PASADENA PLAYHOUSE

TO HOST EVENTS FOR PASADENA JAZZ INSTITUTE,

LYRIC OPERA AND BLAIR IB SCHOOL

BEGINNING IN MAY 2010

Pasadena Playhouse today announced that the State Theater of California will host events beginning in May 2010 for Pasadena Jazz Institute, Lyric Opera and Blair IB School, as the organization continues its process of financial reorganization.

"As the Playhouse continues to go through its reorganization process, I am very happy that we have been able to find ways to keep the energy of the performing arts alive in our beautiful theatre. These three events will bring the rewards of great music of many kinds to audiences, and offer young people the thrill of performing in this great venue,” said Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. “This also represents a step in our exploration of the possibilities of greater use of our theatre as a performing arts complex that could well serve a number of disciplines in addition to the theatre company. This is a valuable concept that we have contemplated for many years, and very much in our thinking as we explore ways to move forward with greater success in the future."

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

JAZZ AT THE PLAYHOUSE
May 28-30, 2010
Produced by Pasadena Jazz Institute

BOND and other SPY CLASSICS on Friday, May 28 at 8:00 p.m. – Over 21 classic spy themes performed by the 17-member Pasadena Jazz Orchestra including themes from the Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Austin Powers and Bond....James Bond. Fun for the entire family.

BIRD with STRINGS on Saturday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. – Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker's seminal recording "Charlie Parker with Strings" is performed Live with members of the Pasadena Symphony and will feature saxophone great Lanny Morgan.

An Evening of GERSHWIN on Sunday, May 30 at 8:00 p.m. – Grammy Award-winner Bill Cunliffe brings in his trio to back four of Los Angeles’ finest vocalists in an evening celebrating the timeless music of George Gershwin including "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Embraceable You," among others.

For tickets to JAZZ AT THE PLAYHOUSE call 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

FREE pre-show jazz will be performed in The Engemann Family Courtyard at 7:00 p.m. each night by students from the Pasadena Jazz Institute.

Pasadena Jazz Insitute (PJI) was established almost ten years ago and has become one of the most active arts organizations in the region. From small ensemble concerts to big band shows featuring the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, in-school concerts and clinics, jazz camp and more, PJI has made a deep impact on the Pasadena music scene, keeping jazz alive for all generations.

OVATIONS
June 4-6, 2010
Produced by Kelley Oxley with the support of Blair Learns
Choreographed by Kevin Lee
Directed by Benita Scheckel

OVATIONS is a musical revue featuring song, dance and dialogue by the students of Blair IB School. This year’s show will include songs from the Tony Award-winning musicals Chicago and Little Shop of Horrors. It will also highlight numbers like Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Slumdog Millionaire’s “O Saya” and a Latin dance number choreographed by “Dancing with the Stars” choreographer Christian Perry.

Friday, June 4 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 at 3:00 p.m.

For tickets call Dianne Moore at 626-396-5820 ext. 80026, email dmoore@pusd.us or visit www.blair.pasadenausd.org.

Wagner’s Die Feen
June 11-19, 2010
Produced by Lyric Opera of Los Angeles

Lyric Opera of Los Angeles will perform a US premiere of Wagner's opera Die Feen (The Fairies). Die Feen is an opera in three acts. The German libretto was written by the composer after Carlo Gozzi's La donna serpente. Die Feen was Wagner's first completed opera, but remained unperformed in his lifetime. It has never established itself firmly in the operatic repertory although it receives occasional performances, on stage or in concert, most often in Germany. LOLA will present Die Feen as part of the Ring Festival LA, for which it has partnered with L.A. Opera.

Friday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m
Saturday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.

For tickets call 877-LOLA-OPERA or visit www.lyricoperala.org.

