FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

For more information, contact:

Jenni Benzaquen

Press Director

Geffen Playhouse

(310) 208-6500, ext. 126

jenni@geffenplayhouse.com

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES

SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA

WITH RITA WILSON AND DAVID HYDE PIERCE

SERVING AS HONORARY CO-CHAIRS

“Backstage at the Geffen” Set for April 28, 2003

LOS ANGELES, CA — March 26, 2003—Rita Wilson and David Hyde Pierce will be the honorary co-chairs for Geffen Playhouse’s second annual fundraising gala Backstage at the Geffen on Monday, April 28. The Geffen is pleased to have PEOPLE as the presenting sponsor. The evening will provide the audience with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the theater starring a talented cast, top directors and other friends of the Geffen Playhouse. Last year, attendees heard stories and scenes from Annette Bening, Jason Alexander, David Hyde Pierce, Rita Wilson, Dana Delany, Peter Falk, Bruce Vilanch and Neil Simon, among others. This year’s guests, still to be announced, will be equally exciting.

“Last year’s event was a wonderful success,” said Gil Cates, Geffen Playhouse Producing Director. “We’re thrilled to make the gala an annual event and expect another wonderful evening of laughter and fun as we bring together a terrific and talented cast for this one-of-a-kind celebration.”

VIP festivities for Backstage at the Geffen begin at 6pm with a general cocktail reception for all guests beginning at 6:30pm. Fabulous food prepared by Tanino will tempt the drink-sipping crowd before they take their seats for the one-night only performance at 8pm. Immediately following the show, guests and the Backstage artists celebrate together with dessert and champagne. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Geffen Playhouse’s Annual Fund as well as the Educational Outreach programs that enable the Geffen to share the joy of the theater with the youth of Los Angeles.

Founding co-chairs for Backstage at the Geffen are Annette Bening and Jason Alexander, last year’s honorary co-chairs. The 2003 event co-chairs are David Pence and Pamela Robinson, members of the Geffen Playhouse’s Board of Directors, and the event committee list includes Jim Chabin, Marcia Israel-Curley, Michael Kong, Wendy Kurtzman, Dana Precious, Paula Rudnick, Victoria Mann Simms, Sandy Terner and Lori Zuker.

The award-winning Geffen Playhouse presents the best in both classic and contemporary plays and is currently celebrating its seventh season. Geffen Playhouse is headed by Producing Director Gilbert Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Managing Director Stephen Eich. The Geffen values its role as an important cultural and educational resource and is committed to providing challenging and enriching theater experiences to Los Angeles students and community members. The Geffen’s innovative education and outreach programs include The Saturday Scene, theatrical performances and workshops for kids and their families; Student Matinees, performances of Geffen Playhouse productions; the Geffen Tour that goes to Los Angeles area schools; 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.

Tickets to Backstage at the Geffen may be obtained by calling Levy-Pazanti & Associates at (310) 201-5033. Backstage at the Geffen tickets begin at $250 with packages starting at $2500 and Program/Ad Book advertisements available from $250 to $3000, depending on page size.

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