2017 Backstage at the Geffen Tribute Journal

BACKSTAGE at the GEFFEN Sunday, March 19, 2017 HONORING

QUINCY JONES DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

TITLE SPONSOR

MEL BROOKS DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

BACKSTAGE at the GEFFEN Sunday, March 19, 2017 TITLE SPONSOR

TITLE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSORS

S PECIAL THAN KS TO

IN-KIND SPONSORS ANGEL TOWN COMBO • BELMOND LA SAMANNA • BLISS • CLASSIC EVENT AND TENT RENTALS • CULVER HOTEL • DELUSCIOUS COOKIES + MILK DTOX SPA • FOUR SEASONS MAUI AT WAILEA • FRIEDMAN GROUP • KEYES • LA VALENCIA • LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE HOTEL • LUCQUES CATERING • NELSON DE LA NUEZ • PIER SOUTH • PORTO’S BAKERY & CAFE • PURE CHEESECAKES RICHARD RUSKELL PASTRIES • SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB • STK • SUGARFINA • TANINO • THE MARSHALL PLAN • THE TRAVEL CORPORATION TIKEHAU PEARL BEACH RESORT • TINPOT CREAMERY • TRIADA PALM SPRINGS • TRYALL CLUB • TURNBERRY ISLE MIAMI • UNIWORLD W WEST BEVERLY HILLS • ZOETIC TRAVEL

THANK YOU TO OUR HOST COMMITTEE Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams The Adi†* & Jerry Greenberg Foundation Page & Lou Adler Karla & Bill Ahmanson, The Ahmanson Foundation Paul G. Allen Anonymous (2) Patricia Kiernan Applegate†* Ariel Investments Audi of America Cathy & Shel Bachrach Hilaria & Alec Baldwin Natasha Barritt† & Nick Gross Pamela & Dennis Beck Beth Behrs† & Michael Gladis Leslie & Roger Birnbaum Carol & Chancellor Gene Block† Claudia & Kevin Bright† Heather Thomas & Skip Brittenham Matthew Broderick* & Nathan Lane* Eileen & Harold Brown† Roma Downey & Mark Burnett Capital Group Companies 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 City National Bank

Mary Ann Cloyd† Comcast | NBC Universal Ellyce R. Cooper† & Barry Cohen Janice & Billy Crystal Merle Dandridge† & Christopher Johnston David Geffen Foundation† Anne Dougherty Louise & Dr. Brad Edgerton† Patti & Dr. Paul Eisenberg Elaine Wynn Family Foundation Find Your Grind Foundation Susan & Mark Fleischer† Sue Fleishman† Foursquare Gagosian Gallery Beverly & Herbert Gelfand† Ann† & Jim Gianopulos Kiki & David Gindler Priscila Giraldo† Patricia Glaser† & Sam Mudie Sue & Steve Glusker Mary Ann & Irwin Gold Goldman Sachs Karen & Russell Goldsmith Gonring, Spahn† & Associates Manuela & James Goren Sam Gores†, Alec Gores & Tom Gores, The Gores Family Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealership Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman & Machtinger, LLP Arthur Greenberg† Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks

Ellen Bronfman Hauptman & Andrew Hauptman Samantha & Eric Heer† Martha Henderson†* Pamela Robinson Hollander†* & Robert Hollander Cindy & Alan Horn* Mira & Terrence Howard Liberty Ross & Jimmy Iovine Deborra-Lee Furness & Hugh Jackman Sir Elton John & David Furnish K Period Media Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg† Loretta Everett Kaufman† & Victor Kaufman Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer Kathleen Kennedy & Frank Marshall Keyes Automotive Group Bobby Kotick Samantha Kurtzman-Counter & Alex Kurtzman Wendy Kurtzman† Susan & Yair Landau Nathan Lane* & Matthew Broderick* Lyn & Norman Lear* Yvonne† & Jason† Lee Los Angeles magazine The Lowy Family Mellody Hobson & George Lucas*, The George Lucas Family Foundation Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes Carla Malden†* & Norman Beil Mona Malden Susan† & Peter Mallory

