BACKSTAGE at the GEFFEN SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 HONORING
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
MORGAN FREEMAN DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
TITLE SPONSOR
BACKSTAGE at the GEFFEN SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 TITLE SPONSOR
TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSORS
S PECIAL THAN KS TO
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THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Paul G. Allen AMC Anonymous (2) Patricia Applegate†* Ariel Investments Audi of America Cathy & Shel Bachrach Hilaria & Alec Baldwin Beth Behrs† Curtis Grisham & Charles Black, Jr. Carol & Chancellor Gene Block† Annette Blum† Andy & Carlo Brandon-Gordon Claudia & Kevin Bright† Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham Cindy & Bob Broder Eileen & Harold Brown† Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Maya Burkenroad & Tai Lopez Roma Downey & Mark Burnett Capricorn Investment Group Marcy Carsey Stephanie† & Jonathan Carson David, Christine & Leah Cates Elena & Jonathan Cates & Family Elizabeth & Gil Cates, Jr.† Jane Cates Melissa Cates, Roger Claman & Family Amanda Brown & Justin Chang Beate & Christopher Chee City National Bank Comcast | NBC Universal
Robin Dearden & Bryan Cranston Creative Artists Agency Carole Bayer Sager & Bob Daly† Elizabeth Dalling Merle Dandridge† & Christopher Johnston The David Geffen Foundation Winnie Holzman & Paul Dooley Douglas Elliman Real Estate Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton† Patti & Dr. Paul Eisenberg Evolution Media Capital Susanna Felleman & Erik Feig Fendi Susan & Mark Fleischer† Sue & Eric Fleishman Gagosian Gallery David Geffen†* Beverly & Herbert Gelfand† The George Lucas Family Foundation Ann† & Jim Gianopulos Priscila Giraldo† Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie Sue & Steve Glusker Mary Ann & Irwin Gold Goldman Sachs Karen & Russell Goldsmith* Gonring, Spahn† & Associates Al Gore* Manuela & James Goren The Gores Family Sam Gores† Veronica & Brian Grazer*
Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealership The Adi†* & Jerry Greenberg Foundation Elaine Hoffman & Arthur Greenberg† Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger, LLP Guggenheim Partners Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks Samantha & Eric Heer† Martha Henderson†* Pamela Robinson Hollander†* & Robert Hollander Cindy & Alan Horn* Cheryl & Ron Howard* Willow Bay & Robert A. Iger Liberty Ross & Jimmy Iovine Vicki Iovine & David Coiro Jeff Skoll Group Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg† Loretta Everett Kaufman†* & Victor Kaufman Glorya Kaufman† Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer Keyes Automotive Group Bobby Kotick Sandra Krause & Bill Fitzgerald Samantha Counter Kurtzman & Alex Kurtzman Wendy Kurtzman† Latham & Watkins LLP Eileen & Kase Lawal Lyn & Norman Lear Yvonne† & Jason† Lee Los Angeles magazine Janine & Peter Lowy
Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Carla Malden†* & Norman Beil Mona Malden Susan† & Peter Mallory Ginny Mancini† Fay & Frank Mancuso†* Anne Stringfield & Steve Martin Teresa Kastl & Gary McArdle John McCrite† & Juan Lopez Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos Kelly & Ron Meyer†* Wendy & Barry Meyer† Hillary & Lance Milken Judy Zaban Miller & Lester Miller Scott Minerd† Ann & Jerry Moss† Shulamit Nazarian Christine Marie Ofiesh Olympus Theatricals Maura O’Neill Mo Ostin Paradigm Talent Agency Paramount Pictures Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes Participant Media Madeline & Bruce Ramer† Red Granite Pictures Lynda & Stewart Resnick Holly Rice†* & Vince Gilligan Mayor Richard Riordan Eden & Steve Romick Rouse Appraisals Scott Rouse
Linda Bernstein Rubin†* & Tony Rubin Ari Schapiro Judi & Bruce Schindler Tina & David Segel Kirsten Hansen† & Allen Shay† Barbara & Richard Sherman† The Simms/Mann Family Foundation† Skoll Foundation Skoll Global Threats Fund Karen & Vic Smith Jane Rissman & Rich Sondheimer Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor†* Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg† Lorraine Spurge†* & Patrick Mitchell Cynthia Stafford† Judith & Bruce Stern Elizabeth Guber Sugarman & Jason Sugarman Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum† Steve Tisch† Miranda† & Brett Tollman Alice & Norman Tulchin Twentieth Century Fox Michael Walsh The Walt Disney Company Warner Bros. Entertainment Westfield Group William Morris Endeavor Ken Willner & Jim Stine Diva Zappa Laurie Ziegler† Natasha & Dirk Ziff
*Special thanks to the Backstage at the Geffen Committee and Honorary Chairs. †Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors, Trustees and Advisory Board. As of printing date: May 19, 2016.
