FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

For more information, contact:

Jenni Benzaquen

Press Director

Geffen Playhouse

(310) 208-6500, ext. 126

jenni@geffenplayhouse.com

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE UNVEILS 2004-2005 EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH INITIATIVES

Season Highlights Include Return of Critically Acclaimed Family Theater Productions, Expanded School Tour Program, and More Educator Workshops

LOS ANGELES, CA – October 21, 2004 – In a continuing effort make world-class theater accessible to young people and their families throughout Los Angeles, Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gilbert Cates proudly unveils the Geffen’s educational outreach initiatives for the 2004-2005 season. Included in this season’s programming are critically acclaimed children’s productions presented by the Geffen’s “Saturday Scene” series, an expanded school tour program, and more educator workshops – all created to promote the integration of the arts into educational programming, which research has proven enhances student development and performance.

“It is vitally important to anyone in the arts that people of all ages and economic levels are able to experience the magic of live theater,” said Cates. “Programs such as ‘Saturday Scene’ and the School Tour series allow us to introduce performing arts to students throughout the Los Angeles area who may not otherwise have the ability to do so.”

According to the American Alliance of Theatre and Education, students learning through the arts are able to think at a higher level, collaborate with their peers, and score higher on standardized tests.

“The Geffen’s educational programs were developed to stimulate the imagination and promote creativity within our youth. What an excellent way to develop their individual and cultural identities while strengthening their ties to the community,” continued Cates.

Earlier this year, Geffen Playhouse launched a landmark 10-year campaign to celebrate American theater. Marking a milestone for Southern California theaters, Geffen Playhouse will dedicate the majority of its season programming over the next 10 seasons to plays that examine the values and ideals of America at various times throughout history.

Geffen Playhouse 2004-2005 “Saturday Scene” Season

Earlier this month, the Geffen’s 2004-2005 “Saturday Scene” season kicked-off with the Parson’s Nose adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic American fable, Rip Van Winkle. The Geffen will also present the critically acclaimed children’s show, Ohmland Live, followed by two more Parson’s Nose adaptations of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid. This season, the Geffen will also be presenting five wildly popular children’s productions, including the Grammy nominated Beethoven’s Wig, Ralph’s World, Gwendolyn and the Goodtime Gang, Barney Saltzberg, and Joanie Bartels. All “Saturday Scene” performances take place on Saturday mornings from 11AM to noon.

Subscriptions to the 2004-2005 “Saturday Scene” season are currently on sale and may be purchased online at http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/saturday_scene.php, or by emailing or calling the Geffen Playhouse Education Department at education@geffenplayhouse.com or (310) 208-6500, extension 198. Subscriptions to the “Saturday Scene” season are $20 for children 12 and under and $40 for adults.

Single tickets for all “Saturday Scene” performances may be purchased in person at the Geffen Playhouse box office at the Brentwood Theatre or by calling the box office at (310) 208-5454. Single tickets for most events are $5 for children ages 12 and under and $10 for adults.

Parson’s Nose Productions’ Rip Van Winkle

Quintessential American classics writer Washington Irving is perhaps best known for Rip Van Winkle, the story of a man who sleeps for 20 years in the Catskill Mountains and awakens to find a changed world. Irving’s timeless fable has been adapted by Lance Davis of Parson’s Nose Productions and is directed by Ivar Brogger. Children (ages six and up) and their families are welcome to boo the villains and cheer on the heroes in the Geffen Playhouse/Parson’s Nose co-production of Rip Van Winkle at the Brentwood Theatre on Saturday, October 23, 2004 at 11AM.

Ohmland Live

Lauded by The New York Times as “Best of the Season” for children’s theater in 2001, Ohmland Live playfully introduces children (ages three and up) to world music, yoga, and creative problem solving. This critically acclaimed interactive musical adventure offers the entire family a fun, hip way to battle their worries and develop a healthy lifestyle through song and movement. Geffen Playhouse will present Ohmland Live at the Brentwood Theatre for three performances on Saturday, December 4, 11, and 18, 2004 at 11AM.

