2013 Backstage at the Geffen Tribute Journal

11th annual

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN MONDAY, may 13, 2013 honorinG

D I S T I N C T I O N I N t h eater A W A R D

billy crystal

DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

bruce ramer

founding chairman of the geffen playhouse tit l e s p onsor

11th annual

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN MONDAY may 13, 2013 title sponsor

title sponsor

presenting sponsors

in-kind sponsors

Classic Party Rentals • Deluscious Cookies + Milk Double Cross Vodka • Gotta Have S’mores • Los Angeles magazine malibu family wines • My Vienna Gelato • Pure Cheesecakes Richard Ruskell Pastries • Ronen Levy Events • Steinway

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Backstage at the Geffen.

I want to congratulate the Board of Directors for their participation in this unique event and offer heartfelt thanks to the Backstage at the Geffen Host Committee whose support for this evening has been extraordinary. Particular thanks go to Pamela Robinson Hollander and her Gala Committee, and to Gil Cates, Jr. for his role as one of the producers of tonight’s show. Backstage supporters and guests alike have joined together to make this a recordbreaking fundraising event for our theater. Once again, we have exceeded the one million dollar mark.

frank g. mancuso chairman of the board

Tonight marks our eleventh peek “backstage” — an often-touching, often-riotous patchwork of tales from behind the scenes of theatrical life. We pull the curtain aside tonight as our way of thanking you for your loyal support throughout the year. As we enjoy ourselves this evening, we remember, too, that theater is a vibrant part of our community. This evening supports the education and outreach programs of the Geffen Playhouse, assuring that theater touches as many members of the community as possible. By supporting this event, you are making a difference in your community, notably to the underserved population of Los Angeles.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our congratulations to tonight’s honorees: Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer, our Founding Chairman. Billy Crystal is an icon, a revered industry Academy Awards host, extraordinary comedian and an accomplished film, TV and stage actor. We are delighted to honor him. Bruce Ramer was our Founding Chairman of the Board and worked tirelessly with Gil Cates to create the great theater you are sitting in tonight. These two individuals continue to contribute both to their community and to their art. We are so happy to present them with this evening’s awards. My hat’s off to both of them.

Thank you for joining us for this irreverent and wonderful evening supporting the arts. We’re so glad you’re here.

Frank G. Mancuso Chairman of the Board

Welcome to Backstage at the Geffen. I am once again honored to make this introductory statement not only as a producer of this year’s show, but as I proudly continue my duties as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and continue to honor my father’s legacy.

Backstage at the Geffen was one of my dad’s dreams for the theater, and what I love about this evening more than any other, is that it carries the essence of what a true Gil Cates production is all about: intimate, irreverent, boisterous and fun.

One thing he understood well was that there is just as much action, hilarity and joyful chaos behind the scenes as there is on the stage, and so a unique evening in which the presenters, performers and storytellers can be spontaneous, authentic and memorable was born.

gil cates, jr. vice chairman of the board

I’d like to express my gratitude to supporters of Backstage at the Geffen, both past and present. To the performers, storytellers and honorees who take the stage and to the donors and attendees whose generosity makes this event such a success each year: you are the true heroes of Backstage. I’d also like to offer special thanks to our guests of honor this evening, Bruce Ramer and Billy Crystal. These honorees have a special place in my heart and in my family’s, as both Bruce and Billy were prominent figures in my dad’s life, both personally and professionally. It is a pleasure to acknowledge their accomplishments and contributions to the world of entertainment, while also raising proceeds directly benefiting the Geffen Playhouse’s Education and Outreach programs that bring tens of thousands of under-resourced Los Angeles students, seniors and veterans into the theater at no cost.

The Geffen Playhouse is a special place, both inside and out, and one that was built out of love for the theatre and community.

Watching the work that brings this night together to keep that very sense of theatre and community so tightly knit together has been a humbling experience.

And with that, I hope you enjoy yourself tonight and feel, as I do, a strong sense of my father’s spirit once again instilled in this event — and in his spirit, I’d like to conclude by once again expressing my immense gratitude to the donors and supporters who have made this a truly banner year.

Onward and Upward With The Arts!

With warm regards,

Gil Cates, Jr.

Good evening, It is hard to believe that this is our 11th year presenting Backstage at the Geffen! This event has now become an annual tradition for the Geffen Playhouse and all of you, our loyal audience.

We want to acknowledge and thank you for your continued support. This year we also want to thank our generous sponsors: City National Bank, Audi, W Hotel and Backyard at the W. We have wonderful news to share: The funds raised tonight will continue to support our outstanding education & outreach programs which serve more than 25,000 inner city students, seniors & veterans each year.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our gala committee, a group of really smart, supportive women. We have had such a fabulous time working together to make this evening a big success.

pamela robinson hollander backstage at the geffen committee chair

PATTY APPLEGATE MARTHA HENDERSEN LORETTA KAUFMAN CARLA MALDEN LINDA RUBIN On behalf of everyone at the Geffen, our deep gratitude to Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer, our Founding Chairman.

