Fallen Angels at Pasadena Playhouse

Thank you again Miss Katie B. it was a lovely evening as always. Any night out to the Pasadena Playhouse is a great night to me. I love this little theater.
Balcony sitting and right in the middle is my favorite spot to be, I’m a little 5’1 thing so when I can see over heads and see the whole stage set up is great to me.
Fallen Angels was a good and enjoyable play. A little over my head I guess and a little confusing in my opinion. Did they sleep with the French man or not? [He was rather handsome, could you blame them ;) ] The stage was beautiful; I love the whole décor of the flat, it gave me some inspiration for when I get my own (a piano is a must). The maid throughout the whole play was my favorite character of them all. The costumes, the two women dresses were beautiful. Oh how I wish we could still dress like that these days. The performers did a marvelous job, well done as always. The story line though as I said just got me a little mixed up. It was funny and witty, it got a few giggles out of me. I just hope I don’t sound like that when I’m chatting with a girlfriend of mine when we might possibly be drunk.
Anyways, I can’t wait to attend another lovely evening at the Playhouse :] so excited.

First I must say, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this theatre! It makes me feel like I’ve stepped back in time a bit and it’s so neighborhoody and cozy, yet a tad bit uppercrusty. Oh, it’s so fun! And my husband and I so enjoyed a night out seeing Fallen Angels. I was hooked from the start, what with the British accents and all. The dry wit was completely entertaining, but what really made it shine were the ladies. Pamela Gray, Mary-​Pat Green and Katie Macnichol were all superb as Julia, Saunders and Jane. Their timing and banter was hilarious… I actually began to feel a little tipsy watching them wondering, hmmmmm, have they really been drinking??? A little of a let down was the Maurice Duclos character… they just built him up so much I was dying to see and meet him… and when I did, well, he just wasn’t all that. Regardless, this was an exceptional evening at the theatre and I urge y’all to get on out there and support this fantastic venue and production!

Thanks to a partnership with Pasadena Playhouse, I have the pleasure of attending shows on the regular. I really enjoy the variety of productions they bring to the stage, some are a hit, some are a miss, but it’s a mighty fine night out, nonetheless.
Fallen Angels was absolutely a hit for me.
First of all British accents make me giddy, even on ladies, so I was smitten from the beginning. While the show was a little slow at first, it was a testament to quick wit and girlish banter thereafter. It’s more lady-​friendly than gent-​driven, and I see it being a perfect way for a group of girlfriends to get together, especially since it focuses on the dynamics of female friendship and all the silliness that ensues from drinking having too much bubbly! There’s an eloquent back and forth between the two main characters, and the maid often comes in for a jab of jokes here and there as well. It uses the sage brilliantly, as well as the limited props, and the writing was a hoot.
Reminded me of a British style I Love Lucy!

Thanks Katie B!!!
I really love going to these plays at the Pasadena Playhouse, even if it means having to drive an 1 ½ hours to get there. This time around, I took a friend who’d been dying to go here and she was very impressed with the venue, which speaks volume considering she’s from the east coast and we all know how snobbish they can get when it comes to plays and Broadway. Just kidding…
While chatting it up with Chloe, whom I met the previous night at the Unilocal Elite: Tapas event, I spotted Rex Van De Kamp, Bree’s dead husband, out of the corner of my eye. He was just casually strolling by and checking his watch. Yay, for a celebrity sighting.
The play itself was definitely enjoyable especially all three ladies in the play. The two leading ladies’ drunken banter drew loud laughter and plenty of ovation from the audience. And who can forget the the most interesting maid in the world. ‘If she were to punch me in the face, I would have to fight off the urge to thank her’. Dos Equis man, I think you’ve met your match.
The ladies were definitely the highlight of the play. The other characters were unfortunately nothing more than a side note and in some cases, only there to conveniently allow the story to progress.
Mr. Frenchman Decloy (sp.?) was somewhat of a letdown. After the build-​up and in-​fighting between Jane and Julia, I was expecting someone a little more dashing and charming. Someone a little more ‘French’.
In the end, it was still a fun night and the play wasn’t the best but definitely good enough.

