BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015
Photographed by Greg Gorman
HONORING
Distinction in Service Award
Distinction in Theater Award
MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS
SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH
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BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN SUNDAY MARCH 22, 2015 TITLE SPONSOR
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PRESENTING SPONSORS
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THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE The Simms/Mann Family Foundation†
Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams
City National Bank
HBO
Ginny Mancini†
The Alec Baldwin Foundation
Kathy & Mitch Clark
Martha Henderson†*
Fay & Frank Mancuso†
Karen & Vic Smith
AMC
Mary Ann Cloyd†
Pamela Robinson Hollander†* & Robert Hollander
John McCrite† & Juan Lopez
Jane Rissman & Rich Sondheimer
Anonymous
Comcast | NBC Universal
Patricia Applegate†*
Dr. David Conney
Ariel Investments
The David Geffen Foundation
Audi of America
DreamWorks Animation
AVID
Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton†
Cindy & Alan Horn HSBC Private Bank USA Willow Bay & Robert A. Iger Vicki Iovine & David Coiro
Beth Behrs†
Patti & Dr. Paul Eisenberg
Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg†
Laurie & Bill Benenson
Elaine Wynn Family Foundation
Loretta Everett Kaufman†* & Victor Kaufman
Annette Bening & Warren Beatty
The Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation
Glorya Kaufman†
Carol & Chancellor Gene Block†
Jo & Larry Feldman
Ruth & Jake Bloom
Sarinda & Gian Fulgoni
Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos
Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor†
Kelly & Ron Meyer†
Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg†
Wendy & Barry Meyer†
Lorraine Spurge†* & Patrick Mitchell
Judy Zaban Miller & Lester Miller
Cynthia Stafford†
Scott Minerd†
Susan & Don Starr
Marcia & Brett Molotsky
Arnold Stiefel
Ann & Jerry Moss†
Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum† Lynda Thomas & Sandy Climan
Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer
James L. Nederlander & Margo MacNabb Nederlander
Keyes Automotive Group
Liza & Conan O’Brien
Alice & Norman Tulchin
Steve Tisch†
Annette Blum†
Gagosian Gallery
Robert K. Kraft
Christine Marie Ofiesh
Twentieth Century Fox
Andy & Carlo Brandon-Gordon
David Geffen†*
Sandra Krause & Bill Fitzgerald
Mo Ostin
Deborah Benson Walsh & Michael Walsh
Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham
Beverly & Herbert Gelfand†
Cindra & Alan Ladd, Jr.
Paradigm Talent Agency
The Walt Disney Company
Eileen & Harold Brown†
Priscila Giraldo†
Fred Latsko
Madeline & Bruce Ramer†
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Roma Downey & Mark Burnett
Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie
The Lauder Foundation
Dr. Judith Reichman
Westfield Group
Marcy Carsey
Karen & Russell Goldsmith
Eileen & Kase Lawal
Holly Rice†* & Vince Gilligan
Lynn & Mark Williams
Stephanie† & Jonathan Carson
Gonring, Spahn & Associates
Lyn & Norman Lear
Howard Rose
Samantha & John Williams
David, Christine & Leah Cates
Kitzia & Richard Goodman
Yvonne† & Jason Lee†
The Honorable Frances & Loren Rothschild†
Ken Willner & Jim Stine
Elena & Jonathan Cates & Family
Manuela & James Goren
Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey†
Linda Bernstein Rubin†* & Tony Rubin
Paula Wolff, Ph.D. & Wayne W. Whalen Elaine Wynn
Elizabeth & Gil Cates, Jr.†
Sam Gores†
Hannah Linkenhoker†
Sheri Salata
Jane Cates
Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealership
Los Angeles magazine
Steve Sauer
Gail Zappa
Melissa Cates, Roger Claman & Family
The Adi†* & Jerry Greenberg Foundation
Janine & Peter Lowy
Judi & Bruce Schindler
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Elaine Hoffman & Arthur Greenberg†
Carla Malden†* & Norman Beil
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Natasha & Dirk Ziff
Amanda Brown & Justin Chang
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Susan† & Peter Mallory
Barbara & Richard Sherman†
Tony Zinge†
*Special thanks to the Backstage at the Geffen Committee and Honorary Co-Chairs †Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors, Trustees and Advisory Board
MELLODY HOBSON Mellody 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 HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
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.