And, of course, to the heart and soul of the Geffen Playhouse, our very own Gil Cates, who we will always continue to thank each year and be grateful for his unwavering dedication, devotion and leadership that built this theater. His spirit will always be with us, as well as the legacy he has created.

And to our friends in the community who recognize the value of having this jewel of a theater in our backyard, the west side of LA, thank you again and again. How fortunate we all are.

Warmest regards,

Pamela Robinson Hollander

advisory board Annette Blum Stephanie Carson Michael Centeno Chair

Lori Collins Debra Davis Valarie De La Garza Priscila Giraldo Kirsten Hansen Eric Heer Lanre’ Idewu Wendy Kurtzman Yvonne Lee Jason Lee Adrian Pasdar Rollin Ransom Allen Shay John Sonego Miranda Tollman Deborah Benson Walsh Laurie Ziegler

board of directors Frank G. Mancuso Chairman

Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney Behnaz Ataee Dr. Gene D. Block Harold A. Brown Gil Cates Jr. Mary Ann Cloyd Dennis Doty John Ebey Mark Fleischer Herbert M. Gelfand Chairman Emeritus

Patricia L. Glaser Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Martha Henderson Pamela Robinson Hollander Joan Kaloustian Glorya Kaufman Loretta Kaufman Dr. Gerald S. Levey Carla Malden

Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini Barry Meyer Susanna Midnight Regina Miller Ken Novice Steven A. Olsen Loren Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Fred Specktor DeeAnna Staats Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum Michael Walsh founding trustees Suzanne Deal Booth Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg

Ron Meyer Leslie Moonves Jerry Moss Jerry Perenchio Bruce M. Ramer

Founding Chairman

Victoria Mann Simms Andy Spahn Steven Spielberg Steve Tisch Dr. Charles E. Young Chairman Emeritus

IN MEMORIAM Gilbert Cates Founder

Marcia Israel-Curley Audrey Skirball Kenis Charles Kenis Karl Malden Edie Wasserman Lew Wasserman LEGAL COUNSEL Peter Rosen Latham & Watkins LLP

thank you to our host committee The Alice Ghostley Foundation Andy Spahn† & Associates Anonymous Anschutz Film Group/Walden Media Patricia Applegate†* Ariel Investments Audi of America The Backyard Sandy & Bob Baral Annette Bening & Warren Beatty Carol Block & Chancellor Gene Block† Annette Blum† Jerry Breslauer, Mickey Rutman & Tammy Anderson Skip Brittenham & Heather Thomas Eileen & Harold Brown† Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer Stephanie† & Jonathan Carson David, Christine & Leah Cates Elena & Jonathan Cates & Family Melissa Cates, Roger Claman & Family Gil Cates, Jr.† & Elizabeth Lacey CBS Corporation City National Bank Mary Ann Cloyd†

Creative Artists Agency The David Geffen Foundation Roma Downey & Mark Burnett Susan & John Ebey† Mica Ertegun Andy Fickman Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown David Geffen† Beverly & Herbert Gelfand† Maria Mancuso Gersh & Gary Gersh Diane & Dr. Bruce Gewertz Ann* & Jim Gianopulos* Priscila Giraldo† Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie Karen & Russell Goldsmith Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association Adi† & Jerry Greenberg Arthur Greenberg† & Elaine Hoffman Cassandra & Brad Grey Guggenheim Partners Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson HBO Martha Henderson†* Mellody Hobson

Pamela Robinson Hollander†* & Robert Hollander Cindy & Alan Horn J.P. Morgan Private Bank Joan Kaloustian† Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg† Glorya Kaufman† Loretta†* & Victor Kaufman Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer Kathleen Kennedy Keyes Automotive Group Sandra Krause & Bill Fitzgerald Yvonne† & Jason Lee† Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey† Los Angeles magazine Marlene & Sandy Louchheim Janine & Peter Lowy Carla Malden†* Susan† & Peter Mallory Ginny Mancini† Fay & Frank Mancuso† Kim & Frank Mancuso, Jr. Des & Bryna McAnuff Nancy & Sir Paul McCartney Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos

Kelly & Ron Meyer† Tobias Meyer & Sotheby’s Wendy* & Barry Meyer* Heather & Steven Mnuchin Leslie Moonves† & Julie Chen Ann & Jerry Moss† Northern Trust Christine Marie Ofiesh OneWest Bank Paramount Pictures PricewaterhouseCoopers Lee Ramer Madeline & Bruce Ramer† Dr. Judith Reichman Carl Reiner Mayor Richard Riordan Loren† & the Honorable Frances Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin†* & Tony Rubin Judi & Bruce Schindler Kim & Dr. P.K. Shah Barbara & Richard Sherman† The Simms/Mann Family Foundation† Vic & Karen Smith Sony Pictures Entertainment

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

Fred Specktor† & Nancy Heller Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg† Lorraine Spurge DeeAnna Staats† Cynthia Stafford† & Lanre Idewu† Judith & Bruce Stern Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor Kiki & Larry Taylor Barbara & Larry Tenan Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum† Steve Tisch Alice & Norman Tulchin Twentieth Century Fox Union Bank Universal Studios The Walt Disney Company W Los Angeles — Westwood Deborah† & Michael Walsh† Warner Bros. Entertainment Wells Fargo Westfield Group Gail Zappa Leslie & Robert Zemeckis Natasha & Dirk Ziff Ellen & Ken Ziffren

Emmy Award winning comedian and actor Billy Crystal is known worldwide for his film roles in When Harry Met Sally…, City Slickers, The Princess Bride and Analyze This; his 2005 Tony-winning Broadway show, 700 Sundays; as a cast member of Saturday Night Live; and as the host, multiple times, of the Academy Awards ceremonies.

