Playwright Kyle Jarrow. Photo by Etsy Stein.

In a deep underground chamber of the Pasadena Playhouse is the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, which hosts, by day, performances of mind control experiments, and, by night, free readings of new, sometimes experimental, plays. The series is called Hot House at the Playhouse, and is designed to give playwrights access to the staff and resources of Playhouse, during the writing process: major revisions often occur between the first and second nights of performance.

It’s a cool program by any stretch. The latest reading* is of Big Money, a rock musical which takes place on the set of a game show in the early 80s, complete with period synth-pop score. Music and lyrics by Kyle Jarrow and Nathan Leigh. Did we mention it’s free, with a wine reception to follow?

Hot House at the Playhouse: Big Money
January 17 – 18, 8 p.m.
Carrie Hamilton Theatre at the Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena
Free! RSVP to hothouse@pasadenaplayhouse.org

*We’re pretty sure, but we have to ask: does a “reading” of a musical involve singing? Or just sing-song talking?**

**Don’t answer this question.