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
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
We have no news on this show at the current time.
About the Theatre
Santa Monica Playhouse Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Santa Monica Playhouse?
Hit a grand slam with baseball hero “MATTY: an evening with Christy Mathewson” – bring the kids! (08/15/26-08/16/26)
Where is Santa Monica Playhouse located?
What shows have played recently at Santa Monica Playhouse?
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)
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 (06/06/26-08/30/26)
Shelley Fisher’s The Hebrew Hillbilly – Fifty Shades of Oy Vey! A “Spectacular!” theatre concert! (06/06/26-06/06/26)
Larry’s Back… True love never really forgets…a new play by Steve Stajich - one night only! (05/29/26-05/29/26)
Stand-up Jesus! Blessed be the Punchlines! Wine and Wafers (the vanilla kind) included! (05/23/26-08/22/26)
Jewish for Dinner (05/10/26-06/07/26)
|
Much Ado About Nothing McCadden Place Theatre (8/07-8/16) |
|
6 Out of 10 Theatre 68 (8/20-8/20) |
|
After the Blast The Broadwater Second Stage (8/05-8/13) |
|
Catch Me If You Can Colony Theatre (9/17-10/18) |
|
Emily Skinner: In Concert Feinstein's at the Nikko (8/14-8/15) |
|
Gershwin and the Golden Age Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) (10/11-10/11) |
|
John Lloyd Young Feinstein's at the Nikko (8/21-8/22) |
|
Julius Caesar Marin Shakespeare Company (8/14-9/13) |
|
Love, Loss and What I Wore Sawyer's Playhouse (8/08-8/30) |
|
A CINDERELLA Summer – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical for kids 2 to 102 Santa Monica Playhouse (6/06-8/30) |