HOT PANTS
High-profile theater lovers came out in force to check out the opening night performance of Steve Martin’s adaptation of “The Underpants” at the Geffen Playhouse. And needless to say, the britches had us in stitches. Malibuites Ginny Mancini, Blake Edwards, Julie Andrews and David Geffen mingled with the likes of Michelle Pfeiffer and hubby David E. Kelley, Kirk and Anne Douglas, Eric Idle, Doris Roberts and Beau Bridges were there for the champagne-cocktail reception.
In keeping with the top-drawer theme of the evening, the place was decked out with white casablancas, white roses and white orchids. Servers made the rounds with sun-dried tomato crostini, chicken skewers and grilled veggies as A-listers caught up with old pals. Soon it was Showtime and we headed inside where film director Steven Speilberg had the seat of honor right next to Herr Martin.
The free-wheeling farce, set in Germany, tells the story of beautiful housefrau Louise who accidentally loses her knickers and becomes a community sensation. There were lots of snappy one-liners and loads of Austin Powers-style sight gags – strategically placed melons and extra long hotdogs – you get the idea. And while not the apex of thespian sophistication, it proved to be a light-hearted delight all the same.
Afterwards, fans lined up to congratulate the wild and crazy comedian-turned-actor-turned-playwright on his uproarious effort. Geffen Producing Director Gil Cates meantime was busy making the donor rounds, but stopped long enough to talk about the theater’s upcoming improvements.
“The spirit of the theater won’t change,” said Gates, referring to its intimate venue. “But we think our generous supporters deserve things like comfortable seats and decent restrooms.”
Geffen productions will move to the Brentwood Theater for the next 15 months while the playhouse gets its much-needed face lift.
The season continues with “Cookin’ at the Cookery: The Music and Times of Alberta Hunter.” The award-winning musical is based on the life of blues and jazz legend Alberta Hunter and runs through July 25.
SURF’S UP
The Santa Monica Baykeeper is gearing up for its splashy Beach Ball. The festivities get underway at Paradise Cove on May 15 complete with a silent auction, dinner, awards ceremony and a guest appearance by Randy Newman. Ocean conservationist Anne Earhart, Los Angeles City Councilmember Jack Weiss and Waterkeeper Alliance Executive Director Steve Fleischli are among the honorees. This year’s theme is an ode to retro-surf. So dude, what are you waiting for? Don your best Hawaiian shirt, hit the sand and help the bay clean up its act.