From Grammy-, Emmy- and Academy Award-winning actor Steven Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell comes "Bright Star", the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that "The New Yor... [more+]

From Grammy-, Emmy- and Academy Award-winning actor Steven Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell comes "Bright Star", the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that "The New York Times" called a "shining achievement." This sweeping tale of love and redemption, set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and '40s, unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. Grab your Goldstar pre-sale tickets and prepare to be swept away when Musical Theatre West brings this touching musical to the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. [less-]

You're invited to the biggest party of the summer, like you've never seen it before. The "Mamma Mia!" film sequel may be heating up movie theaters, but you can still dive into the Broadway blockbuster... [more+]

You're invited to the biggest party of the summer, like you've never seen it before. The "Mamma Mia!" film sequel may be heating up movie theaters, but you can still dive into the Broadway blockbuster on stage at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. 3-D Theatricals puts their spin on the hit musical comedy based on the songs of Swedish super-group ABBA. The play follows Sophie, who has just one wish to make her wedding perfect: to have her father walk her down the aisle. Now she just has to find out who he is! Featuring ABBA gems like "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me" and "Supertrooper," this theatrical smash will have you singing along. [less-]

James had it all: a successful business, beautiful wife, two great kids ... and a burning desire to be someone entirely different. This astonishing new musical was inspired by the true life story of i... [more+]

James had it all: a successful business, beautiful wife, two great kids ... and a burning desire to be someone entirely different. This astonishing new musical was inspired by the true life story of its author, a Chinese immigrant who built an empire and a family before embarking on his secret fantasy: a career in music. "Mannequin Man By Day, Tenor By Night" fuses two worlds in an epic musical fantasia that brings mannequins, magic and James' aspirations to glorious life with dazzling choreography and a soaring original score with full live orchestra. Featuring 14 musicians and a cast of 20 singers and dancers, this life-changing musical can be enjoyed at Westminster's Rose Center Theater. [less-]

In "All the World's a Grave": A New Play by William Shakespeare, Prince Hamlet goes to war for Juliet, the daughter of King Lear. Having captured Juliet as his bride -- by reckless war -- Hamlet retur... [more+]

In "All the World's a Grave": A New Play by William Shakespeare, Prince Hamlet goes to war for Juliet, the daughter of King Lear. Having captured Juliet as his bride -- by reckless war -- Hamlet returns home to find that his mother has murdered his father and married Macbeth. Enter Iago, who persuades Hamlet that Juliet is having an affair with Romeo. As the Prince goes mad with jealousy, King Lear mounts his army ... playwright John Reed reconstructs the works of William Shakespeare into "All the World's a Grave", a new tragedy. The language is Shakespeare's, but the drama that unfolds is as fresh as the blood on the stage. Don't miss this stunning new play at Fullerton's STAGEStheatre. [less-]

It was once said of Bonnie and Clyde, "They're young. They're in love. They kill people." Now you can add a fourth description to this infamous his-and-her gangster duo: They sing. With a book by Fran... [more+]

It was once said of Bonnie and Clyde, "They're young. They're in love. They kill people." Now you can add a fourth description to this infamous his-and-her gangster duo: They sing. With a book by Frank Wildhorn ("Jekyll & Hyde"), and lyrics by Academy Award-winner Don Black ("Sunset Boulevard"), "Bonnie & Clyde" weaves rockabilly, blues and gospel music into the story of how two small-time criminals in West Texas became America's most notorious folk heroes and law enforcement's worst nightmare. Watch as the lovers and bank robbers take the country by storm in this sexy and compelling adventure musical at Santa Ana's Attic Community Theatre. [less-]

Long before Carole King became a chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, a girl from Brooklyn. Beloved for penning such iconic pop classics as "You've Got a Friend" and "I Feel the Earth Move... [more+]

Long before Carole King became a chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, a girl from Brooklyn. Beloved for penning such iconic pop classics as "You've Got a Friend" and "I Feel the Earth Move," she fought her way into the record business as a teenager and ultimately flourished, writing hits for some of the biggest acts in rock 'n' roll. But it wasn't until her personal life began to crack that she finally found her true voice. "Beautiful" is the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. It's no surprise that "Beautiful - The Carole King Musical" won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album of 2015. A resounding success on Broadway, this unforgettable show now comes to Segerstrom Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. [less-]

Al and Willie as "Lewis and Clark" were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion br... [more+]

Al and Willie as "Lewis and Clark" were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs. An extremely sensitive and lovable play, "The Sunshine Boys" is one of Neil Simon's best. [less-]

