Performances+ Interactive Programs
The Program: Mark your calendar for these November SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Leslie Odom, Jr.—The Christmas Tour
Nov. 30. Multi-faceted performer recognized for his work on Broadway (Hamilton), television and film, Leslie Odom, Jr. is a Tony, Grammy and Emmy award nominee. He brings a night of holiday hits to Jacobs Music Center including selections from his newly released album The Christmas Album. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Conrad Tao & Friends Rhapsody in Blue at 100
Nov. 23. With its opening clarinet glissando, bluesy piano riffs, and syncopated rhythms, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue quickly became an American masterpiece and audience favorite. Now, 100 years after its 1924 premiere, pianist Conrad Tao celebrates the work’s vibrant flair with both original and reimagined versions with the chamber ensemble and dancer Caleb Teicher. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
A Tribute to Ella, Billie and Sarah
Nov. 23. SDSO pays tribute to three of the most iconic divas in all of jazz—Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical
Nov. 22-Jan. 5. Cat Kid Comic Club, a story that follows the creative of siblings Cat Kid and Molly Pollywood, is a hilarious musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series from the same team that produced Dog Man: The Musical. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City. centertheatregroup.org
THE MUSIC CENTER
Urban Bush Women
Nov. 22-24. Building upon a repertoire of bold, life-affirming dance works, Urban Bush Women celebrates its 40th anniversary with the world premiere of SCAT!… The Complex Lives of Al & Dot, Dot & Al Zollar, a new dance-driven jazz club spectacular that tells the story of two people on a journey from the Great Migration to Kansas City. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Tres Minutos
Nov. 22. Inspired by a real program that reunites families separated by immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico Border, but only for three minutes, Tres minutos by composer Nicolás Lell Benavides and librettist Marella Martin Koch imagines the story of Diego and Nila, a brother and sister who share DNA but not citizenship.Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Shrek the Musical
Nov. 22-24. The tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Based on the hit animated film, Shrek is brought to life on stage with lush orchestrations by Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book). Segerstrom Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Star Wars in Concert
Nov. 21-24. Experience the entire Star Wars saga through specially edited film clips and the power of John Williams’ unforgettable music, hosted by C-3PO himself! Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Your Local Theater Presents …
Nov. 19.-Dec. 15. Anna Ouyang Moench’s comedic and moving new play is a love letter to actors, artists and dreamers of all professions who make sacrifices large and small in service of their work… and ultimately wonder whether it was worth it. Eddie is a young actor ready to make his mark on the American Theatre. He’s just going to do this regional production of A Christmas Carol but as the years pass, Eddie finds himself back at the same local theatre, over and over again. Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Music with the LA Phil
Nov. 19. Experience big performances on a more intimate scale when musicians from the LA Phil perform chamber music in small ensembles. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
NORTH COAST REP
Inherit the Wind
Nov. 18. Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee is a
gripping courtroom drama that brings history to life with a powerful clash of ideas. Based on the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial, this play, part of the Reading Series, pits science against faith in a battle over the teaching of evolution in schools. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Noon to Midnight Festival: Field Recordings
Nov. 16. 12 hours of pop-up performances curated by Ellen Reid that explores the musical movement of field recordings with bold ideas, cutting-edge performers, plus local food trucks and craft beers. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Doug Aitken’s Lightscape
Nov. 16. Capping off the LA Phil’s daylong new-music fest, Noon to Midnight, Grant Gershon leads the LA Phil New Music Group in Doug Aitken’s Lightscape, which offers a film and music journey through Los Angeles. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PASADENA SYMPHONY & POPS
Rhapsody in Blue
Nov. 16. Brett Mitchell leads a program that highlights Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with pianist Stewart Goodyear. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
A New World Odyssey: Adams, Adès, Dvorák
Nov. 16-17. Elena Schwarz takes the podium to lead the Symphony in a program of modern masterworks by John Adams and Thomas Adès and one of Western classical music’s most beloved and recognizable works: Dvořák‘s Symphony No. 9. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Monty Alexander
