Theatre West

'''Musical Theatre West (MTW)''' Musical Theatre West (MTW) is a prominent theatrical production company based in Southern California with a storied history that spans over seven decades. Founded in 1952 as the Whittier Civic Light Opera, MTW began as a humble volunteer group performing in a high school auditorium, initially producing two shows a year for just two days each. The early repertoire included classics such as "Rio Rita" and "The Red Mill," reflecting the popular tastes of the time. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, MTW remained a volunteer-driven organization, scaling back to one show per year. Tickets during this era were sold at local department stores, Hinshaw's and Myers, at the modest price of $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for children. A significant turning point came in 1977 when MTW moved to the newly constructed La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, which allowed the company to expand its season of shows. The 1980s and 1990s saw MTW assert itself as one of the top theatrical companies in the region, employing professional talent and staging regional premieres, including the world premiere of "Hurry Hurry Hollywood" in 1992. The company also continued to honor the tradition of classic musical theatre. In 1997, MTW entered a new phase with productions at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, establishing itself as the largest arts producer in the area. Entering the 21st century, MTW has balanced its repertoire by producing contemporary works such as "In the Heights," "Bright Star," and "Nice Work If You Can Get It," along with timeless classics like "Mame," "Oliver," "Carousel," and "Guys & Dolls." The company has also premiered additional world-class musicals, garnering both critical acclaim and national recognition. Many performers who began their careers on the MTW stage have achieved success on Broadway and in television and film, while seasoned stage and screen veterans find MTW to be a welcoming and enjoyable venue. Beyond entertainment, MTW is committed to education, with its Education and Outreach Programs reaching over 17,000 children annually through special performances, traveling shows, school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. '''Mission Statement''' MTW's mission is to enrich the community with Broadway-quality productions, preserve musical theatre as a unique American art form, and expose people of all backgrounds to the excitement of musical theatre. '''Vision Statement''' The vision of MTW is to be recognized as the premier musical theater company in Southern California. '''Cultural Equity and Inclusion Statement''' Musical Theatre West is dedicated to providing Long Beach residents and those in surrounding areas with opportunities to experience musical theatre. As a leader in a culturally rich and diverse region, MTW aims to introduce broader audiences to Broadway-caliber musical theatre while being inspired and influenced by the community it serves, reflecting this diversity in its productions and educational initiatives. With a legacy of 70 years and counting, Musical Theatre West continues to bring the magic of Broadway to Southern California, inviting audiences, performers, and volunteers to be part of its vibrant family and to look forward to many more years of outstanding musical theatre.