Ralph’s World

Back by popular demand, Geffen Playhouse presents critically acclaimed children’s music production Ralph’s World. Featuring contemporary and hip performances of children’s music with a rock-n-roll edge, Ralph’s World is the creation of musician/songwriter, Ralph Covert. Recently, Family Fun Magazine called Covert “one of the freshest, funniest, most original new kids’ artists out there.” The Geffen Playhouse will present Ralph’s World for one exciting performance for children (ages three and up) and their families at the Brentwood Theatre on Saturday, January 8, 2005 at 11AM.

Parson’s Nose Productions’ Comedy of Errors

Parson’s Nose once again adapts Shakespeare, creating this hilarious and entertaining production of Comedy of Errors. In this classic play, two sets of twins are separated at birth, and reunited through a wacky escapade of mistaken identity. Children (ages six and up) and their families are invited to watch this hysterical journey at the Geffen Playhouse/Parson’s Nose co-production of Comedy of Errors, playing at the Brentwood Theatre for three special performances on Saturday, February 12, 19, and 26, 2005 at 11AM.

Beethoven’s Wig

Back for a second run at the Geffen Playhouse is the highly regarded, award-winning children’s show, Beethoven’s Wig. This Grammy-nominated classical sensation features Richard Perlmutter and his invisible orchestra performing zany lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music for children (ages three and up) and their families. Beethoven’s Wig is the recipient of 17 national awards and will return to the Geffen Playhouse at the Brentwood Theatre for one exclusive performance on Saturday, March 5, 2005 at 11AM.

Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang

For a second year in a row, Geffen Playhouse will present the nationally acclaimed children’s musical group, Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang. Hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “wonderfully upbeat,” Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang released their best-selling album in May 2003 and continue to rise in popularity in Los Angeles and beyond. Children (ages two and up) and their families are invited to sing along at the Geffen Playhouse presentation of Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang at the Brentwood Theatre for one exciting performance on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at 11AM.

Parson’s Nose Productions’ The Imaginary Invalid

In his last play, Moliere spoofs a hilarious old man who is stubbornly obsessed with his imaginary illnesses at the expense of his own frustrated family. Adapted by Lance Davis of Parson’s Nose Productions, The Imaginary Invalid promises fun and laughs for children (ages seven and up) and their families. The Geffen Playhouse/Parson’s Nose co-production of The Imaginary Invalid will be presented at the Brentwood Theatre for three special performances on Saturday, April 23, 30, and May 7, 2005 at 11AM.

Barney Saltzberg

Award winning children’s book author, illustrator, singer, and songwriter Barney Saltzberg is scheduled to make a very special appearance in the “Saturday Scene” lineup. Saltzberg is a best selling children’s author perhaps most widely known for his books, ANIMAL KISSES and CRAZY HAIR DAY. Geffen Playhouse proudly presents Barney Saltzberg for children (ages four and up) and their families for one exciting performance at the Brentwood Theatre on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 11AM.

Joanie Bartels

One of the best-selling artists in the children’s genre, Joanie Bartels returns to the Geffen Playhouse for another upbeat, get-on-the-dance-floor musical performance. This award-winning performer promises a wildly entertaining show for children (ages three and up) and their families. Geffen Playhouse presents Joanie Bartels for one very special performance at the Brentwood Theatre on Saturday, May 21, 2005 at 11AM.

