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The Program: Mark your calendar for these October SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Peter Pan Goes Wrong
Oct. 31-Nov 23. The team behind the hilarious hit, The Play That Goes Wrong, bring their trademark comic mayhem to the J. M. Barrie classic Peter Pan. The much-loved members of The Cornley Drama Society once again battle against technical hitches, flying mishaps and cast disputes on their way to Neverland with hilarious and (of course) disastrous results. 14900 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Alisa Wellerstein: Fragments 4
Oct. 29. The fourth installment of the groundbreaking performance series for solo cello performed by Alisa Weilerstein, woven together with Johan Sebastian Bach’s third cello suite. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Oct. 28-Nov 2. Enter a world of splendor and romance, where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows in this 10-time Tony Award-winning musical. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE WALLIS
Martín + Altstaedt + Schumann
Oct. 26. The 2025/26 season begins with a concert of classics led by Jaime Martin. The program will also include the L.A. debut of acclaimed cellist Nicolas Altstaedt. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
PACIFIC CHORALE
Poulenc & Hagen
Oct. 25. Poulenc’s radiant Gloria alongside the world premiere of Jocelyn Hagen’s captivating new work. With brilliant brass, soaring soprano lines, this powerful program blends tradition and innovation in a night of musical splendor. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificchorale.org
BROADSTAGE
Ananta, The Eternal
Oct. 25. Sisters and acclaimed Bharantanatyam dancers/choreographers Aparna Ramaswamy and Ashwini Ramaswamy come together for their first duet. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
THE MUSIC CENTER
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Oct. 24-26. Known for its exhilarating blend of classical precision; bold, athletic energy; and technical brillance, Complexions Contemporary Ballet shines the light on For Crying Out Loud, a raw unfiltered work set to U2’s album “Songs of Surrender”. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Boz Scaggs Rhythm Review 2025
Oct. 24. Legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist Boz Scaggs, a former bandmate of Steve Miller in the early days of the Steve Miller Band.
Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE WALLIS
L.A. Dance Project
Oct. 23-25. L.A. Dance Project presents a program choreographed by Artistic Director Benjamin Millepied. Featuring collaborations with renowned artists from the world of music, design, and visual art, this unique program explores movement, form, and storytelling that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Philharmonia Orchestra
Oct. 21. Led by the dynamic Santtu-Matias Rouvali, acclaimed pianist Vikingur Olaffson joins the world-class Philharmonia Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of musical brilliance with Shostakovich’s monumental Symphony No. 5. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The King Singer’s
Oct. 19. The King’s Singers, a Grammy and Emmy-award winning a cappella singing group, renowned for their unrivalled technique, musicianship and versatility. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Scheherazade: One Thousand and One Nights
Oct. 19. A vibrant journey through timeless myth. Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade weaves the magical tales of One Thousand and One Nights with lush melodies an dazzling orchestration.
Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert Live to Film
Oct. 18. Scenes from each of the two iconic films Fantasia and its sequel Fantasia 2000 will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections including Dukas’ Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Saint-Saëns’s Carnival of the Animals and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Music of the Heavens Holt’s Planets
Oct. 17-18. A concert about the skies above us, beginning with Auerbach’s cinematic description of the Ancient Greek mythological hero Icarus followed by Ralph Vaughan Williams’s most popular piece, The Lark Ascending. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Scheherazade
Oct. 16-18. The Pacific Symphony, led by Alexander Shelley is joined by guitar virtuoso Pablo Sainz-Villegas for a night of radiant music that celebrates nature, culture and the magic of storytelling. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp
Oct. 16-18. Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, original stars of RENT, celebrate 30 years of friendship and history together in an unforgettable night of music, stories and fun. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
The Heart Sellers
Oct. 26-Nov. 16. Set eight years after the Hart-Cellar Act overhauled U.S. immigration policy, this heartwarming comedy follows two immigrant women who bond over life in America. Segerstrom Stage,, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
THE WALLIS
Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau
Oct. 15. Nine-time GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride and revered pianist Brad Mehldau—friends and collaborators for 35 years—bring their legendary artistry to this extraordinary duo performance. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Guac
Oct. 14-Nov. 2 A fearless, funny and deeply moving story about a father turned activist. Seven years after his son was killed in the Parkland shooting, Manuel Oliver channels his love, loss and rage into a powerful force for change. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. centertheatregroup.org
A NOISE WITHIN
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone
Oct. 12-Nov. 9. A powerful and poetic play set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911 that follows a group of men and women searching for lost family, identity, and purpose in the aftermath of slavery and during the Great Migration. With rich characters and lyrical dialogue, the play explores themes of freedom, self-discovery, and the enduring power of community and spiritual healing. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen
Oct. 11. A vibrant musical journey to Italy with Schubert’s sparkling Overture in the Italian Style and Mendelssohn’s beloved Italian Symphony. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Romantic Visions: Schumann’s Symphony No. 2
Oct. 11-12. Spain as evoked by the French composer Chabrier is followed by a lush new piano concerto, written by San Diego Symphony Composer-in-Residence Jimmy López for soloist Javier Perianes and filled with echoes of Latin melodies and dance rhythms.
Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Camila Fernàndez
Oct. 10. Granddaughter of the legendary Vicente Fernandez and daughter of international star Alejandro Fernandez has made a name for herself as a force in Mexican regional music. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Some Like It Hot
Oct. 7-19. The hit Tony and Grammy Award-winning Broadway musical, Some Like It Hot, is a fast-paced comedy that follows two musicians who take up new identities and go on the run after witnessing a mob hit. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Renee Fleming
Oct. 7. Grammy-winning soprano Renée Fleming draws inspiration from the vivid imagery of nature’s beauty and the urgent need to protect our planet in Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene. This program seamlessly blends timeless classical works with modern compositions, reflecting our evolving relationship with the environment. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA MASTER CHORALE
Two Titans: The Music of Beethoven and Verdi
Oct. 5. Two powerhouse composers—Beethoven and Verdi—offer radiant, deeply human works: Beethoven’s Mass in C and Verdi’s Four Sacred Pieces. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
BROADSTAGE
JIJI: Classical geos Electric
Oct. 5. JIJI is equally at home with both acoustic and electric guitar, and her concert programs range from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation–gaining her a reputation as a highly sought-after concerto soloist.. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
An Evening with Branford Marsalis
Oct. 4. Discover the effortless cool of Branford Marsalis, a true titan of jazz. With a career spanning decades, Marsalis’s fluid, melodic, and soulful expression have captivated audiences worldwide. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
French Fairytales: Ravel & Debussy
Oct. 3-5. Glorious and theatrical celebration of the light and enchantment of France and French music, beginning with Debussy’s evocation of a journey to a mysterious island of love, and his witty and charming ballet score for children about the adventures of a box of toys. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Ledisi
Oct. 3. Grammy-winning vocalist Ledisi pays tribute to Dinah Washington. Raised in Alabama, Washington sang the blues and jazz with the same charm she brought to pop. Ledisi brings a similar versatility to work across genres. Walt Disney Concert Hall. 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein
Oct. 2-5. San Francisco Ballet, led by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. They perform the world’s most famous work of horror fiction, Mary Shelley’s 19th-century novel-turned-pop culture classic. Segerstrom Hall. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
A Pirate’s Life
Oct. 2. National Geographic explorer Lisa Briggs goes on assignment to the Mediterranean Seea to explore how pirating shaped the Roman Empire.. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Jaja’s African Hair Braiding
Oct. 1-Nov. 9 Step into Jaja’s African Hair Braiding in Harlem, where West African immigrant braiders work their magic on locals’ locks. Beneath the surface of this riotous comedy lies a current of uncertainty, pushing this close-knit community to confront challenges of being outsiders in their own neighborhood. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, centertheatregroup.com
THE OLD GLOBE
Huzzah!
Through Oct. 19. Huzzah! Is a world-premiere musical comedy about two sisters, one a princess and one who works in insurance who must stop fighting to save their father’s Renaissance Faire from financial ruin. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Small
Through Oct. 19. An autobiographical tour-de-force about a small Long Island kid with a big dream. Bullied since childhood, Bobby’s small stature finally wins him respect and success on the racetrack as a jockey. But when his body begins to grow, his dreams seem to slip away, and he must decide how far he’ll go to hold on to glory. From racing horses at Belmont Park to dancing on Broadway stages, Robert Montano brings his own breathtaking career to life onstage. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Come From Away
Through Oct 12. Come From Away is based on the true story of the time when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. 14900 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Million Dollar Quartet
Through Oct. 11. This Tony Award-nominated musical will have you rocking down memory lane with more than 20 chart-topping hits by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Eureka Day
Through Oct. 5. When a mumps outbreak hits a progressive private school in Berkeley, the well-meaning PTA descends into full-blown chaos trying to create a perfectly inclusive vaccination policy. Spoiler: it does not go well. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, pasadenaplayhouse.org
LA OPERA
Westside Story
Through Oct. 4. Young love crosses enemy lines in America’s greatest love story. Experience Bernstein’s masterpiece on a scale you’ve never seen before, with a colossal cast of artists and dancers. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
Photo Credits: L-R: Awa Sal Secka, Aisha Sougou, and Melanie Brezill in JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING. A co-production with Arena Stage, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, and Center Theatre Group. Photo by T. Charles. All images are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
