Pasadena Playhouse to Close Doors on February 7

The Pasadena Playhouse will close on February 7 after its current production, Camelot, plays its final performance. The move is being made as Stephen Eich, the theater’s executive director, and Sheldon Epps, the organization’s artistic director, explore how to navigate the theater’s fiscal problems and embark on a period of financial reorganization planning.

The theater currently faces $500,000 in immediate bills and has an additional $1.5 million owed on bank loans and other debts. During the time that the theater is not actively producing, Eich, Epps, and the company’s board will work to develop a plan that will allow the company to move forward on a solid ground, rather than operating in a precarious hand-to-mouth manner. One option that has been discussed is possible bankruptcy and an attorney will be hired to advise the group on this option.

In statement, Eich has said “We firmly believe it would be irresponsible to continue to operate in the same financial patterns of the past. Out of respect to the Playhouse’s venerable history, our loyal subscribers, and the many individuals, donors, businesses, government agencies, and others who have demonstrated their support for our efforts, we intend to meet this challenge head-on with strong fiscal oversight and transparency.”

Founded in 1917, the Playhouse was designated the state theater of California in 1937. The remainder of the theater’s 2010 season was to have included Havana, a new musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz; Frank Tangredi’s Pastoral; Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels; and Donald Margulies’ Sight Unseen.

For further information, visit: www.pasadenaplayhouse.org.