Geffen’s “Saturday Scene” 2004-2005 Calendar of Events

October 9, 16 & 23, 2004, 11AM Geffen Playhouse and Parson’s Nose Productions Present

Rip Van Winkle

December 4,11 & 18, 2004, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Presents Ohmland-yoga for kids

January 8, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Brings Back the Popular Ralph’s World

February 12, 19 & 26, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse and Parson’s Nose Productions

Present Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors

March 5, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Presents Beethoven’s Wig

March 12, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Presents Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang

April 12,30, & May 7, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse and Parson’s Nose Productions Present Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid

May 14, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Presents Barney Saltzberg

May 21, 2005, 11AM Geffen Playhouse Presents Joanie Bartels

June 25, 2005, 11AM To Be Announced

Geffen Playhouse Educational Programming

Geffen School Tour Program

Once again, the Geffen Playhouse teams up Parson’s Nose Productions, a professional theater company devoted to inspiring and educating theater audiences by producing fun, accessible, professional adaptations of classic works. These touring productions are targeted to elementary and junior high schools and are available free of charge to qualified schools in the Los Angeles area. Educators can contact the Geffen Playhouse Education Department at (310) 208-6500, extension 156 or via email at education@geffenplayhouse.com to book their schools for these unique theatrical opportunities.

Geffen Playhouse School Tour 2004-2005 Schedule

Tuesday, October 5, 2004 Pacific Palisades Elementary

Wednesday, October 6, 2004 Humphreys Ave. Elementary

Thursday, October 7, 2004 Crestwood Elementary  

Wednesday, October 13, 2004 Del Amo Elementary

Thursday, October 14, 2004 Angeles Mesa School 

Tuesday, October 19, 2004 Halldale Elementary

Wednesday, October 20, 2004 Loyola Village Elementary

Thursday, October 21, 2004 Wilmington Park Elementary

Tuesday, February 8, 2005 Chandler Elementary

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 Florence Nightingale Middle School

Thursday, February 10, 2005 Berendo Middle School

Tuesday, February 15, 2005 St. Therese School

Wednesday, February 16, 2005 Sun Valley Middle School

Thursday, February 17, 2005 Dana Middle School

Wednesday, February 23, 2005 Sepulveda Middle School

Thursday, February 24, 2005 West Hollywood Schools: Melrose Elementary; Laurel Elementary; W. Hollywood Elementary; Rosewood Elementary; Fountain Day School; Bancroft Middle School

Tuesday, April 19, 2005 Politi Elementary School

Wednesday, April 20, 2005 Nevada Ave. Elementary

Thursday, April 21, 2005 Avalon Gardens Elementary

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 Lassen Elementary

Friday, April 29, 2005 Delevan Drive School

Tuesday, May 3, 2005 15th Street School

Wednesday, May 4, 2005 Euclid Magnet

Friday, May 6, 2005 Braddock Drive Elementary

Geffen Playhouse’s Annenberg Student Matinee Program

The Geffen Playhouse Student Matinee Program offers Los Angeles-area students the opportunity to attend free matinee performances of selected plays in the Geffen’s season. Schools participating in the program receive study guides with information pertaining to the play to assist in the learning process. The Geffen also hosts Educator Workshops, allowing educators to learn more about the plays, meet with Geffen staff and theater artists, and discuss ideas for integrating the theater experience into their curriculum.

Geffen Playhouse Student Matinee Schedule

This year, the Geffen will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning You Can’t Take It With You for student matinee performances on the following dates:

· Thursday, April 28, 2005, 10:30AM

· Thursday, May 5, 2005, 10:30AM

· Thursday, May 12, 2005, 10:30AM

· Thursday, May 19, 2005, 10:30AM

CREATE (Community Representatives Engaged in Active Theater Education)

Geffen’s CREATE program engages leaders of Los Angeles community organizations in the theatrical process, providing a more accessible path for underserved communities to take part in professional theater in an innovative and interactive form. As part of the program, group leaders preview all plays, attend interactive workshops prior to each of the shows, and receive tickets for members of their organizations. CREATE was designed to expose social service leaders, community representatives and their organizational constituents to the theater, allowing them to participate in the creative process.

Geffen Playhouse Symposiums

Each season, the Geffen coordinates a community symposium to focus on important social issues related to a play. Geffen Symposiums bring together a panel of experts from the artistic, academic and professional communities to discuss prominent issues. This season, the Geffen Symposiums will be held for Paint Your Wagon on December 19, 2004 and for You Can’t Take It With You on May 8, 2005.

