Archived entries for The Pasadena Playhouse

Announcing: ‘One Starry Night’ Benefit for ALS Association at the Pasadena Playhouse – January 13, 2014

ONE STARRY NIGHT
Hollywood and Broadway Stars Come Together to Fight ALS
at The Pasadena Playhouse

One Night Only Benefit Performance
Monday, January 13, 2014 at 8pm

Co-Producers Juliana Hansen and Jonathan White will present a one night only benefit performance, ONE STARRY NIGHT: Hollywood and Broadway Come Together to Fight ALS, on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 8pm, hosted by The Pasadena Playhouse. The evening will also include a silent auction and VIP post-show meet-and-greet. Proceeds will provide critical funding for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter’s mission priorities in care services, public policy, and cutting-edge global research toward treatments and cure.

ONE STARRY NIGHT: Hollywood and Broadway Come Together to Fight ALS will be directed by Grammy Award-nominee Bruce Kimmel, with musical direction and orchestrations by Richard Allen. The evening will feature performances by (in alphabetical order) Obba Babatunde, James Barbour, Kay Cole, Daisy Eagan, Crow Garrett, Jason Graae, Ilene Graff, Juliana Hansen, Melora Hardin, Jean Louisa Kelly, Jason and Nolan Livesay, Gary Morgan and The Flying Morgans, Karen Morrow, James Mulligan, Reagan Pasternak, Jonathan Pendragon, Christy Carlson Romano, Joan Ryan, Rex Smith, Charlene Tilton, and Terri White, with more to be announced.

“The ALS community is grateful to Juliana Hansen and Jonathan White for their creativity and dedication in the fight against ALS,” said Fred Fisher, President and CEO of The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. “While there has been significant progress in recent years, people with ALS and their loved ones still have far more questions than answers. Today, the groundbreaking work of scientists continues to inspire confidence that there will soon be greater advancements in understanding the causes of the disease, developing new treatments and ultimately finding a cure.”

“As often as possible, we open the doors of our beautiful theatre in support of worthy causes,” said Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse. “I am sure that this will be an entertaining and exciting evening that will raise funds for vital research in an important area. All of us at The Playhouse are happy to participate in this noble effort.”

“I am so excited to be working on an event supporting The ALS Association,” said co-producer Jonathan White. “My inspiration to do so came many years ago when a member of my extended family left college to be the primary caregiver for her father when he was diagnosed with ALS. Years later, I became more aware of Lou Gehrig’s disease and the incredible support network of people it takes to manage it. The opportunity to collaborate on a charitable event with brilliant performers, as well as compassionate human beings with a hearts of gold, was irresistible.”

Said co-producer Juliana Hansen, “When the idea was presented to me of creating an event that would bring both Hollywood and Broadway entertainers together to give a stronger voice to such a worthy cause, I was instantly, wholeheartedly on board. My childhood friend lost her father to ALS, another dear friend lost his aunt, and my colleague’s mother is battling it right now. To be even a small part of helping spread the word and to raise money to continue to find a cure is truly important to me.”

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. People with ALS eventually lose the ability to initiate and control muscle movement, which often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis. For unknown reasons, veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS as the general population. There is no cure, and only one drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration modestly extends survival.

The mission of The ALS Association is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig’s disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The ALS Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in the state of Hawaii. For more information visit www.alsagoldenwest.org.

ONE STARRY NIGHT: Hollywood and Broadway Coming Together to Fight ALS will take place on Monday, January 14, 2014 at 8pm at The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena, 91101. Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $25—$100, with premium seating available at $250. The VIP post-show meet and greet is available for an additional $75. To purchase online go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org/onestarrynight. Tickets are also available via phone at (626) 356-7529 and in person at The Pasadena Playhouse box office (visit website for hours).

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10-30-13

Announcing: Final Week of ‘A Snow White Christmas’ at The Pasadena Playhouse

FINAL WEEK OF PERFORMANCES FOR
THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE & LYTHGOE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS’
A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS
12 PERFORMANCES REMAIN THROUGH DECEMBER 30 ONLY

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director), announces the final week of performances for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS, through December 30 only. This inaugural production of the new Panto at The Playhouse holiday series has been playing to nearly sold-out houses and has become the season’s new hot family entertainment ticket.

An updated version of the classic tale, in the style of a traditional British family Panto, A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS features family-friendly magic with a comedic twist, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), a live miniature pony, and contemporary music from Katy Perry’s “Firework” to Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and more. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humor that appeals to everyone from ages 2 – 102. Beginning 90 minutes before every performance, audiences are invited to enjoy a “Winter Wonderland” event in The Playhouse’s Engemann Family Courtyard, complete with holiday music, crafts, activities, games and photos with Santa.

Lythgoe Family Productions produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience the whole family can share.

The cast for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS features Ariana Grande, Neil Patrick Harris, Charlene Tilton, Curt Hansen, Jonathan Scott Meza, and David Figlioli. In addition to director Bonnie Lythgoe, the creative team for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS includes choreography by Spencer Liff (Emmy nominee for “So You Think You Can Dance”), musical direction, additional music, and arrangements by Michael Orland (“American Idol”), book by Kris Lythgoe, scenic and costume design by Lythgoe Family Productions creative department, with additional costume design by Julia Clancy, Donna Maas and Kleev Guessford, additional scenic design by J.J. Wickham (LFP producers include Kris Lythgoe, Bonnie Lythgoe, Becky Baeling and Jason Haigh-Ellery).

