Of Mice and Men Video Interview

BroadwayWorld.com has posted a terrific video featuring interviews with Director Paul Lazarus and lead actors David Noroña and Al Espinosa as well as B roll clips from the play .

Click here to check out the video.

"An electrifying theatre experience" in the Carrie Hamilton!

The critics are raving, once again, about Furious Theatre Company's revival of their inaugural production, Saturday Night at the Palace. The show must close May 31. Don't miss this amazing production! Purchase your tickets now by clicking here.

Saturday Night at the Palace - Revisited!
By Paul Slabolepszy
Directed by Playhouse Associate
Artistic Director Dámaso Rodriguez

April 26 - May 31, 2008

"AN ELECTRIFYING THEATRE EXPERIENCE!"
"Timelessly resonant!... a finely calibrated ensemble and an exemplary design team."
- Les Spindle, Back Stage West

"PACKS A WALLOP!"
"a bluntly effective reminder of how recently apartheid held brutal sway over South Africa."
- Charlotte Stoudt, Los Angeles Times

"UNFORGETTABLE!"
"edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding theatre."
- Sharon Perlmutter, Talkinbroadway.com

"POWERFUL!"
"Brilliantly directed!"
- Scott Mauro, Broadwayworld.com

"RIVETS ONE FROM THE FIRST MOMENTS!"
- Frances Baum Nicholson, Pasadena Star-News

"OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES!"
"Reminds us of the unnerving yet poignant impact art can have!"
- David Vidal, Pasadena Now

Click the image above or call 1-800-595-4TIX for tickets. Please visit www.furioustheatre.org for more info.

Photo credit: (left to right) Sean Blakemore, Eric Pargac and Shawn Lee. Photo by Anthony Masters.

Quetzal and Andy Garcia - One night only, May 12!

Community Fair and Quetzal Concert with special guest Andy Garcia!
Monday, May 12
6:30 p.m. on the Playhouse courtyard
8:00 p.m. concert by special guest Quetzal on the Playhouse Mainstage

Meet and mingle with arts and community organizations while enjoying food and refreshments. The community fair will be followed by legendary local band Quetzal on the Mainstage! After twelve years of sold-out concerts from around the globe, Quetzal has become of one Los Angeles most important and successful music groups. Proclaimed by no less an authority than Los Lobos as ready to carry the torch for Los Angeles's Chicano community, Quetzal embody the soul and the struggle at the heart of the Mexican-American legacy. For more information about Quetzal go to www.myspace.com/quetzal.

Andy Garcia (Academy Award-nominated actor and star of such films as The Godfather: Part III, The Untouchables and the recent Ocean's Eleven trilogy) will be on site to host this special benefit event.

Proceeds from the concert will go to support Latino Heritage and the Pasadena Playhouse Outreach and Education programs. Tickets start at $15 when you mention code OQET.

Call (626) 356-7529 for details.

Of Mice, Men and the American Dream

A week-long celebration of culture and community
May 12 - 17

Join us as we take a take thus new twist on a timeless classic and venture into the history of Steinbeck's California - then and now. The week of events will include:




- A Community Fair featuring numerous local arts organizations and free food!
- A concert by legendary local band Quetzal!
- A wine tasting hosted by Mission Wines and Spirits!
- A play reading produced by Hothouse at the Playhouse!
- A panel discussion entitled "John Steinbeck and The American Dream"
- And much more!

Click the image above for details, dates, times and prices (though most events are FREE).

Post your Of Mice and Men Comments Here

Paul Lazarus’ direction of Of Mice and Men takes the play in a bold new direction re-setting the play five years later after the signing of the Bracero Treaty. To post your observations about the Bracero program, about John Steinbeck, or about Of Mice and Men please use the comments feature.

And for an even wider audience post your thoughts at the LA Times' new The Guide.

Free hothouse Reading!

From Katherine Kilburn, Associate Director of Artistic Development:

As part of our celebrations around OF MICE AND MEN and the American Dream, our May Hothouse reading will be May 13th and 14th at 8PM in the Carrie Hamilton.

