Sheldon Epps News

WriteGirl, the Los Angeles-based creative writing and mentoring organization, in partnership with the acclaimed Pasadena Playhouse is pleased to announce PlayWriteGirl, which will be held May 3 at the Pasadena Playhouse. From 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., more than 65 teen girls from Pasadena and beyond, along with their mentors, will participate in the workshop part of PlayWriteGirl. They will learn about monologue and scene-writing in sessions led by guest writers, including screenwriter Robin Swicord (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees), producer Jennifer Crittenden (The New Adventures of Old Christine, Seinfeld), Martha Williamson and Jule Selbo (Touched by an Angel) and playwrights Laural Meade and Jennie Webb.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Ken Novice, Interim Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced today that LAUGHING MATTERS, a world premiere musical featuring a book and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart (author of the international best-selling novel 'Beaches'), music by Mike Stoller (Smokey Joe's Café) and Artie Butler (Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker), and directed by Leonard Foglia (Broadway's Thurgood starring Laurence Fishburne), will be the final production of the 2009 Season entitled WOMEN: The Heart and Soul of Theatre.

Pasadena Playhouse announced today that LAUGHING MATTERS, a world premiere musical featuring a book and lyrics by Iris Rainer Dart (author of the international best-selling novel 'Beaches'), music by Mike Stoller (Smokey Joe's Café) and Artie Butler (Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker), and directed by Leonard Foglia (Broadway's Thurgood starring Laurence Fishburne), will be the final production of the 2009 Season.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Ken Novice, Interim Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced casting today for the upcoming production of MAURITIUS by Theresa Rebeck.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Ken Novice, Interim Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced casting today for the upcoming production of MAURITIUS by Theresa Rebeck.

Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director, Sheldon Epps; Interim Managing Director, Ken Novice; Producing Director, Tom Ware) today announced that upon closing night on March 8, 2009 Stormy Weather starring Leslie Uggams as Lena Horne has surpassed SISTER ACT the Musical as the top selling production in both dollars and tickets (SISTER ACT the Musical bows at the London Palladium on June 2, 2009).

It was with great dismay that I read a recent notice in the Los Angeles Times of layoffs amongst the theatre critic and arts coverage world at publications including the LA Weekly, Daily Variety and the L.A. Daily News...

Stormy Weather has been extended at The Pasadena Playhouse through 3/8 Conceived and written by Sharleen Cooper Cohen Suggested by the biography Lena Horne, Entertainer published by Chelsea House By special arrangements with Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley and Armica Productions Music by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer, Rodgers & Hart, Jerome Kern, Billy Strayhorn and more Choreography by Randy Skinner Directed by Michael Bush

Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director, Sheldon Epps; Interim Managing Director, Ken Novice; Producing Director, Tom Ware) announced on Friday, January 30 that Stormy Weather, starring Leslie Uggams as Lena Horne, is now the non-profit?s record-holder for advance single ticket sales prior to opening night.

The results of the 2008 Executive Board Election were announced on November 17, 2008 at the annual SSDC membership meeting in New York. Joining the leadership of President Karen Azenberg, Executive Vice President Larry Carpenter and Treasurer Doug Hughes are director/choreographer Kathleen Marshall as Vice President and director Mary B. Robinson as Secretary. New members Joe Calarco and Leigh Silverman joined the Board, along with incumbents Rob Ashford, Edie Cowan, Ethan McSweeny, Tom Moore, Lisa Peterson, Daniel Sullivan, David Warren and Chay Yew. After twelve years of valued service, Mark Brokaw and Sheldon Epps rotated off the Board.

Where Are You Taking Me?: What's Next in Musical Theater is a free, day-long symposium with musical theater practitioners from around the country.

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is thrilled to present The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

At Pasadena Playhouse's 11th Annual Gala, Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps, new Board Chair Michele Dedeaux Engemann and outgoing Board Chair Kerry McCluggage (the Gala's honoree), announced the theatre's receipt of a $3 million anonymous gift for the Playhouse's Next Stage Campaign.

New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is thrilled to present The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Brian Colburn, Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced casting today for VANITIES, A New Musical by Jack Heifner, with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey. Set to star are Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Side Show) as Mary, Sarah Stiles (Avenue Q, …Spelling Bee) as Joanne and Anneliese van der Pol (Beauty and the Beast, TV's 'That's So Raven') as Kathy. Preview performances begin on August 22 with the official press opening on August 29 at Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue).

Intiman Theatre Board President Susan J. Leavitt and Artistic Director Bartlett Sher announce that Brian Colburn has been selected as Intiman's new Managing Director, following a national search.

Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director, Brian Colburn, Managing Director, Tom Ware, Producing Director) announced casting today for VANITIES, A New Musical by Jack Heifner, with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey. Set to star are Lauren Kennedy (Spamalot, Side Show) as Mary, Sarah Stiles (Avenue Q, …Spelling Bee) as Joanne and Anneliese van der Pol (Beauty and the Beast, TV's 'That's So Raven') as Kathy. Preview performances begin on August 22 with the official press opening on August 29 at Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Avenue).

April Nixon performs 'Breakthrough' featuring songs of Larry O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and Kenny Kacmar and Joe Miloscia, and special guests Norm Lewis, Marcus Paul James, and Lisa Nicole Wilkerson on May 12th and 19th.

The 2007 Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Awards ceremony was held November 12 at downtown's The Orpheum Theatre. The nights big winners included Sleeping Beauty Wakes (World Premiere Musical), Film Chinois (World Premiere Play) and Jersey Boys (Touring Production)...

The San Francisco production of the critically acclaimed Blues in the Night will play its final performance on Sunday, October 14 at 7PM having played 71 performances and 7 previews.