STAGE

Staging Benefits: The Children’s Defense Fund, which works on behalf of poor, minority and disabled youngsters, will benefit from the opening night of “Paul Robeson” Wednesday at the Westwood Playhouse. Avery Brooks stars in the play, based on the life of the controversial singer-actor and black activist. . . . And, AIDS Project Los Angeles will benefit from the eighth annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event--a tribute to composer Irving Berlin--Feb. 7-8 at the downtown Embassy Theatre. The performers include Lainie Kazan, Treat Williams, Gogi Grant, Alan Rachins, Donna McKechnie and Patrick Cassidy.