SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE Musical to Premiere June 2012 at Pasadena Playhouse

The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director and Stephen Eich, Executive Director), in association with David Shor, announced today that the world premiere of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE - THE MUSICAL is set to complete the previously announced 2011 - 2012 season. Performances begin June 12, 2012 and the production will play through July 15, 2012 at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino).

"I am very taken with the charm, romance, wit, and theatrical whimsy of this musical, and so pleased that The Playhouse is the designated choice for the next step in its development." said Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "We have had great success recently with shows born on our stage that are now enjoying an extended life on Broadway and beyond (such as the Tony-nominated productions of Sister Act and Baby It's You!). I believe that SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE has the potential for a long and happy theatrical future. I am sure that our audiences will be swept away as they discover the clever and contemporary score, which supports this new musical adaptation of this well-loved story. I look forward to a tremendous collaboration with the entire creative team."

"We are thrilled that the world premiere of SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE - THE MUSICAL will be at The Pasadena Playhouse because of their storied, historic past," said producer David Shor. "The Pasadena Playhouse is one of the theaters I have been in discussions with all through the development phase of the show. The relationship and chemistry that has developed with the creative and management team at The Playhouse through that process, coupled with the other shows that have played and been developed there and sent on to successful Broadway runs, made the decision an easy one for me. When I acquired the rights to produce the musical, I knew the story had heart and wit, and we have assembled an amazing creative team to really flavor the story with a contemporary feel. I hope audiences will fall in love with the stage production as they did with the 1993 film."

SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE - THE MUSICAL has a book by Jeff Arch, Shor's longtime business partner, who penned the film's original story and co-wrote the screenplay, sharing 1994 Oscar, BAFTA and WGA nominations with Nora Ephron and David Ward. Music and Lyrics are by Michelle Citrin, Michael Garin, and Josh Nelson. Joel Zwick (George Gershwin Alone, Dance With Me, Shenandoah, My Big Fat Greek Wedding) will direct.

The American Film Institute (AFI) lists SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE among the Top 10 Best Romantic Comedies of all time and the film grossed over $227 million dollars worldwide. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, four MTV Movie Awards, one Writers Guild of America Award, and won an American Comedy Award and a Casting Society of America Award. SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE is based on the 1957 film An Affair To Remember starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.

The previously announced productions for the 2011 - 2012 season include:

SOUTH STREET
A Musical Comedy - World Premiere
by Craig Carlisle and Richard Addrisi
September 20 - October 16, 2011

Welcome to Philadelphia's legendary South Street. A place where anything goes, and everything usually does. At the center of all the music and revelry lies "Sammy's Place," the hottest joint in town. Tonight is the annual "Full Moon Festival" and the club's family and eclectic regulars have gathered together to give this club a night it will never forget. You're invited to raise a glass for an evening of love, laughter and family with a score by acclaimed songwriter Richard Addrisi. His chart-topping work has been performed by Mary J. Blige, Barry Manilow, Shirley Bassey and the legendary Smokey Robinson. We'll see you at Sammy's.

PASTORAL
A World Premiere Play starring Academy Award-nominee Angela Bassett
by Frank Tangredi
Directed by Sheldon Epps
November 1 - 27, 2011

What if the secrets of your past could destroy your future? When Pastor Emily is faced with a terrible crisis, she must confront her darkest fears, as well as her family, to discover the true capacity of her own forgiveness. This groundbreaking new play was developed in The Playhouse Hothouse Reading Series and stars Academy Award-nominee Angela Bassett in a powerful and unforgettable performance. To be directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps.

ART
The International Tony Award-winning Smash Hit
by Yasmina Reza
Directed by David Lee
January 24 - February 19, 2012

What is more valuable: good art or good friends? Serge, Marc and Yvan are about to find out. When Serge drops a small fortune on a controversial painting, the sparks (and words) begin to fly as each experience the dire consequences of adhering to one's taste in art. Written by white-hot playwright Yasmina Reza (God of Carnage), this acclaimed international hit will be directed by nine-time Emmy Award-winner David Lee. David has directed many of The Playhouse's biggest hits, including Can Can, Light Up The Sky and Camelot.

THE HEIRESS
An American Classic
by Ruth and Augustus Goetz
April 24 - May 20, 2012

Catherine has been given everything she ever wanted, except the one thing she truly needs: her Father's affection. When she meets Morris, her fantasies of a fulfilled life seem destined to become a reality. But sometimes love is just a game, and vengeance is the only way to win. You are invited to experience a tale of romance and retribution, with an ending you'll never see coming.

Subscriptions for the 2011-2012 season are available now. The 5-Play Series ranges from $99.00 - $260.00. A VIP 5-Play Series is available for $375.00.

The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue in Pasadena. Subscriptions are available for purchase at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, by calling the Box Office at 626-356-7529 or by visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office. The Box Office is open on Monday from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday - Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates and Tuesday- Sunday from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on performance dates. The box office is closed on holidays. Group subscriptions are also available. For additional information about subscriptions contact the Box Office at 626-356-7529 or visit www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

Full casting, creative teams and single ticket on-sale dates for each production will be announced at later dates.