garcia demonstrated his Cuban flair. The award-winning actor paid a special tribute to his native roots by performing an impromptu solo on the bongos with the legendary jazz musician Arturo Sandoval.
He even played the part of the magnificent music man in “For Love of Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story.”
Monica Mancini joined in the fun with a special spin on the classic “The Shadow of Your Smile.”
The evening was also full of memories for “Two Broke Girls” star Beth Behrs. She began her career at the Geffen volunteering and stuffing gift bags, but tonight was a little different as she opened the musical program with “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Host Jane Lynch kept everyone in stitches, referring to the classy Ms. Mirren as “hot!” She also drew laughs when she introduced her “Glee” co-star Matthew Morrison as “the guy I’ve been carrying all these years.” To show off her impressive acting range, Jane even threw in a little Yiddish for good measure.
After the show, guests gathered for a dessert buffet and specialty drinks. It seems like there was no better way to celebrate the Geffen’s most successful fundraiser yet. Bravo!