FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

For more information, contact:

Jenni Benzaquen

Press Director

Geffen Playhouse

(310) 208-6500, ext. 126

jenni@geffenplayhouse.com

OSCAR AND EMMY WINNER KARL MALDEN

TO RECEIVE FIRST ANNUAL GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

“DISTINCTION IN THEATER” AWARD AT 3^RD ANNUAL “BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN” GALA FUNDRAISER

Event Co-Chaired by West Wing Director Tommy Schlamme and

Emmy-award Winning Actress Christine Lahti;

Sponsored by PEOPLE Magazine and Citigroup Private Bank

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 6, 2004 – Oscar and Emmy winning actor Karl Malden will receive the first annual Geffen Playhouse “Distinction in Theater” award at the third annual “Backstage at the Geffen” fundraising gala slated for Monday, April 19, it was announced by Geffen Playhouse Producing Director, Gilbert Cates. Tom Hanks will present Malden with the award at the star-studded event which features an evening of once-in-a-lifetime theater experiences including celebrity play readings, musical and dance pieces, and intimate conversations with actors and directors – all designed to provide audience members with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the theater. Co-chaired by West Wing director Tommy Schlamme and Emmy-award winning actress Christine Lahti, the event features performances by Annette Bening, Geena Davis, Willie Garson, the Smothers Brothers, Amy Pietz, Debbie Allen, Beau Bridges, James Farentino, Sharon Lawrence, Peter Bonerz, Jim Burrows and more.

“The last two years’ events have been such wonderful successes and when it comes to the caliber of actors, directors and performers, this year will be no exception,” said Cates. “This event also marks a special milestone for us at the Geffen as we prepare to move to the lovely Brentwood Theatre for 15-months before returning to the Geffen’s revived and renovated space in 2005. This evening is really the culmination of our continued efforts to make world-class theater available to people of all ages at all economic levels throughout Los Angeles.”

Sponsored by PEOPLE Magazine and Citigroup Private Bank, this year’s event will begin at 6 pm with a VIP cocktail reception, music and buffet dinner catered by Tanino Restaurant and Bar in the beautifully decorated outdoor reception area adjacent to the theater. The one-night-only, all-star “Backstage” artists’ performances begin at 8 pm. Following the show, guests and artists will return to the reception area for dessert and champagne.

Proceeds from the evening benefit Geffen Playhouse’s Annual Fund as well as the Educational Outreach programs that enable the Geffen to share theater with youth throughout Los Angeles. The Geffen’s innovative and expansive education and outreach programs include a wide-range of free theatrical workshops and performances for children and their families; student matinee performances of Geffen productions and a touring production for Los Angeles area students; the CREATE program designed to build non-traditional theatrical audiences; and Geffen Playhouse Symposiums, which feature spirited discussions on subjects relating to issues that come to light in Geffen productions.

Founding co-chairs for “Backstage at the Geffen” are Annette Bening and Jason Alexander. The 2004 event co-chairs are David Pence and Pamela Robinson, members of the Geffen Playhouse’s Board of Directors. The event committee list also includes Suzanne Deal Booth, Jim Chabin, Wendy Kurtzman, Judy Levy and Paul Rudnick.

In May 2004, Geffen Playhouse will break ground for a major renovation and expansion. The 500-seat Brentwood Theatre, located just west of the Geffen on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Brentwood, will serve as Geffen Playhouse’s interim home, hosting the final production of Geffen Playhouse’s 2003/2004 season and the entire run of its 2004/2005 season.

Tickets to “Backstage at the Geffen” may be obtained by calling the Geffen Playhouse at (310) 208-6500, extension 141. Tickets begin at $250 with packages starting at $2,500.

The award-winning Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood and is headed by Producing Director Gilbert Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Managing Director Stephen Eich.

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CONTACTS: Jenni Benzaquen Katy Sweet

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE KATY SWEET & ASSOCIATES

(310) 208-6500, ext. 126 (323) 852-0772

jenni@geffenplayhouse.com katysweet1@aol.com