Although the Mission Playhouse generally hosts events staged by independent producers, we do occasionally present shows. Below, you’ll find details examples of recent events presented by the Mission Playhouse.

Wurlitzer Rededication

The Mission Playhouse is home to one of the finest Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organs in the country which was originally installed in New York’s RKO Albee Theatre in the early 1920′s and was donated to the City of San Gabriel in 1968. As the fortunate recipient of recent grants totaling over $200,000 from Mr. Peter Crotty, an expert with extensive knowledge in the theater pipe organ world, the Mission Playhouse was able to completely renovate and upgrade its Wurlitzer.

On January 18 2009, some of the organ’s finest exponents delighted a packed house of local dignitaries, business people and local residents with the amazing array of sounds produced by this historic instrument at this free concert.

Wurlitzia!

Presented in May 2011,Wurlitzia! celebrated the versatility and uniqueness of our own Wurlitzer theatre organ as well as the talents of local young people. Some of the nation’s best organists joined one of our finest local high school jazz bands for an afternoon of swing and jazz together with live accompaniment on the Wurlitzer to silent film classic The Fireman starring Charlie Chaplin.

The event was made possible with the generous support of the Peter Crotty Charitable Foundation and featured Ken Double, Chris Gorsuch and Russ Peck at the keyboard with soloist Laney Wilson on trumpet and vocals and the Temple City High School Gold Jazz Band.

The Playhouse also teamed up with two of Los Angeles’ finest food trucks – The Sweets Truck and The Feast Truck – to supply catering to the event.

Video footage of Wurltizia! is available at the Playhouse Youtube channel, with images in our gallery.