The Pasadena Playhouse

Ariana Grande Teases 'Exciting' Stage Project
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 5, 2025

After the Wicked mania comes to an end, Ariana Grande is excited to return to her stage roots. The superstar, who plays Glinda in the two-part film, has shared that she will be appearing in a to-be-announced stage production. 

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE's Salina EsTitties JOins The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles For Holiday Show
by Stephi Wild - Nov 4, 2025

The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles will welcome former GMCLA member and 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 15's Salina EsTitties as a special guest artist for Los Angeles's beloved holiday spectacular.

Review: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA at Pasadena Playhouse
by Melissa Heckscher - Oct 21, 2025

Clowning meets catharsis: Julia Masli’s hit HA HA HA HA HA HA HA turns audience problems into performance art at the Pasadena Playhouse.

Review: EUREKA DAY at Pasadena Playhouse
by Evan Henerson - Sep 19, 2025

That lovely melodious “ka-boom!” you may be hearing down the 210 freeway emanates from the collision of strong wills, good intentions and a progressive ideology of five very conflicted characters.

Leslie Uggams to be Celebrated at Porchlight Music Theatre's 2025 ICONS GALA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 24, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed that multi-award winner Leslie Uggams is the 2025 ICON Award recipient and will attend the signature fundraising event. Learn more!

Interview: Sophie Pollono and Rhett Hemingway of THE FANTASTICKS
by Shari Barrett - Jul 19, 2025

Opening on July 18, directed by Elina de Santos at Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica, I decided to speak with the production’s leads Luisa and Matt, Sophie Pollono and Rhett Hemingway, about their journey to join the cast, their past experience with the musical, and their feelings about taking the story from the dreamy moonlight into the harsh reality of the Sun.

Pasadena Playhouse Unveils Expansion of Educational Offerings
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 9, 2025

Pasadena Playhouse has revealed the largest and broadest slate of community classes for all ages after the historic purchase of the Pasadena Playhouse campus. Learn more!

EUREKA DAY, AMADEUS And More Set for Pasadena Playhouse 2025/2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2025

Pasadena Playhouse has announced the Mainstage offerings for the 2025/2026 Season, kicking off with an all new Pasadena Playhouse production of Jonathan Spector's 2025 Tony Award-winning, razor-sharp satire Eureka Day.

Review: A DOLL’S HOUSE 2 at Pasadena Playhouse
by Harker Jones - May 22, 2025

Elizabeth Reaser gives a career-defining performance under the creative direction of Jennifer Chang in this utterly delightful triumph at the Pasadena Playhouse

Industry Pro Newsletter: Union Leader Condemns NEA Grant Terminations, The National Theatre Has a Global Vision
by Alex Freeman - May 5, 2025

This week, we look at AFM Local 802's response to NEA grant terminations and the impressive $7 million milestone reached by the WICKED tour for Broadway Cares. Stateside, we spotlight the just-announced nominees for the Tony Awards and celebrate the winners of the Lucille Lortel Awards for Off-Broadway excellence. Our Broadway analysis delves into April's box office figures, while we also celebrate Audra McDonald becoming the most Tony-nominated performer in history. Regionally, we cover a leadership transition at Central Florida Community Arts, and internationally, we explore the National Theatre's ambitious global vision.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Audience Trust in a Post-Election Environment, Full List of Outer Critics Circle Nominees
by Alex Freeman - Apr 28, 2025

This week, we'll look at Colleen Dilenschneider's latest data on audience trust in a post-election environment and explore the immersive possibilities of the new StagePlay mixed-reality app for live performances. In New York, Broadway's Outer Critics Circle nominations and a special Tony Award for Harvey Fierstein, and the abrupt closure of Life and Trust. Finally, we'll take a look at key developments in regional and international theater, from Philadelphia's TKTS success to legal challenges in Texas and more programming changes at the Kennedy Center.

Industry Pro Newsletter: A Look at Further Proposed Cuts at the National Level, The Leadership Carousel Continues Turning in NYC and Beyond
by Alex Freeman - Apr 21, 2025

This week we look at potential shifts in arts funding on a national level, exciting leadership changes at Queens Theatre and Kansas City Rep, and a look at both the celebratory reopening of a beloved New York venue and the charitable spirit of the Broadway community. We also examine efforts towards accessibility in regional theatre and confront the challenges of rising costs impacting the UK theatre scene, alongside a rather unusual incident of theatrical theft in Scotland.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Pasadena Playhouse's Comeback & The National Theatre Tries to Meet the Moment With More Backstage Training
by Alex Freeman - Apr 14, 2025

This week's newsletter examines key trends shaping the theatre world, beginning with an Actors' Equity report revealing increased contracts for actors of color alongside a decline for women. We then explore how social media is transforming dance, impacting both individual artists and established companies. Regionally, we celebrate the Pasadena Playhouse's regained control of its building and address community concerns over cuts to San Francisco's Dream Keeper Initiative, while also highlighting the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards. Internationally, we compare West End and Broadway attendance figures and address the UK's growing need for backstage professionals due to declining school drama programs.

Pasadena Playhouse Marks 100th Anniversary with Major Building Announcement
by Emmy Rice - Apr 6, 2025

The building was lost to bankruptcy in 1970 and held in private ownership for more than five decades. Check here for more information.

FINDING NEVERLAND Regional Premiere & More Set for OFC Creations Theatre 'Broadway In Brighton' 2025-2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2025

OFC Creations Theatre has announced the 2025-2026 Broadway in Brighton Series, back for a third year, after last season's lineup featured Tony and Emmy nominated actors from Hollywood and Broadway.

Stage Raw to Present its 2025 Stage Raw Awards Party
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 11, 2025

Now in its 11th year, Stage Raw will present its 2025 Stage Raw Awards Party on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Sassafras Saloon. Learn more about the awardees here!

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR. to be Presented at the Ahmanson Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2025

Center Theatre Group and Pasadena Playhouse will present a special, one-night-only, benefit performance of Altadena and Eliot Arts Magnet’s production of Shrek The Musical JR. Learn how to attend.

Oscar-Winner Gene Hackman Passes Away at 95
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 27, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Gene Hackman, prolific actor of the stage and screen and 2 time Oscar-winner, has passed away at 95 years old.

WAITRESS Cast Announced At The John W. Engeman Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 26, 2025

The John W. Engeman Theater has announced the cast and creative team of WAITRESS. Performances begin on Thursday, March 13, 2025, and run through Sunday,  April 27, 2025. 

Tituss Burgess and Andrew Barth Feldman Lead Broadway Stars in Disney's Live-Action SNOW WHITE
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 21, 2025

Broadway alums Tituss Burgess, Andrew Barth Feldman, George Salazar, Jason Kravits, Andrew Grotelueschen, and more will appear in the live-action remake of Disney's Snow White.