2012 Backstage at the Geffen Tribute Journal

1oth annual

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN Headshot copyright 2010 Mabel Cat Inc. Photograph by Randee St. Nicholas.

honorinG

D I S T I N C T I O N

I N

S E R V I C E

A W A R D

Jim Gianopulos

Chairman & CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment

D I S T I N C T I O N

I N

t h eater

A W A R D

carol burnett

MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2012

1oth annual

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN

tit l e sponsor

presentin g sponsors

specia l t h an k s to

in - k ind sponsors

los angeles magazine • belvedere • grand marnier craft • Deluscious Cookies + Milk Montage Beverly Hills • nothing bundt cakes Richard Ruskell Pastries • Ronen Levy Events • tribune direct

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 Dr. Judith Reichman for serving as Backstage at the Geffen Committee Chair 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 record-breaking fundraising event for our theater.

frank g. mancuso chairman of the board

Tonight marks our tenth 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: Carol Burnett and Jim Gianopulos. These two individuals continue to contribute both to their community and to their art. We are delighted to present them with this evening’s awards.

Finally, it is with a heavy heart, yet profound honor that we dedicate this evening to Gil Cates. Gil enjoyed the Backstage nights more than anyone. He told many of the best stories. He offered the best introductions. He laughed the loudest. Thank you for honoring his memory by making his dreams for this event and for the Geffen Playhouse come true.

Frank G. Mancuso Chairman of the Board

Welcome to Backstage at the Geffen. Traditionally, it has been my father, Gil Cates’s role to make this introductory statement but this year, I am honored to say a few words, as I have assumed the role of one of the producers of Backstage at the Geffen and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. I feel it’s only fitting to honor his legacy by reflecting on a few things I learned from him about helping to produce this very special evening.

gil cates, jr. vice chairman of the board

It would be an understatement to say that my dad had some experience as a producer and director of live events. He directed numerous films and plays, and is probably best known for having produced 14 Academy Awards telecasts between 1990 and 2008.

My father always felt incredibly privileged to be called upon to produce the Academy Awards — and yet, he reserved a particular excitement and intensity when putting together the (comparatively speaking) “small-scale,” intimate Backstage at the Geffen event for a few hundred friends and supporters.

Backstage at the Geffen was one of my dad’s more recent ideas for the Geffen, and it will forever have his stamp on it.

It’s a quintessential Gil Cates production: intimate, irreverent, boisterous and fun. One thing my dad 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 his vision was to share these experiences and stories the audience usually doesn’t have access to. What he envisioned was a unique evening in which the presenters, performers and storytellers are spontaneous, authentic and memorable – and his vision has come to fruition in large part because his friends and peers in the Hollywood community agree to take part, year after year.

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, Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett. It is a pleasure to acknowledge both of our honorees’ 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.

I can picture my dad tapping his watch at me, signaling his “wrap it up!” cue, so I’ll finish with this final thought. Gil Cates loved the fanfare and circus-like atmosphere of staging live performances, unless he was in the spotlight. When the Geffen Playhouse surprised him by revealing that its Main Stage would be renamed the Gil Cates Theater at Backstage in 2010, he was uncharacteristically bashful when receiving the honor on stage.

While he was clearly touched by the gesture, it was apparent that he was eager to return to his place behind the curtain, where he was in his element.

Now it’s my turn to resume my space behind the scenes. I hope you enjoy yourself, and feel, as I do, a strong sense of my father’s spirit 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.

As my dad would probably say about now … “On with the show!”

With warm regards,

Gil Cates, Jr.

A Letter to Gil Cates, All of us at the Geffen Playhouse miss you. With each play, performance and benefit we continue to strive to celebrate your love and commitment to the Geffen. Your goal was to share the beauty and power of live theater with the entire community; not just those who could pay for a subscription, but also UCLA students, school children in underserved areas and the seniors who could no longer afford tickets. You were adamant in your conviction that without the theater arts we would become a community that was bereft of the most important form of culture.

And you sought out plays that would allow us to explore and celebrate our history, our society and our humanism. (You loved to use that word!).

dr. judith reichman backstage at the geffen committee chair

It’s been 10 years since you created Backstage at the Geffen. We all remember your initial description of an event in which surprise guests would pop up on stage without props or teleprompters and share with us hilarious and never-before-told stories about life backstage. You thought it would be a great way to entertain people who love and understand show business, and (and there was always an underlying “and”) … raise funds that would allow the Geffen to bring live theater to the most disadvantaged and underserved students, schools and people across Los Angeles.

