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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.
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Bruce Liu, piano
May 31. Bruce Liu took the classical music world by storm in 2021, winning first price at the 18th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. His first album received international acclaim including both the Critics’ choice and Editor’s choice in Gramophone Magazine. His La Jolla Music Society debut brings an exciting program that will showcase his awe-inspiring technique. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Silvana Estrada Cécile McLorin Salvant
May 31. It’s a night of brilliantly crafted songs delivered by two artists who know how to inhabit a story. Silvana Estrada sings from down deep, telling her soulful coming-of-age stories in a voice that embraces the legacy of Latin American song and carries into the 21st century. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
NORTH COAST REP
Camelot
May 29-June 23. Written by Lerner and Loewe, this Tony Award-winning fairy-tale musical resounds with such memorable songs as, “I Loved You Once in Silence,” “If Ever I Would Leave You,” and the title song, “Camelot.” Based on the King Arthur legend, it features the iconic characters King Arthur, Guenevere, Sir Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
The Ballad of Johnny and June
May 28-July 7. The love story between country music royalty Johnny Cash and June Carter is iconic. This world-premiere musical covers their love story from their childhoods to their on-stage proposal and through the ups and downs of their marriage. It is the soundtrack of their life. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Jelly’s Last Jam
May 28-June 23. When legendary musician Jelly Roll Morton’s soul is forced to face the music, the self-proclaimed “inventor of jazz” is left at the ultimate crossroads. Follow Jelly from the back alleys of New Orleans to the sparkling stages of New York, as his remarkable journey unfolds in a stunning display of song, dance, and music. 39 S. Molino Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Funny Girl
May 28-June 9. This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Fat Ham
May 25-June 23. A fresh and funny take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. During a family cookout, Juicy is confronted by the ghost of his father, who demands revenge for his murder. But Juicy, a young, queer, Black man, has enough on his plate. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. oldglobe.org
LOS ANGELES BALLET
Firebird & Serenade
May 25. Firebird is the Russian-Slavic folk tale that tells the story of a magical bird made of fire and it originally debuted in Paris by Imperial Russian choreographer Michel Fokine in 1910. It is paired with Serenade, the first original ballet Balanchine created in America and a signature works of the New York City Ballet’s repertory. Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach. losangelesballet.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Beethoven and Strauss
May 25. Soloist Jeremy Denk joins Music Director Rafael Payare and the Symphony for this brilliant program to close the season. The San Diego Symphony will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 and Stravinsky’s complete ballet score to The Firebird. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Departures: Montero + Mozart
May 25. The LACO season closes with the world premiere of a Sound Investment commissioned piece by Nina Shekhar and is complemented by Gabriela Montero’s rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, his final symphonic work. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. laco.org
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
Piano Women
May 24-26. Following the success of The Piano Man and The Piano Men: Beatles Edition, CCAE Theatricals is creating an all new eight-handed, 88 keys x 2 spectacular. The Piano Women will introduce you to 4 dynamic female performers, singing/playing the songs of Sara Bareilles, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Carol King and more. California Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Departures: Montero + Mozart
May 24. The LACO season closes with the world premiere of a Sound Investment commissioned piece by Nina Shekhar and is complemented by Gabriela Montero’s rendition of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 in C major, his final symphonic work. Philharmonic Society of Orange County, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. laco.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Melonie Grinnell Trio
May 24. Melonie and Justin Grinnell are a dynamic piano-bass duo and married couple and they are joined by drummer Richard Sellars for an ensemble that infuses jazz tradition with improvisation and energy. The Conrad, Wu Tsai QRT.yrd, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with Gabriela Montero
May 24. Grammy-nominated pianist Gabriela Montero joins the critically acclaimed Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for a mesmerizing performance. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Terry Virts
