The Pasadena Playhouse News

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Ensemble Theatre Company has announced additional casting for an add-on production to its season, the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS, written by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jay Martel and directed by Andy Fickman.

Pasadena Playhouse will launch three theater camps for Summer 2025, as part of the Playhouse’s second year of Education Programs serving over 250 students this summer. Learn how to enroll!

Boston Court Pasadena opens the world premiere production of Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts, written by John Anthony Loffredo and directed by Zi Alikhan on Saturday, March 1.

Yacht Rock favorites, a “wickedly” good concert and a return to one of the most famous Winter Dance parties ever are the highlights of Bucks County Playhouse’s Visiting Artists Series events this February. Learn how to attend.

Ensemble Theatre Company in association with J. Todd Harris will present an add-on production to its season, Sharon Lawrence starring in the world premiere of a new comedy, PARENTS IN CHAINS.

The Fountain Theatre will present the Los Angeles premiere of Alabaster, a funny and poignant new play about healing and the power of women by Audrey Cefaly. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.

Buffalo Theatre Ensemble completes its 2024-2025 season with the timely comedy “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías, directed by Steve Scott, Thursday, Jan. 30 – Sunday, March 2. There will be a preview at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. 

The Fountain Theatre will present the Los Angeles premiere of Alabaster, a funny and poignant new play about healing and the power of women by Audrey Cefaly. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Lythgoe Family Panto is making its return to the Los Angeles area with John O’Hurley as “Captain Hook” in PETER PAN AND TINKER BELL: A PIRATE’S CHRISTMAS. See photos from the production here!

Pinkleton has thrown every prop gimmick and novel idea in the book at the show, and in the process has disrupted the stuff that simply works about the piece.

Discover the full cast for PETER PAN & TINKER BELL: A PIRATES CHRISTMAS, opening December 13 at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks.

AMERICAN IDIOT has become the highest-grossing musical at the Mark Taper Forum. The production is set to play its final performance this weekend. Learn more here!