This is an awesome, quaint venue with great viewing from any seat, even the balcony. Sound system is strong and clear without being overpowering. The decor is extremely glamorous. Love the variety of plays they offer featuring very talented artists. There is a wine bar which offers carry in glasses and pre-order for intermission. All this and they keep the ticket prices reasonable. There are several close paid parking lots. Make sure to check out this venue for a play. You won't be sorry! read more

My 4th time coming here in the past two years and love how cozy and quaint the space is. They have a upper deck for members only lounge/library bar setting The lower courtyard has a fountain and they sell merch with string lights across. Wine Wednesday they give out free complimentary wine. The production theatrics costume dress design are all top notch and you really get immersed in the sound, lighting, and stage prop design. I highly recommend this place - its easy to get to, parking is a breeze as its free after 6pm on all the streets surrounding it and its very walkable. Tickets to the play is quite affordable as well! read more

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Never a dull show at the Playhouse! Been a few times in recent life and I always leave with a strong desire of "I can't wait to come back". Recently saw KATE and it was beyond amazing. I didn't have a ticket and the show was sold out but I just went to the box office like a pauper begging for a seat by any means necessary. Luckily minutes before the show I guess people canceled and I was able to get my golden ticket inside. Every employee I met was incredible but special shoutout to Noah, Sam and Douglas for making this show beyond memorable for me. I love you angels forever and ever. Was so glad this worked out and now I'm a fan of the Playhouse for life! read more

Came here to watch Sanctuary City SO MANY GOOD THINGS TO SAY about the amazing experience, the play and the theatre itself!! * beautiful, historical building EVERY SEAT INSIDE IS A GOOD SEAT with a great view (of course front is better always) * the staff- wow wow wow super organized and very attentive * COVID regulations still in place here - for our own safety THANK YOU *parking- easily accessible, we were able to park on the street without a problem *THE PLAY WAS SUPERB!!! A HUGE APPLAUD TO THE ACTORS!! I felt the two main characters emotions as if I was really experiencing them. Bravo!! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's my first time watching a play here. I've walked passed by this historic courtyard and the play house many times before. I was delighted to finally have had the opportunity to see the inside and watched a live performance here. Show: I watched Sanctuary City. The performance was heart-wrenching. I found myself crying during a couple of the moving scenes. The acting was excellent. I loved the cast. The audience gave them a standing ovation. Parking: There is paid parking in the back of the theatre. You go to a machine and pay with a credit card. Make sure to get the receipt and display it by your car window. There is also a parking lot next to the playhouse where the patrons of Urth Cafe park. It's also paid parking via a similar machine. If you are lucky you can find free street parking nearby. I will definitely be coming back to catch other shows! read more

Nice venue...old school vibes and small enough so there's not a bad seat in the house. Everyone was reeeally nice from the folks that worked there to the other patrons. Parking was a tad confusing... I'll be back...for sure!! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Sunday in The Park with George - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

The Pasadena Playhouse is a historic gem. I've never walked out of a performance here. The quality of the shows produced have always been good. And there's a little theatre upstairs from the courtyard that has also had some amazing pieces presented here too. I'm only giving it 4 stars instead of 5 because the stairs are quite steep to the balcony, and the aisles are narrow. At intermission I shimmied past the knobby kneed patrons that remained in their seats to get a drink of water from the fountain outside. On the way back to my seat I tripped over a patron's water ski length feet. If the man with the clodhopper feet happened to be a gentleman, he could have stood up.... but no! Let's presume he is not a curmudgeon for a split second, because that's how much time it took me to do a full body slam to the ground. Laying in the aisle, taking a beat to surmise if I had sustained any serious injury, the revelation came to me that the patron I tripped over was most definitely possessed a misanthropic demeanor. Or perhaps he was an attorney and an apology or feigned concern would some how be an admission of bad manners and guilt. Either way, I feel I accurately surmised the situation. After the not so silent gasps and gawking of those who saw the scene unfold, I assessed I was OK, except for the blood from my knee seeping through my silk trousers. I sat there through the second act, realizing it could have been a lot worse. However, I was miffed at the lack of chivalry by the patron with elephantiasis of the feet and the sheepish usher that did not acknowledge the fall that she clearly was aware of. I understand ushers are volunteers, bless their hearts, but I assume there should be some orientation and training that would at least offer a band-aid or assistance. Perhaps there is, so I'll give the Playhouse the benefit of the doubt and lump her in the same dim witted light as the misanthropic curmudgeon possessing social inequities and a lack of common courtesy. The production was good, musicals are tricky, this one was well done and was worth staying for the whole performance. read more

