Guide to the Geffen Playhouse: So Much More Than Theater

The Geffen Playhouse has been a hub of the Los Angeles theater scene since opening its doors in 1995. Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its world-renowned mix of classic and contemporary plays, provocative new works and second productions, the Geffen Playhouse continues to present a body of work that has garnered national recognition.

Named in honor of entertainment mogul and philanthropist David Geffen, who made the initial donation to the theater, the company was founded by Gilbert Cates, and is currently helmed by Artistic Director Randall Arney, Managing Director Ken Novice and Chairman of the Board Frank Mancuso. Proudly associated with UCLA, the Geffen Playhouse welcomes an audience of more than 130,000 each year.

In addition to the presentation of award winning shows, The Geffen Playhouse offers many other ways to enhance your theater experience, involve your kids and explore the world of theater.

Now Playing Good People through May 13, 2012

More Info
"Laid off from her job at the dollar store, Margie is faced with the reality that South Boston is providing her the same level of opportunity it always has: none."
Featuring Cherise Boothe, Sara Botsford, Marylouise Burke, Brad Fleischer, Jane Kaczmarek, & Jon Tenney

SIGNATURE SERIES

The Geffen Playhouse Signature Series gives patrons a range of special options to heighten their theater experience on select evenings throughout every run. These options include everything from Q&A's with artists to after-parties at chic Westwood hotels, depending on which series you select.
Following are some of the details of Signature Series options that are available to subscribers and single ticket buyers:

TALK BACK TUESDAYS

EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE REGULAR RUN
Talk Back Tuesdays give theater lovers with a thirst for deeper conversation a chance to discuss plot, character, themes or any other questions they might have directly with the artists. This stimulating series includes pre-show coffee and tea tastings, compliments of Peet's Coffee & Tea, as well as a chance to interact with the actors, and the occasional playwright or director.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

THE THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY RUN
Girls just wanna have fun, and this Signature Series was designed with that in mind (gentlemen are welcome to join as well unless they are playing poker like my husband!). These special evenings only happen once during each production and every Girls Night Out features partnerships with different lifestyle experts, brands & products that keep patrons on the cusp of what's hot in LA. Each night is completely different with post-show events ranging from private shopping parties to in-restaurant sushi and sake tastings, but every Girls Night Out promises a wonderful evening of theater followed by an utterly unique party complete with complimentary drinks, appetizers and a take-away gift.

Make sure to arrive early and request your wristbands at the Girls Night Out check-in table set in the theater's main lobby starting at 7:00 pm. No wristband, no access to the after-party. No exceptions.

LOUNGE FRIDAYS

THE FOURTH AND FIFTH FRIDAY OF EVERY RUN
Cultural happy hour meets bon appétit in this enticing way to ease into your weekend. Taking away the hassle of trying to pack in pre-show dinner and/or drinks, the Geffen Playhouse has partnered with a selection of boutique restaurants to feature complimentary tastings of their seasonal culinary creations in the Geffen's main lobby before the performance. Encouraging patrons to come early and relax a bit before settling into the theater.

WINE DOWN SUNDAYS

EVERY SUNDAY DURING THE REGULAR RUN
Wine Down Sundays the perfect pairings of wine, world-class theater and contemporary music. Before the show on Sunday evenings, patrons are treated to complimentary wine tastings, often poured directly by the winemaker or distributor. These evenings often feature different vintages for each production, so regulars will discover new wine and new music before their theatrical experience.

FOR YOUR KIDS… IT'S SATURDAY SCENE

A wide range of productions that provide an eclectic alternative to Saturday morning cartoon for kids ages 2 to 12. The Geffen Playhouse's family programming includes music, workshops and performances.
Here is a list of upcoming Saturday Scene performances:

April 14 - Rock The Presidents
April 21 - Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
April 28 - Don't Just Sit There!
June 9 - A T-Rex is Loose!

Make it a date night with dinner

There are many restaurants in the neighborhood. Here are the best choices to make your visit complete.

For an upscale dining experience/ reservations a must

Classic Italian/ great salads, pastas and more

New, authentic, fast-casual Neapolitan pizzeria.

Fabulous Persian fare

Fresh, delicious, best grilled vegetable salad, moderately priced