“The Show Must Go On.” That adage has been the mantra for the Pasadena Playhouse since Gilmor Brown first opened its doors, on South El Molino Avenue, in 1924.

Over the years, the theater has weathered threats of demolition, bankruptcy and earthquake damage — not to mention corona virus restrictions and some cantankerous theater critics. However, the venerable playhouse — aka — the State Theater of California — has survived.

And now, it is embarking on the most ambitious and momentous event in its history, a six-month celebration of the works of the brilliant American composer, the late Stephen Sondheim.

The season opens in January with “Sunday in the Park with George,” followed by “A Little Night Music. The grand finale will be a concert featuring Sondheim’s muse, Bernadette Peters. Also, in a landmark partnership, the playhouse is working with Pasadena high schools to mount a production of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” with students collaborating with professionals.

Capping the 2022/23 season, will be two Los Angeles premieres, “Sanctuary City,” by Martyna Majok, and “Stew” by Zora Howard.

Danny Feldman, playhouse producing artistic director said, “This celebration has been several years in the making and has taken on even deeper meaning since the death of Sondheim last year. After our first season back on stage, we knew that this year had to be about celebrating American musical theater and our playhouse community coming together again.”

Auction action

Mary Urquhart, co-chair of the Pasadena Art Alliance’s biennial art auction, held last May, reports that the event netted more than $510,000 to aid arts grants and awards programs in Southern California.

COMING UP

AUG. 28 >> A Noise Within launches its season with Peter Hall’s musical adaptation of George Orwell’s satire, “Animal Farm.” Performances continue at Pasadena’s A Noise Within Theatre through Oct. 2.

SEPT. 17 >> L.A. Opera opens its 37th season with Donizetti’s “Lucia de Lammermoor,” conducted by Lina Gonzalez-Granados in her debut as Resident Conductor. Performances continue at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through Oct. 9.

OCT. 1 >> The Gooden Center’s 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration. The Gamble House in Pasadena.

OCT. 1 >> “An Evening with Motown.” The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 7 >> Ballet Hispanico celebrates its 50th anniversary with “Noche de Oro.” The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 9 >> “Sunday Funday,” a series of free, family-friendly dance, music and theatre experiences. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 13 >> Mambo Kings and Camile Zamora present “Havana Nights.” The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 15 >> The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena hosts its annual “Black Tie & Burgers” Gala, celebrating the club’s 85th anniversary.

Oct. 15 >> “Phoenix,” Stewart Goodyear’s Wallis debut piano concert. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 16 >> A Noise Within continues its fall season with August Wilson’s “Radio Golf.” Performances continue at Pasadena’s A Noise Within Theatre through Nov. 13.

OCT. 21 >> “Body Traffic,” a contemporary dance performance. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 23 >> An Evening with author John Irving. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 27 >> “Falling Out of Time,” composer Osvaldo Golijov’s musical adaptation of David Grossman’s novel. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills.

OCT. 22 >> LA Opera presents the West Coast premiere of “Omar” by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels. Performances continue at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through Nov. 13.

NOV. 5 >> The Methodist Hospital Foundation will honor Paul Rusnak of Rusnak Auto Group at its 33rd Annual Crystal Ball. Proceeds will support the purchase of the Da Vinci Surgical Robotic System for the hospital. Pasadena Convention Center.

NOV. 6 >> Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra presents “Echoes of Austria” featuring works by Barber, Ligetti, Schubert and Brahms. Zipper Hall, The Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles.

NOV. 19 >> Soprano Angel Blue makes her L.A. Opera debut in Puccini’s “Tosca,” led by Ukrainian Conductor Oksana Lyniv. Performances continue at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through Dec. 10.