‘Passing Strange’ Comes to Pasadena Playhouse: Creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald on the Rock Musical Reaching L.A. Almost Two Decades After Tony-Winning Broadway Run

Nearly two decades after its critically acclaimed run on Broadway, the rock musical “Passing Strange” is set to receive its long-awaited Los Angeles premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse. Created by Stew and Heidi Rodewald, the production originally captured audiences with its bold narrative and innovative staging when it debuted in 2007, earning prestigious honors including Tony Awards and Drama Desk recognition.

The show’s arrival in Los Angeles marks a significant moment, as it had previously toured extensively across major cities worldwide but notably bypassed its creators’ hometown for many years. Stew and Rodewald, formerly integral to the Los Angeles music scene as members of the alternative band the Negro Problem, relocated to New York in the early 2000s to develop the musical. Despite their roots and dedicated fan base in Southern California, an official L.A. production had remained elusive until now.

Director Zhailon Levingston, fresh from his Tony Award-winning direction of “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” spearheads the Pasadena staging. Levingston prioritized bringing “Passing Strange” to Southern California when consulting with Pasadena Playhouse leadership, signaling a fresh interpretation that has garnered the creators’ enthusiastic support. Although Stew and Rodewald are not directly involved in this version’s performances, they expressed admiration for Levingston’s vision and confidence in his mastery of the material.

This production features Vintage Trouble’s Ty Taylor as the Narrator, the character representing Stew’s autobiographical persona, alongside performers Brittany Campbell, Britton Smith, and Saycon Sengbloh. Notably absent are the original cast members, including Colman Domingo, who had a supporting role in the Broadway run and appears in Spike Lee’s acclaimed filmed adaptation.

“Passing Strange” originated from cabaret-style performances in New York clubs that explored the creators’ personal histories and cultural experiences. The Public Theater eventually commissioned the musical, which the duo initially hesitated to formalize as a theatrical piece. Their background as independent musicians shaped their unconventional approach; they prioritized artistic authenticity over mainstream appeal and were not initially focused on achieving Broadway success.

The move to New York allowed Stew and Rodewald to find a supportive environment for their work, contrasting with their earlier experiences in the music industry. Unlike the commercial pressures and superficiality often encountered in the record business, the theater community embraced their lyrical depth and creative risks. This transition enabled them to sustain a career through theater that was not possible in the shifting landscape of the music world during that period.

The show’s impact on the Broadway musical scene has been recognized in various ways. “Passing Strange” helped popularize the concept of incorporating a live band on stage, influencing subsequent productions to adopt similar approaches. Its lighting design, initially unconventional, also inspired theatrical aesthetics that followed. Nevertheless, the creators view their influence as more surface-level, noting that the spirit and raw immediacy of rock music remain challenging to fully capture in musical theater.

Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Stew and Rodewald acknowledge the unique space “Passing Strange” occupies as a rock musical created by artists who were not already established stars. Their indie background allowed them to remain true to their vision without catering to pre-existing fan expectations. The Los Angeles debut not only fills a geographical gap but also reconnects the work to its cultural origins, offering a new generation of theatergoers the opportunity to engage with a pioneering musical that blends personal storytelling with rock sensibilities.

As “Passing Strange” takes the Pasadena stage, it underscores a journey marked by artistic resilience and evolving cultural landscapes. The production’s long-awaited L.A. premiere reflects both the changing dynamics of the theater world and the enduring appeal of narratives that challenge conventions and celebrate authentic voices.