MORGAN FREEMAN DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman is one of America’s most recognizable figures and voices. He began his acting career in the offBroadway productions of The Niggerlovers and the all African-American production of Hello Dolly. In 1978 Freeman won a Drama Desk Award and a Tony nomination for The Mighty Gents. He has received accolades and awards, including Obie Awards in 1980, 1984 and 1987 and a second Drama Desk Nomination in 1987 for Alfred Uhry’s Driving Miss Daisy and reprised in the 1989 movie of the same name. In 2005 Freeman won an Academy Award for Million Dollar Baby. Freeman also has received a nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Street Smart, for Best Actor for The Shawshank Redemption, and for Best Actor for Invictus. He also won the Golden Globe for Driving Miss Daisy. Freeman has received the Kennedy Center Honor, the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globe and the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 2010, Freeman won the National Board of Review Award for his performance as Nelson Mandela in Invictus produced by Revelations Entertainment, the company he co-founded with producer Lori McCreary. Freeman is executive producer on the Revelations hit CBS series Madam Secretary currently in its second season. Freeman hosts and is an executive producer for Revelations’ Emmy nominated series Through the Wormhole with Morgan Freeman, which is starting its seventh season on Discovery Science. Also through Revelations, he will produce The Story of God with Morgan Freeman on the National Geographic Channel. His upcoming films include London Has Fallen, Warner Bros.’ Going In Style, Alfa Films’ Now You See Me 2 and Ben-Hur. Most recently, Freeman starred in 5 Flights Up with Diane Keaton, Last Knights, Lucy, Dolphin Tale 2, Transcendence, The Lego Movie, Last Vegas, Now You See Me, Oblivion, Olympus Has Fallen and The Dark Knight Rises.
JEFF SKOLL DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
Jeff Skoll is a philanthropist and social entrepreneur, working to bring life to his vision of a sustainable world of peace and prosperity. As the first full-time employee and President of eBay, Jeff developed the company’s inaugural business plan and helped lead its successful initial public offering and the creation of the eBay Foundation. Over the last 15 years, Jeff has created an innovative portfolio of philanthropic and commercial enterprises, each a distinctive social catalyst. Together, these organizations galvanize public will and mobilize critical resources to accelerate large-scale social impact. His approach is unique: driving social impact by investing in a range of efforts that integrate powerful stories and data with entrepreneurial approaches. The Jeff Skoll Group supports his organizations, which include the Skoll Foundation, the Capricorn Investment Group, Participant Media and the Skoll Global Threats Fund.
Jeff created the Skoll Foundation in 1999 to pursue his vision of a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. The Foundation drives large-scale change by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs and the innovators who help them solve the world’s most pressing problems. Jeff founded Participant Media in 2004 with the belief that a story well told has the power to inspire and accelerate social change. Participant’s more than 70 films to date have collectively received a total of 7 Academy Awards and 48 nominations, and include Spotlight, Contagion, Lincoln, The Help, He Named Me Malala, The Look of Silence, CITIZENFOUR, Food Inc., And An Inconvenient Truth. He founded the Skoll Global Threats Fund in 2009, whose initial focus is on five global issues that, if unchecked, could bring the world to its knees: climate change, water security, pandemics, nuclear proliferation, and Middle East conflict.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martha Henderson
Dr. Gerald S. Levey
Ron Meyer
CO-CHAIR
Carla Malden
Leslie Moonves
Pamela Robinson
Susan Mallory
Jerry Moss
Ginny Mancini
Jerry Perenchio
Barry Meyer
Bruce M. Ramer
Scott Minerd
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN
CO-CHAIR
Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney
Steven A. Olsen
Victoria Mann Simms
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Holly Rice
Andy Spahn
Beth Behrs Dr. Gene D. Block Kevin Bright Harold A. Brown Gil Cates Jr.