There were those who wondered if this would work …

As usual, you were right.

This year’s Backstage at the Geffen will raise a record $1 million to fund the Geffen’s mission and programs, including outreach to over 100 Title 1 schools across Los Angeles County and the arts education programs that will serve over 22,000 children, youth and seniors. That twinkle in your eyes, that amazing spark of creativity, combined with your ability to cajole the best in the

entertainment industry to share their stories and lend financial support, has created a truly meaningful legacy.

As Gil’s wife I want to express my deepest appreciation to all who have been part of this extraordinary achievement this year.

I would especially like to thank Robert Iger and Willow Bay who serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of this year’s Backstage at the Geffen.

Thank you, Jim Gianopulos, for agreeing to be honored long before Gil passed away, and then coming through for us in ways that were way beyond Gil’s original request. Your support of the arts and the Geffen’s work has been phenomenal.

Thank you Carol Burnett, for being our personal friend, for continuing to be a great friend of the Geffen Playhouse and for sharing your infectious love of life and of theater with all of us.

This evening would not have been possible without the support of the Geffen Playhouse’s Board, the Host Committee, and our incredible sponsors, including City National Bank who, this year, has become our first ever Title Sponsor.

And thank you to all the incredibly generous and talented actors and performers who have made Backstage at the Geffen such a one-of-a-kind, highly entertaining and hugely successful event.

You answered Gil’s calls to share your stories and honor the role of The Geffen Playhouse for so many years and now continue to do so. I am deeply grateful that you have helped ensure that Gil’s legacy will continue: “Onward and upwards with the arts!”

With love,

Judith Reichman

advisory board Annette Blum Stephanie Carson Michael Centeno Chair

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

board of directors Frank G. Mancuso Chairman

Gilbert Cates * President

Patricia Kiernan Applegate Randall Arney Dr. Gene D. Block Suzanne Deal Booth † Harold A. Brown Gil Cates, Jr. Mary Ann Cloyd Kirsten Combs † Marcia Israel-Curley * Robert A. Daly † Dennis Doty John Ebey Mark Fleischer David Geffen † Herbert M. Gelfand Chairman Emeritus

Patricia L. Glaser Adi Greenberg

Arthur Greenberg Martha Henderson Pamela Robinson Hollander Quincy Jones † Joan Kaloustian Jeffrey Katzenberg † Glorya Kaufman Audrey Skirball Kenis * Charles Kenis * Dr. Gerald S. Levey Carla Malden Karl Malden * Susan Mallory Ginny Mancini Ron Meyer † Susanna Midnight Leslie Moonves † Jerry Moss † Ken Novice Steven A. Olsen Jerry Perenchio † Bruce M. Ramer † Founding Chairman

Loren Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin Teri Schwartz Richard Sherman Victoria Mann Simms † Andy Spahn Fred Specktor Steven Spielberg † DeeAnna Staats Cynthia P. Stafford Howard Tenenbaum Steve Tisch † Michael Walsh Edie Wasserman † Lew Wasserman † Dr. Charles E. Young † Chairman Emeritus

Peter Rosen Legal Counsel, Latham & Watkins LLP † Trustee * In Memoriam

carol burnett © 2010 Mabel Cat Inc. Photograph by Randee St. Nicholas.

DIS T I NC T I ON I N theater AW AR D recipient Carol Burnett is widely recognized by the public and her peers for her work on stage and screen, most notably The Carol Burnett Show. Named in 2007 by TIME magazine as one of “100 Best Television Shows of All Time,” The Carol Burnett Show ran for 11 years, averaged 30 million viewers per week, and received 25 Emmy Awards. As a highly-acclaimed actress recognized for her comedic and dramatic roles on television, film and Broadway, Carol has been honored with 12 People’s Choice Awards, eight Golden Globes, six Emmys, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is a Kennedy Center honoree, and has been inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. She has penned two New York Times Bestsellers, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, which garnered Carol her first Grammy nomination for Best Spoken word, and her autobiography, One More Time. Carol’s third book, Carrie and Me: A MotherDaughter Love Story, about her daughter Carrie Hamilton, will be published by Simon and Schuster in April 2013. In her spare time, Carol enjoys spending time with her husband Brian, her two daughters Erin and Jody, her grandchildren, and her cat Mabel.

