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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.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Coleman ’72
April 23-May 14. A funny and touching world premiere by an exciting new voice about a Korean American family’s look back at the summer of 1972, and their All-American road trip—spontaneously orchestrated by their father. Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
avaaz
April 29-May 27. Roya is preparing a feast to celebrate Nowruz, the Iranian New Year in this hilarious personal tribute about tradition and a deep family bond. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scr.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I
April 21-May 14. Set in the 1860s, The King and I is based on the true story of Anna Leonowens, a widowed schoolteacher from Wales who travels to Siam to teach the King’s many children. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com | Performances+
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
1776
April 11- May 7. This Tony Award-winning Best Musical is tuneful, witty, and constantly surprising, especially in this revolutionary new production from directors Jeffrey L. Page (Violet) and Diane Paulus (Waitress) with a cast that reflects multiple representations of race, gender, and ethnicity. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org | Performances+
THE OLD GLOBE
Exotic Deadline: or the MSG
April 8-May 7. It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward Asian American high schooler whose world comes crashing down with a terrible discovery: her family is responsible for manufacturing MSG, the mysterious ingredient getting all the kids hooked! Meanwhile, a cool new girl arrives from Japan, and she’s not playing by the rules. In Keiko Green’s world-premiere play, Ami vows to redeem her family name and save the world from MSG.
Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. oldglobe.org | Performances+
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
LA Phil with Leila Josefowicz
April 30. Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding orchestras at home and abroad, the LA Phil will be led by one of the most sought-after of the young conductors, Elim Chan. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Tales From Italy
April 30. Enjoy delightful chamber music with host and pianist Orli Shaham and principal musicians of Pacific Symphony in the coffee-house atmosphere of the Samueli Theater. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org | Performances+
DANCE AT THE MUSIC CENTER
Paul Taylor Dance Company
April 28-30. In a seminal piece of Americana, and through the hit songs of the Andrews Sisters, Company B juxtaposes the energy and enthusiasm of the country in the early ’40s with the human toll of a young nation drawn into WWII. The second piece will be a world premiere by Resident Choreographer Lauren Lovette, set to the music of Michael Daugherty’s concerto Dreamachine. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hairspray
April 18-30. Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Jason Robert Brown
April 27-29. As a composer, Brown’s notable works include The Bridges of Madison County, The Last Five Years, Honeymoon in Vegas, and Parade. Brown’s contributions to contemporary musical theater have earned him countless accolades including three Tony Awards. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Ulysses Owens, Jr. & J’Nai Bridges
April 27. Opera star J’Nai Bridges and Grammy Award-winning drummer and jazz trailblazer Ulysses Owens Jr. collaborate on Notes on Hope, which includes French art songs, jazz and spirituals from Debussy, Ravel, Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and more. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills.thewallis.org
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie: Starring Indigo Blume
April 22-23 Best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books, Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume, to the stage in a world premiere Kennedy Center commission. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
THE OLD GLOBE
The XIXth (The Nineteenth)
Through April 23. World-premiere play by Kemp Powers about two Black American sprinters, the fastest men on Earth, raise their fists in protest. Inspired by real events from the historic 19th Olympic Games, chronicles the intersection of sports and activism, and shows the life-changing repercussions of being a champion who chooses to speak out. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org |Performances+
BROADSTAGE
Sō Percussion and Caroline Shaw with special guest Shodekeh Talifero
April 22. The brilliant multi-genre quartet, Sō Percussion, joins forces with two preeminent collaborators to present a mesmerizing evening of new music. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Twilight Los Angeles, 1992
Through April 29. Twilight… is a stunning and seminal play that explores the devastating human impact of the five days of uprising following the Rodney King verdict. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.centertheatregroup.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Dream House Quartet
April 28. Comprised of Katia Labèque, Marielle Labèque, Bryce Dessner, and David Chalmin, Dream House Quartet makes their Center debut with a celebration of works of our time. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Verdi’s Rigoletto
April 20-25. A lecherous Duke, who lives to take his pleasure. His twisted court jester, who lives to take his revenge. Carl conducts this season’s semi-staged opera production: Verdi’s Rigoletto, the composer’s masterpiece of duplicity and deception. A full theatrical experience in the splendor of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.pacificsymphony.org | Performances+
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Schumann and Sheherazade
April 21-23. South Korean-born Sunwook Kim shows off his talent on the beloved piano concerto by Robert Schumann. Former Dudamel Fellow and award-winning conductor Tianyi Lu leads the thrilling tall tales of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Colburn Orchestra Sounds About Town
April 23. The Colburn Orchestra, the flagship ensemble of the Colburn Conservatory of Music, invites leading guest artists to perform with the Colburn Orchestra to mirror a professional orchestral experience. Sounds About Town is led by conductor Stéphane Denève and is joined by violinist Alena Hove, Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Jean-Yves Thibaudet Plays Debussy
April 21-22. Soprano Hera Hyesang Park, accompanied by Jean-Yves Thibaudet on the piano, presents an evening of Claude Debussy.The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way. San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org | Performances+
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Rodrigo Amarante
April 21. Brazilian-born singer/songwriter Rodrigo Amarante shares his songs along with Brazilian favorites, all specially arranged for a small acoustic ensemble.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Nat Geo Live: Adaptation
April 20. Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to our changing planet with environmental anthropologist/filmmaker Carrère. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Hélène Grimaud
