Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks are set to host the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles鈥� 26th annual Simply Shakespeare benefit September 19. The evening will feature a presentation of of Smokin鈥� Shakespeare Motown Much Ado鈥�improvised Shakespeare and song with a Motown soundtrack by Smokey Robinson.
Joining Wilson and Hanks as part of the cast will be Martin Short and Christina Applegate. Additional stars will be announced shortly.
All proceeds will benefit SCLA and its arts-based employment programs for unemployed veterans or urban youth. Founded in 1985, the center鈥檚 mission is to make the Bard鈥檚 work accessible and engaging to all.
鈥淥ur organization is so fortunate to have such extraordinary and dedicated supporters,鈥� said Ben Donenberg, Shakespeare Center Los Angeles founding artistic director, in a press statement. 鈥淲e are thrilled with this year鈥檚 event, and grateful to Rita and Tom for providing us the opportunity to showcase SCLA鈥檚 work and raise funds to support our life-changing programs for at-risk youth and veterans in our community.鈥�
Individual tickets start at $500; sponsorship packages are available. For event information and sponsorship packages, contact Harvin Rogas at 5B Events at (310) 559-9334, ext.102 or by email at [email protected].
