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The Program: Mark your calendar for these January SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
THE SORAYA
Ranky Tanky with very special guest Ms. Lisa Fischer
Jan. 31-Feb. 1. Ranky Tanky’s funky vibe combined with Fischer’s vocal talents makes for an evening of stories and song that is reminiscent of lively dance halls and cozy juke joints. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet
Jan. 28-Feb. 25. Matthew Bourne directs and choreographs a retelling of the ageless tale of forbidden love between two teens who follow their hearts and risk everything to be together. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org | Performances+
LA MASTER CHORALE
Spem in Alium
Jan 28. A concert of Tallis’ monumental masterpiece and a varied sonic showcase of music reflecting on the same spirit of hope, devotion and deliverance. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org | Performances+
SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Jeremy Denk
Jan. 28. Pianist and New York Times bestselling author Jeremy Denk continued his multi-season exploration of Book 1 of Bach’s Well Tempered Clavier and now makes his way to the Soka Concert Hall to perform Bach’s Partititas for Keyboard, BMV 825-830. Concert Hall, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo. soka.edu
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Lakecia Benjamin and Phoenix
Jan. 28. Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, who has shared the stage with legendary artists including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and the Roots, makes her JAI debut with the quartet from her 2023 release Phoenix. The JAI, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
THE OLD GLOBE
English
Jan. 27-Feb. 18. This Pulitzer-Prize winning production is told with hilarious wit and genuine compassion as it follows the journey of adult students in Tehran as they prepare for an English proficiency exam in search for opportunity, access or a new calling. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org | Performances +
THE ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.
The Year of Magical Thinking
Jan. 27-28. Joan Didion’s best-selling memoir about the sudden loss of her husband and daughter is brought to life by actress Sandy Campbell in this powerful one-woman show. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. theroustabouts.org
CAP AT UCLA
New Standards
Jan 27. NEA Jazz Master and three-time Grammy Award-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington began her career at the age of 10 and has made a mark for her passion for inclusivity and elevating the voices of women, trans and non-binary people in jazz. UCLA, Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, CA 9009. cap.ucla.edu
PASADENA SYMPHONY
Beethoven Emperor
Jan. 27. Presenting Composer Jessica Hunt at the Composers Showcase with George Li on piano and conducted by Kensho Watanabe. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St John Ave., Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org | Performances +
THE SORAYA
A Golden Anniversary with Herb Alpert & Lani Hall
Jan. 27. Celebrated trumpeter Herb Alpert who changed the face of music when he founded A&M Records celebrates 50 years of marriage with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lani Hall. They perform together on stage for a timeless program that celebrates their life of making music. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Takacs Quartet and Marc-André Hamelin
Jan. 27. The world-renowned Takacs Quartet is joined by award-winning pianist Marc-André Hamelin for a luminous performance.
Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
Steam Powered Giraffe: The Singing Musical Automatons Live in Concert
Jan. 26. San Diego’s robot band performs live with musical acts that combine robot pantomime, dance, comedy, and music. Costumes and makeup, Welcome! Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Payare Conducts Mozart
Jan. 26. San Diego Symphony performs three Mozart symphonies under the direction of Rafael Payare. The program will cover three of the composer’s best loved symphonies written across his lifetime. Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. sandiegosymphony.org | Performances +
THE ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.
