Kathy Shayna Shocket has the stories on the people who make a difference.

Kathy reports on dinner with Kevin Kline.

 To have dinner with Kevin Kline and a small group of those who appreciate the performing arts - it was Much A Do About something!

The Oscar and Tony winning actor has earned the right to be selective about his movie and theatre roles.So, the picture of Kevin mingling casually with 40 guests in Lisa and Ali Kahn’s Arizona backyard - speaks volumes of his philanthropic roles. 

Specifically, volumes of Shakespeare. 

 That’s because the private dinner with Kevin benefits the Southwest Shakespeare Company. Tickets started at $2,500 per couple. Kevin has donated his time to help SSC raise funds before, but the dinner was a first time effort for the organization. 

(Ali Khan, Lisa Khan, Talia Khan with Kevin)

  During the cocktail reception, guests had a chance to chat one-on-one with Kevin, then enjoy dinner poolside in the Khan's magnificent backyard, under the stars. As Kevin points out, Shakespeare is important today because the famous poet and playwright’s work speaks to the human condition. 

The dinner followed two other events, including an afternoon tea benefit in Mesa, at which Kevin shared anecdotes from his big screen and on stage career, and an event the evening prior in Phoenix, full of engaging conversation.

The funds are earmarked for the “Fund the Future” program. Jared Sakren, SSC’s Producing Artistic Director emphasizes that the company’s extensive outreach, education and teaching programs (touring company, student workshops and field trips) are vital to exposing children to Shakespeare.   

  Kevin’s amazing acting versatility; ranging from films such as “Sophie’s Choice,” “Dave,” and “A Fish Called Wanda” for which he won the Oscar for his performance) lies in part in his roots at the Juilliard School.

 Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance writer and TV-Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She’s a former TV-Reporter who’s also written for national publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, the Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it