2015 backstage at the geffen tribute journal

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFENSUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015

H O N O R I N G

T I T L E S P O N S O R

Distinction in Service AwardMELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS

Distinction in Theater Award SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH

Phot

ogra

phed

by

Gre

g G

orm

an


BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFENSUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015

ANGEL TOWN COMBO • BLACK MARKET GELATO • BLISS • CHANTECAILLE • CLASSIC PARTY RENTALS • DAZIAN • DELUSCIOUS COOKIES + MILK FOUR SEASONS COSTA RICA AT PENINSULA PAPAGAYO • FOUR SEASONS MAUI AT WAILEA • THE FRIEDMAN GROUP • GHURKA

GRAND WAILEA, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT • HILTON MOOREA • ISLANDS IN THE SUN • LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE • THE MARSHALL PLAN MONTAGE BEVERLY HILLS ¶ MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH • NAPA VALLEY GRILLE • NELSON DE LA NUEZ • NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL

ORGANIC CANDY FACTORY • PURE CHEESECAKES • RICHARD RUSKELL PASTRIES • RICHMOND INSTANBUL AND RICHMOND NUA WELLNESS SPA RONEN LEVY EVENTS • THE ROOST AT LA FARM • ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA • SEASONS 52 • SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB • TANINO RISTORANTE

THE TRAVEL CORPORATION • TRIBUNE DIRECT • TRYALL CLUB, MONTEGO BAY • UNIWORLD • W LOS ANGELES

I N - K I N D S P O N S O R S


P R E S E N T I N G S P O N S O R S

ROBERT K. KRAFT

Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams

The Alec Baldwin Foundation

AMC

Anonymous

Patricia Applegate†*

Ariel Investments

Audi of America

AVID

Beth Behrs†

Laurie & Bill Benenson

Annette Bening & Warren Beatty

Carol & Chancellor Gene Block†

Ruth & Jake Bloom

Annette Blum†

Andy & Carlo Brandon-Gordon

Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham

Eileen & Harold Brown†

Roma Downey & Mark Burnett

Marcy Carsey

Stephanie† & Jonathan Carson

David, Christine & Leah Cates

Elena & Jonathan Cates & Family

Elizabeth & Gil Cates, Jr.†

Jane Cates

Melissa Cates, Roger Claman & Family

Valarie De La Garza† & Michael Centeno†

CenterStaging

Amanda Brown & Justin Chang

City National Bank

Kathy & Mitch Clark

Mary Ann Cloyd†

Comcast | NBC Universal

Dr. David Conney

The David Geffen Foundation

DreamWorks Animation

Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton†

Patti & Dr. Paul Eisenberg

Elaine Wynn Family Foundation

The Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation

Jo & Larry Feldman

Sarinda & Gian Fulgoni

Gagosian Gallery

David Geffen†*

Beverly & Herbert Gelfand†

Priscila Giraldo†

Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie

Karen & Russell Goldsmith

Gonring, Spahn & Associates

Kitzia & Richard Goodman

Manuela & James Goren

Sam Gores†

Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealership

The Adi†* & Jerry Greenberg Foundation

Elaine Hoffman & Arthur Greenberg†

Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks

Bucky Hazan, Teles Properties

HBO

Martha Henderson†*

Pamela Robinson Hollander†* & Robert Hollander

Cindy & Alan Horn

HSBC Private Bank USA

Willow Bay & Robert A. Iger

Vicki Iovine & David Coiro

Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg†

Loretta Everett Kaufman†* & Victor Kaufman

Glorya Kaufman†

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer

Keyes Automotive Group

Robert K. Kraft

Sandra Krause & Bill Fitzgerald

Cindra & Alan Ladd, Jr.

