‘Passing Strange’ Comes to Pasadena Playhouse: Creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald on the Rock Musical Reaching L.A. Almost Two Decades After Tony-Winning Broadway Run

The Pasadena Playhouse has opened its doors for a new season with a show that has long ago moved beyond the novelty of its title. “Passing Strange” is arriving in the Greater Los Angeles area after almost twenty years since its triumphant Broadway debut in 2007, and it is doing so at a time when the city’s theatrical landscape is more receptive than it was a decade and a half ago. The production, a rock‑infused musical that tells the story of a teenage boy’s coming‑of‑age journey through a small American town, is now being staged by the Pasadena Playhouse’s resident company with a new creative team that includes director Stew, designer Heidi Rodewald and the original musical’s creators, whose influence remains palpable even as the show is re‑imagined for a new audience.In the original run, “Passing Strange” was celebrated for its raw, unflinching look at adolescence and its daring musical score that blended rock and folk with traditional Broadway sensibilities..

The show’s early accolades—winning the Tony for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award—cemented its place in the canon of American theatre. Those achievements were not simply a matter of critical acclaim; they also proved that a musical rooted in the American Midwest could resonate with audiences far beyond its geographic origin. That transposition, from a small-town backdrop to a larger, more cosmopolitan stage, foreshadowed the show’s eventual appeal to audiences in cities like Los Angeles, where cultural diversity and a love of musical storytelling intersect.The Pasadena production is the first major Los Angeles staging of the musical, and the Playhouse has chosen to honor its history while also embracing the contemporary..

The Playhouse’s decision to bring in Stew as director was a deliberate one. Stew has a reputation for breathing new life into established works, and his approach is to highlight the human stories at the heart of the piece rather than rely on flashy spectacle. This approach is particularly relevant given the musical’s focus on identity, belonging, and the universal search for meaning that is as relevant today as it was in 2007..

He has opted for a minimalist staging that foregrounds the characters’ interactions and the music itself, a choice that aligns with current trends in theatrical production where authenticity is increasingly prized over high‑concept visuals.Heidi Rodewald, the designer, brings a fresh aesthetic to the production. Known for her nuanced use of color and texture, Rodewald has designed the sets and costumes to evoke both the period setting of the 1960s and the timeless quality of the narrative. By employing a palette of muted earth tones contrasted with vivid accent colors, she creates a visual metaphor for the protagonist’s internal conflict and the external expectations of the town..

Her use of modular set pieces allows the audience to follow the story’s progression seamlessly, an important consideration when dealing with a narrative that moves through several key scenes, including a pivotal music‑inspired bus stop and a high school dance.The original creators, who wrote the book and lyrics, were heavily involved in the Pasadena staging, providing guidance on character development and the musical’s emotional core. Their involvement ensures that the musical’s signature blend of rock music and narrative fidelity is preserved. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy because it demonstrates a willingness to blend creative control across generations, ensuring that the new production retains the integrity of the original while allowing room for contemporary interpretation..

The creators’ presence on the team is also a nod to the importance of maintaining an artist’s vision, especially in an era when adaptations can sometimes veer too far from their source material.The musical’s themes of self‑discovery, acceptance and the complex relationship between a boy and his family resonate strongly with a Los Angeles audience. The city’s demographic makeup and the diversity of its theatrical community mean that a show dealing with universal questions of identity and belonging can strike a chord with a wide spectrum of viewers. Moreover, the choice to cast a racially diverse ensemble in the Pasadena production reflects an effort to reflect the reality of contemporary America and to highlight how stories of the past can be reframed in light of current societal conversations..

This casting decision underscores the Playhouse’s commitment to inclusive storytelling.In terms of musical numbers, the production retains the original score while incorporating a few modern touches. The arrangement of “The Big Red” and “Hannah’s Song” has been updated with additional guitar riffs that bring a fresh energy to the familiar tunes. These subtle changes have been designed to make the music more relatable to younger audiences without losing the original spirit..

The song “My Mother,” which delves into the complex relationship between the protagonist and his mother, remains a highlight, showcasing the musical’s capacity to weave poignant storytelling with melodic resonance.The Playhouse’s marketing campaign for “Passing Strange” emphasizes the show’s long history and its contemporary relevance. By referencing the original Broadway run and the awards the musical earned, the campaign builds credibility. At the same time, the messaging acknowledges the contemporary context by highlighting the new creative team’s vision, the diverse cast and the relevance of the show’s themes to current audiences..

This balanced approach aims to attract both seasoned theatre-goers who may recall the original run and newer patrons who are drawn to the contemporary take on a classic.Ticket sales for the opening week have already surpassed expectations. While the Pasadena Playhouse traditionally hosts a mix of family‑friendly and adult‑oriented programming, “Passing Strange” has managed to pull in a demographic that includes both teenagers and older adults. This indicates that the show’s themes are resonant across age groups, a fact that the Playhouse’s marketing team highlighted in their press releases..

The attendance numbers are also a testament to the city’s appetite for musical theatre, especially productions that blend classic and modern elements.In terms of critical reception, early reviews point to the show’s emotional depth and the effectiveness of the new staging. Critics praised the director’s decision to focus on the music as the main storytelling vehicle and the designer’s use of color to underscore key emotional beats. The performances of the lead actors were also lauded, particularly in how they conveyed the complexities of the protagonist’s internal and external struggles..

The combination of fresh direction, thoughtful design and strong performances suggests that the production could become a staple of the Pasadena Playhouse’s season.The production’s run will last for three months, with a schedule that includes matinee performances and evening shows. This schedule is designed to accommodate the varied rhythms of Los Angeles residents, many of whom work full-time and may only be able to attend during evenings or weekends. By offering a mix of performance times, the Playhouse is ensuring that the show remains accessible to a broad audience..

Additionally, the Playhouse has announced plans for a post‑.