Crystal was born on March 14, 1948 and grew up in Long Beach, New York. He graduated from New York University with a BFA from the Tisch School of Arts in 1970. His breakthrough role was on the nighttime series Soap from 1977 to 1981. In 1984 he hosted Saturday Night Live and then joined the cast. His most famous creation was Fernando, a talk-show host with the tagline You look mahvelous! Some of his film other film credits include This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Running Scared (1986), Throw Momma from the Train (1987), Forget Paris (1995) and Monsters, Inc. (2001). He directed the HBO film 61* (2001) about the race between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home-run record.

He is the recipient of the 2007 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. His previous books include Absolutely Marvelous (1986), 700 Sundays (2005) and two children’s books, I Already Know I Love You (2004) and Grandpa’s Little One (2006).

billy crystal distinction in theater award recipient

Crystal is well known for hosting the Oscars® a total of nine times; he has also hosted the Grammy Awards three times and, as a result of his work in television, has won six Emmy Awards. Most recently, Billy costarred with Bette Midler in the Twentieth Century Fox family comedy Parental Guidance, in theaters on Christmas 2012. He will also reprise his role as Mike Wazowski in Pixar’s Monsters University, the prequel to Monsters, Inc., to be released in 2013. Crystal is currently working on a humorous memoir on aging that will be published by Henry Holt in 2013.

Bruce Ramer is the senior partner at Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown. While he will not discuss his client list, the press mentions, among others, Clint Eastwood, Robert Zemeckis, Milos Forman, Cameron Crowe, David O. Russell. While he has been called an “elite deal maker,” Ramer hardly confines his performance to tending the rich and famous. As national president of the American Jewish Committee, he testified before Congress on terrorism matters. He is on the Boards of Trustees of USC, the Herrhausen Institute for International Dialogue of Deutsche Bank; and the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the National Archives. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and chair of USC’s Institute on Entertainment Law and Business, on the Boards of Councilors of the Shoah Foundation Institute, the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism and the USC Law School. He is the founding chair of the Geffen Playhouse. Ramer served as a member of the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which he chaired in 2011 and 2012 and he has been renominated for the Board. He also prefers galloping up the stairs to taking the elevator.

bruce ramer distinction in Service award recipient

Growing up in the 1940s with an older brother, pharmacist dad and homemaker mom, Ramer never considered pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. He did read a lot though, and law made an early entrance—and stuck, for reasons he still ponders, since the only lawyer he knew was a distant relative. When he was in the third grade, he wrote a letter to Harvard Law School and asked what he might do to get in. Years later, he got in. A self-described journalism junkie, Ramer began laying a foundation in communication long before he got to Harvard. He was paid by the column inch to write about sports for a local newspaper. He served as associate editor for The Princeton Tiger, a humor magazine. At Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, he wrote a thesis on broadcasting in what was then Czechoslovakia, analyzing and comparing the content of Radio Prague and Radio Free Europe. He has long ascribed to Thomas Jefferson’s view that if one has to choose between a free press and a strong government, free press is the better choice. After finishing law school returning from his second (and recalled) tour in the Army, he visited Los Angeles and joined the seven-attorney, 34-year-old Gang, Tyre firm in 1963 — despite the fact that his entertainment background consisted solely of watching movies and listening to music. His education came from on-the-job training and mentors who showed him “patience, forbearance, understanding, and I’d even say love.”

One of his early clients was a young unknown Steven Spielberg. The chemistry worked — so much so that Spielberg bestowed Bruce’s name on the shark in Jaws. He once was instrumental in establishing a group of individuals seeking to open the community to different points of view and who met for discourse and camaraderie. Shortly after Sept. 11, he hosted a confab of Bush administration and entertainment industry leaders to see what Hollywood could do to help defend our nation. A member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council and friend of former FBI director Louis Freeh, Ramer has been deeply concerned about terrorism since the early 1990s, long before the twin towers went down. His commitment to community causes so energizes him, he says, that he is much more productive than he might otherwise be. Despite his active practice and community boards and involvements, he is dedicated to Madeline and his family, for whom there is always time.

geffen playhouse education & outreach programs Your support of Backstage at the Geffen will bring the power, inspiration and beauty of live theatre arts to the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised children, youth, adults and seniors of Los Angeles County.

Thank you for helping to bring high-quality, transformational theater arts experiences to children and adults in need through your support of the Geffen Playhouse’s Education & Outreach Programs.