Fred Latsko

The Lauder Foundation

Eileen & Kase Lawal

Lyn & Norman Lear

Yvonne† & Jason Lee†

Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey†

Hannah Linkenhoker†

Los Angeles magazine

Janine & Peter Lowy

Carla Malden†* & Norman Beil

Mona Malden

Susan† & Peter Mallory

Ginny Mancini†

Fay & Frank Mancuso†

John McCrite† & Juan Lopez

Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos

Kelly & Ron Meyer†

Wendy & Barry Meyer†

Judy Zaban Miller & Lester Miller

Scott Minerd†

Marcia & Brett Molotsky

Ann & Jerry Moss†

James L. Nederlander & Margo MacNabb Nederlander

Liza & Conan O’Brien

Christine Marie Ofiesh

Mo Ostin

Paradigm Talent Agency

Madeline & Bruce Ramer†

Dr. Judith Reichman

Holly Rice†* & Vince Gilligan

Howard Rose

The Honorable Frances & Loren Rothschild†

Linda Bernstein Rubin†* & Tony Rubin

Sheri Salata

Steve Sauer

Judi & Bruce Schindler

Helen & Martin Scorsese

Dominique Shelton

Barbara & Richard Sherman†

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation†

Karen & Vic Smith

Jane Rissman & Rich Sondheimer

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor†

Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg†

Lorraine Spurge†* & Patrick Mitchell

Cynthia Stafford†

Susan & Don Starr

Arnold Stiefel

Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum†

Lynda Thomas & Sandy Climan

Steve Tisch†

Alice & Norman Tulchin

Twentieth Century Fox

Deborah Benson Walsh & Michael Walsh

The Walt Disney Company

Warner Bros. Entertainment

Westfield Group

Lynn & Mark Williams

Samantha & John Williams

Ken Willner & Jim Stine

Paula Wolff, Ph.D. & Wayne W. Whalen

Elaine Wynn

Gail Zappa

Leslie & Robert Zemeckis

Laurie Ziegler†

Natasha & Dirk Ziff

Tony Zinge†

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE

*Special thanks to the Backstage at the Geffen Committee and Honorary Co-Chairs†Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors, Trustees and Advisory Board

MELLODY HOBSONMellody Hobson is president of Ariel Investments. Headquartered in Chicago, the firm serves individual investors, institutions and high net worth individuals. As president, Mellody is responsible for firm-wide management and strategic planning, overseeing all operations outside of research and portfolio management. Additionally, she serves as chairman of the board of trustees for Ariel Investment Trust.

Beyond her work at Ariel, Mellody has become a nationally recognized voice on financial literacy and investor education. She is a regular contributor and analyst on finance, the markets and economic trends for CBS News. She also contributes weekly money tips on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and pens a regular column for Black Enterprise magazine.

Mellody is chairman of the board for DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. as well as a director of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. and Starbucks Corporation. Her community outreach includes serving as chairman of After School Matters, a non-profit that provides Chicago teens with high quality, out-of-school time programs. She is a board member of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, The Chicago Public Education Fund, and Sundance Institute, where she has been appointed emeritus trustee. She is also on the executive committee of the Investment Company Institute’s board of governors. Mellody earned her AB degree from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of International Relations and Public Policy. She also received honorary doctorate degrees in humanities from both Howard University and St. Mary’s College.

MELLODY HOBSON

& GEORGE

LUCASDISTINCTION IN

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

GEORGE LUCASFilmmaker George Lucas’ devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films of all time, including the Star Wars Saga and the Indiana Jones franchise, while also pioneering new digital standards for sophistication in film visuals and sound and inspiring generations of young people to follow their imagination and dreams.

Lucas serves on the board of The Film Foundation, the USC School of Cinematic Arts Advisory Board and will build the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, emphasizing American illustrative, digital, cinematic and animation art as an avenue for the exploration of the great storytelling history, populist works and artistic innovation of the past 150 years.

George has also taken a philanthropic leadership role in applying his technical and storytelling expertise to the classroom. In 1991, he founded the George Lucas Educational Foundation (Edutopia.org) to pursue and promote best practices in education — highlighting proven strategies, tools and resources for creating lifelong learners. He continues to serve as the Foundation’s Chairman, remaining dedicated to its mission of helping students thrive in their studies in order to achieve their full potential.

MELLODY HOBSON

& GEORGE

LUCASDISTINCTION IN

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

SIR ELTON JOHNThe monumental career of international singer/songwriter and performer Sir Elton John is now in its fifth decade. He has released over 40 gold and platinum albums, mostly co-written with his long-term songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. Among these, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy was the first album ever to enter the US Billboard Chart at Number One. In September 2013, Elton released his 31st studio album, The Diving Board, which debuted at Number 3 in the UK charts, and in March 2014, the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Elton’s most popular album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, was released. Elton has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, including Candle In The Wind ’97, the biggest selling single of all time. His best-loved hit songs include Rocket Man, Your Song and Sacrifice.

Among the many awards and honours bestowed on Elton are five Grammys, a Grammy Legend award, Tony Award, Best British Male Artist Brit Award, induction into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award and eleven Ivor Novello Awards.

Since 1970 Elton has performed well over 3500 concerts, including an unforgettable appearance at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace in 2012. He continues to play sell-out shows worldwide, either solo or with his band, including The Million Dollar Piano in Las Vegas.

In the early 1990s he collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice, resulting in the soundtrack to the Walt Disney Pictures blockbuster The Lion King, for which he won an Academy Award. The Lion King produced two top-selling, award-winning singles: Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Circle of Life. In 1997, The Lion King debuted on Broadway, receiving six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In March 2000, the Tony Award-winning Aida opened on Broadway and the two productions both won Grammys for Best Musical Show Album. With lyricist Lee Hall, Elton co-wrote the music for the international smash hit stage production Billy Elliot the Musical, and had a personal top-five chart hit in the UK with the song Electricity.

Along with partner David Furnish, Elton produced the Rocket Pictures animated movie Gnomeo & Juliet, which topped the worldwide box office its second week of release. A follow-up, Gnomeo & Juliet: Sherlock Gnomes, is now in development.

Established in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) has raised over $300 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programmes in 55 countries around the globe. Today, EJAF is one of the world’s leading non-profit HIV/AIDS organisations.

