'TWIST: An American Musical' Extends Through 7/24 at The Pasadena Playhouse

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director) announced today that the West Coast premiere of TWIST - An American Musical will extend one week, through July 24, 2011.

Based on Charles Dickens' classic Oliver Twist, this heartwarming family musical features a book by Tony Award-nominee William F. Brown (Broadway's The Wiz - winner of seven Tony Awards) and Tina Tippit, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Tena Clark (Natalie Cole's Still Unforgettable), music by Gary Prim (songwriter for Dionne Warwick and CeCe Winans) and directed and choreographed by Golden Globe and multi-Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen (Broadway and the West Ends' Cat on A Hot Tin Roof - 2010 Olivier Award for Best Revival of a Play and TV's "Fame"). TWIST is presented in association with TAM Producing Partners - Skyline Pictures (Michelle Seward & Dror Soref), Edgework Productions (Willette Klausner), and GGE Live (Gary Goddard & Forbes Candlish). Performances began June 14, 2011 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino).

"I am so pleased that the tremendous demand at the box office since the very first preview has encouraged this decision," said Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "As it has since the first performance, TWIST will continue to fill our theatre with theatrical energy and bring joy to audiences of all ages. My gratitude to the cast and the entire creative team for giving us this spectacular summer success!"

TWIST - An American Musical is a timely adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel with a contemporary score, set in New Orleans on the eve of the Great Depression. TWIST tells the story of a young orphan boy born of a courageous white mother and an incredibly talented black father, who navigates the colorful and sometimes rough waters of street life and racial indifference in his quest to find his family and to find love.

The score for TWIST features the musical pulse of New Orleans in the 1920's and is highlighted by a tapestry of soaring ballads, hot jazz, blues, gospel and tap-infused dance numbers that will take audiences along this magical journey.

TWIST is now performing at The Pasadena Playhouse through July 24, 2011. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. The performance schedule is Wednesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Schedule notes: There will be two Wednesday matinees scheduled on July 6 and July 13; Tuesday evening performances on July 5 and July 12 have been cancelled; the Saturday matinee on July 23 is at 2:00 p.m. instead of 4:00 p.m. Regular ticket price range is from $49.00 - $79.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00. Rush tickets are available for $20.00 one hour prior to the performance time and are subject to availability. Rush tickets must be purchased at The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Monday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on performance dates. The box office is closed on holidays. Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org. Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or www.TwistTheMusical.com.