jim gianopulos

DIS T I NC T I ON I N SERVI C E AW AR D recipient Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, Jim Gianopulos is one of the longest tenured studio heads in the industry and during his time at Fox he and his co-chair Tom Rothman have overseen a broad range of successful films and the studio’s most profitable years ever. He also has the distinction of having championed two of the biggest risks, and the two highest grossing films of all time: Avatar and Titanic. Mr. Gianopulos is a Governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a member of the Board of the Motion Picture & Television Fund and a trustee of the American Film Institute. In addition to his involvement in the entertainment industry, he serves on the National Entertainment Advisory Council for the Anti-Defamation League, on the Board and Executive Committee of the X-Prize Foundation and as a Trustee of Carnegie Mellon University. He resides in Los Angeles with his wife Ann and their three daughters.

thank you to our host committee Julie Andrews Andy Spahn† & Associates Anschutz Film Group/ Walden Media Patricia Applegate*† Ariel Investments Audi of America The Backyard Annette Bening & Warren Beatty Carol Block & Chancellor Gene Block† Annette Blum† Skip Brittenham & Heather Thomas Linda & Jerry Bruckheimer James Cameron & Suzy Amis Stephanie† & Jonathan Carson Gil Cates, Jr.† & Elizabeth Lacey CBS Corporation City National Bank Mary Ann Cloyd*† Jeanne M. Cunicelli Dan Hartman Arts & Music Foundation Jordan & John Davis Lisa & Dean Devlin

Barry Diller Directors Guild of America DreamWorks Animation DreamWorks Studios Susan & John Ebey† Electric Entertainment Melinda & Peter Farrelly David Geffen† Beverly & Herbert Gelfand† Maria & Gary Gersh Priscila Giraldo*† Patricia Glaser*† & Sam Mudie Karen & Russell Goldsmith Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association Adi*† & Jerry Greenberg Arthur Greenberg† & Elaine Hoffman Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson HBO Films Martha Henderson† Mellody Hobson Pamela Robinson Hollander*† & Robert Hollander Cindy & Alan Horn

IAC/InterActiveCorp Robert A. Iger & Willow Bay Hugh Jackman & Deborra-Lee Furness J.P. Morgan Private Bank Joan Kaloustian*† Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg† Glorya Kaufman† Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer Keyes Automotive Group Sandra Krause & Bill Fitzgerald Despina & Jay Landers Michael V. Lewis Drs. Barbara & Gerald Levey† Shawn Levy Los Angeles magazine Marlene & Sandy Louchheim Janine & Peter Lowy Lucasfilm Carla Malden† Susan† & Peter Mallory Ginny Mancini*† Fay* & Frank Mancuso† Kim Mancuso & Frank Mancuso, Jr.

Summer & Michael Mann Donna McKenna* & Flynn Chernos Kelly & Ron Meyer† Wendy & Barry Meyer Susanna*† & Charlie Midnight Leslie Moonves† & Julie Chen Todd Morgan & Rosanna Arquette Ann & Jerry Moss† News Corporation Northern Trust Christine Marie Ofiesh OneWest Bank PricewaterhouseCoopers Madeline & Bruce Ramer† Tammy* & Richard Ratner RealD Dr. Judith Reichman* Lynda & Stewart Resnick Mayor Richard Riordan Loren† & the Honorable Frances Rothschild Linda Bernstein Rubin*† & Tony Rubin Ronnie & Vidal Sassoon

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

Barbara* & Richard Sherman† Victoria Mann Simms† & Ronald Simms Fred Specktor† & Nancy Heller Steven Spielberg† & Kate Capshaw Cynthia Stafford*† & Lanre Idewu† Judith & Bruce Stern Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor Barbra Streisand & James Brolin Jodi* & Howard Tenenbaum† Twentieth Century Fox Union Bank Universal Studios Tanya & Tony Vincent W Los Angeles — Westwood Deborah & Michael Walsh† The Walt Disney Company Wells Fargo Westfield Group Judy & Dr. Charles Young† Gail Zappa Laurie Ziegler Natasha & Dirk Ziff Ellen & Ken Ziffren Ziffren Brittenham LLP

geffen playhouse education & outreach programs The Geffen Playhouse has six major education initiatives that engage more than 22,500 students and community members in the live arts each year, touching people of all ages who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience theater. These programs extend the reach of traditional education programs to include children from as young as toddlers at the theater’s Saturday Scene performances, to seniors as old as 100 with the Geffen’s landmark CREATE program. student Matinees The foundation of the theater’s education program, Student Matinees began in 1997 with a free performance of Harriet’s Return featuring Debbie Allen. This season, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Partnership for Los Angeles Schools, the Geffen Playhouse has refined the program to consistently provide complimentary tickets and free transportation to see the Geffen’s productions for students of Title I, low-performing schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and beyond.

