Pasadena Playhouse Updates Performance Skeds

Amy G in ENTERSHAMEMENT and Joe Orrach in IN MY CORNER

At the Carrie Hamilton Theatre at The Pasadena Playhouse

May 22 – 31, 2014

PASADENA, CA (May 9, 2014) The Pasadena Playhouse has updated the performance schedule for two unusual one-person shows – Amy G in Entershamement and Joe Orrach in In My Corner – to reopen the newly re-designed Carrie Hamilton Theatre.   Entershamement has a limited run of five performances, while In My Corner runs for one night only. With these shows, that perform May 22 to May 31, The Playhouse is relighting the refurbished Carrie Hamilton Theatre, which has been changed from a proscenium theatre to a black box, and can be configured to accommodate many different kinds of productions.

Amy G is a masterful entertainer (singer/comedian/rollerskater) fresh off the grill from starring in NYC's hit Off-Broadway show, La Soirée.  She tours the world constantly, including wowing audiences at last years’ Playhouse “Cirque-A-Palooza” Variety Arts Festival.  Her unique style of physical, musical, stand-up and improvisational comedy is inspired by and reminiscent of Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli, Buster Keaton, Julie Andrews and the Muppet Show; but she is very much one of a kind.

Orrach, an internationally renowned tap dancer, actor, singer, storyteller and United States Air Force welterweight boxing champ, came to fame as one of the stars of San Francisco’s long running Teatro ZinZanni from 2000 to 2006. 

Elizabeth Doran, the Executive Director of The Pasadena Playhouse said,  “We have been looking for the ideal way to re-open the Carrie Hamilton Theatre after renovating it into a new and intimate black box theatre, and we think we found the ideal way with two extraordinary and unique performers, who will both entertain and dazzle us with their shows, but allow us to show how versatile and welcoming the re-design of the theatre can be.  We are very happy to be showcasing Amy G who came to prominence in last years ‘Cirque-A-Palooza’ festival and Joe Orrach – how many tap dancing welterweights are there? – in repertory.”

Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director of The Pasadena Playhouse, said, "Like these two dynamic artists, Carrie Hamilton was a real maverick.  She was known for her cutting edge artistic style and her celebration of the human spirit.  We are now re-opening the Carrie Hamilton Theatre as a flexible space based on its original ‘Playbox’ construction. We do so in order to best produce the kind of artistic work our visionary founder, Gilmor Brown, and the theater's namesake, Carrie Hamilton, would have loved.  The new Carrie Hamilton Theatre will support new play development, thrilling artistic work, the work of our community partners, and programming for youth."

Amy G in ENTERSHAMEMENT

In her show Entershamement, Amy G, "a comic powerhouse with a spectacular voice," (The Australian), deconstructs before your eyes, and then rebuilds beauty from the inside out. She gleefully defies shame and categorization. Entershamement features the music of legendary rock band, Gag Reflex, and is directed by John-Stuart Fauquet.

In Entershamement, Amy G.’s inimitable brand of physical/musical comedy makes light of dark thoughts. Realizing how regularly shame gets in the way of enjoying ourselves, she decides to attack. To make fun of the monster in the mirror, she dissects her own face-saving masks first, and then turns the question back to the crowd. Does the face even need saving? Entershamement is slapstick Diva heaven, full of ridiculous song-and-dance numbers, roller-skates, a chicken, and genuine human frailty.

Clive Barnes in Newsday said, “A comic actress of great gifts” and The New York Times said “expert and inspired.”  The Melbourne Herald Sun said, “Amy G does the funniest thing I’ve seen on this or any other stage.”  Neue Press in Germany said “This really charming, but totally cracked woman from America does slapstick in the best manner.” 

Joe Orrach in In My Corner

With In My Corner, Orrach has put together a high-powered evening of drama, music and movement.  The show tells the autobiographical tale of a Puerto Rican/Italian kid growing up in a family dominated by a violent ex-boxer father. His coming-of-age story is one in which he makes his way out of chaos and violence through his discovery of dance. Orrach’s fast-paced narrative riffs shift seamlessly into boxing sequences and driving tap numbers, accompanied by the music of a jazz ensemble. This moving and transformative work delivers a powerful punch guaranteed to leave audiences breathless.  Most recently seen in Los Angeles at the Odyssey Theater in October 2013, The Los Angeles Post called Orrach “an electrifying bundle of pure, smoking energy."   Broadway World said, “Orrach’s ease with his body and athletic movements make his work seem effortless and so engrossing I could have watched him dance all night! The Planet said, “A great solo show, with a great performer giving his all.”

In My Corner was most recently directed by Jeremiah Chechik and written by Lizbeth Hasse.