"You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension." Those famous words heralded Rod Serling's thrilling phsychological classic "The Twilight Zone". Now the twisty, eeri... [more+]

"You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension." Those famous words heralded Rod Serling's thrilling phsychological classic "The Twilight Zone". Now the twisty, eerie plots come to life in theatrical adaptations at Fullerton's STAGEStheatre. Directors Darri Kristin and David Campos return to present staged versions of three of the series' most memorable episodes. You'll witness "The Sixteen-Millimeter Shrine", in which a washed-up actress has a supernatural experience while watching her old films in her screening room, "One for the Angels", in which a street vendor must bargain for his life with Death himself, and "A Most Unusual Camera", in which three bumbling crooks get more than they bargained for when they come into a possession of a camera that takes pictures of the future. These productions capture "The Twilight Zone"'s exciting mixture of fantasy, science fiction, suspense and horror, all of which lead to a deeper realization about human nature. [less-]

See a work of art come to life at the "Pageant of the Masters". This one-of-a-kind production, an Orange County tradition, uses real people to recreate classical and contemporary paintings down to the... [more+]

See a work of art come to life at the "Pageant of the Masters". This one-of-a-kind production, an Orange County tradition, uses real people to recreate classical and contemporary paintings down to the finest detail. As you take in the visual marvel, a narrator guides you through the story behind each work while a live orchestra sets the tone. This year's presentation, "Under the Sun", evokes the beauty of nature, focusing on artists who choose to paint in the open air. "Under the Sun" acknowledges how French impressionism influenced artists around the world to record their own personal reflections, including Laguna Beach's early masters: Roger Kuntz, Anna Hills, William Griffith, Joseph Kleitsch and more. [less-]

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley to Memphis' Sun Records. The rock 'n' roll musical "Million Dollar Quartet" was inspired by th... [more+]

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley to Memphis' Sun Records. The rock 'n' roll musical "Million Dollar Quartet" was inspired by this legendary recording session -- the first and only collaboration between these true legends, each of whom had an undeniable influence on American music. This thrilling production takes you inside the studio with the four major talents who came together to form a red-hot band for one unforgettable night, and features such enduring hits as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Great Balls of Fire" and "Hound Dog." A hit on Broadway, "Million Dollar Quartet" was nominated for 2010 Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Now you can see it at the Laguna Playhouse. [less-]

Buena Park Civic Theatre laces up for "Xanadu", the Tony-nominated "musical-on-wheels" that has skated into the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Based on the cult-classic film starring Olivia Ne... [more+]

Buena Park Civic Theatre laces up for "Xanadu", the Tony-nominated "musical-on-wheels" that has skated into the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Based on the cult-classic film starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, "Xanadu" tells the tongue-in-cheek story of Kira, a comely Greek muse who comes to Earth charged with a task of grave importance: to help a struggling artist open a roller disco. Much magic (and a little mayhem) results in this production featuring pop favorites like "Magic," "All Over the World," "Suddenly," "I'm Alive," "Evil Woman" and, of course, "Xanadu." If you've ever needed to be inspired to follow your dreams despite limitations imposed by others, you won't want to miss this fun show at The Plaza at Ehlers Event Center. [less-]

Martinis will be flowing and laughs will be flying as Lake Forest's Modjeska Unscripted Theater returns with an all-new production of completely improvised plays. "Shaken, Not Stirred: An Unscripted S... [more+]

Martinis will be flowing and laughs will be flying as Lake Forest's Modjeska Unscripted Theater returns with an all-new production of completely improvised plays. "Shaken, Not Stirred: An Unscripted Spy Thriller" pays homage to all the dashing spies, femme fatales and maniacal villains of your favorite spy movies and novels. An evil villain with intent to commit the perfect crime? A daring super spy with ambitions to take over the world? A secret agent who infiltrates a rogue nation? Any of these could be the basis of a plot for MUT's next great spy thriller. Even the cast won't know until they're on-stage and ready to create a show on the spot. Each performance is brand-new, so every visit to Modjeska Playhouse is a unique, one-time-only experience! [less-]

"Yankee Doodle" tells the story of Broadway's founding father, George M. Cohan, over the course of 22 show-stopping production numbers. Hear toe-tappingly patriotic hits like "You're a Grand Old Flag,... [more+]

"Yankee Doodle" tells the story of Broadway's founding father, George M. Cohan, over the course of 22 show-stopping production numbers. Hear toe-tappingly patriotic hits like "You're a Grand Old Flag," "Mary's a Grand Old Name" and "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy" in this biographical musical revue at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. [less-]

Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature's most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney's thrilling animated motion picture, "Disney's Alic... [more+]

Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice, one of literature's most beloved heroines, in her madcap adventures. Featuring updated songs from Disney's thrilling animated motion picture, "Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr." is a fast-paced take on the classic tale. The ever-curious Alice's journey begins innocently enough as she chases the White Rabbit. Her adventures become increasingly more strange as she races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! Bring the whole family and have a blast at the Westminster Community Playhouse. [less-]

It's the new millennium and "The Bikinis" are getting back together. That girl group from the '60s that everyone loves is bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the board... [more+]

