Lyric Opera Of Los Angeles Announces Venue Change For Wagner's "Die Feen"

Online, April 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Lyric Opera of Los Angeles (LOLA), a non-profit performing arts organization, announced it has changed the venue to Pasadena Playhouse for its US staged premier of Richard Wagner's "Die Feen." Pasadena Playhouse, a non-profit regional theater, will serve as host for the production as part of a collaborative effort to serve the Pasadena cultural community. The performance dates and times will remain the same.

"Making a switch in venues was a difficult decision considering the beauty of the MiScA and the great show of support from the theater's representatives," explained Laura Sage, founder and Executive Director of Lyric Opera of Los Angeles. "However, showcasing this rare work in the most accessible and fitting setting for our attendees is what led us to the change. We are extremely honored by the generosity Pasadena Playhouse has shown us in allowing use of their facility, and we are excited to become a part of their rich and vibrant history."

Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theater of California, was established in 1917. The theatre is under the leadership of Artistic Director Sheldon Epps and Executive Director Stephen Eich. In recent years, the Playhouse has become instrumental in launching new works and landmark revivals for the American Theatre. The Playhouse has displayed a commitment to cultural and theatrical diversity, which is reflected in seasons featuring Tony and Pulitzer award-winning plays. Highlights since 2005 include the launch of the national tour of Purlie (with the Goodman Theatre), the world premiere of Sister Act the Musical (with the Alliance Theatre, which is now in its eleventh month in the West End), the world premiere of Ray Charles Live! (now titled Unchain My Heart, The Ray Charles Musical scheduled to open on Broadway in November 2010), and the world premiere of Looped starring Valerie Harper (opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre in March 2010).

"As the Playhouse continues to go through its reorganization process, I am very happy that we have been able to find ways to keep the energy of the performing arts alive in our beautiful theatre. The Lyric Opera of Los Angeles' production of Wagner's Die Feen will bring the rewards of great music to Playhouse stage and it will also be a thrill for the Lyric Opera to perform in this great venue," said Pasadena Playhouse Artistic Director Sheldon Epps. "This also represents a step in our exploration of the possibilities of greater use of our theatre as a performing arts complex that could well serve a number of disciplines in addition to the theatre company. This is a valuable concept that we have contemplated for many years, and very much in our thinking as we explore ways to move forward with greater success in the future."