From a book-to-stage adaptation and famed comedians, check out the top performances and plays in Orange County this September.
Edited by Whitney Lauren Han.
“Sense and Sensibility”
Sept. 1-29. Based on one of Jane Austen’s most beloved novels, follow the Dashwood sisters—Elinor and Marianne—as they chase their dreams from Devonshire to London and back in this charming romantic classic. Note: This production contains strobe lighting effects. Ages 12+. See website for show times and prices. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555. scr.org
“End of the Rainbow”
Through Sept. 2. Catch this Tony Award-nominated play that looks at Judy Garland—her talent, tenacity and razor-sharp wit. Featuring some of Garland’s most memorable songs, “You Made Me Love You (I Didn’t Want To Do it),” “For Me And My Gal,” “The Trolley Song,” ”The Man That Got Away” and “Over the Rainbow,” this savagely funny play offers a unique insight into the inner conflict that inspired and consumed one of America’s most beloved figures. See website for show times and prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
“On Your Feet!”
Through Sept. 2. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), this Broadway features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century—and one of the most inspiring stories in music history. See website for show times. $29+. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787. scfta.org
“Two’s A Crowd”
Sept. 7-16. Written by Martin Bergman and Rita Rudner, Two’s A Crowd pairs award-winning comedian and actress Rita Rudner and Phantom of the Opera’s Davis Gaines in the world’s first unromantic comedy, featuring songs written by Laguna’s own rock star Jason Feddy. See website for show times and prices. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Casa Jazz Club: John Beasley Trio
Sept. 8. Join Grammy-nominated recording artist, Emmy-nominated music director and pianist John Beasley with his trio in the Main Salon for a concert, cheese plates, complimentary wine and more. 7-8 p.m. $50-$55. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
Jason Mraz
Sept. 14. Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz returns to center stage for his Good Vibes Tour with special guest American folk/pop singer and songwriter Brett Dennen. 6 p.m. $35+. FivePoint Amphitheatre, 14800 Chinon, Irvine, 949.988.6800. fivepointamphitheatre.com
Rascal Flatts
Sept. 15. American country three-man band Rascal Flatts is touring the U.S. for their tenth studio album “Back to Us” with special guest country music duo Dan + Shay and American Idol Season 15 winner Trent Harmon. 3:30 p.m. See website for prices. FivePoint Amphitheatre, 14800 Chinon, Irvine, 949.988.6800. fivepointamphitheatre.com
Jon Batiste
Sept. 21. Eclectic jazz musician and charismatic bandleader for Stay Human, the house band for CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jon Batiste makes his Musco Center debut. The New Orleans-bred, New York-based musician, educator and humanitarian will share his virtuosic music style during this intimate performance, singing and playing piano, keyboards and his signature harmonaboard in Musco’s state-of-the-art concert hall. 7:30 p.m. $25-$55. Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
“The Other Place”
Opens Sept. 21. Written by Sharr White and directed by Matthew McCray, compelling and acclaimed drama focuses on Juliana Smithton, a respected neurologist whose life has recently begun unraveling: Her husband is leaving her, her daughter has eloped with a much older man and even she’s beginning to question her own good health. F 8 p.m.; Sa 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Su 3 p.m. $25-$35. Chance Theater @ Bette Aitken theater arts Center, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 888.455.4212. chancetheater.com
Hoodie Allen
Sept. 22. American rapper, singer and songwriter Steven Markowitz, who’s known for his stage name Hoodie Allen, returns to center stage for 35 dates at small, intimate venues for the Hanging with Hoodie Tour. Each ticket comes with a free meet-and-greet after the show. 7 p.m. $30. House of Blues Anaheim, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Iron & Wine
Sept. 28. Better known by his stage and recording name Iron & Wine, American singer-songwriter Sam Beam is on tour for his Grammy-nominated Beast Epic album with special guest Nashville indie folk singer-songwriter Erin Rae. 7 p.m. $30. House of Blues Anaheim, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337, Anaheim, 714.778.2583. houseofblues.com
Disney: “Beauty and the Beast” Live in Concert
Sept. 29. Experience the music of Walt Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast come to life with a 65-piece orchestra comprised of professionals from the American Federation of Musicians and The Chapman Orchestra. With music from the Grammy and Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Sir Tim Rice, the tale as old as time will dazzle during this cinematic live music experience. 7:30 p.m. $20-$50. All print-at-home tickets include a no-cost parking pass. Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell, Orange, 844.626.8726. muscocenter.org
Fall Out Boy
Sept. 29. Rock out to your favorite Fall Out Boy songs at their M A N I A Tour in the Honda Center with special guest American rapper, singer and actor Machine Gun Kelly. $1 from every ticket sold will go to the Fall Out Boy Fund benefiting charities throughout Chicago. 7 p.m. $55.50+. 2695 E. Katella, Anaheim, 714.704.2400. hondacenter.com
Jeff Garlin
Sept. 30. Have a laugh with American actor and stand-up comedian Jeff Garlin at Irvine Improv. Many know Garlin from his role in the ABC hit comedy The Goldbergs as well as his extensive voice-over acting credits including Disney Pixar’s WALL-E, Cars 2 and Toy Story 3. Ages 18+. Doors 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. See website for prices. Irvine Spectrum Center, 527 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, 949.854.5455. irvine.improv.com
Jon Batiste photo by Sasha Israel. Casa Jazz Club: John Beasley photo courtesy of Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. Hoodie Allen photo by Matty Vogel.
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