Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Though its home base of Pierson Playhouse was lost in the Palisades fire on January 7, Theatre Palisades is planning its return to the stage.
“While losing the building, costumes and sets is profound, our spirit remains unshaken,” read a statement. “Theatre Palisades is committed to rebuilding, and bringing art and live theatre back to our community, stronger than ever. Our Board of Directors are working tirelessly to bring theater back to Pacific Palisades.”
The board said it is “actively exploring insurance options, grants and funding sources” to reconstruct Pierson Playhouse.
Before the fire, Theatre Palisades had planned to open its first show of the 2025 season on Friday, January 10: “Jest a Second,” a follow-up to “Beau Jest,” which was performed in 2024.
The play will now be staged at Westchester Playhouse, home to the Kentwood Players, with nine performances scheduled over two weekends.
“In this follow-up to ‘Beau Jest,’ Sarah and Bob are now married and expecting their first child,” read a synopsis. “However, Sarah’s brother, Joel, is now the one having trouble admitting something to their parents—and Bob once again steps in to ‘help.’ Hilarity once again ensues as the family deals with its latest drama.”
“Jest a Second” performances will take place Thursday, June 12, at 8 p.m.; Friday, June 13, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 15, at 2 p.m.; Thursday, June 19, at 8 p.m.; Friday, June 20, at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, June 21, at 2 and 8 p.m.
“We thank our friends at Kentwood Players for their generosity in providing a venue during this challenging time,” read the statement.
Pierson Playhouse was also home to Theatre Palisades Youth, which is hosting performances of “Crazy for You” at the Paul Revere Charter Middle School auditorium, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue.
“‘Crazy for You’ revolves around a small town that scrambles to put on a lively show—with cowboys, showgirls and 1930s Follies—to save their theater from ruin,” read a synopsis provided by TPY. “With a glorious score from George and Ira Gershwin, this musical is perfect for the entire family.”
“Crazy for You” performances will take place Friday, February 28, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, at 4 and 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, at 1 and 4 p.m.; Friday, March 7, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 8, at 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 9, at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $25 to $30 for VIP, $22 for general admission, and $17 for students and seniors.
Complimentary tickets are available for those who have lost their home in either the Palisades or Eaton fires.
Theatre Palisades has invited the community to support in its rebuilding efforts, citing that the “generosity will help us rise from the ashes and once again bring the magic of live theatre to the Palisades.”
“Though we have lost our physical space, our dedication to the arts and our community remains steadfast,” the statement read. “With the support of our patrons, partners and fellow theatre lovers, Theatre Palisades will rise again.”
“Live theatre plays a vital role in enriching the lives of residents of all ages, and I am confident that we will rise from this adversity stronger than ever,” Theatre Palisades Board President Philip Bartolf said.
Updates on Theatre Palisades’ progress, as well as ways to support its rebuilding efforts, are available at theatrepalisades.org. To purchase tickets for a performance of “Crazy for You,” visit .
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