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

We went to Pasadena Playhouse last week to see the Freestyle Love Supreme show. First of all, I've never attended any shows there so it was my first time. Omg, it is beautiful! The theater is so cozy and intimate. It seems that all seats have really good views. The courtyard is very nice too. And they do Wine Wednesdays! Freestyle Love Supreme was amazing! It's so creative, interactive and funny. Loved all the cast - all are so talented. The show is from 8pm to 930pm without intermission. There is plenty of parking on the streets or in nearby parking lots. I cannot wait to attend another show at Pasadena Playhouse. Definitely recommend! read more

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I love this theater. It is an older beautiful theater. Lots of character! It is the perfect venue for smaller more intimate performances. They offer a diverse and eclectic variety of shows that can entertain anyone! Lots of restaurants around, convenient street and structure parking across the street. Perfect for a relaxed date in Pasadena. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Kate. Amazing show! - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Such an amazing gem in Pasadena. Truly an awesome experience to be able to live in a city with an award winning theater. Every play we have seen here has been amazing. Always such a good time. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here to see a show and the place is so warm and welcoming. The staff are outstanding. Very polite, friendly and helpful. Had seat up in mezzanine and view of stage was excellent. Do pick a good show to see though. read more

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This is a beautiful venue. It's easy to find and has easy parking. There is a restaurant, Bar Chelou, on site but you need reservations or without reservations you'll be able to sit in the bar and have a limited menu prior to the show. I did not care for the show I went to but the venue was really nice. It's a large auditorium with continental seating. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house, from what I could see. It has a good sized balcony but I can't tell you about it as I didn't see it. If you go here, you'll find the theatre pleasing. read more

Watched Sanctuary City and absolutely loved it. We've been to this Playhouse multiple times over the years and twice this year. Ticket prices are reasonable and all the seats are great. You really get your money's worth at smaller venues. Surprised how well the lighting and sound mixing mesh together! You really needed ambient noise and surround sound for Sanctuary City. High recommend checking this place out! We may get a membership at some point. The Pasadena Playhouse and Gergen Playhouse are worth it. (Maybe the Pantages too) read more

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I'm so sorry for one star, but last night's "Holiday Spectacular" lacked anything "spectacular". It was an embarrassing mess with "99 Cents Only" props strewn about the stage. There was an attempted storyline explaining the sparse poor production but it was pathetic and not entertaining at all. The theatre is quaint and seats are somewhat comfortable, it seats I believe 681 people, it has a nice history, but I'm afraid last night's production dropped their reputation down a few notches Everybody gave it their all, but I'm afraid it didn't add up to anything worthy of watching. Parking is available across from the Theatre for $5. read more

Beautiful theater! Every seat is great and love their free cup of wine on Wednesdays. I think Pasadena is very lucky to have such a beautiful venue that is classic. Perfect for a date. read more

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The actual building and staff is wonderful. This historic landmark in Pasadena is well kept and such a jewel. One down side is the very steep narrow stairs to the balcony but I think that can be blamed on the building's age. Very close to a lot of great restaurants to make it dinner and a show! I can't say I love a lot of the productions that they bring in. The quality of productions are not as strong as other parts of L.A. and some of the selections are just not my cup of tea. read more

In Decemberof last year, I won two tickets to any show at the Pasadena Playhouse. So exciting! July 16th, was finally the day and I took my mom to see Freestyle Love Supreme (2pm matinee). No two shows are alike. It's all improv and they take words and stories from the audience to make their songs. It was pretty cool and the cast's memories are amazing! The theater is historical and it was fun to read about it before the show started. My mom and I had never been before and we were happy to be there. It is quite a small theater, but I really liked that fact. We were told before the show, that we could go to the Library... Turns out that it is a members only lounge (we aren't members, but we're invited to be there). If you ever want to feel extremely out of place the very second you walk into a room, may I suggest you go to the Library at the Pasadena Playhouse? Without even saying hi, they were like, "You're a member?" "May we see your tickets?" And they all stared at us and so my mom and I left. They also, in the extremely short time we were there mentioned an amazing amount of times, that it was for members only... Like, we get it! read more

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What a great place to go. There was not a bad seat. There were only two actors in the stage with one set. They had it set up so the stage changed as the play progressed. Genius. I didn't see handicap accessible restrooms so I found going up stairs outside or across the street for a bathroom a negative. I saw some elderly struggling with the stairs. They have wine Wednesday in the courtyard and the atmosphere with lights, tables and fountains was really nice. I will definitely go back to see something else. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Fountain and social area. - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've lived in Pasadena for 10 years and never been to the playhouse but last night I got the opportunity to go see a one woman show! It was beautiful inside and out ! You can sense all the history in the architecture of the building. It's a beautiful theater! They also have wine Wednesdays where your ticket comes with a complimentary glass of red or white wine . Now that I've experienced the magic of the Pasadena Playhouse I will definitely look into more shows to come see ! read more

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I've been to the Pasadena Playhouse twice, and although both times I received complimentary tickets, I really enjoyed going to this venue and would definitely pay for tickets in the future. The first time I came, I received tickets in the back of the orchestra section and the next time, I received tickets in the mezzanine. I have to say that overall, there really is no bad seating, but I was surprised how much sitting in orchestra made a difference since you could see the actors' faces a lot easier. However, I have to admit that the seating in orchestra wasn't as comfortable as the chairs in mezzanine. Nonetheless, this is a great venue and if you're really interested in seeing something here, you won't go wrong. Staff is nice and the crowd is always pleasant. I didn't realize it was also a non-profit theater, so that makes it even a little bit more special. read more

I loved the play and loved the space. It's a good view no matter where you sit and the production was awesome. I appreciate the arts and the work the actors put into the show. They sang beautifully and I was super impressed. I will come back for their next production for sure! read more

If you're a Pasadena resident, you'll have first pics at their upcoming season for tickets. Hubby and I like being a member because it allows consistent the best seat pics. Honestly though, every seat has great views because it's laid out so nicely for all to view. This play has rave reviews from many of my favorite yelper buddies, so I know it'll be good. Stay nice and cool in here right now too with our current heat wave. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Top Stew cast members - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

The Pasadena Playhouse is a historic performing arts venue with an intimate auditorium. I loved that despite being in the mezzanine, we still had an incredible view of the stage and the sound quality was beautiful. The orchestra and musical cast were on the smaller size, yet the sound was resonant and full! Tonight was my first time seeing Sunday in the Park with George, and I would gladly return to see more musicals and performances at this venue in the future. I enjoyed that since there were less seats availability it was less crowded entering and exiting the venue. Parking was very convenient and cheap in the parking lot directly behind playhouse. They also have additional parking in the Pasadena Playhouse parking structure as well. read more