Media Coverage from Closing Night of

CAMELOT

February 7, 2010

Los Angeles Times

FOX NEWS

Pasadena Independent

A MESSAGE FROM PASADENA PLAYHOUSE

Pasadena Playhouse has been inundated with generous messages of support and many have offered to pledge money to help keep this venerable institution operational. We appreciate these efforts enormously. We will keep you posted about what is happening, and if there are any fundraising events or pledge drives created officially by Pasadena Playhouse or one of our generous partners.

Thank you.

Upcoming Hothouse Reading: THE COMMONS

Hey Hothouse Fans!

The Hothouse reading this week, PASTORAL, is currently sold out. But don't fear! We have another star-studded reading scheduled for performances just two weeks from now! Don't miss...

THE COMMONS
Written by Stephen Metcalfe
Directed by Art Manke

A man battles his neighbor to protect his ocean view.

Starring Beau Bridges and Jordan Bridges
and
Linda Gehringer, Kenneth Marshall, Susan Dalian, and Kevin Rahm

February 9-10, 2010, 8:00 p.m.

in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre.

A complimentary talkback and reception to follow.

About the Play: THE COMMONS is the story of an older couple in crisis. Dakin Adams, a retired school teacher, spends his days writing and sending his thoughts - his blogs - out into the void that is the internet. His wife, Macy, walks the dogs and gardens. It would seem the only thing they have in common anymore is their home and their memories and their love of "the view"- the Pacific Ocean as seen from the back deck of the house. But now their neighbor is selling and the new owner is coming in to tear down and rebuild - build "up" - and the view - and the fragile relationship of two people - is in ever increasing jeopardy.

About the Playwright: Stephen Metcalfe’s stage plays include LOVES & HOURS, VIKINGS, STRANGE SNOW, SORROWS AND SONS, PILGRIMS, HALF A LIFETIME, EMILY, WHITE LINEN, THE INCREDIBLY FAMOUS WILLY RIVERS, WHITE MAN DANCING, A WORLD OF THEIR OWN and THE GIFT TELLER. He has been produced in New York and at regional theaters through the United States as well as in Europe and Japan. Screen credits include HALF A LIFETIME(with Keith Carradine and Gary Busey), COUSINS (with Ted Danson and Isabella Rossellini), JACKNIFE (with Robert De Niro and Ed Harris), ROOMMATES (with Peter Falk and Julianne Moore) and BEAUTIFUL JOE (with Sharon Stone and Billy Connelly). He was a contributing writer on PRETTY WOMAN, ARACHNOPHOBIA, IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU and MR. HOLLAND’S OPUS. Other original screenplays include TIME FLIES, VEIL ON THE WATER, TENNESSEE VALLEY, THE OLD BOY, JONAH, THE INFIELD, SIGNIFICANT OTHERS, GRIM REAPER, SCYLLA, THE TRAGIC AGE, PASSING FANCY and AN INNOCENT ABROAD as well as numerous rewrites. He is an Associate Artist at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and has been a guest lecturer in dramatic writing at University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego and San Diego State University.

*A complimentary reception will be held immediately after each reading. Hothouse readings are FREE, but reservations are required.

Call the Box Office at (626) 356-7529.

Hothouse: Watch Plays Grow!

Photos From The Last Hothouse Reading - Lee Blessing's Brand New Play, MODERATION

Clockwise from top left: Daniel Kaemon, Marilyn McIntyre, Oz Scott (Director), LEE BLESSING (Playwright), Nick Cernoch, Jennifer Seifert, Granville Van Dusen as Warren Burger, Lawrence Pressman as Harry Blackmun

From left: Daniel Kaemon, Marilyn McIntyre, Lawrence Pressman as Harry Blackmun, Granville Van Dusen as Warren Burger, Jennifer Seifert, Nick Cernoch

Clockwise from top left: Daniel Kaemon, Marilyn McIntyre, Nick Cernoch, Jennifer Seifert, Granville Van Dusen as Warren Burger, Lawrence Pressman as Harry Blackmun

Clockwise from top left: Daniel Kaemon, Marilyn McIntyre, Nick Cernoch, Jennifer Seifert, Granville Van Dusen as Warren Burger, Lawrence Pressman as Harry Blackmun

Baby It's You! Cast Member Crystal Starr Knighton Announces New CD!

