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The Program: Mark your calendar for these December SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
CCAE THEATRICALS
Cocktail Hour
Dec. 28. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with The Rat Pack at the Ritz on Grand. The Ritz Theater, 301 E. Grand Ave., Escondido. theatricals.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Back to the Future
Dec. 26-Jan. 5. Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical, and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, Back to the Future: The Musical is adapted for the stage. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Arturo Sandoval Swinging Holiday
Dec. 23. The multiple-Grammy-winning Arturo Sandoval makes the holidays a jumping, jiving, jingling night at Walt Disney Concert Hall, performing a program of holiday favorites. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
Tis the Season
Dec. 22. Pacific Chorale’s cherished musical tradition which includes holiday songs, both old and new as well as a visit from Santa Claus. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.pacificchorale.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Home Alone in Concert
Dec. 21-22. David Newman leads John Williams’ score of the holiday comedy classic Home Alone. Enjoy this movie score performed live to picture with the entire family. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
‘Elf’ in Concert
Dec. 21-22. The charm and magic of John Debney’s magical score from the Christmas film, Elf, is performed by a live symphony orchestra set to the movie played on big screen in high-defination. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Tres Souls: Boleros de Navidad
Dec. 21. Spend an evening of bolero classics and Latin American holiday songs as Tres Souls (Rocio Mendoza, Roberto Carlos and Jesus Martinez) serandes the audience with a bilingual festive Christmas performance. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Holiday Spectacular with Joss Stone
Dec. 20-21. Cozy up for the magic of the holidays with the enchanting sounds of GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter, Joss Stone, accompanied by Pacific Symphony in a captivating performance that will lift your spirits. Stone is a modern-day siren with a voice that has dominated the soul scene, selling over 15 million albums with the same effortless grace as a breeze in the California sun. Picture yourself immersed in a festive atmosphere, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the season, as Stone’s soulful voice intertwines effortlessly with the Symphony’s rich melodies. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
John Beasley’s HOLIDAZE with special guest, Michael Mayo
Dec. 20. Grammy winning composer John Beasley takes the BroadStage for a program that includes a joyous collection and reimagination of timeless Christmas songs using his signature sound and his sense of fun and humor. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
BROADSTAGE
Adventures in Caving
Dec. 19. For more than two decades, photographer Robbie Stone has traveled to remote regions to document the world’s deepest, largest, and longest cave systems. Take an inside look at the beauty in some of Earth’s last true frontiers of exploration. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Voctave — It Feels Like Christmas
Dec. 19. This holiday spectacular features holiday favorites from Voctave’s chart-topping a cappella album. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE WALLIS
Sandra Bernhard: Easy Listening
Dec. 19. This holiday season, ride along with the legendary Sandra Bernard as she takes you on a tour of her musical influences – from the Supremes to the Stones to the women of the ‘70s who acted as our spiritual guides: Tina, Joni, Dusty, Aretha, Laura, and Carole. Climb into the Pontiac station wagon and get ready to hit the road. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Voctave Songs of the Season
Dec. 18. Known for their harmonies and vocal versatility, the 11-member group, Voctave, will perform a holiday season program by a cappella. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chanticleer
Dec. 14. Deck the Hall—the Walt Disney Concert Hall—with Chanticleer, a 12-member orchestra of voices. Enjoy a cappella arrangements of some of the greatest and most moving Christmas music throughout the centuries. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Messiah Sing-Along | LA Sings!
Dec. 16. This holiday tradition inspires the spirit of the Christmas season with the grace and grandeur of Handel-Mozart Messiah. Sing along with the Chorale and create lasting holiday memories. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
Dec. 16. An international all-star cast gives life to the spirit of Christmas with Nutcracker!, a holiday classic tradition filled with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Storm Large: Holiday Ordeal
Dec. 15. Storm Large made a name for herself from tours with Pink Martini to orchestral appearances as well as the television stage of America’s Got Talent. She brings the naughty and the nice of true holiday spirit to the BroadStage with classics and contemporary favorites with a rock n’ roll edge. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Handel-Mozart Messiah
Dec. 15. The Chorale presents the rarely performed Mozart version of Handel’s Messiah in celebration of its 60th anniversary. The Handel-Mozart Messiah is an extraordinary tribute across time from one great artist to another. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Take 6 Christmas
Dec. 15. Grammy award-winning a cappela group TAKE 6 presents a special Christmas concert, putting their unique spin on a trove of holiday classics. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE WALLIS
Samora Pinderhughes
Dec. 15. Renowned for his dynamic blend of music, film, and activism, Samora Pinderhughes ignites the stage with a spellbinding fusion of jazz, soul, and fearless social commentary for an unforgettable evening of inspiration, enlightenment and transformative artistry.Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Holiday Sing-Along
Dec. 14. Holiday music fills the Walt Disney Concert Hall in a beloved tradition that is a jolly good time for the whole family. Join in song with. Hundreds of fellow revelers and LA Phil musicians. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA OPERA
Kristin Chenoweth Holiday Concert
Dec. 14. Broadway darling Kristin Chenoweth’s talents are seemingly unending: Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer, star of stage and screen, comedienne extraordinaire, consummate performer. Chenoweth will appear with the LA Opera Orchestra in a glittering night of entertainment featuring new arrangements of holiday favorites. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
THE WALLIS
Meow Meow
Dec. 14. Enjoy the unique brand of holiday hilarity and musical mayhem of Comedienne Extraordinaire Meow Meow. Feline Festive is sure to rekindle the true spirit of the holidays with a band of superb musicians and music ranging from jazzy vintage showbiz to wicked, witty Weimar 1920’s toons, French chansons and original and contemporary classics. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Zubin Mehta Conducts Gurrelieder
Dec. 13-15. Zubin Mehta leads Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder, and five soloists, multiple choirs, a narrator and the LA Philharmonic orchestra to perform this beloved masterpiece. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Noel Noel
