A Community Rises from the Ashes: The Power of Theater in the Face of Disaster
A Devastating Loss, but the Show Must Go On
In the heart of Los Angeles, a community was shaken to its core when a devastating fire ripped through the Pacific Palisades on January 7, destroying thousands of homes, schools, and businesses. Among the losses was the beloved Pierson Playhouse, a 125-seat theater that had been a staple of the community for decades. The fire gutted every inch of the playhouse, leaving behind only a skeletal remains of steel. For the 45 young actors of the Theatre Palisades Youth troupe, the loss was more than just a building—it was a second home. Many of them had watched their theater burn on live TV, and about half of the cast had also lost their homes or were unable to return due to severe damage. Yet, in the face of this unimaginable tragedy, the community refused to let the flames extinguish their spirits.
Finding Strength in Art and Community
The day after the fire, Lara Ganz, the director of the youth theater, sent a group message to her cast: rehearsals would continue, and they would find a new stage. “We will not let the fire stop our show,” she wrote. Her determination resonated with the young performers, who found solace in the familiar routine of rehearsals. For many, the first rehearsal after the fire marked the first time they felt a sense of happiness since the tragedy. Callum Ganz, Lara’s 17-year-old son and a cast member, summed it up: “When I’m singing or dancing, I forget about everything else. I don’t think about the fire. All I feel is happiness.” The power of art became a lifeline for the troupe, offering them a temporary escape from the pain of their reality.
A Triumphant Return to the Stage
Despite the odds, the show did go on. The musical Crazy for You opened to a packed audience in a nearby school auditorium, marking a triumphant return for the Theatre Palisades Youth. The production, which ran for two weekends, was more than just a performance—it was a testament to the community’s resilience and determination. The story of the musical itself, about a small-town theater fighting to survive, mirrored the real-life struggles of the cast and crew. Sebastian Florido, a 14-year-old cast member, reflected on the parallels: “It’s about people coming together to create something after their town is hit with hard times. That’s what it felt like for us.”
An Outpouring of Support from Near and Far
The journey to the stage was not made alone. The community rallied around the troupe, offering support in every way possible. Parents took to social media, pleading for donations to replace the lost costumes, props, and equipment. The call was met with an overwhelming response from the artistic community, stretching from Hollywood to Broadway. Emmy-winning hairstylist Joy Zapata, for example, organized a team of makeup and hair artists to help the cast get ready for opening night. Broadway actress Kerry Butler also stepped in, hosting a master class and inviting the young performers to sing with her during a concert. The troupe even received wireless microphones from Guitar Center and costumes from neighboring schools.
Rebuilding Home, One Performance at a Time
For now, the Paul Revere Charter Middle School has become the troupe’s temporary home. But for many, the concept of “home” has taken on a new meaning. Scarlett Shelton, a 16-year-old cast member, shared her perspective: “I’m learning that a home is not a physical thing. It’s the people.” This sentiment resonated deeply with a community where so many had lost their homes. The theater, once a small-town playhouse where kids grew up together on stage, had become a symbol of hope and unity. For the young actors, the bonds they formed through their shared love of theater have become their greatest source of strength.
From Ashes to Spotlight: A Light in the Darkness
The experience has been nothing short of transformative. For families like the Levines, whose home was destroyed just as they were unpacking after a remodel, the theater has been a beacon of hope. “To be with the other kids and create something and have a purpose has been the most healing thing for all of us,” said Wendy Levine, whose sixth grader, Tyler, is in the show. The process of putting on the show has been about more than just entertainment—it has been about healing, rebuilding, and finding light in the darkness. As the cast took their final bow on the last night of the show, it was clear that the theater’s legacy would live on, not just in the performances, but in the hearts of the community that refused to let it fade.
