Pasadena Playhouse to reopen in fall

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director) is pleased to announce the beginnings of its production plans through January 2011. The Playhouse will present the new musical DANGEROUS BEAUTY in January 2011 and will host two holiday favorites in December 2010 – AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS presented by The Intimate Opera Company and THE NUTCRACKER BALLET presented by Pasadena Dance Theatre. Plans for the fall 2010 production are being currently determined.

"I am very happy that we will have the honor to bring to the stage of the Playhouse the new musical DANGERGOUS BEAUTY, which has been created by an incredibly exciting creative team. This wonderful production has not only dazzling theatricality and great entertainment values, but also great contemporary resonance, which makes it vitally relevant and exciting,” said Sheldon Epps, Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director. “I am thrilled to collaborate with this gifted creative team, many of whom are artists who are valuable members of the Los Angeles theatre community, on a project that had its early development here in Southern California.”

Epps added, “I also warmly welcome to our stage the productions brought to us by The Intimate Opera Company and Pasadena Dance Theatre. This is rich holiday entertainment to be sure. In addition, this kind of programming further extends the concept that we've contemplated of greater use of our beautiful theatre as a true performing arts center. It is our pleasure to host these companies who will welcome their own audiences to our theatre and undoubtedly entertain our supporters as well."

Pasadena Playhouse, which recently announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court approved their financial reorganization plan, will continue operations slowly as the company takes the necessary steps to ensure stability. An aggressive $1 million matching pledge campaign has begun to help raise funds for the Playhouse’s long-term future.

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

FALL 2010
A fall 2010 production to be announced at a later date.

DECEMBER 16 – 18, 2010
AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS
Presented by The Intimate Opera Company
An opera in one act by Gian Carlo Menotti
Starring Suzanna Guzman as the Mother*
Directed by Stephanie Vlahos

Menotti’s beloved holiday classic AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS is the story of how the lives of a poor shepherd boy and his Mother are changed forever when they are visited unexpectedly by the Three Wise Men. This inspiring story of healing and hope is a musical event the entire family will enjoy.

Tickets for AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS go on sale August 20. Ticket prices are $35 - $100 and will be available at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org. For additional information call 626-274-7342.

*Suzanna Guzman will perform on December 16th and 17th only.

DECEMBER 24 – 31, 2010
THE NUTCRACKER BALLET
Presented by Pasadena Dance Theatre (Artistic Director, Cynthia Young)
Choreography by Cynthia Young
Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

An ensemble cast of over 80 dancers bring Clara’s dream to life through Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Pasadena Dance Theatre’s NUTCRACKER has been enjoyed by families for over 25 years. Be delighted and charmed by the magical dancing doll and jester. Root for the Nutcracker as he comes to life with his army of toy soldiers and live cannon in the historical battle with the Rat King and his gang of mice. Melt with the snow and waltz with the flowers, as this annual favorite brings the joy of the season to young and old alike.

Tickets for THE NUTCRACKER BALLET go on sale November 1. Ticket prices are $20 - $75 and will be available at www.PasadenaDance.or g or 626-683-3459.

JANUARY 2011
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
Book and Verse by Jeannine Dominy
Lyrics by Amanda McBroom
Music by Michele Brourman
Directed by Sheryl Kaller
Choreography by Benoit-Swan Pouffer
Vocal Arrangements by AnnMarie Milazzo

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, Venice is 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. Based on a true story, DANGEROUS BEAUTY is filled with politics, poetry and passion.

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.

Performance dates, casting and ticket sales information for DANGEROUS BEAUTY will be announced at a later date.

Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. For general information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org or call 626-356-7529.