Thank you for standing for the children and adults of Los Angeles County who have little or no access to the arts, and to the proven benefits theatre arts bring, especially to those who are disadvantaged economically, educationally, physically, or psychosocially.

Through your generosity, we are addressing these critical community needs: There is an urgent need to help children in Los Angeles develop higher levels of proficiency in their English Language

Arts (ELA) skills – reading, speaking and writing. Economically disadvantaged children are among the most urgently in need.

For example, only 37% of economically disadvantaged third graders recently tested at grade level in ELA, which means the majority — 63% — are below proficient and falling behind, as early as the third grade. We have to invest in these children, ensuring they are in the best possible position to succeed.

Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates Residency Program Through the Geffen Playhouse Story Pirates Residency Program, economically disadvantaged students across Los Angeles experience solid success as writers — a critical foundation for both their short and long-term academic success.

Our Story Pirates work in very close collaboration with classroom teachers in Title 1 Elementary Schools, creating a year-long program designed to engage students in classroom workshops that unleash their creativity and desire to write. By the end of the school year, students who used to find writing “pure agony” (as many teachers describe) are now avid writers, proudly turning in pages and pages of work, and well on the path to long-term English Language Arts proficiency.

Teachers who work with our Story Pirates define the program as pivotal for their students. “This is the finest outreach program I have seen and worked with in my 23 years of teaching,” a National Board Certified teacher recently told us.

Geffen Playhouse Mendez Writing Project In response to an urgent request from two high school principals in the Boyle Heights area of East Los Angeles, we are also using theatre as a tool for helping high school youth develop their

writing and critical thinking skills — unfreezing them from their fears about and low confidence in writing — especially as they prepare to pass the essay writing requirements of the California High School Exit Exam.

In collaboration with a team of literacy experts and teaching artists (outlined below), we have developed “The Geffen Playhouse Mendez Writing Project.” We are working closely with six classrooms of 10th graders in an immersive writing program centered upon our season of plays and the rich opportunity to use these plays as highly captivating, “safe” and fun experiences in which to develop and sharpen their writing and critical thinking skills.

We brought together the following team to collaborate in building a high quality program that would deliver state-of-theart thinking and best practices to give these students optimal opportunities to learn and succeed: · Literacy experts and teacher leaders from the UCLA Graduate School of Education (Center X); · Our master teaching artists and talented project director and arts integration expert, Jennifer Zakkai; · The principals and teachers of the two Mendez Learning Center High Schools; · Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director, Randy Arney, and the casts of all Gil Cates and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater Productions this season; · A team of evaluators from Vital Research who are closely monitoring the impact of the program on the students’ writing skills, confidence, and achievement.

Please join us in supporting this new project that we hope to expand to other schools and students across Los Angeles once funding is in place.

LIGHTS UP Program Our founder, Gil Cates, was often asked why one should support arts organizations when there is so much need to help families who are struggling to pay for food, who are losing their homes (or have already lost them), or who are in desperate need of health care and other basics.

He would respond with deep conviction that we should all give generously to organizations that help provide such urgent human needs. He would also remind us that, in addition to the need for food, housing, jobs, and health care, there are also intangible basic human needs — including the fundamental need to feel connected to others, to feed the soul, to be stimulated by stories about who we are and who we can be, as well as the basic and recurring need for catharsis and hope.

From day one, Gil’s vision for this theater included making sure that programs were in place to welcome with open arms the most disenfranchised, disconnected and disadvantaged children and adults of Los Angeles.

He established our CREATE Program to reach out to people in our community who are the least likely to have access to arts experiences, or even to know what the arts could bring to their lives, but also who could benefit from them the most, including: • Men and women returning from military service who have had a particularly hard time re-assimilating to civilian life because of the physical or mental trauma they have experienced in their service.

• High School-aged youth in the foster care system and young adults who have recently transitioned out of foster care and who are without much support in their lives.

• Adults who are working hard to transition out of homelessness.

• Women in domestic abuse shelters who are trying to build their self-worth and fortitude.

• Immigrants from war-torn areas of the world who are trying to understand and feel a part of their new American homeland.

• Seniors for whom theater was once a huge part of their lives, but due to severe economic challenges, depression, or other circumstances, were forced to drop it from their lives.

• Adults who are challenged by serious health or physical issues, including those living with HIV/AIDs, and those who are recent amputees.

Instead of simply opening our doors and offering free theater tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, we directed our outreach through L.A. social service organizations that serve disadvantaged and socially isolated young adults, adults and senior citizens. In its first year, 15 nonprofit groups applied to participate in CREATE, were accepted, and completed the year-long program which introduced more than 1,000 of their constituents to theater arts. Word quickly spread to other nonprofits about the program, the impact on those served and the unique service delivery model. Funds were secured to expand the program. This past season, we partnered with 44 social service organizations and 2,500 people across LA County benefited.

This past summer we invited participants to attend focus groups during which we solicited feedback and new ideas

for developing our CREATE Program into an even stronger, more accessible resource for the most underserved of Los Angeles. More than 60% of the participants asked us to increase access to more in-depth workshops with teaching artists and production artists during which they could discuss and gain greater insights into each production. The second loudest lesson we learned was the profound need to serve greater numbers of individuals from each organization, based on their articulation of the acute new levels of stress their constituents are living under and on their genuine excitement about the power of the Geffen’s plays and workshops with theater artists to make a difference.

