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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.
CYGNET THEATRE
The Little Fellow (or the Queen of Tarts Tells All)
Oct. 25-Nov. 19. Go back in time to the life in this risqué comedic drama about Harriette Wilson, a 19th century courtesan and the opulence of the life she wanted to leave. Her plan to get out of the ‘business’ threatens her reputation, her business and ultimately, her life. Old Town Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., San Diego. cygnettheatre.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
A Raisin in the Sun
Oct. 22-Nov. 12. This groundbreaking drama changed the American theatre forever, breaking down barriers on and off stage. Each of the Youngers, a Black family, has a different view of how to spend their father’s life insurance settlement to better the family. Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scr.org
LOS ANGELES OPERA
The Barber of Seville
Oct 21-Nov. 12. Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Isabel Leonard returns to star as Rosina along with baritone Emmett O’Hanlon as the street-smart matchmaker Figaro who has a plan to wreak joyful havoc and let true love bloom. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A NOISE WITHIN
Oct. 8-Nov. 12. Enter the dreamlike world of William Shakespeare in this enchanting comedy that takes you into a forest of feuding fairies. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.com
LAMBS PLAYER THEATRE
Jane A Ghost Story
Through Nov. 12. David McFadzean presents this world premiere adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s brilliant English novel, Jane Eyre. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado. lambsplayers.org
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
The Engagement Party
Oct. 4-Nov. 5. A young couple is celebrating their engagement in their swank Park Avenue apartment with family and friends when the night takes an unexpected turn. Lives are irrevocably changed. 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles. geffenplayhouse.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Halloween Organ, Film & Music: The Phantom of the Opera
Oct. 31. The annual Halloween haunt at Walt Disney Concert Hall features one of the most classic horror movies of the 1920s, The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney as Erik, the Phantom, in makeup he famously constructed for the role. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
CAP UCLA
Pat Metheny
Oct.29. Legendary American guitarist/composer and recording artist, Pat Metheny, has won an unprecedented 20 Grammys in 12 different categories. He returns to CAP UCLA for a solo tour. Royce Hall, 10745 Dickson Ct, Los Angeles . cap.ucla.edu
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Oct. 28-29. The San Diego Symphony Orchestra will present Lucasfilm’s Oscar Award®-winning Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back with composer John Williams’ Grammy Award®-winning score performed live to the film, conducted by Norman Huynh. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
THE SORAYA
Turn It Out with Tiler Peck & Friends
Oct. 28-29. One of ballet’s greatest tars, Tiler Peck, breaks out with her own original work and is joined by an eclectic line-up of dancers and choreographers. 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
An Alpine Symphony with Salonen
Oct. 27-29. Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to scale Strauss’ musical summit, and Nico Muhly plays with the scale of intervals in his violin concerto. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Ain’t Too Proud
Oct 17-29. Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan
Oct. 6-29 Get on your Feet! The inspiring true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan—twopeople who believed in their talent, their music, and each other – and became an international sensation. Now their triumph is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. 14900 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada. lamiradatheatre.com
CAP UCLA
Meklit Hadero: Movement LIVE
Oct.28. This podcast come to life performance is part intimate storytelling and part concert led by Ethiopian-American musicial and cultural strategist Meklit Hadero. Explore a world in motion through movement and music. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Miho Hazama and M_Unit
Oct 28. Rising star Miho Hazama and her jazz chamber orchestra, m_unit, are this season’s Jazz Club Discovery Artist! Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
Jungle Book Reimagined
Oct 26-28. From one of the world’s most influential choreographers, Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined is a new, multimedia dance theatre work based on the much-loved story by Rudyard Kipling. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Alexander Malofeev, Piano
Oct 27. Critically acclaimed pianist Alexander Malofeev, the young “Russian genius” (Corriere della Sera) who came to international prominence when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in 2014, makes his Orange County debut. . Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
CAMARADA
Music Beneath the Trees
Oct 26. Sit beneath the trees of Balboa Park and listen to new commissioned work by Andres Martin—a rhapsodic tribute to maternal love. Other highlights include Picnic Suite by Claude Bolling, Berbol Suite by Claire Vazart and John Clayton’s Bach to Blues. Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado, San Diego. camarada.org
CAP UCLA
Gabriel Kahane & Attacca Quartet: Magnificent Bird
Oct.22. Songwriter Gabriel Kahane tells his own story in a collection of songs, Magnificent Bird in a collaborative performance with Grammy Award-winning Attacca Quartet. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Lila Downs – Dos Corazones: Dia De Los Muertos
Oct. 22. Honor the traditions of Dia de los Muertos with one of the most influential artists of Mexican music. Known as much for her social justice, Lila Downs is both singer and activist, bridging traditions from across the Americas through her music. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave, San Diego. theconrad.org
THE SORAYA
Anoushka Shankar Quintet
Oct. 22. Nine-time Grammy nominee Anoushka Shankar places the sitar front and center in a program that incorporates traditional Indian and modern electric music. She is joined by Aparna and Ashwini Ramaswamy as they perform Ananta, The Eternal. 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Sibelius and Swan Lake