Crystal Starr's debut album contains hits like "Coldhearted", "Cake," and "I deserve to lose you," featuring gospel artist Jesse Stevenson. "I wanted to release an album that describes everything I am as a person and what influences me as a singer" Crystal states. The album is a great combination of rock pop and soul greatly interpreted by her strong vocal capabilities. Some people who have contributed to this album are Jennifer Hudson who wrote the song "what love would do" on her record, and Jolyon Skinner who wrote major hits for r&b artist Joe. Not only is Crystal's vocal range amazing but the production is also something to talk about as well. Produced by multi-platinum record producer Veit Renn, who has made hits for Jennifer Hudson, N Sync and Backstreet boys, he knew exactly what to do with Crystal. "Crystal Starr" the Debut album, definitely a record to have in your Collection!

LISTEN TO CRYSTAL'S MUSIC HERE

Next Hothouse Reading:

MODERATION

Written by Lee Blessing

Directed by Oz Scott

Justice Harry Blackmun redefines women’s rights with Roe v. Wade.

Starring Lawrence Pressman (American Pie, Doogie Howser M.D.) as Harry Blackmun

and Granville Van Dusen as Warren Burger

Also starring...

Daniel Kaemon

Nick Cernoch

Marilyn McIntyre

Jennifer Seifert

December 8-9, 2009, 8:00 p.m.

Carrie Hamilton Theatre
A complimentary reception to follow.

Based on Linda Greenhouse’s Becoming Justice Blackmun, Moderation examines the life and career of Harry Blackmun, a Nixon nominee to the Supreme Court who over nearly a quarter-century became that body’s most liberal member. Blackmun wrote the majority decision in Roe v. Wade and spent years working to fight off challenges to it. In doing so, he became one of the country’s most influential advocates for women’s rights. Moderation provides a peek into Blackmun’s past, tracking the ups and downs of his more than eighty-year friendship with Chief Justice Warren Burger. Blackmun’s Midwestern upbringing is also examined, providing clues to the values which guided his decisions throughout a long and controversial career on the Federal bench.

LEE BLESSING (Playwright): Lee is the author of A Walk in the Woods, nominated for Tony and Olivier Awards as well as the Pulitzer Prize. His work has twice won the Steinberg/American Theatre Critics’ Association Award, among many other honors. Recent plays include When We Go Upon the Sea, Great Falls, A Body of Water and an adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s Heaven’s My Destination, among others. He heads the graduate playwriting program at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. He is married to fellow playwright and TV writer Melanie Marnich.

OZ SCOTT (Director): Oz has been one of the most sought after directors for theatre, film and television for over two decades. He has worked at nearly every major regional theatre in the country including recent work at The Goodman, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage and Philadelphia Theatre Company. Oz Scott earned a Drama Desk award for his pivotal 1976 Broadway production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. Television writing credits include Archie Bunker's Place, Alice and The Jeffersons. He has directed episodes of The Cosby Show, Northern Exposure, LA Law, Hill Street Blues, Fame, CSI:NY, Boston Legal and many others. Feature film credits include Bustin Loose starring Richard Pryor. Scott has participated in the Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference for the past dozen years. He is also the recipient of an NAACP Image Award.

Over the past several years, many new plays and musicals first seen in Hothouse at the Playhouse – our new play development program – have gone on to full productions here at the Playhouse and other prestigious theatres around the country! Don’t miss the next readings in this HOT series!

Hothouse readings are FREE, but reservations are recommended.

Call the Box Office at (626) 356-7529
Hothouse: Watch Plays Grow!

Photos from the latest Hothouse reading!

Loretta Swit and Robert Forster

Playwright Joshua Ravetch, Loretta Swit, Nick Cernoch, Robert Forster

Loretta Swit and Robert Forster

Joshua Ravetch, Loretta Swit, Robert Forster

Hothouse readings are FREE!

