Alisa Hayashida
Alisa Hayashida is an arts and culture columnist and critic for South Pasadenan News, covering the greater Pasadena Metro area and Los Angeles Metro area. She is a valuable arts advocate in South Pasadena, with an extensive background in theatre arts. She has been a proud South Pasadenan for over 27 years.
Cecily Strong Searches for Signs of Intelligent Life
The opening night audience at “The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe” was immediately and enthusiastically on their feet after Cecily Strong’s ninety minute tour de force performance. Deservedly so. It’s...
“Sanctuary City” and The American Dreamer
B and G are two high school kids living in early 2000's, post 9/11 Newark, New Jersey in Martyna Majok’s new play “Sanctuary City” which opened this week at Pasadena Playhouse. It’s a fascinating...
“Jagged Little Pill” Has Healing Power
Alanis Morisette’s “Jagged Little Pill” opened this week for a three week run at the Pantages Theatre. The opening night crowd was full of those of us who sang every word to this album...
In Conversation with “OKLAHOMA!” Actor Christopher Bannow
Christopher Bannow has just arrived in Los Angeles from the last stop in San Francisco for a five week run at the Ahmanson Theatre of the much anticipated, Daniel Fish directed, newly re-imagined “Oklahoma!”...
Animal Farm at A Noise Within
A Noise Within premiered a chilling production of Peter Hall’s musical adaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” this week. In our times of disinformation and talk of democracy teetering on the brink, Orwell’s satire...
Parson’s Nose Theater Back with Live Performances of “Our American Cousin”
Parson’s Nose Theater will be back with live performances of music and comedy beginning in September at its historic Marston and Van Pelt designed chapel in Old Pasadena. If you have never seen a...
“Hadestown” National Tour Brings The World Back Into Tune
In case you missed your chance to see the Tony Award winning Broadway show “Hadestown” during its run at the Ahmanson, you’re in luck. The extraordinary national tour is back in the southland playing...
New Director Rebecca Ward at South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy | Now Their...
It’s hard to believe that South Pasadena Arts & Music Academy is going into their 10th year here in South Pasadena. In some ways it feels like yesterday that they opened the doors of...
Belly Laughs and More Await You at “Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and The...
Comedian and actor, Mike Birbiglia, premiered his new one-man show, “The Old Man and The Pool” with a star-studded opening night at the Mark Taper Forum this week. Comedians know funny and a who’s...
South Pasadenan, Gianna Mow, Set To Play “Rapunzel”
When local, soon to be middle schooler, Gianna Mow, found out she was cast as Rapunzel in Performing Arts Workshops’ youth adaptation of “Tangled”, her first thought was, “what do I have in common...
