The Pasadena Playhouse announced Wednesday a season of four Los Angeles premieres.
The first show is a reimagining of the Broadway musical “Head Over Heels” with songs by The Go-Go’s, directed, choreographed, and conceived by Jenny Koons and Sam Pinkleton. The next show is Mike Lew’s “Teenage Dick,” a modern take on Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Then, “Ann” written by and starring Holland Taylor and directed by Benjamin Endsley Klein. The last show is “freestyle love supreme,” conceived by Anthony Veneziale and created by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Anthony Veneziale. A fifth production will be announced at a later date.
“Head Over Heels” is a musical comedy adaptation of “The Arcadia” by Sir Philip Sidney and is set to the music of the The Go-Go’s. The audience will join in the journey as a royal family searches to save their kingdom and discovers the joy of each other along the way.
“Teenage Dick” reimagines the most famous disabled character of all time, Richard III, as a modern day, 16-year-old outsider in his junior year of high school. Bullied because of his cerebral palsy, Richard is determined to have his revenge and make his name by becoming president of the senior class.
“Ann” is an uplifting tribute to a courageous leader, dedicated mother, loving grandmother, and legendary personality. Texas Governor Ann Richards had a heart as big as the state from which she hailed, a wit to rival the greats, and an enduring passion for fair play. Neither partisan nor political, this richly imagined play reveals a complex, colorful, and captivating character whose capacity to inspire us all burns even brighter today.
“freestyle love supreme” is from the creators of “Hamilton” and “In the Heights.” Audiences will be led by a troupe of freestyle rappers and backed by an onstage band. This show aims to redefine “live theater” and will explore the boundaries of what theater can be now, and into the future.
Playhouse members receive advanced access to tickets at a discount. There is a return of a traditional subscription with the Classic Membership, and a new $100 PlayhousePass Membership. More information can be found at pasadenaplayhouse.org/membership.
Pasadena Playhouse will follow all safety protocols put forth by Los Angeles County and the City of Pasadena.
- All patrons will be required to wear a mask fully covering their nose and mouth at all times while in the theater.
- Ticket holders will be required to be fully vaccinated and will need to provide a photo ID and proof of vaccination (physical vaccination card, a picture of vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record).
- Guests under 12 years old or those who need a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or due to a sincerely held religious belief must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the theater.
- Children under 5 will not be admitted. Children 5 years old or older must be able to wear a mask fully covering their nose and mouth at all times while in the theater.
Pasadena Playhouse will continue to address these guidelines as we approach performances. The most up-to-date requirements can be found at pasadenaplayhouse.org/covid-19/.
