Orange County Weekend Events Roundup

Find the best Orange County things to do this weekend

american-ballet-theatre-scftaDANCE
American Ballet Theatre
Mar. 29-Apr.1.
The famed American Ballet Theatre is a favorite of Orange County audiences, having performed at the Segerstrom Center more than any other company. In honor of the Center’s 25th Anniversary Season, ABT presents the world premier of Alexei Ratmansky’s new production of The Firebird along with other beloved short ballets. With its roster of superstar dancers and outstanding programs, the American Ballet Theatre is a must-see this season. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

baltimore-symphonyMUSIC
Baltimore Symphony
Mar. 28.
Marin Alsop conducts the Baltimore Symphony at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The program includes works by Copland, Tower, Higdon and Prokefiev. Christopher Russell gives a pre-concert lecture at 7 pm. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org

men-aliveMen Alive: POP Goes The OPERA
Mar. 30-31.
Men Alive, Orange County’s gay men’s chorus, presents POP Goes the OPERA, an entertaining mash-up of musical classics. In this unique program, pop standards are sung with operatic fervor while favorite arias are belted out with the strength of a thousand ’90s power ballads. Enjoy an evening of magnificent costumes, fabulous dance numbers and incredible songs at the “Popera.” 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org

CharlesCastronovoNight in Napoli
Apr. 1.
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents tenor Charles Castronovo, a fast-rising opera star and Cal State Fullerton alumnus. Castronovo makes his Orange County performance debut with a showcase of Neapolitan songs and Italian opera arias inspired by his family’s heritage. 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org

the_atocha_crossMUSEUMS
Sacred Gold: Pre-Hispanic Art of Colombia
Mar. 31-Jul. 1.
Discover the marvelous national treasures of Colombia through the world’s finest collection of Pre-hispanic gold, on loan from the renowned Museo del Oro of Bogotá, Colombia. The exhibit displays more than 200 gold figures and ornaments crafted by the diverse cultures of Colombia, who regarded gold as a sacred material given from the gods. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century fostered awareness of the “golden people” who had such an abundance of the precious metal that they wore it from head to toe, fueling the legend of the El Dorado, the lost city of gold. Of special importance is the Atocha Cross, recovered from the sunken treasure of a 17th century Spanish galleon named the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, and considered one of the world’s most important religious artifacts. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.567.3600. bowers.org

the-prince-of-atlantisTHEATER
The Prince of Atlantis
Mar. 30-Apr.29.
Big time seafood importer Joey Colletti lands himself in the big house, where the son he never knew wants to met him. Colletti hopes his brother Kevin can keep him at bay for a few months, but Kevin has his own set of problems to address. As the story unfolds, so do themes of family, loyalty and love. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org

sister's-easter-catechismSister’s Easter Catechism
Through Apr. 8.
The Catholic Church’s most hilarious nun answers age old questions of the Easter season like “Why isn’t Easter on the same day every year like Christmas?” and, “Will my bunny go to Heaven?” Part pageant and part wHOLY hysterical, this latest of the sinfully funny Late Nite Catechism series unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, eggs, baskets, bonnets and of course, Peeps! 606 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com

sight-unseenSight Unseen
Through Apr. 1.
This OBIE award-winning play follows Jonathan Waxman, the art scene’s new golden boy, who has a waiting list to buy paintings he has yet to paint. As the pressure mounts upon Waxman, he realizes something is missing and flees the country to find the woman who first held his heart, inspired his work and made him an artist in the first place. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5500. scr.org

ritz-carltonFOOD + DRINK
250 Miles of Cuisine
Mar. 29. 
Join Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Executive Chef Andres Jimenez for this month’s themed Chef’s Table Dinner. This weekend, Chef Jimenez focuses on local and regional cuisine, which has never been more important. The menu revolves around ingredients that were harvested, picked or raised within 250 miles of the beachside resort. 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.5088. ritzcarlton.com

cafe-jardinBrunch at Café Jardin
Apr. 1.
Indulge in French fare while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Sherman Gardens & Library during the café’s seasonal Sunday four-course brunch. Chef Pascal Olhats offers an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, vischyssoise, eggs benedict croissant, and grilled lamb loin steak emincé among other delectable options, followed by assorted mini pastries and chocolate mousse for dessert. 2647 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.0033. pascalnewportbeach.com

cdm-to-cabo-raceEVENTS
CDM to Cabo Yacht Race and Send-off Party
Mar. 29.
Send sailors off in style at the CDM to Cabo Yacht Race Send-off Party, sponsored by Mount Gay Rum.  Competitors gather at the Balboa Yacht Club for an evening of festivities before sailing approximately 800 nautical miles from Corona del Mar down to Cabo San Lucas on the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. Meet the skippers and crews that have accepted the Mar. 30-Apr. 5, 2012 race challenge . 1801 Bayside drive, Corona del Mar, 949.673.3515. cdmtocabo.com

Camp-filmFILM
Films In The Tree House
Mar. 29.
The CAMP, an environmentally conscious retail center in Costa Mesa, screens Films In The Tree House, a series of eco-awareness documentaries. The series closes this week with a showing of Happy, a feature length documentary that takes viewers on a journey across five continents in search of the keys to happiness. The film examines society’s attempt to balance the allure of money, fame and social status with our needs for strong relationships, health and personal fulfillment. The film begins at 7 pm in the Tree House above Ecco Restaurant. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714966.6661. thecampsite.com

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