Jazz and more at the Pasadena Playhouse beginning in May

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director) 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."

Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, was established in 1917. In recent years, the Playhouse has become instrumental in launching new works and landmark revivals for the American Theatre. The Playhouse has displayed a commitment to cultural and theatrical diversity, which is reflected in seasons featuring Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays. Highlights since 2005 include the launch of the national tour of Purlie (with the Goodman Theatre), the world premiere of Sister Act the Musical (with the Alliance Theatre, which is now in its eleventh month in the West End), the world premiere of Ray Charles Live! (now titled Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical scheduled to open on Broadway in November 2010), and the world premiere of Looped starring Valerie Harper (opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre in March 2010).

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.

Schedule:
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.

Schedule:
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.