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The Program: Mark your calendar for these May SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
A Transparent Musical
May 20-June 25. The uplifting comic story of the Pfefferman family, whose patriarch is finally allowing their true selves to emerge as the transgender matriarch she always knew she was. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., centertheatregroup.org | Performances+
THE OLD GLOBE
Destiny of Desire
May 19-June 25. “An Unapologetic Telenovela in Two Acts” by Karen Zacarias. The joys, tribulations, and plot twists of epic love are bursting onstage in this brilliantly funny homage to the telenovela. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org | Performances+
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
My Lord, What a Night
May 20-June 11. Based on true events, My Lord, What a Night takes us into Einstein’s home and imagines the conversations and circumstances that led to Anderson’s historic concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and the beginning of the civil rights movement. Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
LOS ANGELES OPERA
Otello
May-June 4. James Conlon takes command of the powerhouse cast, led by Artist in Residence Russell Thomas in the title role and Rachel Willis-Sørensen as Desdemona. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laopera.org| Performances+
BROADSTAGE
Sunday Morning Music / Santa Monica: Te Amo, Argentina 2
May 28. Song, dance, and rhythms of the Andes, Pampas, and the sounds of Buenos Aires street cafés highlight the distinctive music of Argentina. Performing Arts Center, Main Stage, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica, thebroadstage.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
avaaz
Through 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
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Alonzo King Lines Ballet
May 27. Gorgeous, stunning dancers with impeccable technique and powerfully visual works are what make Alonzo King LINES Ballet so special. Like none other, Alonzo King creates an unforgettable dialogue between movement and music. Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, scfta.org | Performances+
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Singing with the Devil: Payare and “Cantata Criolla”
May 26-27. Antonio Estévez’ Cantata criolla, “Florentino, el que canto con el Diablo” (Florentino, the One who Sang with the Devil) will be performed by The San Diego Master Chorale, led by conductor Rafael Payare. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, theshell.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dudamel Leads Beethoven and Smith
May 25-27. LA Phil Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel leads Gabriella Smith’s brand new Lost Coast, a cello concerto played by Gabriel Cabezas along with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Jeffrey Kahane, Piano: Goldberg Variations
May 25. Kahane makes his Wallis debut with his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, long regarded as the most serious and ambitious work for the keyboard. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Organ & Strings featuring Iveta Apkalna
May 23. Star organist Iveta Apkalna is joined by musicians of the LA Phil combine for Bach, Pärt, and more. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
DANCE AT THE MUSIC CENTER
MOMIX: Alice
May 19-21. Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, MOMIX sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation, Alice, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Join this dazzling company on a mind-bending adventure as Alice encounters time-honored characters including the undulating Caterpillar, a lobster quadrille, frenzied White Rabbits, a mad Queen of Hearts, and a variety of other surprises. Ahmanson Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, musiccenter.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
A Little Night Music
Through May 21. In honor of its 50th Anniversary, the Playhouse presents Sondheim’s enchanting, hilarious romantic farce—a bona fide classic of American musical theater. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena, pasadenaplayhouse.org | Performances+
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Barnatan Plays Brahms
May 20-21. Inon Barnatan performs newly commissioned work along with familiar classics by Brahms and Dvořák. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, theshell.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Salonen, Stravinsky, and Bartok
May 18-19, 21. The incomparable Esa-Pekka Salonen, former LA Phil Music Director, conducts the LA Philharmonic and organist Iveta Apkalna in a program by two of his heroes, Stravinsky and Bartók. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Chicago
May 16-21. There’s never been a better time to experience Chicago, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history. Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, scfta.org | Performances+
PACIFIC CHORALE
Haydn + Price
May 20. Pacific Chorale proudly presents Price’s rediscovered Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight, alongside Joseph Haydn’s stirring and majestic Nelson Mass. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, pacificchorale.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Stranger Love
May 20. Stranger Love is a LA Phil commissioned world-premiere production that follows two lovers whose romance unfolds. An inspired 3 act performance that combines music and theater. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Miró Quartet with Special Guest Kevin Puts
May 20. In its Wallis debut, the award-winning Miró Quartet reunites with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts, one of the most important composers of his generation. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Rhapsody in Blue
