‘Dangerous Beauty’ musical coming to Pasadena Playhouse in January

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Having recently emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Pasadena Playhouse said it is currently working on a schedule of productions for the coming seasons. On Monday, the company announced a partial lineup for late 2010 and early 2011.

‘Dangerous Beauty,’ a new musical based on the 1998 movie of the same name, will open at the theater in January. The musical tells the story of Veronica Franco, a celebrated poet in 16th century Venice who is forced to become a courtesan when her family fortune is lost.

The film version starred Catherine McCormack in the lead role and was directed by Marshall Herskovitz. The screenplay, written by Jeannine Dominy, was based on the non-fiction book ‘The Honest Courtesan’ by Margaret Rosenthal.

Dominy is writing the book for the musical, which will feature a score by Michele Brourman and lyrics by Amanda McBroom. The production will be directed by Sheryl Kaller, who received a Tony nomination this year for directing ‘Next Fall’ on Broadway.

Casting and an exact opening date will be announced at a later date.

The Pasadena Playhouse said plans for the fall of 2010 are still being determined, but the company will host two holiday productions from other companies. The Intimate Opera Company will mount a production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,’ starring mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzman. The opera will run Dec. 16-18 at the playhouse.

Pasadena Dance Theatre will mount a production of ‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ at the theater Dec. 24-31.

In February, the company closed its main stage as a result of mounting debt and financial hardship. The bulk of its planned 2010 season was put on ice, including productions of the new musical ‘Havana’ and Frank Tangredi’s drama ‘Pastoral.’

There is no official word yet as to if and when the company may revisit those canceled productions.

-- David Ng

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