Elton’s many British accolades include Honorary Doctorate, Royal Academy of Music, 2002 and Fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers, 2004. In 1998 he was knighted by the HM Queen Elizabeth II who honoured him with the title Sir Elton John, CBE.

SIR ELTON JOHN

& DAVID

FURNISHDISTINCTION IN

THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Phot

ogra

phed

by

Gre

g G

orm

an

DAVID FURNISHDavid Furnish was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. After eleven years in advertising, David became a filmmaker in 1995, directing the BAFTA nominated documentary Elton John: Tantrums & Tiaras.

With backing from the Walt Disney Company he set up the film production company Rocket Pictures in 1996, producing the independent films Women Talking Dirty and It’s A Boy/Girl Thing. In 2011 Rocket Pictures released its first major animated feature Gnomeo & Juliet. Gnomeo had the biggest February animated film box office opening weekend in North American history and was a Number One hit in the UK.

Rocket also produced the music television series Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... which has been critically acclaimed and widely distributed.

David is also extremely proud of his association with Billy Elliot the Musical, acting as a producer in productions as they have rolled out across the world. The show went on to win an astounding ten Tony Awards on Broadway.

In addition to the above projects, 2016 will see the release of Rocketman, a fantasy biopic of Elton John’s life featuring some of his most iconic songs. The next Gnomeo & Juliet adventure, Sherlock Gnomes, is also due for release in 2016.

David is also Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has now raised in excess of $300 million in the fight against HIV and AIDS. David is also a Contributing Editor for British GQ.

Most recently David has become a partner in FIZZ, a new champagne lounge in Caesars Palace Hotel, Las Vegas. The lounge features photography pieces from David and Elton’s personal collection. David is very closely involved with all creative aspects of the lounge, which was inspired by his and Elton’s own personal taste for entertaining.

SIR ELTON JOHN

& DAVID

FURNISHDISTINCTION IN

THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Phot

ogra

phed

by

Gre

g G

orm

an

Martha HendersonCo-Chair

Pamela Robinson HollanderCo-Chair

Patricia Kiernan ApplegateRandall ArneyBeth BehrsDr. Gene D. BlockHarold A. BrownGil Cates Jr. Vice Chairman

Michael CentenoMary Ann CloydDr. Brad EdgertonMark FleischerHerbert M. GelfandChairman Emeritus

Patricia L. GlaserSam GoresAdi GreenbergArthur GreenbergJoan KaloustianGlorya KaufmanLoretta Everett Kaufman

Dr. Gerald S. LeveyCarla MaldenSusan MalloryGinny ManciniBarry MeyerScott MinerdSteven A. OlsenHolly RiceLoren RothschildLinda Bernstein RubinTeri SchwartzRichard ShermanFred SpecktorLorraine SpurgeCynthia P. StaffordHoward Tenenbaum

FOUNDING TRUSTEESKirsten Combs Robert A. DalyDavid GeffenQuincy JonesJeffrey KatzenbergFrank G. MancusoChairman Emeritus

Ron MeyerLeslie MoonvesJerry MossJerry PerenchioBruce M. RamerFounding Chairman

Victoria Mann SimmsAndy SpahnSteven SpielbergSteve TischDr. Charles E. YoungChairman Emeritus

IN MEMORIAMGilbert CatesFounder

Marcia Israel-CurleyAudrey Skirball KenisCharles KenisKarl Malden Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman

LEGAL COUNSEL Peter RosenLatham & Watkins LLP

BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADVISORY BOARDMiranda TollmanAdvisory Board Chair

Annette Blum

Stephanie Carson

Lori Collins

Debra Davis

Valarie De La Garza

Colin Egglesfield

Priscila Giraldo

Kirsten Hansen

Eric Heer

Jason Lee

Yvonne Lee

Hannah Linkenhoker

Wendy Kurtzman

John McCrite

Rollin Ransom

Allen Shay

John Sonego

Laurie Ziegler

Tony Zinge

cnb.comCNB MEMBER FDIC

City NationalP R O U D L Y S U P P O R T S T H E

Geffen Playhousefor bringing inspiration, hope and healing through the arts to our communities

P L A T I N U M

We’re proud to joinThe Geffen Playhousein honoring our friends


Sir Elton John& David FurnishSir Elton John

& David Furnish

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M



Mellody Hobson& George LucasMellody Hobson& George Lucas

P L A T I N U M

I am honored to serve on the Board of the Geffen Playhouse.

We applaud everyone at the Geffen Playhouse and especially their wonderful and wide reaching Education and Outreach programs.

Heartfelt congratulations to honorees Mellody Hobson & George Lucas on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award

and Sir Elton John & David Furnish on receiving the Distinction in Service Award.

Tony Rubin & Linda Bernstein Rubin

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M P L A T I N U M

CONGRATULATIONSTo a championship team and dear friendsSIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH For their distinguished mastery of the arts

With love and admiration,ROBERT K. KRAFT

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and their commitment to new work!

