Who says LA doesn’t do theater?
Marisa Tomei, Rosanna Arquette, Lois Smith, Natasha Rothwell, Rob Morrow and a roster of film, television and theater performers gathered Tuesday night at The Wallis in Beverly Hills for THIS IS CRAZY!, a one-night-only benefit performance.
The play was written by Tony and Obie Award-winning playwright V, formerly known as Eve Ensler, and benefited the National Alliance on Mental Illness, with 100% of proceeds being said to go to the organization.
The production, which featured a series of monologues exploring mental illness, family, survival and the emotional complexities of the human experience, benefited the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The stage production was minimal, just five benches, letting the audience focus instead on the monologues.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: (L-R) Marisa Tomei and V attend the “THIS IS CRAZY!” performance to benefit The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on October 13, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for NAMI)
And on a night that followed the news about the loss of RJ Mitte, star of Breaking Bad, the show’s significance and impact was clear.
The show’s ensemble also included Rudy Pankow, Rachel Hilson, Colette Hayes, Luke Ferrari, Olivia Oguma, Carol Ades, Milo Maharlika and Michael Govan Hackett. Other stars in attendance who lent their support to the evening included Andy Buckley, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Ellen Barkin, Justin Sylvester, and more.
The event was conceived by CAA Community & Impact, formerly the CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Creative Artists Agency, in memory of talent manager Chris Huvane. The benefit was produced by Ruth-Ann Huvane, a mental health advocate and NAMI National Board member, and Tony Montenieri, executive producer of Lotus Productions.
“‘THIS IS CRAZY!’ was a powerful reminder that we are stronger together. Through storytelling, we opened hearts, challenged stigma, and created connection and hope.” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO, NAMI National; Jessica Wilson (Cruz), CEO, NAMI California; and Erin R. Ryan, CEO, NAMI Westside Los Angeles in a joint statement.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: Emmanuelle Chriqui attends the “THIS IS CRAZY!” performance to benefit The National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI) at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on October 13, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for NAMI)
“This extraordinary evening reflected the strength of NAMI—national, state, and local—coming together as one community. We are deeply grateful to V, the Huvane family, the remarkable cast, and everyone who made this evening possible. Together, we turned the power of storytelling into the power of community,” they further said.
“It makes us open our hearts and try to be there for people, and try to… try to help them,” Rob Morrow, who also performed in the show, added in our conversation on the carpet.
Among those attending were CAA co-chairman and managing partner Kevin Huvane, co-chairman Richard Lovett and Natalie Tran, head of CAA Community & Impact. Entertainment 360 partners Darin Friedman, Gabe Cohen, Justin Grey Stone, Eric Kranzler and Evelyn O’Neill were on hand, alongside members of the Huvane family, including Ruth-Ann Huvane, Declan Huvane, Michael Huvane and Stephen Huvane.
NAMI works to connect individuals and families affected by mental illness with support and resources. Through more than 650 state organizations and affiliates nationwide, the organization provides community-based assistance and works to ensure that people navigating mental health challenges do not have to do so alone.
More information about NAMI, THIS IS CRAZY! and ways to support the organization is available at NAMI.org.