Come hear a wonderful and timely new play by local Latina writer, Evangeline Ordaz. VISITORS' GUIDE TO ARIVACA was commissioned by Borderlands Theatre in Arizona to contemplate what it means to be an American and how the border and immigration play a part in that dream. VISITORS' GUIDE TO ARIVACA is beautifully balanced in representing all sides of the debate.

VISITORS' GUIDE TO ARIVACA will be directed by Armando Molina, Artistic Director of Company of Angels Theatre here in LA. More information on casting will come but please plan ahead and make reservations with the box office to join us in this compelling part of our week-long celebration.

See you there!

MASK: FINAL WEEK SPECIAL!

$25 Tickets available April 15, 16 and 17<

Call the Box Office at (626)737-2842 and mention code STAF.


MASK!
A New Musical based on a true story

Buy Tickets

Mask
A New Musical based on a true story

Book by Anna Hamilton Phelan
Music by Barry Mann
Lyrics by Cynthia Weil
Musical Staging by Patti Colombo
Directed by Richard Maltby

Starring Michelle Duffy, Greg Evigan, Michael Lanning
and Allen E. Read as Rocky Dennis

March 12 - April 20, 2008

RIDE WITH ROCKY WEEKEND!

This weekend only. $35 tickets for the hottest show in town!

$35 tickets available March 28-30 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings). Use promo code "RWRW". Restrictions apply. Call the Playhouse box office at (626) 356-PLAY for details.

Post your Mask Comments and Reviews Here

Do you ride with Rocky?

And, since Rocky Dennis was from Azusa, we're especially interested in hearing from anyone who has a personal recollection they would like to share as well.

Please use the "Comments" feature to post.

P.s. If you're looking for an even bigger audience (as if that were possible) post your reader reviews at the LA Times' Calendarlive.

Special Offer for Pasadena Playhouse Subscribers

See MAMMA MIA and save $10!

Come see MAMMA MIA! at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Wednesday, May 7th at 8pm, Thursday, May 8th at 8pm or for a very special Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11th at 7pm and save $10 on each ticket!

CLICK HERE or call 213.365.3500
use the password SOPHIE


Also available at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium Box office
300 E. Green Street Hours: Mon. - Fri. Noon-6p.m.

Savage Drama from Furious Theatre

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE PALACE - Revisited!
By Paul Slabolepszy
Directed by Dámaso Rodriguez
April 26 - May 31, 2008
(previews April 23-25)

SEE THE SHOW THAT STARTED IT ALL!
With the Original Award-Winning Cast and Director!

Furious Theatre presents the revival of its 2002 inaugural production, Saturday Night at the Palace, opening April 26, 2008 -- six years to the day that it originally premiered.

2 a.m. The outskirts of Johannesburg. A broken-down motorcycle strands two white men at a lonely roadhouse with a Zulu waiter who only wants to close for the night... Saturday Night at the Palace examines the events leading up to a racially motivated crime in the volatile Gauteng Region of South Africa seven years before the official end of apartheid.

32 Garland Award Nominations for The Playhouse and Furious

Congratulations to the numerous playwrights, actors, designers, and directors who were among the 32 Garland Award Winners and Honorable Mentions for the 2007 Los Angeles Theater season! The Garland Awards are Presented by Back Stage and are among the most coveted theater awards in Los Angeles.

Winners:

PLAYWRITING
Matt Pelfrey, An Impending Rupture of the Belly
Furious Theatre Company

Honorable Mentions:

PRODUCTION
Can-Can, Pasadena Playhouse
Canned Peaches in Syrup, Furious Theatre Company
An Impending Rupture of the Belly, Furious Theatre Company

PLAYWRITING
Alex Jones, Canned Peaches in Syrup

DIRECTION
David Lee, Can-Can
Dámaso Rodriguez, Canned Peaches in Syrup

CHOREOGRAPHY
Patti Colombo, Can-Can (x2)

MUSIC DIRECTION
Steve Orich, Can-Can.