Nov. 16. Legendary pianist Monty Alexander is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience with his vibrant personality and soulful musical messages. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
CCAE THEATRICALS
The Piano Men: Beatles EditionNov. 15-17. A spectacular night of showmanship with songs by the Fab Four. The Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. theatricals.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Hisaishi Leads Pictures at an Exhibition
Nov. 14-15, 17. Joe Hisaishi, best known as the musical mind behind nearly all famed Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki’s films, conducts his own world premiere as well as Mussorgsky’s enchanting Picturesat an Exhibition. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Guzman Plays Brahms
Nov. 14-16. Universally recognized among today’s top performing artists, Vadim Gluzman breathes new life and passion into the Romantic era of the 19th century violin repertoire. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Matthew Aucoin & Conor Hanick
Nov. 14. Enjoy a two-piano concert by acclaimed musicians Matthew Aucoin and Conor Hanick that promises a world premiere by Aucoin as well as stunning performances of Feldman and Adams. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA OPERA
Les Talens Lyriques
Nov. 13. The acclaimed Paris-based music ensemble breathes new life into some of Europe’s most complex classical music under the baton of conductor and founder Christophe Rousset. Colburn School, Zipper Concert Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Behzod Abduraimov
Nov. 13. The unrivaled Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov returns to L.A. for an evening of Ravel, Prokofiev, and Uzbek composer Dilorom Saidaminova, which Abduraimov recorded in his recent critically acclaimed album, Shadows of My Ancestors. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
La Cage Aux Folles
Nov. 12-Dec. 15. La Cage aux Folles is a groundbreaking, Tony award-winning musical comedy with a heartfelt score by Jerry Herman and hilarious script by Harvey Fierstein. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
All You Need is Love — LA Sings!
Nov. 10. In collaboration with Rachael Worby and MUSE/IQUE, this mega sing-along event is an opportunity for the entire community to come together and raise voices in unity and harmony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
LA OPERA
Benjamin Bernheim in Recital
Nov. 9. Perhaps the greatest French lyric tenor of his generation, Benjamin Bernheim is a regular at Europe’s leading opera houses who also embraces the subtle, intimate art of the solo recital for one-night only in his Wallis debut. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Biss Plays Beethoven
Nov. 9-10. Bernard Labadie marks his first performances with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in this program of life-affirming energy, grandeur and strength with works by three giants of Western classical music, all written in the influential last decade of the 18th century. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Symphony Kids: Meet the Strings
Nov. 9. Designed for families with children ages 0-5, the San Diego Symphony hosts an interactive, fun and sensory-friendly concert for musical exploration. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Fiddler on the Roof
Nov. 8-Dec. 1. Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love, and laughter. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Dvořák & Bartók
Nov. 8-10. Lorenzo Viotti—known for his deep musical interpretations and work inviting new audiences to concert halls in the digital age—makes his first appearance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leading two more rhapsodic pieces steeped in Hungarian, Czech, and Slovakian folk traditions. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Jason Robert Brown with Anika Noni Rose
Nov. 7-9. After making his Center debut last season and delighting audiences with his humor, anecdotes, and beloved music, Jason Robert Brown takes the stage once more for a wonderful cabaret performance, this time, featuring Tony award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose! Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Itzhak Perlman and Friends
Nov. 6. Violinist Itzhak Perlman returns to the Walt Disney Concert with internationally celebrated pianists Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Emanuel Ax and the Juilliard String Quartet. The program will feature Leclair’s Sosnata for Two Violins in E minor and Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 2. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fauré Quartett
Nov. 6. The Fauré Quartett, formed in 1995 at the University of Music in Karlsruhe during Gabriel Fauré’s 150thanniversary, is renowned for their phenomenal work in classical music. Highlighting the work of two Romantic era composers and one of the great Romanian composers to the Samueli Theater stage, the Fauré Quartett will create an evening of enchanting music that our audiences are sure to adore. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Nov. 6- Dec. 29. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is one of the centerpieces of the holiday season in San Diego. A whimsical musical based on the classic Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! features classic holiday songs like “Santa for a Day” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