Before each student performance, the Geffen offers pre and post show workshops with its teaching artists to provide in-

depth insight and original study guides to the teachers and students. In addition, Student Matinee performances are often followed by interactive discussions with the actors and staff.

STORY PIRATES The Geffen Playhouse began its Story Pirates partnership in 2009 as a way to expand the resources of the theater’s current in-school initiatives. Story Pirates, which was originally founded in New York in 2003, is a nationally recognized arts and literacy organization working to engage students in under-resourced public schools by showing them that their ideas, their words and their stories are important. As such, the cornerstone of the company is the Play/Write Program, a series of creative writing and drama workshops that lead to a musical sketch comedy show acted by professional actors and comedians and comprised entirely of stories written by kids. As a partner of the Geffen Playhouse, Story Pirates has developed a West Coast branch and now visits over 20 Title I Los Angeles public schools each year, in addition to performing for the general public as part of the Geffen Playhouse’s Saturday Scene program.

Saturday Scene FAMILY PROGRAMMING Saturday Scene, which began in 2000, introduces theater to its youngest audience as well as encourages multiple generations to get involved through reduced-priced, familyoriented productions. Unlike the other components of Geffen’s education program, Saturday Scene focuses on special family programming that is separate and apart from the productions currently in the theater’s season. Positioned as an imaginative alternative to Saturday morning television, Saturday Scene performances begin at 11am on select Saturdays throughout the year. As part of the theater’s outreach program, complimentary tickets are also offered to

children’s charities, schools and social service groups. Before each Saturday morning performance, activities are held that are designed to enhance the experience and prepare viewers for what they are about to see on stage. school Tours Launched in 2000, the Geffen Playhouse’s School Tour program brings live performances of professional productions onsite to local elementary and middle public schools. To help the students gain a greater understanding of each performance, the theater’s education department prepares age-specific study guides and provides pre and post show workshops tailored individually to each classroom.

CREATE The Geffen’s CREATE (Community Representatives Engaged in Active Theater Education) program, which began in 2001, is a partnership between the Geffen Playhouse and more than 40 community and social service groups. Through CREATE, the Geffen Playhouse provides access to customized workshops, free performance tickets and post-show discussion groups led by the Geffen’s director of education.

Called a model program by the city of Los Angeles, CREATE serves over 2,500 community members per season.

GOLDEN TICKET PROGRAM Started in 2010, the Golden Ticket Program is a new program designed to significantly improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged and socially isolated seniors through participatory arts experiences that stimulate them intellectually, creatively, socially and emotionally. As well as providing transportation and tickets to main stage shows, Geffen Playhouse makes study guides and holds pre and post show discussions with seniors.

City National PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE

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

Member FDIC

cnb.com

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE CONGRATULATES TONIGHT’S HONOREES, AND

CAROL BURNETT AND

OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE

JIM GIANOPULOS

Dearest Chum,

Congratulations and so much love ‌

Congratulations to tonight’s extraordinary honorees JIM GIANOPULOS

Distinction in Service Award

CAROL BURNETT

Distinction in Theater Award

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

Thanks to both of you, we are proud to announce that this is a record-breaking $1,000,000 year!

You enrich our communities, one performance at a time.

It’s time to take a bow.

We applaud the Geffen’s education and outreach programs as they inspire the lives of the underserved through the magic of the theater arts.

OneWest Bank proudly congratulates Carol Burnett and Jim Gianopulos.

Your dedication to the arts is truly inspirational.

owb.com ©2012 OneWest Bank, FSB. All rights reserved.

Thank you to our Board of Directors.

Your leadership, loyalty and guidance has enabled us to expand our arts and outreach programs so we reach 22,500 community members with the gift of performing arts each year.