We incorporated their feedback into a re-imagined, expanded CREATE Program that we have renamed LIGHTS UP. Our LIGHTS UP Program is an even more immersive, high-quality experience in theater arts based both on season-long access to all five Gil Cates Theater plays and on custom-designed pre and post-show workshops that engage each specific group with each play in ways that are the most meaningful to them.

No matter how pressing the financial pressures are to sell every seat in the house each night, we believe that the theatre is to be shared with children and adults who could use some uplifting, catharsis and meaningful connection to the world.

Thank you for joining us in reaching out to the most disadvantaged and underserved schools, individuals and struggling populations of Los Angeles. Thank you for bringing the one-of-a-kind power and beauty of theater arts to as many children and adults in need as possible.

geffen playhouse executive team randall arney behnaz ataee regina miller ken novice

City National PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE

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

Member FDIC

cnb.com

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Except for my children, I can think of no one I’m more proud of than Billy Crystal.

Carl Reiner

Bravo to our Papa Bruce!

Out of the mouth of babes...

“Papa Bruce is great because he is always kind and thoughtful and will do whatever it takes to make me smile.

I couldn’t wish for a better grandfather. He is really one of the best men I’ve ever met.” — Jacob, Age 11 “I’m proud of Papa Bruce because he’s a hard worker and he loves me.” — Eli, Age 8 “Papa Bruce has really strong hugs. Papa Bruce is really strong. Papa Bruce is really generous. I love Papa Bruce so much! Whenever I see him I feel happy on the inside and the outside.” — Mayah, Age 7 “Papa Bruce went to Princeton and Woodrow Wilson was President of Princeton.

Also Papa Bruce and I both love Lincoln.” — Ezra, Age 5 “Papa Booty is love.” — Rafaela, Age 3

“The answer is yes!”

congratulations Billy,

you look mahvelous!

Congratulations Billy on being honored for a Distinction in Theater Award.

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Please Billy,

No lawyer jokes tonight.

Congratulations Bruce on being honored for a Distinction in Service Award.

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Congratulations to tonight’s extraordinary honorees BILLY CRYSTAL

Distinction in Theater Award

BRUCE RAMER

Distinction in Service Award

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Congratulations to Billy Crystal for the Distinction in Theater Award and Bruce Ramer for the Distinction in Service Award The Greenberg Foundation

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Fay & Frank Mancuso congratulate tonight’s honorees billy Crystal & Bruce ramer and thank them for their support of the Geffen Playhouse

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CONGRATULATIONS TO BILLY CRYSTAL ON HIS DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD AND BRUCE RAMER ON HIS DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD.

Los Angeles • New York • Nashville Facebook.com/BigDealPublishing

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Congratulations

Billy & Bruce!

Wolfbomb Productions

www.wolfbomb.com

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“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Congratulations, Bruce You are a trailblazer and we thank you for your extraordinary commitment and service to the Geffen and our community.

City National Entertainment

cnb.com Member FDIC

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City National CONGR ATUL ATES

Billy Crystal

Distinction in Theater Award

Member FDIC

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TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM PROUDLY SUPPORTS

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AND CONGRATULATES

BILLY CRYSTAL

DISTINCTION

IN

THEATER AWARD RECIPIENT AND

BRUCE RAMER

DISTINCTION

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IN

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

URBAN RETREAT

YOU’RE INVITED Escape to W Los Angeles - Westwood, located just steps from The Geffen Playhouse. Lounge poolside in a private cabana, or escape to our full service Bliss Spa. Sip on custom cocktails at Whiskey Blue, or savor a new spin on California cuisine at NINETHIRTY or The Backyard.

CHECK IT OUT wlosangeles.com

BRAVO, BRAVISSIMO

WHAT A DUO!

The 2013 Honorees of “Backstage at the Geffen” BILLY CRYSTAL Distinction in Theater Award and BRUCE RAMER Distinction in Service Award

From your friends at The Backyard at W Los Angeles - Westwood Presenting Sponsor of “Backstage at the Geffen” Proud Partner with the Geffen Playhouse THEBACKYARDW.COM 310 443 8218

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Warner Bros. Entertainment warmly congratulates our friends & colleagues

Billy Crystal Distinction in Theater Award Recipient and

Bruce Ramer Distinction in Service Award Recipient at the

2013 Backstage at the Geffen and proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouse

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Inspiration Connection Engagement

For bringing wondrous performances to the Los Angeles community, we proudly support the Geffen Playhouse

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The Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors offers our heartfelt gratitude to billy & bruce for allowing us to honor you!

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

Celebrating inspiration We are proud to support Backstage at the Geffen and salute Distinction in Theater Award Winner Billy Crystal and Distinction in Service Award Winner Bruce Ramer www.pwc.com

Š 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.

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

— Winston Churchill

Congratulations, Bruce!

With love and gratitude for all you give to us and the community.

