Acts of Love: Children Stages a Star-Studded Event
Actor Michael McKean performs during the Acts of Love event at the Geffen Playhouse as members of the ensemble cast look on
Autism Speaks hosted the fifth annual Acts of Love event on October 15, 2007 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. “Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them” was presented by Cadillac and welcomed a lively crowd of over 500 to one of the city's premier theater venues. An ensemble cast performed an array of readings and quotes all in celebration of children. Through ticket sales, sponsorship and donations the event has raised
See highlights from the Acts of Love event - YouTube video ~ 1 minute
more than $150,000 for autism research and treatments. Gil Birmingham, Richard Cox, James Franco, Ian Hart, Wendie Malick, Michael McKean, Dermot Mulroney, Ming-Na, Annette O'Toole, Barry Shabaka Henley, Stephen Tobolowsky and Lorraine Toussaint formed a stunning ensemble cast for this year's show. At this one night only event, the audience was treated to readings of excerpts from Sigmund Freud, Bill Cosby, Audrey Hepburn, a short story by Stephen Tobolowsky himself, to name a few. Voice-over artist Don LaFontaine wove the readings together with his world-famous baritone. Gary Dourdan led a jazz ensemble that filled the house with rhythm. The singing of Nita Whitaker, Julie Delgato and Valerie Pinkston mesmerized the actors and audience alike, and as the show came to an end, Nita brought the house down with her gorgeous rendition of “Aren't you all our children after all?”.
In addition to the inspiring show, sponsors and VIP guests were treated to a celebrity pre-show dinner at Tanino Ristorante where Chef Tanino himself prepared an authentic Italian menu. All guests enjoyed a pre-show reception that featured Napa Valley Grille passed hors d'ouevres along with Stockholm Vodka's signature drink of the evening, the Dreamtini. Festivities continued after the show with Napa Valley Grille presenting an array of artisan cheeses, handmade desserts and wine selections designed by executive chef Joseph Gillard. Special guests gracing the red carpet included Fileena Bahris, Marc Blucas, Robert Crais, Robert Forster, Edi Gathegi, Jodi Long, Mark Moses, Taylor Negron, Tava Smiley, Stephen Stills and Michael Underwood.
“Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them” was a WordTheatre production created, produced, and directed by Cedering Fox. Mila Pesko served as associate producer and dramaturge. Mr. Nelson Kole directed the music. Autism Speaks is proud to partner with the entertainment community to inspire creativity, heighten awareness and draw support for families affected by autism.
Autism Speaks gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors of Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them. Sponsors for 2007 included Cadillac as the Presenting Sponsor, Fox Movie Channel as Gold Sponsor and Red Carpet Host, Napa Valley Grille as Special Guest Reception Host and Sponsor, and Sony Pictures Television and United Healthcare as Silver Sponsors. Other event donors included Gluten Free and Fabulous, Equinox Fitness Clubs, Parallel Wines, Stila Cosmetics and Stockholm Krystall Vodka.
In addition to the inspiring show, sponsors and VIP guests were treated to a celebrity pre-show dinner at Tanino Ristorante where Chef Tanino himself prepared an authentic Italian menu. All guests enjoyed a pre-show reception that featured Napa Valley Grille passed hors d'ouevres along with Stockholm Vodka's signature drink of the evening, the Dreamtini. Festivities continued after the show with Napa Valley Grille presenting an array of artisan cheeses, handmade desserts and wine selections designed by executive chef Joseph Gillard. Special guests gracing the red carpet included Fileena Bahris, Marc Blucas, Robert Crais, Robert Forster, Edi Gathegi, Jodi Long, Mark Moses, Taylor Negron, Tava Smiley, Stephen Stills and Michael Underwood.
“Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them” was a WordTheatre production created, produced, and directed by Cedering Fox. Mila Pesko served as associate producer and dramaturge. Mr. Nelson Kole directed the music. Autism Speaks is proud to partner with the entertainment community to inspire creativity, heighten awareness and draw support for families affected by autism.
Autism Speaks gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors of Acts of Love: A Celebration of Children and Those Who Love Them. Sponsors for 2007 included Cadillac as the Presenting Sponsor, Fox Movie Channel as Gold Sponsor and Red Carpet Host, Napa Valley Grille as Special Guest Reception Host and Sponsor, and Sony Pictures Television and United Healthcare as Silver Sponsors. Other event donors included Gluten Free and Fabulous, Equinox Fitness Clubs, Parallel Wines, Stila Cosmetics and Stockholm Krystall Vodka.
Ming-Na
Dermot Mulroney
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