2023 Backstage at the Geffen

(L-R) Distinction in Theater Award recipient Debbie Allen and Distinction in Service Award recipient Greg Berlanti at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Distinction in Theater Award recipient Debbie Allen arrives at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

(L-R) Executive Director Gil Cates, Jr. and Distinction in Service Award recipient Greg Berlanti at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

(L-R) Kendall Isadore, Élise Sharp, and Dawn Johnson of The String Queens performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss

Host Tone Bell performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Jay Leno performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Jay Leno performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Jay Leno performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Mimi Rogers performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

(L-R) Accompanist John Glaudini and Broadway Barbara performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll presenting the Distinction in Service Award at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Distinction in Service Award recipient Greg Berlanti speaking at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

(L-R) Accompanist Matt Gould and Adam Kantor performing at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Julia Sweeney at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

David Kwong at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Distinction in Theater Award recipient Debbie Allen at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

John Simmons presenting the Distinction in Theater Award at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

(L-R) Executive Director Gil Cates, Jr. and Distinction in Theater Award recipient Debbie Allen Distinction in Theater Award recipient at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

The pre-show reception and dinner at the 2023 Backstage at the Geffen, Saturday, May 22, 2023. Design elements by Derrick Lemont Johnson – Interior and Event Design, florals by Vida en Bloom, and spirits sponsored by House of Suntory. Photo by Jordan Strauss.

Geffen Playhouse — Photo by Hunter Kerhart

Backstage at the Geffen Distinction in Theater Award honoree Debbie Allen. Photo by Marvin Joseph.

Backstage at the Geffen Distinction in Service Award honoree Gerg Berlanti. Photo by Smallz + Raskind.