Just call the box office at (626) 356-7529

HotHouse Reading: ONE NOVEMBER YANKEE

Written and Directed by

Joshua Ravetch

An ill-fated flight ignites a series of unlikely consequences.

Starring Academy Award nominee, Robert Forster (Jackie Brown) and two-time Emmy winner, Loretta Swit (TV's M*A*S*H*)

November 17-18, 2009

8:00 p.m.

A complimentary reception to follow.

En route to Florida, in perfect weather, a single-engine airplane 
disappears. A brother and sister were flying to their father's second
 wedding
, but without the ping of an emergency-locator-beacon, an 
extensive search of the Eastern Seaboard produces no trace of the
 wreckage. That tragic event ignites a series of unlikely consequences
 that span five years, nine states, and three families. But all may not
 be exactly what it would seem, as this play travels from the White
 Mountains of New Hampshire to the White Way of New York City, and it
 all begins with a serious martini, a Hirschfeld Cartoon, a dose of 
humor, and the ill-fated flight of, "ONE NOVEMBER YANKEE".

ROBERT FORSTER:
In 1997, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor as Max Cherry in Quentin Tarantino's "Jackie Brown". It has turned around a career that started 40 years ago and put him suddenly in great demand. Most recently, Robert starred alongside Ed Harris in the indie, “Touching Home,” and finished filming “The Code,” with Morgan Freeman and Antonio Banderas, and “The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” with Jennifer Garner and Matthew McConaughey. Other recent projects include “Dragon Wars,” the Harrison Ford film, "Firewall," "Lucky Number Slevin," "Wild Seven," Wes Craven's "Cursed," "Grand Theft Parsons," starring Johnny Knoxville, as well as "Confidence," "Like Mike," "Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle," David Mamet's "Lakeboat," directed by Joe Mantegna, and "Diamond Men," with Donnie Wahlberg.

Forster has been busy on the small screen as well -- in addition to his recent stint as Arthur Petrelli on NBC's "Heroes," he starred in the CBS TV film, "The Hunt for the BTK Killer," guest starred as Hank Azaria's father on Showtime's "Huff," Michael Madson's father on ESPN's "Tilt," and Peter Facinelli's father in McG's "Fastlane," and starred alongside Carla Gugino in the ABC series "Karen Sisco." Forster co-starred in the HBO Films production "Undefeated," directed by and starring John Leguizamo, the USA film "Murder in Greenwich," and the CBS TV film, "Like Mother, Like Son: The Strange Story of Sante and Kenny Kimes," with Mary Tyler Moore.

Independent films include "Outside Ozona," "Family Tree," "The Magic of Marciano," co-starring Nastassja Kinski and "It’s the Rage," with Joan Allen, Gary Sinise and Andre Braugher, as well as the MGM sci-fi film "Supernova," co-starring Angela Basset and James Spader, and the updated versions of Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho," directed by Gus Van Sant and a television version of "Rear Window," with Christopher Reeve. Forster went on to star in “Roads to Riches” with Rose McGowan, a modern-day film noir, and the present-day western, "Lone Hero."

Forster blazed on the scene in his debut film, in l966, in "Reflections in a Golden Eye," co-starring with Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor, directed by John Huston. He followed this in l968, with the seminal film, "Medium Cool," by Haskell Wexler. TV series include "Banyon." A native of Rochester, NY, Forster made his professional debut on Broadway in "Mrs. Dally Has A Lover." Other stage credits include "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Glass Menagerie," and productions of "Twelve Angry Men," "The Sea Horse," and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

LORETTA SWIT (Maggie/Margo/Mia):