Linda Bernstein Rubin
Steven Spielberg
Teri Schwartz
Steve Tisch
Richard Sherman
Dr. Charles E. Young
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael Centeno Mary Ann Cloyd Merle Dandridge Dr. Brad Edgerton Mark Fleischer Herbert M. Gelfand
Fred Specktor Lorraine Spurge
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
ADVISORY BOARD Miranda Tollman ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR Annette Blum Stephanie Carson Lori Collins Debra Davis Colin Egglesfield Ann Gianopulos Priscila Giraldo Kirsten Hansen
Cynthia P. Stafford
IN MEMORIAM
Howard Tenenbaum
Gilbert Cates
VICE CHAIRMAN
FOUNDER
Jason Lee
Marcia Israel-Curley
Yvonne Lee
Audrey Skirball Kenis
Hannah Linkenhoker
Charles Kenis
Kevin Mark Lodie
Karl Malden
Wendy Kurtzman
Edie Wasserman
John McCrite
Lew Wasserman
Allen Shay
FOUNDING TRUSTEES Kirsten Combs
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Robert A. Daly
Patricia L. Glaser Sam Gores Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Joan Kaloustian Loretta Everett Kaufman
David Geffen Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg
Eric Heer
John Sonego
Glorya Kaufman
LEGAL COUNSEL
Frank G. Mancuso
Peter Rosen
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
Danny Passman Laurie Ziegler Tony Zinge
City National PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE
Geffen Playhouse for bringing inspiration, hope and healing through the arts to our communities
CNB MEMBER FDIC
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WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE
GEFFEN PL AYHOUSE
THE GORES FA MILY
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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Morgan Freeman Distinction in Theater Award City National. Providing expertise to the entertainment industry for more than 60 years. Beverly Hills | New York | Nashville | Atlanta
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WE SALUTE TONIGHT’S HONOREES
JEFF SKOLL MORGAN FREEM AN THE GORES FA MILY
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C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
Jeff Skoll Distinction in Service Award City National. Providing expertise to the entertainment industry for more than 60 years. Beverly Hills | New York | Nashville | Atlanta
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We are honored to support the inspiring work of The Geffen Playhouse and its Educational Programs 150 EL CAMINO DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90212. 310.595.3888 © 2016 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.
ART & SOUL
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JOIN US IN YOUR BEST JEFF SKOLL VOICE AND SAY
THANK YOU KEYES AUTOMOTIVE APPLAUDS JEFF SKOLL FOR RECIEVING THE DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD.
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JOIN US IN YOUR BEST MORGAN FREEMAN VOICE AND SAY
CONGRATULATIONS KEYES AUTOMOTIVE CONGRATULATES MORGAN FREEMAN FOR RECIEVING THE DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD.
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Meet our top LA producers from 2015, just part of a total cast of eighty agents and executives based at our new flagship in Beverly Hills. With local expertise, the global reach of our alliance with Knight Frank Residential, and a dedication to results, our ensemble promises you a great performance.
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Kudos to the Geffen’s Education and Community Engagement programs. Keep up the good work!
LORETTA & VICTOR KAUFMAN
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LOUISE & BRAD EDGERTON Congratulate the Geffen Playhouse for their commitment to stage new plays. THESE NEW PLAYS HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE EDGERTON FOUNDATION: 2007 Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies
2010 Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl
2008 Farragut North by Beau Willimon
2011 Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie by Alan Alda
2008 Equivocation by Bill Cain
2011 Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo
2009 The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz
2012 Build by Michael Golamco 2013 Death of the Author by Steven Drukman
2010 Break of Noon by Neil LaBute
2013 Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley
2010 Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire
2015 Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith
2010 By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage
2016 Big Sky by Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros
PLATINUM
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 Community Engagement programs. Heartfelt congratulations to honorees Morgan Freeman on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award and Jeff Skoll on receiving the Distinction in Service Award.
TONY RUBIN & LINDA BERNSTEIN RUBIN PLATINUM
Congratulations to Jeff Skoll & Morgan Freeman! JASON & YVONNE LEE AND THE L & N ANDREAS FOUNDATION
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Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:
JEFF SKOLL and MORGAN FREEMAN THE ADI & JERRY GREENBERG FOUNDATION
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CONGRATULATIONS MORGAN & JEFF! Thank you for supporting the Geffen.
NANCY HELLER & FRED SPECKTOR PLATINUM
Our favorite part of the Oscars — Morgan Freeman presenting the Best Picture award to Spotlight! Such a good prequel to tonight! Congratulations Morgan Freeman & Jeff Skoll for your honors tonight and thank you for your dedication to storytelling! Love,
THE SMITH FAMILY PLATINUM
proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and congratulates honorees
Jeff Skoll
Distinction in Service Award
Š Disney
Morgan Freeman Distinction in Theater Award
thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship
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LYN & NORMAN LEAR join in celebrating tonight’s honorees and the Geffen Playhouse education programs, and all who move the arts forward.
