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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.
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
A Conversation with Michael Pollan
April 29. The bestselling author and sustainable food advocate is sure to provide a highly entertaining and thought-provoking evening of discourse. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique
April 28. You’ll not only get to enjoy the music but also commentary from the stage as Pacific Symphony guest conductor Shiyeon Sung guides you through Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
April 27-28. Inspired by the famous Aesop fable and featuring a gifted ensemble of actor/musicians, this musical, wintery tale follows a young boy who learns that nobody believes a liar, even when they’re telling the truth. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SAN DIEGO OPERA
Madama Butterfly
April 26, 28. Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is a passionate and haunting story about a young woman who makes a stand to support herself after her father takes his life. She is betrayed by the American Naval Officer with whom she falls in love with. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. sdopera.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Yefim Bronfman
April 26. Legendary classical pianist Yefim Bronfman returns to La Jolla Music Society for its’ Piano Series for a passionate program that will include Schubert’s Sonata in A minor, Schumann’s Faschingsschwank aus Wien and Tchaikovsky’s Grand Sonata in G Major. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
The Hope Theory
April 25-June 9. As a Portuguese immigrant, storyteller, and sleight-of-hand magician, Helder Guimarães arrived in America at age 29. Wide-eyed and full of ideas, he discovers a fascinating puzzle of cultural and professional challenges to solve while he tries to build a home. The Hope Theory offers a unique perspective on America through the eyes of an optimistic outsider. Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. geffenplayhouse.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Tchaikovsky’s Sixth
April 25-27. One of classical music’s enduring favorites, Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” is a musical representation of the composer’s private struggles, including his failing health and his difficult personal life. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Willie Nelson & Family
April 22. AEG Goldenvoice presents the 7-decade career of Willie Nelson, who has earned every conceivable award as a musician, with special guests Asleep at the Wheel. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Galilee, 34
April 21-May 12. The healer from Nazareth is dead—and his followers are determined to keep sharing his message. The problem is the Roman Empire wants them out of the picture. And they don’t have a leader. Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Horizons: Beethoven + Skye
April 21. LACO presents music that unifies us during times of dissonance with the premiere of Derrick Skye’s multicultural exploration, To Be a Horizon, which engages in an endless pursuit of connection to deconstruct musical and cultural divides. UCLA Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles. laco.org
BROADSTAGE
Antonio Sánchez: Birdman Live
April 20. Four-time Grammy-Award winner Antonio Sánchez, one of the most renowned drummers in the international jazz scene, takes the stage to celebrate the 10th anniversary celebration of Birdman with a live score to film. BroadStage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Hiromi’s Sonicwonder
April 20. Pianist Hiromi’s takes the stage as part of the electrified four-piece ensemble Sonicwonder featuring Adam O’Farrill on trumpet, Hadrien Feraud on bass and Gene Coye on drums. Her musicianship and improvisation eclipse the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Horizons: Beethoven + Skye
April 20. LACO presents music that unifies us during times of dissonance with the premiere of Derrick Skye’s multicultural exploration, To Be A Horizon, which engages in an endless pursuit of connection in order to deconstruct musical and cultural divides. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. laco.org
LOS ANGELES OPERA
Patti Lupone
April 20. Broadway’s diva extraordinaire returns to LA Opera for a solo concert after unforgettable star turns in The Ghosts of Versailles and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahogany. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laopera.org
PASADENA SYMPHONY
Vivaldi Four Seasons
April 20. Multiple prize-winning violinist Charlotte Marckx brings Vivaldi’s most cherished concertos to life with her technical chops and expressive panache. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St John Ave, Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
SACRA/PROFANA
A Cathedral of Trees
April 20. Celebrating the beauty of our natural world, this program explores choral artistry rooted in nature and reaching toward the heavens. Selections include some of today’s most prominent composers, as well as emerging voices in our field. Musical selections include Crescent Meadow by Nell Shaw Cohen, At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners by Williametta Spencer, and Polar Eurfori by Kim Andrew Arnesen. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Dr., San Diego. sacraprofana.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Jersey Boys
April 19-May 12. Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
Nashville Nights
April 19-21. Nashville Nights is a country music extravaganza that takes the audience on a journey through the heart of Music City. This high-energy show features some of the best country music hits of all time, performed by a talented cast of singers and musicians. From classic country to modern hits, Nashville Nights has something for everyone. California Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Michael Cavanaugh Performs the Music of Elton John
April 19-20. Get ready to rock out with Michael Cavanaugh (back by popular demand!), as he performs the timeless hits of Elton John! This electrifying show features Cavanaugh’s powerhouse vocals and incredible piano skills, accompanied by a full orchestra. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE WALLIS
AXIS Dance Company
April 19-20. AXIS Dance Company presents a triple bill of world premieres and highlights from their repertoire that showcase the strength, power and infinite possibilities of disability-integrated dance. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Dayramir González & Habana enTRANCé