Again, thank you Katie B. and Unilocal for giving us free tickets to plays at the Pasadena Playhouse! I feel so much more cultured now. Before my Unilocal opportunities, I seriously hadn’t seen a play since the 7^th grade!
This was my third time at the playhouse and my first time sitting in the balcony area. While we are a bit farther from the stage, the angle was still very good and I felt like I could see everything. Yes… there really is no bad seat in the house. Oh and the seats in the balcony were a lot more comfortable then on the orchestra level! I usually find myself shifting back and forth on my seat because the support in the back is quite uncomfortable. But in my balcony seat I was fine sitting for two hours. Also, I agree with the other Unilocalers about the ventilation being really stuffy at the top. Luckily though, I didn’t smell the smoke. I didn’t even know they were smoking actual cigarettes!
Oh and I also found out that the playhouse has extra bathrooms on the second floor. But to get there, you have to take the stairs that lead up from the outside courtyard. Once you get to the second floor make a right. The staff told us we could use the women’s restroom or the men’s restroom. I ended up using the men’s side and gave another patron a bit of surprise when he walked in and I was washing my hands. =P
Free parking on El Molino. The Grilled Cheese truck is also in front of the playhouse on Thursdays nights from 6−9pm.
As for the play, it was really funny. Lots of witty dialogue. Saunders totally stole the show. Jane and Julia kept hyping up the French guy so much that I was really eager to see him. When he did appear, I’m a bit surprised that he only had such a short time in the play. I also thought that the play ended a bit abruptly. I was confused as to whether Jane and Julia ran off with the French men. Oh well!

(Review based on 3.5 stars)
Came here with my husband (thank you once again Katie B. for the free tickets!) for a preview night of Fallen Angels. After reading the synopsis of the play, I was really interested in seeing it (before free tickets were offered).
But when we saw the play, I was a bit disappointed. I felt like there was way too much dialogue (that really could have been edited down) and very little action going on. Overall, the play was quite cute but wasn’t really going anywhere. The 2 main characters of the play do have this kind of special dynamic personality and relationship that does seem believable and can be quite hilarious as times (my husband said he enjoyed all of the drunken scenes). But of course the maid, Saunders, really steals the show with her know anything and everything talents.
But I still felt that the play itself was a bit slow with barely anything really occurring within the 1 hour and 50 minutes of the play (with a 15 minute intermission). The ending seemed to be a bit of a disappointment, I really thought there would be more to it and I felt like it just abruptly ended (due to time constraints? And perhaps the writer of the play didn’t know how else to end it?). Still glad that I came to see this play with my husband but even more glad that I didn’t have to pay for it (if I did, then I’d give this play lower stars).
Oh and the ventilation was pretty lousy because I could smell the smoke from the balcony and it was quite annoying. Isn’t that like a fire hazard to be smoking in a building anyway? I am not a fan of increasing my chances of getting lung cancer while watching a play.

«Fallen Angels» kept us in stitches throughout the evening. As the decades have gone on since this play came to life, times have certainly changed. What once was considered vulgar and appalling is now witty innuendos. Women can really relate to the «two-​sides» of the leading ladies characters. The need for love, affection and stability, countered by the need for passion. The dynamics of the friendships were real. Only lifelong friends could be so brutally honest with one another and their friendship survive. There were many «Lucy and Ethel» moments. «Saunders» brought much humor to the stage. Her character was a «jack of all trades,» very informative and funny in her delivery. Pasadena Playhouse is beautiful and puts on productions that are very enjoyable. I appreciated the experience this evening!

Thursday nights are fun! Thank you Unilocal and the Pasadena Playhouse for the complimentary tickets. It was my first time at the Playhouse and what a cute, hidden gem it is! The theater is beautifully maintained and provides an intimate setting for the audience. Even though we were sitting upstairs, we had a good view of the entire stage and the sound was nice and clear. The boyfriend and I really enjoyed the play — as it was modern and witty. While this play is suitable for any occasion, I think it will be much appreciated by couples and BFFs.
During intermission, I would recommend going outside for drinks and snacks (the prices were reasonable) and the LA weather was perfect.

