Pasadena Playhouse Cancels Shows Amid California Wildfires
Pasadena Playhouse announced the cancellation of its upcoming concert productions of “Anything Goes” and “Follies” due to the ongoing Los Angeles-area fires.
While the fires have not physically damaged the Playhouse itself, the extensive impact on the theatre’s staff, artists, and audiences has left the company with little choice but to halt its planned performances.
In a statement, Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman expressed the collective concern shared by the Playhouse and its community.
“Pasadena Playhouse is heartbroken by the devastation that this week’s fires have inflicted on so many within our community, and we continue to be grateful for the outpouring of concern and support,” Feldman stated. “Given the extensive impact of the fires on Playhouse staff, artists, and audiences, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming In Concert productions of Anything Goes and Follies at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.”
| RELATED: LIST: Events Cancelled, Postponed Due to California Wildfires |
“Anything Goes” was to feature Jinkx Monsoon in the lead role of Reno Sweeney. The production was scheduled for January 24 to 25 and included performances by Wayne Brady, J. Harrison Ghee, BenDeLaCreme, Harvey Guillén, Alec Mapa, and Mike Millan. Direction was to be handled by Annie Tippe, with Darryl Archibald as music director and choreography by Ayodele Casel.
“Follies” was slated to take the stage on January 31 to February 1. This rendition of the Sondheim and Goldman classic would have featured acclaimed performers such as Rachel Bay Jones, Stephanie J. Block, Derrick Baskin, and Aaron Lazar. The production team included director Leigh Silverman and music director Darryl Archibald, who were set to bring this complex and poignant piece to life.
The Playhouse’s box office has begun the process of reaching out to ticket holders to discuss the next step.
“Most importantly, our thoughts are with everyone in our community,” Feldman continued. “Please know that we are thinking of you, and that Pasadena Playhouse is committed to doing all we can to support the people of Pasadena, Altadena, and Los Angeles, who have done so much to support us.”
Los Angeles is currently experiencing the most destructive fire in the city’s history.
The largest blaze at this time is the Palisades Fire, burning between Malibu and Santa Monica. Other active fires include the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Hurst Fire and Lidia Fire in San Fernando Valley, and the Auto Fire in Ventura County.
While firefighters have slowed the progress of the fires since the weekend, the 14,000-acre Eaton fire is 45% contained as of Wednesday morning, while the Palisades fire — covering 23,700 acres — is only 19% contained. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Eaton fire has killed 16 people, making it one of the deadliest fires in California’s history. At least 25 people have been killed across the Greater Los Angeles area, while 26 people are currently reported as missing.
