Pasadena Playhouse. Brigadoon. If you're considering spending your hard-earned time and money at the Pasadena Playhouse, do yourself a favor: skip opening night. Wait for the unbiased reviews to trickle in before committing to their latest offerings, because if Brigadoon is the current standard, the bar hasn't just been lowered--it's been buried. Wednesday's opening night was, to put it bluntly, a stinker. We arrived with open minds and tempered expectations; we weren't looking for a Gene Kelly reincarnation or a Broadway-scale miracle. We understand the constraints of regional theater. However, what we witnessed was so profoundly lackluster that it felt less like a professional production and more like a mediocre college workshop. The "Highland" Lowlights: * Atrocious Casting: With the sole exception of Betsy Morgan--who possessed the only singing and dancing chops worthy of the material--the casting was a disaster. * Cultural Caricature: The premise of Brigadoon relies on a town preserved in time to protect its Scottish heritage. Why, then, was this cast like a generic Disney Channel original movie? The "Scottish" culture on display was a cringeworthy caricature reminiscent of a Mike Myers sketch. In a city like Los Angeles, home to thousands of versatile actors, is authenticity really that hard to find? * Anemic Energy: The choreography was limp, and the vocal performances were consistently weak. The sound system was so quiet it felt like a mercy killing; perhaps turning it up would have provided the "punch" the performers so desperately lacked. I cannot remember the last time I saw a professional audience flee after only a few scenes. We endured the first half, but left at intermission. It was simply that unbearable. While the Pasadena Playhouse relies on the generosity of donors to stay afloat, one has to wonder: is there any quality control left? Or is the current mode of operation simply to shovel substandard content at a captive audience? Thank God we aren't trapped in this version of Brigadoon for a hundred years. 45 minutes was more than enough. read more

This was the first time I attended the Pasadena Playhouse. Came here to see Amadeus. I really enjoyed the venue as well as the play. Loved the historic feel of the playhouse which was very appropriate for the play. We didn't know exactly where to park but found out afterwards that the parking was conveniently located across the street. Will definitely consider coming here again in the future. read more

Such a fun night seeing Amadeus at the Playhouse. This production was incredible! There is truly no reason to go to any other theatre for a wonderful night out. We are simply blessed to have such a beautiful theatre with amazing productions right in our own backyard. Trust me, but the tickets, make the restaurant reservation and enjoy an amazing night out! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's always amazing to watch impeccable performance here at Pasadena Playhouse. We came for the premier of Amadeus on 02/11, Wednesday. It was definitely worth it. Thanks to Yelp experiences! The Playhouse also hosts a Mini Mozart concert before the show. It was a great, immersive experience. This is not my first time watching the shows performed by the talented artists. It's really a versatile team that for many times, I'm stunned by the artists' intelligence and impressive vocals. Amadeus is a show that fans will love it with widely entertaining effect and a touching story. read more

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Still a great, intimate theater in Pasadena & LA. Easy parking, either street parkings (free & pay), parking lot, parking structure. Great courtyard for prior, intermission and/or afterward to hangout. Staff are wonderful, gentle & sweet to e drying. Another wonderful evening here. read more

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I can not believe that I've lived in the area and this was my first time attending a musical at Pasadena playhouse. The Playhouse is absolutely stunning. I saw Brigadoon come live on stage with stellar talent, beauty, creativity, and captivating storytelling. The staff that run Pasadena playhouse are very helpful and friendly. They have wine Wednesday, plenty walkable restaurants to choose from, and parking is of abundance around the area. Can't wait for my next visit. read more

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This is a great venue that is small enough so all the seats are great. I sat next to row from the last row and still perfectly. Bathrooms were clean but a bit small. A lot of parking. read more

I went to see Brigadoon at this establishment on Friday and I always enjoy attending this theater. I've seen many shows here and this one was wonderful just as the rest have been. It's historic and you're always transformed into the world of the show taking place. If ever you have the opportunity, I highly recommend checking out a show here. read more

I would like to start off by saying that the Pasadena playhouse staff are some of the most hospitable people I've ever encountered. Susan was very nice and gave me a lot of insight on the history of the Pasadena playhouse. The overall ambience of Pasadena playhouse is awesome. I've never been to a play until I went to eureka day and I'm glad I went. Great play, great actors. Will be back for another play! 10/10 recommended read more

