Kristin Chenoweth and Barry Meyer to be Honored at Backstage at the Geffen 3/22/2010

The Geffen Playhouse's Backstage at the Geffen annual fundraiser, which recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising funds for the Geffen Playhouse's education programs, will honor Tony and Emmy Award winning actress Kristin Chenoweth and Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Barry Meyer.

The event, which will be co-chaired by Alan & Cindy Horn and John & Marilyn Wells will be held March 22, 2010 at the Geffen Playhouse. A longtime supporter of the Geffen Playhouse, Barry Meyer will be honored with the theater's prestigious Distinction in Service Award. Under Meyer's leadership, Warner Bros. has been an extensive advocate of the Geffen Playhouse's education and outreach programs, underwriting opportunities for disadvantaged youth to come see main stage productions as well as expanding the reach of the Geffen Playhouse's Saturday Scene family programming.

As a studio leader, Mr. Meyer remains one of the most respected executives in the entertainment industry. With Mr. Meyer at the helm, Warner Bros. has consistently ranked as one of the strongest, most profitable and best-positioned studios in the industry. Outside of the studio, Mr. Meyer often serves as a key advisor on industry-wide production, labor and regulatory issues.

He is a member of the Board of Councilors of the USC School of Cinema-Television; a member of the Board of Directors of the Motion Picture Association of America; a member of the Board of the Museum of Television & Radio; a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; a member and former Governor of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences; a member of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society; and is involved in numerous charitable and civic activities, including serving on the Board of Directors of Human Rights Watch.

Tony and Emmy Award winner Kristin Chenoweth has become one of Broadway's most recognizable actresses with numerous credits in both film and television, including an Emmy Award winning turn for her role in Pushing Daises. Her most recognized stage roles include her Tony Award winning performance in You're a Good Man Charlie Brownas well as her Tony nominated role as Glinda the Good Witch in the international musical phenomenon Wicked. After doing a stint off-Broadway this winter in Love, Loss and What I Wore, Chenoweth returns to Broadway this spring in the revival of Promises, Promises alongside Sean Hayes.

Her film and television credits include a recent role in Fox's new comedy Glee as well her role as Annabeth Schott on The West Wing. Ms. Chenoweth has performed sold-out solo concerts around the world at venues ranging from London's Donmar Warehouse to the Metropolitan Opera House. Ms. Chenoweth has released three solo albums and is the author of A Little Bit Wicked, a comedic chronicle of her life so far.

Ms. Chenoweth and Mr. Meyer join an elite group of Geffen honorees - including 2009 recipients Leslie Moonves(presented by Mary Steenburgen) and Rita Wilson (presented by Martin Short), 2008 recipients Annette Bening (presented by Anjelica Huston) and Robert A. Iger (presented by Julie Taymor), 2007 recipient Helen Mirren (presented by John Lithgow), 2006 recipient Colin Callender (presented by Annette Bening) and 2004 recipient Karl Malden (presented by Tom Hanks) - each of whom have each been celebrated at Backstage at the Geffen, an event that has become known throughout the city as a "must-attend" night at the theater.

Each year, Backstage at the Geffen is a truly unique event. Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gil Cates guides the audience on a virtual backstage tour with some of LA's most prominent performers telling behind-the-scenes stories and sharing intimate performances. This year's presenters and performers will be announced shortly, but previous artists who have shared their backstage stories include: Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Kristin Chenoweth, Brendan Fraser, Helen Mirren, David Hyde Pierce, Ray Ramano and Dick Van Dyke. Similar to last year, the event will be conducted in partnership with the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), which will help the theater "green" the event with responsible choices and carbon offset purchases.

Other partners include the W Hotel Los Angeles and its NINETHIRTY restaurant, which will host an exclusive pre-show dinner by Executive Chef Monique King for honorees, special guests and the event's Host Committee; and Los Angeles magazine, which will sponsor appetizers and beverages for all gala guests. The evening raises funds for the Geffen's education and outreach programs, which help bring the excitement of live theater to more than 24,000 children, families and community members each year.

The proceeds from Backstage at the Geffen help underwrite low ticket admissions to Saturday Scene, the popular theater performances for children; fully support the Geffen School Tours program that takes theater to participating elementary and middle-schools that have little or no resources for the performing arts; and benefit CREATE (Community Representatives Engaged in Active Theater Education), a season-long, interactive exploration and analysis of live theater for community and social service groups, deemed a model program by the City of Los Angeles. Last year, the event raised more than half a million dollars for these theater programs.

BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN Monday, March 22, 2009 7pm - Reception 8pm - Program Distinction in Theater Award - Kristin Chenoweth Distinction in Service Award - Barry Meyer Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90024

TICKETS Single tickets begin at $300. For additional ticket prices and more information, please contact the Geffen Playhouse Director of Development, Regina Miller at 310.208.6500, ext.112