From all of your family at

GANG, TYRE, RAMER & BROWN

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Thank you to our

Board of Directors.

Your leadership, loyalty and guidance has enabled us to expand our arts and outreach programs to reach 25,000 community members with the gift of performing arts each year.

W E A R E P R O U D TO S U P P O RT

Backstage at the Geffen Billy and Bruce, We go back a long way.

Congratulations to you both.

Love, Cindy and Alan Horn gold

YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. You are an inspiration.

Union Bank is proud to sponsor the 2013 Backstage at the Geffen and salutes this year’s honorees, Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer.

You see the true beauty in creative expression. You strive to elevate our culture. You believe the arts make our community and the world a richer place. For your dedication and your passion, we salute you.

Union Bank is proud to sponsor the 2012 Backstage at the Geffen and salutes this year’s honorees, Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett.

unionbank.com ©2013 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.

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From one “B� Ramer to another Congratulations With Admiration and Love

Lee

A special note of gratitude to Frank Mancuso, who has been a continued inspiration and innovative Chairman of the Board since 2007.

You have shown tremendous wisdom and leadership.

Your passion to persevere and move us forward has been our guiding force.

With love and gratitude, Ken, Randy, Nazy, Regina & the entire Geffen Playhouse Family

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

Heartfelt congratulations to Billy Crystal on receiving the Geffen Playhouse Distinction in Theater Award and Bruce Ramer on receiving the Geffen Playhouse Distinction in Service Award.

Tony Rubin & Linda Bernstein Rubin

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Congratulations billy & Bruce!

Thank you for supporting the Geffen.

Love, Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor

stephanie & jonathan carson congratulate Billy Crystal, Bruce Ramer and the entire Geffen Playhouse team for another wonderful year of entertainment, education and community outreach.

We look forward to another great year ahead.

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We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in its efforts to share theater with the community.

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

PROUDLY SUPPORTS

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN 2013 AND CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S HONOREES

BILLY C RYSTA L & BR U C E R A M E R

©2013 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

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4/16/13 12:25 PM

For producing, directing and casting tonight’s event — A huge thank you to Randall Arney & Gil Cates Jr. Bravo!

ONE NIGHT ON LY, LI V E I N LOS A N G E LE S

frOm BrOAdwAY TO HOLLYwOOd BENEfITING mPTf October 12, 2013 at The dolby Theatre

A special thanks to Jim and Ann Gianopulos for their continuous support of mPTf

For more event information and ticket sales, please contact Jessica Milten at 818.876.1974 or Jessica.Milten@mptf.com

Congratulations to the “B’s” Gil so admired and loved ... Bruce and Billy!

Judith Reichman

Billy, You continue to amaze us with your talent and character.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. — David and Larry

Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos

would like to congratulate

billy crystal & bruce ramer

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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.

Gil, Elizabeth & Gemma Cates congratulate billy crystal & Bruce ramer on their honors tonight and for everything they have done for the Geffen Playhouse

Congratulations to Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer!

Jason and Yvonne Lee & the L & N Andreas Foundation

Congratulations to everyone at the Geffen Playhouse and their Education and Outreach Programs!

A special thank you to Regina Miller for her hard work and dedication to the Geffen Playhouse.

Priscila Giraldo Matthew & Kara Kolodziejczyk

SONY PIC TURES ENTERTAINMENT Warmly Salutes

BILLY CRYSTAL AND

BRUCE RAMER 2013 Backstage at the Geffen Geffen Playhouse

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Congratulations to Bruce & Billy You guys are both so deserving of this recognition.

We salute you!

With love and admiration, Roma Downey & Mark Burnett

A

Ariel Investments

Billy Crystal

salutes and Bruce

Ramer

For their remarkable dedication to the entertainment industry. Their commitment to excellence is a source of inspiration.

Congratulations!

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Ariel Investments is a Chicago-based money management firm that serves individual investors, retirement plans as well as institutional clients.

congratulates our client

BILLY CRYSTAL Distinction in Theater Award

B R AV O To the Geffen Playhouse for bringing the magic and inspiration of theatre to so many.

JANINE AND PETER LOWY

Paramount Pictures proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouse and

warmly congratulates

Billy crystal &

Bruce ramer

We salute and congratulate Billy crystal & bruce ramer And The geffen playhouse For bringing Outstanding plays and presentations to los angeles For all to enjoy Our very best, Beverly & herb gelfand

The Geffen Playhouse staff and Board humbly thank Backstage at the Geffen Committee Chair Pamela Robinson Hollander and Committee members: Patty Applegate Martha Henderson Loretta Kaufman Carla Malden Linda Rubin

✰ Bruce Ramer

Salutes

distinction in service award &

2013

distinction in theater award

the Geffen Playhouse’s backstage honorees

Billy Crystal

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

Thank You, Billy Crystal, for making us laugh, cry and question the meaning of life. Our Deepest Gratitude to Bruce Ramer for helping provide us with a home away from home, here at The Geffen Playhouse.