Ginny Mancini† Fay & Frank Mancuso†* Nancy & Howard Marks Anne Stringfield & Steve Martin Jill Mazursky John McCrite† & Juan Lopez Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos Kelly & Ron Meyer†* Ann & Jerry Moss† James L. Nederlander & Margo MacNabb Nederlander Christine Marie Ofiesh Guy & Michelle Oseary Mo Ostin Paradigm Talent Agency Paramount Pictures Shana & Don Passman Nina & Mitchell Quaranta Madeline* & Bruce Ramer† Judy Reichman, M.D. Michele & Rob Reiner Holly Rice†* & Vince Gilligan Mayor Richard Riordan Nadine & Fred Rosen Monica & Philip Rosenthal, Rosenthal Family Foundation Daryl & Steven Roth Linda Bernstein Rubin†* & Tony Rubin Dr. Bernard & Gloria Salick The Michael Schwab Family Tina & David Segel George Shapiro Barbara & Richard Sherman†

Sidley Austin LLP The Simms/Mann Family Foundation† Edie Brickell & Paul Simon Stephanie Swedlove & Jeff Skoll* Karen & Vic Smith Claudia Falkenberg & Andrew Solt Jane Rissman & Rich Sondheimer Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor† Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg† Lorraine Spurge† & Patrick Mitchell Cynthia Stafford† Judith & Bruce Stern Kimberly Steward & Josh Godfrey Barbra Streisand & James Brolin Rose Tarlow Lauren & Benedikt Taschen Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum† Steve Tisch† Miranda† & Brett Tollman Sue Tsao Twentieth Century Fox The Walt Disney Company Warner Bros. Entertainment Westfield Group Lynn & Mark Williams Samantha & John Williams Ken Willner & Jim Stine Elaine Wynn Judy & Dr. Charles E. Young† Laurie Ziegler† Natasha & Dirk Ziff Tami & Marc Zussman

*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: March 15, 2017.

PHOTO BY GREG GORMAN

Celebrating more than 60 years in music, beginning with the sounds of the postswing era and continuing through today’s high-technology and international multi-media hybrids, Quincy Jones stands as one of the most successful and admired creative artists in the entertainment world. An impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word, his career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder, multi-media entrepreneur and humanitarian. As a master inventor of musical hybrids, he has shuffled pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions, traversing virtually every medium, including records, live performance, movies and television.

QUINCY JONES DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

Jones has earned an Emmy Award, Tony Award, seven Oscar nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, 27 Grammy Awards, N.A.R.A.S.’ prestigious Trustees’ Award, and the Grammy Living Legend Award. He is the all-time most nominated Grammy artist with a total of 79 Grammy nominations. In 2001 Jones was named a Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to the cultural fabric of the U.S. He has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, the nation’s highest jazz honor, and was most recently bestowed the National Medal of Arts, our nation’s highest artistic honor.

PHOTO BY STEVEN R. STACK

Mel Brooks won his first Oscar in 1964 for writing and narrating the animated short The Critic and his second in 1969 for the screenplay of his first feature film, The Producers. For three successive seasons, Brooks won Emmy Awards for his role as Uncle Phil on the hit sitcom Mad About You. Additionally, his TV specials, including Mel Brooks: Live at the Geffen (HBO 2015), have all been nominated for Emmy Awards. He received three 2001 Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards for The Producers: The New Mel Brooks Musical, which ran on Broadway from 2001 to 2007. With twelve awards total, The Producers holds the all-time record for the most Tony Awards ever won by a Broadway musical.

MEL BROOKS DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

Brooks has been presented with the Kennedy Center Honors in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to American culture and the AFI Life Achievement Award, which recognizes talents that fundamentally advance the art of film. He is one of only 30 foreigners to be awarded with the prestigious BFI Fellowship for outstanding contributions to film and television by the British Film Institute.

In 2016 President Obama presented him with The National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists by the United States government.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martha Henderson CO-CHAIR

Pamela Robinson CO-CHAIR

Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Beth Behrs Dr. Gene D. Block Kevin Bright Harold A. Brown Gil Cates Jr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michael Centeno Mary Ann Cloyd Merle Dandridge Dr. Brad Edgerton Mark Fleischer Sue Fleishman Patricia L. Glaser Sam Gores Adi Greenberg Arthur Greenberg Joan Kaloustian Loretta Everett Kaufman Dr. Gerald S. Levey

Carla Malden Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini Barry Meyer B. Scott Minerd Steven A. Olsen Holly Rice Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Fred Specktor Lorraine Spurge Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum VICE CHAIRMAN

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

FOUNDING TRUSTEES

Marcia Israel-Curley

Kirsten Combs Robert A. Daly David Geffen Herbert M. Gelfand

Audrey Skirball Kenis

CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Lew Wasserman

Quincy Jones Jeffrey Katzenberg Glorya Kaufman Frank G. Mancuso CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