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Wow, the whole experience was amazing! Attended AMADEUS on a Wednesday with a friend of mine. The beautiful Spanish style architecture of the Pasadena Playhouse is so welcoming and warm. Did you know there are music and acting classes to be taken here? Arrived around 7pm and was happy to find out that it was Wine Wednesday. The box office staff is friendly and very organized. You get a complimentary glass of wine with your ticket. Remember to tip your bartender and feel free to purchase more beverages or snacks. While hanging outside next to the fountain we were greeted by a friendly and fashionable volunteer. She had on a sparkly top. She and my friend conversed because they both used to be ballet dancers. There was an announcement that a mini concert was happening in the next room. So we went in and a young lady played the violin perfectly. It was time to see AMADEUS so all of us attendees went to find our seats. The set was beautiful! Bright reds and a see through curtain with music notes hung handsomely. The play is a mix between narration, theatre and opera. Salieri played by Jefferson Mays cannot stand Mozart played by Sam Clemmett. The rivalry can be symbolism for old vs new or Italian vs German or bitter vs happy go lucky. You must watch this fantastic show and decide for yourself. All that stage pieces were move by hand. No robotics. The costumes were shipped from New York. They are spectacular! The whole ensemble of actors kept my attention and I felt like I was a fly on the wall in the 18th century. Oh, the singing...such amazing operatic voices made my heart and ears so happy. Kudos to Jefferson Mays on the amount of dialogue and costumes changed he had! Run don't walk, take public transportation (it's very close) and see AMADEUS. It's running until March 15th 2026. read more

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Came here opening night to see the brand new play Amadeus! The playhouse is so gorgeous and since it was a Wednesday, we were treated to some complimentary wine by the friendliest bartenders! We enjoyed it in the elegant courtyard on a gorgeous night! Prior to the play, we were treated to a lovely complimentary Mozart concert to warm us up for the play! The play itself was so well acted with phenomenal performances. There was even song incorporated. The set design and costumes were so elegant and truly transported me to the past. They really make great use of the space! We were pretty high up in the Mezzanine but were still able to see really well and the voices projected well up there! I cannot wait to return to see another play here and highly recommend it for an elegant evening out! Parking was also really easy in their surrounding areas as most streets were free after 6 pm! read more

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The Pasadena Playhouse is a staple of the city of Pasadena. It's a Tony-award winning historic performing arts theater and venue where I've had the please and privilege of watching several plays in my more than 3 years and a half of living in this city. This Playhouse is part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and it shows. The building, built in the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture that characterizes several buildings here in Pasadena, has been preserved incredibly well, even if some parts, such as the restrooms, are a bit date. That adds to the charm of this place. Parking occurs in an underground, independent parking lot across from this Playhouse and paying and leaving the building can be easily done from your cellphone. There are interesting shows and plays almost every month and it's always worth the (very reasonable) price of admission. read more

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Parking is conveniently located across the street, with the entrance right next to The Stand (the burger spot). I've been to Pasadena Playhouse before for Freestyle Love Supreme and had such a great time, and recently we went to see Julia Masli ha ha ha ha. The Pasadena Playhouse is a wonderful local theater. Don't miss the charming library lounge upstairs if you're interested in Pasadena's history. Definitely take advantage of wine night if it's offered. It's always a fun spot for an entertaining evening out! I look forward to seeing more shows and concert here. read more

I had a wonderful time here seeing Amadeus. The Playhouse is a total gem, it has the grand feeling of the other early 20th century theaters in LA county like the Pantages. The play was fun, with plenty of comedy and of course great music. I got there too late to watch it, but they held free pre-show concerts before each show that I wish I could've seen, so I'd keep an eye out on their website for any special events or bonuses if you're planning on seeing a show. read more

Love this theater! I've been a handful of times now. The character of the building! The ease of entry and seats/bathroom. It's a great flow for a theater. I also love seeing so many actors I know from real life or TV work on stage here! read more

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We started attending the Pasadena Playhouse years ago thanks to Yelp Elite events, but we loved it so much that we became members of the Playhouse so we would not miss any of their events. This is a beautiful small theater with a rich history and tradition in Pasadena. It is a Spanish California style building with a nice courtyard and fountain in the front of the theater. Being that the Playhouse is not too big, there are really no bad seats in the house. The acoustics are also very good which allows for a great and comfortable experience. We have seen many shows here and the production value of the plays is always great. The Pasadena Playhouse takes pride in presenting great qualify shows and we are never disappointed. If you haven't been there yet, I recommend you to see a show at the Pasadena Playhouse. It is an intimate experience and you will be supporting a great organization. read more

