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The Program: Mark your calendar for these April SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
LA PHILHARMONIC
Vocal Dimensions
April 29. Bjarnason leads the LA Phil New Music Group in two premieres: Israeli American composer Chaya Czernowin’s NO! and his own new cycle Snow Songs for soprano and ensemble. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
The Staircase
April 27-May 18. Part of the Pacific Playwrights Festival, The Staircase is a mysterious tale about holding on, letting go and the curious force that pulls us back home. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
BROADSTAGE
Salastina
April 27. Salastina joins the Sunday Morning Music/Santa Monica chamber music series with a program that will include works by Brahms, Schumann and Wagner that celebrates romantic love. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA OPERA
Ainadamar: The Fountain of Tears
April 26; May 4, 7, 10, 15, 18. Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados leads the major company premiere of The Fountain of Tears a dramatic story about Federico Garcia Lorca who was once on the verge of writing his way into a new Golden Age in Spain. But dictators have no use for poets and his love is in exile mourning his loss. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laopera.org
BROADSTAGE
The Lucky Stars
April 26. The Lucky Stars makes their BroadStage debut for the Reverend Shawn Amos’ blackbox series on The Plaza. They bring their Western Swing music fresh off their victory as the Best Western Swing Band at the Ameripolitan Awards. They encourage the audience to get up and dance to their lively, infectious rhythms.1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn: Celebrating the Music of Two Giants
April 26. The artistic collaboration between Duke Ellington and composer/ arranger Billy Strayhorn is one of the most important in the history of American music. Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet), Billy Pierce (tenor sax), Joshua White (piano) and many more accomplished musicians come together to honor this partnership. The Young Lions Jazz Conservatory All Stars open with a pre-show concert. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The Mountain That Loved a Bird
April 26. Celebrate springtime and transport yourself into a timeless story about friendship in composer and Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw’s musical adaptation of The Mountain that Loved a Bird by Alice McLerran. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Legally Blonde
April 25-May 18. A fabulously fun, award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Ben Folds
April 25-26. Join the incomparable Ben Folds for a night of genre-bending music with Pacific Symphony that’s anything but ordinary. Dubbed a musical wizard, Folds blends pop anthems with symphonic genius, showing why he’s the cool uncle of the music world. Fresh from his Emmy nod and always ready to drop knowledge, whether on his podcast or bestselling books, this award-winning singer-songwriter-composer is set to deliver a show that’s as unpredictable as it is unmissable. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO OPERA
La Traviata
April 25-27. Verdi’s timeless masterpiece, and one of the most beloved operas of all time, transports you to 19th-century Paris where Violetta Valéry, a courtesan, falls in love with the young nobleman Alfredo Germont. Despite their passionate affair, societal conventions and family interference threaten their happiness and Violetta is forced to make a heartbreaking choice. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego.sdopera.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Mozart & Nielsen
April 25-27. Ryan Bancroft guides the LA Phil in the tumult and triumph of Nielsen’s Fourth, and South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son brings out the sublime sophistication of Mozart. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Evgeny Kissin
April 24. Pianist Evgeny Kissin, known expert of Romantic era classics, makes his first Walt Disney Concert Hall recital in over a decade for a night of Chopin, Beethoven and Shostakovich. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Hamilton
April 23-May 4. Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Cody Fry with Orchestra
April 19. Musician Cody Fry was nominated for a Grammy for his re-orchestration of the Beatles’ classic “Eleanor Rigby”. This singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has stirred up a huge following for his emotional orchestral pop and is joined by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
When the Saints Go Marching In
April 19. The spirit of good times roll in with Mardi Gras spirit with music made famous by Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong. Byron Stripling, Sydney McSweeney and Bobby Floyd leading the parade with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra! Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Carlos Simon’s Gospel Mass with Dudamel
April 17-18. Gustavo Dudamel leads the world premiere of Carlos Simon’s Gospel Mass paired with a nostalgic Bernstein Divertimento. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
NORTH COAST REP
Peril in the Alps
April 16-May 11. Peril in the Alps is a world premiere Hercule Poirot comic mystery based in part on “Poirot Investigates” by Agatha Christie. The twin sister of Captain Hasting’s wife, Dulcie, has been kidnapped – and Hercule Poirot rightly expects not only extortion to follow, but murder! In this sequel to his wildly popular Murder on the Links, Steven Dietz takes us on a thrilling and dangerous trip to the snow-capped Alps, where the cunning Belgian detective may finally meet his match. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Jordi Savall with Hesperion XXI – Music of Fire & Love
April 16. For more than fifty years, Jordi Savali has rescued musical gems from the obscurity of neglect and oblivion and given them back for all to enjoy. A tireless researcher, Jordi Savall has devoted his career to reviving and interpreting the vast repertoire of early music. With his legendary ensemble Hespèrion XXI, Savall has assembled a group of exceptional musicians, each a specialist in the intricacies of historical instruments, to breathe life into centuries-old compositions. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Rachel Mahon, Organ Recital
