The 3rd annual "Backstage at the Geffen" gala fundraiser will take place this Monday (April 19) featuring performances by Annette Bening, Jason Alexander, the Smothers Brothers (Tom and Dick), Debbie Allen, Beau Bridges, James Farentino, Sharon Lawrence, Peter Bonerz, Jim Burrows and more.

The $250-a-seat fundraiser will be hosted by at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood which includes a cocktail reception, music and buffet dinner, all-star "Backstage" artists' performances, followed by a dessert and champagne reception.

Tickets are still available for this fundraising gala, for anyone that will be in the Los Angeles area this Monday ... although the event is scheduled to sell out within a few days.

Tom Hanks will present Karl Malden with the first annual Geffen Playhouse "Distinction in Theater" award which features an evening of once-in-a-lifetime theater experiences including celebrity play readings, musical and dance pieces, and intimate conversations with actors and directors - all designed to provide audience members with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the theater.

Proceeds from the evening benefit Geffen Playhouse's Annual Fund as well as the Educational Outreach programs that enable the Geffen to share theater with youth throughout Los Angeles. The Geffen's innovative and expansive education and outreach programs include a wide-range of free theatrical workshops and performances for children and their families; student matinee performances of Geffen productions and a touring production for Los Angeles area students; and Geffen Playhouse Symposiums, which feature spirited discussions on subjects relating to issues that come to light in Geffen productions.

For more information about the Geffen Playhouse, visit http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/

Tickets to "Backstage at the Geffen" may be obtained by calling the Geffen Playhouse at (310) 208-6500, extension 141