ADAPTATION
Joel Fields and David Lee, Can-Can

PERFORMANCE IN A (PRIMARILY) STRAIGHT PLAY
Leo Marks, Defiance
Megan Gallagher, The Constant Wife
Jordan Baker, Defiance
Nick Cernoch, Canned Peaches in Syrup
Shawn Lee, An Impending Rupture of the Belly
Troy Metcalf, An Impending Rupture of the Belly

PERFORMANCE IN A (PRIMARILY) MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Brandon Victor Dixon, Ray Charles Live!
David Engel, Can-Can
Michelle Duffy, Can-Can
Kevin Earley, Can-Can

SCENIC DESIGN
Roy Christopher, Can-Can
Riccardo Hernandez, Ray Charles Live!
Melissa Teoh, Canned Peaches in Syrup

LIGHTING DESIGN
Michael Gilliam, Can-Can
Dan Jenkins, Canned Peaches in Syrup

COSTUME DESIGN
Randy Gardell, Can-Can
Paul Tazewell, Ray Charles Live!

SOUND DESIGN
Francois Bergeron, Can-Can
Carl Casella and Domonic Sack, Ray Charles Live!
Cricket S. Myers, An Impending Rupture of the Belly

MAKEUP DESIGN
Christa McCarthy, An Impending Rupture of the Belly

For a complete list of Winner and Honorable Mentions, please follow these links:

Winners: http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/features/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003717668
Honorable Mentions: http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_reviews/features/feature_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003717750

Hothouse at the Playhouse reading of WORTH by Corey Madden

WORTH by Corey Madden
Directed by Kurt Beattie

Everyone has their price.

Eight contemporary Los Angeles characters navigate the high stakes world of contemporary art and corporate America in this acerbic examination of American commodity culture.

Tuesday, March 25
Wednesday, March 26
8:00 pm, Carrie Hamilton Theatre

Admission is free but reservations are required. Please RSVP to the Box Office at (626) 356-PLAY

Pictured above: playwright Corey Madden

MASK, a new musical starts March 12

Something different is happening at Pasadena Playhouse!

… a world premiere musical directed by the creator and director of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Ain’t Misbehavin’ the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Fosse and the co-writer of the international smash hit Miss Saigon
… written by the Academy Award-Nominated writer of Gorillas in the Mist; Mask and Girl, Interrupted
… songs by the Grammy-Award winning composer-lyricist team of You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling, Somewhere Out There, Here You Come Again, On Broadway and many more

Tickets are on sale now!
Go to www.pasadenaplayhouse.org for more information!

Hothouse at the Playhouse reading of WORK by T.L. Wagener

WORK by T.L. Wagener
Directed by Kappy Kilburn
Tuesday, February 19
Wednesday, February 20
8:00 p.m. - Carrie Hamilton Theatre

Winner of the 2008 Bloomington Playwrights' Project Reva Shiner Award!

In a tiny living room in Beeville, Texas, 1968, an earnest oil executive pays a condolence call on the young widow of an employee who was killed on a rig. A play about civil rights, the importance of oil, an unpopular war, and a looming election -- as well as marriage, children, human decency and self respect. Hothouse is proud to welcome back playwright T.L. Wagener, the first playwright to be produced by the Pasadena Playhouse's new play initiative.

Coming in March:

WORTH by Corey Madden
Directed by Kyle Donnelly

Everyone has their price.

Eight contemporary Los Angeles characters navigate the high stakes world of contemporary art and corporate America in this acerbic examination of American commodity culture.

Dates TBD
8pm, Carrie Hamilton Theatre

Admission is free but reservations are required. Please RSVP to the Box Office at (626) 356-PLAY

Pictured above: playwright Corey Madden

Director's Lab West is now seeking applications

Presenting The 9^th Annual

DIRECTORS LAB WEST
in association with the

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
and the
THEATRE @ BOSTON COURT

• What is Directors Lab West? Part conference, part workshop, part focused discussion, all theatre, all directing and all fun! The wellspring of the Lab is to provide a place for directors to meet and exchange ideas. Hence, this is a free week-long intensive Lab for committed theatre directors.

