A.C.T Picks Up Original Geffen Produced Play, 'Quality'

The first Geffen-commissioned and produced play, The Quality of Life by Jane Anderson, is being picked up by San Francisco's American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.) as part of its 2008/2009 season. The Quality of Life had its world premiere in the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater at the Geffen Playhouse in October 2007 directed by Jane Anderson.

The Geffen's lauded production has gone on to receive ten regional theater awards including a special award for outstanding world premiere play in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle (LADCC). The production, still helmed by Anderson and featuring award-winning original cast members Dennis Boutsikaris, Laurie Metcalf and JoBeth Williams, will debut on the A.C.T. stage next fall in association with the Geffen Playhouse and Jonathan Reinis Productions.

"We take great pride in the fact that we commissioned and shepherded this project through its first incarnation, and we are thrilled that a theater we hold in such high regard is choosing to continue with Jane Anderson's stunning production," said Geffen Playhouse Producing Director Gil Cates. "Jane has become part of our Geffen family and we're very pleased that we will continue to be participatory in the exciting future of The Quality of Life.

Awarded the Preservation Award by the Los Angeles Conservancy, the Award of Excellence from the Society of American Registered Architects, and the Architectural Award of Excellence by the Los Angeles Business Council for its acclaimed 2005, $19 million renovation, the Geffen Playhouse begins its 12th season in 2007/2008, enjoying its stature as a leading West Coast theater company and the crown jewel of Los Angeles theater. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its eclectic mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and musicals, the Geffen continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition. Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who donated one of the largest gifts ever made to an already-constructed theater, the company is headed by Producing Director and President of the Board Gilbert (Gil) Cates, Artistic Director Randall Arney and Managing Director Stephen Eich, and has produced eight world premieres, four Tony, four Pulitzer, and seven Obie-award winning shows in its storied 11 seasons. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen welcomes more than 130,000 patrons each year, and maintains an extensive education and outreach program, designed to engage young people and the community at large in the arts. For more information, please visit geffenplayhouse.com.

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