Lanre With Idewu, Cynthia and LuxFitSpa much Love Stafford and Appreciation,

Lanre Idewu, Cynthia Stafford and LuxFitSpa

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855-4 FIT SPA (434-8772)

Thank You, Billy Crystal, for making us laugh, cry and question the meaning of life. Our Deepest Gratitude to Bruce Ramer for helping With much Love home, and Appreciation, provide us with a home away from here at The Geffen Playhouse.

Congratulations to this year’s awardees

Billy Crystal & my partner Bruce Ramer On their many distinctions.

Harold & Eileen Brown

Achieving great things for our community When a group of people comes along who have the courage and vision to turn dreams into reality, they make the future bright for everyone.

We proudly recognize the 2013 Backstage at the Geffen gala. wellsfargo.com

Š 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (910364_08327)

Congratulations to the Geffen for all the wonderful things that you do and to Bruce Ramer for all the wonderful things that he does. Â With great admiration, Sandy Krause & Bill Fitzgerald

The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks WENDY & BARRY MEYER and

ANN & JIM GIANOPULOS for serving as 2013 Backstage at the Geffen Co-Chairs.

An honor worthy of a curtain call.

Distinction in Theater Award Billy Crystal Distinction in Service Award Bruce Ramer

Proud to support Geffen Playhouse

We would like to congratulate Regina, Randall, Ken and Nazy for their continued dedication to the Geffen Playhouse.

Edward A. & Ai O. Shay Foundation

We’re proud to support the Geffen Playhouse and its distinguished honorees, Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer.

Private Client Services

To Bruce Ramer

In the words of Gil Cates, “You Are Terrific!”

Jon, Elena, Julia & Harrison Cates

The Geffen Staff and Board of Directors would love to thank Backstage at the Geffen 2013 Host debbie allen, and all the amazing artists that have graced our stage this evening.

Congratulations to our honorees Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer, and in gratitude to our Chairman Frank Mancuso Susan & Mark Fleischer

Dear Bruce, Thank you for your tireless efforts and congratulations on your well-deserved honor.

Your service and commitment continue to inspire us.

Leslie & Robert Zemeckis

BRUCE RAMER Congratulations. You are a caring mensch and we are delighted to have you as a treasure in our midst.

Love, Myna and Uri Herscher Skirball Cultural Center

Kim & Frank Mancuso, Jr. congratulate tonight’s honorees billy Crystal & Bruce ramer

We applaud billy crystal & bruce ramer We are so proud to continue to have the opportunity to support the Geffen.

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer

Enriching our community deserves more than a standing ovation.

Just as we’ve proudly supported the stages of life for more than 120 years, we proudly support the Geffen Playhouse.

Congratulations and thank you to the honorees, Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer, for their contributions to theater.

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Congratulates Honorees

Billy Crystal & Bruce Ramer We Proudly Support

Congratulations Bruce & Billy Thank you for supporting our beloved Geffen Playhouse Warmest Regards, Pamela Robinson & Robert Hollander

Congratulations to

bruce ramer

Distinction in Service Award

&

billy crystal

Distinction in Theater Award

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

Patricia Kiernan Applegate

Billy & Bruce Thank you for being such great friends to the Geffen.

Loretta & Vic Kaufman

Thank you Priscila Giraldo for being our guide and inspiration.

With love and gratitude, REGINA, ELLEN, JESSICA, JAMIE, KRISTEN, SCOTT, AVA & JESSIE

CL A S S AC TS BILLY CRYSTAL

AND

BRUCE R A MER

FOR DECADES, BILLY CRYSTAL AND BRUCE RAMER have elevated the art of entertainment through their signature blends of humanity, integrity and accomplishment.

On behalf of the entire UCLA family, Chancellor Gene Block and Mrs. Carol Block congratulate these show business legends on their recognition at 2013 Backstage at the Geffen.

Ginny Mancini

Melissa Cates and Roger, Evan & Jordan Claman

thank Billy Crystal, Bruce Ramer and everyone at the Geffen Playhouse for continuing Gil’s legacy at the theater he loved.

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees,

billy crystal & bruce ramer.

Bravo!

Arthur Greenberg & Elaine Hoffman

Congratulations to the honorees and the entire Geffen Playhouse staff!

David, Christine & Leah Cates

Congratulations to

BRUCE RAMER & BILLY CRYSTAL for your support of the Geffen Playhouse Judi & Bruce Schindler

Congratulations to billy crystal Distinction in Theater Award Lights Out, Alice Love, Andy Fickman

We are honored to call you our good friend and to join the many who honor you tonight. A tribute well deserved.

Love, Tammy Mickey Jerry

Congratulations Bruce on receiving the Geffen’s Distinction in Service Award.

From, Kathy Kennedy and all your friends at Lucasfilm

Billy, Mazel Tov. Looking forward to the next 700 Sundays.

Love, Des and the Blonde

Congratulations to this year’s honorees! billy crystal Distinction in Theater Award and bruce ramer Distinction in Service Award Annette Blum & Blum Family Foundation

Special Thanks to Barbara Schroeder for her generosity and support Thank you, Barbara, for your dedication and creativity in producing the Mahvelous 2013 Billy Crystal Tribute film!