Oct. 20-22. Alpesh Chauhan, Music Director of the Birmingham Opera Company, brings his own acclaimed sense of drama to Tchaikovsky’s timeless melodies and romance in selections from Swan Lake. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
CAP UCLA
Ruthie Foster
Oct. 21. Ruthie Foster’s vocals is a blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Foster is a 4-time Grammy nominated artist for a Best Contemporary Blues Album and will be a 2024 inductee into the Texas Songwriters Association Hall of Fame. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
PASADENA SYMPHONY
Tchaikovsky 4
Oct 21. Composer Mason Bates joins the annual Composers Showcase with works by both emerging and established contemporary composers. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St John Ave, Pasadena.pasadenasymphony-pops.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Marisa Monte
Oct. 20. The Brazilian star and five-time Latin Grammy winner plays three decades of hits. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
CAP UCLA
Nano Stern
Oct.19-20. Nano Stern, armed with his guitar, commemorates the 50th anniversary of legendary Chilean folk singer and slain political activist Victor Jara. Screening of Nano’s documentary film We’ll be Singing by September is showing October 19. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
BROADSTAGE
Nat Geo Live: Wild Cats Revealed
Oct 19. Through photographer and filmmaker Kadur’s captivating images and video, you’ll get an up-close look at a world of wild cats you’ve never seen before. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
THE SORAYA
Vadym Kholodenko in Recital
Oct. 18. Cliburn gold medalist Vadym Kholodenko returns to the Soraya for another intimate and emotional program that spans several centuries, from Handel and Liszt to the living legend Thomas Adés. 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
CAP UCLA
Wu Man
Oct.15-16. Wu Man has been called “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipa” and has made a name for herself in the world of music as the world’s finest player of an ancient Chinese instrument. She has frequently collaborated with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma and the Kronos Quartet and now graces The Nimoy stage with a program that ranges from contemporary to classical. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
BROADSTAGE
Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale
Oct 15. Actor and playwright Hershey Felder narrates Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale”, a captivating chamber music piece that tells the story of a soldier who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited wealth and knowledge. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. broadstage.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico HEREDEROS with La Marisoul
Oct. 15. Historic tradition of mariachi music is given new energy with a bilingual blend of genres like bolero, cumbia, tango and swing. Get out of your seat and dance to the Latin Grammy-nominated chart-topping music. Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Heaven + Earth:
Oct 15. Heaven and Earth, east and west are celebrated in this concert with works by Reena Esmail and Philip Glass. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
It’s Okay to be Different
Oct 14-15. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings to life three storybooks by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr using innovative puppetry and playful original music. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Gershwin and Rachmaninoff
Oct. 13-15. Elim Chan leads the LA Phil in Symphonic Dances, a thrilling, rhythmic orchestral showpiece and Rachmaninoff’s final work that draws from ancient sacred chant, Modernist harmony, and a bit of everything in between. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Hadestown
Oct 3-15. HADESTOWN intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatergroup.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY
Pablo Sàinz-Villegas & Isavel Leonard
Oct 14. Three-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Isabel Leonard, who has dazzled audiences at the great houses worldwide, joins Pablo Sáinz-Villegas, a benchmark in today’s symphonic guitar, in an intimate recital featuring popular arias and beloved songs. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Thibaudet/Batiashvili/Capuçon Trio
Oct. 13. A powerhouse trio of acclaimed classical music performers takes the stage together: pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, German violin sensation Lisa Batiashvili and French cello phenom Gautier Capuçon.Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
CAP UCLA
Dreamers’ Circus
Oct.13. The trio of Nikolaj Busk (piano/accordion), Ale Carr (Nordic cittern) and Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen (violin) makes their Los Angeles debut with their music interpretations of traditional folk music from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway completely reimagined into something entirely their own. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. cap.ucla.edu
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Richard Marx and John Waite
Oct. 12. Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and best-selling author Richard Marx will be performing his Billboard hits along side John Waite who will be performing his catalogue of hits from a 40 year career as a solo artist and with The Babys and Bad English. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Lisa Batiashvili, Gautier Capucon, Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Oct. 11. Three renowned artists enliven three captivating piano trios from three legendary composers. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Lila Downs — Dia De Los Muertos
Oct 11. Grammy award-winning Mexican-American singer Lila Downs returns to Segerstrom Hall with her interpretations of classic Mexican music and her signature Latin-influenced sound. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Chamber Music with the LA Phil
Oct. 10. 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
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
98° & All-4-One
Oct. 8. An evening featuring the biggest names of the 90’s and early aughts boy band era: 98°, All-4-One and OTOWN. The pop culture icons who combined have eighty million albums sold, a billion online streams and countless awards sing a night of their biggest hits. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
CAP UCLA
Ann Carlson and inkBoat: These Are the Ones We Fell Among
