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By: Chloe Rabinowitz Nov. 15, 2022
Pasadena Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldmanannounced the latest news for the theater's upcoming six-month-long celebration of the works and impact of Stephen Sondheim January 26 through June 11, 2023.
"We want our celebration of Stephen Sondheim to be for everyone," Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman said. "Two grand productions, among the most ambitious in our history, anchor our celebration but that's really just the start. At the heart of our celebration are student productions, concerts by two rising stars and the ultimate Broadway icon, a community choral event, and more. We are bringing together professional theatermakers, community organizations and students of all ages to create a special celebration. Whether you are a Sondheim lover, have never experienced his work, or are perhaps somewhere in between, our festival has something for everyone. Our goal is to create an opportunity for all of our Los Angeles community to come together and celebrate the life of one of the most important figures in theater history. A fitting tribute for a legend who has touched so many and will continue to for generations to come."
Pasadena Playhouse has announced the directors for the previously announced Sondheim productions. Sarna Lapine, who helmed the most recent Broadway revival of the show, will direct the Playhouse's upcoming production of Sunday in the Park with George. Playhouse favorite David Lee (Ragtime, Casa Valentina) returns to direct A Little Night Music, commemorating the show's 50th anniversary.
The Celebration includes the newly announced student production of Company performed by students of the USC School of Dramatic Arts and special events including Larry Owens' Sondheimia Presented by Jeremy O. Harris, Eleri Ward: Acoustic Sondheim, and Impro Theater's Sondheim UnScripted. Song by Song by Sondheim a special musical presentation of Sondheim's work, featuring the Gay Men's Chorus of LA, Pasadena Chorale, Vox Femina LA, and ACABELLA (Academy of Music for the Blind), will be held at the First United Methodist Church Pasadena.
As previously announced, The State Theater of California's Sondheim Celebration will include two special events at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. In January 2023 Into The Woods will be presented in a landmark partnership with Pasadena Unified School District, directed by Fran de Leon. Bringing high school students together with theater professionals, the team will create a full production from the imaginations of the students This project will culminate in two student matinee performances and one free public performance, making it possible for thousands of student and community members to see Sondheim's fairytale-inspired musical at no cost. And in June, Sondheim muse Bernadette Peters will take the stage and perform at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for two performances.
In the spirit of exploring Sondheim's work through other mediums, world-renowned graphic designer Paula Scher (pentagram.com) was commissioned to create the artwork for the Sondheim Celebration.
Pasadena Playhouse's Sondheim Celebration is made possible through the generous support of Pasadena-based East West Bank and the Helen and Will Webster Foundation.
Ticketing and on-sale information, including access to the Celebration Series Package, can be found online at pasadenaplayhouse.org, or by calling 626-356-7529.