April 19. Dayramir González began his career as a pianist and composer with Chucho Valdés’ Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble Diákara at the age of 16. He continues to make his mark as a leading international composer and performs at The JAI as part of Jazz History Month. The Conrad, The JAI, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla .theconrad.org
BROADSTAGE
The Untold Story of Sharks
April 18. Dr. Jess Cramp will take audiences on a journey through the National Geographic archives to discover the work of pioneering women in shark science and storytelling before she dives into her work on the frontier of shark research and conservation. BroadStage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Herbie Hancock
April 18. In a career spanning five-decades, music icon Herbie Hancock has won an Oscar and multiple Grammy’s. He has had a profound influence on acoustic, electornic jazz and R&B. He performs in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month presented by National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. theconrad.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Sessanta: Primus, Puscifer, a Perfect Circle
April 18. AEG Goldenvoice presents a resurrection, and expansion, of the 2014 Los Angeles event, Cinquanta, which was originally a one-time only celebration. Much like that fabled evening, which commemorated Maynard James Keenan’s landmark 50th birthday, Sessanta celebrates the Puscifer and A Perfect Circle front man as he turns 60. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
NORTH COAST REP
Sense of Decency
April 17-May 12. Based on the book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist” by Jack El-Hai, Sense of Decency is a world premiere theatrical foray into the historical meeting at the end of WWII, filled with unexpected revelations, magic and insight. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
God Bless America
April 17. Millennial® Choirs & Orchestras proudly presents God Bless America, an awe-inspiring musical celebration of the spirit of American pride, freedom, and divine providence. The powerful voices of hundreds of youth and adult singers combine with an elegant symphony orchestra in tribute to our nation’s enduring faith and patriotism. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
BeetleJuice
April 16-28. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Khruangbin: A La Sala Tour
April 16. Goldenvoice presents this three-piece band from Texas, formed of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar and Donald Johnson on drums takes influence from 1960s Thai Funk. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Abel Selaocoe and Manchester Collective
April 14. Sirocco is a celebration of folk traditions from around the world, led by the inimitable Abel Selaocoe, and UK-based Manchester Collective for a program that weaves between original settings of African music, Danish folk songs, and classical music like you’ve never heard it before. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The Firebird
April 14. Dutch conductor Otto Tausk leads Stravinsky’s enchanting Firebird Suite. Enjoy the beloved Swan Lake Suite by Tchaikovsky, for an afternoon of iconic masterworks of music for ballet. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Peter Frampton: Never Ever Say Never Tour
April 14. Grammy award-winning artist, guitarist and Musicians Hall of Famer Peter Frampton is back out on the road and making a stop at the Rady Shell. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Chris Botti
April 13. Having successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back, with a small group project focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHIL
Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony
April 12-14. Dedicated to Franz Liszt—and featuring the LA Phil’s own Joanne Pearce Martin in this performance—the “Organ” symphony led fellow composer Charles Gounod to hail Saint-Saëns as “the French Beethoven.” LA Phil Principal Concertmaster Martin Chalifour performs Maurice Ravel’s virtuosic violin showpiece, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Music Director Louis Langrée teams up again with acclaimed composer Jonathan Bailey Holland for a world premiere symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Quatuor Ébène
April 12. Violinists Pierre Colombet and Gabriel Le Magadure, Marie Chilemme on viola and new addition to the quartet cellist Yuya Okamoto perform a string quartet concert of Haydn, Bartók and Schubert. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Lang Lang Plays Saint-Saëns
April 12. Lang Lang returns to San Diego to perform Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. The program opens with Joey Roukens’s thought-provoking 365. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
ABT Mixed Repertory — Woolf Works
April 11-14. The superstar dancers of American Ballet Theatre return to Segerstrom Center perform to a never-before-seen program. While details are still being finalized, we can look forward to a repertory program that highlights the company’s artistry and athleticism. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Ebene String Quartet
April 11. With its diverse repertoire, the Ebene Quartet is considered one of the most exciting and distinctive of this generation. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
CYGNET THEATRE
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
April 10-May 12. Award-winning composer Dave Malloy introduces an electropop opera based on Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Natasha Rostova arrives in Moscow to await the return of her fiancé from the front lines. When she falls under the spell of the roguish Anatole, it is up to Pierre, a family friend in the middle of an existential crisis, to pick up the pieces of her shattered reputation. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. cygnettheatre.com
BROADSTAGE/LA OPERA
Book of Mountains and Seas
April 10-14. Composer Huang Ruo and puppeteer Basil Twist reinterprets Chinese myths for the 21st century. He creates a fantastical world of sunbirds, demons and giants from Book of Mountains & Seas. Performed in Mandarin with English subtitles. BroadStage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA PHIL
Music 101: The Concerto (Part Two)
April 10. In the first installment of this series, Alan Chapman traced the development and structure of the concerto from its beginnings up to the works of Mozart. Now, Chapman brings Beethoven and his successors center stage with many musical examples and vibrant visuals. .Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHIL
Unstill Life
April 9. Choreographer Benjamin Millepied returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage as a dancer, accompanied by Alexandre Tharaud performing Bach, Beethoven, Rameau, and more. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