April 19. Acclaimed pianist Hélène Grimaud brings her unique poetic expression to the music of Bach, Beethoven and Brahms. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Mozart & Brahms
April 18. Acclaimed pianist and rising star Sunwook Kim performs two major quartets by Mozart and Brahms, accompanied by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bing Wang (violin), Teng Li (viola), Robert de Maine (cello), and Martin Chalifour (violin). Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Paul Jacobs
April 16. Organist Paul Jacobs, heralded as “one of the major musicians of our time” (The New Yorker), performs sonatas by Bach. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone
April 13-16. Virtuoso pianist/performer/playwright/ producer Hershey Felder returns to The Wallis for a strictly limited engagement of his acclaimed work. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
BROADSTAGE
Company Chaliwaté & Focus Dimanche
April 13-16. Three filmmakers’ journey to the edge of earth to document animal extinctions before meeting their own fate. Through a blend of clowning, puppetry, and theatrical magic, Dimanche paints a portrait of humanity surprised by forces of nature. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Payare conducts Brahms
April 13-16. San Diego Symphony Music Director Rafael Payare conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic and German soprano Dorothea Röschmann performs Wagner’s beautiful songs composed on poems by Mathilde Wesendonck. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES OPERA
Pelléas & Mélisande
Through April 16. Conducted by Conlon, this masterpiece stars two young performers, soprano Sydney Mancasola and baritone Will Liverman, as doomed lovers. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org | Performances+
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Dinur, Montgomery and the “Classical” Symphony
April 13-15. Guest conductor Yaniv Dinur leads the Orchestra in Prokofiev’s “Classical” Symphony. The revered pianist Awadagin Pratt performs the celebrated composer Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds, originally conceived for Pratt. Haydn’s monumental “London” Symphony closes the program. The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. sandiegosymphony.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Emerson String Quartet
April 15. After 47 years of performing as a group, Emerson String Quartet launches their farewell tour to commemorate their music and time spent together as an internationally acclaimed ensemble. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Gloria Gaynor—The Queen of Disco
April 14-15. Grammy-award winner and Dance Music Hall of Famer Gloria Gaynor is one of disco’s greatest icons. Since the release of her first studio album Never Can Say Goodbye in 1975, she has gone on to record more than 15 albums. She also won the first and only Grammy for Best Disco Recording for “I Will Survive” in 1980. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org | Performances+
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Brass
April 11. LA Phil brass players shine in this wide-ranging program curated by LA Phil Associate Principal Trombone James Miller. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Dorrance Dance
April 8. You’ve seen her perform with Stephen Colbert on television, now 2015 MacArthur “Genius” award recipient, Michelle Dorrance and 2014 Bessie Award winner Nicholas Van Young bring tap into the age of electronic music. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Sibelius and Brahms
April 7-8. Inon Barnatan returns to LA for Brahms’ epic First Piano Concerto, and Finnish conductor/composer Osmo Vänskä leads the LA Phil in Sibelius’ noble Third Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Let the Crows Come
April 7-8. The West Coast premiere of Ramaswamy’s metaphoric dance depicting rows as messengers for the living that guides the departed. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Yo-Yo Ma, Cello and Kathryn Stott, Piano
April 4. One of the most vibrant musical partnerships before the public today, classical music superstar Yo-Yo Ma and his longtime collaborator pianist Kathryn Stott make a special Orange County appearance together.
Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
The Outsiders
Through April 2. The story that defined a generation is reimagined in a groundbreaking musical for a new generation. In 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the hardened hearts, aching souls and romantic dreams of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and their band of greasers take center stage in a fight for survival and a quest for purpose. Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s seminal book and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, The Outsiders. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093. lajollaplayhouse.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
ABT Like Water for Chocolate
Through April 2. American Ballet Theater US premiere of new ballet based on the famous book and movie. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SAN DIEGO OPERA
Tosca
Through April 2. Tosca is Giacomo Puccini’s gripping drama filled with torture, treachery, lust, execution, and suicide. Scarpia, the chief of police, wants only two things: to recapture the escaped prisoner Angelotti and to seduce Tosca, an opera singer of incredible voice and beauty. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. sandiegoopera.org | Performances+
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Did You See What Walter Paisley Did Today?
Through April 2. World premiere of the “beatnik horror comedy musical” by three-time Emmy winner Randy Rogel and a cool jazz score. 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com | Performances+
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Herbie Hancock
April 2. American jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock is no stranger to the LA Phil stages. As LA Phil’s Creative Chair for Jazz, he graces the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage with an unexpected performance. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Voctave: The Corner of Broadway and Main Street
April 2. A cappella sensation Voctave’s 11-member vocal ensemble brings incredible harmonies to some of the most beloved songs and have been inspiring their millions of social media fans since 2015. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Broadway The Calla-Way!
April 1. This spring, these award-winning sisters are bringing their joint cabaret show to the Center for an evening of delightful music. As a dynamic duo of incredible talent, both Ann and Liz are gearing up for a wonderful cabaret show that combines humor, harmonies, and showtunes! Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
LA Phil New Music Group with Brad Lubman
April 1. Artist Gerhard Richter creates a stream of images interpreted by music in the culmination of an all-Reich concert conducted by Brad Lubman. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
Photo credits: 1776, Joan Marcus. Acoustic Rooster, Jati Lindsay. Hershey Felder, Marco Badiani. Old Globe Photo, Rich Soulet. Tosca, Nick Koon. Twilight Photo, Javier Vasquez. All images are courtesy of the businesses and venture.
