Further cancellations due to L.A. Fire disaster

If you consider yourself a theatre enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the buzz surrounding the much-anticipated concert productions of ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES at California’s prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. For months, fans eagerly awaited the chance to see celebrities like Jinkx Monsoon, Wayne Brady, Stephanie J. Block, and Rachel Bay Jones in two of the most celebrated musicals in theatre history, brought to life in a grand, concert-style setting. Yet, in the midst of a wave of devastating wildfires plaguing the Los Angeles region, the Pasadena Playhouse made the difficult decision to cancel these productions. Their top priority? The safety and wellbeing of staff, artists, and the broader community.

In this article, we’ll explore why these cancellations were made, the impact on audiences and theatre professionals, and how this situation reflects the Playhouse’s longstanding commitment to community care. We’ll also take a closer look at why these two shows—ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES—captured so much excitement, and how they fit into the rich tapestry of American musical theatre. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s delve into the story behind the cancellations that have captivated theatre fans far and wide.

A Legacy Under Threat

The Pasadena Playhouse, established in 1917, is no stranger to hosting iconic shows and attracting top-tier talent. This storied venue has, over the decades, been home to a multitude of plays and musicals that celebrate theatrical artistry at its finest. One look at its art-deco architecture and you’re reminded of the golden age of Hollywood, when luminous stars roamed the city’s stages, forging the legacy of live performance in the region.

But the real story here goes beyond the building’s storied walls. The Los Angeles fires, which have been particularly severe in recent weeks, have caused widespread evacuations, power outages, and extensive smoke damage. Wildfires in California, especially in the last few years, have grown exponentially in size and intensity, leading state officials to label them as some of the worst on record. Scientific data from agencies like Cal Fire highlights that 2020 and 2021 saw record-breaking fires—both in acreage burned and in impact on local communities—and, unfortunately, recent conditions seem poised to repeat or surpass that devastation.

While the Playhouse itself is thankfully unharmed, that doesn’t tell the entire story. Many members of its staff, along with cast and crew, have been directly affected by the region’s hazardous air quality, mandatory evacuations, and disrupted travel. The concert productions of ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES were set to be staged at the nearby Pasadena Civic Auditorium, but given the logistical and emotional toll these fires have taken, the Playhouse leadership concluded that pressing on simply wasn’t feasible.

We are fortunate that our historic building has not sustained any significant damage, explained Danny Feldman, Producing Artistic Director of Pasadena Playhouse, in a heartfelt statement. Given the extensive impact of the fires on Playhouse staff, artists, and audiences, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming In Concert productions of ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Why ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES Mattered

For those less familiar with these musicals, ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES aren’t just any shows. They’re cultural milestones that have shaped the way we think about American musical theatre.

ANYTHING GOES, first premiering in 1934, features music and lyrics by the legendary Cole Porter. Its story follows a madcap set of characters aboard a transatlantic ocean liner bound for England. Over the years, it has become synonymous with the golden era of Broadway musicals, featuring classic tunes like I Get a Kick Out of You and You’re the Top. The show’s energy, tap-dance sequences, and witty humour have made it a favourite among audiences worldwide. More recently, we’ve seen major revivals starring Broadway luminaries. Having Jinkx Monsoon—well-known for her win on a popular drag competition series—and Wayne Brady—famed for his comedic and musical talents—sign on for these concert performances was nothing short of electrifying. Throw in choreography from Ayodele Casel, renowned for her innovative tap style, and you have all the ingredients for a theatrical triumph.

Equally beloved, FOLLIES debuted on Broadway in 1971, showcasing music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a script by James Goldman. The story revolves around a reunion of former performers in a crumbling Broadway theatre on the eve of its demolition, shining a nostalgic light on the glitz and shadows of showbiz. Songs like Losing My Mind and Broadway Baby are cornerstones of the Sondheim repertoire, embodying the emotional complexity and lyrical genius that have turned him into a living legend. It’s no surprise that the Pasadena Playhouse’s planned concert staging of FOLLIES, featuring theatre heavyweights like Stephanie J. Block and Rachel Bay Jones, generated massive anticipation.

From Rehearsals to Reality

Behind the scenes, producing large-scale concert versions of iconic shows is no mean feat. While these presentations are often “stripped-down” compared to fully staged productions, they still require extensive musical rehearsals, choreographic sessions, costume arrangements, and coordination between creative teams. For ANYTHING GOES, music director Darryl Archibald was set to guide an orchestra through the show’s dynamic score, while director Annie Tippe was charged with crafting a breezy, concert-friendly narrative approach. For FOLLIES, director Leigh Silvermanplanned to bring her forward-thinking style to the show’s haunting introspections, again with Archibald at the musical helm.

