July 11, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Tarell Alvin McCraney Named Artistic Director of Geffen Playhouse

Oscar and Peabody Award Winner Will Lead Esteemed Theater

By Dolores Quintana

Tarell Alvin McCraney, renowned for his Academy Award-winning work on “Moonlight” and his Peabody Award-winning series “David Makes Man,” has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of Geffen Playhouse, as announced today by the theater’s Board of Directors. Effective immediately, McCraney assumes his role and will embark on crafting the 2024/2025 season, working closely with the theater’s board.

In his capacity as Artistic Director, McCraney will curate a compelling repertoire of new productions and reimagine classics, emphasizing innovative storytelling, community engagement, and audience interaction. He will chart the artistic direction for the Geffen’s Gil Cates and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theaters while providing leadership to the theater’s artistic and production teams.

Adi Greenberg, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to have Tarell Alvin McCraney join the Geffen Playhouse family as our new artistic director. As an award-winning writer, producer, and educator, he is a force of creativity uniquely suited to lead our theater’s artistic vision. Alongside Gil Cates, Jr., they form a powerhouse team that will embrace industry evolution, make bold, innovative choices, and position Geffen Playhouse for a promising future.”

Geffen Playhouse Executive Director/CEO Gil Cates, Jr. remarked, “I am delighted to welcome and partner with Tarell. From ‘Choir Boy’ to the Cast Iron residency, and now as our new artistic director, Tarell has come full circle with the Geffen, and we couldn’t be more excited. First and foremost, he is an exceptional artist and storyteller, a true visionary with extraordinary ideas for where we can go as a theater, as a home for artists, and as part of the cultural landscape in Los Angeles.”

McCraney’s formal connection with Geffen Playhouse began in 2014 when his critically acclaimed play “Choir Boy” made its West Coast debut at Geffen’s Gil Cates Theater. Since then, he has been integral to the theater’s Cast Iron Entertainment residency program alongside artists like Sterling K. Brown, Glenn Davis, Brian Tyree Henry, Jon Michael Hill, and André Holland.

McCraney stated, “It’s an honor to take on the mantle of artistic leadership at Geffen Playhouse. My connection to the Geffen began with an introduction via the Lower Depths Theater Ensemble in 2012. It continued through a production of ‘Choir Boy’ and into a residency with Cast Iron Entertainment.”

He continues, “I see my role as continuing a legacy of exceptional artistry, reinvesting in the Geffen’s unique capability to nurture and support artists, building upon collaborative partnerships, including with UCLA, and reaching audiences that we share a community with across Los Angeles. I am excited to foster intimate innovation in performance, digging deep into our collective need for live connection here at Geffen Playhouse.”

Tarell Alvin McCraney, a Miami native and a distinguished writer, producer, and educator, is best known for his celebrated trilogy, “The Brother/Sister Plays.” His script for “Moonlight,” which he co-wrote with Barry Jenkins, served as the foundation for the Academy Award-winning film. McCraney holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick and is associated with renowned institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company, London, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

in News
Related Posts

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

The Reservoir Play Opens at Geffen Playhouse

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The play follows Josh, whose life is unraveling, as he receives unconventional support from his grandparents. Their unsolicited advice, judgments,...

Angelini Grill Opens Limited Run at Peninsula Beverly Hills

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The menu includes tableside Dover Sole, lobster salad, and a signature pasta tasting A new culinary collaboration, Angelini Grill, launched...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

The Bar at Century Plaza to Celebrate National Caviar Day with Exclusive Tastings

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The seven-hour event will feature exclusive caviar tastings and champagne pairings The Bar at Fairmont Century Plaza will host a...

Westwood Village Cooking Class to Showcase Spanish Paella

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The class will guide participants through crafting both seafood and vegetarian versions of the iconic Spanish dish Food enthusiasts will...

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

Lost Bunny on the Beat: Beverly Hills Police Seek Owner of Wayward Rabbit

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Fluffy Wanderer Found Near City Hall, BHPD Caring for Missing Pet The Beverly Hills police are caring for a domestic...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...