Performances+ Interactive Programs
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 PHILHARMONIC
Halloween Organ, Film & Music: Nosferatu
Oct. 31. Silent film specialist Clark Wilson returns for Walt Disney Concert Hall’s annual Halloween concert, performing a chilling, original organ score to the 1922 Nosferatu—one of the most influential works in cinema and the horror genre—live to picture. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
THE WALLIS
Rufus-Retro-Wainwright-Spective: Act 1
Oct. 30. Wainwright’s “Songs of Youth and Addiction” is an expression of his own personal struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol—and ultimately his addiction to life and his art and music. This first act is a look into the obsessions that fuel his artistry. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Joan
Oct. 27-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
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Café Ludwig 1
Oct. 27. Enjoy delightful chamber music with principal musicians of Pacific Symphony in the coffee-house atmosphere of the Samueli Theater. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Ray Chen
Oct. 27. Internationally acclaimed violinist Ray Chen performs a crowd-pleasing recital with pianist Julio Elizalde. The program includes Beethoven’s Violin Sonata No. 7 in Minor, Tartini’s Devil’s Trill and Bach’s Partita No. 3 in E major for solo violin. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
BROADSTAGE
Angela Gheorghiu & Freddie De Tommaso
Oct. 26. Soprano Angela Gheorghiu returns to the BroadStage’s Celebrity Opera Series alongside tenor Freddie de Tommaso who makes his West Coast debut. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PACIFIC CHORALE
Songs of the Soul
Oct. 26. Experience the resonant voices of six contemporary composers, magnified by the Grammy-winning Pacific Chorale and organist Jung-A Lee. Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificchorale.org
PASADENA SYMPHONY & POPS
Mahler Symphony No. 1
Oct. 26. Violin virtuoso Akiko Suwanai, led by Brett Mitchell, performs Mahler’s “Titan” Symphony No. 1 along with Korngold’s Violin Concerto and Boyer’s New Beginnings. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Dia de los Muertos with Mariachi Los Camperos
Oct. 26. Mariachi Los Camperos, led by Jesus “Chuy” Guzman, is considered by many to be among the finest mariachi ensembles in the world. This evening honors the Golden Era of Mariachi music.The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
From Mexico to Hollywood: Golden Age Cinema
Oct. 25-27. An exciting program, co-curated by John Williams and Gustavo Dudamel, pairs musical selections from the rich history of Mexican cinema with highlights from Hollywood’s silver screen. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
LA OPERA
Dracula: The Spanish Version
Oct. 25-27. Watch the alternate version of Dracula in Spanish with English subtitles, starring Carlos Villarias, with Lina González-Granados leads the LA Opera Orchestra in a live performance of a new LAO-commissioned score by Academy Award-winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles. laopera.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Romantic Fates: Tchaikovsky’s Towering Fifth
Oct. 25-26. Antonio Méndez returns after his SDSO debut last season with a program that includes fateful love of Mendelssohn’s overture and Max Bruch’s violin concerto with the thrill and drama of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Be Ready When the Luck Happens: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten
Oct. 24. In this intimate evening conversation (live onstage), Ina Garten will discuss and elaborate on the themes also in her new memoir: from a difficult childhood to meeting the love of her life; from a boring bureaucratic job to answering an ad for a specialty food store in the Hamptons, from the owner of one Barefoot Contessa shop to author of bestselling cookbooks and celebrated television host. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Esme Quartet
Oct. 24. Esme Quartet makes their highly anticipated return to Segerstrom Center, they bring a breathtaking program of Augusta Reed Thomas, Mendelssohn, and Schumann for an evening that will expand the horizons of Center audiences and highlight creativity and innovation in the chamber music sphere. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
NORTH COAST REP
Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Oct. 23-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
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Fantastic Symphony
Oct. 20. The “Fantastic Symphony” of French composer Hector Berlioz —the ultimate trip of an opium-dazed composer who ends up RSVPing to his own funeral. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Cryo Baptista’s CHAMA
Oct. 19. An electrifying ensemble led by renowned percussionist Cyro Baptista, ignites the stage with Brazilian beats, Afro & Jazz groove and global influences. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Mariza
Oct. 19. The world’s foremost fado singer, Mariza, brings Portuguese drama to Los Angeles. Across her three-decade career, she’s stretched fado’s limits, combining it with jazz, flamenco, Latin jazz, and influences from her mother’s home country of Mozambique. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Halloween Fandemonium!
