LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA) presents its 25th Annual Simply Shakespeare benefit reading of “Twelfth Night” directed by Ben Donenberg, Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. This year’s event will honor long-time Shakespeare Center supporters Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks for their 25 year commitment to bringing the works of William Shakespeare at no charge to the Los Angeles community and creating programs for young people throughout the city. The hilarious evening of impromptu Shakespeare and song will feature a star-studded cast including Wilson and Hanks, along with Bette Midler, William Shatner, Martin Short, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Alexander, Christina Applegate and Anthony Mackie with a special appearance by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.
The evening includes a pre-show cocktail reception, followed by a post performance reception with the cast. All proceeds from the event support the SCLA and its arts based veteran employment and youth employment programs for inner-city youth, arts education in local schools, and professional union contracted productions at the Japanese Garden on the grounds of the West Los Angeles Veterans Medical Center.
