PLAYHOUSE ANNOUNCES SHOWS!

Pasadena Playhouse is pleased to announce the beginnings of a production schedule for Fall/Winter of 2010-2011.

Amahl and the Night Visitors -- December 16-18, 2010
Presented by Intimate Opera Company
An opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti
Menotti's beloved holiday classic "Amahl" is an inspiring story of healing and hops and is a musical event the entire family will enjoy.
Tickets go on sale August 20th. For more information call 626-274-7342

The Nutcracker Ballet -- December 28-31, 2010
Presented by Pasadena Dance Theater
An ensemble cast of over 80 dancers bring Clara's dream to life through Tchaikovsky's timeless score.
Tickets go on sale November 1 and will be available at www.pasadenadance.org or 626-683-3459

Dangerous Beauty -- January 2010, Performance Dates TBA
Directed by Sheryl Kaller
This new musical tells the tumultuous tale of Veronica Franco, a celebrated courtesan/poet of 16th century Venice. Forced to become a courtesan when her family fortune is lost, (preventing her from marrying the man she loves), Veronica ultimately embraces the courtesan life because it affords her extraordinary education and access. It is not long before she is the most influential woman in the cultural and political life of her beloved city. As Veronica's star rises, however, Veniceis ravaged by war, plague, and the Inquisition. When Veronica finds herself on trial for witchcraft, she realizes that only her personal integrity can save her. “DANGEROUS BEAUTY”is adapted from the New Regency screenplay “The Honest Courtesan”written by Jeannine Dominy, released as the film “Dangerous Beauty” and inspired by the scholarly book “The Honest Courtesan” by Margaret Rosenthal. Casting and ticket sales information for “DANGEROUS BEAUTY” will be announced at a later date.

PLAYHOUSE EMERGES FROM BANKRUPTCY!

NECESSARY ON-GOING FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

BEGIN WITH AN ANONYMOUS

$1 MILLION MATCHING PLEDGE CAMPAIGN

PASADENA, CA (July 8, 2010) – Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, announced that its Plan of Reorganization was approved yesterday by the United States Bankruptcy Court in Los Angeles and emerged from Chapter 11 after nearly two months. The Honorable Thomas B. Donovan presided.

"We are deeply grateful for the collective support that has allowed the Playhouse to expeditiously move through this difficult and sometimes painful process,” said Pasadena Playhouse Executive Director, Stephen Eich. “On this journey we found a new meaning to the word collaboration. The indefatigable efforts of our pro bono legal team Munger, Tolles, and Olson LLC, led by Thomas Walper, our pro bono financial advisors Alvarez & Marsal, led by Matt Kvarda, the City of Pasadena, our Board of Directors, and our small staff have all combined to create a plan to resurrect the Playhouse from years of unbearable debts. Although we will be moving slowly in the future to ensure financial responsibility and stability, we will in fact be back."

Mr. Eich further acknowledged the Playhouse's loyal subscribers and donors, many of whom have contributed money to ensure the future of the theatre. He said, "Without these loyal people, we would not be able to get through this difficult phase of the theatre's rebirth. Their generosity - both monetary and in spirit - have underscored the tremendous support and need for our Theatre and have helped us to keep moving forward towards our goal of restoring the Playhouse to the premier theatrical destination for both the City of Pasadena and the State of California.”

Earlier this year, Pasadena Playhouse received a matching pledge of $1 million by anonymous donors who read the news about the Playhouse’s decision to explore financial reorganization. The donors expressed how they were moved by the Playhouse’s desire to make the comprehensive courageous choices that were necessary to help the State Theater of California restructure its administrative operations in an effort to rid itself of long-standing debt. It was the donors’ want and need to help with the emergence of Pasadena Playhouse and their hope that others will step forward immediately to support the Playhouse’s essential on-going fundraising efforts to match or exceed their $1 million gift.

Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director, Sheldon Epps said, “We cannot fully enough express our profound gratitude to the precious anonymous $1 million donors, whose remarkably generous gift – and indeed the challenge to match that gift which comes with their pledge – will allow our beloved theatre to stand strong and proud as we move forward. All of this supernal effort from so many who care deeply about our theatre – which includes the artists who work here and our loyal audience and generous donors – is a great reminder of how valuable and important this theatre is to so many. This care and concern for this theatre and our work will allow the Playhouse to very soon get back to what it does best, which is filling our beautiful and glorious house with the art of the theatre."

Future plans, including a Fall 2010 production, will be announced at a later date.

For links to press coverage, go to www.pasadenaplayhouse.org