Oct.7-8. Ann Carlson’s sense of humor shines in this hour-long duet whose dreamscape is inspired by the movements, myths and metaphors of the animal kingdom. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles.cap.ucla.edu
THE SORAYA
Lila Downs
Oct. 7. Honor the traditions of Dia de los Muertos with one of the most influential artists of Mexican music. Known as much for her social justice, Lila Downs is both singer and activist, bridging traditions from across the Americas through her music. 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. thesoraya.org
LA JOLLA MUSIC SOCIETY
Isata Kanneh-Mason
Oct. 7. Isata Kanneh-Mason, the eldest of the multi-talented, multi-award winning Kanneh-Mason family, returns to The Conrad for a solo showcase of piano classics. Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla. theconrad.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Carnegie Hall Preview: Weilerstein Plays DVOŘÁK
Oct. 7. Preview the concert program audiences across the cuntry will encounter throughout October when the San Diego Symphony performs at Soka University (Orange County), Lehigh University (Pennsylvania) and Carnegie Hall (NYC). The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
THE SORAYA
Savion Glover: SoUNDdz’ SaCRoSaNcT
Oct. 7. Tony-winning dance legend, Savion Glover, pays tribute to his mentor Gregory Hines in a program where he uses his gift to share his story alongside actors and musicians. 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge.thesoraya.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
Stravinsky and Shostakovich with Dudamel
Oct. 6-8. Dudamel leads The Firebird and Villa-Lobos’ mystical Uirapuru, and Sheku Kanneh-Mason weaves magic of his own with Shostakovich. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Calder Quartet & Timo Andres
Oct 6. Formed at USC’s Thorton School of Music, the Calder Quartet makes a triumphant return to SoCal with the young pianist Timo Andres. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scfta.org
CAP UCLA
Edgar Arceneaux
Oct. 5-7. The lives of a self-loathing visual artist, his freeloading brother turned playwright and their failed pop-singer mother intertwine in this bizarre and dark musical comedy. Redcat, 631 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles.redcat.org
LA PHILHARMONIC
LA Phil Gala: Celebrating Frank Gehry
Oct. 5 The Los Angeles Philharmonic marks the 20th anniversary of Walt Disney Concert Hall at its annual gala concert by paying homage to Frank Gehry, architect behind the iconic downtown LA venue. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laphil.com
PANTAGES THEATRE
Jackson Browne
Oct. 20-23. Witness one of the greatest songwriters of all time perform his timeless music—“Doctor My Eyes,” “Running on Empty,” “Somebody’s Baby,” and many more. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. hollywoodtheatre.com
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
Sumo
Through Oct. 22. Six men, in an elite Tokyo training facility, practice, eat, love, play and fight. With sponsorship money at stake, their bodies on the line, and futures at risk, they struggle to carve themselves into the men they dream of being. Mandell Weiss Forum, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE
Les Misérables
Oct 3-15. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. 1100 3rd Ave, San Diego. broadwaysd.com
DIVERSIONARY THEATRE
Dragon Mama
Through Oct. 15. Take an adventure through the life of one-woman who is presented with a choice: go after opportunity and leave her debt-ridden family and daughter for the unknown Alaska or stay close to home. Take the queer love filled journey in a barren land. 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. diversionary.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Dishwasher Dreams
Through Oct. 15. What exactly is the American Dream? For Alaudin Bangladesh-born parents, it means opportunity. But to comedian Alaudin, America is the home of George Carlin. Through comedy and music, this play recounts the immigrant experience, how this country gets made, and the dreams of those who make it. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org | Performances+
GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE
Every Brilliant Thing
Through Oct. 15. Daniel K. Isaac (Billions) takes audiences on a transcendent and tender coming-of-age journey that reminds us to pay attention to life’s smallest joys—and to each other. 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles. geffenplayhouse.org
LOS ANGELES OPERA
Don Giovanni
Through Oct 15. In the heat of the moment, the notorious Don Giovanni (aka Don Juan) murders the father of one of his conquests, unwittingly unleashing an ominous force from beyond the grave. Accustomed to getting away with anything and everything, he must now face the music as years of cruelty and debauchery come due. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org | Performances+
NORTH COAST REP
The Angel Next Door
Through Oct 8. This world premiere play follows an unforgettable cast of characters as they navigate romance, mix-ups and comical situations. northcoastrep.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Cabaret
Through Oct 8. It’s 1931 Berlin, and inside the Kit Kat Klub, a British nightclub singer keeps the party raging. But no amount of booze, music, and dancing can slow the ominous march of a changing Germany. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. theoldglobe.org | Performances+
WILL GEER’S THEATRICUM BOTANICUM
A Perfect Ganesh
Through Oct. 7. Terrence McNally’s play about two friends that travel to India and is guided by the Hindu god Ganesha who leads them towards the revelation that sometimes the greatest journey is surviving life. 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. theatricum.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Quixote Nuevo
Through Oct. 5. From one of the storytellers behind the film Coco comes a modern take on Don Quixote bursting with imagination and Tejano music. This fast-paced, bilingual fable about the joys and perils of being the hero of your own story was proclaimed “revelatory” by the San Francisco Chronicle. Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa. scr.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
FUNTASTIC 2023: Benatar & Giraldo
Oct. 4. Singer songwriter Chris Trapper opens this rock concert that features the memorable rock classics that made vocalist Pat Benatar and guitarist, producer and songwriter Neil Giraldo both multi-platinum and Grammy-award winners. The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. theshell.org
LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of business/venue.
