Wicked Composer Stephen Schwartz to Headline Benefit for Fire-Damaged Altadena Theatre

Altadena Music Theatre rallies to restore performances after Eaton Fire destroyed its Farnsworth Park amphitheatre home.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A striking abstract composition of jagged black silhouettes and bold red and white shapes, conceptually representing the Altadena Music Theatre and its upcoming benefit concert.A benefit concert aims to help the Altadena Music Theatre rise from the ashes after a devastating fire.Pasadena Today

Altadena Music Theatre is hosting a May 24 gala in Pasadena, headlined by 'Wicked' composer Stephen Schwartz, to raise funds for rebuilding after the Eaton Fire destroyed the theatre's Farnsworth Park amphitheatre home and the founders' residence. The benefit aims to help revive a key local arts hub that was a central part of the Altadena community.

Why it matters

The Altadena Music Theatre was a beloved community institution that provided affordable, family-friendly performing arts programming. Its destruction in the Eaton Fire was a major loss for the local arts scene, and this benefit aims to help the theatre rise from the ashes and resume its role as a cultural anchor for Altadena.

The details

The May 24 gala in Pasadena will feature a performance by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz, known for hit musicals like 'Wicked,' 'Pippin,' and 'Godspell.' Proceeds from the event will go towards rebuilding the Altadena Music Theatre's Farnsworth Park amphitheatre home and restoring its programming, which had included outdoor summer concerts, youth theatre workshops, and other community events.

  • The Eaton Fire destroyed the Altadena Music Theatre's home in Farnsworth Park in 2025.
  • The Pasadena gala benefit is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The players

Altadena Music Theatre

A local performing arts organization that provided affordable, family-friendly programming in Altadena's Farnsworth Park amphitheatre until it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

Stephen Schwartz

An acclaimed composer known for hit musicals like 'Wicked,' 'Pippin,' and 'Godspell,' who will headline the Pasadena gala benefit for the Altadena Music Theatre.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The May 24 gala in Pasadena will be a key milestone in the Altadena Music Theatre's efforts to rebuild and resume its programming in the community.

The takeaway

The Altadena Music Theatre's destruction in the Eaton Fire was a major loss for the local arts scene, but this benefit concert led by acclaimed composer Stephen Schwartz represents an opportunity to revive a beloved community institution and restore affordable, family-friendly performing arts to Altadena.