Pasadena Playhouse to Receive 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has announced that based on the recommendation by the American Theatre Critics Association, Pasadena Playhouse, in Pasadena, California, will be the recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The honor is accompanied by a grant of $25,000, made possible by City National Bank.

“We are thrilled to present the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award to Pasadena Playhouse,” said Heather Hitchens, President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing and Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League.  “Pasadena Playhouse has made a significant impact - on both a local and global level, by developing some of the most innovative and inspiring works and artists.”

“This is an extraordinary honor and a defining moment for our community. Anyone who has worked at or experienced theatre at Pasadena Playhouse understands how unique and special a place it is. At its core, the Playhouse is made up of an exceptional community of artists, arts administrators, production professionals, volunteers, audiences, and supporters who are all connected and inspired by our founding ideal of being a theater of, by, and for our community” said Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman. “This most prestigious award honors every person who has played a role in making and continuing to make Pasadena Playhouse one of the great cultural institutions in America.

Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California, is internationally recognized for its significant role in the development of American theatre. One of the most prolific theaters in the country, the Playhouse has staged thousands of original productions since its founding in 1917 including premieres of works by Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, Suzan-Lori Parks and hundreds more. For decades, its pioneering School for Theater Arts was a training ground for actors and theatermakers who went on to make significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Danny Feldman, since 2016, Pasadena Playhouse’s productions and community programs are centered on its founding idea of being a living force in its community, making theatre for everyone. Today, the Playhouse continues to advance the American theater and serves as a hub for the top theatermakers of our time.

The Playhouse's productions on stage reflect the diversity of the population and perspective of California, including the groundbreaking production of Little Shop of Horrors, featuring George Salazar and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.  Innovation is at the forefront of programming, with the exploration of new theatrical models including the current six-month celebration of Stephen Sondheim created by thousands of professional and nonprofessional theatermakers who have come together to honor a giant’s legacy.  Guided by the idea of making theatre for everyone, the stories told on the Playhouse stage belong to the community, and the community has access to be in the audience. The theatre will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.

The American Theatre Wing’s 76th Annual Tony Awards, presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will air live on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from the historic United Palace in Washington Heights, in New York City from 8:00-11:00 PM on the CBS Television Network, and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.  

CBS and Pluto TV will present The Tony Awards: Act One, a pre-show of live, exclusive content leading into the 76th Annual Tony Awards. The celebration commences at 6:30-8:00 PM on Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service. Viewers can access the show on their smart TV, streaming device, mobile app or online by going to Pluto TV and clicking on the “Pluto TV Celebrity” channel.