Theater honors Carrie Hamilton

FUELED by star power, the Pasadena Playhouse has raised the $1 million necessary for the establishment of the Carrie Hamilton Theatre, formerly called the Balcony Theatre.

Named for Carol Burnett’s daughter, the late writer and actress who died in 2002, the 99-seat theater will be renovated and eventually house outreach and play development programs, experimental works and reinterpretations of theater classics.

A significant amount of the initial fundraising goal for the space was contributed by Burnett, Julie Andrews, Bob and Ginnie Newhart, Florence Henderson, Rosie O’Donnell, Tim and Charlene Conway, Martha Williamson and other Hollywood veterans.

The campaign will continue until it reaches $2.5 million, with the remaining $1.5 million earmarked to underwrite the Carrie Hamilton Young Artists Outreach Program to benefit the Allies in Art partnership with local schools, Theatre for Families and the New Generations Program for at-risk youth.

Hamilton, whose credits included numerous stage and film roles, starred as Maureen in the first national touring company of “Rent” and co-wrote the play “Hollywood Arms” with her mother, based on Burnett’s memoir. Directed by Hal Prince, it premiered at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and went to Broadway shortly after Hamilton died of cancer at age 38.

The Carrie Hamilton Theatre will be unveiled at an invitation-only naming ceremony at the Pasadena Playhouse on Monday.

-- Lynne Heffley