May 23. Terry Virts, former US Air Force pilot and Commander for the International Space Station speaks about his experience and insights from his career in the space program. His second book How to Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know Before Leaving Earth, was published in 2020. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Lord Huron Tour 2024
May 22. Live Nation presents the Los Angeles-based indie rock band Lord Huron will perform songs from their four albums one night only in San Diego. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Kraftwerk
May 21-30. Over nine nights at Walt Disney Concert Hall, legendary German electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their album Autobahn, which was composed, produced, and recorded by Kraftwerk founders Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider in 1974. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Inna Faliks
May 19. Ukrainian-American pianist Inna Faliks, makes her BroadStage solo debut with an eclectic program of works from Beethoven, Billy Childs, Ravel, Clara Schuman, and more. Faliks will also premiere two new contemporary works. BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
JIJI, guitar
May 19. South Korean virtuoso JIJI is joined by students from The Colburn School in a concert program that ranges from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Derek Hough Symphony of Dance
May 19. Derek Hough brings you an All New Spectacular Symphony Of Dance with an incredible cast of dancers for a fast-paced show that features a wide array of dance styles. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES OPERA
Turandot
May 18-June 8. For the first time in two decades, Puccini’s blockbuster returns to LA Opera. Captivated by a beauty who scorns love, a renegade prince enters an all but impossible contest, where the price of failure is death. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dudamel Conducts Harry Potter
May 18-19. Gustavo Dudamel leads the LA Phil in a family friendly program featuring a Grand Suite from Harry Potter with a special guest narrator and selected film clips, as well as a musical journey through the orchestra guided by a magical Sprite. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Charles & Friends: John Beasley and the Next Generation
May 18. Jazz @ The Jai guest curator, legendary award-winning saxophonist Charles McPherson and John Beasley, two-time Grammy winner, pianist and composer curate a program from Duke Ellington through the eras of jazz up to the present. The Conrad, The JAI, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto
May 18. Rafael Payare leads soloist Lozakovich and the Symphony in this dynamic program that opens with Brahms’ intense Tragic Overture. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego.theshell.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Brahms and Mendelssohn
May 18. Rafael Payare leads soloist Lozakovich and the Symphony in this dynamic program that opens with Brahms’ intense Tragic Overture. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THEATRE SCHOOL @ NORTH COAST REP
The Cripple of Inishmaan
May 16-19. Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, The Cripple of Inishmaan is a strange comic tale in the great tradition of Irish storytelling. As word arrives on
Inishmaan that the Hollywood director Robert Flaherty is coming to the neighboring island of Inishmore to film Man of Aran, the one person who wants to be in the film more than anybody is young Cripple Billy, if only to break away from the bitter tedium of his daily life. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastreptheatreschool.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Beethoven & Sibelius
May 16-18. Beethoven’s poetic Piano Concerto No. 4 in contrast with Sibelius’ energetic and triumphant symphony. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway Series with Lillias White
May 16-18. Seth Rudetsky joins us for an intimate concert and conversation with special guest Lillias White. The evening promises a seamless mix of intimate behind-the-scenes stories prompted by Rudetsky’s funny, insightful, and revealing questions, and the music from White’s stellar Broadway and television career. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Beethoven’s Fidelio with Dudamel and Deaf West Theatre
May 16-17. A story told through the composer’s music sung by hearing vocalists and the expressive gestural poetry of sign language by Deaf actors. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
World Ballet Series: Swan Lake Performed with a LIVE Orchestra
May 16. Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only as a part of the World Ballet Series. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets as well as over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. California Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Pablo Ferrández, cello
May 16. Born to a family of musicians, Pablo Ferrández joined prestigious Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía when he was 13. He has developed into a cello phenomenon and the most in-demand instrumentalists of his generation. His debut album “Reflections” released in 2021 to high acclaim. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
