Sierra Madre Playhouse (Photo – W.K.)
Sierra Madre Playhouse will host a special comedy night on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 8:00 pm, to benefit Public Displays of Altadena (PDA), the beloved 35-seat micro-theater tragically destroyed in the Eaton Canyon Fire.
By News Desk
The one-night-only event promises an evening of laughter and community, with all ticket sales and donations going directly toward rebuilding PDA, a vital space for experimental theater and daring performances.
The comedy benefit show, hosted by comedian Frank Sriracha, features a powerhouse lineup of talented performers. Comedy legend Maria Bamford, known for Netflix’s Lady Dynamite and BoJack Horseman, groundbreaking comedian Melissa Villaseñor, Saturday Night Live’s first Latina cast member, and actor/comedian Whitmer Thomas of HBO’s Whitmer Thomas: The Golden One will bring their unique humor to the stage. The artists, known for their fearless and unconventional performances, perfectly embody the spirit of PDA—where risk, truth, and human connection through performance were always embraced.
“PDA wasn’t just a venue—it was a movement,” said Matt Cook, Artistic and Executive Director of Sierra Madre Playhouse. “It was a place where performers could take risks, fail boldly, and create moments of true artistic brilliance. The loss of PDA is a loss for all of us in the theater community. We are deeply honored to stand beside them at this moment, helping to ensure that their vision for fearless, boundary-pushing performance will live on.”
PDA’s co-founders, Clair Woolner and Kevin Kreiger, expressed their gratitude for Sierra Madre Playhouse’s support in hosting the event. “We are extremely grateful for the tremendous assistance of Sierra Madre Playhouse,” they said. “When PDA was tragically destroyed in the fire, we lost an extraordinary, vibrant, inclusive space for everyone. We’re asking for your support as we navigate this difficult time and pick up the pieces. With your generosity, we pledge to rebuild PDA and come back stronger and more resilient.”
Founded in 2022 by Woolner and Kreiger, PDA quickly became a revolutionary space for alternative performance, offering a home for comedians, actors, musicians, and storytellers to experiment and connect. However, the January 7, 2025, Eaton wildfire devastated the theater, reducing it to ashes and taking with it a thriving community and years of creative work. Despite this loss, Woolner and Kreiger remain committed to rebuilding PDA and continuing its legacy of artistic innovation.
“Your support will help us honor what PDA stood for and allow us to continue creating a home for artistry and belonging,” they said. “Thank you for helping us keep the spirit of PDA alive.”
Star-Studded Comedy to benefit Public Displays of Altadena (PDA) Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 8:00 pm Location Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 W Sierra Madre Blvd Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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