Pasadena Playhouse Unveils 2026-27 Season: A Bold Lineup Featuring Broadway Premieres and Classic Revivals

By Lila Roberts

Pasadena Playhouse, one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated regional theaters, has announced its 2026-27 season, promising a lineup that its Producing Artistic Director, Danny Feldman, describes as “bigger than our Sondheim season.” The announcement arrives as the theater marks a historic milestone—owning its campus for the first time in 50 years, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of its iconic Spanish Colonial Revival building.

The season blends L.A. Premieres, Broadway transfers, and classic revivals, with a focus on works that span contemporary relevance and timeless storytelling. Here’s what audiences can expect:

— ### **A Season of Firsts: L.A. Premieres and Post-Broadway Debuts** #### **1. “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” – A Post-Broadway Triumph** The most anticipated entry is the L.A. Premiere of Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, based on Josefina López’s play about an undocumented Mexican immigrant’s experiences in a Boyle Heights garment factory. The musical, which closed after 104 performances on Broadway in 2025, will make its post-Broadway debut at Pasadena Playhouse in spring 2027. The production is a testament to the theater’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in American theater.

“Real Women Have Curves” is more than a story—it’s a cultural touchstone that reflects the immigrant experience in ways few works have dared to explore.

#### **2. “Passing Strange” – The Tony-Winning Musical’s L.A. Debut** Another highlight is the long-awaited L.A. Premiere of Passing Strange, the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the life of L.A.-born musician Stew. Directed by Tony nominee Zhailon Levingston (known for his work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball), the production promises to bring the raw energy of its Broadway run to Pasadena’s stage. #### **3. “The Visit” – A Darko Tresnjak-Directed Tragicomedy** Kicking off the season is Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s The Visit, a chilling tragicomedy directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak. Tresnjak, who previously collaborated with Pasadena Playhouse on Amadeus, will helm this production, starring Jefferson Mays in a role that fans of his work in Law & Order: SVU and Broadway will not want to miss. — ### **Classic Revivals and New Works: A Balanced Lineup** #### **4. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” – Alfred Molina Returns** The season closes with a revival of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, featuring Alfred Molina in a return to the Pasadena Playhouse stage. Molina, an Emmy and Tony winner, brings his signature intensity to the role of Brick Pollitt, a performance that is sure to draw comparisons to his acclaimed Broadway work. #### **5. Yet-to-Be-Announced Winter Production** While details remain under wraps, Feldman has hinted at a yet-to-be-announced winter production that will add another layer of intrigue to the season. Speculation among theater insiders suggests it could be a bold new work or a revival with star power. — ### **Why This Season Stands Out** Pasadena Playhouse’s 2026-27 season is notable for several reasons: – **Ownership Milestone:** After decades as a tenant, the theater now owns its historic campus, allowing for greater creative freedom and long-term planning. – **Diversity of Voices:** From López’s immigrant narrative to Williams’ Southern Gothic drama, the season reflects a commitment to storytelling that challenges and inspires. – **Artistic Excellence:** With directors like Tresnjak and Levingston attached, the productions are poised to deliver the high-caliber performances audiences expect from Pasadena Playhouse.

“This season isn’t just about putting on shows—it’s about creating experiences that resonate with our community and beyond.”
— Danny Feldman, Producing Artistic Director, Pasadena Playhouse

— ### **Key Takeaways for Theatergoers** | **Production** | **Type** | **Director** | **Notable Feature** | |——————————|————————|—————————-|———————————————| | *The Visit* | Tragicomedy | Darko Tresnjak | Jefferson Mays in a chilling role | | *Passing Strange* | Musical | Zhailon Levingston | L.A. Premiere of a Tony-winning show | | *Real Women Have Curves* | Musical | TBA | Post-Broadway debut after 104 performances | | *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof* | Classic Revival | TBA | Alfred Molina’s return to the stage | — ### **What’s Next for Pasadena Playhouse?** With this season’s announcement, Pasadena Playhouse solidifies its reputation as a hub for innovative and classic theater. Feldman’s vision—“bigger than our Sondheim season”—hints at even more ambitious projects on the horizon, including potential collaborations with emerging playwrights and adaptations of lesser-known but equally powerful stories. For those eager to secure tickets, the theater’s subscription packages (starting at $310 for dynamic memberships) offer the best value, ensuring access to all mainstage productions. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, this season promises to be one for the books. —

Lila Roberts is an entertainment editor covering theater, film, and pop culture trends. Follow her insights on archynewsy.com.