Wife and I came to one of the recent shows on Wine Wednesday. The experience was great, and I really enjoyed talking to the staff up in the library. There was an old timer there who had started in Broadway as a kid and he left such a good impression, by his good vibes the way he shared his stories...that it makes me want to return. The show had us laughing so hard...it was about vaccines in schools....not a fun topic but somehow they made it work. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Random artwork near in the library - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My dear friend had invited me La Cage Aux Folles and I was so impressed by the hospitality of the Playhouse giving ticket holders a free glass of wine on Wednesday nights and the vibe outside waiting for the performance was so warm and amazing. The Playhouse was so beautiful it was my first time experiencing such a historical beauty. I had no idea as early as 1912 there was a period known as the Little Theatre Movement developed in cities and towns across the United States. In 1916 actor-director Gilmor Brown started the artistic community that founded the Pasadena Playhouse. This Playhouse was completed in 1925, the theatre was designed in a Spanish Colonial Revival style by Pasadena artist and architect Elmer Grey, with a fire curtain painted by Pasadena artist Alson S. Clark read more

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Briga-DOOMED. If the absolute pinnacle of your theatrical experiences have taken place on a Carnival Cruise ship, then you will feel right at home with the aggressive mediocrity of Brigadoon at The Pasadena Playhouse. I can tolerate that "Heather Hill" is rendered as a single, cheesy theatrical flat utterly devoid of perspective. I can even forgive the glaring budget constraints, keeping in mind that The Pasadena Playhouse seems to perpetually teeter on the brink of bankruptcy. But as a 40-year patron of this theater, what I cannot accept are the catastrophic casting choices. The roster is wrong on so many fundamental levels that the production's grasp of "Scottish authenticity" aligns more closely with a McDonald's drive-thru than actual Highland heritage. Speaking of which, was it strictly necessary to cast a Jeff Douglas who is two-and-a-half times the size of everyone else on stage? Was that a deliberate choice for cheap, cruise-ship-level sight gags? More importantly, in the entirety of Hollywood, are there truly no male leads who can actually sing and look like they possess even a drop of Scottish blood? If the entire premise relies on the magic of an ancient Scottish village, why bother with period costumes when the actors look entirely out of place? This massive visual disconnect instantly shatters any illusion and rips you right out of the story. Topping off this masterclass in poor choices were the grossly flubbed lines from the Widow Lundie actor--on opening night, no less. It leaves you seriously questioning whether the word "professionalism" is even in this theater's vocabulary anymore. I have seen some good performances at the Pasadena Playhouse. This one needs to vanish into the mist as quickly as possible. read more

Got invited by a friend to Pasadena's Playhouse for a play this past week and it was amazing! 10/10 Experience ! It happened to not only be Eureka Night (the play name! But it was celebrated with Wednesday Wine night! When we first drove up to the event, there was easy access to parking right across the location. Only played about $5 for parking and it was so convienent. From there, we picked up the tickets for the play and were greeted so warmly. We went ahead and got our free cups of wine and had some time to sit down and enjoy the beautiful view of the place. Brought our own crackers and Brie cheese since we knew we're going to get complimentary wine. We were even blessed to have the opportunity to check out their library and saw an amazing book selection. The people there were so welcoming, giving us insight about the place and we even had the chance to speak with an alumni there! Learned that it has previously been a college of theatre arts! We then went to sit at our seats for the play, and let me say ... IT WAS A GREAT TIME. It was so well written and preformed. I don't want to ruin what it's about but I definitely recommend going! Such a different experience than what I'm used to doing on a weekly basis. Definitely give it a try because I know I'm definitely returning back! read more