Charles Kenis Karl Malden Edie Wasserman

LEGAL COUNSEL Peter Rosen LATHAM & WATKINS LLP

ADVISORY BOARD Miranda Tollman ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR Ali Banki Natasha Barritt Annette Blum Stephanie Carson Lori Collins Ellyce R. Cooper Debra Davis Ann Gianopulos Priscila Giraldo Kirsten Hansen Eric Heer Melina Kanakaredes Wendy Kurtzman Jason Lee Yvonne Lee Hannah Linkenhoker John McCrite Danny Passman Eric Rollins 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

CNB MEMBER FDIC

cnb.com

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AND CONGRATULATE OUR FRIENDS

MEL BROOKS QUINCY JONES

QUINCY,

Thank you for changing our lives through music. You have made the world a better place!

Congratulations on your Distinction in Service Award!

NICK GROSS & NATASHA BARRITT

We are pleased to join the Geffen Playhouse in honoring

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg

Thank you Geffen Playhouse for welcoming K Period Media into the Geffen Family.

To our friend David Geffen, We are happy to support your work and impact in the community and the great work in theater and education of the Geffen Playhouse, another cultural landmark you have helped to so generously create.

Nancy & Howard Marks

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.

THE FIND YOUR GRIND FOUNDATION proudly supports the incredible leaders at the Geffen Playhouse in providing theater experiences and writing courses that transform the way high school students learn and shape their future.

MR. BROOKS,

Your transcendent spirit and passion for storytelling has inspired millions! Thank you for your dedication to theater.

Congratulations on your Distinction in Theater Award!

THE FIND YOUR GRIND FOUNDATION

We applaud Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones for elevating the human experience and are honored to support the inspiring work of the Geffen Playhouse and its Education & Community Engagement Programs.

Nancy & Howard Marks

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

Quincy Jones Distinction in Service Award City National. Providing expertise to the entertainment industry for more than 60 years.

Beverly Hills | New York | Nashville | Atlanta

“You make your mistakes to learn how to get to the good stuff.”

— Quincy Jones

CNB MEMBER FDIC

cnb.com

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

Mel Brooks Distinction in Theater Award City National. Providing expertise to the entertainment industry for more than 60 years.

Beverly Hills | New York | Nashville | Atlanta

CNB MEMBER FDIC

“It’s good to be the King.” — MEL BROOKS

cnb.com

“Always have humility when you create and grace when you succeed, because it’s not about you.

You are a terminal for a higher power. As soon as you accept that, you can do it forever.”

— Quincy Jones

Thank you Quincy Jones for giving so many blessings through your music!

“Humor is just another defense against the universe.”

— Mel Brooks

Thank you Mel Brooks for giving us the gift of laughter!

join in supporting and celebrating the Geffen Playhouse’s year-round Education & Community Outreach programs.

WE SALUTE TONIGHT’S HONOREES

QUINCY JONES MEL BROOKS THE GORES FA MILY

Quincy, Heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Distinction in Service Award!

Our very best wishes, Cindy & Alan Horn

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:

MEL BROOKS and QUINCY JONES THE ADI & JERRY GREENBERG FOUNDATION

A big thanks to Regina and her team for making Backstage such a success!

Loretta & Victor Kaufman

Congratulations

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES A heartfelt thank you for supporting our beloved Geffen Playhouse.

Pamela Robinson & Robert Hollander

Congratulates

Mel Brooks on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award

Congratulates

Quincy Jones on receiving the Distinction in Service Award

Mel Brooks has done more to end sibling fighting and bring them closer together than all the parenting books combined.

Never an argument in our house if the movie suggestion was Spaceballs or Robin Hood: Men in Tights.

Thank you Mel! Love,

The Smith Family

proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouse and congratulates honorees

Quincy Jones Distinction in Service Award

Š Disney

Mel Brooks

Distinction in Theater Award

thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

GEFFEN PL AYHOUSE

THE GORES FA MILY

The Geffen Playhouse Board of Directors offers our heartfelt gratitude to

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES for allowing us to honor you!

CONGRATULATIONS Paul Simon and Edie Brickell

Kudos to the Geffen’s Education and Community Engagement programs.

Keep up the good work!

