Stew Tickets

Stew is set in a familiar space, the kitchen, and explores feelings of loneliness, loss, and insufficiency. Three generations of Black women—a mother, her daughters, and her granddaughter—gather to make a stew for a special event. As the recipe unfolds, so does the drama. While opening up about their own personal struggles, from marital issues and health concerns to remembering lines for a play, the Tucker family women must come together if they are going to finish the stew on time.

The world premiere of Stew in 2020 marked Zora Howard’s professional playwriting debut. The show opened off Broadway at Soho Repertory Theatre and ran from January 20 through February 22, 2020. Born and raised in Harlem, Zora Howard is a writer and performer best known for co-writing and starring in Premature, a feature film that premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

Stew’s Pasadena production is directed by Tyler Thomas. Thomas is the current Associate Artistic Director of One Nation/One Project. She received the 2021 Susan Stroman Directing Award from the Vineyard Theatre for Lessons in Survival.

What to Watch For

• Zora Howard’s other plays are Bust, AtGN, In Good Faith, and Hang Time. Howard often employs dark comedy in her dramas as she explores themes of race, tragedy, and violence.
• The Pasadena Playhouse recently received the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award. The Playhouse was awarded a $25,000 grant along with the award. The Pasadena Playhouse has been a community staple since its founding. Some of its productions, including Sister Act, Mail, and Solitary Confinement, have even made it to Broadway.
• Stew will have a special one-night Wine Wednesday performance during the play’s preview week. Prior to the show’s start, ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early at the Playhouse to enjoy complimentary wine.