Go see their latest commission SWITZERLAND by Joanna Murray-Smith, starring Laura Linney and Seth Numrich.

Louise & Brad Edgerton and the Edgerton Foundation

P L A T I N U M

Kudos to the Geffen’s Education and Outreach program.

Keep up the good work!

Loretta & Victor Kaufman

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M


C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Mellody Hobson & George Lucas

Distinction in Service Award

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

THE HOUSE THAT DAVID

BUILT…

Proud to support my dear friendAnd producer of dreams that work

DAVID GEFFENFor opening so many doors


P L A T I N U M


BUILT…




P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M


BUILT…




P L A T I N U M

join in supporting and celebrating the Geffen Playhouse’s

year-round Education & Community

Outreach programs.

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:

Mellody Hobson & George Lucasand Sir Elton John & David Furnish

The Adi & Jerry Greenberg Foundation

P L A T I N U M


C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Sir Elton John & David FurnishDistinction in Theater Award

P L A T I N U M

HSBC Private Bank congratulates

Sir Elton John & David Furnishfor their Distinction in Theater Award

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Ariel Investments proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouseand congratulates

Mellody Hobson & George Lucason their Distinction in Service Award

To learn about Ariel, call 800.292.7435 or visit arielinvestments.com.

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations and thanks to our honorees

Mellody Hobson & George LucasDISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

and

Sir Elton John & David FurnishDISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

Loretta & Victor KaufmanP L A T I N U M

Congratulate

Sir Elton John & David Furnish

on receiving the Distinction

in Theater Award

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Congratulate


on receiving the Distinction

in Service Award

P L A T I N U M

HSBC Private Bank congratulates

Mellody Hobson & George Lucasfor their Distinction in Service Award

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

WE SALUTE TONIGHT’S HONOREES

&MELLODY HOBSON

GEORGE LUCASSIR ELTON JOHNDAVID FURNISH

DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

P L A T I N U M

Thank you to the Geffen Playhouse for their outstanding Education Programs. The Geffen

deeply cares about making a difference in the lives of the individuals they serve and we are proud

to support them in that endeavor.

The Smith & Eshaya Family

P L A T I N U Mbackstage at the geffen | hobson, lucas, john, furnish | round 1 | 03.10.15

size: 12.8w” x 7.2h"

P L A T I N U Mbackstage at the geffen | hobson, lucas, john, furnish | round 1 | 03.10.15

size: 12.8w” x 7.2h"

P L A T I N U M

HSBC Private Bank is proud to support the contribution

of the Geffen Playhouse to the cultural life of Southern California

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations


Thank you for all the entertainment over the years and for loving the Geffen as much as we do!

The Smith & Eshaya FamilyP L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

© Disney

Geffen Playhouse

proudly supports the

and congratulates honorees

Distinction in Service Award

Distinction in eater Award



thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship

P L A T I N U M

CongratulationsGeffen Playhouse Honorees Thank you for sharing your extraordinary talents with us and the world.

P L A T I N U M

Thank you to our

Geffen Playhouse Board of DirectorsYour leadership, loyalty and guidance has enabled us to expand our arts and outreach programs to

reach more than 15,000 community members with the gift of performing arts each year.

P L A T I N U M

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David

A heartfelt thank you for supporting our beloved Geffen Playhouse.

Pamela Robinson & Robert HollanderP L A T I N U M

© 2015 Goldman Sachs. All rights reserved.

Goldman Sachs

is proud to join

Geffen Playhouse in honoring

the accomplishments of


and Sir Elton John & David Furnish.

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and congratulate

tonight’s inspiring honorees.

Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams

P L A T I N U M

For producing, directing and casting tonight’s event —

A huge thank you to

Randall Arney & Gil Cates, Jr.Bravo!

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOXPROUDLY SUPPORTS

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSEAND CONGRATULATES

MELLODY H OBSON&

GEORGE LUCASDISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

AND

SIR ELTON JOHN&

DAVID FURNISHDISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOXPROUDLY SUPPORTS

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSEAND CONGRATULATES

MELLODY H OBSON&

GEORGE LUCASDISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

AND

SIR ELTON JOHN&

DAVID FURNISHDISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS

P L A T I N U M

CongratulationsMellody & George, Sir Elton & David

Thank you for supporting the Geffen.

Love,

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor

Our Profound Gratitude to UCLA & Chancellor Gene D. Block

For extending its outstanding partnership with the Geffen Playhouse to include allowing us to use the Jules Stein

grounds and parking lots for Backstage at the Geffen.

Thank you for all of the extra work and time involved in supporting and helping to coordinate this grand event.

1100 GLENDON AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90024

Proudly Supports THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

and congratulates

SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

and

MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCASDISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

napavalleygrille.com

Congratulations to Mellody Hobson, George Lucas

Sir Elton John and David Furnish!

Jason & Yvonne Lee and the L & N Andreas Foundation

P L A T I N U M

Congratulations to our dear friend

Pamela Robinson Hollander for taking it to the next level!