GEORGE LUCAS Filmmaker 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.
MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
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.
Photographed by Greg Gorman
SIR ELTON JOHN
SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS
The 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.
DAVID FURNISH David 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.
Photographed by Greg Gorman
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.
SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martha Henderson Co-Chair
Pamela Robinson Hollander Co-Chair
Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney Beth Behrs Dr. Gene D. Block Harold A. Brown Gil Cates Jr. Vice Chairman
Michael Centeno Mary Ann Cloyd Dr. Brad Edgerton Mark Fleischer Herbert M. Gelfand Chairman Emeritus
Patricia L. Glaser Sam Gores Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Joan Kaloustian Glorya Kaufman Loretta Everett Kaufman
Dr. Gerald S. Levey Carla Malden Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini Barry Meyer Scott Minerd Steven A. Olsen Holly Rice Loren Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Fred Specktor Lorraine Spurge Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum FOUNDING TRUSTEES Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Frank G. Mancuso Chairman Emeritus
Ron Meyer Leslie Moonves Jerry Moss Jerry Perenchio Bruce M. Ramer
ADVISORY BOARD Miranda Tollman
Advisory Board Chair
Founding Chairman
Annette Blum
Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch Dr. Charles E. Young
Stephanie Carson
Chairman Emeritus
Lori Collins Debra Davis Valarie De La Garza Colin Egglesfield Priscila Giraldo
IN MEMORIAM Gilbert Cates
Kirsten Hansen
Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman
Yvonne Lee
Founder
LEGAL COUNSEL Peter Rosen Latham & Watkins LLP
Eric Heer Jason Lee Hannah Linkenhoker Wendy Kurtzman John McCrite Rollin Ransom Allen Shay John Sonego Laurie Ziegler Tony Zinge
City National PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE
Geffen Playhouse for bringing inspiration, hope and healing through the arts to our communities
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P L AT I N U M
We’re proud to join The Geffen Playhouse in honoring our friends
Sir Elton John & David Furnish
P L AT I N U M
We’re proud to join The Geffen Playhouse in honoring our friends
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas
P L AT 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 AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
CONGRATULATIONS
To a championship team and dear friends
SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH For their distinguished mastery of the arts With love and admiration,
ROBERT K. KRAFT P L AT I N U M
P L AT 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 AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
Kudos to the Geffen’s Education and Outreach program. Keep up the good work!
Loretta & Victor Kaufman P L AT 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
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THE THE HOUSE HOUSE THAT THAT
DAVID DAVID
BUILT… BUILT… P L AT I N U M
Proud to support my dear friend And producer of dreams that work
DAVID GEFFEN For opening so many doors With love and admiration,
ROBERT K. KRAFT P L AT I N U M
join in supporting and celebrating the Geffen Playhouse’s year-round Education & Community Outreach programs.
P L AT I N U M
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish The Adi & Jerry Greenberg Foundation
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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Sir Elton John & David Furnish Distinction in Theater Award
CNB MEMBER FDIC
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P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
HSBC Private Bank congratulates
Sir Elton John & David Furnish for their Distinction in Theater Award
P L AT I N U M
Ariel Investments proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and congratulates
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas on their Distinction in Service Award
To learn about Ariel, call 800.292.7435 or visit arielinvestments.com. P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
Congratulations and thanks to our honorees
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
Loretta & Victor Kaufman P L AT I N U M
Congratulate
Sir Elton John & David Furnish on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award
P L AT I N U M
Congratulate
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas on receiving the Distinction in Service Award
P L AT I N U M
HSBC Private Bank congratulates
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas for their Distinction in Service Award
P L AT I N U M
WE SALUTE TONIGHT’S HONOREES
MELLODY HOBSON GEORGE LUCAS
&
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
SIR ELTON JOHN DAVID FURNISH DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
P L AT 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 AT I N U M
P L AT 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 AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
Congratulations
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish Thank you for all the entertainment over the years and for loving the Geffen as much as we do!