Oct. 19. Dr. Jake emcees a lively concert of Halloween’s greatest hits from Disney Animation, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel Studios, and eerie orchestral classics. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Where We Lay Our Scene: A San Diego Symphony Romeo and Juliet
Oct. 18-20. A new musical-theatrical vision of the immortal ballet-music of Prokofiev together with the poetry of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Chicago-based projections-artist Mike Tutaj will transform the walls and space of the Jacobs Music Center into a magical playground for the imagination. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Classical Spooktacular
Oct. 17-19. Experience the shadowy allure of Halloween and surrender to the cinematic frights and delights of “Devil’s Dance,” written by the greatest film composer of our lifetimes. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Eric McCormack & Laura Bell Bundy
Oct. 17-19. Emmy-winning actor Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) and Tony-nominated powerhouse Laura Bundy benchants audiences with an electrifying duo performance. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
Wild Wolves of Yellowstone
Oct. 17. Biologist and National Georgraphic Explorer, Doug Smith, led a project that reintroduced gray wolves to Yellowstone in the 1990s. Go behind the scenes with never-before-seen photos and videos of this journey. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
A NOISE WITHIN
The Piano Lesson
Oct. 13-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
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The Romantic Lyricism of Schoenberg and Brahms
Oct. 12-13. Celebrated Armenian violinist Sergey Khachatryan plays Brahms’s only violin concerto with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and Rafael Payare. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
CCAE THEATRICALS
Michael Jackson: King of Pop
Oct 12-13. The 2024 season of Center Cabaret closes with the greatest hits by the King of Pop. This celebration of music by Michael Jackson includes fan favorites like “Billie Jean”, “Smooth Criminal”, “Man in the Mirror”, and more. Lyric Court, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. theatricals.org
THE ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.
LOOPED
Oct. 11-20. a play that vividly captures an unforgettable recording session with the legendary Tallulah Bankhead. Known for her scandalous wit and larger-than-life personality, Bankhead was a free spirit and iconic actress. The story is set in a sound studio in 1965, where Bankhead is called in to re-record—or a single line of dialogue for what would be her last film. Scripps Ranch Theatre, 9783 Avenue of Nations, San Diego. theroustabouts.org
THE WALLIS
Romeo & Juliet Suite
Oct. 10-12 In a stunning Los Angeles debut, choreographer Benjamin Millepied offers an innovative and contemporary vision of Prokofiev’s masterpiece Romeo & Juliet. Tableaux are broadcast in real time, from unexpected places inside the theater and backstage. The dancers, filmed live, pass from stage to screen. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Jason Moran & The Big Bandwagon
Oct. 11. Pianist and composer Jason Moran’s program features his Bandwagon bandmates—bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits—plus a seven-piece horn section, contributions from artist/writer/director John Akomfrah, and visuals from acclaimed cinematographer Bradford Young. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
London Philharmonic Orchestra Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich
Oct. 11. Led by principal conductor Edward Gardner, the London Philharmonic Orchestra performs a new piece by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tania León. Violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja joins the orchestra for Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
BROADSTAGE
Delirium Musicum
Oct. 6. Delirium Musiccum, a self-conducted chamber orchestra, returns to BroadStage, with a lively, impassioned musical perfor,ance led by vionsary violinist Etienne Gara. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Sing Joyfully – A 60th Anniversary Celebration Concert!
Oct. 6. The Los Angeles Master Chorale opens the 2024/25 season with an anniversary concert that will feature a cappella pieces from the Renaissance to present day performed by 80 singers. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
An Evening with the Avett Brothers
Oct. 6. 3-time Grammy award nominees The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their critically acclaimed 2009 debut, I and Love and You. They released their 10th studio album in 2019, and premiered a musical inspired by their music in 2022. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego.theshell.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Sean Mason Quintet
Oct. 5. NYC based jazz pianist/composer, Sean Mason, was named Segerstrom Center for the Arts Jazz Club Discovery Artist of the 24/25 season. With the release of his debut album The Southern Suite in 2023, Mason presents an astonishingly mature statement revealing the stunning scope and potential of his performing and songwriting ability. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Wynonna Judd
Oct. 4. Country Music Hall of Famer and five-time Grammy winner Wynona Judd is one of the most celebrated artists in country music and she makes her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
OCEANSIDE THEATRE
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical
Oct. 4. The West Coast Premiere of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical written by Jonathan Hogue and directed by Kevin “Blax” Burroughs offers a hilarious, fun-filled romp into the supernatural world of the Netflix hit, Stranger Things. Featuring songs about how to get the girl, being the third wheel, and adventures, this show is wonderfully silly with a few inter-dimensional battles and singing demogorgons along the way. Main Stage, 217 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. oceansidetheatre.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Resurrection
Oct. 4-6. Soprano Angela Meade and Mahler interpreter Anna Larsson join forces with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra for three performances of Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony. Jacobs Music Center, 750 B St., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Is It Thursday Yet?