April 13. Canadian organist Rachel Mahon brings her panache and attention to detail to L.A. for her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut for a program that will feature Bach, Mendelssohn, Whitlock and more. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Curse of the Ring
April 10, 12, 15. Step into the mythical work of Wagner’s first opera in the iconic Ring Cycle whose story influenced Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and whose music inspired John Williams’ iconic soundtrack to Star Wars. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Los Angeles Philharmonic
April 10-13. Violinist Martin Chalifour joins the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Program details to be announced. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Cheyenne Jackson
April 10-12. Cheyenne Jackson presents Signs of Life, autobiographical in nature and deeply comical and moving. This cabaret by versatile and celebrated, Grammy-nominated performer will have audiences laughing. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
All the Devils are Here
April 9-13, 17-20. Tony Award Nominee and Grammy Award Winner Patrick Page turns his attention to the twisted motivation and hidden humanity at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest villains. Page illuminates the playwright’s ever-evolving conception of evil by delving into more than a dozen of his most wicked creations.1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Music with the LA Phil
April 8, 22. 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
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Alisa Weilerstein: Fragments 3
April 8. In FRAGMENTS 3, the third installment of this groundbreaking performance series for solo cello performed by Alisa Weilerstein, new works are woven together with Johann Sebastian Bach’s third cello suite, responsive lighting and scenic architecture, inviting audiences into an immersive, multisensory experience. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
You Are Cordially Invited to the End of the World!
April 5-May 3. Take your seat for an irreverently funny celebration through the cosmos! Since Greg’s terminal diagnosis, he’s felt a deep connection to the Earth—and to save himself, he’ll need to save the planet. Viv desperately wants to savor every last minute with her husband. Meanwhile M, our emcee, searches desperately to find meaning in the chaos of their final year with Dad. A heartfelt and joyful theatrical event, as magical as the world itself. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
John Williams Spotlight
April 5-6. Legendary maestro of the movies has a historic association with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He is joined by Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic for a night of music that celebrates his body of work. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Emmett Cohen Trio
April 5. Multifaceted American jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is one of his generation’s pivotal figures in music. During the 2020 lockdown, Cohen developed “Live From Emmet’s Place,” a series of weekly performances by his trio and special guests live-streamed from his NYC apartment that recall the Harlem rent parties of yesteryear. These concerts, which have received millions of internet views worldwide, are noteworthy for setting the standard for live internet jazz performance. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
Emmet Cohen Trio
April 4. Jazz pianist/composer Emmet Cohen makes his BroadStage debut with his trio. Emmet Cohen has performed at top venues and festivals worldwide, and with over ten albums and frequent collaborations with jazz legends. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Chineke! Orchestra Haydn & Coleridge-Taylor
April 4. Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra makes its Orange County debut. Experience two works by father-daughter composers, Avril and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and Aaron Azunda Akugbo performing Haydn’s grand Trumpet Concerto. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Yo-Yo Ma, Williams & Dudamel
April 3-4. The friendship between legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and conductor John Williams led to Williams writing music with Ma’s cello in mind. Williams and Gustavo Dudamel share a similar friendship and the trio come together for a night of Williams’ music. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
THE MUSIC CENTER
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
April 2-6. Returning to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of an exclusive Southern California multi-year residency, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents cutting-edge contemporary premieres and classics including Mr. Ailey’s signature work Revelations. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Regency Girls
April 2-May 4. A world premiere musical comedy about Elinor Benton who is pregnant, unmarried, and living in 19th-century England. What’s a young woman to do? Facing certain ruin, she gathers up her best friends and sets off on the ultimate road trip to find the one woman who might offer a chance to change her fate. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego.
A NOISE WITHIN
Jane Eyre
Through April 20. The orphaned Jane Eyre takes a position working as governess at Thornfield Hall for the brooding Edward Rochester. The strong-willed heroine falls in love with her mysterious employer, but the discovery of a dark secret forces the young governess to make a heart-wrenching decision that changes their lives forever. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
THE ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.
True West
Through April 13. Step into the raw and riveting world of Sam Shepard’s True West where the blistering heat of the California desert mirrors the searing tensions between estranged brothers, Austin and Lee. Set against the backdrop of a suburban house, this modern American classic unravels a primal struggle for identity and dominance as the siblings confront their turbulent past and uncertain futures. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. theroustabouts.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
3 Summers of Lincoln
Through April 6 It is the summer of 1862 and President Lincoln must find a way to end the Civil War. This new musical tells the inspirational story in our nation’s history. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
Images: Ainadamar courtesy of the LA Opera. Photos courtesy of business and venue.