Love,

Laurie & Bill Benenson

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

Warner Bros. Entertainment

proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouseand

2015 Backstage at the Geffenhonoring


and


P L A T I N U M

Cheers to those who acted out and those who provided them

a stage on which to do so.

Vicki Iovine and David CoiroP L A T I N U M

The Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors offers our heartfelt gratitude to


for allowing us to honor you!

Thanks to all of you, we are proud to announce another record-breaking year of exceeding $1,500,000!

To the Geffen Playhouse for bringing the magic and inspiration of theatre to so many.

JANINE AND PETER LOWY

B R AV OP L A T I N U M

P L A T I N U M

©2015 Compagnie Champenoise. Piper‑Heidsieck ‑ Ancienne Maison Heidsieck Fondée en 1785, Piper‑Heidsieck® Champagne, Imported by Rémy Cointreau USA, Inc.,

New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

C O N G R A T U L A T E S

T H E 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

H O N O R E E S O F T H E

G E F F E N P L A Y H O U S E .

P L A T I N U M

G O L D

To Adi & Jerry, With tremendous gratitude for all you have

done to make tonight magical.

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse Education and

Community Outreach Programs.

Amanda Brown & Justin Chang

G O L D G O L D

We feel lucky to be able to support the wonderful programs The Geffen offers to students.

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer

4:05 La V Happy Hour405 LA Tra�c Hour

Proud Supporter of �e Ge�en Playhouse

Manuela & James Gorenwould like to congratulate the

Geffen Playhouse for their terrific contribution to theatre in Los Angeles and this year’s

Backstage at the Geffen honorees for giving us some of the most fun moments of our lives!

G O L D

G O L D

On behalf of the staff of the Geffen Playhouse, we would love to thank the

Board & Advisory Board for being the most generous and committed Boards for which any non-profit could hope.

We appreciate your tremendous dedication and leadership.

G O L D

G O L D

George & Mellody, Sir Elton & David,Congratulations to you all for continuing to bring joy

into this world with your art. And to the Geffen Playhouse for inspiring the rest of the artist community.

Best wishes for your continued success.

Roma Downey & Mark BurnettG O L D

G O L D

G O L D

Our congratulations to the honorees

Mellody Hobson & George Lucasand

Sir Elton John & David FurnishFor the wonderful entertainment

all of you have given the world!

Beverly & Herb GelfandG O L D

Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos congratulate tonight’s honorees


G O L D

Wendy & Barry MeyerCONGRATULATE TONIGHT’S HONOREES


and


G O L D

Avid congratulates Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Sir Elton John and David Furnish

for their outstanding achievements.

Avid Everywhere

Helping you create the most listened to, most watched, and most loved media in the world.Find out more at avid.com

G O L D

G O L D

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and their honorees Mellody Hobson & George Lucas

and Sir Elton John & David Furnish.

Thank you Pamela Robinson and Martha Henderson, your contributions have inspired and kept us entertained.

HH and Gertrude Klein Foundation Isaacs & Williams Family

G O L D

Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David,From Our Home to Yours - We congratulate you!

www.fijiairways.com

Fiji Airways Proudly

Supports the Geffen Playhouse

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in its efforts to share

theater with the community.

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

G O L D

Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David,From Our Home to Yours - We congratulate you!

www.fijiairways.com

Fiji Airways Proudly

Supports the Geffen Playhouse

The Geffen Playhouse staff and Board humbly thank Backstage at the Geffen Committee Co-Chairs

LORETTA EVERETT KAUFMAN LINDA BERNSTEIN RUBIN

and Committee members:PATTY APPLEGATE • ADI GREENBERG

MARTHA HENDERSON • CARLA MALDEN PAMELA ROBINSON HOLLANDER HOLLY RICE • LORRAINE SPURGE

We warmly congratulate tonight’s honorees and salute their important contributions to the arts.

Proud supporter ofGeffen Playhouse.

Mellody Hobson & George LucasDistinction in Service Award

Sir Elton John & David FurnishDistinction in Theater Award

Congratulations to the 2015 Backstage at the Geffen Honorees.

With Support,Scott Minerd and Guggenheim Partners

Gil, Elizabeth, Gemma & Isla Catescongratulate

Mellody, George, Sir Elton & Davidon their honors tonight, and for their legendary work,

and support of the Geffen Playhouse.

MELLODY HOBSON, GEORGE LUCAS,SIR ELTON JOHN, DAVID FURNISH

Game changers

On behalf of UCLA, Chancellor Gene Block and Mrs. Carol Block congratulate

these remarkable masters of finance, filmmaking, music and philanthropy on

their recognition at 2015 Backstage at the Geffen.

Congratulations to


and


...and to the Geffen Playhouse for its Continued Successes

Patricia Kiernan Applegate

Gil will always be backstage...

Congratulations to the staff, performers and honorees that have supported his dream of

bringing live theater to all in our community.