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Came here to watch SUNDAYS IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE! Luckily, we scored rush tickets and had great orchestra seats. I can here with my Aunt, who has a bit of a hard time hearing. However, she said the sound was very good and better than even Ahmanson theater. I think it's because it's a smaller theater and more intimate. The staff is very helpful and polite. Also, so amazing that it's in such a historic building! We parked city lot that is about a block behind the building very easy. The show itself was so wonderful to experience and I was so happy to show my Aunt a good time for the evening. If you haven't checked out a show here -- you must!!! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here with the wife for Sunday In The Park With George and it was a fantastic experience. First and foremost I want to say thanks to the staff and the venue. Y'all did a fantastic job at organizing the event. This is the first play that I had the privilege of viewing in person. The storyline wasn't exactly for me. The wife definitely fell asleep. However the actors and actresses sung really well and I can tell a lot of practice went into the show. I was entertained and I am interested in attending more events at the Pasadena Playhouse. Thank y'all for the opportunity to witness such a beautiful work of art. I felt the message of the play. The play gave me some perspective about how painful it can be to pursue one's passions. The play made me sad and it made me smile as it intended. I am going to keep a lookout for other shows from the Pasadena Playhouse. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Date night with the wife! - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

We were so fortunate to be able to see a recent performance of Freestyle Love Supreme at the Pasadena Playhouse. The show was absolutely incredible and we always love the Pasadena Playhouse as a venue. We arrived about 20 minutes before the show. They have $5 parking available at the garage right across the street, so that's easy and convenient. They require masks which we appreciate and they checked IDs and vaccination cards before entry which was also great. The seats are comfortable and you feel like you have plenty of room. I will say that during that last visit it did get a little warm. I don't know if the AC wasn't working, but probably a good idea to dress in layers. At the end of the 1.5 hour show we were all a little sweaty. But it was honestly so funny and heartwarming and just such a good time that it was easy to forget it was a little warm. Highly recommend this venue and you should try to see Freestyle Love Supreme if you can! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Freestyle Love Supreme at The Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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So beautiful. The building is incredible and the play we saw there was so funny. We say in the mezzanine up top and still had a good view of the show. We saw "one of the good ones" and it was too funny. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've attended several theatre events, live plays etc over the past 30 years. Delightful environment.

Beautiful theater. Greatly preserved. Parking all around, they usually have event parking. Saw the amazing show by Lin Manuel Miranda - Freestyle Love Supreme! read more

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The Playhouse is a very cool theater, but I am a wheelchair user, and man, it's so lame how many theaters like this relegate the wheelchair space to the very back row, often in the corner. Would it hurt your bottom line so much to have one or two seats removed closer to the front for people in wheelchairs?? read more

Pasadena Playhouse - A picture of the stage from the wheelchair space (with my camera on 5x zoom.) - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

Congratulations on 100 years of theater in Pasadena. We traveled from San Diego to Pasadena to see Culture Clash perform. An impactful tale of how the land of opportunity is denied to migrants from south of the border. Richard Montoya, Herbert Sigüenza, Ric Salinas and Sabina Zúñiga Varela tackled the harsh reality of deaths at the US-México border and how freedom is being oppressed in the USA. read more

The Pasadena Playhouse is a beautiful, charming venue that houses amazing talent and creates wonderful memories. The staff is extremely kind and helpful and covid-conscious, creating a safe space for people that enter through their doors. I had an absolutely incredible time/opportunity to watch Freestyle Love Supreme! The talent was mind blowing - a mix of comedy, improv and musical theater blended into an engaging, hilarious and unforgettable show. The show itself wasn't overwhelmingly long (like other musicals), has a little something for everyone and was thoroughly enjoyable. The best part is, because it is improv, no two shows are the same. I can't wait to see my next one and rave about it to all of my friends in the time between. There are lots surrounding the venue but there is street parking as well. Tucked in between a few food joints, it's in a perfect location that lends itself to a wonderful evening of dining/entertainment. I highly recommend this venue (and specifically this show) to everyone and anyone! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Freestyle Love Supreme (definitely in my Top 3 shows!!) - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

AMAZING PERFORMANCES!!! * We saw 4 performers and they were all extremely gifted and talented! Our show was around ~75 minutes. * The performers try very hard to have active audience participation and engagement. They called 4 people up to the stage 3 times!!! * They also had some impromptu singing! This was by far my favorite as you get to really witness the performer's true theatre talent :D * ARRIVE EARLY! If your ticket says 8pm, that means DOOR CLOSES AT 8PM! * Had a great time and was extremely happy to see such a great show read more