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MORGAN,
We go back a long way‌ We are so happy you are being recognized. Congratulations! With great affection,
CINDY & ALAN HORN
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A big thanks to Regina and her team for making Backstage such a success!
LORETTA & VICTOR KAUFMAN
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salutes our client
MORGAN FREEMAN Distinction in Theater Award Honoree and our friend
JEFF SKOLL Distinction in Service Award Honoree
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JEFF,
Our wonderful friend‌ Congratulations on being honored! We are proud of you,
CINDY & ALAN HORN
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BRAVO To the Geffen Playhouse for bringing the magic and inspiration of theatre to so many. The Lowy Family
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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.
Playing the roles of much-deserving honorees in tonight’s performance are
JEFF SKOLL and MORGAN FREEMAN
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Lynda & Stewart Resnick
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5/2/16 5:37 PM
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AND CONGRATULATE OUR FRIENDS
JEFF SKOLL MORGAN FREEMAN PLATINUM
THE LARGEST CHARTER BROKERAGE IN THE UNITED STATES
Proud to support the Geffen Playhouse as the official jet partner of Backstage 2016! TO CHA R T ER A P R IV A T E J ET , C ONTA C T B R U C E B E R MA N : 310.9 2 3 .0401 | BR UC E@A P O L L O J E TS . C O M
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From your family at
Evolution Media Capital we congratulate you
Jeff Skoll on your Distinction in Service Award
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FAY & FRANK MANCUSO congratulate tonight’s honorees
MORGAN FREEMAN and
JEFF SKOLL and thank them for their support of the Geffen Playhouse PLATINUM
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Congratulations to the 2016 Backstage at the Geffen Honorees. With Support, Scott Minerd and Guggenheim Partners
Š 2016 Guggenheim Partners, LLC. All rights reserved. Guggenheim, Guggenheim Partners and Innovative Solutions. Enduring Values. are registered trademarks of Guggenheim Capital, LLC.
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Our congratulations to
JEFF SKOLL And to one of the most outstanding and distinguished actors of our time
MORGAN FREEMAN BEVERLY & HERB GELFAND GOLD
Congratulations
MORGAN FREEMAN & JEFF SKOLL A heartfelt thank you for supporting our beloved Geffen Playhouse.
PAMELA ROBINSON & ROBERT HOLLANDER
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We are proud to join the Geffen Playhouse in recognition of our good friend, Mr. Morgan Freeman.
Congratulations and thank you to the Geffen Playhouse for the honor of being a part of Backstage at the Geffen.
THE
BIG BUTTER JAZZ BAND
Big Butter Jazz Band Hot, Greasy, & Swingin’ New Orleans Traditional Jazz For All Occasions BIGBUTTERJAZZBAND.COM
Lucques Catering congratulates Suzanne Goin on her James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef of the Nation
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The Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors offers our heartfelt gratitude to
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN for allowing us to honor you!
WENDY & BARRY MEYER
CONGRATULATE TONIGHT’S HONOREES
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD and
MORGAN FREEMAN
DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
GOLD
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams
JEFF & MORGAN, your actions, each in your unique way, have inspired so many to dream, learn, do and become more. Thus we thank you both this evening and congratulate you on these prestigious awards. So fully deserved and earned.
MADELINE & BRUCE RAMER
GOLD
We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in its efforts to share theater with the community.
THE SIMMS/MANN FAMILY FOUNDATION
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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
Warner Bros. Entertainment proudly supports
Backstage at the Geffen and warmly congratulates our friends and colleagues
Jeff Skoll Recipient of the Distinction in Service Award and
Morgan Freeman Recipient of the Distinction in Theater Award and salutes the important work of the
Geffen Playhouse
GOLD
Scott Rouse and Gary McArdle are pleased to support the artistic mission and programs of the Geffen Playhouse and we congratulate tonight’s honorees Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman.
GOLD
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.
GOLD
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN
who understand the power and value of a well-told story, and with warm regards to our beloved Geffen Playhouse, a place to share community and a few good plays.