Loretta & Victor Kaufman

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

2013 Death of the Author by Steven Drukman

2008 Farragut North by Beau Willimon

2013 Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley

2008 Equivocation by Bill Cain

2015 Switzerland by Joanna Murray-Smith

2009 The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz 2010 Break of Noon by Neil LaBute 2010 Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire 2010 By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage 2010 Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl

2016 Big Sky by Alexandra Gersten-Vassilaros 2016 Icebergs by Alena Smith 2017 Actually by Anna Ziegler 2017 The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez

2011 Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo

2017 A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City by Halley Feiffer

2012 Build by Michael Golamco

2017 Skeleton Crew by Dominique Morisseau

2011 Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie by Alan Alda

Mel, Congratulations on your Distinction in Theater Award.

A well-deserved honor!

Cindy & Alan Horn

Patricia Glaser & Sam Mudie and Glaser Weil are proud to support the

Geffen Playhouse and congratulate this evening’s honorees

Mel Brooks

Distinction in Theater Award

Quincy Jones

Distinction in Service Award

Lyn & Norman Lear join in celebrating tonight’s honorees and the Geffen Playhouse education programs, and all who move the arts forward.

CONGRATULATIONS MEL & QUINCY! Thank you for supporting the Geffen.

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor

PARAMOUNT PICTURES proudly supports

The Geffen Playhouse and warmly congratulates tonight’s honorees

Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones

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

Congratulations to

QUINCY JONES DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD and

MEL BROOKS

DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD

THE OSTIN FAMILY

Congratulations to

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES On their well-deserved honors!

Monica & Philip Rosenthal ROSENTHAL FAMILY FOUNDATION

Congratulations to

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Thanks to the Geffen Playhouse Board and staff for developing the Geffen Education & Community Engagement programs, enriching the community’s educational experience and providing a spark for new creativity.

And, with fond memories for the man who made it all possible, our great friend and Geffen Playhouse Founder

GIL CATES, SR. Chancellor Emeritus Charles E. & Judy Young

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

ADVISORY BOARD for being the most generous and committed group for which any non-profit could hope.

We appreciate your tremendous dedication and leadership.

Two Icons Walked into a Theatre....

Laughs and Jazz... Nobody does it better.

Billy & Janice Crystal

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

— Muhammad Ali

Quincy, you have certainly paid enough rent!

Congratulations on receiving the Distinction in Service Award.

An honor well-earned and richy deserved.

Love, Madeline & Bruce Ramer

A gigantic thanks to

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES for all the wonderful hours of entertainment that both of you have given the world!

Congratulations to two outstanding honorees!

Beverly & Herb Gelfand

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX PROUDLY SUPPORTS

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE AND CONGRATULATES

MEL BROOKS DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD RECIPIENT AND

QUINCY JONES DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

Fay & Frank Mancuso congratulate tonight’s honorees

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES and thank them for their support of the Geffen Playhouse!

IN HONOR OF OUR FRIEND,

DAVID GEFFEN

The Kotick Family Foundation

Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos congratulate tonight’s honorees

MEL BROOKS

DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD and

QUINCY JONES

DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations, Quincy!

And oh yeah, Mel.

Steve Martin & Anne Stringfield

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.

Lucques Catering is proud to sponsor Backstage at the Geffen Congratulations to Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones on their honors!

Goldman Sachs is proud to join the Geffen Playhouse in honoring the accomplishments of Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones

Š 2017 Goldman Sachs. All rights reserved.

Gil, Elizabeth, Gemma & Isla Cates proudly congratulate

Q & MEL On their honors tonight, and for their inspiration and commitment to the power of the arts, and longtime support of the Geffen Playhouse.

Ariel Investments proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouse and salutes

Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones on their inspirational contributions to the entertainment industry

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

DEAR QUINCY & MEL, 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

Quincy,

I’ve loved you since 1991 and I’m not stopping now!

Congratulations from your Princess!

Love,

Else

Congratulations to

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Purveyors of two of the things we need the most in these times: comedy and music!

Thank you both for a lifetime of excellence!

Manuela & James Goren

Thanks to the Geffen Playhouse for all the great work they do onstage and in the community!

Marcy Carsey

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

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 • Madeline Ramer • Holly Rice Pamela Robinson • Lorraine Spurge

Strategic Storytelling

Tikehau, Tahiti

Branding and Public Relations

Pier South Resort, Imperial Beach, CA

Triada Palm Springs Culver Hotel, Culver City, CA

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

La Valencia Hotel, La Jolla, CA www.themarshallplan.com

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

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

Our deep gratitude to

QUINCY & MEL for filling the world with excellence and integrity and for inspiring us to strive for the same.

