Photo Flash: Quincy Jones and Mel Brooks Honored At 15th Annual BACKSTAGE AT THE GEFFEN Fundraiser
Legendary Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning artists Quincy Jones and Mel Brooks were honored Sunday, March 19 at the Geffen Playhouse's 15th annual fundraiser, Backstage at the Geffen, which honors the accomplishments of leaders in the artistic community and supports the theater's mission to produce original, quality works and engage the community in the live arts.
Check out photos from the event below!
Barbra Streisand presented the Distinction in Service Award to Quincy Jones. Rob Reiner presented the Distinction in Theater Award to Mel Brooks. Actress and director Aisha Tyler served as the evening's host.
The exclusive event raised more than $1 million for the theater's artistic endeavors, including new play development, playwright commissions, second productions and adventurous artistic programming, as well as its award-winning education and community engagement programs, which bring the excitement of live theater to more than 15,000 disadvantaged youth, seniors and veterans annually.
This year's star-studded event featured surprise storytelling appearances by Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, comedians Sarah Silverman and Dave Chappelle,Better Call Saul's Rhea Seehorn, and Aisha Tyler, with musical performances by celebrated Phantom of the Opera star Davis Gaines, spoken word performance artist Daniel Beaty, and Broadway star Merle Dandridge. Movement artist Jon Boogz and violinist Lee England, Jr. performed new versions of Jones' hit songs "Human Nature" and "Thriller" accompanied by Sarah Reich and Melinda Sullivan of female tap dance band Syncopated Ladies.
Photo Credit: Jordan Strauss
Rob Reiner
Quincy Jones
Mel Brooks
Sarah Silverman
Aisha Tyler
Jon Boogz and the Syncopated Ladies
Quincy Jones
Dave Chapelle
Mel Brooks
Dave Chapelle and Mel Brooks
Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, and Mel Brooks
Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand and Quincy Jones
James Brolin, Barbra Streisand, Mel Brooks and Gil Cates Jr.
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