GLORYA KAUFMAN GOLD
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX PROUDLY SUPPORTS
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AND CONGRATULATES
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT AND
MORGAN FREEMAN DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENT
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The Geffen Playhouse staff and Board humbly thank Backstage at the Geffen Committee Co-Chairs
LORETTA EVERETT KAUFMAN ADI GREENBERG LINDA BERNSTEIN RUBIN and Committee members: PATTY APPLEGATE • MARTHA HENDERSON CARLA MALDEN • PAMELA ROBINSON HOLLY RICE • LORRAINE SPURGE
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Ariel Investments proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and salutes
Jeff Skoll & Morgan Freeman on their remarkable dedication to the entertainment industry
To learn about Ariel, call 800.292.7435 or visit arielinvestments.com. GOLD
DEAR MORGAN & JEFF, Knowing you both and your continuing support of the arts, this is a much deserved recognition. We send our congratulations and our deepest appreciation. With admiration,
LAURIE & WALTER GOLD
A STRONG PERFORMANCE DESERVES MORE THAN A RO U N D O F APPL AU S E . Celebrate before or after the show with a seasonally inspired meal, California wines, and award-winning service in our newly renovated dining room. LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR Menu curated by Executive Chef Adrian Vela
1100 Glendon Avenue | Valet Parking Available 310.824.3322 | napavalleygrille.com
MANUELA & JAMES GOREN
would like to congratulate the Geffen Playhouse and this year’s honorees! GOLD
LW.com Barcelona
Moscow
Beijing
Munich
Boston
New Jersey
Brussels
New York
Century City
Orange County
Chicago
Paris
Dubai
Riyadh*
D端sseldorf
Rome
Frankfurt
San Diego
Hamburg
San Francisco
Hong Kong
Shanghai
Houston
Silicon Valley
London
Singapore
Los Angeles
Tokyo
Madrid
Washington, D.C.
Milan
Latham & Watkins is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in honoring
Jeff Skoll Recipient of the Distinction in Service Award and
Morgan Freeman Recipient of the Distinction in Theater Award
* In association with the Law Office of Salman M. Al-Sudairi
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Thank you to the Geffen Playhouse for its outstanding work both onstage and in the community!
MARCY CARSEY
GOLD
To David Geffen, Morgan Freeman and Jeff Skoll, Thank you for all you do to support theater and the arts. We are forever grateful. Love,
RITA WILSON & TOM HANKS GOLD
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
GOLD
The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks
DAVID GEFFEN for serving as 2016 Backstage at the Geffen Honorary 20th Anniversary Chair.
Strategic Storytelling Branding and Public Relations
Triada Palm Springs
The Kinloch Club, New Zealand
Pier South Resort, Imperial Beach, CA
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort, French Polynesia
La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA
Sunrise Springs Wellness Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico
A proud partner of Geffen Playhouse
Culver Hotel, Culver City, CA www.themarshallplan.com
Goldman Sachs is proud to join the Geffen Playhouse in honoring the accomplishments of Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman
Š 2016 Goldman Sachs. All rights reserved.
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Idyllically set at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the enchanting One&Only Palmilla dazzles with completely renovated rooms and suites; stunning dining options in collaboration with Jean-Georges Vongerichten; the exceptional new four-bedroom Villa One and Villa Cortez; a state-of-the-art spa, fitness center, beauty salon and men’s barber and grooming studio; plus, an abundance of activities and excursions.
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We LOVE the Geffen for their outreach to children, veterans and seniors in the community. And we also LOVE their wonderful and caring staff. What a treasure!
JOYCE EISENBERG-KEEFER & MEL KEEFER GOLD
Great to be backstage at the Geffen with these amazing honorees.
GINNY MANCINI
MORGAN, Thanks for being a cool guy and an inspiration to the human race. You’re the best! – Tito
On behalf of UCLA
Chancellor Gene Block and Mrs. Carol Block Commend
MORGAN FREEMAN & JEFF SKOLL for their mastery in advancing positive change through storytelling. We congratulate these two remarkable optimists on their well-deserved awards of distinction from the Geffen Playhouse.
Thank you to the Geffen Playhouse and its staff for all the fine productions and good works.
SANDY KRAUSE & BILL FITZGERALD
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Palomino is a proud partner of the Geffen Playhouse and joins in congratulating tonight’s honorees! Thanks for all you do and your wonderful contributions to the arts. 1087 7 WILSHIRE BLVD | (31 0) 208-1 9 6 0 | P AL OMINO. C OM
We would like to congratulate Regina, Randall, Gil and Nazy for their continued dedication to the Geffen Playhouse.
EDWARD A. & AI O. SHAY FOUNDATION
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Congratulations to
MORGAN FREEMAN DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD and
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
MO OSTIN GOLD
For producing, directing and casting tonight’s event — A huge thank you to
RANDALL ARNEY, KEVIN BRIGHT & GIL CATES, JR. Bravo!