Randall Arney and the Artistic Staff of the Geffen Playhouse

Mel, There’s no one funnier.

With love from,

Carl Reiner & George Shapiro

To M. Brooks and Q. Jones, Congratulations to our industry’s two most iconic musicians.

Carl Reiner

For my dear friend Quincy... congratulations on this honor! You fill the world with your beautiful music. Love, Barbra

“Is that the man?

Yeah, that’s the man.”

The man is Mel Brooks Love,

Rob and Michele

The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks

DAVID GEFFEN for serving as 2017 Backstage at the Geffen Honorary Chair.

Susan & Peter Mallory and Northern Trust congratulate Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones for their outstanding contributions to the arts and our hearts.

NTAC:3NS‐20

Classic Party Rentals Proudly Supports

Geffen Playhouse And Would Like To Congratulate

Mel Brooks Quincy Jones

Imagine what the world would have been like without “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Thriller,” “We are the World,” and “Just Once.”

Fortunately, we don’t have to.

Thank you to Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones for sharing the gifts of laughter and music!

Kevin & Claudia Bright

.

Y T R A P .

R E DINN LOCATED JUST AROUND THE CORNER AT 930 HILGARD AVE

RESERVATIONS: 310.659.3535 | STKHOUSE.COM STK

EATSTK

We love you Mel! Thank you for your generous support of the Geffen!

Pamela Robinson & Robert Hollander

For producing, directing and casting tonight’s event — A huge thank you to

RANDALL ARNEY, KEVIN BRIGHT & GIL CATES, JR. Bravo!

✰ MEL BROOKS

SALUTES THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE’S

2017

BACKSTAGE HONOREES

DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD &

QUINCY JONES DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

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

With the deepest admiration and affection for

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Hilaria & Alec Baldwin

Ginny loves Q!

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 Mel Brooks on receiving the Distinction in Theater Award and Quincy Jones on receiving the Distinction in Service Award.

Tony Rubin & Linda Bernstein Rubin

Congratulations to Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones!

Jason & Yvonne Lee and The L & N Andreas Foundation

Congratulations to

Mel Brooks

DISTINCTION IN THEATER AWARD and

Quincy Jones

DISTINCTION IN SERVICE AWARD

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

Patricia Kiernan Applegate Member of Board of Directors

The Geffen Staff and Board of Directors would love to thank 2017 Backstage at the Geffen Host

AISHA TYLER, AND ALL THE AMAZING ARTISTS THAT GRACE OUR STAGE THIS EVENING.

On behalf of UCLA

Chancellor Gene Block and Mrs. Carol Block Commend

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES for their extraordinary, lifelong contributions to the arts and their tireless support of humanitarian causes. We congratulate these unparalleled artists on their awards of distinction from the Geffen Playhouse.

Law Offices of Marc I. Zussman, L.A.’s premier securities arbitration and litigation firm, is proud to support the Geffen Playhouse.

Protecting investors’ rights is our business. www.zussmansecuritieslaw.com

Susan & Mark Fleischer congratulate our two iconic honorees who so richly deserve this tribute!

Congratulations to Outstanding Geffen Playhouse Honorees

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES

Two tough acts to follow.

Congratulations to tonight’s extraordinary honorees.

Mel Brooks Distinction In Theater Award Quincy Jones Distinction in Service Award Honored to support 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

Wendy Kurtzman of College To Career Acting congratulates award recipients Quincy Jones and Mel Brooks, 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

We congratulate this year’s Backstage at the Geffen honorees,

QUINCY JONES & MEL BROOKS and applaud Geffen Playhouse on its extraordinary contributions to the arts and our communities.

Sue Fleishman & Henry Fleishman

Cheers to the honorees!

Richard & Barbara Sherman

With deep appreciation to

JENNIFER ZAKKAI And the Geffen Playhouse Education & Community Engagement Team For what you make possible for so many through your outstanding work in bringing the one-of-kind beauty and power of the arts to the most underserved youth, schools and communities of Los Angeles.

The Geffen Playhouse is a jewel among giants!

Rose Tarlow

Congratulations to this year’s honorees,

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES On their past and future accomplishments.

May they continue Onward and Upward with the Arts!