May 14. The joy of George Gershwin will fill the concert hall as Carl St. Clair explores those fascinating rhythms, including Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris and other works from the Jazz Age. Who could ask for anything more? Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, pacificsymphony.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Coleman ‘72
Through 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 | Performances+
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I
Through 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+
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Star Wars: A New Hope – In Concert
May 13-14. Conner Gray Covington conducts the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in bringing to life in concert, the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the fourth episode of the saga. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, theshell.org | Performances+
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
LA Dance Project—Romeo and Juliet
May 12-14. The LA Dance Project, founded by Benjamin Millepied, works to inspire, create, educate and change perspectives through the accessible and transformative power of dance in Los Angeles and around the world. Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, scfta.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Beethoven and Strauss
May 11, 13-14. Pianist Pierre-Laurent is joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic as he plays Beethoven’s Fourth Concerto. Finnish conductor Eva Ollikainen concludes the program with the Der Rosenkavalier Suite. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Blue13 Dance Company
May-May 13. Blue13’s work rejects monolithic representations of both Indianness and contemporaneity and reveals complexities intrinsic to South Asian and intersectional identities through provocative and boundary-expanding contemporary works. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
The Roaring ‘20s
May 11-13. A three-part celebration starting with the music that defined the Roaring Twenties. First, listen to music of the era in the concert hall, such as George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris. Then, foxtrot on the Plaza to the JT & Friends band, and finally, enjoy the landmark 1927 silent film starring Clara Bow, accompanied on the organ by Dennis James. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, pacificsymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
blackbox: Mento Buru
May 12. Mento Buru is a 7-piece band, combining an energetic blend of Latin rhythms, Jamaican SKA, jazz, funk, and reggae. Performing Arts Center, East Wing, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica, thebroadstage.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Víkingur Ólafsson
May 10. Pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, in a Colburn Celebrity Recital performs a program of Mozart and his contemporaries. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus
May 7. The Grammy-award winning Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, featuring nearly 300 choristers from six choral ensembles, covers works that span more than four centuries: from Johan Sebastian Bach to the world premiere performances of new works by composers Ellen Gilson Voth, Derrick Skye and Pedro Osuna. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
1776
Through 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
Through 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. theoldglobe.org | Performances+
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dvořák and Bruckner
May 5-7. LA Phil Principal Concertmaster Martin Chalifour and Vienna State Opera Music Director Philippe Jordan come together for a program of extraordinary melodies of Dvořák’s violin concerto and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 7. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Concert—A Tribute to ABBA
May 6. Dance and sing to iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.”, Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, scfta.org | Performances+
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
LACO Presents Masterworks for String Orchestra
May 6. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the string orchestra in this program of rich and varied compositions curated by LACO Concertmaster and Director of Chamber Music Margaret Batjer. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
The Music of The Rolling Stones
May 5-6. Since their first live production of classic rock music with orchestra in 1995, Windborne Productions, Inc. have gone on to create several memorable tribute shows. The Music of the Rolling Stones features Mick Adams on lead vocals. Pacific Symphony, backed by a full rock band, presents “The Music of the Rolling Stones.” A celebration of nearly 60 years of Stone’s hits. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Garrick Ohlsson Plays Rachmaninoff
May 5-6. Garrick Ohlsson, on piano, performs Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op.30 along with Lutoslawski’s Concerto. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, theshell.org | Performances+
WALLIS ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Stephanie J. Block with Seth Rudetsky
May 4. An evening of intimate behind-the-scenes stories prompted by Rudetsky’s funny, insightful, and revealing questions—and the music from Block’s stellar Broadway career. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Bohemian Strings
May 2. Cellist David Garrett curates a concert focused on Bohemian composers and is joined by members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This stirring program of Czech chamber music includes Leoš Janáček’s String Quartet No. 2, Bohuslav Martinů’s Third String Quarte and Antonín Dvořák. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, laphil.org
Photo credits: 1776, Joan Marcus. Otello by Robert Miller. All images are courtesy of the businesses and venture.