Bravo!

Carol Burnett

Distinction in Theater Award

Jim Gianopulos Distinction in Service Award

Congratulations to the 2012 honorees.

We are proud to support the Geen Playhouse for its extraordinary work.

Š2012 CBS Corporation

Great things happen

when inspiring work brings the right people together

For pushing the boundaries of live arts, we proudly support the Geffen

Playhouse

Celebrating inspiration As an active member of the community, the Geffen Playhouse has a groundbreaking education and outreach program for students, seniors and anyone who otherwise would not have access to live theater.

We celebrate the Geffen Playhouse in their commitment to producing original performances that inspire and engage the community in the live arts. www.pwc.com

Š 2012 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership. All rights reserved.

Congratulations to Carol Burnett on your Distinction in Theater Award The Greenberg Foundation

Congratulations to Jim Gianopulos on your Distinction in Service Award The Greenberg Foundation

Nancy Heller & Fred Specktor Congratulate Jim Gianopulos 2012 Distinction in Service Award recipient

& Carol Burnett

2012 Distinction in Theater Award recipient

City National CONGR ATUL ATES

Carol Burnett

Distinction in Theater Award

Member FDIC

cnb.com

Warner Bros. Entertainment warmly congratulates our friend and colleague

Jim Gianopulos Distinction in Service Award Recipient and

Carol Burnett Distinction in Theater Award Recipient at the

2012 Backstage at the Geffen and proudly supports the

Geffen Playhouse

City National CONGR ATUL ATES

Jim Gianopulos

Distinction in Service Award

Member FDIC

cnb.com

A special note of gratitude to Frank Mancuso, who has been an inspirational and innovative Chairman of the Board since 2007. In a difficult year for all of us, 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 PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

AND CONGRATULATE TONIGHT’S DISTINGUISHED HONOREES

CAROL BURNETT &

JIM GIANOPULOS

h

Fay & Frank Mancuso congratulate Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos And thank them for their support of the Geffen Playhouse

Congratulations, Jim & Carol!

So happy to be “Backstage” with you tonight.

Cindy & Alan Horn

Criminally talented.

Arrestingly wonderful.

Much love from your Law & Order: SVU co-conspirators, Neal Baer & Dan Truly

Congratulations, Jim & Ann! From our family to yours, Vicki Iovine & kids

Patricia Kiernan Applegate Congratulates

Jim Gianopulos

2012 Distinction in Service Award

& Carol Burnett

2012 Distinction in Theater Award

And fondly remembers Gil Cates as the heart and soul of the Geffen Playhouse

Thinking of you Gil. Sandy & Bill

Northern Trust salutes Backstage at Northern Trust salutes Backstage at the Geffen honorees, Carol Burnett , and Jim Gianopulos for their outstanding contributions to the arts and our hearts to the arts and our hearts.

Wealth & Investment Management | Private Banking | Trust & Estate Services | Family Office Services

Northern Trust is a proud sponsor of the Geffen Playhouse.

T l To learn more contact Susan Mallory at 310‐443‐5120 t tS M ll t 310 443 5120 or SHM2@ntrs.com SHM2@ t

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The art of performance draws our eyes to the stage Our community’s commitment to arts and culture says a lot about where we live. Theater brings us together from the moment the lights go down and the curtains come up.

We proudly recognize the 2012 Backstage at the Geffen. wellsfargo.com

© 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (720605_05160)

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

Heartfelt congratulations to Carol Burnett on receiving the Geffen Playhouse Distinction in Theater Award and Jim Gianopulos on receiving the Geffen Playhouse Distinction in Service Award.

And, as importantly, please know that who you are, what you have said, and what you have done really matters.

Continued success and best wishes,

Tony Rubin & Linda Bernstein Rubin We miss you Gil.................

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse on another wonderful season and thank you to Carol Burnett and Jim Gianopulos for their generous support of the Geffen Playhouse and the arts. stephanie & jonathan carson

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

Lisa and Dean Devlin &

Electric Entertainment are proud to join

the Geffen Playhouse in honoring

Jim Gianopulos

2012 Distinction in Service Award Recipient and

Carol Burnett

2012 Distinction in Theater Award Recipient

In honor of Gil. The Simms/Mann Family Foundation

You are an inspiration.

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.

You are an inspiration.

