Musical Theatre West

About Musical Theatre West (MTW)\n\nMusical Theatre West is a distinguished theatrical production company based in Southern California with a rich history spanning over seven decades. Established in 1952 as the Whittier Civic Light Opera, the company began as a modest group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium. In its early years, MTW produced two shows annually, each running for just two days, featuring popular titles of the time such as \"Rio Rita\" and \"The Red Mill.\"\n\nThroughout the 1960s and 1970s, MTW remained primarily a volunteer-driven organization, staging one show per year. Tickets were sold at local department stores, Hinshaw's and Myers, at affordable prices, reflecting the community-oriented spirit of the company. In 1977, MTW took a significant step forward by moving to the newly constructed La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, where it began to produce a full season of shows.\n\nThe 1980s and 1990s marked a period of growth and professionalization for MTW. The company started to attract professional talent and gained a reputation for producing regional premieres and even a world premiere musical, \"Hurry Hurry Hollywood,\" in 1992. During this time, MTW continued to celebrate classic musical theatre while also embracing new works.\n\nIn 1997, MTW entered a new chapter by producing shows at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, becoming the largest arts producer in the area. The company welcomed the 21st century by balancing productions of new musicals such as \"In the Heights\" and \"Bright Star\" with timeless classics like \"Mame\" and \"Carousel.\"\n\nMusical Theatre West has received critical acclaim and national recognition, with many performers who began their careers on the MTW stage going on to find success on Broadway, as well as in television and film. The company is also known for attracting stage and screen veterans, who regard MTW as a welcoming and enjoyable venue to work in.\n\nA cornerstone of MTW's philosophy is its commitment to education and outreach. The company's programs reach over 17,000 children annually through special performances, traveling shows, school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. These initiatives aim to share the joy and magic of musical theatre with younger generations.\n\nMusical Theatre West'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. The vision is to be recognized as the premier musical theater company in Southern California.\n\nIn line with its commitment to cultural equity and inclusion, MTW strives to offer every resident of Long Beach and the surrounding areas opportunities to experience and engage with musical theatre. As a leader in one of the most culturally diverse regions in the United States, MTW seeks to reflect the community it serves and to be inspired by the diverse demographics that it reaches through its productions and educational opportunities.\n\nCelebrating over 65 years of theatrical excellence, Musical Theatre West continues to be a champion of Broadway-caliber musical theatre in Southern California, aspiring to elevate the art form and inspire audiences and artists alike.