LA OPERA
Romeo & Juliet
Nov. 2-23. Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan and Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados leads Gounod’s romantic score in Shakespeare’s tragic love story and the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Symphonies for Youth
Nov. 2, 9. LA Philharmonic hosts an interactive concert that introduces young audiences to symphonic music. Families are invited to participate in hands-on arts workshops. Recommended for children ages 5 to 11. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Chad Lawson, piano
Nov. 2. World-renowned pianist Chad Lawson—who has 1.1 million monthly Spotify listeners—makes his BroadStage debut to captivate the audience with his uniquely meditative classical music. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Nov. 2. AEG/Goldenvoice presents King Gizzard who is arguably the Australia’s most innovative, important and productive rock band—with 13 of their 25 albums have hit the Top 20 charts. They will perform with special guests King Stingray and DJ Crenshaw. Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego.theshell.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Because: A Symphony of Serendipity
Nov. 2. Because is part of the Family Series with SDSO that features music by Latiin-American composers in celebration of Día de los Muertos set to Mo Willems and Amber Ren’s award-winning book by the same name.Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE WALLIS
Rufus-Retro-Wainwright-Spective: Act 3
Nov. 2. Wainwright’s “Songs of Contempt and Resistance” is a look into an artist’s work and the internal battles against the demons of doubt and the external fights through artistic, political or personal issues. There is a joy and irony in Wainwright’s songs and expressions. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Opening Night with Bernadette Peters
Nov. 1-2. Step into the spotlight with Broadway’s darling, Bernadette Peters. She arrives with a treasure trove of Tonys, a Golden Globe, and that undeniable star-quality sparkle. Revel in a night where Sondheim’s muse enchants with her timeless talent—a performance so mesmerizing, it’s sure to be the talk of the town! Bask in the glow of her captivating performance, a harmonious journey through the melodies of musical theatre’s finest moments. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Día de Los Muertos with Dudamel
Nov. 1-3. Gustavo Dudamel celebrates the Day of the Dead with vibrant Afro-Mexican and Brazilian music. The program features Villa-Lobos’ progressive tour de force and Gabriela Ortiz’s 2019 Yanga. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO OPERA
La Bohème
Nov. 1-3. La bohème, the timeless opera composed by Puccini, follows the lives of a group of struggling artists, including the poet Rodolfo and the seamstress, Mimì, as they navigate love, friendship, and hardship in 19th-century Paris. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. sdopera.org
THE WALLIS
Rufus-Retro-Wainwright-Spective: Act 2
Nov. 1. Wainwright’s “Songs of Love and Desire” begins where the obsessions that drives artists forward ends—the safe places, the harbors of love and the moments of happiness. Act 2 explores his love of life, his family as a father, as a son and as a friend. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Joan
Through Nov. 24. Joan is the story of a pioneer—the famously edgy, fearless, comedian and loving legend, Joan Rivers, whose career was made and remade again through triumph and tragedy. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
NORTH COAST REP
Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Through-Nov. 17. This heartwarming play by Katie Forgette will keep audiences laughing while they delve into a story about faith, friendship, personal choices and values. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
LAMB’S PLAYERS THEATRE
The Importance of Being Earnest
Through Nov. 10. Lamb’s Players Theatre produces Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comic masterpiece about two men who assume the identity of a fictional man named Ernest and the journey, the love and the challenges they find themselves in along the way. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. lambsplayer.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
American Idiot
Through Nov. 10. Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. A groundbreaking American musical with music from Green Day’s multi-platinum album in an all-new production directed by Artistic Director Snehal Desai. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
A NOISE WITHIN
The Piano Lesson
Through Nov.10. A story about legacy, identity and cultural heritage unfolds in 1936 Pittsburgh, where Berniece battles with her brother, Boy Willie, to save a treasured family heirloom: a piano decorated with images of their African ancestors carved by their enslaved grandfather. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
Photo Credits: All Images are are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