• When is Directors Lab West? May 17 to May 24, 2007. With events scheduled from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. that you just won't want to miss.

• Where is Directors Lab West? The Pasadena Playhouse is the historic California State Theatre and the state-of-the-art Boston Court Theatre Complex.

• Who Can Attend Directors Lab West? Directors committed to the art and creation of theatre. This is by application only. We only ask that applicants have completed their formal studies in theatre.

• Who Will Be at Directors Lab West? Imagine a room filled with over fifty directors, designers, and choreographers just like you. What could be more fun?

• Who Has Presented at Directors Lab West? Sheldon Epps (Pasadena Playhouse), Des McAnuff (La Jolla Playhouse), Gordon Davidson (Mark Taper Forum), Anne Cattaneo (Lincoln Center Theater), Jack O’Brien (The Old Globe), Dakin Matthews (Antaeus Theatre Company), Lisa Wolpe (LA Women's Shakespeare), Martin Benson (South Coast Rep), Tim Dang (East West Players), David Ira Goldstein (Arizona Theatre Company), Andrew Barnicle (Laguna Playhouse), Stephen Wadsworth (Director), John Bowab (Director), Kay Cole (Choreographer), David Lee (Director), Mark Medoff (Playwright), Randy Newman (Composer), Jose Rivera (Playwright), Alice Tuan (Playwright), George Furth (Playwright), Richard Thomas (Actor), Eddie Levi Lee (Actor/Playwright), Charlayne Woodard (Actor/Playwright), Betty Garrett (Actor) and many more.

• How Do I Apply for Directors Lab West? Applications are available on line, via e-mail, or via snail mail. Check out the website at: www.directorslabwest.com.

• When Do I Apply for Directors Lab West? Now! Applications are due no later than 5:00pm, March 21^st.

• How Do I Contact Directors Lab West? Go to directorslabwest.com. Go now. Don't wait, rush to directorslabwest.com. That's right, go to directorslabwest.com. Again that's directorslabwest.com. Did you get it? It's directorslabwest.com.

Don't waste time! The application deadline is HERE.

Let Your Spirit Live - an all star fundraiser hosted by Jenifer Lewis

Let Your Spirit Live!
Hosted by Jenifer Lewis [note, Jenifer only has one "n" in her name]
Monday, February 11 at 8:00 p.m.

Jenifer Lewis will host and perform in Let Your Spirit Live, a talent-filled event to honor and celebrate the artist-nurturing spirit of Gay Iris Parker at Pasadena Playhouse, February 11.

Directed by Iona Morris, the evening will include theatrical selections and musical performances including show tunes, poetry, opera, classical, jazz, and humor.

The event will include performances by Grammy Award-winning artists Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., CCH Pounder, Loretta Devine, Dawnn, Lewis, Freda Payne, Nita Whitaker, Yvette Cason, Glenda McCoo Wina, Akuyoe Graham, Roxanne Reese, Perry Moore, Maceo Oliver, Rogelio Mitchell, and Basillio Mitchell. The evening will be accompanied by a live 6-piece jazz band, headed by Musical Director Rahn Coleman (conductor/pianist), Joel Scott (keyboards), Hilliard Wilson (all basses), Munyungo Jackson (percussionist), Raymond Pounds (drums), Darlene Mereno (guitar), with Dave Fennoy(announcer) and other surprise guests.

Photo by Duane Cramer

Orson's Shadow is a Hit!

Charles Shaughnessy as Laurence Olivier in Orson's Shadow. Photo by Craig Schwartz

Critics and crowds agree - Orson's Shadow is a hit!