Stones in His Pockets
Jan. 25-28. Two actors play 13 roles between them in this hilarious story about what happens when a Hollywood film studio comes to rural Ireland to film an epic blockbuster and everything gets turned upside down. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. theroustabouts.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Lucas & Arthur Jussen
Jan. 25. Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen have an unbreakable bond that is evident in their duets whether they perform on one piano or two. This dynamic duo has a remarkable talent that was clear from a young age. The program will feature Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla.theconrad.org
THE SORAYA
Leyendas del Mariachi
Jan. 25. Several of the most famous and distinguished mariachi of the past three decades come together to share The Soraya stage as they share the beauty and traditions of Mexican music. The evening will include legendary members from Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi Cobre, and Mariachi América de Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
CYGNET THEATRE
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Jan. 24-Feb. 18. Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill pays tribute to the life of Billie Holiday—one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time— through her moving songs. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. cygnettheatre.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
An Evening with Itzhak Perlman
Jan. 24. 16-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Itzhak Perlman is joined by master pianist and longtime collaborator Rohan De Silva in this unique multi-media program, offering an intimate window into Perlman’s life and work through live performance, rarely seen home. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Itzhak Perlman
Jan. 23. The incomparable violin icon returns with his longtime musical partner for another unforgettable evening. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Delirium Musicum: Strings Unbound
Jan. 21. Led by violinist Etienne Gara, Delirium Musicum—a self-conducted chamber orchestra— defines itself artistically by taking a new stand on the daring and varied repertoire it tackles. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Pacific Symphony Plays Gounod & Vivaldi with Benjamin Beilman, Violin
Jan. 21. Violinist Benjamin Beilman has received international acclaim for his passionate performances, and he brings his brand of quiet confidence to Soka PAC for a program that features Vivaldi’s concertos The Four Seasons. Concert Hall, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo. soka.edu
THE SORAYA
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jan. 21. Conductor Vasily Pentrenko leads the esteemed orchestra from England featuring Isata Kanneh-Mason on the piano. The program will feature the works of female composer Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org | Performances+
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Tony Siqi Yun, piano
Jan. 21. Canadian-born pianist Tony Siqi Yun recently made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra and regularly performs solo recitals in both Europe and North America. He comes to San Diego for a program that includes Brahms, Wagner/Liszt, Beethoven and Schumann. The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
CAMARADA
In Search of Time
Jan. 20. The debut performance of Stefan Cwik’s In Search of Time, inspired by the Art of Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio. Both artists will be present to speak about their creative processes. 325 W. Washington St., San Diego. camarada.org
CAP AT UCLA
Ablaye Cissoko & Cyrille Brotto
Jan. 20. Senegalese kora player Cissoko collaborates with French accordionist and composer Brotto for an exotic, modern program that melds their different musical cultures. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dudamel Leads Das Rheingold
Jan. 20. In celebration of architect Frank Gehry, Gustavo Dudamel leads a landmark production of Wagner’s tale featuring gods, gold, and grandiose music. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Orange County Youth Symphony
Jan. 20. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform with the Philharmonic Society’s Orange County Youth Symphony under the baton of the talented maestro, Vasily Petrenko. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Alonzo King Lines Ballet
Jan. 20. Over the past two seasons, Center audiences have come under the spell of this contemporary dance company from San Francisco. We’ve been mesmerized as their remarkable and exquisite dancers seem to drip across the stage, creating lush, transcendent, and captivating movements that are only possible with LINES. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Cecile McLorin Salvant
Jan. 20. The Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and masterful storyteller arrives with her latest dazzling and haunting project, Ghost Song. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Mystic Pizza
Jan. 19-Feb. 11. A new musical you’ll love at first slice! The Julia Roberts classic 1988 movie is now a delightful new show! Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT.
14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com | Performances+
CAP AT UCLA
Sammy Miller and the Congregation
Jan. 19. This five-piece band of conservatory-trained musicians take their joyful jazz across the country like a vaudevillian revival show and they make a stop at the Nimoy. Their mission to sharing their childlike wonder and love for jazz and on jazz education—making music fluence accessible to all with their groundbreaking music education platform, Playbook. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Isata Kanneh-Mason
Jan. 19. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and its award-winning music director Vasily Petrenko will perform at the Center alongside pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, recipient of the coveted Leonard Bernstein Award. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org | Performances+
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Tatiana Eva-Marie
Jan. 19. Brooklyn-based singer and bandleader Tatiana Eva-Marie was born into a musical family. She has been nicknamed “the Gypsy-jazz warbler” for musical influences of jazz and Klezmer and Gypsy folk music. The Jai, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla.theconrad.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Hershey Felder as George Gershwin Alone, A Play with Music
Jan. 18-28. The legendary songbook of great American composer, George Gershwin cones to life by the talented performance of Hershey Felder. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org | Performances+
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jan. 18. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and its music director Vasily Petrenko, who was honored with the Artist of the Year award at the prestigious annual Gramophone Awards, leads audiences on an evocative musical journey through Rimsky-Korsakov’s nautical and imaginative Scheherazade. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org | Performances+
