Pasadena Playhouse — Attraction in Pasadena

Despite accessibility language on their website, this company is hostile to people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users. If you are disabled or love someone who is disabled or believe in inclusion, don’t come here. If you are choosing a venue for your production, look elsewhere. There are many options in LA, and we have been to over 7 theaters. This is the worst for accessibility we have seen. Despite notifying the venue that we needed wheelchair access when we bought the tickets, they had no idea. When we arrived they explained they had no place for us planned and directed to sit along the wall on the far side of the aisle, about 6 or so feet from the nearest real seat. While they may fulfill the barest legal regiments of disability access, to try to put my five year old wheelchair user off on a corner of a hall, visibly separate from the rest of the audience is inexcusable yet they seemed to think this was perfectly acceptable. I let them know I would sit in the audience with my son on my lap. This will not always be possible and is not a good solution. The extra wheelchair transfer was stressful. The usher made no move or offer to help me shift the necessary bags and supplies from wheelchair to seat. We felt decidedly unwelcome and would not return. The staff made it clear that they did not see the problem in any of this. Do better or at least remove the accessibility language on your website as you clearly don’t actually care to include all...

The Pasadena Playhouse has such a storied history that it’s hard to not feel privileged to see the performances that continue to grace its stage. The venue has an almost magical atmosphere that complements the incredible seating capacity and the rich array of theatrical productions. This historic theatre has hosted numerous acclaimed performers and has been a cultural cornerstone in the community for decades. I love the overall experience and the people who come share a common interest in the theatrical arts. The cheapest tickets have nothing to do with your personal experience, the only difference it has is how close you are to the stage. This is an incredible venue and each visit feels like a journey through time, enhancing my appreciation for the performing arts.

I think it’s important to add that this is as real as it gets, and a good place for well behaved children and there’s great food or dinner options within fifty feet of the front entrance. Pasadena is a great artsy community and the Playhouse is one its gems. It’s a luxury I can afford and I’ve never not felt welcomed when walking through...

September 25, 2015 Pasadena Playhouse

Real Women Have Curves

We normally enjoy the performances at the Playhouse. They make for a wonderful evening in Old Town Pasadena complete with a nice dinner and a stroll down Colorado Blvd. That is why we continue to renew our season tickets each year.

After dodging the panhandlers as we walked to and from the Cheesecake Factory, we were looking forward to a pleasant evening and a great performance. We were unfortunately disappointed.

The only curve we were thrown last night was an attempt to convince us that this would be a good performance. Mostly it was about a distraught garment district business owner and her employees searching for reasons to be emotional. The rest of the time the actresses seemed to be hunting for a plot that remained hidden throughout the first act.

We don’t know if they found it during the second act because we walked out at intermission.

I certainly hope that the remaining season’s performances are up to the standards we have come to...