George Lucas, Elton John to be honored at Geffen Playhouse gala

The Geffen Playhouse will honor George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, as well as Sir Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, at its annual fundraising gala that is set to take place March 22.

“Backstage at the Geffen” is intended to raise money for several of the playhouse’s endeavors, including new play development, commissions and community outreach. The company said last year’s event raised more than $1.4 million.

David Geffen will serve as honorary chair of the event while Gil Cates Jr., who serves as vice chair of the board, will produce the gala.

Lucas and Hobson will receive the theater’s Distinction in Service Award for their philanthropic giving throughout the country. The couple has given extensively to schools and universities through his foundations.

The “Star Wars” filmmaker is involved with the creation of a new museum, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, in Chicago. The new institution, which is expected to open in 2018, will be devoted to the art of storytelling and will feature works of art from Lucas’ private collection.

John and Furnish will receive the Distinction in Theatre Award at the gala. The pop star has written the scores to three hit musicals -- “The Lion King,” “Billy Elliot” and “Aida.” The couple served as producers on the Broadway run of the play “Next Fall” by Geoffrey Nauffts, which later came to the Geffen.

Past gala honorees at the Geffen include Alan Horn, Barry Meyer, Les Moonves, Julie Andrews, Steve Martin, Helen Mirren and Kristin Chenoweth.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT