PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boston Court Pasadena, which opened in 2003 with its groundbreaking production of Romeo & Juliet: Antebellum New Orleans 1836 starring Tessa Thompson, celebrates its 20th Anniversary in 2023. Over its 20-year history, Boston Court has programmed more than 60 theatre productions, including 37 world premieres, more than 300 eclectic concerts, more than 75 new play readings, and dozens of National Theatre Live screenings that continue the company’s commitment to adventurous new work, reimagined classics, and emerging and established artists.
The theatre season begins with the world premiere of a co-production with Playwrights’ Arena, Unrivaled by Rosie Narasaki, directed by Margaret Shigeko Starbuck (March 16 – April 23). Unrivaled tells the story of 11th-century Ladies-in-Waiting Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shonagon, two of Japan's most beloved writers, and their rivalry, friendship, and heartbreak.
Music offerings launch with a performance by Afrobeat fusion group, Rhythms of the Village Band (February 11), followed by legendary jazz performer Nolan Shaheed (February 25). The music season comprises 15 concerts in a wide variety of styles, including classical, new music, and jazz. Notable debuts in the series include: jazz violinist Leah Zeger, of Leah & I (May 4) and classical violinist Danbi Um with pianist Amy Yang (March 3).
The theatre season continues with the 19th annual New Play Reading Festival (April 29 & 30), featuring readings of adventurous new works. Of the 37 world premiere productions produced in Boston Court's history, 21 were discovered as part of the New Play Reading Festival, making this program an essential pipeline of new work for the company.
The world premiere of Measure STILL for Measure (September 7 – October 15), written and directed by Jessica Kubzansky, concludes the season. Boston Court's first-ever immersive play, utilizing the entire building, will take the audience on a journey behind the curtain to experience the layered and intimate complexities of creating theatre. In this play-within-a-play, a renowned director rehearses a spectacular new production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, "the original #metoo story,” but backstage, there's an even bigger drama playing out.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 31 at 10am and can be purchased at bostoncourtpasadena.org or by calling 626.683.6801.