“Savor Austen Pendleton’s SPARKLING COMEDY …FARCICAL and POIGNANT!” " RECOMMENDED!"
- Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times

“Absolutely SMASHING!”
- Bob Verini, Variety

"Critic's Pick!"
- Les Spindle, Back Stage West

"GO!...SUPERB direction... TERRIFIC CAST!"

- Lovell Estell III, LA Weekly

“FASCINATING…Director Dámaso Rodriguez showing an admirable eye for detail!”
- Paul Hodgins, The Orange County Register

Tickets start at just $25! www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org

Leslie Berger and The Women in Film Actors Group Celebrate Black History Month.

We honor African American Entertainment Industry Professionals February 2nd, Saturday at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood 1:30pm-4:00pm (doors open 1:00pm) We invite the entire Entertainment Community to join us.


This is not just for women either! Guest Panelists are: Award Winning Actor, Singer Loretta Devine. (of Pasadena Playhouse’s hit production of Purlie)She is a five-time NAACP Image Awards winner. Recently she starred in the movie “First Sunday” and “This Christmas”. Loretta was in the original Broadway musical cast of Dreamgirls as well at the recent Academy Award winning screen adaptation. Many of you know her best from her TV role of Marla Hendricks on David E Kelly’s Boston Public. She also has had a recurring Guest Starring role on ABC’s Hit TV show “Grey’s Anatomy”. On January 31st, she will be debuting on a new ABC series entitled “Eli Stone”. View more details/photos at The multi-talented Eddie Steeples - Actor, Producer, Director, Writer, Rapper and Visual Artist will also be a part of our panel.

Hollywood’s leading Award Winning Stuntwoman April Weeden Washington. She has doubled for numerous high-profile celebrities including Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Tamala Jones, Vanessa L. Williams, and Gabrielle Union to name a few. Joining our elite panel is Bill Duke. He has a wide range of credits to his name in almost every film discipline, including directing, producing, acting and writing.

Emmy nominated Choreographer Travis Payne will also be joining our panel. Travis Payne is the youngest inductee into the Gallery of Greats, and the recipient of numerous nominations and awards. He is a four-time recipient of the MTV Awards for Best Choreography .

RSVP is Needed for a seat: Email Leslie Berger at leslieberger2002@yahoo.com

Please include in your email if you are a member of Women in Film along with your name(s) who will be attending. Women in Film Members: Free (must show WIF ID card)
Non Members-$15 (cash or check accepted)

Held at: Raleigh Studios-662 N. Van Ness, Los Angeles, 90038. It is one block south of Melrose. On Lot Parking Fee is $6. There is some street parking available. The meeting will be held in the Chaplin Building upstairs in the Chaplin Theatre, a beautiful 150 seat screening room.

RAY CHARLES LIVE! Exclusive Web Offer

RAY CHARLES LIVE! - A New Musical Get $25 tickets for Saturday, 12/1 at 4pm - mention code JACK Clockwise from left: Brendan Victor Dixon, NRaca, Angela Teek, Sabrina Sloan and Nikki Renee Daniels. Photos by Michael Lamont. On pace to be the best-selling show in Playhouse history, RAY CHARLES LIVE! opens to packed houses... "Critic's Pick!" - Les Spindle, Back Stage West "A COMPELLING portrait of the complex entertainer!" - Bob Verini, Variety "Full of STOP-THE-SHOW PERFORMANCES!" - Paul Hodgins, OC Register Ray Charles touched perhaps more bases than any other performer in American music history, mastering everything from rhythm and blues, to gospel, to jazz, to country music and pop - delivering them all with equal expertise. RAY CHARLES LIVE! - A New Musical brings to the stage this incredible variety of musical styles capturing the energy, the hard driving musicality, and the excitement and electricity of Charles live onstage. RAY CHARLES LIVE! - A New Musical features many of Charles' hits including: "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," "Hit The Road, Jack," and "Unchain My Heart." Get $25 tickets for Saturday, 12/1 at 4pm - mention code JACK Not available online. Offer good while supplies last. Call (626) 356-PLAY for tickets! Great seats still available!