The Reichman - Cates Family

Just as we’ve proudly supported the stages of life for 125 years, we proudly support the Geffen Playhouse. Congratulations and thank you to the honorees, Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, for their contributions to theater.

For more information, visit northerntrust.com or contact:

Susan Mallory 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3600 Los Angeles, CA [email protected]

Enriching our community deserves more than a standing ovation.

Investing | Banking | Trust & Estate Services | Wealth Planning | Family Office

Just as we’ve proudly supported the stages of life for 125 years, we proudly support the Geffen Playhouse. Congratulations and thank you to the honorees, Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Sir Elton John and David Furnish, for their contributions to theater.

For more information, visit northerntrust.com or contact:

Susan Mallory 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3600 Los Angeles, CA [email protected]

Enriching our community deserves more than a standing ovation.

Investing | Banking | Trust & Estate Services | Wealth Planning | Family Office

With love to David and Elton.

Hilaria & Alec Baldwin

Congratulations to

Mellody Hobson & George Lucason receiving this year’s Distinction in Service Award!

Thank you for all you do to further the Arts and Education.

With love and admiration,

Fay & Frank Mancuso

Sir Elton & DavidCongratulations on your much-deserved honors and thank you for being such inspiring examples

for all of us of the right kind of faith.

Love,

Jason Moore

✰Los Angeles magazine subscriptions (800) 876-5222 or www.LAmag.com

Mellody Hobson & George LucasDistinction in Service Award &Sir Elton John & David FurnishDistinction in Theater Award

Salutes the Geffen Playhouse’s

2015BACKSTAGE HONOREES

Congratulations to the Geffen and its staff for the wonderful work that you do throughout the years.

Sandy & Bill

SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH

MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS

Deborah & Michael Walsh

proudly support Geffen Playhouse and appreciate

for their many contributions to the arts.

SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH

MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS

Deborah & Michael Walsh

proudly support Geffen Playhouse and appreciate

for their many contributions to the arts.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

George & Mellody and Sir Elton & David, you have given so much of yourselves, each in your own way with

your own talents, that the honors you are receiving tonight are the reflection of the gratitude and appreciation of a world audience.

Congratulations on these honors, so well deserved and clearly earned.

Love,

Madeline & Bruce Ramer

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse for another exciting year of theater and outstanding

educational programs, and to Regina Miller and the entire Development staff for their tireless efforts.

I am extremely proud to support the Geffen Playhouse, and I congratulate tonight’s accomplished honorees

Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish.

Christine Marie Ofiesh

Thank you to the Geffen Playhouse for the honor of being a part of the

Backstage at the Geffen Gala.

Ronen Levy

Air Quality Quality Air

Proud Supporter of �e Ge�en Playhouse

The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks

David Geffenfor serving as

2015 Backstage at the Geffen Honorary Chair.

Mellody & George, Sir Elton & David, Thank you for your leadership in changing

our world for the better!

To the Geffen Playhouse for the inspiration you bring to the artistic community of Los Angeles!

In loving memory of our friend Gil Cates, Founder of the Geffen Playhouse and a unique creative voice.

With admiration,

Lynda Thomas & Sandy Climan

Congratulations and thank you to the

Geffen Playhouse for the honor of being

a part of Backstage at the Geffen.

Angel Town ComboL.A.’s Premier Jazz and Groove Collective

ANGELTOWNCOMBO.COM

Congratulations to Sir Elton John & David Furnish

and Mellody Hobson & George Lucas

Mo Ostin

Congratulations to Sir Elton John & David Furnish

and Mellody Hobson & George Lucas

Mo Ostin

Congratulations to the honorees,


and to the Geffen Playhouse on another amazing year of theater!

To many more years of greatness!

Laurie Ziegler

Our warmest congratulations and thanks to this year’s

wonderfully talented honorees.

Annette Blum and the Blum Family Foundation

Congratulations to


Sir Elton John & David Furnishand our gratitude

for your support of the Geffen Playhouse

Judi & Bruce Schindler

Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees:

Mellody, George, Elton and DavidWe celebrate your passion and dedication to Education

and leading us forward in the arts. You are talented, unique individuals and heroes to all the children and communities

your lives and accomplishments have touched.

Patti & Dr. Paul Eisenberg

AMC joins in celebrating the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees for wonderful contributions throughout the years

to the arts and education.

Congratulations to this year’s awardees,

Mellody Hobson & George Lucasand Sir Elton John & David FurnishOn their past and future accomplishments.

May they continue Onward and Upward with the Arts.

Harold & Eileen Brown

Proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

Flowers in Beverly Hills

Sir Elton, David, George and Mellody,The world is a better place because of the gifts

you have shared. Thank you.

Love,

Rita and Tom

Congratulations to

George & Mellody and Sir Elton & Davidfor your incredible contributions to the arts and

your support for the Geffen Playhouse.

Martin & Helen Scorsese

The Geffen Staff and Board of Directors would love to thank

2015 Backstage at the Geffen Host

Nathan Fillion, and all the amazing artists that grace

our stage this evening.