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

The Directors Guild of America fondly remembers

Gil Cates and warmly congratulates tonight’s honorees

Carol Burnett

2012 Distinction in Theater Award Recipient

Jim Gianopulos

Chairman and CEO, Fox Filmed Entertainment 2012 Distinction in Service Award

Taylor Hackford, President Steven Soderbergh , National Vice-President Michael Apted, Secretary-Treasurer Jay D. Roth, National Executive Director

S T E V E N

S P I E L B E R G

Congratulations, Jim. Your dedication to service brings great honor to the Geffen, and to our community.

Congratulations Jim for all you do.

You are the best!

Carol you are one in a million.

Congratulations!

With love, Rita & TomÂ

MICHAEL V. LEWIS and REALD Congratulate Tonight’s Honorees

JIM GIANOPULOS

2012 distinction in service award

and

CAROL BURNETT

2012 distinction in theater award

www.reald.com

Congratulations & a Huge Thank You to Jim Gianopulos & Carol Burnett for their support of the Geffen Playhouse... and In Memory of Gil, whose spirit will always be with us.

Pamela & Robert

Our Congratulations to the Backstage at the Geffen and its honorees JIM GIANOPULOS & CAROL BURNETT Best wishes to all the staff at the Geffen Beverly & Herb Gelfand P.S. We miss you Gil

On behalf of the staff of the Geffen Playhouse, we would love to thank the Board of Directors for being the most generous and committed Board for which any non-profit could hope.

We appreciate your tremendous dedication and leadership.

Ben Stiller & Red Hour Films Congratulate Jim Gianopulos & Carol Burnett on their Geffen Playhouse Honors

Anschutz Film Group, Walden Media & Bristol Bay Productions congratulate Jim Gianopulos for his work with the Geffen Playhouse

速

Dedicated to Gil Cates Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees, Jim Gianopulos & Carol Burnett. Bravo!

Drs. Gerald & Barbara Levey

The Geffen Playhouse staff and Board humbly thank Dr. Judith Reichman for being the honorary Gala Chair at this year’s Backstage at the Geffen.

Congratulations to tonight’s honorees, Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos.

Bravo!

Arthur Greenberg

In memory of Gil Cates, Congratulations to our honorees Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett, and in gratitude to our Chairman Frank Mancuso Susan & Mark Fleischer

Lyn & Norman Lear

Thank you to Adi and Jerry Greenberg for hosting our 2012 Playing for Good Poker Event at your home.

Your generosity enabled us to raise significant funds for not one but two worthy causes, our Geffen Playhouse Education and Outreach Programs and Hank Azaria’s foundation Determined to Succeed, and for that we are tremendously grateful.

Love, The Geffen Playhouse Development Team

DreamWorks Studios proudly congratulates tonight’s honorees

Jim Gianopulos

Distinction in Service Award

Carol Burnett

Distinction in theater Award

“Η υψηλότερη της διάκριση είναι n υπηρεσία σε άλλους.”

— King George VI **

Jim, you have always served above and beyond distinction.

We congratulate you on receiving the Distinction in Service Award.

An honor truly deserved.

Madeline & Bruce Ramer ** “The Highest of Distinctions is Service to Others.”

Giving kids the power to see – and be.

Bravo to Geffen Playhouse and tonight’s honorees for their invaluable work bringing theater to the youth of Los Angeles.

— Lynda and Stewart Resnick

Jim, Congratulations on this honor!

John & Jordan Davis

Jim Gianopulos Congratulations Summer + Michael Mann

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

Gail Zappa & Family are well pleased to support The Geffen & to join in on congratulating the American Treasure that is Carol Burnett - and Jim Gianopulos too.

I would p my earlob ull Carol Bur e for n I could fin ett - if d it!!!

Photo: Pierre Pouliquin

Shawn & Serena Levy are a proud sponsor of Backstage at the Geffen 2012 and congratulate tonight’s honoree Jim Gianopulos

The Riordan Foundation

Richard Riordan and The Riordan Foundation are proud to support Backstage at the Geffen and the 2012 honorees: Jim Gianopulos & Carol Burnett

Dear carol, Back stage or on stage, You’re as good as it gets.

Congratulations! ginny

Congratulations Jim! We love you, Pete & Melinda Farrelly

The Geffen Staff and Board of Directors would love to thank Backstage at the Geffen 2012 Host Jane Lynch, and all the amazing artists that have graced our stage this evening.

