RIO: Brazilian Art at Salt Fine Art
Opens Jan. 2. Long celebrated as a land of caipirinhas soaked carnivals and of color and music unfolding year-round under the watchful eye of the iconic Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janiero, Brazil has a vibrant art scene that has developed a reputation of being a fast-paced and rapidly growing art mecca with international collectors. Eight selected artists will be featuring their work in this exhibit, each conveying a fascinating perspective and ambiguous truths on Brazilian life and culture. 1492 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.5554. saltfineart.com
Trudy and Max in Love
Jan. 5-26. Watch the world premiere of this funny take on an unconventional romance from Zoe Kazan. Trudy writes young adult fiction and Max is a novelist of celebrity status—their attraction is anything but convenient. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Ring of Fire
Opens Jan. 7. Warm up your winter with the rousing words and music of Johnny Cash. This musical brings to life more than 30 of his best songs including “I Walk the Line and “Folsom Prison Blues” and offers a glimpse into Cash’s world where faith, love and compassion are the touchstones in everyday life. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Southern California Half Marathon
Jan. 11. Partake in this race on flat, paved roads around picturesque neighborhoods and recreational areas of Irvine complete with refreshment stations every two miles. Enjoy a great expo and food fair after the race. Benefitting Woodbridge High School athletics and other local schools and charities. 8 a.m. Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake St., Irvine, schalfmarathon.com
Expose: Richard Craft
Through Jan.19. Be surrounded with an installation of 10 films by Kraft featuring idyllic scenes of nature side by side with urban views of Los Angeles, New York and India. The experience is less about the geographic locations and more about the wonder of seeing. $5-$7; under 12 free. Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971. lagunaartmuseum.org
Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
Jan. 9-11. See the acclaimed conductor and violinist who stands out for her passionate and powerful sound, her risk-taking musical persona and her energetic presence. $25-$185. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Beauty and the Beast
Jan. 14-19. Disney’s acclaimed musical take of Belle, a young woman lost in books in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince trapped in a spell—and a hideous body—comes to life with lavish sets and costumes. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Forever Tango
Jan. 16-17. Watch the passionate and sophisticated dancers inhabit a world where everything can be said with the flick of a leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot and the arch of an eyebrow. Featuring Argentina’s best world-class dancers accompanied by a vocalist and the hypnotic rhythms of a live orchestra. $40-$52. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarclay.org
Newport Beach Restaurant Week
Jan. 17-26. Indulge in a week of delicious dining at more than 80 participating Newport Beach restaurants. Eat your way thorough the city while enjoying two course prix-fixe lunches for $10-$20 or three-course prix-fixe dinners for $20-$40, giving you the chance to explore tasty treats ranging from fresh fish to sizzling steaks and decadent desserts. Check website for participating restaurants. 619.233.5008. newportbeachdining.com
From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley
Jan. 18. Witness a live taping of the popular NPR show, “From the Top” with host Christopher O’Riley, showcasing the captivating stories and musical prowess of the country’s top-notch young musicians. Tapings include a number of high-caliber performances, interviews, sketches and games to show off the performers’ unique personalities. $20. Students $10. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
Miles Davis and the Blue Flame Incident
Jan. 24. View this multi-media celebration of the groundbreaking music of the iconic trumpeter, bandleader and cultural provocateur, Miles Davis. $17. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646. thebarlcay.org
The Light in the Piazza
Opens Jan. 24. This musical follows the Italian travels of a mother and daughter. When a dashing young Italian captures the heart of the daughter, the mother must decide to reveal a secret or give the couple her blessing. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
Chicago
Opens Jan. 28. Don’t miss a show with everything that makes Broadway great: a universal take of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and some of the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Its 1920s Chicago, and Roxie Hart has just killed her lover, Legal affairs, a fight for the limelight and an explosion of jazz follow in the Broadway smash hit. $29-$89. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scfta.org
Pink at Honda Center
Jan. 29. Recently honored as Billboard’s Woman of the Year, Pink returns to Honda Center for her The Truth About Love Tour. Pulling from her seven album repertoire, expect to hear some of her biggest chart topping hits and fan favorites such as “Blow Me (One Last Kiss),” “ Try,” and “Just Give Me A Reason.” $39-$125. 7:30 p.m. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500. hondacenter.com