The Trailblazing Pasadena Playhouse

“Pearl’s in the House,” written by award-winning playwright and director Art Manke, is a musical about the renowned African-American entertainer Pearl Bailey, whose talent and personality transcended racial barriers. Art Manke first brought “Pearl’s in the House” to The Pasadena Playhouse where it was developed during several readings and workshops. Pearl Bailey was worthy of celebration for her life both on and off the stage, according to the former Pasadena Playhouse artistic director Sheldon Epps.

Founded as The Pasadena Community Playhouse in 1917 by Gilmore Brown, the playhouse was unanimously voted “California’s official state theater” by the state legislature in 1937. Because of the many celebrities who were products of its stages, the theater was called the Star Factory between 1920 and 1945.

All of the emerging major film studios had scouts covering all of the productions at the theater. During the motion picture industry’s transition from silent films to “talkies,” studios had contracts with the theater to teach their silent film stars voice and diction.

Through the years, The Pasadena Playhouse has featured more than 500 world premieres, produced over 550 original works, and provided programs and arts education to upwards of 30,000 students.