We came for the Sondheim and stayed for the exceptional quality. We bought a season pass in 2022-2023 because it was a season filled with Sondheim, including an evening with Bernadette Peters. But we bought 2023-2024 season tickets because every show we had seen was unbelievably good. The acting, the direction, the lighting, the sets, the costuming were all top notch. Support the State Theatre of California, a Tony Award Winning local gem!!! We drive down from Santa Barbara just to see the shows, and drive home discussing the incredible performances and fascinating stories!! read more

I saw the excellent production of "Inherit the Wind" a couple of weeks ago. Great cast and everything else. Alfred Molina, what can I say. I will just post a picture of intermission. You can see the only set. It has been given a non-period piece rendition of the Scopes Trial. What a great venue PP is. read more

We attended the Holiday Spectacular at the Pasadena Playhouse last night. We were in the third row and had great seats. The Playhouse is beautiful and was decorated nicely for the season. But the show was absolutely horrible! I have been to the playhouse over the years but this performance was just the stupidest performance I've ever seen. Our entire party of 4 got a headache from the constant screaming and awful noise! It was worse than a high school performance. Tickets were $125 per person and I would not recommend this show! The only good part of the performance was the Muir High School group at the end. The rest was a mess! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Ticket - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

I saw Little Shop of Horrors (LSoH) here last night. What a show and production! Let me begin by saying, having an equity theater outside of LA is a benefit to the people of Pasadena and neighboring communities. To not have to drive/train to LA for quality theater is priceless. Let alone the theater be so historically cute and host big name actors! (And share a courtyard with a yummy taco shop next door.) Though LSoH is back on Broadway this year, this production should win a Tony! While the Caddy on stage was mind blowing as well as the dental seat that comes up from below, the puppetry was nothing short of amazing! Think Avenue Q on steroids. No expense was spared to do this show right. The puppets, the singing the dancing?! You'll be on your feet dancing by intermission. Fresh off his robbery of a Tony nomination for Be More Chill is the star, George Salazar. George has a natural awkwardness that may never have been seen before on the Great White Way. Couple that with his uncanny ability to simulate activity through his body and hand gestures and you will never take your eyes off him! He is joined on stage by the talents of Amber Reilly and MJ Rodriquez as well as several other extraordinary actors. This is award winning talent like never before in Pasadena. If you never follow another piece of advice from me, that's fine! But get yourself to Pasadena and see LSoH! You will not regret the time and money spent to do so. It's an amazing 2 hours you won't soon forget. Reading this after it leaves on 20 October 2019? Go see another show because this Playhouse and two turntables and a microphone are where it is at! Check out their website for more information. And Goldstar for potentially discounted seats! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Cool event space with friendly staff. They occasionally serve free wine, which is great! I don't know the exact frequency of this occurrence however. Getting tickets was a smooth process at the box office. The demographic of the crowd definitely runs older. Everyone seemed to dress nicely, so the unspoken dress code seems to be a bit formal, kind of like if you were to go on a date at a nice restaurant. Ultimately it doesn't matter, as it is 2022, but some prissy guests might make some snarky comments. (As you can tell this happened to me lol). I would have taken a star off if this were the attitude of the staff members, but they were all very nice! Can't dock points for some annoying patrons. Overall this is a great space, come visit! read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Free wine we love to see it - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Wonderful wonderful wonderful Beautiful and amazing The actor and actresses are superb read more

This gorgeous, historical building is definitely a must see for locals and visitors alike. Tickets are affordable, seats were comfortable, and wine Wednesdays get you a complementary drink with your ticket. You're also within walking distance to cafés and shops, making it a great place to spend a full, enjoyable evening. read more

Pasadena Playhouse - Orchestra seating on the right of the theater, four rows from the stage - Performing Arts Near Me - Pasadena, California

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