Geffen After Play Tuesdays

Once a play has officially opened, the Geffen hosts informal discussions between audience members and artists each Tuesday following the evening performance. The After Play Tuesday program provides theatergoers with the opportunity to talk about the content and creative process behind the current production.

Geffen Teacher Subscription Program

The Geffen Playhouse offers a special reduced subscription rate for full time secondary teachers in California.

Geffen’s 2004-2005 Five-Play Season at the Brentwood Theatre

Take Me Out (2003 Tony Award Winner; Finalist for 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)

By Richard Greenberg

September 14-October 31, 2004

The Geffen season kicked-off at the Brentwood Theatre with the 2003 Tony Award winner for Best Play Take Me Out. In this critically acclaimed new play by Richard Greenberg, superstar baseball player Darren Lemming makes the matter-of-fact announcement to the public that he is gay. The Geffen Playhouse production of the West Coast premiere of Take Me Out is now playing at the Brentwood Theatre through October 31, 2004.

Paint Your Wagon (World Premiere Adaptation)

By Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe

November 23, 2004-January 9, 2005

Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gilbert Cates will direct the world premiere adaptation of Lerner & Loewe’s classic musical Paint Your Wagon. American playwright David Rambo has revised this classic American tale set in the midst of the California Gold Rush. The Geffen Playhouse production of Paint Your Wagon begins in previews at the Brentwood Theatre on November 23 and runs through January 9, with press performances beginning December 1, 2004.

Tovah Feldshuh in Golda’s Balcony (Winner, 2003 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Actress; Winner, 2003 Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performance)

Written by William Gibson

February 1-20, 2005

Tovah Feldshuh will recreate her award-winning performance as Golda Meir in Golda’s Balcony when the show moves to Los Angeles in a co-presentation by the Wadsworth Theatre and the Geffen Playhouse. From the pogroms of Russia to the halls of the Knesset, Meir’s life, and the play, encapsulates the dramatic story of the birth of Israel in the wake of the Holocaust, and its subsequent, seemingly endless struggle for peace for much of the 20^th Century. Golda’s Balcony will run for a limited engagement from February 1 through February 20, 2005 at the Wadsworth Theatre.

You Can’t Take It With You (Winner, 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama)

By George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart

April 12-May 22, 2005

The Geffen Playhouse celebrates the 100^th birthday of Moss Hart with a revival of the Pulitzer Prize winning play You Can’t Take It With You. Hart co-wrote this American classic with his partner George S. Kaufman. A paean to independence and self-indulgence, You Can’t Take It With You is centered on an eclectic family of individualists, who amuse with their energetic physical antics and inspire with their wholehearted pursuit of happiness. The Geffen production of You Can’t Take It With You begins in previews at the Brentwood Theatre on April 12, 2005 and runs through May 22, with press performances beginning April 20, 2005.

Jefferson Mays in I Am My Own Wife (Winner, 2004 Tony Award for Best Play; Winner, 2004 Tony Award for Best Actor; Winner, 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama; Winner, 2004 Drama League Award for Best Play; Winner, 2004 Drama Desk Award for Best Play)

By Doug Wright

June 14-July 10, 2005

Last year, The New York Times praised Doug Wright’s solo show I Am My Own Wife as “the most stirring new work to appear on Broadway this fall.” The Geffen Playhouse production of this 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner will feature the original acclaimed Broadway actor/director team of Jefferson Mays and Moisés Kaufman. The Geffen Playhouse production of I Am My Own Wife opens on June 14, 2005 at the Wadsworth Theatre.

Geffen Playhouse at the Brentwood Theatre

From June 2004 through September 2005, Geffen Playhouse will be located at the historic Brentwood Theatre on the grounds of the Veterans Administration in Brentwood. The Brentwood Theatre is located at 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, building 211. Visit the Geffen Playhouse website at www.geffenplayhouse.com. Geffen Playhouse is headed by Producing Director Gilbert Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Managing Director Stephen Eich.

# # #