GILBERT CATES PROUDLY ANNOUNCES PLAY FIVE

MARION J. CAFFEY’S AWARD-WINNING

COOKIN’ AT THE COOKERY:

THE MUSIC AND TIMES OF ALBERTA HUNTER

Geffen Playhouse Sets the Stage for a Sizzling Summer at Brentwood Theatre

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 15, 2004 – Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gilbert Cates proudly announces the selection of Cookin’ at the Cookery: The Music and Times of Alberta Hunter as the final play of Geffen’s 2003-2004 season. Written and directed by Marion J. Caffey, this award-winning musical, set in Greenwich Village’s The Cookery in 1977, is based on the life of blues and jazz legend Alberta Hunter. The first Geffen Playhouse production to take the stage at Brentwood Theatre, Cookin’ at the Cookery was recently lauded by the Chicago Sun-Times as “downright inspirational…pure, unadulterated fun.” The Geffen Playhouse production of Cookin’ at the Cookery premieres at Brentwood Theatre June 15 through August 1, with an official press opening on Wednesday, June 23, 2004.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of Cookin’ at the Cookery for our fifth play, the first in our new interim home, the lovely Brentwood Theatre,” said Cates. “Our first priority in the selection of play five was the enjoyment of our loyal audience base. Cookin’ at the Cookery will keep audiences smiling and when the last song is sung, everyone should walk away wanting more.”

Additional information about Geffen Playhouse’s production of Cookin’ at the Cookery, including casting, will be announced in the coming months.

Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood. Beginning May 2004, all Geffen Playhouse productions will be staged at the 511-seat Brentwood Theatre as Geffen Playhouse undergoes an estimated 15 months of construction. Single ticket prices range from $28 to $46. The performance schedule is Tuesdays - Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. For ticket information, please call the Geffen Playhouse box office at (310) 208-5454. For group reservations, please call (661) 250-7424. 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.

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