This was my second time at the Pasadena Playhouse and it was thanks to Katie B. and Unilocal both times (thank you!). My sister and I went together to see the play as we rarely get to see each other nowadays with our work schedules. It was easy to get the tickets from the box office, however, I didn’t really get to meet any other Unilocalers. I am relatively new to the Unilocal event «scene» so it was probably my fault, but I do remember the last time I attended there was a group of Unilocalers just hanging out and meeting each other and that there were two complimentary glasses of wine. The wine I could do without (though I do love my wine), I just really had hoped to meet more Unilocalers. Ah well, maybe another time.
It was easy getting to our seats though the patrons around me were complaining about the air up in the balcony and the lack of air conditioning. Even the usher asked us if we needed any oxygen masks to handle the air up in the balcony. On the arms of our seats, we received two little fortune cookies nicely wrapped from the Pasadena Playhouse that said «We are fortune-​ate to have you as a subscriber» which was very cute.
The play itself was slow at first, the humor for me was a bit strained but by the time the two main female characters finally started chatting and devolving into drunkenness, I was hooked and sold. I was guffawing and cackling as loud or louder than the other patrons. I ended up very much enjoying the show even with the «Jane» character’s overacting and the let-​down of the much played-​up character of Maurice du Cloir (my apologies for any misspellings).
Only downsides would be the general seating (the seats are a little tight and there were a few people who came late and decided to take the difficult route to their seats in the back row meaning they had to cross in front of multiple rows of people loudly before making further noise once they finally made their seats, ugh) and the smoke from the cigarettes during the play. I understand that is a part of the era they were playing, but at least a warning would have been appreciated, particularly for those of us who hate the smell of smoke and who are asthmatic. Other than that, it was pretty good. A nice outing for my sister and myself. I look forward to attending more Unilocal events in the future!

This was my first time at the Pasadena Playhouse. Came to check out the venue, the play, Fallen Angels and to enjoy the evening with one of my friends. Thank you Katie B. for the tickets!
This two level auditorium has a historic charm and was immediately brought to life by the characters (total of 5) of Fallen Angels. The characters had us laughing from beginning to the end! The performers were all wonderful. My top three favorite characters were the two upper-​class housewives and long time best friends (they also shared the same passion for the Frenchman Maurice) Julia and Jane and the multi-​talented maid, Saunders. Based on their costumes and hairstyles, it appears to take place around the flapper era.
I recommend this play for an enjoyable evening out with a girl friend!
Parking: There were $ 5-​$ 9 parking lots on El Molino Ave. The lot located by A&D Oriental Rugs was the lowest, at $ 5.

A big thanks for Katie B and to the Pasadena Playhouse for paving the way to a great date night with one of my favorite gals. This was a perfect play for girls’ night out; the leading ladies had us both in stitches. I wasn’t quite sure what to think at first, but as the characters became increasingly inebriated so did they become all the more charming. My only complaint is echoing others’ concern of the actors smoking cigarettes on stage. A warning would have been welcome, and my pregnant companion in particular was not amused by this.
I have been to the Pasadena Playhouse once before, and this was my first time seated in the balcony. There is really not a bad seat in the house. The theatre is intimate without feeling cramped. The sound is excellent. The ushers are helpful. The seats are comfortable. The bathrooms are small and always crowded. Street parking is not too difficult to find at least on weekday evenings, and there are two pay lots directly adjacent (one for $ 10, and I didn’t take note of the other). Will call tickets are easy to pick up, and the box office is open well before show time (we picked up ours a couple hours before hand and then headed to dinner). There are a number of great restaurants within a couple block radius.

The play was funny and cute! I am glad Unilocal gave us this chance to experience this because I’m not sure if I would have picked this on my own! I loved the maid and the two women had great chemistry. My bf was like – are girls really like this when they’re together? Lol
Venue was nice, no problems getting tickets at the will call office, and it was nice to chill on the large open front area before the show since the weather was nice.
Only issue was the ushers didn’t seem to be much assistance in seating people. In the beginning of the show they had to ask a couple to move since they were in the wrong seats and various attendees were wandering around unsure of where they were supposed to be.
Thanks Katie B and Unilocal!

Rounds of applause and many «Thank You’s» go to Katie B. and The Pasadena Playhouse for hosting a great evening of theatre and another memorable Unilocal event. :)
The play’s title alone, «Fallen Angels», intrigued me. «Angels»… How do we define them? What expectations do we insist upon? What limitations do we assign? What allowances are we willing to make if and when violations occur and there’s a fall – a fall from atop the sky-​high pedestals that we, ourselves, have built? Conversely, do we apply those same restrictions and scrutinies upon ourselves? And if not, why?
«Slaves of coincidence,» Julia Sterroll and Jane Banbury are Noël Coward’s «angels» in question. When these two long-​term friends begin imagining their lives beyond what has become their «passionless» marriages, roles (such as man/​woman, husband/​wife, friend/​lover) are re-​examined. Completely aware of the double standards existing between men and women, these two – along with a couple fantasy-​laced postcards delivered from their pasts – inch closer and closer to the edge of the societal pillars that have been erected in the name of virtue.
Enter Maurice Duclos…