Oct. 3-5. Presented in cooperation with La Jolla Playhouse, this production combines dance, live music and home video footage to tell the story of dancer/choreographer Jenn Freeman’s life following her Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis at age 33. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Dudamel
Oct. 3-4. Video projections set the scene for Shakespeare’s magical forest with Gustavo Dudamel leading Mendelssohn’s whimsical incidental music from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dudamel has called Gabriela Ortiz “one of the most important composers in the world” for her distinct use of rhythm and harmonic colors. Alisa Weilerstein performs the world premiere of the Mexican composer’s new Cello Concerto.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.org
THE RADY SHELL AT JACOBS PARK
Experience Hendrix
Oct. 3. The Experience Hendrix Tour evokes the era when artists treated each performance as a unique interaction with their audience. Jimi Hendrix called this his ‘Electric Church.’ The Experience Hendrix Tour fully embraces this approach, presenting multiple opportunities for performers and audiences to witness unique collaborations among the participating artists. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
American Idiot
Oct. 2-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
LA PHILHARMONIC
LA Phil Gala Concert: Dudamel & Lang Lang
Oct. 1. LA Phil hosts its’ annual gala concert with Gustavo Dudamel joining forcees with legendary pianist Lang Lang for a performance featuring Rachmaninoff’s dramatic and lush Piano Concerto No. 2 as well as Alberto Ginastera’s Estancia.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.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
CYGNET THEATRE
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show
Through Oct. 20. A satirical tribute to the science fiction and B-list horror movies of the 20th century, the show centers around two naïve lovers, Brad and Janet. Stripped of inhibitions – and their clothes – Brad and Janet embark on a wild, unforgettable journey of pleasure and self-discovery. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. cygnettheatre.com
THE OLD GLOBE
Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors
Through Oct. 20. Famed vampire hunter Jean Van Helsing and her motley crew chase Count Dracula around the English countryside in a madcap race to save his innocent victims. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. oldglobe.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Primary Trust
Through Oct. 20. Kenneth, a 36-year-old bookstore worker in a small upstate New York town, spends his evenings sipping mai tais at the local tiki bar with his best friend Bert. When he’s suddenly laid off, Kenneth faces challenges he has long avoided—with transformative and heart-warming results. Primary Trust is a touching story of new beginnings, old (and new) friends, and finding the courage to see the world for the first time. Mandell Weiss Forum Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Little Shop of Horrors
Through Oct. 19. Based on the film by Roger Corman is a musical production that tells the story of a skid row florist who pines for his beautiful co-worker when he stumbles upon a strange new plant that thirsts for human blood. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
LA OPERA
Madame Butterfly
Through Oct. 13. James Conlon opens the 2024/25 season conducting Puccini’s unforgettable classic starring Korean soprano Karah Son as the tragic heroine trying to find her way in a world dominated by men. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
Waitress
Through-Oct. 13. Brought to life on Broadway by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, Waitress features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles and book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson. It is inspired by the beloved film about finding happiness in unexpected places. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
THE OLD GLOBE
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Through Oct. 6. Tony Award-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig reimagines Agatha Christie’s Orient on the Express. Enter world-famous detective Hercule Poirot, who must navigate a train full of suspects and solve the murder before the killer strikes again. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. oldglobe.org
NORTH COAST REPERTORY THEATRE
A View From the Bridge
Through Oct. 6. Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play takes place in a tight-knit Italian-American community and tackles the complexities of family, love and justice. Secrets unravel, and loyalties are tested in this timeless drama. North Coast Rep, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
Photo Credits: All Images are are courtesy of the venues and businesses featured.