✰ Jim Gianopulos

Salutes

distinction in service award &

2012

distinction in theater award

the Geffen Playhouse’s backstage honorees

Carol Burnett

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

In Memory of Gil Cates Thank you for inspiring us every day to do what we love.

Annette Blum

Dear Jim, We’re very proud of you.

With love from Despina & Jay Landers

We congratulate

Jim Gianopulos Distinction in Service Award

Carol Burnett Distinction in Theater Award

&

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

todd mo rgan & rosanna a r qu et t e Todd M. Morgan Foundation

The Geffen Playhouse Board thanks Robert A. Iger & Willow Bay for serving as 2012 Backstage at the Geffen Co-Chairs.

Maria Mancuso Gersh & Gary Gersh congratulate Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos

A stAnding ovAtion from UCLA Jim Gianopulos And oUr ALUmnA, Carol Burnett, hAve enLightened AUdienCes AroUnd the gLobe And enriChed Los AngeLes’ stAnding As the worLd’s entertAinment CApitAL. Just two reasons we’re BiG fans. on behALf of the UCLA fAmiLy, ChAnCeLLor gene bLoCk And mrs. CAroL bLoCk AppLAUd yoUr reCognition At 2012 Backstage at the geffen. CongrAtULAtions!

WE’RE PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE FAMILY.

&

A N D Y S PAH N A S S OC I A T E S , I N C .

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 Carol Burnett and Jim Gianopulos.

Christine Marie Ofiesh

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse for your continuing contributions to performing arts in our community.

Marlene & Sandy Louchheim

We applaud Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos We are so proud to continue to have the opportunity to support the Geffen.

Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer & Mel Keefer

The Dan Hartman Arts & Music Foundation Dedicated to supporting the arts.

Charlie & Susanna Midnight

Strategic Brilliance for Indelible Brands

W Fort Lauderdale Florida

Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa French Polynesia

Vomo Island Resort Fiji

Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa French Polynesia

Donna McKenna & Flynn Chernos

are proud to support the Geffen and would like to congratulate

Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos

Hilton French Polynesia is Proud to Support The Geffen Playhouse

Dear Jim, Congratulations on your Distinction in Service Award!

Your Friends, Tony & Tanya Vincent

To Jim, a man who has changed the world of fantasy in the film industry, and to dear Ann, who has been the woman behind a man of great accomplishments.

Congratulations to you both.

With love, Glorya Kaufman

Kim & Frank Mancuso, Jr. congratulate Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT THE GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE

AND ITS DISTINGUISHED HONOREES

Protecting and growing the wealth of our clients for generations www.capitalgrouppcs.com

Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard Avchen and Shapiro, LLP are huge fans of Jim Gianopulos & Carol Burnett.

Much congratulations!

Congratulations to Carol & Jim. We’re thrilled to support the Geffen Playhouse

BROADWAY ... WITH PARKING! ANOTHER REASON WE LOVE THE GEFFEN. Paula & Allan Rudnick

Congratulations to the Geffen Playhouse on another great season.

Susan & john ebey

Carol – We love you very much.

Tim & Sharkey Conway

to david, With Thanks and Respect for all you are doing. gavin de becker

SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT Warmly Salutes

Jim Gianopulos Carol Burnett 2012 Backstage at the Geffen Geffen Playhouse

w w w.sonypictures.com Š 2012 Sony Pictures Enter tainment Inc. All Rights Reser ved.

Jim, Congratulations on being this year’s honoree!

Your tireless service has made a deep positive impact on the entertainment community.

With much admiration, Paula Wagner & Rick Nicita

CHERYL BERKMAN AND

®

W o r l d w i d e P r e m i e r e E x e c u t i v e G r o u n d Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n

ARE HONORED TO BE A PART OF THIS EVENING, SALUTING OUR FRIEND

Jim Gianopulos FOR THE From Mean to Green™

2012

Everything in Between

“Distinction in Service” Award

and

Nobody Does Better What We Do Best.

Los Angeles

New York

San Francisco

800 255-4444

800 421-9494

888 980-8500

Washington, D.C. 866 254-3344

My wife, Judy, and I are so sorry that we are unable to be present for the Backstage at the Geffen extravaganza. They are always wondrous events and I know this year’s will be no exception. Indeed it will be one to remember, not only for the quality of the honorees and the performance, but for the man who is being honored in absentia tonight and who will continue to be for as long as there are theaters like the Geffen which was Gil’s inspiration.

