For Malibu’s Rita Wilson, the play’s the thing. And, one thing’s for sure — her “Simply Shakespeare” benefit, on behalf of the Shakespeare Center Los Angeles (SCLA), just keeps getting better and better.
The noted actress and wife of Oscar winner Tom Hanks stepped into the spotlight for the 24th annual celebration at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse.
It was an uproarious evening of Shakespeare, song and, of course, witty banter. It boasted an awesome, star-studded cast.
This year’s extravaganza featured a reading of the Bard’s classic “As You Like It.”
The varied and talented players wowed the crowd with music legend Paul Simon as Amiens, Rita as Audrey, “Star Trek’s” William Shatner as Duke Frederick and Duke Senior, and funnyman Steve Carell as Corin and Charles the Wrestler. Also among the cast was SNL alum Martin Short as LeBeau, Sir Oliver Martext and Jack De Boys; Colin Hanks as Orlando, Gillian Jacobs as Rosalind, Christopher Lloyd as Adam, Glenn Howerton as Oliver, Kaitlin Olson as Celia, Bill Irwin as Touchstone, Sam Waterston as Jaeques, and Sheldon Donenberg as William. Now that’s what I call a line up!
Under the direction of SCLA founding Artistic Director Ben Donenberg, the Bard’s wild romantic comedy did more than just deliver laughs through the antics of its impressive cast. It also combined iconic songs from the one and only Paul Simon, who played a lord and musician in the magical Forest of Arden. Simon drew wild applause with renditions of longtime favorites like “The 59th Street Bridge Song” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.” But the singer was just warming up. Also on tap … “The Boxer,” “Homeward Bound,” “Cecilia,” “Bookends” and “Leaves That Are Green.” The merriment wrapped up with an all-cast finale of “Kodachrome.”
Needless to say, it was Shakespeare like you’ve never seen it and this troupe is “Still Crazy After All These Years.”
The celebrity extravaganza kicked off with a VIP cocktail reception, followed by a post-performance nibble of sweet treats with the cast.
They also honored the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) and President and CEO Lisa Paulsen for promoting positive change in the areas of health, arts education and social causes.
Rita presented the evening’s award and thanked EIF for “enriching and building community through professional theatrical traditions that are accessible to all.”
Proceeds from the event support SCLA and its arts-based veterans and youth employment programs.
As they say, “All the world’s a stage” and members of this talented cast and crew are most definitely players.