Thank you Katie B, Unilocal and Pasadena Playhouse for a wonderful evening of theater! I do love a good theater show.
The Pasadena Playhouse was lovely! The little courtyard in the front was so cute and quaint, and since it wasn’t very cold last night it was fun to just hang out. We found street parking close by and just walked to the playhouse. There were 2 levels, a ground level and mezzanine. Unilocalers sat in the mezzanine I think (sat right behind Katie B). The ceiling was quite beautiful, ornate pieces of tile embedded the vaulted ceiling. The seats were a little tight I’d say, for my liking. The worst part was ventilation. It was so dang stuffy and hot up there. Goodness, it was a nice breath of fresh air during intermission. Plus the characters were actually smoking so it was really hard to breath. I kept fanning myself with the program.
Fallen Angels, the show itself was really cute and great. The ladies were fabulous in it, I especially liked the house maid Saunders. The conversation and quarrels between Jane and Julia were really cute, chuckles here and there. Especially when they were drunk. I agree with fellow Unilocalers, Saunders stole the show. She was funny, witty, sarcastic and full of energy! Plus all that talent singing and playing piano and speaking many languages!
Overall a superb night out in good old Pasadena, which I love so much. Thank you again Unilocal

The Playhouse:
I LOVE coming here! One of my favorite theaters in LA. Great seating, great ambience, love the lil snack bar outside. JUST perfect. Grabbed some food before the show and ate it in the court. Very adorable staff. I love elderly people and its always nice seeing the staff here. Also great when they yell at people to put their camera phones away. Also found a secret bathroom in the smaller theatre across the court and up some stairs. The main women’s restroom gets pretty packed during intermission.
The play :
Humorous but actuate interpretation of a woman’s mind. It comments on the ever-​so confusing distinction between love and romance. On one hand we get a glimpse at the mundane life of Julia and Jane, a seemingly normal pair of married women who love their husband but question after 5 years of marriage if they are «in love». This contrasted betwixt their primal urge for a past-​unrequited love affair triggered by the arrival of an ex French lover they both shared. The greatness of an unrequited love affair is that it keeps alive a pleasurable and exciting fantasy. The whole play was whimsically circled around this idea of fantasy vs. reality and it leaves the audience guessing!
Very humorous, very witty, very charming and very relatable.
Overall great experience! My boyfriend really enjoyed it as well which I’m SUPER glad about: D
Thanks Katie B!

I. love. it. here. Everything. Always. Great. I’m taking French classes.
A wonderful, witty, silly, interesting, and relatable script. I laughed TONS! The Pasadena Playhouse, again, didn’t disappoint. The entire set was beautifully transformed to the inside of a home, pretty versatile and amazing. Always top-​notch productions, each and every time. Thank you! Thank you!
The two leading ladies were both absolutely terrific, very Lucille Ball-​like in comedic timing and physical comedy.
The gents (the husbands), were perfect for their roles and the storyline — set, staunch, and in need of a wake-​up call.
The Frenchman, perhaps was better in the lustful dream and dialogue, with just a minor yet important presence at the second to last scene.
The maid, both the actress and the character, was outstanding. I thought, for sure, since she was intelligent, spoke French, played amazing piano and sang, and a depth of various talents — that she may have been the one to run away with the Frenchman in the end.
And, although I saw our lovely Unilocal CM, Katie B, I went without a hug this time. It’s not that I didn’t have my chance, but we chatted and did a shoulder pat instead. Is it because I’m not French? Do I need to start a new list for Katie B shoulder pats? I think not.

My second time at the Pasadena Playhouse. Here for a Unilocal event. Thank you Fallen Angels and Katie B. for this opportunity.
Anyways on to the review. Jasmine aka Saunders was the star of the show. Such a colorful character, she’s the reason why I was sitting up straight as I was hanging on to her every word. The other two women were funny as well.
Sorry I had to dock a star as I agree with Alex W, the smoking did me in. I was trying so hard to breathe normally, the strong perfume of the person beside me nor the pungent BO of the patron in front did not help either. Hey but that’s just me.
Otherwise the play was superb. And I couldn’t have imagined a better venue than the Pasadena Playhouse, wonderful set!