We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse Education and Community Engagement programs.
EDWARD A. & AI O. SHAY FOUNDATION
GOLD
Congratulations to the inspiring honorees, Morgan Freeman and Jeff Skoll. We are so proud to be a part of the Geffen family.
MERLE DANDRIDGE & CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTON
THE GLUSKER FAMILY
is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and its efforts in Education and in the Community
✰ MORGAN FREEMAN
SALUTES THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE’S
2016
BACKSTAGE HONOREES
DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD &
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
Los Angeles magazine subscriptions (800) 876-5222 or LAmag.com
Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees, Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman
DRS. BARBARA & GERALD LEVEY
The Geffen Staff and Board of Directors would love to thank 2016 Backstage at the Geffen Host
DANA DELANY, and all the amazing artists that grace our stage this evening.
THE FRIEDMAN GROUP is a proud supporter of the Geffen Playhouse.
THE FRIEDMAN GROUP
Connecting Brands With Hollywood www.friedmangrp.com
info@friedmangrp.com
DONNA McKENNA & FLYNN CHERNOS congratulate tonight’s honorees
MORGAN FREEMAN
DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD and
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
A standing ovation. Congratulations to tonight’s distinguished honorees. Jeff Skoll
Distinction in Service Award
Morgan Freeman
Distinction in Theater Award
Honored to support the Geffen Playhouse
Our warmest congratulations to the honorees,
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN and to the Geffen Playhouse.
SUSAN & MARK FLEISCHER
The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks 2016 Backstage at the Geffen Honorary 20th Anniversary Co-Chairs CINDY & ALAN HORN • VERONICA & BRIAN GRAZER CHERYL & RON HOWARD • AL GORE KELLY & RON MEYER • FAY & FRANK MANCUSO KAREN & RUSSELL GOLDSMITH NANCY HELLER & FRED SPECKTOR
Congratulations to
Morgan Freeman
DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD
and
Jeff Skoll
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD
...and to the Geffen Playhouse for its Continued Successes
Patricia Kiernan Applegate
Montage Beverly Hills is proud to support Backstage at the Geffen.
Cheers to the honorees! RICHARD & BARBARA SHERMAN
SUNRISE SPRINGS RESORT A Wellness Oasis in Santa Fe
Revitalize & Thrive Integrative Spa Meditation, Yoga & Fitness Puppy Therapy Gardening & Culinary Expressive Arts
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GIL, ELIZABETH, GEMMA & ISLA CATES proudly congratulate
JEFF & MORGAN On their honors tonight, and for their inspiration and commitment to the power of the arts, and support of the Geffen Playhouse.
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees! Tanino Ristorante Bar
is a proud supporter of the Geffen Playhouse.
Congratuations to tonight’s honorees
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Congratulations to
JEFF SKOLL
On receiving the Distinction in Service Award. May he continue Onward and Upward with the Arts.
HAROLD & EILEEN BROWN
DLuxuries is proud to support Geffen Playhouse and congratulates tonight’s honorees!
Our warmest congratulations and thanks to this year’s wonderfully talented honorees. ANNETTE BLUM AND THE BLUM FAMILY FOUNDATION
CONGRATULATIONS TO MORGAN FREEMAN & JEFF SKOLL v
Special thanks to Regina Miller and everyone at the Geffen Playhouse for their wonderful Education and Community Engagement Programs!
Priscila Giraldo Matthew & Kara Kolodziejczyk
Susan & Peter Mallory and Northern Trust congratulate Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman for their outstanding contributions to the arts and our hearts.
Olympus Theatricals is proud to support Geffen Playhouse and their contributions to the arts!
There is no place like the Geffen Playhouse! We salute your outstanding contributions to theater and to the greater Los Angeles community. With admiration,
BRETT & MIRANDA TOLLMAN
CELEBRATING NINE DECADES IN LA JOLLA
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 on 20 incredible years!
Congratulations to the honorees,
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN
and to the Geffen Playhouse on another amazing year of theater! To many more years of greatness!
LAURIE ZIEGLER
Heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors Co-Chairs
MARTHA HENDERSON & PAMELA ROBINSON for your guidance and leadership.
Congratulations and many thanks to Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman for their tireless and inspirational work.
BARBRA STREISAND
Proud to support Geffen Playhouse
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We congratulate this year’s Backstage at the Geffen honorees,
MORGAN FREEMAN & JEFF SKOLL and salute Geffen Playhouse on 20 years of extraordinary contributions to the theater and our community.