If you're looking for Las Vegas glamour, divas and fun without leaving Orange County, head to Velvet Lounge in historic downtown Santa Ana for a dinner theater-style drag extravaganza worthy of the St... [more+]

If you're looking for Las Vegas glamour, divas and fun without leaving Orange County, head to Velvet Lounge in historic downtown Santa Ana for a dinner theater-style drag extravaganza worthy of the Strip. "Lipstick and Lashes" is hosted by television star and female impersonator Shannel from RuPaul's hit shows "Drag Race", "All-Star Drag Race" and "Drag-U" as well as a host of "Divas Las Vegas", billed as "The World's Biggest and Most Outrageous Drag Show." Along with a delicious three-course dinner in an intimate atmosphere, expect sparkle, feathers, incredible costumes, comedy, impersonations, sexy backup dancers ... and lashes for days. [less-]

Lovably wacky and filled with catchy tunes, Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" has all the ingredients for the perfect farce: a damsel in distress, a brash pirate king, an adorably dopey M... [more+]

Lovably wacky and filled with catchy tunes, Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" has all the ingredients for the perfect farce: a damsel in distress, a brash pirate king, an adorably dopey Major-General, and a series of delightfully absurd mix-ups. Expecting to be released from servitude on his 21st birthday, pirate apprentice Frederic falls for the beautiful young Mabel. But due to a leap-year technicality, the poor lad soon discovers that he must be away from the love of his life and continue his apprenticeship for another 63 years! Will he ever be free? Can he win the hand of Mabel? Find out at Irvine's Musical Theatre Village. [less-]

In Bucks County, PA, Vanya and Sonia share a country house where they fret endlessly -- and amusingly -- about their hapless lives. When Masha, their self-absorbed movie-star sister, and her much, muc... [more+]

In Bucks County, PA, Vanya and Sonia share a country house where they fret endlessly -- and amusingly -- about their hapless lives. When Masha, their self-absorbed movie-star sister, and her much, much younger boy toy, Spike, visit for the weekend, the entire household gets hilariously upended. Rivalries are rekindled, resentments rage, the housekeeper blurts out strange prophecies and Masha announces she's selling the house. A tongue-in-cheek homage to Chekhov, this Tony Award-winning comedy was described as "deliciously madcap" by "USA Today". See it at the Julianne Argyros Stage, South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. [less-]

Could you be dining with a killer? Named "Best Dinner Show" in Los Angeles and Denver for four years running, "The Dinner Detective" makes its way to Orange County to serve up a tasty whodunit along w... [more+]

Could you be dining with a killer? Named "Best Dinner Show" in Los Angeles and Denver for four years running, "The Dinner Detective" makes its way to Orange County to serve up a tasty whodunit along with a four-course dinner. And since this comedic murder mystery is set in the present day and actors are dressed just like everyone else, you'll have no way of knowing whether someone at your table is just another guest or one of the talented cast of improvisers. In fact, everyone's a suspect ... including you! The event starts out with a reception featuring plated hors d'oeuvres, followed by the meal, which includes fresh rolls and butter, salad, an entree and dessert. Between courses you can expect plenty of murder, mayhem and hidden clues coming to light as you puzzle through the crime. The top sleuth even wins a prize package at the end of the evening -- not to mention serious bragging rights. [less-]

Laugh along as the truth and lies of a friendship come to the surface, along with plenty of surprises. In this comedy of manners, Max and Wynn invite their friends Roger and Abby up for a weekend at t... [more+]

Laugh along as the truth and lies of a friendship come to the surface, along with plenty of surprises. In this comedy of manners, Max and Wynn invite their friends Roger and Abby up for a weekend at their country home. These couples are old friends, the kind with plenty of troublesome baggage. Fresh, funny and full of sharp writing, "The Long Weekend" can be enjoyed at the Westminster Community Playhouse. [less-]

In this classic tale of love, hope and revenge set against the vicious backdrop of a lawless society, a young scholar travels into the Wild West in search of a new life ... only to end up beaten and l... [more+]

In this classic tale of love, hope and revenge set against the vicious backdrop of a lawless society, a young scholar travels into the Wild West in search of a new life ... only to end up beaten and left for dead on the dusty streets of Twotrees by notorious outlaw Liberty Valance. A local girl gives him purpose in this broken land. But when Valance returns to finish what he started, the young scholar must make the choice: Turn and run or stand and fight, and become "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". Catch this classic tale on the stage of Orange County's Attic Community Theater. [less-]