As Major Margaret Houlihan of TV’s M*A*S*H*, Loretta became an American icon. She has received ten Emmy nominations and six Golden Globe nominations, and is a recipient of the People’s Choice Award, The Genie Award, The Silver Satellite Award, The Jean Golden Halo Award, the Pacific Broadcasters Award, and two Emmy Awards. She made her Broadway debut in Same Time, Next Year. After M*A*S*H* wrapped, she replaced Cleo Laine in The Mystery Of Edwin Drood. She has toured with national companies of Any Wednesday, and with two companies of Mame, having played both Agnes Gooch and the title role. She has appeared in over 1,000 performances of Shirley Valentine, a role for which she won the Sarah Siddons Award. Swit appeared in touring companies of the musical spoof, Song of Singapore, while performing select dates of Love Letters. She appeared in The Vagina Monologues in New York, Chicago and the West End in London. Film credits include Chris Cagney in the original Cagney and Lacey, Games Mother Never Taught You, Hell Hath No Fury, The Execution, Dreams of Gold, A Killer Among Friends, Stand Up and Be Counted, Freebie and the Bean, Race with the Devil, Beer, S.O.B., Whoops Apocalypse, The Lords of Tanglewood and Boardheads. TV musical specials include The Muppet Show and the Broadway musical It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman. Every year she can be seen in the annual specials The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Miracle At Moreaux, and A Christmas Calendar, aired worldwide during the holidays. She has just completed a tour of 42nd Street as Dorothy Brock, and most recently ended the season as Sister Aloysius in Doubt. Swit’s wildlife series, Those Incredible Animals, was shown twice weekly on the Discovery Channel for a five–year run, and was aired in over 30 countries. She is 1st Vice President of Actors and Others For Animals, and is actively involved in a number of other animal rights organizations.

Over the past several years, many new plays and musicals first seen in Hothouse at the Playhouse – our new play development program – have gone on to full productions here at the Playhouse and other prestigious theatres around the country! Don’t miss the next readings in this HOT series!

Hothouse readings are FREE, but reservations are required

Call the Box Office at (626) 356-7529

HotHouse: Watch Plays Grow!

Playhouse Friends Invite YOU!

BUY TICKETS!

Wicked Lit Play Reading Series!

Halloween night: 7:00pm

Playhouse Courtyard

FREE!

Come to a FREE play reading series on Halloween night in the Playhouse courtyard. Bring the whole family, but beware - these are spooky stories.

The performances will include:

• THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER by Edgar Allan Poe
• PIGEONS FROM HELL by Robert E. Howard
• A GHOST STORY by Mark Twain

Hope to see you there!

Pasadena Playhouse "Conversations With..." Speaker Series Hosts SERGIO MIELNICZENKO

Saturday, September 19, 2009

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Carrie Hamilton Theatre

Sergio Mielniczenko is the popular writer and producer of the Brazilian Hour Radio Program and host of Global Village Fridays (KPFK, 90.7). In his precise and placid, Portuguese-accented English, Sergio presents the best of samba, bossa nova, música popular Brasileira, Brazilian jazz. He coaxes his listening audience around unexpected corners -- and through regions and rituals and artists who fall off well-trammeled paths of bossa nova or jazz samba. As these things go, he is more than a bit of a ubiquitous dignitary, floating from festivals to tucked-away clubs to living room jam sessions. (BrazilianHour.org)

The Brazilian Hour takes listeners on a musical tour of its namesake land, with music ranging from jazz to samba, Brazilian pop, choro, and much more. Produced as a public service of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, the program began in 1978 to promote Brazilian music and culture in the United States. In 1981 the Brazilian Hour started a national distribution via satellite to all public radio stations in the United States. Currently The Brazilian Hour is produced in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. Streams live at KXLU Saturdays and Sundays 9-10:00am (SPT) on 90.7 KFSR.

Tickets

• FREE with a ticket to The Night is a Child
• General Admission - $5.00 at the door

To reserve a seat to CONVERSATIONS WITH… email bnewport@pasadenaplayhouse.org. Tickets to The Night Is A Child can be purchased at the Pasadena Playhouse box office (39 S. El Molino Avenue), by phone 626-356-PLAY, or online www.pasadenaplayhouse.org. Mention code HHCW to receive a 20% discount on select seats to the show.