Mission:
Musical Theatre West is dedicated to preserving musical theatre as a unique
American Art form and enriching the cultural life of Southern California through
the presentation of established musicals, the development of new works, and the
expansion of our Youth Cultural Enrichment Program.
About the Theatre:
Musical Theatre West is a
California 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is a member of the Long
Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. Musical Theatre West is proud to be a
member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and operates under
a LOA/WCLO contract with Actor's Equity Association.
History:
Beginning as the Whittier Civic Light Opera in 1952, Musical Theatre West has
grown into one of Southern California's most respected regional musical theatre
companies. During the past 49 years, we've presented not only established and
well known musicals, but a World Premiere (Hurry! Hurry! Hollywood! written by
Star Search winner Sam Harris), a Los Angeles/Orange County premiere (a new
version of Phantom by Kopit and Yeston), and the West Coast premieres of Cole
Porter's The New Yorkers; Eleanor: An American Love Story and a new version of
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Many of the performers who received their training with us have gone on to
professional careers on Broadway (such as Susan Egan, the star of Beauty and the
Beast). Giving these young people the chance to work with professional
directors, alongside seasoned performers, is an important aspect of what Musical
Theatre West is all about.
For the first 25 years of its existence Musical Theatre West performed at
various venues in the Whittier area. Beginning in 1977 the company performed at
the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Since 1997 Musical Theatre West
has also been performing in the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach.
Beginning with the 1999-2000 Season, Musical Theatre West has made Long Beach
its exclusive home, helping to fill the void when the Long Beach Civic Light
Opera ceased its operations and activities.