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Jan. 17-Feb. 18. It’s a bad day at the White House. The President spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, and seven women he relies on the most are left to clean up the mess. Take a raucous romp through the halls of the West Wing. 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. geffenplayhouse.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Kate
Jan. 17-Feb. 11. In her widely celebrated one-woman show, revered comedian Kate Berlant explores the events of her life that have brought her to this moment. 39 S. Molino Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org | Performances+
THE SORAYA
Diavolo: Existencia
Jan. 17-19. In January 1994, Cal State University Northridge experienced the worst natural disaster to hit the university campus. What followed next was an extraordinary act of perseverance and a fledgling dance company was born to meet the omement with innovative works that celebrated the human spirit. Existencia, a Soraya commissioned work, reflects how a community resets and evolves in the face of disaster. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.thesoraya.org
THE WALLIS
Michelle Cann, Piano
Jan. 17. Michelle Cann makes her Wallis recital debut for a program of works by African American women composers. This world class pianist honors gems of Chicago’s Black Renaissance like Margaret Bonds, the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
Shen Yun 2024
Jan. 16-18. Shen Yun which means “the beauty of divine beings dancing”, features classical Chinese dance and weaves in the wisdom and virtues of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization. It is a breathtaking experience that takes through the humor, action and beauty of five millennia. Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
CAP AT UCLA
In Momentum: Time and Space
Jan. 16. Internationally acclaimed pianist Althea Waites presents an evening that features recently discovered music of Margaret Bonds, who was known for her African American spiritual musical arrangements and collaborations with poet Langston Hughes. Her album Black Diamonds features recordings of works by little-known African American composers. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Art of Elan @ The JAI: Death and the Maiden
Jan. 16. Art of Elan returns to The Conrad with a performance that features the epic “Death and the Maiden” string quartet by Franz Schubert. A complimentary pre-concert talk with Alex Greenbaum will take place at 6 p.m. in the Wu Tsai Courtyard. The Jai, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
CCAE THEATRICALS
Rising Stars: 12th Annual Showcase
Jan. 14. The CCAE Theatricals showcases some of the area’s brightest “Rising Stars”—upcoming talent from all over Southern California. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Sean Mason Quartet
Jan. 14. New York-based jazz pianist and composer, Sean Mason, has performed and toured with jazz legends including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis and Herlin Riley. Hear him and the members of his quartet for the first time in San Diego. The Jai, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
THE WALLIS
Both And (a Play About Laughing While Black)
Jan. 13-28. Carolyn Ratteray conceived, wrote and performs in Both And (a Play About Laughing While Black) a poetic text that tells a unique and powerful story about the wisdom of our ancestry and the struggle between life and death as Teayanna helps her dying mother cross over. Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
CAP AT UCLA
UnCabaret
Jan. 13. UnCabaret is arguably the original alt-comedy show. legendary and intimate forum for wildly fun, conversational comedy. For more than 35 years, creator, host and producer Beth Lapides has fostered an inclusive space for comedians to assemble and tell their stories. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
SAN DIEGO JUNIOR THEATRE
Tomàs and the Library Lady
Jan. 12-21. Tomàs, a Mexican-American boy and son of migrant farm workers meets a caring librarian who introduces him to the wonderful world of books. Through the magic of storytelling he discovered a world and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Casa del Prado Theatre, 1600 Village Pl, San Diego. junior theatre.com
THE WALLIS
Camille A. Brown & Dancers: ink
Jan. 12-13. Camille Brown made history as the first Black director in the history of the MET opera and the first Black female to be nominated for a Tony Award as both director and choreographer for a Broadway play. Her presentation of ink weaves African-American social dance in an exploration of self-empowerment and celebration of Black lives. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org | Performances+
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
A Tribute to the Legendary Linda Ronstadt
Jan. 12. Shannon Rae and her band, Ronstadt Revival, recreate the decades long musical career of the legendary Linda Ronstadt. Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Jan. 11-13. Guest conductor Matthew Halls leads the Pacific Symphony and violinist Paul Huang in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of emotion. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John
Jan. 11-13. Broadway stars are coming together to celebrate the life and career of the beloved singer and actress Olivia Newton-John! Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Mahler 6 with Dudamel
Jan. 11. Hammer blows fall when Dudamel leads Mahler’s emotionally complex “Tragic” Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
NORTH COAST REP
Intimate Apparel
Jan. 10-Feb. 4. Jasmine Bracey directs the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage’s powerful tale of humor, heartbreak and resiliency—the story about a lonely, talented Black seamstress dreaming of a more fulfilling life. 987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE
The Wiz
Jan. 9-14. The Tony Award-winning musical makes its San Diego debut with its groundbreaking twist on the Wizard of Oz. The iconic score is packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70’s funk. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. broadwaysd.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony
Jan. 7. Former Dudamel Fellow Gemma New and the LA Phil capture the complexities and sophistications of Mozart’s “Prague” symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Christian Schmitt
Jan. 7. A regular performer on the global stage, the German virtuoso returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall to breathe life into its organ “Hurricane Mama” once again. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LAMBS PLAYER THEATRE
Outside Mullingar
Jan. 6-Feb. 18. The Tony Award, Oscar, and Pulitzer Prize winning author, John Patrick Shanley, delivers a delightful Irish story about family, love and property boundaries featuring two of the region’s leading theatre couples Robert and Deborah Gilmour Smyth and Brian Mackey and Rachael Van Wormer. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. lambsplayers.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Dog Man: The Musical
Through Jan 7. Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. centertheatregroup.org | Performances+
Photos: Courtesy of businesses and venues.