Mel Brooks' outrageous musical comedy "The Producers" is the story of broke Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his accountant, Leo Bloom. Desperate for cash, the two schemers hatch a plan to produce... [more+]

Mel Brooks' outrageous musical comedy "The Producers" is the story of broke Broadway producer Max Bialystock and his accountant, Leo Bloom. Desperate for cash, the two schemers hatch a plan to produce a musical that is a sure failure. The show'll close immediately, then they'll cut and run with the unspent production money. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out, their "big flop" ends up as a smash hit, that's what. Based on the classic 1968 film, and featuring the hilarious show-within-a-show, "Springtime for Hitler", "The Producers" skewers the over-the-top absurdities of musical theater while delivering a heartfelt tale of the true friendship that develops between two would-be con artists. Don't miss this Tony-winning sensation when it comes to The GEM Theater in Garden Grove. [less-]

ShowOff! International Playwriting Festival is a Camino Real Playhouse fan-favorite, with drama, comedy, intrigue and the variety that comes from seeing seven short plays and a wonderful extra in Read... [more+]

ShowOff! International Playwriting Festival is a Camino Real Playhouse fan-favorite, with drama, comedy, intrigue and the variety that comes from seeing seven short plays and a wonderful extra in Reader's Theatre! As the audience you only see the top seven and nightly you will also hear one of the runner-up plays read as a Reader's Theater. It's seven different directors and seven different plays. This event is suitable for teenagers and adults. [less-]

Fresh from New York, this incisive comedy takes an unflinching look at how things get done in Washington. When Sydney Millsap wins a seat in Congress, she's determined to drain the swamp. Then she mee... [more+]

Fresh from New York, this incisive comedy takes an unflinching look at how things get done in Washington. When Sydney Millsap wins a seat in Congress, she's determined to drain the swamp. Then she meets Kate, a whip-smart lobbyist who gets her clients what they want -- whatever they want. When Kate helps Sydney try to unseat a powerful senator steeped in cronyism, the result is a "sleek, fast-paced, absorbing and very funny" ("Vogue") exploration of money's corrosive effect on politics. See "Kings" at Segerstrom Stage, South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. [less-]

"Old Acquaintance" is a Hollywood classic that tackles the boundaries of friendship and the true meaning behind the word "frenemy." This dramedy is about two childhood best friends who, as adults, are... [more+]

"Old Acquaintance" is a Hollywood classic that tackles the boundaries of friendship and the true meaning behind the word "frenemy." This dramedy is about two childhood best friends who, as adults, are now dealing with success and love on their own terms. Simmering rivalry brings their long-time friendship to a test as old forgotten memories rise to the surface. A runaway 1943 Bette Davis hit film, John van Druten's "Old Acquaintance" can now be enjoyed on the stage of the Westminster Community Playhouse. [less-]

Magic at its best performed by professionals from Ring 96 of Seal Beach! Come join us and let the child in you experience the wonder.... [more+]

Magic at its best performed by professionals from Ring 96 of Seal Beach! Come join us and let the child in you experience the wonder. [less-]

With its hothouse of emotions, lush melodies and ever-timely commentary on racial tolerance, "South Pacific" steams up the stage as both a romantic musical and a deeply felt drama. As Americans statio... [more+]

With its hothouse of emotions, lush melodies and ever-timely commentary on racial tolerance, "South Pacific" steams up the stage as both a romantic musical and a deeply felt drama. As Americans stationed on an island paradise during World War II, a nurse and a GI both fall in love with island residents, but a culture clash threatens their relationships. Ultimately love wins out, but the dangers of war threaten their happy endings. The unforgettable Rodgers & Hammerstein score is filled with all-time faves like "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair" and "Bali Ha'i." Both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony winner, this Broadway classic now comes to the Westminster Community Playhouse. [less-]

In this campy spoof of 1950s low-budget, sci-fi B-movies like "Cat Women of the Moon," "Queen of Outer Space," and "Rocketship X-M, " Earth launches the first manned rocket to the planet Mars in respo... [more+]

In this campy spoof of 1950s low-budget, sci-fi B-movies like "Cat Women of the Moon," "Queen of Outer Space," and "Rocketship X-M, " Earth launches the first manned rocket to the planet Mars in response to mysterious distress signals -- and encounters a race of Amazon vampires with a thirst for human blood, led by the evil Queen Voluptua. A world premiere written and directed by Michael Dale Brown. [less-]