Dec. 13-15. Guest conductor Christopher Dragon and director Jonathan Gilmer leads a holiday celebration featuring the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Children’s Choir. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE WALLIS
Dulcé Sloan
Dec. 13. With her razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humor, the incomparable Dulcé Sloan, a former correspondent of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, delivers her signature blend of commentary and charm in an unmatched comedic showcase.Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story
Dec. 12-22. This holiday season, Mays will return to The Old Globe after his San Diego Theatre Critics Circle Award–winning performance in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder in 2013. He will portray over 50 beloved characters from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol—from Scrooge and Marley to Tiny Tim and the three Ghosts. In this new version of his acclaimed one-man show, Mays showcases Dickens’s text with his virtuosic performance. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Once Upon a Mattress
Dec. 10-Jan. 5. The comedic romp sets Princess Winifred the Woebegone — or “Fred” to her friends — an unapologetic free spirit, loose in a repressed kingdom, reveling in her ability to charm and transform with willpower, honesty, and a little bit of help from her friends. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Handel’s Glorious Messiah
Dec. 8. A timeless masterwork that transcends three centuries of fads and fashions, Handel’s Glorious Messiah is an event of joy, reflection, and renewal. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
PACIFIC CHORALE
Carols by Candlelight
Dec. 7-11. Join the Pacific Chorale as Istad weaves a seamless blend of classic and contemporary holiday carols, celebrating the essence of the season. Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 535 N Main St, Los Angeles. pacificchorale.org
SAN DIEGO OPERA
Making Merry
Dec. 7. The San Diego Opera Chorus will be joined by special guest stars for a heartwarming holiday concert that features music spanning centuries and styles. Filled with songs of the season, carols, modern favorites, and classic holiday songs, don’t miss your chance to celebrate (and sing along!) with your loved ones. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego. sandiegoopera.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Festival of Carols
Dec. 7. The Chorale presents an eclectic lineup of holiday events in December including Festival of Carols, featuring magnificent arrangements of traditional carols spanning the globe, alongside contemporary classics sung with the virtuosity and flair only the Los Angeles Master Chorale can deliver. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
The Nutcracker for Kids!
Dec. 7. Pacific Symphony and Amerian Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts unite to reimagine Tchaikovsky’s cherished holiday program perfect for the entire family. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Brahms with Zubin Mehta
Dec. 6-8. Conductor Zubin Metha teams up with violinistLeonidas Kavakos for a program that will feature Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Second Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Two Concertos: Barnatan Plays Shostakovich
Dec. 6-8. Music Director Rafael Payare leads pianist Inon Barnatan in a program that highlights the humorous side of classical music in works by Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE WALLIS
Bodytraffic
Dec. 6-7. L.A.-based dance company, BODYTRAFFIC, led by Tina Finkelman Berkett, returns to The Wallis. Internationally acclaimed, BODYTRAFFIC has not only conquered the contemporary dance realm, but also bewitched audiences worldwide with its astounding performers, transcendent technical mastery, and a repertoire that vibrates with the sheer joy of dancing. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
OCEANSIDE THEATRE
Manny and the Wise Queens
Dec. 6. The first full staging of Manny and the Wise Queens by Idris Goodwin Gift-bearing travelers find themselves in the attic of Manny, a depressed recent high school graduate, who has locked himself away to escape the remnants of holiday cheer in his quarantined town. Luckily, the sudden arrival of the two wise queens provides a potential key to Manny’s deliverance in this comedic celebration of home, hip-hop and unexpected gifts. Main Stage, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidetheatre.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Art of the Spanish Guitar
Dec. 5-7. Two-time Grammy nominated artist Mak Grgić, for his Pacific Symphony debut, will perform Rodrigo’s masterful Fantasy for a Gentleman, filled with lively, dancing melodies, and musical sunshine. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Music with the LA Phil
Dec. 3. Experience big performances on a more intimate scale when musicians from the LA Phil perform chamber music in small ensembles. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Leslie Odom, Jr. The Christmas Tour
Dec. 1. Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton, One Night in Miami) returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for a night of holiday hits including selections from his release The Christmas Album. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 30-Dec. 24. Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is an Orange County tradition. South Coast Repertory brings back fan favorite characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, and of course Ebenezer Scrooge for a classic tale to rekindle the holiday spirit. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
A NOISE WITHIN
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Nov. 30-Dec. 24. In Geoff Elliott’s delightfully faithful adaptation of what might just be the greatest story of redemption ever written, Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future join forces to save Ebenezer Scrooge from a lonely and terrible fate. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Nov. 6- Dec. 29. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is one of the centerpieces of the holiday season in San Diego. A whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features classic holiday songs like “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage , 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Nov. 6- Dec. 29. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is one of the centerpieces of the holiday season in San Diego. A whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features classic holiday songs like “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Your Local Theater Presents …
Through Dec. 15. Anna Ouyang Moench’s comedic and moving new play is a love letter to actors, artists and dreamers of all professions who make sacrifices large and small in service of their work… and ultimately wonder whether it was worth it. Eddie is a young actor ready to make his mark on the American Theatre. He’s just going to do this regional production of A Christmas Carol but as the years pass, Eddie finds himself back at the same local theatre, over and over again. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
La Cage Aux Folles
Nov. 12-Dec. 15. La Cage aux Folles is a groundbreaking, Tony award-winning musical comedy with a heartfelt score by Jerry Herman and hilarious script by Harvey Fierstein. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Fiddler on the Roof
Through-Dec. 1. Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love, and laughter. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
Photos courtesy of business and venue
