The Pasadena Playhouse News

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.