FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

 

 

For more information, contact:

Jenni Benzaquen

Press Director

Geffen Playhouse

(310) 208-6500, ext. 126

jenni@geffenplayhouse.com

 

                                   

 

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES

NEW INTERIM HOME DURING

2004-2005 THEATER RENOVATION

 

* * *

 

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSÕ BRENTWOOD THEATRE FEATURES SIMILAR STAGE FOOTPRINT AND COMPARABLE AUDIENCE/STAGE RELATIONSHIP; GENEROUS PARKING AND CONVENIENT LOCATION

 

* * *

 

MOVE SLATED FOR MAY 2004

 

LOS ANGELES – July 22, 2003 – Solidifying a key element in the bold $25 million capital campaign to renovate, expand, and endow the Geffen Playhouse, Producing Director Gilbert Cates proudly names the Brentwood Theatre as the GeffenÕs new interim home during an estimated 15 months of construction. Beginning May 2004, the 500-seat Brentwood Theatre, located just west of the Geffen on the grounds of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Brentwood, will host the final production of Geffen PlayhouseÕs 2003/2004 season and the entire run of its 2004/2005 season.

 

ÒWe are extremely pleased to be able to present our Geffen Playhouse productions at the charming Brentwood Theatre while our theater is being dramatically improved,Ó said Cates. ÒOur devoted audience is our top priority, so selecting a theater that would make the transition easy and enjoyable was key. Brentwood Theatre has virtually the same relationship between the audience and the stage in addition to a parking lot, so it made perfect sense in our search for a home away from home.Ó

 

Brentwood Theatre is conveniently located less than two miles west of Geffen Playhouse in Brentwood, near many popular restaurants and shops on San Vicente Boulevard. Brentwood Theatre will offer Geffen patrons spacious parking.

 

ÒWe are delighted and committed to providing our audiences with another season of eclectic, world-class performances,Ó Cates continued. ÒOnly next season we will do it from our wonderful new interim home in Brentwood.Ó

 

BRENTWOOD THEATRE

 

Originally built in 1944 for recreational activities, theatrical events and film screenings for the veterans, Brentwood Theatre is owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs and located on the same property as the Wadsworth Theatre. It is operated by Wadsworth Theatre Management, which is headed by Martin Markinson and Richard Willis.

 

Brentwood Theatre is currently undergoing its own renovation, which is scheduled for completion prior to the Geffen PlayhouseÕs arrival next year. Once the Geffen Playhouse moves back to its Westwood location in 2005, Brentwood Theatre will be used for a variety of events, including plays, small musicals, film screenings, concerts, dance and childrenÕs theater. Markinson and Willis will execute the renovation of Brentwood Theatre and operate the venue, in addition to operating the Wadsworth Theatre.

 

ÒWe are very excited to have the opportunity to renovate and establish our second, smaller venue near the Wadsworth Theatre and are delighted to have the Geffen Playhouse, one of the regionÕs leading theaters, as our first tenant.  We know that this will establish the tone and caliber of the future life of the venue, Ò said Richard Willis.

 

GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE RENOVATION & EXPANSION

 

Groundbreaking for the renovation and expansion of the GeffenÕs current theater will commence in May 2004. The capital campaign will provide for the renovation of the existing facility for increased audience and artist comfort, the creation of an endowment to secure the GeffenÕs artistic and financial future, and the construction of a new addition to house a second stage for new play development and use as a rehearsal space.

 

The renovation of Geffen Playhouse includes improved and increased seating capacity of the current auditorium, improved acoustics, an expanded theater lobby, greater handicap accessibility, upgraded artist dressing rooms and backstage areas, larger restrooms and a loading dock to aid the GeffenÕs production department in the building and breaking down of sets. The new complex and renovations will be completed for the GeffenÕs 2005/2006 season.

 

In the near future, Geffen Playhouse will be announcing a number of exciting updates on the progress of its capital campaign. A special press conference, hosted by Cates, will also be held to provide members of the press with artist renderings and detailed information on the renovation, expansion and endowment.

 

Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood.  Single ticket prices for season productions range from $28 to $46.  The performance schedule is Tuesdays–Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  For ticket information, please call the Geffen Playhouse box office at (310) 208-5454.  For group reservations, please call (661) 250-7424.  Visit the Geffen Playhouse website at www.geffenplayhouse.com.

 

Geffen Playhouse is headed by Producing Director Gilbert Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Managing Director Stephen Eich.

 

# # #