Pasadena Playhouse, June 2021 (Photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)
Pasadena Playhouse, recently honored with the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award and officially recognized as the State Theater of California, has announced an ambitious and wide-ranging 2025-2026 season.
By Katlyn Ong
Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman unveiled a lineup of daring new productions, celebrated classics, and imaginative youth programming that promises to energize audiences of all ages.
The upcoming Mainstage season begins with a fresh Pasadena Playhouse production of Eureka Day (Sept. 10 – Oct. 5, 2025), the 2025 Tony Award-winning satire by Jonathan Spector. Set in a progressive private school in Berkeley, the play dives into chaos as a mumps outbreak exposes deep ideological divides over vaccination—offering a hilariously sharp take on modern discourse.
Following in the fall is Peter Shaffer’s legendary Amadeus (Nov. 19 – Dec. 14, 2025), a richly dramatic and witty portrayal of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri. Spring 2026 features a world premiere adaptation of Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon, reimagined by Alexandra Silber with a newly updated script and lavish production elements. In the summer, the groundbreaking musical Mexodus, created and performed by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, takes the stage. The hip-hop-infused, live-looped performance brings to life a little-known part of American history—African Americans seeking freedom by heading south to Mexico during the era of slavery. A fifth Mainstage production will be announced at a later date.
“Our new season is fueled by the energy of owning our home again,” said Feldman. “It is bold, ambitious, and vibrant, offering the full spectrum of what theater can be—from toddlers to lifelong theater lovers.”
In addition to its Mainstage offerings, Pasadena Playhouse is presenting innovative programming for young audiences. Song of the North (Spring 2026), a visually stunning multimedia performance by Hamid Rahmanian, reimagines the Persian epic Shahnameh through shadow puppetry and projected animation for children ages 6–12 and their families. Meanwhile, The Lizard & El Sol, an interactive bilingual experience adapted from a Mexican folktale and performed primarily in Spanish, will be presented in the Playhouse Courtyard and in local Pasadena parks. Designed for children ages 0–5, this joyful story emphasizes resilience and community.
This season marks a major turning point for the institution. For the first time in over 50 years, Pasadena Playhouse owns its historic campus, signaling a renewed commitment to artistic freedom and long-term investment in the local community.
Memberships, offering early access, discounts, and flexible attendance options, are now on sale starting at $310. For more information, visit pasadenaplayhouse.org or call 626-356-7529.
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