THE WALLIS
Pepperland
May 16. Mark Morris Dance Group returns to L.A. for a unique tribute to the 50th Anniversary of The Beatles’ groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Ballets Jazz Montréal
May 15. Ballets Jazz Montréal is one of the most prolific dance companies in Canada and a major force on the Montréal cultural scene. Currently celebrating their 50th anniversary, Ballets Jazz Montréal is an internationally renowned repertory company that embodies excellence, innovation, and above all passion. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave., San Diego. theconrad.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Yuja Wang
May 12. A star pianist who always shines brightest on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage returns. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Beethoven’s Eroica
May 11-12. Rafael Payare leads this brilliant Romantic-meets-Modern program that opens with Sofia Gubaidulina’s dynamic Fairytale Poem. Jean-Yves Thibaudet brings his dazzling style and theatricality to 20th-century composer Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The Pa’akai We Bring
May 11-12. The Pa’akai We Bring follows a family with multiple generations of pa’akai (salt) farmers on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs and plenty of audience participation into a tasty potluck of performance, joyously served up with aloha. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
CITY BALLET
Coppélia and the Toymaker: An All-Family Ballet
May 11. Toymaker Dr. Coppélius is lonely. He creates a mechanical doll so lifelike he imagines her as his daughter, named Coppélia. She evens fools the villagers that she is alive, including Franz who is engaged to Swanhilda. Swanhilda is jealous of Coppélia and persuades her friends to investigate Dr Coppélius house and his daughter, Coppélia. After Coppélia is discovered to only be a mechanical doll, Swanhilda and Franz are married. Joan B Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave., San Diego. cityballet.org
BROADSTAGE
Queen Esther
May 11. In her BroadStage debut, Queen Esther performs selections from her body of alt-country, jazz and Black Americana for the blackbox series curated by Reverend Shawn Amos. She is joined on stage by guitarist Jeff McLaughlin. BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
See/Feel/Hear Music: Artistic Explorations in Music and Deafness
May 11. Curated by Deaf West Theatre in collaboration with the LA Phil’s Insight program, the symposium offers a combination of conversations, presentations, film, and lobby activations. Featured artists include Dame Evelyn Glennie, Christine Sun Kim, DJ Kurs, and Andrew Yee. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES BALLET
Firebird & Serenade
May 11. Firebird is the Russian-Slavic folk tale that tells the story of a magical bird made of fire and it originally debuted in Paris by Imperial Russian choreographer Michel Fokine in 1910. It is paired with Serenade, the first original ballet Balanchine created in America and a signature works of the New York City Ballet’s repertory. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. losangelesballet.org
THE SORAYA
Pacific Jazz Orchestra with Aaron Tveit
May 11. Tony award-winning Aaron Tveit makes a Soraya debut, bringing his powerhouse vocals and matinee idol charisma. In addition to a searing performance in the original Broadway cast of Moulin Rouge. Tveit joins Pacific Jazz Orchestra, 40 of the finest musicians led by Hollywood veteran Chris Walden, whose new ensemble is the latest addition to the Los Angeles musical landscape. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Ben Rector & Cody Fri
May 10-11. Two of the most talented and innovative singer-songwriters of our time will take you on a journey through their eclectic blend of pop, rock, and soulful ballads—all showcasing their impressive musicianship and heartfelt lyrics. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE WALLIS
Ballet Jazz Montreal: Dance Me
May 10-11. Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montreal-based poet, artist, and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
BROADSTAGE
Elīna Garanča with Orchestra
May 10. BroadStage’s Celebrity Opera Recital series welcomes the return of audience favorite, mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča, in a special concert featuring a full orchestra led by British conductor Karel Mark Chichon. BroadStage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
OCEANSIDE THEATRE
Next to Normal
May 10. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal, written by Brian Yorkey with music by Tom Kitt, introduces audiences to a seemingly typical American family and tells the story of hope, love and learning to let go. Main Stage, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidetheatre.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dvořák and Ortiz with Dudamel
May 9-12. Stellar violinist María Dueñas returns, and Dudamel leads Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
MOXIE THEATRE
TL;DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix
May 9-June 2. T and L drive their 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible off the edge of the Grand Canyon. Suspended in mid-air, the two discover their authentic selves and embark on a queer odyssey that defies conventions and dares to ask: “Why do strong female characters always gotta die?” Aided by a kick-ass Riot Grrrl band, T and L attempt to sort out their new identities, how those identities impact their relationships with each other, and seek out the gay happy ending they’ve always deserved. 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. moxietheatre.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Disney’s Aladdin
May 7-12. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Music with the LA Phil
May 7. From string quartets and piano trios to wind quintets or a brass ensemble, chamber music concerts feature members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing in small groups. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
NEEDTOBREATHE: The Caves World Tour
May 7. Live Nation presents Grammy-nominated multi-platinum rock band NEEDTOBREATHE. The tour will support NEEDTOBREATHE’S ninth studio album Caves, set to release this fall. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma
May 7. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs Elgar’s achingly beautiful concerto, in this one-night-only performance. Rafael Payare leads the Orchestra in Tchaikovsky’s passionate 5th Symphony, an emotion-filled journey rife with brilliant melody. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Roger Daltry
May 6. Roger Daltry, best known as the founder and lead singer of English rock band The Who, is joined by special guest KT Tunstall for an energetic rock program at The Rady Shell. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 7th Ave, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
MOXIE THEATRE
Notes on Killing Seven Oversight …
May 5-June 2. Lilita finds herself in the Wall Street office of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economics Stability Board. Like a Boricua Lolita before her, she is here in the name of La Revolución! She’s got glamour, glitter, and a gun… but is she ready? 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. moxietheatre.com
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Junction Trio
May 5. Conrad Tao on piano, violinist Stefan Jackiw and Jay Campbell on cello make up the Junction Trio. These visionary artists perform at the La Jolla Music Society as part of the Revelle Chamber Music Series. The Conrad, The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave., La Jolla. theconrad.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Tribulations & Triumphs
May 5. An evening of chamber music with principal musicians of Pacific Symphony in a coffee-house atmosphere Sip coffee and savor decadent desserts as curator and pianist Orli Shaham hosts the program.Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Voice & the Violin: Joshua Bell & Larisa Martinez
May 5. Soprano Larisa Martinez and Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell perform an evening of beloved romantic arias and modern classics. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Jiji + Vivaldi
May 5. The second Baroque concert of the season brings together guitarist JIJI and the musicians of LACO to perform masterworks from the Italian Baroque, as well as contemporary music inspired by the era from Caroline Shaw and Max Richter. The Huntington, Rothenberg Hall, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. laco.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Stir
May 4-26. A Globe-commissioned, world-premiere play about family, food, and healing. Two siblings, separated by distance and circumstance, meet to share their mother’s favorite recipe. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
CITY BALLET
Carmina Burana
May 4-5. Season 31 closes with two City Ballet favorites. Mozart Concerto is classical ballet at its finest. And the music and choir of Carmina Burana are matched with a powerful Black Tuesday tale that only a high-drama ballet can tell. California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido.cityballet.org
SAN DIEGO BALLET
Giselle
May 4-5. Artistic Director Javier Velasco’s evocative production shifts the locale from 19th century Europe to the pueblos of Spanish Colonial California. Featuring the spectral, beautiful Lloronas, the spirits of young women seeking revenge on the men who betrayed them. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. sandiegoballet.org
THE MUSIC CENTER
‘Get Down’ in Downtown L.A.
May 4. An outdoor celebration of music, dance, culture and the love of vinyl records returns to the Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center with a vinyl marketplace, art-making, interactive activities, dance performances and an open dance floor. Jerry Moss Plaza, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Jiji + Vivaldi
May 4. The second Baroque concert of the season brings together guitarist JIJI and the musicians of LACO to perform masterworks from the Italian Baroque, as well as contemporary music inspired by the era from Caroline Shaw and Max Richter. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. laco.org
BACH COLLEGIUM
Bound for Bachfest!