Eileen & Harold Brown

Stephanie & Jonathan Carson congratulate Mel Brooks, Quincy Jones, and the entire Geffen Playhouse team for another wonderful year of entertainment, education and community engagement.

We look forward to another great year ahead.

We proudly support the

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE for using theater and artists to ignite a positive change in L.A.’s most underserved schools and communities.

Ellen Bronfman Hauptman & Andrew Hauptman

MEL, May the Schwartz Be With You. Always.

Love,

Jim & Ann Gianopulos

To tonight’s honorees, two memory makers:

MEL BROOKS and his brilliant humor, QUINCY JONES and his extraordinary music, THANK YOU! And congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse on another amazing year of theater!

To many more years of greatness!

Laurie Ziegler

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse!

Tanino Ristorante Bar

Located in the heart of Westwood.

Join us for a pre-show dinner or after the show for dessert and drinks.

Buon appetito!

TANINO.COM

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

The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks 2017 Backstage at the Geffen Honorary Co-Chairs David Geffen Kate Capshaw & Steven Spielberg Cindy & Alan Horn Mellody Hobson & George Lucas Lyn & Norman Lear Stephanie Swedlove & Jeff Skoll Nathan Lane Matthew Broderick

“There’s no business like Shogun business.”

Blazing Samurai

It is our great honor to work with the exceptionally talented

MEL BROOKS

#HumilityAndGrace # I t s G o o d To B e T h e K i n g # O n w a rd A n d U p w a rd

Thank you,Quincy Jones, Mel Brooks, The Geffen Playhouse and Gil Cates

dreamwarriorgroup

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse!

The dedication of both Gil Cates Sr. and Jr. shines through.

Melissa Cates Claman & Family

Heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors Co-Chairs

MARTHA HENDERSON & PAMELA ROBINSON for your guidance and leadership.

Maryann and Irwin Gold are proud to support

the Geffen Playhouse

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

Congratulations to the honorees, and the entire Geffen Playhouse staff!

David, Christine & Leah Cates

Congratulations

Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones‌thank you for all the music and laughter you have brought us over the years.  Wishing you and your families the very best.

Heartfelt thanks to our Advisory Board Chair

MIRANDA TOLLMAN for your guidance and leadership.

MEL & QUINCY Thanks for the laughs and the music...

The heart and the soul.

Ken Willner & Jim Stine

REST IN PEACE TO TWO OF OUR FAVORITE BACKSTAGE ARTISTS, AND TO ALL THOSE WE HAVE LOST THIS PAST YEAR. Carrie Fisher

Garry Marshall

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

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees,

QUINCY JONES & MEL BROOKS for all you have accomplished and created, and all the lives you have touched, including ours.

Thrilled to be supporting theater in L.A., we love the Geffen Playhouse!

Kiki & David Gindler

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

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.

Congratulations to two of the greatest guys ever!

Love, The Mazursky Family

With love and gratitude to

HOLLY RICE For her outstanding dedication to the quality, impact and reach of the Geffen’s Education Programs.

Your leadership and service as the Board Education Chair has changed so many lives.

Proud supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE G E F F E N P L AY H O U S E !

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and their distinguished honorees,

QUINCY JONES & MEL BROOKS Thank you for your gifts of great music and laughter.

Pamela Robinson and Martha Henderson, your contributions continue to inspire us!

HH and Gertrude Klein Foundation Isaacs & Williams Families

To David Geffen, Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones, Thank you for all you do to support theater and the arts. We are forever grateful. Love,

Rita Wilson & Tom Hanks

Q

That says it all...

50th

ANNIVERSARY A Non-Profit Organization Lou Adler Director On Behalf of The ARTISTS WHO APPEARED THERE JUNE 16, 17 AND 18, 1967 The ASSOCIATION BEVERLY BIG BROTHER & The HOLDING COMPANY The BLUES PROJECT The ELECTRIC FLAG BOOKER T. and The M.G's. with The BAR-KAYS BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD ERIC BURDON and The ANIMALS The BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND The BYRDS CANNED HEAT COUNTRY JOE and The FISH The GRATEFUL DEAD The GROUP with NO NAME The JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE JEFFERSON AIRPLANE AL KOOPER The MAMAS and The PAPAS HUGH MASAKELA The STEVE MILLER BLUES BAND SCOTT McKENZIE MOBY GRAPE LAURA NYRO The PAUPERS QUICKSILVER MESSENGER SERVICE LOU RAWLS OTIS REDDING JOHNNY RIVERS RAVI SHANKAR SIMON and GARFUNKEL The WHO 3969 Villa Costera Drive, Malibu, California 90265-5151 (310) 456-1721 Fax (888) 234-7586

Thank you Artemis Agency for all of your incredible support!

