Lithgow to Present Mirren with Award at 4/30 L.A. Gala

Geffen Playhouse announced today that Academy Award winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has been selected as the 2007 Distinction in Theater Award recipient, which is awarded each year by the theater company during its Backstage at the Geffen Gala. 

The Fifth Annual star-studded event and reception is a "behind-the-scenes" peek at the performing arts through play readings, intimate storytelling and song on Monday, April 30, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.  The evening also recognizes outgoing Board of Directors Chairman, Herb Gelfand, for his extended service and dedication to the Geffen Playhouse.  The evening benefits the Geffen Playhouse's Education and Outreach Programs with impromptu entertainment and familiar faces, including John Lithgow's presentation of Mirren's award.

"We created the Distinction in Theater Award to honor those whose substantial work on stage and off has contributed greatly to the lifeblood of theater, locally and around the world," says Cates.  "Helen is the epitome of theater dedication, cutting her teeth on stage following high school and becoming a veteran at the Old Vic by age 20.  Whether portraying royalty on stage or on screen, Helen is the 'queen' of today's actresses."

Mirren has won international recognition for performances spanning four decades.  For her role as Queen Elizabeth II in Miramax's The Queen, Mirren won an Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Critic's Choice Award.  In addition, she was named Best Actress by every critic's organization from Los Angeles to London.  At the Venice Film Festival she won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress and received a five-minute standing ovation for her performance after the film's premiere. Mirren has also received significant recognition for two other performances she filmed in the same year as "The Queen"  For HBO, she portrayed Queen Elizabeth I in the miniseries "Elizabeth I."  She won an Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award for that role.  The two-part series explored the queen's public and private life late in her reign.  Mirren also reprised her long-running character Detective Jane Tennison in "Prime Suspect: The Final Act," the last installment in the PBS series.  The performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination, however she lost to herself – she was nominated twice in the same category.  The character previously won her an Emmy and three BAFTA Awards.

Mirren also received Tony nominations for her Broadway performances in Dance of Death and A Month in the Country, and has made many stage appearances in her native Great Britain.  She was previously nominated for Oscars for Gosford Park and The Madness of King George.

The evening celebrates art and arts education as proceeds from Backstage at the Geffen provides the excitement of live theater to nearly 20,000 students, families and community members each year.   

Distinction in Theater Award past recipients include actor Karl Malden (presented by Tom Hanks), and HBO Original Movies President Colin Callender (presented by Annette Bening).  Participants in previous Galas include Jason Alexander, Debbie Allen, Ted Danson, Sally Field, Carrie Fisher, Christine Lahti, David Hyde Pierce, Tommy Schlamme, Mary Steenburgen, Bruce Vilanch, and Rita Wilson.

Individual tickets are $300 and special donor packages start at $500.  For more information, or to purchase Gala tickets, please call Regina Miller, Director of Development, at 310.208.6500 ext. 112.  Geffen Playhouse Board Members Pamela Robinson Hollander, David Pence and Fred Specktor are Co-Chairs of the event, and Producing Director Gil Cates serves as Emcee.  Visit www.geffenplayhouse.com for more information.