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BIG HAIR; a Rad & Wild Love Affair – the dynamic love story of Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder at Santa Monica Playhouse
Dates: 11/16/2025
📍 Theatre: Santa Monica Playhouse
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-394-9779
Tickets: Free as part of the Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of Free Theatre – includes a closing night refreshments reception with the artist
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Join us for the 10th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Oct 14 – Nov 16, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering over 36 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. The Playhouse proudly presents Maegan Mandarino’s celebration of the joy, complexity, and humanity of two titans of comedy, bringing their unforgettable legacy to life in a way that feels as fresh as it is timeless.
“A powerful testament to Mandarino’s talent, her vision and her sensitivity as a writer and performer.” BroadWorld.com.
It’s a whirlwind of laughter, music, and heartfelt storytelling, a theatrical spectacle that invites audiences to step into the touching, and surreal world of two comedy legends—Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder—explored through their larger-than-life personas and the dynamic love story that tied them together. A blend of absurdist theater and vaudeville-inspired musical numbers, BIG HAIR captivates audiences with its witty humor, emotional depth, and a dash of nostalgia. Interwoven with rare film and interview clips, the production offers a glimpse into the untamed comedy and tender romance that defined the lives of these two icons. It’s a show that promises laughs, tears, and a lingering sense of "what could have been."
Pal Mel Productions proudly supports Big Hair, continuing Gene Wilder’s legacy by championing artist-driven works and celebrating his spirit through storytelling, social media, and philanthropic events. Follow them on Instagram @genewilder_official or at their website GeneWilderOfficial.com
Post show Closing Night Wine & Refreshments Reception with the cast
Binge on Theatre this Fall – give your couch a rest!
Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation and Playhouse PALS.
News About BIG HAIR; a Rad & Wild Love Affair – the dynamic love story of Gilda Radner and Gene Wilder at Santa Monica Playhouse
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Santa Monica Playhouse Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Santa Monica Playhouse?
Stand-up Jesus! Blessed be the Punchlines! Wine and Wafers (the vanilla kind) included! A hilariously heavenly evening of laughter (09/19/26-11/28/26)
Dinner with Friends (09/26/26-09/27/26)
Boston Marriage (10/02/26-10/24/26)
My Lawyer is an ANGEL (there really is such a thing) Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy – four encore performances only! (10/10/26-10/18/26)
Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre (10/13/26-11/20/26)
Letter from David (10/18/26-12/20/26)
Dinner with Friends (09/26/26-09/27/26)
Boston Marriage (10/02/26-10/24/26)
My Lawyer is an ANGEL (there really is such a thing) Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy – four encore performances only! (10/10/26-10/18/26)
Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre (10/13/26-11/20/26)
Letter from David (10/18/26-12/20/26)
Where is Santa Monica Playhouse located?
Santa Monica Playhouse is at 1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA.
What shows have played recently at Santa Monica Playhouse?
2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo F2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102 amily Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102 (09/12/26-09/13/26)
Hit a grand slam with baseball hero “MATTY: an evening with Christy Mathewson” – bring the kids! (08/15/26-08/16/26)
One Foot in Front of the Other (08/02/26-08/02/26)
Fool for Love (07/23/26-07/26/26)
Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event (06/20/26-06/21/26)
Club Open-Mike – a Theatre R.A.W. world premiere comedy (06/15/26-06/16/26)
My Lawyer is an Angel – chasing the ambulance chasers off the road! Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy (06/13/26-08/23/26)
HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT - A Feel Bad Comedy (06/12/26-06/14/26)
Shelley Fisher’s The Hebrew Hillbilly – Fifty Shades of Oy Vey! A “Spectacular!” theatre concert! (06/06/26-06/06/26)
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 (06/06/26-08/30/26)
Hit a grand slam with baseball hero “MATTY: an evening with Christy Mathewson” – bring the kids! (08/15/26-08/16/26)
One Foot in Front of the Other (08/02/26-08/02/26)
Fool for Love (07/23/26-07/26/26)
Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event (06/20/26-06/21/26)
Club Open-Mike – a Theatre R.A.W. world premiere comedy (06/15/26-06/16/26)
My Lawyer is an Angel – chasing the ambulance chasers off the road! Jerry Mayer’s world premiere serious comedy (06/13/26-08/23/26)
HOLLYWOOD TREATMENT - A Feel Bad Comedy (06/12/26-06/14/26)
Shelley Fisher’s The Hebrew Hillbilly – Fifty Shades of Oy Vey! A “Spectacular!” theatre concert! (06/06/26-06/06/26)
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 (06/06/26-08/30/26)
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Dinner with Friends Santa Monica Playhouse (9/26-9/27) |
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Gershwin and the Golden Age The Soraya (10/11-10/11) |
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It's A Lot Lyric Hyperion Theater & Cafe (9/17-9/19) |
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Melt : The Play The Marilyn Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute (9/24-10/02) |
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New Works Festival Shoebox Theatre (9/11-9/26) |
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Our Man in Santiago by Mark Wilding Odyssey Theatre Ensemble (9/10-9/20) |
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Worthy The Un-Erasable Solo Festival - Willie Agee Playhouse (9/12-9/25) |