Welcome to the Geffen Playhouse family!

In celebration of the fine work put on at the Geffen Playhouse!

Thank you to everyone who helps make Los Angeles a “Theater Town!”

Pamela & Dennis Beck

Thank you Geffen Playhouse for all you do for our community!

The Glusker Family

Amanda Brown & Justin Chang are proud to support

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN

Q,

Back-Stage and Front-Stage, you’re the man!

Love, Don & Shana Passman

I am pleased to support the Geffen Playhouse and salute

QUINCY JONES & MEL BROOKS Richard J. Riordan

TFG proudly supports Geffen Playhouse Leveraging our relationships with high-powered talent and executives throughout the entertainment and business worlds, we connect major hospitality and corporate brands to valuable visibility and greater financial returns.

Four Seasons Resort Maui

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Officine Panerai

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St. Regis New York

Baccarat Hotel New York

Quincy and Mel who have given the world so much brilliance. We salute your unique and formidable talent. “Everything is so green!�

We love you.

Elton and David

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

Jonathan & Susan Dolgen Congratulate

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

QUINCY JONES:

The Beethoven of our time The DaVinci of Music You paint the landscape of the human soul with the most gentle touch.

You are a true Son of the Most High With Love and Respect,

Mira & Terrence Howard

SIDLEY IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN AND CONGRATULATES HONOREES Mel Brooks

Quincy Jones

Distinction in Theater Award

Distinction in Service Award

AMERICA • ASIA PACIFIC • EUROPE

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Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. MN-5542

Congratulations to this year’s honorees:

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES and the Geffen Playhouse for its Education and Community Engagement efforts!

Cathy & Shel Bachrach

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse in honoring the inimitable Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones.

With many congratulations,

Alex Kurtzman & Samantha Kurtzman-Counter

TURNBERRY ISLE MIAMI ame SPA RETREAT

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

Our congratulations to two incredibly deserving honorees,

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES and with gratitude for all the joy and wonder you have given to the arts.

The Michael Schwab Family

Thanks to the Geffen Playhouse and

Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones For all the years of love and laughter.

Nadine & Fred Rosen

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

We are proud to support the Geffen Playhouse, and congratulate tonight’s most excellent honorees, Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones.

Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams

Leaders in luxury Preferred partner memberships at over 800 hotels and resorts Elite access to 4 & 5 Star hotels offering VIP amenities such as complimentary breakfast, upgrades, resort, spa & dining credits, early check-in, late-out and more Travel designers available Monday – Sunday in order to accommodate your schedule Expert route suggestions to aid in avoiding terminal changes, inclement weather and other challenges Concierge service at every major airport worldwide

Z O E T I C T R AV E L . C O M

Dedicated smart phone app for travelers Global 24/7 emergency assistance

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 Mel Brooks & Quincy Jones.

Christine Marie Ofiesh

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees, Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones!

Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey

Proud Supporter of The Geffen Playhouse

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Anne Dougherty & David Dobrikin send congratulations on your achievements!

We are proud to join the GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE in honoring

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES Roger & Leslie Birnbaum

CONGRATULATIONS TO

MEL BROOKS AND QUINCY JONES ON YOUR LIFELONG CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS

AND TO

DAVID GEFFEN FOR YOUR REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS AND MEDICINE WITH ADMIRATION, RESPECT, AND AFFECTION DR. BERNARD AND MRS. GLORIA SALICK

We are proud to join the Geffen Playhouse in honoring

MEL BROOKS & QUINCY JONES.

Congratulations to Mel Brooks and Quincy Jones on their honors tonight!

And to our amazing friend Pamela Robinson who makes things happen.

Carole Server & Oliver Frankel

Congratulations and thank you to the Geffen and tonight’s honorees for your outstanding support of the arts!

Leslie & Robert Zemeckis

170223 TInPot_VIrtual Tribute.pdf 1 2/23/2017 4:27:34 PM

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CONGRATULATIONS MEL! No one deserves this more than you, except for Quincy Jones.

He’s hilarious.

Much love,

Nathan Lane

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

Art by Ana Montiel. Please visit anamontiel.com.