Let’s hear a “hip hip hooray” for Gil Cates!

I also want to congratulate both Jim Gianopulos and Carol Burnett for their great contributions to the world of entertainment. I especially want to congratulate and thank Carol, a product of UCLA, with whom I have had the great pleasure of working on a number of occasions, and who is clearly one of the true giants of television comedy.

Congratulations to all and long live the Geffen!

Charles E. Young Chancellor Emeritus, UCLA

Congratulations Jim!

From your Elementary School Principal, Dr. Stan Seidman (Regina Miller’s dad) You make Brooklyn proud!

Jim & Carol Congratulations on this wonderful honor.

Kevin Goetz & Your Friends at Screen Engine

Barbra Streisand & The Streisand Foundation Congratulate Jim Gianopulos 2012 Distinction in Service Award

& Carol Burnett

2012 Distinction in Theater Award

Congratulations to

The Geffen Playhouse on another amazing season!

Laurie Ziegler

salutes our friend

JIM GIANOPULOS 2012 Distinction in Service Award Honoree

Thank you for all of our happy, entertaining years at the Geffen. Â From the Ed Cypert Family

Congratulations.

We are pleased to support the inspiring educational programs of the Geffen Playhouse.

Laurie MacDonald & Walter Parkes

All the best to our dear friends at the Geffen Playhouse Nathan Pacheco

Dear Carol & Jim, Thank you for helping to bring Theatre to the Westside.

Marilyn & Monty Hall

weLcome to youR

PLaygRound Tempt - teaSe - Stay - pLay

Living Room Steak 954 BLiSS Spa WhiSkey BLue ted giBSon SaLon the ReSidenceS at W FoRt LaudeRdaLe FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 954 414 8200 EXPLORE WFoRtLaudeRdaLehoteL.com 401 N. FORT LAudERdALE BEACh BLVd., FORT LAudERdALE FLORIdA

Special Thanks to Barbara Schroeder & Glenn Boozan for their generosity and support Thank you, Barbara and Glenn, for your dedication and creativity in producing the Magnificent 2012 Geffen Playhouse film!

The Board & Staff of the Geffen Playhouse

Congratulations Carol Burnett & Jim Gianopulos We’re thrilled and honored to be working with the Geffen Playhouse

Jim & Ann, Congratulations on your honor.

There are no two nicer and giving people more deserving of this honor!

Your contributions to the local community are felt by many.

Linda & Alex Cappello

Thank You Laurence Fishburne for gracing us with the gift of your energy, time and talent on this evening’s Geffen Playhouse film.

Love, your Geffen Playhouse family

Congratulations Jim, on this wonderful honor.

Danielle & Alex Shahidi

Thank you for sponsoring our lobby lounge

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Carol & Jim: They take the Cake!

Partnering with the Geffen Playhouse is SWEET!

Vomo Island Resort Fiji proudly supports

Backstage at The Geffen 2012

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Congratulations!

SUSANNA FELLEMAN & ERIK FEIG

Thank you for the amazing signature cocktails

making

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occasion an

RONEN LEVY EVENTS

event Phone: (310) 558-3528 ronen@ronenlevy.com www.ronenlevy.com

The Geffen Playhouse thanks Kim Marshall & the Marshall Plan for your extraordinary support of all of our events.

Thank you Priscila Giraldo for being our guide and inspiration.

With love and gratitude, Regina, Ellen, Jessica, Jamie, Liz & Scott

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

Congratulations, Jim! tom & Kathy Freston

Gil Cates

Founder, leader, passionate arts advocate, director, producer, friend, mentor, boss, cheerleader and so much more ...

We miss your sense of humor, your humanity and your brilliance.

We strive everyday to honor your memory by loving this theater, loving the work and forever loving you.

Remembering you always,

Your loyal Geffen Playhouse staff (Or otherwise lovingly nicknamed by Gil ‌ Marketeers, Rand, Amalah, Allisonian, Shaninski, Bobbsey Twins, Doc, Nazanator, Regimoney, Developmentolians, Miguelski, Margariteee, Sweetie, Newbies, Debski, Jilly-baby, Karimie, Toots, Bubala, Cookie, Hey Casting, Productioneers & Fastastico!)