# Passing Strange Finally Debuts at Pasadena Playhouse After Two Decades The Tony-winning rock musical returns to Los Angeles under director Zhailon Levingston's vision. - **Source:** [Variety](https://variety.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e64d622f-e048-4f89-8166-77d4d5b48330 ## Long-Awaited Los Angeles Premiere The acclaimed rock musical Passing Strange is finally arriving at the Pasadena Playhouse. Despite creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald having deep roots in the Los Angeles music scene, the show had bypassed their hometown for nearly twenty years. This production marks a significant homecoming for the creators and their local fanbase. ## Visionary Directorial Approach Director Zhailon Levingston, who recently won a Tony for Cats: The Jellicle Ball, is leading this production. Levingston prioritized the show during his initial discussions with Pasadena Playhouse leadership. Stew and Rodewald have expressed full confidence in his vision, noting that he understands the material better than they do themselves. ## New Cast Takes Stage The Pasadena production features a fresh cast, including Vintage Trouble singer Ty Taylor as the Narrator. He is joined by Brittany Campbell, Britton Smith, and Saycon Sengbloh. Unlike the original Broadway run, where Stew and Rodewald performed, the creators are now observing the production from afar to allow artistic evolution. ## Origins in Club Culture Passing Strange began as a cabaret-style project called Travelogue, performed in New York clubs like Joe’s Pub. The Public Theater eventually approached the duo to transform the concept into a full theatrical piece. They initially declined three times before agreeing, maintaining their independent artistic spirit throughout the entire development process. ## Broadway Was Not Aspiring The creators never viewed Broadway as a primary career goal or dream. They focused on pleasing themselves rather than mainstream audiences, which they believe contributed to the show's unique identity. Their background as a rock band allowed them to remain jaded and authentic, avoiding the pressures of traditional commercial theater success. ## Transitioning to Theater Funding Moving from the music industry to theater provided a different financial reality for the duo. While record labels offered advances that often led to excess, theater institutions provided resources like workshops and retreats. This support allowed them to focus on creating art without the instability of the struggling music business. ## The Power of Lyrics Stew and Rodewald found that theater professionals appreciated their lyrics in a way the music industry never did. In Los Angeles, their band, The Negro Problem, faced a glass ceiling despite selling out local venues. New York theater circles embraced their ambitious music and lyrical depth, providing a sustainable career path. ## Influence on Modern Musicals Passing Strange is credited with normalizing the presence of live bands on stage in musical theater. Its unconventional lighting design, which utilized rejected equipment to create a specific aesthetic, was also widely imitated. Stew notes that while these superficial elements were adopted, the deeper spirit of rock vulnerability remains rare. ## Defining Rock Spirit For Stew, the essence of rock 'n' roll is being completely present in the moment, citing Iggy Pop’s unpredictable stage performances as the ultimate example. He challenges his theater students to find that same level of nakedness and vulnerability in musicals, arguing that most current productions remain too shallow and un-rocking. ## Adversarial Local History The creators admit to having a historically adversarial relationship with the Los Angeles press, particularly the Los Angeles Times. This tension may have contributed to the long delay in bringing the show to their hometown. Despite this, they remain indifferent to the timeline, focusing instead on the quality of the current production. ## The 3 A.M. Music Ethos Stew describes their work as 3 a.m. music, meant to be discovered by cool individuals rather than fed by the mainstream. This philosophy defines their creative output, including Passing Strange. They believe this approach prevents them from becoming a standard commercial entity, keeping their work intimate and deeply personal for listeners. ## Legacy and Future Impact The show’s enduring impact is evident in how frequently fans mention seeing it on Broadway years later. As it finally reaches Los Angeles, the production serves as a testament to the creators' original vision. Stew and Rodewald continue to work on new projects, maintaining their commitment to authentic, non-mainstream artistic expression. ## Sources covering this story - https://variety.com/2026/legit/news/passing-strange-pasadena-playhouse-stew-heidi-interview-1236942647/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._