Broadway Legend Helps Bring Altadena's Theater Home Again

Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz to headline benefit gala for Altadena Music Theatre's return

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:33am

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An abstract illustration featuring bold, angular black shapes against a bright red background, conveying the energy and anticipation around the revival of a local theater company.The upcoming benefit gala will help fund Altadena Music Theatre's return to the community after its longtime home was destroyed.Los Angeles Today

Altadena Music Theatre, displaced by the Eaton Fire that destroyed Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre, is staging a major Stephen Schwartz benefit in Pasadena to fund its return to Altadena this summer. The May 24 gala will feature Broadway and TV performers, with proceeds supporting local productions and youth programs while the amphitheater undergoes restoration funded by recent Altadena park recovery investments.

Why it matters

Altadena Music Theatre has been a beloved community institution, and its return will be a significant milestone for the town as it continues to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire. The benefit gala led by a Broadway legend like Stephen Schwartz is expected to generate significant funding and buzz to help the theater reestablish its presence in Altadena.

The details

Altadena Music Theatre was forced to relocate after the Eaton Fire destroyed the Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre, its longtime performance venue. To fund its return, the theater is hosting a star-studded benefit gala on May 24 in Pasadena featuring Broadway and TV talent. Proceeds from the event will support the theater's local productions and youth programs as the amphitheater undergoes restoration using recent Altadena park recovery investments.

  • Altadena Music Theatre was displaced by the Eaton Fire in January 2025.
  • The benefit gala is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The players

Altadena Music Theatre

A beloved community theater organization that was forced to relocate after the Eaton Fire destroyed its longtime performance venue at Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre.

Stephen Schwartz

A legendary Broadway composer known for hit musicals like Wicked, who is headlining the benefit gala to support Altadena Music Theatre's return.

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What they’re saying

“Altadena Music Theatre has been a vital part of our community for decades, and we're thrilled to have Stephen Schwartz lend his star power to help bring them back home.”

— Altadena Resident

What’s next

Altadena Music Theatre plans to resume local productions and youth programs in Altadena this summer once the Farnsworth Park Amphitheatre renovations are complete.

The takeaway

The return of Altadena Music Theatre, supported by a Broadway legend, represents an important milestone in the town's recovery from the Eaton Fire and a renewed commitment to the arts and community engagement.