Passing Strange makes its Los Angeles premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse, bringing the genre-defying musical back to the stage.
Did You Know? Passing Strange first appeared on Broadway nearly 20 years ago with a cast of seven, telling the coming-of-age story of a young Black man navigating art, sex, drugs, and rock & roll.
The production comes from creators STEW and Heidi Rodewald, with direction by Tony Award-winning director Zhailon Levingston. Levingston earned previous accolades for his work on Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
At the top of the show, a laid-back, rhythmic beat introduces the Narrator, played by Ty Taylor, who welcomes the audience and the rest of the cast. The story then shifts into a gospel sound as a teen version of the Narrator, known as the Youth and played by Britton Smith, attends a Baptist church in South Central Los Angeles with his non-religious Mother, played by Saycon Sengbloh.
Devario Simmons provides commanding costumes for the production, outfitting the Mother in a sharp black leather outfit even during church scenes. The Youth experiences an epiphany in front of Reverend Jones, played by Johnny Laveie, before the Reverend’s son, Franklin Jones played by Devere Rogers, invites him to join the choir.
When the Youth fails to form his own band or find what he calls “the Real” in Los Angeles, he announces a move to Europe. His mother views the relocation as a passing phase, leading to a hysterical exchange paying homage to Jean-Luc Godard and European cinema.
In Amsterdam, the music transitions to mellower, groove-inspired songs as the Youth frequents the Headquarters Cafe and meets Marianna, played by Tanerélle, who provides a rent-free place to stay. Finding the local atmosphere too predictable and lacking angst, the Youth declares that “paradise is a bore” as Act One closes.
Act Two shifts to Berlin during the May Day Riots, featuring lighting design by Jared A. Sayeg and a punk, heavy-metal sound. The Youth encounters Neuhaus radicals including Hugo played by Laveie, Sudabey played by Tanerélle, Mr. Venus played by Rogers, and resistance leader Desi, played by Brittany Campbell.
“You’re just passing to be ghetto,” Desi tells the Youth when he claims he knows hardship from Los Angeles, urging him to drop his mask and show his real self. The Narrator responds with the power ballad “Working Your Wound” as the Youth declines an opportunity to return home for Christmas.
Expert Insight: Zhailon Levingston’s direction leans into the tension among players and designers, challenging audiences to experience the narrative as it shifts across musical genres, highlighting the universal themes of a classic coming-of-age journey.
Passing Strange plays through November 29 at the Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39 South El Molino Ave. in Pasadena. Performances take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets start at $40.
The production is directed by Tony Award-winning director Zhailon Levingston, who previously earned accolades for Cats: The Jellicle Ball.
The Pasadena Playhouse, located at 39 South El Molino Ave. in Pasadena, is hosting the Los Angeles premiere.
Passing Strange plays through November 29, with tickets starting at $40.
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