The Smith & Eshaya Family P L AT I N U M
proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and congratulates honorees Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Distinction in Service Award Sir Elton John & David Furnish Distinction in eater Award
thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship
P L AT I N U M
© Disney
Congratulations Geffen Playhouse Honorees Thank you for sharing your extraordinary talents with us and the world.
P L AT I N U M
Thank you to our
Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors Your 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.
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE
GEFFEN PL AYHOUSE
P L AT I N U M
Congratulations Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David A heartfelt thank you for supporting our beloved Geffen Playhouse.
Pamela Robinson & Robert Hollander P L AT I N U M
Goldman Sachs is proud to join Geffen Playhouse in honoring the accomplishments of Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish.
Š 2015 Goldman Sachs. All rights reserved.
P L AT 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 AT I N U M
For producing, directing and casting tonight’s event — A huge thank you to
Randall Arney & Gil Cates, Jr. Bravo!
TTWENTIETH WENTIETH C CENTURY ENTURY F FOX OX PROUDLY PROUDLY SUPPORTS SUPPORTS
G GEFFEN EFFEN P PLAYHOUSE LAYHOUSE AND AND CONGRATULATES CONGRATULATES
M MELLODY ELLODY &H HOBSON OBSON & G EORGE LLUCAS UCAS GEORGE
D DISTINCTION ISTINCTION
IN IN
S AWARD RECIPIENTS SERVICE ERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS AND AND
S JJOHN SIR ELTON IR E LTON OHN & & D DAVID AVID F FURNISH URNISH
D DISTINCTION ISTINCTION
P L AT I N U M
IN IN
TTHEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS HEATER AWARD RECIPIENTS
Congratulations Mellody & 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.
Proudly Supports THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
and congratulates SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH
DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
and MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
1100 GLENDON AVENUE, LOS ANGELES, CA 90024
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Congratulations to Mellody Hobson, George Lucas Sir Elton John and David Furnish!
Jason & Yvonne Lee and the L & N Andreas Foundation P L AT 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 AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
Warner Bros. Entertainment proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and
2015 Backstage at the Geffen honoring
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish
P L AT 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 Coiro P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
The Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors offers our heartfelt gratitude to
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish 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!
B R AV O To the Geffen Playhouse for bringing the magic and inspiration of theatre to so many. JANINE AND PETER LOWY
P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
CONGRATULATES THE
20
TH
ANNIVERSARY
HONOREES GEFFEN
OF THE
PLAYHOUSE.
©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.
P L AT I N U M
P L AT I N U M
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 GOLD
We feel lucky to be able to support the wonderful programs The Geffen offers to students.
Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer
GOLD
405 LA Traffic Hour
4:05 La V Happy Hour
Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse
Manuela & James Goren
would 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!
GOLD
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.
GOLD
GOLD
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 Burnett GOLD
GOLD
Our congratulations to the honorees
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish For the wonderful entertainment all of you have given the world!
Beverly & Herb Gelfand GOLD
Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos congratulate tonight’s honorees
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish GOLD
Wendy & Barry Meyer
CONGRATULATE TONIGHT’S HONOREES
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
GOLD
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
GOLD
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 GOLD
Fiji Airways Proudly Supports the Geffen Playhouse
Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David, From Our Home to Yours - We congratulate you! www.fijiairways.com
We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in its efforts to share theater with the community.
The Simms/Mann Family Foundation GOLD
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. Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Distinction in Service Award Sir Elton John & David Furnish Distinction in Theater Award
Proud supporter of Geffen Playhouse.
Congratulations to the 2015 Backstage at the Geffen Honorees. With Support, Scott Minerd and Guggenheim Partners
Gil, Elizabeth, Gemma & Isla Cates congratulate
Mellody, George, Sir Elton & David on their honors tonight, and for their legendary work, and support of the Geffen Playhouse.