Congratulations to Elton & David, our Atlanta neighbors!Thanks for all you do for the arts and for mankind!

You really do make a difference!

Judy Zaban Miller & Lester Miller

Lyn & Norman Lear join in celebrating tonight’s honorees

and the Geffen Playhouse education programs, and all who move the arts forward.

Stephanie & Jonathan Carsoncongratulate Mellody Hobson, George Lucas,

Sir Elton John, David Furnish and the entire Geffen Playhouse team

for another wonderful year of entertainment, education and community outreach.

We look forward to another great year ahead.

Special Thanks to Barbara Schroeder Thank you Barbara for your generosity and support,

and for your dedication and creativity in producing this year’s Backstage film

The Board & Staff of the Geffen Playhouse

Hilton French Polynesiais Proud to Support The Geffen Playhouse

Hilton French Polynesiais Proud to Support The Geffen Playhouse

Dear Mellody & George,We are happy to see your outstanding contribution

to the Arts & Education being recognized.

Congratulations!

Love,

Skip Brittenham & Heather Thomas

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees!

Tanino Ristorante Bar is a proud supporter of the

Geffen Playhouse.

Congratulations to the Backstage 2015 honorees,


Sir Elton John & David Furnishand to the Geffen Playhouse for continuing to

inspire in the Arts and Education

Alice & Norman Tulchin

Great to be backstage at the Geffen with these amazing honorees.

Ginny Mancini

Proud supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

Uniworld salutes tonight’s honorees and the Geffen Playhouse

for their outstanding contributions to the world of theater.

GOOD, BETTER, BEST, GRAND

grandwailea.com • 1.800.888.6100 MAUI, HAWAII

Client: Grand WaileaCreative:

Good, Better, Best GRAND

Pub: 2015 Backstage at the GEFFEN

Size: 12.8 X 7.2Color: FULL

ROD: 3.22.2015DUE: 3.6.15

GW_Geffen_Mar6_2015FNL.indd 1 3/4/15 11:29 AM

GOOD, BETTER, BEST, GRAND

grandwailea.com • 1.800.888.6100 MAUI, HAWAII

Client: Grand WaileaCreative:

Good, Better, Best GRAND

Pub: 2015 Backstage at the GEFFEN

Size: 12.8 X 7.2Color: FULL

ROD: 3.22.2015DUE: 3.6.15

GW_Geffen_Mar6_2015FNL.indd 1 3/4/15 11:29 AM

“Our theatre must stimulate a desire for understanding, a delight in changing reality.”

— Bertolt Brecht

Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you for your caring work which has

changed and saved so very many lives.

BLarry Feldman & Jo Kaplan

Steve Sauer & Media Fourtake great pride in supporting the Geffen Playhouse

and congratulate this year’s honorees,


for their generosity!

Kudos to the Geffen Playhouse Education and Outreach Programs and congratulations to

all of tonight’s honorees, with a special nod to

Mellody Hobson,who has been such an inspiration and strong supporter

of our community efforts for so many years.

v

Priscila Giraldo Matthew & Kara Kolodziejczyk

Congratulatesthe Geffen Playhouse’s2015 backstage honorees

Sir Elton John& David FurnishDistinction in Theater Award

andMellody Hobson& George LucasDistinction in Service Award

CALIFORNIA

[email protected] WWW.DAZIAN.COM

FLORIDA

888.318.2904NEW JERSEY

877.232.9426

Congratulatesthe Geffen Playhouse’s2015 backstage honorees

Sir Elton John& David FurnishDistinction in Theater Award

andMellody Hobson& George LucasDistinction in Service Award

CALIFORNIA

[email protected] WWW.DAZIAN.COM

FLORIDA

888.318.2904NEW JERSEY

877.232.9426

I am proud to support the Geffen Playhouse because they support artistic initiatives

as well as education and outreach programs.

It is a place I also enjoy and look forward to seeing and sharing with friends.

Glorya Kaufman

Branding & Public Relations920 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Venice, CA 9029www.themarshallplan.com

is proud to have arrangedthe following trips for this year’s

Richmond Nua Spa, Turkey

La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

Triada Palm Springs, CA

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Maui

Islands in the Sun/Fiji Airways Trip

La Clinique Prairie,Switzerland

Silent Auction:Backstage at the GeffenThe Marshall Plan

Branding & Public Relations920 Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Venice, CA 9029www.themarshallplan.com

is proud to have arrangedthe following trips for this year’s

Richmond Nua Spa, Turkey

La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA

Triada Palm Springs, CA

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Maui

Islands in the Sun/Fiji Airways Trip

La Clinique Prairie,Switzerland

Silent Auction:Backstage at the GeffenThe Marshall Plan

For all your achievements and contributions to the arts, we would like to congratulate

Sir Elton John & David Furnish for your Distinction in Theater Award.

LA’s Premier Rehearsal and Backline Facility

Montage Beverly Hills and ... ... Montage Laguna Beach are proud to support Backstage at the Geffen.

