With a $5 million lead gift from producer David Geffen, the theatre that bears his name will begin the renovation of its current space and construction of a second theatre in May, 2004. The Geffen Playhouse, housed in the former Westwood Playhouse, expects to spend $15 million on the complex, which will be ready for the 2005-06 season. The second stage, to be designed by architect Ron Frink, will have 125-seats and will be used for new play development and as a rehearsal space. The improvements to the Playhouse will include more seating, all which will be new, an expanded lobby, better acoustics, greater handicap accessiblity, renovated dressing rooms, larger restrooms and a new loading dock.

Next up at the Geffen is a Neil Simon's revised and updated The Odd Couple, starring John Larroquette ("Night Court") and Joe Regalbuto ("Murphy Brown") as Oscar and Felix. Oscar and Felix, A New Look at the Odd Couple plays June 19-July 21. For more information, visit the Geffen Playhouse on the web at http://www.geffenplayhouse.com.

— By Christine Ehren