Game changers MELLODY HOBSON, GEORGE LUCAS, SIR ELTON JOHN, DAVID FURNISH 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
Sir Elton John & David Furnish DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
and
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
...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
Enriching our community deserves more than a standing ovation. 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 90067 310-282-3833 SHM2@ntrs.com
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With love to David and Elton.
Hilaria & Alec Baldwin
Congratulations to
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas
on 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
Dominique Shelton, Partner and
Proudly Support
BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN Congratulations to Tonight’s Honorees: Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish Atlanta
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Brussels
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Charlotte
Research Triangle
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Dallas
Silicon Valley
Los Angeles
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New York
Washington, D.C.
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Sir Elton & David
Congratulations 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
✰ Salutes
the Geffen Playhouse’s
2015
BACKSTAGE HONOREES
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Distinction in Service Award
&
Sir Elton John & David Furnish Distinction in Theater Award
Los Angeles magazine subscriptions (800) 876-5222 or www.LAmag.com
Congratulations to the Geffen and its staff for the wonderful work that you do throughout the years.
Sandy & Bill
Deborah & Michael Walsh proudly support
Geffen Playhouse and appreciate
SIR ELTON JOHN & DAVID FURNISH MELLODY HOBSON & GEORGE LUCAS 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.Â
Ronen Levy
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Quality Air
Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse
The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks
David Geffen
for 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 Combo
L.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 the honorees,
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish 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
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish
and our gratitude for your support of the Geffen Playhouse
Judi & Bruce Schindler
Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees:
Mellody, George, Elton and David
We 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 Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish On 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 & David
for 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 Carson
congratulate 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 Polynesia is 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,
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
Sir Elton John & David Furnish
and 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 Wailea Creative: Good, Better, Best GRAND Pub: 2015 Backstage at the GEFFEN Size: 12.8 X 7.2 Color: FULL ROD: 3.22.2015 DUE: 3.6.15
“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.
B
Larry Feldman & Jo Kaplan
Steve Sauer & Media Four
take great pride in supporting the Geffen Playhouse and congratulate this year’s honorees,
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish 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
Congratulates
the Geffen Playhouse’s 2015 backstage honorees
Sir Elton John & David Furnish Distinction in Theater Award
and
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Distinction in Service Award
CALIFORNIA
NEW JERSEY
FLORIDA
877.432.9426 877.232.9426 888.318.2904 INFO@DAZIAN.COM WWW.DAZIAN.COM
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.Â
Glorya Kaufman
The Marshall Plan
is proud to have arranged the following trips for this year’s
Backstage at the Geffen Silent Auction: Triada Palm Springs, CA Richmond Nua Spa, Turkey Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Islands in the Sun/Fiji Airways Trip
Branding & Public Relations Grand Wailea Resort & Spa, Maui
La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA
920 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 9029
www.themarshallplan.com
La Clinique Prairie, Switzerland
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
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish
for their honors at tonight’s Backstage celebration.
We proudly support the Geffen Playhouse
Congratulations to this year’s honorees
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish Your support of the arts is inspiring. Thank you for all you do. With respect and admiration,
Leslie & Robert ZemeckisÂ
Heartfelt thanks to our Advisory Board Chair
Miranda Tollman
for 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
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish 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 GROUP is a proud supporter of the Geffen Playhouse.
THE FRIEDMAN GROUP
Connecting Brands With Hollywood www.friedmangrp.com
info@friedmangrp.com
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
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish
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 reservations.cos@fourseasons.com
Elton & David We Salute Your Inspiration and Continued Support Of Live Theater
The Howard Rose Agency
Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish
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
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and Sir Elton John & David Furnish It’s an honor to support the work of the Geffen Playhouse.
T +41 21 989 33 11 - info@laprairie.ch - 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 Dolgen
CONGRATULATE THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Thank You LA’s Premier Rehearsal and Backline Facility
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.
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Mellody Hobson & George Lucas and
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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 Cates Founder, 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