Jeremy Baker, Pasadena Playhouse Board Chair Erin Baker, and Brad King at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Chris Holden, Melanie Holden, Tammy Mora, and Steve Mora at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Rachel Spacca, Peter Goldman, and Sarah Mass at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Yvette Cason and Breton Washington at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Joanne Lee, Olivia Moore, Pasadena Playhouse Board Chair Erin Baker, and Kristy Narens at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Amy Vokey and Emily Viglietta at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Grace McConnell, George McCrimlisk, Mark Flores, and Kathleen McCrimlisk at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Shane Munson and Mara Weisband at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Zindzi Hammond-Hanson, Jacque Myers, Rachel Spacca, and Arie Levine at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Linda Antonioli and Greta Mandell at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Harvey Knell, Ellen Knell, Marilyn Spiegel, and Marty Spiegel at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Tori Mordecai and Tom Holm at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Mary Cosgrove, Julie Campoy, Mary O’Connell, and Reba Thomas at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Alex Wang, Beth Fernandez, and Abel Ramirez at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Michael McKee, Shayne Smith, and Pam Girard at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Monalisa and Max Emsallem at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Hilda Kane, David Patrick, and Jason Thompson at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
Brandon and Elizabeth Levin at the Pasadena Playhouse Party 2025 held at the Pasadena Playhouse [Paul Takizawa/Pasadena Now]
The mood was positively giddy on Saturday evening as the Pasadena Playhouse celebrated itself, its history and its future at its annual fundraising gala.
In a landmark move coinciding with its centennial celebrations, the Pasadena Playhouse has reacquired ownership of its historic building after more than five decades. The acquisition, which was finalized on April 4, 2025, restores the 70,000-square-foot campus at 39 S. El Molino Avenue to the theater’s stewardship, marking a significant milestone in its storied history.
“For most of our history, we’ve been making extraordinary theater here while essentially renting our own home,” said Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman. “Today, that changes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this building is finally back where it belongs—with the people who built it and believe in its future.
“Owning our historic campus unlocks endless possibilities for what Pasadena Playhouse can be in its second century,” Feldman added.
The announcement was made during the Playhouse’s annual gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, which also marked the commencement of the theater’s centennial celebrations.
The sold-out event broke previous fundraising records, surpassing the $1 million mark for the first time. Fabulously dressed and coiffed attendees, as beautiful as the evening itself, enjoyed cocktails and smiles in the courtyard, followed by a very private dinner and a series of live performances in the historic building.
The property encompasses the original 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival-style theater, the six-story Fannie E. Morrison Building annex built in 1936, the Carrie Hamilton Theater dedicated in 2006, and a ground-floor restaurant space. This reacquisition was made possible through a $15 million fundraising campaign, which has already achieved 75% of its goal.
The Perenchio Foundation provided the lead gift, matched by philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl, with additional support from The Ahmanson Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Brad and Pamela King, Harmon and Lea Kong, Leigh and Harry Olivar, Jane Kaczmarek, Bingo and Gino Roncelli, and Erin and Jeremy Baker.
Founded in 1917, the Pasadena Playhouse has been a cornerstone of American theater, hosting premieres by theatre luminaries like Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and Suzan-Lori Parks.
For more information about the Pasadena Playhouse and their programs and performances visit www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.
