At a Glance
- 10-minute live Mozart performances by 9- to 15-year-old musicians start 30 minutes before every “Amadeus” curtain
- Ticket prices begin at $40 for the Tony-winning play, now extended through March 15
- Jefferson Mays, Sam Clemmett, and Lauren Worsham lead the cast in Peter Shaffer’s epic drama
- Why it matters: Families and culture seekers get a double-bill of young talent and Broadway-level theater in one night out
Pasadena Playhouse is flipping the traditional theater ritual on its head this winter. Instead of silent lobbies and dimming house lights, guests arriving for “Amadeus” will be greeted by the sound of Mozart himself-performed live by local child prodigies-before the first actor ever steps on stage.
Pre-Show Concerts Set the Tone
Every performance evening, musicians from the Pasadena Conservatory of Music will station themselves in the Playhouse bar area. Starting roughly 30 minutes before curtain, they will tear through 10-minute “mini concerts” of Mozart favorites.
- Performers range in age from 9 to 15 years old
- Concerts are free to ticket-holders
- No reserved seating; guests may stand or sip drinks while listening
The concept nods to history: Mozart was already dazzling European royalty at age six, so showcasing youthful virtuosos channels the composer’s own precocious spirit.
Show Details and Pricing
Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus” dramatizes the rivalry between court composer Antonio Salieri and the rowdy genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Pasadena production opened February 11 and, after brisk sales, has been extended through March 15.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave. |
| Performance window | Feb. 11 – Mar. 15 (most evenings) |
| Ticket cost | $40 and up |
| Box office | pasadenaplayhouse.org or 626-356-7529 |
Cast and Creative Team
- Jefferson Mays (Tony winner for “I Am My Own Wife”) plays Salieri
- Sam Clemmett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) embodies Mozart
- Lauren Worsham (Tony nominee for “A Gentleman’s Guide…”) portrays Constanze Weber
The production is directed by Jess McLeod with music direction by Dennis Castellano.
How to Experience the Full Evening
- Arrive 45 minutes early to secure parking and pass through security
- Collect your ticket and head to the lobby bar
- Enjoy the 10-minute Mozart set starting about 30 minutes before curtain
- Order a themed cocktail or coffee while the young musicians play
- Move into the auditorium when doors open; the play begins promptly
## Why the Playhouse Added Music
Sophia A. Reynolds reported that administrators wanted to deepen the audience immersion. Because Shaffer’s script overflows with references to Mozart’s music, hearing those melodies live-if only briefly-primes theatergoers for the drama ahead. The educational tie-in also spotlights the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, a community institution founded in 1984.
Family Appeal and Accessibility
- Children age 6+ are welcome, though the show runs 2 hours 45 minutes with one intermission
- Booster seats available at coat-check
- Audio description and open-caption performances scheduled for Feb. 22 and Mar. 7
- $20 student rush tickets released two hours before curtain with valid ID
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Masks are strongly encouraged but not required. The Playhouse uses MERV-13 air filters and has upgraded ventilation systems. Hand-sanitizer stations line the lobby.
Nearby Dining Options
Turn the outing into a full night:
- Union (one block) – California small plates, reservations recommended
- Maestro (three blocks) – Modern Mexican, walk-in friendly bar
- The Luggage Room (0.4 mile) – Gourmet pizzas inside a historic train depot
Key Takeaways
- A free, kid-powered Mozart concert precedes every performance of “Amadeus” at Pasadena Playhouse through March 15
- Tickets start at $40, and the production has already extended once due to demand
- Arrive early to soak up the music, grab a drink, and settle in for the epic tale of genius and jealousy