The Board & Staff of the Geffen Playhouse

The Riordan Foundation

Dick Riordan and The Riordan Foundation are proud to support Backstage at the Geffen and the 2013 honorees: billy crystal & bruce ramer

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees, Billy Crystal & Bruce Ramer.

Drs. Barbara & gerald Levey

Congratulations billy crystal & bruce ramer We’re thrilled and honored to be working with the Geffen Playhouse

Bruce Your contributions to our community are legendary and appreciated.

Your contributions to the Geffen are very special and we want to congratulate you on receiving the Distinction in Service Award!

Stanley and ilene gold Gold family foundation

Thank you for sponsoring our lobby lounge

Photo: FreeNaturePictures.com

Billy, Bru ce, togeth er say: aahh hhhhhhh h!

You done marvelou s!

Congratulations Mr. Crystal & Mr. Ramer - Gail Zappa & Family

Billy, we have admired you for many years.

Bruce, we have always been proud of you and your dedicated and wonderful contributions to our growing city.

Our heartiest congratulations!

Marlene & Sandy Louchheim

Malibu Family Wines is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

Cheers and congratulations to Billy Crystal & Bruce Ramer.

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse Education and Outreach Programs.

Edward A. & Ai O. Shay Foundation

Heartfelt thanks to our Advisory Board Chairman Michael Centeno for your guidance and leadership.

Billy and Bruce, Congratulations to you both.

Thank you for all that you do.

Rita and TomÂ

Ben Stiller & Red Hour Films Congratulate billy crystal & bruce ramer on their Geffen Playhouse Honors

Congratulations and Best Wishes Alice & Norman Tulchin

kim & Dr. p.k. Shah congratulate tonight’s honorees billy Crystal & Bruce ramer

Hilton French Polynesia is Proud to Support The Geffen Playhouse

Billy, Congratulations on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award!

XO Jill Grey

TFG proudly supports Geffen Playhouse Leveraging our relationships with high-powered talent and executives throughout the entertainment and business

Four Seasons Resort Maui

Teenage Cancer Trust

Montage Laguna Beach

Giffoni International Children's Film Festival

www.friedmangrp.com

Bruce, Thank you for all you do for the Geffen and for everything else.

You enrich our world!

Jerry & Pam Offsay

We are proud to support

Geffen Playhouse’s “Backstage at the Geffen” for their exceptional dedication and commitment to our community

Congratulations to Mr. Billy Crystal for receiving the Distinction in Theater Award and to Mr. Bruce Ramer for receiving the Distinction in Service Award!

225 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (310) 860 - 7800 fax (310) 860 - 7801 M O N T A G E B E V E R LY H I L L S . C O M

Bruce: For over 50 years I have spoken of you as a bright young man. You still are one very bright, kind, empathetic young man.

Your loving AJC partner, Marcia

diane & Dr. Bruce gewertz congratulate tonight’s honorees billy Crystal & Bruce ramer

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Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa French Polynesia

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La Valencia Hotel La Jolla, California

Congratulations to all our friends at the Geffen Playhouse for another successful year.

We appreciate all the opportunities you have given us and look forward to providing you with more years of fine foods, great service and lasting friendships.

Fondly yours,

Ronen Levy

FROM INFINITE TO INTIMATE...

Proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 T: 858.454.0771 W: LaValencia.com

Maria Mancuso Gersh & Gary Gersh

congratulate tonight’s honorees billy Crystal & Bruce ramer

Thank you to The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools for helping us change the lives of the most underserved students in Los Angeles.

“The Geffen’s commitment to the Partnership’s mission has made a critical difference to our schools and to our students, and is hugely inspiring to all of us.”

Marshall Tuck

Chief Executive Officer Partnership for Los Angeles Schools

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The St. Regis Resort Punta Mita is located directly seafront with spectacular views of the Pacific. All 120 luxurious rooms & suites are Butler serviced, with terrace or balcony and beach view. Personalized butler service, 24hour Private Dining as well as a selection of tempting on-site restaurants enhance the entire experience. The 10,000 square-foot Remède Spa Punta Mita offers a full menu of sumptuous pampering and revitalizing treatments in nine treatment rooms, couples suite or nail lounges. Three infinity pools on the beachfront offer the perfect destination for outdoor relaxation.

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Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer.

Subject to availability and blackout dates.

Not applicable to groups of 6 rooms or more per night.

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Congratulations Bruce!

Wonderful things happen to wonderful people...

Much Love,

Alex & Arda Yemenidjian

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.

The St. Regis Monarch Beach invites you to bask in the warmth of the Southern California sun, indulge in epicurean delights or revel in moments of relaxation at our five-star spa.

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Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse for another exciting year of theater and outstanding educational programs. I am extremely proud to support the Geffen and I congratulate tonight’s accomplished honorees Billy Crystal and Bruce Ramer.

Christine Marie Ofiesh

Companies, projects, ideas, and people with the name Geffen always do great things.

Thanks for this wonderful theater.

Gavin de Becker

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

Image by Me Company, www.mecompany.com