BACKSTAGE PASS
Mary Steenburgen and hubby Ted Danson stepped into the spotlight hosting the fourth annual Backstage at the Geffen Gala. Theater lovers had something special to celebrate as the Geffen wrapped up the first season in its newly refurbished digs.
Locals like Ginny Mancini joined Sharon Lawrence, Alicia Silverstone, Christina Applegate and David Mamet for a VIP reception, sipping Taittinger and snacking a lavish spread of rosemary grilled chicken, Waldorf salad, salmon tartar and Gorgonzola grilled cheese sandwiches.
Steenburgen recently appeared at the Geffen alongside Silverstone and Rebecca Pidgeon in Mamet’s “Boston Marriage.”
“I loved that play,” she recalled. “Working with David Mamet was a thrill.”
Producing Director Gil Cates, meantime, was busy making the rounds proudly showing off the new facility. “I’m delighted,” he said. “We’ve had some wonderful productions and there are more to come. But raising money to keep it all going is a full time job.”
Soon it was show time and we filed into the renovated playhouse for a lighthearted look at what the audiences don’t see. Theater vet Steenburgen described the awe she experienced when she shared the same dressing room as the great thespian Sir John Gielgud. Danson joked he felt the same way sharing the same space once occupied by Lee Majors.
Against the homey Victorian backdrop of the Geffen’s “All My Sons,” Sharon Lawrence, Tyne Daly and Christina Applegate performed excerpts from “The Royal Family.” And Applegate wowed the crowd with a rousing rendition of “If They Could See Me Now” from the musical “Sweet Charity.”
Carrie Fisher shared a few hilarious tales from her “Star Wars” days and the experience of working with its legendary director. “George Lucas owns my likeness,’ she quipped. “Every time I look in the mirror I have to send him a few bucks.” In addition to her iconic image, Fisher poked fun at her well-publicized addiction issues. “If you had a plastic bottle that looks like you and your head twists off to pour liquid soap out of, you’d be an alcoholic too.”
What better way for Princess Leia to wrap up her performance than on her knees uttering those famous words “My mission to Alderaan has failed. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi; you’re my only hope.”
The evening ended with Annette Benning and a special salute to HBO prez and long time Geffen supporter Colin Callender.
With its 50 productions and $1 million worth of seats sold, the Geffen has a reached a milestone and continues to build on its reputation as a world-class theater. Proceeds from the gala benefited the Geffen’s education and outreach programs, which keep theater alive in L.A.