ERIC & SUE FLEISHMAN
STEPHANIE & JONATHAN CARSON congratulate Morgan Freeman, Jeff Skoll and the entire Geffen Playhouse team for another wonderful year of entertainment, education and community engagement. We look forward to another great year ahead.
Heartfelt thanks to our Advisory Board Chair
MIRANDA TOLLMAN for your guidance and leadership.
Paramount Pictures proudly supports the
Geffen Playhouse and
warmly congratulates
Morgan Freeman &
Jeff Skoll
Congratulations to the honorees of tonight’s Backstage celebration, with gratitude to all the staff at the Geffen Playhouse, with pride in Gil Jr. for carrying on the Geffen Playhouse banner, and a special thank you to Rachel Galligan for her extra contribution to the Geffen’s work this season!
JON, ELENA, JULIA & HARRISON CATES
Wendy Kurtzman of College To Career Acting congratulates award recipients Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman, and is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse. College to Career Acting works with High School students as they audition for College and with BFA/MFA graduates as they transition from Academia into the Entertainment Industry. Visit us at www.CTCActing.com
You have family nearby.
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Congratulations, Jeff and Morgan, on this well-deserved honor. All our love, Susanna Felleman & Erik Feig
Thank you to everyone here tonight, for your interests and contributions in supporting and stimulating education and learning across the generations.
PATTI & DR. PAUL EISENBERG
AMC joins in celebrating the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees for their wonderful contributions throughout the years to the arts and education.
Bravo to tonight’s distinguished honorees, Jeff Skoll and Morgan Freeman.
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.
is a proud supporter of
BACKSTAGE AT THE
GEFFEN 2016 DOUBLE ISSUE APRIL 29–MAY 6, 2016
AUGUST 21, 2015
DATE TK, 2015
HOW TO MAKE SOMETHING TOTALLY ORIGINAL (and why Trump
OMG
JLD!
should come see it)
‘We’ve had characters like him in American politics forever,’ says LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, the star creator behind the Broadway smash Hamilton, as he draws parallels to today’s toxic election theatrics and challenges the industry to catch up to America’s diversity: ‘That’s Hollywood being scared’
(AKA TV’S BFD)
Feminism to foul language:
JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS
goes off (and way off script)
Fantastic Flameout
Who’s really to blame for Fox’s Marvel misfire
TV’s Rough Ride on Wall Street
The Chinese Man Who Gave Universal $500M
Analysts reveal how to reverse the stock slide
Seriously! There’s an L.A. Review of Books
The Gossip Revolution
Cosby, Caitlyn and the Page Six-ification of the news media
Coming Attraction: Shari Redstone’s Looming CEO War
THE TOWN’S TOP 100
Power Lawyers PHOTO PORTFOLIO Harrison Ford, Sean Penn, Lin-Manuel Miranda and their attorneys HE’S HIRED! Trump’s Hollywood counsel
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8/11/15 1:16 PM
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4/19/16 12:32 PM
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.
C
M
Y
I am extremely proud to support the Geffen Playhouse, and I congratulate tonight’s accomplished honorees Morgan Freeman and Jeff Skoll.
CHRISTINE MARIE OFIESH
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
ate I’d like to dedic heroes, this song to my Freeman. n a g r o M d n a ll Jeff Sko active roles in r u o y r fo u o y Thank ke net so cuties li la p r u o g n ti c prote ue to grow and me can contin e’s for you! thrive! This on
Diva Zappa delights in supporting The Geffen Playhouse in honour of Gail Zappa who loved it so much.
RESTORE. REJUVENATE. TRANSFORM.
M O U N TA I N R E T R E AT FO R TH E H EALT H & WELLN E S S S EEKIN G CON N OIS SEUR
WWW. AJAMALIBU.COM
Congratulations to our friends at the Geffen! HILARIA & ALEC BALDWIN
Congratulations to our dear friends
ADI & JERRY GREENBERG Your leadership, commitment, vision, generosity, and kindness are a true inspiration With love and admiration,Â
AMANDA BROWN & JUSTIN CHANG
THE KOTICK FAMILY FOUNDATION CONGRATULATES
MORGAN FREEMAN & JEFF SKOLL AND IS PROUD TO SUPPORT GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Congratulations
to the Geffen Playhouse for providing 20 years of entertainment, and so much more, to the Los Angeles community.
