[photo credit: Sierra Madre Playhouse]
The August dates fall within a 2026 season the Playhouse calls “Small Stage, Big World,” which the venue says includes about 90 programs across the year. The Playhouse describes the season as its most expansive to date and part of a broadening of its offerings under Matthew Cook, the Grammy-winning percussionist who became artistic and executive director in September 2023. Under Cook, the venue says, its annual programming grew to more than 70 offerings in 2025. In 2024 the Playhouse received a $450,000 general operating grant from the Perenchio Foundation, which it describes as the largest in its history.
The month opens Aug. 2 with vocalist Sidney Jacobs and The Monsters in the jazz series, followed by the Carey Frank Organ Trio on Aug. 9. The Los Angeles hip-hop and street-dance troupe Versa-Style Street Dance Company performs Aug. 7 and 8; the company’s appearances are part of a dance series the Playhouse launched in 2025.
On Aug. 14 and 15, the theater screens the 1925 silent film “Battleship Potemkin” with a live score by composer George Sarah. Music fills much of the rest of the month. Absolute Focus performs with cellist Chris Votek on Aug. 16, New Music Game Night follows on Aug. 22, and the Aperture Duo presents “as wave as stone” on Aug. 23. The month closes Aug. 30 with AANMI’s “Echoes of Home.”
Babatunde HipHopera runs two nights, Aug. 28 and 29. On the morning of Aug. 29, The Dancing Storytellers present “Indian Mythology and Me” at 11 a.m. as part of the venue’s family programming.
The programming spread reflects the range Cook has pursued since arriving in 2023. Before joining the Playhouse, he served as executive director of the Los Angeles-based Blue 13 Dance Company and of the Pacific Opera Project, and he has held positions with the Wild Up new-music ensemble. The Playhouse says it has forged partnerships with organizations including the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and East West Players.
The venue, which opened as a movie theater in 1924 and marked its 100th anniversary in 2024, says it has long served the San Gabriel Valley. Most August performances begin at 8 p.m., with earlier shows at 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. on select dates. Tickets for the music series run $12 to $35, according to the Playhouse, and are sold through its website. The theater is at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
The busy month arrives as the theater looks to grow. Cook has said the Playhouse intends to launch a capital campaign in 2026 to expand the house from 99 to 175 seats, with construction targeted to break ground in 2027.