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We have season tickets through a friend and usually enjoy the plays and musicals here but I must say that HA HA HA HA HA HA HA was the most disappointing show here in a long time, having maybe one HA during the show. Part of it may be the seats we had for this show we are usually in good seats but they "upgraded" the first two rows of seats and made them higher, which made it often difficult to see the actress, who also spent most of the time on the other side of the audience, making it difficult to see what she was doing. For whatever reason the sound was low, so many people in our area had a bit of a difficult time hearing what she and the audience was saying. The concept might have been good if we could have heard her better, but was difficult to truly understand exactly what was going on and how people answered her questions about their problems and how she may have tried to resolve them. Fortunately I wasn't the bald man she chose to put in a bathrobe and take a shower on stage. read more

came here from a yelp elite event and attended their ha ha ha! season (a one woman show). i wasn't too sure what to expect but wow, i was surprised. not only are they hosting amazing productions, the building itself has so much history. the hospitality was truly great -- and not just for yelp elites, but for everyone. they have wine wednesdays where you can try a cup of red or white wine. admittedly, i came on the wrong day, but the staff fixed it with no problem. i was so impressed by the show, professionalism, and hospitality. my boyfriend and i had such a good night, we're definitely checking out their future shows :) thank you pasadena playhouse! read more

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My friend had an extra ticket to a show at the Pasadena Playhouse and we had a great time! We watched a comedy show and the staff was really friendly and walked me to my seat because I had showed up late. The comedy show is great, venue was clean, and I highly recommend it if you ever have the chance! read more

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one of the best parts of living in Pasadena is that this place is your "local theater". High quality shows, great production, great acting and i always enjoy the unique selections each season. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Orchestra playing behind the stage-post show of Brigadoon - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

We've had season tickets for the Playhouse about 30 years and have enjoyed most of the performances. Yesterday afternoon we saw Brigadoon and what a treat! The dancing, singing and story adaptation were terrific! We're still humming the songs today. Get your tickets and have a most enjoyable evening! read more

Just watch Amadeus!!! OMG!!! At the end I was in tears, couldn't stop screaming Bravo!!! It's an great play. All artists were amazing, but the one playing Salieri is superb!!!! Unbelievable!!! BRAVO!!! The staff is wonderful, very welcoming and attentive. Thank you, we enjoyed it very much. I highly recommend this place and especially this play. read more

Been eyeing Pasadena Playhouse for a while now so as soon as I saw that Cyrano (the hot new version by Martin Crimp) was coming to Pasadena I immediately made plans to go see it. The theater is beautiful and the seats are very comfortable. Parking is located just across the street so it's convenient. We had dinner next door at Bar Chelou and we very much enjoyed our "dinner and a show" date night! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

My first time attending a performance at this historical venue. It is a smaller auditorium where every seat, even the last row of the balcony, has a very good view of the stage. The playhouse architecture and style make you feel like you have gone back in time. The Pasadena Playhouse is 99 years old, first opened in 1925. It was designated as the State Theatre of California in 1937. Although it closed its doors in 1969, the City of Pasadena reopened the Playhouse in 1986 and it remains open today. We saw the play One of the Good Ones. Entertaining, funny, and relatable. Great play writing, dialogue, and acting! Parking was convenient for this evening show. Although there is street parking at the meters, free after 6pm (?), there was an underground lot across the street which is safe and plentiful. Hope you can catch a show here to experience this hidden gem in the SGV. read more

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Great place to see a live play. There is parking across the street although not free but reasonable. Not a bad seat in the house.

Five stars to Ms Osborn, in audience engagement...who escorted a physically-challenged lady walking slowly across a busy street. I see you. I see what you did. And TY for helping her .... and thank you for recognizing the need when a ticket holder couldn't remember the access code to tickets purchased online....Ms Osborn asked if she could help and she retrieved tickets old skool from the box office .... and she helped guide us to our seats close to curtain. Well done!! Big kudos to Ms Osborn and the audience engagement team. Well done!! read more

Beautiful venue with comfortable seating for plays. Relatively on time with shows. Parking garage located right across the street for around $5. recommended for Plays enthusiast. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Excellent experience all the way around. I lived in Pasadena for 25 years and had attended a few things at the PP over the years. We live in the Inland Empire now and took friends this year to see La Cage Aux Folles. Ticket purchasing in July was easy. The app lets you keep your tickets open in your browser for 30 days so I opened them mid-Nov. I purchased a parking space on line for $5 just 2 blocks from the venue and walked over. The whole evening was wonderful. Packed house and great show. Will probably be back again. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - La Cage stage pre-show - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

