The wait is over for Los Angeles theater buffs and rock fans alike. The groundbreaking rock musical ‘Passing Strange,’ a production that truly ‘hits different’, is finally making its West Coast debut at the Pasadena Playhouse. Almost two decades after its initial Broadway run captivated audiences and critics, snagging Tony Awards and other accolades in 2007, this show is ‘straight up’ arriving. For those who’ve been waiting for this unique blend of rock music and poignant storytelling, the moment is here, and it’s ‘no cap’ a big deal.
The journey of ‘Passing Strange’ to L.A. has been long, despite creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald’s deep roots in the Southern California music scene. As prominent figures in their critically hailed band, The Negro Problem, they were ‘the real deal’ in Los Angeles. It was performing early versions of the musical as a ‘Travelogue’ in New York clubs that caught The Public Theater’s attention. This wasn’t some grand Broadway ambition; rather, they were approached multiple times before agreeing to transform their rock-infused tales into theater.
When ‘Passing Strange’ hit Broadway, it was a ‘game-changer’. Its innovative approach—from a fourth-wall-breaking protagonist tackling social and racial themes to a live band presence—set precedents many shows ‘lowkey’ followed. Stew and Rodewald, with their rock band ethos, approached the phenomenon with refreshing lack of pretense, ‘for real’ about their art and not chasing mainstream success. This genuine approach, honed through years in the independent music scene, allowed them to create something truly authentic, pleasing themselves above all.
It’s a valid question, ‘what’s up with that’, why did it take over two decades for ‘Passing Strange’ to get to L.A.? Stew admitted an ‘adversarial relationship’ with local press potentially contributed. Despite being performed worldwide, its absence in its creators’ former stomping grounds was puzzling. Director Zhailon Levingston, a recent Tony winner for ‘Cats: The Jellicle Ball,’ made the L.A. premiere a top priority for Pasadena Playhouse. This production features Vintage Trouble singer Ty Taylor as the Narrator, alongside Brittany Campbell, Britton Smith, and Saycon Sengbloh, bringing a fresh ‘vibe check’ to the beloved roles.
The creators found a stark contrast between the music business and the theater world. For them, theater was ‘all about that’ artistic integrity, caring deeply about lyrics and providing creation support rather than just ‘cocaine money,’ offering a stable, respectful environment. Today, Stew and Heidi Rodewald continue their creative ‘grind’. The Negro Problem band is set for a 2027 record. Heidi Rodewald develops a show on Aileen Wuornos, while Stew works on a film and ‘Broadway-bound’ projects exploring Muhammad Ali, Thelonious Monk, and activists Grace Lee Boggs and Jimmy Boggs. They also run Stewdio Zero, a collaborative project with former students, showcasing how they stay ‘mad busy’ and keep art fresh.
Beyond performing and writing, Stew also teaches at Harvard, guiding students in his ‘Singer Plus Song Equals Story’ class to instill a true rock ‘n’ roll ethos into musical theater. He challenges them to embrace the raw, unpredictable, and vulnerable spirit of rock, less about fuzzy guitars and more about genuine presence. It’s ‘lowkey’ a call to revolutionize the genre, ensuring future productions reflect that rebellious, authentic energy, which ‘it’s giving’ true artistic depth.
If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends or leave us a comment!
Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
