The hum of a familiar melody fills the theater, an echo of Broadway’s heartbeat. Saturday, that heartbeat will pulse with renewed urgency at the Lineage Performing Arts Center, where music, movement and storytelling will converge for a singular purpose: rebuilding lives. Seasons of Love: Eaton Fire Benefit is more than a performance—it is a testament to a community’s will to heal through the arts.
Scheduled for Feb. 22, the event takes its name from Seasons of Love, the signature number in Rent, a production set to grace Lineage’s stage later this season. The benefit will feature members of the upcoming Rent cast, alongside deeply personal narratives from the Pasadena community—stories of endurance, connection and love in the wake of devastation. A blend of Broadway hits, classic rock, and stirring dance performances will anchor the evening, with each piece a note in a symphony of support for those affected by the Eaton Fire.
The fire, which erupted on Jan. 7 above Eaton Canyon, was fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, forcing urgent evacuations and leaving a trail of destruction. As of late January, firefighters continued containment efforts while local officials coordinated relief initiatives. Thousands of residents were displaced, and damage to homes and infrastructure was extensive. As repopulation efforts continued, the community rallied to support those most affected. Every ticket purchased—priced between $25 and $30, with complimentary admission for displaced individuals—channels its proceeds directly to the Pasadena Education Foundation for Pasadena Unified Schools and Pasadena Waldorf School, ensuring continued support for students and educators impacted by the disaster.
“The arts have always been a refuge,” said Hilary Thomas, artistic director of Lineage Performing Arts Center. “When words fail, music and movement help us process grief and rebuild hope. This night is about coming together, lifting each other up and honoring the resilience of our community.”
Since its founding in 1999 by artistic director Hilary Thomas, Lineage Performing Arts Center has been a nonprofit venue dedicated to connecting the community through the arts in Pasadena, known for merging artistic expression with social advocacy. Whether through dance productions highlighting Alzheimer’s awareness or theatrical pieces centered on mental health, the organization has long demonstrated that the stage is not just a place for entertainment—it is a space for transformation.
The Seasons of Love benefit event represents a continuation of that mission. The evening will showcase a powerful lineup of performers, all of whom are donating their time and talent to ensure that 100% of proceeds contribute to recovery efforts. From the evocative storytelling of community members to the soaring vocal performances of Broadway classics, the event offers a space for both remembrance and renewal.
In that spirit, Seasons of Love stands as an evening where every note, every lyric and every step carries the weight of something greater than art itself. For those seeking solace or those hoping to extend a hand to neighbors in need, the show is a beacon—a reminder that, in the face of loss, the rhythm of community remains unbroken.
Lineage Performing Arts Center, 920 E. Mountain St., Pasadena, CA 91104. (626) 844-7008. Tickets and information at lineagepac.org.