Morgan. A great man and a great actor. Very proud of you. Love, Paul Dooley
The single clenched fist lifted and ready, Or the open asking hand held out and waiting; Choose: For we meet by one or the other —Carl Sandburg
Thank you Jeff Skoll for your vision, courage, creativity and determination to forge a more peaceful, free & prosperous world for all.
MAURA O’NEILL
Congratulations to
JEFF SKOLL and
MORGAN FREEMAN and our gratitude for your support of the Geffen Playhouse
JUDI & BRUCE SCHINDLER
Michael E. Walsh proudly supports the Geffen Playhouse and applauds
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN for their courageous and celebrated contribuitions to the arts and storytelling.
Congratulations to Morgan Freeman, Jeff Skoll and the Geffen Playhouse. EILEEN & KASE LAWAL
We are thrilled to support
ADI & JERRY GREENBERG and their commitment to bringing joy to Los Angeles through the arts. All the best,
HILLARY & LANCE MILKEN
Proud supporter of The Geffen Playhouse
We are proud to join our friends at the Geffen Playhouse in honoring Morgan Freeman with the Distinction in Theater Award. Congratulations Morgan, we salute your leadership in supporting education and the arts. Working with you is a privilege and a dream come true. Your friends and fans,
ALEX KURTZMAN & SAMANTHA KURTZMAN-COUNTER
L O S
A N G E L E S
SEPT 29 - OCT 02, 2016 LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
THE LONGINES MASTERS OF LOS ANGELES IS PROUD TO SUPPORT BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN
GUASCO'16
GRAND SLAM INDOOR OF SHOW JUMPING
We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and congratulate all of tonight’s honorees!
KATIE McGRATH & J.J. ABRAMS FAMILY FOUNDATION
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN
and the Geffen Playhouse for its Education and Community Engagement efforts!
CATHY & SHEL BACHRACH
STEVE SAUER & MEDIA FOUR take great pride in supporting the Geffen Playhouse and congratulate this year’s honorees,
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN for their generosity!
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Congratulations to
JEFF SKOLL and
MORGAN FREEMAN for your contribution to the Arts and Education which enrich our Community
ALICE & NORMAN TULCHIN
W E C ONG R AT U L AT E
MORGAN FREEMAN
DI S T I NC T ION I N T H E AT E R AWA RD HONORE E
JEFF SKOLL
DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD HONOREE
AND SUPPORT
Charidy.com is proud to join
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE In Honoring
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN
TAI LOPEZ AND THE KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY ARE PROUD TO JOIN OUR FRIENDS AT
THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE IN HONORING
MORGAN FREEMAN AND JEFF SKOLL
DICK RIORDAN AND THE RIORDAN FOUNDATION are proud to support Backstage at the Geffen and the 2016 honorees:
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN
AKIGORI
K R E A M E R Y COM
JAPANESE INSPIRED DESERTS
ON-SITE CATERING
PRIVATE EVENTS
WRAP PARTIES
Congratulations to the honorees, and the entire Geffen Playhouse staff! DAVID, CHRISTINE & LEAH CATES
JONATHAN & SUSAN DOLGEN CONGRATULATE
MORGAN FREEMAN & THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Thank you to the Geffen Playhouse for the honor of being a part of the Backstage at the Geffen Gala.
RONEN LEVY
Congratulations to
JEFF SKOLL & MORGAN FREEMAN We’re thrilled and honored to be working with the Geffen Playhouse
Sprinkles is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse A M ER I C AN A A T B R A N D | BEVERLY HILLS | DOWNTOWN LOS ANGE L E S | T H E GROV E | WE S T L AKE V IL L AGE
Congratulations and thank you to the Geffen and tonight’s honorees for your outstanding support of the arts! LESLIE & ROBERT ZEMECKIS
PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE
The Geffen Playhouse fhttLA.com | 323.306.4333
Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse on 20 years! The dedication of both Gil Cates Sr. and Jr. shines through.
MELISSA CATES & FAMILY
ADELE’S SMASH: THE STATS ‘I WAS NEVER INTERESTED IN KISSING ASS’
John Mellencamp on painting and... punching a label prez?
The Rebirth of
JUSTIN BIEBER Prodigy at 12, superstar at 15, punchline at 20. Now, after an ‘empty’ two-year tabloid spiral, he’s on his way to reinventing himself emotionally, spiritually and musically. ‘I was close to letting fame destroy me’
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I want to congratulate the honorees, my son Gil Cates, Jr. and the entire Geffen staff for the amazing job they all do for this wonderful theater!
JANE CATES
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 theater!
Now you two owe me an ad. STEVE MARTIN
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