Debbie Allen Debuts New Musical ‘Twist’ At The Pasadena Playhouse

She was the source of inspiration for all the misguided teens searching for ‘fame’ and serves as an outlet for children to explore the arts, and as far as we’re concerned, actress/dancer/director Debbie Allen compares to no one else. From portraying the phenomenal dance teacher Lydia Grant on the TV series Fame to her new role as director of TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and now the new musical Twist, Debbie is an unstoppable force in the arts. Photos: Debbie Allen Sits In With Pat…

She’s taken on the role of director for her latest project Twist — an Americanized adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist — which premieres at the Pasadena Playhouse tonight! Listen to the full interview to hear more about this play, running her dance academy and life in general from the iconic Debbie Allen!

As a well rounded performer in the arts, Debbie Allen is a big believer in teaching children the disciple and creativity of performing and using arts as a creative outlet. Founding the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, she teaches just that to give children a way to express their creativity early in life, because without it, kids won’t be prepared for what the real world brings them.

“I’m really so committed…to young people and helping them find that voice and find that creativity, because America — we will not retain global leadership without creativity,” Debbie tells Pat & Kim. “You have to be creative and you have to understand people and have people skills, and that’s your human side. So if you’re not developed that way than what are you doing?”

Debbie has offered various outlets for kids and adults alike to enjoy the arts, whether it be from her dance academy or just from watching one of her musicals or TV shows she’s played a part in. Her latest project Twist promises to be a thrilling experience to all who see it, with a heartwarming  story of young orphan boy who explores the streets of depression-era New Orleans to find his family and to find love.

Twist features an eclectic music score blending ballads, hot jazz, blues, gospel along with tap-infused dance numbers that takes the audience along for the adventure. The musical premieres at the Pasadena Playhouse tonight, June 14th, and for tickets and information, click here.

Pat & Kim go over much more in their in depth interview with Debbie Allen including family life, career and the arts in the full interview below!