Kitzia & Richard Goodman congratulate


for their honors at tonight’s Backstage celebration.

We proudly support the Geffen Playhouse

Congratulations to this year’s honorees


Your support of the arts is inspiring. Thank you for all you do.

With respect and admiration,

Leslie & Robert Zemeckis

Heartfelt thanks to our Advisory Board Chair

Miranda Tollmanfor your guidance and leadership.

Cheers to the honorees! Richard & Barbara Sherman

JOHN McCRITE & THEATER DIRECT would like to thank Regina and the entire

Geffen Playhouse staff for creating such a wonderful event, and for a successful campaign throughout the year, through their

tireless work and dedication.

Congratulations


We’re thrilled and honored to be working with the Geffen Playhouse

Thank you to tonight’s honorees for all you do for the arts

and for inspiring young artists everywhere to achieve their dreams.

Beth Behrs

THE FRIEDMAN GROUPis a proud supporter of the Geffen Playhouse.

THE FRIEDMAN GROUPConnecting Brands With Hollywood

www.friedmangrp.com [email protected]

Congratulations to the honorees of tonight’s Backstage celebration, with gratitude to

all the staff at the Geffen Playhouse and with pride in Gil Jr. for carrying on

the Geffen Playhouse banner!

Jon, Elena, Julia & Harrison Cates

Thank you to our partners at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television

and UCLA Center X – California Reading and Literature Project.

We are grateful for your support, collaboration and expertise in the arts and in education.

Seasons 52 is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

With our seasonally inspired ingredients, come discover what’s good now.

Sending heartfelt congratulations to tonight’s honorees


and proud to support the Education and Community Outreach programs of the Geffen Playhouse.

Ken Willner & Jim Stine

In appreciation of Gil Sr. and Gil Jr. and their loving

dedication to the Geffen.

Melissa Cates Claman, Roger, Evan & Jordan Claman

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees,

Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish

Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey

Proud supporter of the Geffen Playhouse.

For reservations, contact your travel consultant, the Resort directly at (011) 506 2696 0098

or [email protected]

Elton & DavidWe Salute

Your Inspiration and Continued Support Of Live Theater

The Howard Rose Agency

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees


Thank you for all your passion and warm kindness to health and education.

Eileen & Kase Lawal

Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees, and in loving memory of Gil Cates.

David, Christine & Leah Cates

A huge congratulations on behalf of Hannah Linkenhoker and NMA Partners to


It’s an honor to support the work of the Geffen Playhouse.

T +41 21 989 33 11 - [email protected] - www.laprairie.ch

What could be better than being a Geffen honoree?

Congratulations! Best wishes!

Mona Malden

We are so proud to be involved with such an enriching organization as the

Geffen Playhouse, and to be honoring Mellody Hobson and George Lucas this evening.

Your work with young people and the disadvantaged is inspiring. Keep up all your great work!

Lorraine Spurge & Patrick Mitchell

Susan & Jonathan DolgenCONGRATULATE

THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

LA’s Premier Rehearsal and Backline Facility

Thank You

For generously sponsoring our production equipment tonight!

Ghurka proudly supports

the Geffen Playhouse.

GHURKA.com

Mellody & George,Congratulations on this well-deserved

recognition of your lifelong service to the arts.

Cindra & Alan Ladd

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

Organic Candy Factory congratulates


and


In honor of this event, please enjoy an exclusive 30% off candies by entering the code: organic

at www.OrganicCandyFactory.com

Home of the Gummy Cubs TM

Gelatin-free Gluten-free Pesticide free Preservative free

Nut free Tree Nut free

No artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners

®

Vegan

2043 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica CA 90404310.596.4690 | www.strausberggroup.com

JOB NO: 15-030-SOL GeffeN Ad COLOR INfO: CMYKTRIM: 12.8 x 7.2SPeCIAL: -

In YOUr HOnOr

Solage Calistoga is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and warmly congratulates Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

Thank you for your contributions to the arts.

solagecalistoga.com | 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California 94515 | 855 421 1235

2043 Colorado Ave. Santa Monica CA 90404310.596.4690 | www.strausberggroup.com

JOB NO: 15-030-SOL GeffeN Ad COLOR INfO: CMYKTRIM: 12.8 x 7.2SPeCIAL: -

In YOUr HOnOr

Solage Calistoga is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and warmly congratulates Mellody Hobson, George Lucas, Sir Elton John and David Furnish.

Thank you for your contributions to the arts.

solagecalistoga.com | 755 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California 94515 | 855 421 1235

Our most heartfelt gratitude to

ALL OF THE ARTISTS who donated their time and talent

to give us a one-of-a-kind night to entertain and thank everyone who supports

the Geffen Playhouse and live theatre!

Gil CatesFounder, leader, passionate arts

advocate, director, producer, friend, mentor, boss, cheerleader

and so much more ...

We still think of you when we walk in the door every day.

Your memory endures and lives strong in all of us.

Love,

Your Geffen Playhouse Family

2015 backstage at the geffen tribute journal

Documents