Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that’s like snagging the best seat in the Pasadena Playhouse.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Topdog/Underdog Review
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Pasadena Triathlon is back!
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Events this week
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Save the Dates
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
The Pasadena Playhouse is currently staging Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Topdog/Underdog, through March 23, offering a gripping look at family, ambition, and survival. The story follows two African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth—played by Brandon Michael Hall and Brandon Gill—who share a complicated past and an uncertain future. Lincoln, once a skilled street hustler, now makes a living impersonating Abraham Lincoln, while Booth dreams of becoming a master of three-card monte. As they navigate their fractured relationship and the lure of fast money, tensions rise in a way that’s both riveting and heartbreaking.
By choosing to stage Topdog/Underdog, the Pasadena Playhouse reaffirms its commitment to thought-provoking theater that challenges and captivates audiences. As California’s official State Theater, it continues to deliver performances that don’t just entertain but spark conversations long after the final bow.
Pasadena Triathlon is back!
The 19th Annual Pasadena Triathlon returns on March 8, at the Rose Bowl Stadium, offering a fun, family-friendly experience for athletes of all levels. The reverse triathlon format kicks off with a 5K run, followed by a 15K bike ride, and ends with a 150-meter swim at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, while duathletes complete a run-bike-run challenge. Participants can also join the Angel 5K to support Angel City Sports or sign their kids up for the Junior Triathlon. Race day begins early with packet pickup at 6 AM, followed by wave starts at 8 AM, and a post-race festival with music, food, and a beer garden by Athletic Brew Co. The event isn’t just about competition—it’s a celebration of fitness, community, and Pasadena’s active lifestyle. Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just for fun, this triathlon promises an exciting day at the iconic Rose Bowl!
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Wednesday
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🎷South American Jazz: Come experiences rhythms featuring bass, sax, and flute at 1881, 8:30 – 11 PM
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🎶Music in the Chinese Garden: Traditional Chinese music at The Huntington Library featuring unique music, 1 PM
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😂Free Comedy Show: A night of comedy and great deals all night long—oh, and free parking, 8 PM
Thursday
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🍏South Pasadena Farmers’ Market: Rain or shine! Certified, California-grown produce direct from the farm to you, 4 – 7 PM
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🍣Tap Eats: A special offering of 5 most popular dishes from this Pasadena’s gem, 7 PM
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📻Nobody Knows Anything: a new show about how difficult – but not impossible – it is to make something actually good in Hollywood, 7 PM
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🎨Free Day: First Thursday of every month is free at the Huntington—tickets available the last Thursdays of the previous month, 10 AM – 3 PM
Save the Date
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🔭Stargazing Lecture: This month Caltech lecture deals with uncovering the history of the universe with radio astronomy, March 7
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🏃Pasadena Triathlon: The Pasadena Triathlon, Duathlon and 5k returns for the 19th year at the Rose Bowl, March 8
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🛍️Rose Bowl Flea Market: The second Sunday of every month, experience over 2,500 vendors full of antiques, vintage clothing, local art, and specialty products, March 9
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👩🏽HERstory: Mastering money, financial resilience for women, March 13
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🎨ArtNight: A night of free art and transportation around Pasadena, March 14
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⛩️Japanology Fair: All things Japanese with 20 vendors at the Shumei Pasadena Center, March 22
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🎨Jackalope Spring 2025: Applications to be a vendor at Jackalope are open and due soon, April 26 & 27
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🌹Pasadena Heritage Bridge Party: I know, this is months away! But this event is a special one. Save the date for the epic party of live music, multiple stages, local food and drinks, July 19
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!4
CIVIL NEWS
Upcoming Rain Storms Predicted
A series of storms will impact Pasadena through mid-March, with the first storm arriving Wednesday. While around an inch of rain is expected, recent wildfire burn areas face increased risks of debris flows. Pick up sandbags at local fire stations, sign up for emergency alerts at notifyla.org, and avoid runoff areas during heavy rain. Stay safe and check on your neighbors!
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Wednesday
55 🌡️ 46 |⛅| 💨 SE 5 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 38 (Good)
Thursday
55 🌡️ 40 |⛅| 💨 SW 12 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
THANKS!
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