Frank Mancuso News

The Los Angeles premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan's By the Waters of Babylon brings two award-winning, long-time theater actors to the Geffen stage for the first time: Demián Bichir and Shannon Cochran. Bichir, who is currently starring as Mary Louise-Parker's love interest on Showtime's Weeds, will play the role of Arturo, a Cuban immigrant who is hired to (coincidentally) weed the garden of unconventional Austin widow Catherine. Cochran, who will star as Catherine, is straight from Chicago where she starred in sold out performances of The Lion in Winter at the Writers Theatre.

The Los Angeles premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan's By the Waters of Babylon brings two award-winning, long-time theater actors to the Geffen stage for the first time: Demián Bichir and Shannon Cochran. Bichir, who is currently starring as Mary Louise-Parker's love interest on Showtime's Weeds, will play the role of Arturo, a Cuban immigrant who is hired to (coincidentally) weed the garden of unconventional Austin widow Catherine. Cochran, who will star as Catherine, is straight from Chicago where she starred in sold out performances of The Lion in Winter at the Writers Theatre.

Actor John Mahoney, best known for his decade-long role as Martin Crane on the award-winning sitcom Frasier, is trading his paternal sarcasm for a tipsy Irish brogue in the Geffen Playhouse's upcoming production of The Seafarer set to open in April 2009.

Actor John Mahoney, best known for his decade-long role as Martin Crane on the award-winning sitcom Frasier, is trading his paternal sarcasm for a tipsy Irish brogue in the Geffen Playhouse's upcoming production of The Seafarer set to open in April 2009.

Susan Barton, a twenty year veteran of the Los Angeles theater community will assume the role of managing director at the Geffen Playhouse until a nationwide search can be completed.

Stephen Eich, managing director of the Geffen Playhouse since August 2000, tendered his resignation effective in mid-June, after the opening of the theater's final production from its 07/08 season.

The Geffen Playhouse bestowed Academy Award winning actress Dame Helen Mirren with their 2007 Distinction in Theater Award April 30 at the Fifth Annual event and reception in Westwood...