CASA VALENTINA produced by The Pasadena Playhouse is not to be missed. Written by four time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, the iconic playwright of the Broadway hits Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage Aus Follies, and most recently Kinky Boots, and directed by David Lee, nine time Emmy Award winner of Frasier, CASA VALENTINA does not disappoint.
 
See image (from left to right): Lawrence Pressman, Raymond McAnally, Mark Jude Sullivan, Christian Clemenson (standing), John Vickery and Robert Mammana (standing) in “Casa Valentina” at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo by: Jim Cox Photography

Based on a true story, taking place in 1962 around the Dirty Dancing era, CASA VALENTINA is a little bungalow neatly tucked away at a colony in the Catskills, offering a haven for heterosexual men who want to be free to express themselves as their inner girls. At CASA VALENTINA, they can dress in their favorite dresses, lingerie and shoes and wear jewelry, makeup and wigs without judgment, and feel free among their peers in this loving, accepting cross-dressing community. There is a sense of camaraderie among this topnotch cast who all give heartfelt performances. As the story unfolds, we learn of a political scandal and event that will change everyone’s lives. CASA VALENTINA is funny, tragic, dramatic, surprising and compelling as we learn of this clandestine world, and are forced to think about questions of identity, love, fidelity and commitment.

In addition to the play, I loved the glamour, the fabulous costume design by Kate Bergh and the incredible stage and scenic design by Tom Ruderwitz – as the viewer, we get to see the entire house as each scene is occurring – rotating as sort of a voyeuristic doll-house for us to peer into.

See image (from left to right): James Snyder,  Valerie Mahaffey, Raymond McAnally and Robert Mammana in “Casa Valentina” at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo by: Jim Cox Photography

The entire creative team for CASA VALENTINA also includes choreographer Mark Esposito, lighting designer Jared A. Sayeg, sound designer Philip G. Allen, wig, hair and makeup designer Rick Geyer and fight choreographer Mike Mahaffey. Kudos for an extraordinary job! Don’t miss CASA VALENTINA, now through April 10, 2016!!

Tickets range from $25 – $125. Click Here to purchase tickets.

What: Performance
Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
When: Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8pm; Saturday matinee – 4pm; Sunday mantinee – 2pm; Sunday evening show – 7pm through April 10, 2016
Phone: 626-356-7529
Website: http://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/