10th Annual Mariachi Festival—Mariachi Los Camperos
April 7. Mariachi Los Camperos, Tierra Caliente Academy and LuMaya come together at the CCAE Concert Hall for a festive event that benefits education and charitable programs for the youth in North County. VIP tacos and tequilas before the concert also available. California Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Jakub Józef Orlinski with Il Pomo D’Oro
April 7. Polish countertenor Orlinski and acclaimed chamber orchestra Il Pomo d’Oro perform works by Monteverdi, Frescobaldi, Cavalli, Sartorio and more. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Close to You
April 7. Dedicated to re-creating the true sound of The Carpenters, singer Lisa Rock and her band showcase some of the most memorable songs of the 70s including “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, and of course “Close to You.” 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
LA OPERA
La Traviata
April 6-27. Verdi master James Conlon conducts one of opera’s most enduring tragedies about young Violetta whose life in the fast lane is disrupted by a fresh-faced suitor that offers her an unexpected taste of true love. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA MASTER CHORALE
I Believe: The Music of Bach, Bonds & Robles
April 6-7. From Bach and Bonds to Robles, this program is filled with music with great strength of purpose in every phrase and note. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Flamenco Vivo presents Fronteras
April 6. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, one of America’s leading flamenco companies, presents Fronteras, a new work choreographed by two of flamenco’s most exciting artists: José Maldonado and Karen Lugo- with an original score by Jose Luis de la Paz that will be performed live. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
OCEANSIDE THEATRE
The Highwayman Show
April 6. The Highwayman Show is the premiere Outlaw Country show featuring the music of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson as performed by Tony Suraci and his All Star Band including American Idol’s Makayla Phillips. Main Stage, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside.oceansidetheatre.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Prelude to a Kiss: the Musical
April 5-May 4. The superstar dancers of American Ballet Theatre return to Segerstrom Center perform to a never-before-seen program. While details are still being finalized, we can look forward to a repertory program that highlights the company’s artistry and athleticism. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Feelin’ Good
April 5. Anthony Bernasconi emulates Michael Bublé in a tribute performance backed by a 17-piece orchestra. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Bennewitz Quartet, Arsentiy Kharitonov
April 5. The vibrant Czech quartet makes its Center debut accompanied by pianist Arsentiy Kharitonov. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
La Bohème
April 4, 6, 9. Everything great opera should have: gorgeous music, high emotion, and grand tragedy! Carefree Bohemians and star-struck lovers—penniless, hungry, and ailing—fill the concert hall with their astonishing voices as Puccini’s heart-rending tale unfolds. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
Elgar and Vaughan Williams
April 4, 6, 7. Leading Australian conductor Simone Young leads the LA Phil in Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Eighth Symphony, the shortest of his symphonies. Considered to be his most raw and emotional composition, Elgar’s dark and dramatic response to the end of World War I—and his own life—is richly blended together by the bow of French cellist and LA Phil favorite Gautier Capuçon. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
THE SORAYA
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
April 4. Former CSUN President Dr. Joelene Koester returns to The Soraya to be honored alongside Joshua Bell who returns for his 9th appearance, leading Academy of St. Martin Fields. The evening honors Koester’s vision and perseverance both to higher education as well as to open The Soraya back in 2011. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org | Performances+
LA PHIL
Yo-Yo Ma & Kathryn Stott
April 3. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is joined by longtime collaborator Kathryn Stott, an internationally recognized pianist. Together they have toured the globe and released multiple albums. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Funny Girl
April 2-28. This Broadway revival about the indomitable Fanny Brice from Lower East Side, features one of the most iconic scores of all time, including “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” and “People”. Let her take you on a journey to stage stardom. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
LA PHIL
Schubert’s Octet
April 2. Beethoven’s Octet ranges in drama from the heart-rending winds and agitated strings to the full ensemble’s jubilance sprinkled throughout the hour-long work. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LAMB’S PLAYERS THEATRE
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
Through May 5. A world premiere musical about a young girls’ fascination with the natural world and is encouraged by her grandfather who recognizes her special gift. The Evolution of Calprunia Tate is a story to be enjoyed by all ages.1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. lambsplayer.org
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Fat Ham
Through April 28. Meet Juicy, a young, queer Black man whose dead father shows up at the family BBQ asking that his murder be avenged, in the west coast premiere of Fat Ham, a hilarious and profound take on Hamlet. Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. geffenplayhouse.org‘
THE OLD GLOBE
Ride
Through April 28. The smash-hit London musical makes its U.S. premiere. It’s 1895, and Annie wants to discover if a woman can ride a bicycle around the world. As Annie and her unwitting secretary Martha share unbelievable adventures across four continents, they learn that no matter how far we ride, our past is always right behind us. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. oldglobe.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
One of the Good Ones
Through April 7. The ultimate family showdown is on in the world premiere of this new comedy commissioned by Pasadena Playhouse. Meet your new favorite family in this laugh-out-loud, heartfelt story from Gloria Calderón Kellett, the co-creator and showrunner of Netflix’s One Day at a Time.
Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molina Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the businesses and venues.