A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS will play through December 30 only. The performance schedule is as follows: Monday 12/24 at 11am and 3pm; Wednesday 12/26 at 7pm; Thursday 12/27 at 3pm and 7pm; Friday 12/28 at 3pm and 7pm; Saturday 12/29 at 11am, 3pm, and 7pm; and Sunday 12/30 at 11am and 3pm. Single ticket prices for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS range from $32.00 – $72.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00. Child single tickets are available for Rear Orchestra and Rear Mezzanine seating ranging from $22.00 – $47.00.

Family ticket packages are available at $99.00 (weekday performances, Rear Orchestra), $159.00 (weekday, Front Orchestra/Front Mezzanine; weekend, Rear Orchestra) and $199.00 (weekend and Christmas Eve, Front Orchestra/Front Mezzanine). Golden Tickets are available as an add-on to any child’s ticket for an additional $100.00 each and are limited to 10 Golden Tickets per performance. A Golden Ticket allows the ticket holder (children only) a special on-stage experience during the production. Admission to the “Winter Wonderland” event is complimentary to all ticket holders, and begins 90 minutes before every performance.  Service and theatre restoration fees apply to all purchases. Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org. Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161.

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. For additional information, visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

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12-23-2012

Announcing: Third and Final Week and Student Matinees Added for “A Snow White Christmas” at The Pasadena Playhouse

EXTRA HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE WEEK ADDED FOR
THE PASADENA PLAYHOUSE AND
LYTHGOE FAMILY PRODUCTIONS’
A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS

THREE STUDENT MATINEES ALSO ADDED FOR
PUBLIC SCHOOLCHILDREN AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT WILL NOW PLAY
DECEMBER 12 – 30, 2012

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Doran, Executive Director) and Lythgoe Family Productions, announced today that, due to popular demand, an extra week of holiday performances of A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS has been added for this limited engagement.  Performances will begin December 13 and continue through December 30, with a gala press opening night on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at The Pasadena Playhouse.  Three student matinees have also been added on December 13, 14 and 20.

The production stars Ariana Grande (Nickelodeon’s “Victorious”) as “Snow White,” an on-screen appearance by Neil Patrick Harris as “The Magic Mirror” and Charlene Tilton (“Dallas”) as “The Wicked Queen.”  This inaugural “Panto at The Playhouse” production of A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS will be directed by Bonnie Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”) with choreography by Spencer Liff (Emmy nominee, “So You Think You Can Dance”) and musical direction, additional music and arrangements by Michael Orland (“American Idol”).

Three student matinees have been also added on December 13, 14 and 20 at 12:00 p.m.  These performances will host underprivileged schoolchildren and youth organizations from the Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles areas.  The student matinees are provided at no cost to the students and bus transportation is fully sponsored by Ovation, who is also premiering the making of The Lythgoe Family’s A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS – “A Snow White Christmas: Opening Night” – on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific/8:00 p.m. Eastern.  Check local listings for details.  Proceeds from opening night gala patron sales will fund this student matinee program.  For information on supporting the student matinees as a patron, contact Kim Ruppert at kruppert@pasadenaplayhouse.org.

Lythgoe Family Productions produces fun, musical theatre the whole family can enjoy. Known for their creativity and involvement in television hits “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Lythgoes are dedicated to bringing affordable theatre to families across America. Based on the Grimm fairytales, each story has been modernized with topical scripts for parents and well known pop songs for kids. The Lythgoes pride themselves on creating a memorable experience the whole family can share.

An updated version of the classic tale, in the style of a traditional British family Panto, A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS features family-friendly magic, with a comedic twist, dancing (with “So You Think You Can Dance” alumni), a live miniature pony and contemporary music from Katy Perry’s “Firework” to Huey Lewis and the News’ “Power of Love” to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and more. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humor that appeals to everyone from ages 2 – 102!  Before every performance, guests and their families are invited to enjoy a “Winter Wonderland” event in The Playhouse’s Engemann Family Courtyard, complete with holiday music, crafts, activities, games and photo opportunities.

In addition to director Bonnie Lythgoe, the creative team for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS includes choreography by Spencer Liff (Emmy nominee for “So You Think You Can Dance”), musical direction, additional music and arrangements by Michael Orland (“American Idol”), book by Kris Lythgoe, scenic and costume design by Lythgoe Family Productions creative department with additional costume design by designer Julia Clancy, Donna Maas and Kleev Guessford, additional scenic design by J.J. Wickham  (LFP producers include Kris Lythgoe, Bonnie Lythgoe, Becky Baeling and Jason Haigh-Ellery).

A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS will play from December 13 – 30, 2012 with a gala press opening on Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.  The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.  The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  There are no performances on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 18 and 19 as well as Christmas Day.  A special Christmas Eve performance will take place on December 24 at 7:00 p.m.  Single ticket prices for A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS range from $32.00 – $72.00, with Premium Seating available for $100.00.  Child single tickets are available for Rear Orchestra and Rear Mezzanine seating ranging from $22.00 – $47.00.  Family ticket packages are available at $99.00 (weekday performances, Rear Orchestra), $159.00 (weekday, Front Orchestra/Front Mezzanine; weekend performances, Rear Orchestra) and $199.00 (weekend and Christmas Eve, Front Orchestra/Front Mezzanine).  Golden Tickets are available as an add-on to any child’s ticket for an additional $100.00 each and are limited to 10 Golden Tickets per performance.  A Golden Ticket allows the ticketholder (children only) a special on-stage experience during the production.  Admission to the “Winter Wonderland” event is complimentary to all ticket holders (select activities require an additional purchase) and begins 90 minutes before every performance.  Service and theatre restoration fees apply to all purchases.  Tickets are available by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday – Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates.  On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets are available 24 hours online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.  Group Sales (8 or more) are available by calling 626-921-1161. For additional information visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

Full bios for the cast and creative team of A SNOW WHITE CHRISTMAS are available upon request.

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10-29-2012