Pasadena Playhouse itself is great. Shoutouts especially to Wine Wednesday, which is very generous and fun. Review below is for A Doll's House Part 2, which I do not recommend. Just in case anyone is on the fence about coming to watch it. Ibsen's original play is powerful, thought provoking, and above all, perceptive. Part 2 is anything but. Quite frankly, it is unnecessary and uninspired, the sort of sequel that adds nothing, like what El Camino is to Breaking Bad. Marriage is a contextual institution--I'm not sure what this story has to say when it remains set in the 19th century, rendering its portrayal of male hegemony largely irrelevant to a 21st century American audience. This would be fine if the play was more focused on the psychology of its characters, but it's not. It might also be interesting to see more of the mother/daughter relation (or lack thereof) between Nora and Emmy, or the class-inflected dynamic between Nora and Anne Marie, but the play also seems unwilling to relinquish the relationship between Nora and Torvald, which is rehashed for us by having them argue about the events of the original play to no real end. I enjoy the Playhouse itself, though! Tickets are a little on the expensive side, but not too bad. I've had better experiences here... Topdog/Underdog was fun. Maybe do some quick research about the play first LOL. read more

This was my first time seeing a play at the Pasadena Playhouse and I had the wonderful opportunity to see Inherit the Wind on opening night. We parked behind the theatre in the back lot and paid about $5 for 3.5 hours through the parking passport app. I picked up my tickets at the box office that is located to the left upon entering the courtyard. It was Wine Wednesday and complimentary wine was being served. We checked in easily and the usher helped us locate our seats which was on the mezzanine. It was a great Birds Eye view and since the theater is so small, you really can't go wrong with where you sit. The play surpassed my expectations and it relied solely on its incredible acting and dialogue--the bare bones of theatre. Alfred Molina and John Douglass Thompson were the two main actors and they carried out the intense debate between evolution and religion so passionately, it stirred a lot of emotion in the audience. What an incredible experience! The bathroom was small with 5 stalls on the downstairs floor, but I believe there was another bathroom somewhere else on the upper level. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Inherit the Wind - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's always fun going to the Playhouse! I love supporting the Arts and the wonder of story and dialogue, imagination of the sets, and the talent of the actors. read more

I've been seeing shows at the Pasadena Playhouse for more than a decade, and have been so pleased with everything I've seen. I love the themes they incorporate each season (like the year of Sondheim!), and I love the variety they infuse into each season. There is truly something for everyone. Plenty of delicious dining options around. There are so many to choose from that you'll be inclined to see more shows to justify eating at more of them! This is not a bad thing. Highly recommend. There is some limited street parking and a lot conveniently located across the street. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Sundays in the Park with George - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Just witnessed STEW starring LisaGay Hamilton; Roslyn Ruff; Jasmine Ashanti; and Samantha Miller this July 12 2023. Best show I've ever witnessed at the Playhouse... The choreography these actors have endowed to each their respective character's physicality is a great lesson for all LA actors... The writing is crisp and domestic and one feels like we're peering through a crack of a family's living room... almost peeping in.. and listening to their most intimate confessions; and familiar tussles... That's the Pulitzer nominated writing from Zora Howard infecting the page and bringing these inanimate words to springing life... a marvel to witness with this special group of actors... Tyler Thomas's direction is obsessive with each detail rhyme and rhythm of both what the writing brings forward and it's beats down to the gritty emotional tone of each characters stage in life... their interactions overlap words and phrases in a symphonic synesthesia of emotions; movement ; voices; and poses that truly perplex how it was all put together with such precision... And I'm not going to mention the magic that has been created... because I want you to witness that for yourself... A theatrical marvel ... A marvel of a show... Be glad it's here in Los Angeles to witness my hat is off ... WAY OFF!!! For STEW read more

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Love the playhouse. We are lucky to be in a city with this gem. The outside courtyard is a nice addition when they have drinks outside beforehand. read more

Pasadena Playhouse delivers consistently strong productions with thoughtful direction and great performances. The space has a creative, community-focused energy that makes each visit feel meaningful. I'm giving four stars instead of five due to the heat and humidity inside the theater during warmer months, which can make longer shows uncomfortable. Parking can also be a bit of a challenge. Still, it's a local gem worth supporting. Just plan ahead and dress accordingly if you're going in the summer. read more

I saw Amadeus last night. The show was great from what I could hear. Unfortunately I couldn't see a thing. I was in the mezzanine row EE right in the middle. The person in front of me blocked the entire center of the stage where most of the action was. The person next to me was tall and had the same problem. It was disappointing because the seats were not cheap! I have been inside many theaters and had some view blockage but never to this extent. The theater is beautiful and historic and I want to love it but it seemed to fail at its primary function. read more