Oh crap. I think I've stood on the stage at the Pasadena Playhouse.
When I was on my last go-round with California in 1990-91, my brother had some business in Pasadena, so I tagged along. I walked around the streets, and came across the PP.
I think I walked down the alley. As I wandered around the side door was propped open, so I just walked inside. I could hear people milling about in the back, but felt perfectly at home to saunter in.
I have a habit of stepping on stage of any theater I come across, even if it's only the sides. After so many many plays in college, it feels like a normal thing to reconnect. I likely did.
I had to head back to rendezvous with my brother, so I didn't stick around.
Does that sound like the PP? is there a side scenery/shop door that debouches into the alley? I was only there the once, and that was 20 years ago.
In any case, my condolences on your loss, Sean. Losing a job is a terrible thing, closing a playhouse must be doubly so.
Yes, Daniel. That was the Playhouse. Instantly and easily recognizable from your description.
I'm sorry, Sean. Even seeing the theater I worked lights in for three years shut down temporarily for a major reno was jarring. Seeing one close completely must hit very hard. I hope CA's economy starts to turn around soon so some money is there for the arts again. (Well, for other reasons, too. But the arts are sort of a bellwether for how the economy is doing.)
Today's edition of Wake Up with Fry and Laurie [link] is a bit of a blooper.
I'm so sorry about the Playhouse, Sean. (And ND and all our other LA theatre-istas.)
Reminder to self to support my local theaters that see too little of me.
Any news on Bobby, yet, Laura?
He gets his MRI at 2 today. They don't know what is up with him. My maternal instinct thinks it is likely more than one thing, hence the many symptoms pointing in different directions. Poor kid feels like crap but I made him go to school until noon today anyway.
But...theaters open. That's pretty much Theater History. It's very cyclical and longevity is not the byword.
That is very true. It is also very true that it's heartbreaking each and every time to those who devoted a lot of energy, sweat, and love to a place they called home.
Not right now and not in California.
Not anywhere really. The arts have been hit hard by the economy everywhere. Ticket sales, personal contributions and subscriptions are down because people have lost jobs or have taken paycuts. Corporate money is down because corporate revenues are down. Government funding has been cut. It's ugly everywhere.