Yet even the best-laid plans can be derailed when nature rears its head. Numerous cast members for both concerts had to prioritise their personal safety and that of their families, some leaving their homes or assisting with relief efforts. The air quality in Los Angeles—already susceptible to smog—took a nose dive, raising concerns for performers who depend on healthy lungs and vocal cords. Between smoke advisories, road closures, and the emotional toll of seeing one’s community in peril, forging ahead with rehearsals became less and less feasible.

According to the statement released, the Playhouse’s box office will soon be reaching out to ticketholders to resolve refunds or offer alternative options. It’s a logistical challenge that no venue relishes, but one that underscores how integral ticket buyers are to theatre’s livelihood. After all, theatre isn’t just about the artists on stage; it’s also about the community in the audience.

A Community-Focused Decision

Though some might question why the shows were cancelled rather than simply postponed, the Playhouse’s emphasis on community safety offers a persuasive explanation. Postponing large-scale events in the wake of natural disasters can still pose considerable logistical difficulties. Cast and crew scheduling, venue availability, and audience accessibility all come into play—sometimes making a straightforward cancellation the most responsible choice.

“Pasadena Playhouse is heartbroken by the devastation that this week’s fires have inflicted on so many within our community, and we continue to be grateful for the outpouring of concern and support,” says Danny Feldman. “This was not an easy decision to make, but our theatremakers and staff are currently unable to come together to continue the vital work of creating these monumental productions.”

This focus on collective well-being has long been a hallmark of Pasadena Playhouse’s ethos. Historically, the venue has served as a cultural and educational pillar in the region, hosting not just musicals and plays but also community programmes and outreach efforts. The Playhouse is often praised for its educational initiatives aimed at young audiences, its commitment to championing new playwrights, and its collaborations with local schools. So it stands to reason that when crisis hits, the Playhouse would prioritise the needs of people over performances.

The Wider Implications

Cancelling two major productions isn’t just about shuttering the theatre for a weekend. It ripples through the local arts economy, affecting vendors, local hotels, restaurants, and the freelance professionals who staff these events. According to a 2022 Americans for the Arts report, the arts and culture sector contributes billions to local economies each year—proving essential for job creation and tourism. In Pasadena, an area that thrives on cultural heritage, the cancellation of high-profile shows like ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES resonates beyond the immediate circle of theatre folk.

Nonetheless, many in the theatre community are already rallying to support each other. Artists not directly affected by the fires have stepped up to organise fundraisers and volunteer efforts, while local patrons have donated to relief charities and assisted those displaced by the disaster. The hope is that once the fires subside and the city regains a sense of normalcy, the Playhouse will be able to reschedule or reimagine these productions in a way that reaffirms why live theatre is so cherished.

Looking Ahead: Resilience in the Spotlight

While the cancellation of two star-studded concerts is undeniably disheartening, it serves as a reminder of theatre’s most enduring trait: resilience. In a world so often marked by uncertainty—be it fires, pandemics, or political upheavals—live performance continues to be a beacon of community, creativity, and empathy. The energy that swirls around musicals like ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES will undoubtedly resurface, possibly in the very same Pasadena Civic Auditorium once conditions allow.

Moreover, the response to these cancellations has been markedly unifying. Statements from the Playhouse emphasise gratitude towards first responders, relief organisations, and the local community. Artists of all levels have expressed solidarity with those more severely impacted, exemplifying the very spirit of collaboration that makes the performing arts so unique. In that sense, the real “show” may be the ongoing demonstration of compassion and camaraderie.

The Show Must Go On—Safely and Together

The decision by Pasadena Playhouse to cancel its high-profile concert stagings of ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES underscores a fundamental truth about the performing arts: theatre is, at its core, a gathering of people. And when people’s safety is at stake, it becomes our collective responsibility to pause the music, dim the lights, and address the real-world drama playing out around us.

Above all, this moment highlights why we love theatre in the first place. The magic on stage is a reflection of the care, creativity, and commitment of the community behind it. In the wake of these cancellations, the Pasadena Playhouse remains a beacon of hope. It has promised to keep prioritising the wellbeing of its staff, artists, and audiences, while finding new ways to support those directly impacted by the fires.

When the curtains eventually rise again, as they surely will, we can be confident that the artistic spirit of Pasadena Playhouse will emerge stronger than ever—ready to sing, dance, and dazzle in the face of adversity. After all, if there’s one thing that both ANYTHING GOES and FOLLIES teach us, it’s that showbiz, at its heart, is about resilience, optimism, and the unbreakable bonds we forge under the spotlight. And in this moment, that spirit extends far beyond the theatre walls to the greater Los Angeles community that needs it most.