May 4. Bach Collegium previews Bachfest. In his second year as Thomaskantor, J.S. Bach composed a new cantata for every Sunday; a total of 52 works. St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect St., La Jolla. bachcollegiumsd.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Common Kings with Special Guest The Green
May 4. AEG Goldenvoice presents Common Kings as they bring their American, Hawaiian and Samoan reggae rock/pop music to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park with special guest The Green. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
THE SORAYA
Culture Clash
May 4. ”May the 40th be with you.” The iconoclastic Chicano performance troupe proudly returns to The Soraya with an all-new show that serves up an explosive cocktail of humor and satirical outrage. This eclectic group of California natives has profoundly explored the evolution of LatinX culture on stages and screens for four decades. Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.thesoraya.org
THE WALLIS
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: Baroque
May 4. Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Baroque Series concludes with a selection of masterworks from the Italian Baroque, led by Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, among them Vivaldi’s Concerto in D minor for Guitar, featuring South Korean guitarist JIJI. Principal Cello, Andrew Shulman, is also a soloist on the program. Two contemporary works inspired by the era round out the program – Caroline Shaw’s Stucco & Brocatelle and Max Richter’s recomposed version of “Spring” from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
Us, An Evening of Magic & Illusions
May 3-5, 9-12, 16-18. Us is a theatrical magic experience based on real-life, secret pop-up art exhibits orchestrated by the star of the show, Michael Lamb. Experience an evening of amazing, original impossibilities that both engage and involve the audience. Us is about the magic of family, community, and the act of living. California Center for the Arts, Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, ESCONDIDO
Joshua Bell & Larisa Martinez—Voice and Violin
May 3-5, 9. GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and renowned soprano Larisa Martinez are joined by celebrated pianist Peter Dugan for “Voice and the Violin,” an evening of beloved romantic arias and modern classics, featuring music Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Puccini, Bernstein, and more. California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. artcenter.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
High School Choir Festival: 35th Anniversary Celebration
May 3. The LA Master Chorale celebrates 35 years of arts education program that connects the communities of greater Los Angeles in a performance of 1,000 voice choir led by Grant Gershon, Kiki and David Gindler Artistic Director. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert
May 3. The San Diego Symphony Orchestra will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ Grammy Award-winning score performed live to the film. The concert will be led by conductor John Beal. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
BACH COLLEGIUM
Bound for Bachfest!
May 3. Bach Collegium previews Bachfest. In his second year as Thomaskantor, J.S. Bach composed a new cantata for every Sunday; a total of 52 works. All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 1475 Catalina Blvd., San Diego. bachcollegiumsd.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dudamel Leads Mozart and Strauss
May 2-5. Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil lead Strauss’ Don Quixote featuring LA Phil Principal Cello and Principal Viola Robert deMaine and Teng Li as soloists. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Matt Doyle
May 2-4. Matt Doyle is coming to Orange County directly from Broadway, where he won the 2022 Tony Award for ‘Best Featured Actor in a Musical’ for his performance in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
VÍKINGUR ÓLAFSSON, Piano
May 2. Hailed as “Iceland’s Glenn Gould” (The New York Times), Icelandic pianist Vikingur Ólafsson makes his Orange County recital debut performing Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Víkingur Ólafsson
May 1. Víkingur Ólafsson performs the 75,000+ notes of Bach’s Goldberg Variations with “a complete show of mastery and virtuosity” (Bachtrack). Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
The Hope Theory
Through 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
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Monsters of the American Cinema
Through May 19. When his husband dies, Remy Washington, a Black man, finds himself both the owner of a drive-in movie theater and a caregiver to his late husband’s straight, white teenage son, Pup. Told through dueting monologues and playful dialogue, Monsters of the American Cinema is a haunting and humorous tale about fathers and sons, ghosts and monsters. Rogue Machine Theatre at the Matrix, 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. roguemachine.com
CYGNET THEATRE
Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812
Through 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
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Jersey Boys
Through 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
NORTH COAST REP
Sense of Decency
Through 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
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Galilee, 34
Through 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
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
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Prelude to a Kiss: the Musical
Through 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
Through 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
Photo Credits: All Images are are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