It's the new millennium and "The Bikinis" are getting back together. That girl group from the '60s that everyone loves is bringing back the sun, fun and all the great songs they sang down on the boardwalk at the Jersey Shore ... all to raise money for the good folks at Sandy Shores RV Resort on Florida's Gold Coast. Musical numbers include: "It's in His Kiss," "Incense and Peppermint" and "Dedicated to the One I Love." Enjoy this jukebox musical at San Clemente's Cabrillo Playhouse. [less-]

The Costa Mesa Playhouse presents the Orange County premiere of acclaimed author Lucas Hnath's drama "The Christians". Centering on faith in America, the play explores the aftermath when the pastor of... [more+]

The Costa Mesa Playhouse presents the Orange County premiere of acclaimed author Lucas Hnath's drama "The Christians". Centering on faith in America, the play explores the aftermath when the pastor of a popular megachurch delivers a sermon that shakes the foundation of the church's belief. Directed by CMP Artistic Director Michael Serna, the play stars Peter Hilton, Silvana Gargione, Jeff Rolle, Jr., Mark Tillman and Cindy Cisneros. [less-]

Get ready for a whopper, Anaheim. "Big Fish" is a fantastical musical that illustrates the larger-than-life anecdotes of Edward Bloom, a man nearing the end of his life. This compels his grown son Wil... [more+]

Get ready for a whopper, Anaheim. "Big Fish" is a fantastical musical that illustrates the larger-than-life anecdotes of Edward Bloom, a man nearing the end of his life. This compels his grown son Will to embark on an adventure of his own -- to unravel his real dad from the myths of his tall tales. This rollicking fantasy is set in the American South and it's filled with magic, love, luck and crazy coincidences. Adapted from Daniel Wallace's novel and Tim Burton's acclaimed film, and featuring spine-tinglingly beautiful music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa ("The Addams Family", "The Wild Party"), the play's a tribute to the power of dreaming big and it's headed to Chance Theater. [less-]

A funny sendup of small-town morals, this "Greater Tuna" is set in the fictional city of Tuna, the "third-smallest" town in Texas. This town's the kind of place where the Lions Club is considered too ... [more+]

A funny sendup of small-town morals, this "Greater Tuna" is set in the fictional city of Tuna, the "third-smallest" town in Texas. This town's the kind of place where the Lions Club is considered too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. You'll meet the town's eccentric citizens, including the Bumiller family, puppy-poisoning Aunt Pearl, the longwinded Reverend Spikes, good ol' Vera Carp and many more. Featuring two actors portraying 21 different characters, "Greater Tuna" brings a whole lotta of fun to Fullerton's STAGESstheatre. [less-]

"School of Rock" is a "New York Times" Critics' Pick that delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in equally awesome doses. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows De... [more+]

"School of Rock" is a "New York Times" Critics' Pick that delivers face-melting guitar riffs and touching romance in equally awesome doses. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into grade-A rockers. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater's first-ever kids' rock band playing their instruments live on stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. [less-]

Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show" returns to the Maverick. This sinfully twisted salute to horror, sci-fi, B-movies and rock music is presented in the style of the original Roxy stage producti... [more+]

Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show" returns to the Maverick. This sinfully twisted salute to horror, sci-fi, B-movies and rock music is presented in the style of the original Roxy stage production in Hollywood that served as the inspiration for the movie. "The Rocky Horror Show" is an outrageous assemblage of the most stereotyped science fiction movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock 'n' roll of every vintage. Running through the story is the sexual confusion of two middle American kids confronted by the decadent morality of the mad "doctor" Frank 'N' Furter, a transvestite from the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. [less-]

Twelve jurors gather to decide the fate of a young girl. Did she stab her uncle in cold blood? Eleven jurors say yes; one, a student actress, says no. The jurors agree to her request to re-enact the c... [more+]

Twelve jurors gather to decide the fate of a young girl. Did she stab her uncle in cold blood? Eleven jurors say yes; one, a student actress, says no. The jurors agree to her request to re-enact the crime right there, complete with props, including the actual murder weapon. As the re-enactment proceeds, the verdict, the solution, and the climax all come together with an unexpected twist! Catch C.B. Guilford's "The Jury Room" at the Westminster Community Playhouse. [less-]

Teatro Martini's sizzling dinner spectacular features an edgy combination of cabaret, comedy, music and cirque-style aerials and acrobatics. The Teatro Martini experience comes complete with a four-co... [more+]

Teatro Martini's sizzling dinner spectacular features an edgy combination of cabaret, comedy, music and cirque-style aerials and acrobatics. The Teatro Martini experience comes complete with a four-course meal. As you dine on your gourmet entree, you'll be captivated by an energetic show of non-stop comedy, daring acrobatic acts, live music and more. Teatro Martini's performers come from across the globe to provide you with a captivating and tantalizing getaway from the ordinary. [less-]

Based on Robert Fulghum's best-selling books, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" takes a funny, insightful, and heart-warming look at what is profound in our everyday life. This tig... [more+]

Based on Robert Fulghum's best-selling books, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" takes a funny, insightful, and heart-warming look at what is profound in our everyday life. This tightly woven adaptation has earned standing ovations from Singapore to Prague -- from L.A. to D.C. The delightful stories feature colorful characters to celebrate our very existence from the whimsy of childhood. See it at Westminster Community Playhouse [less-]

Just as "A Raisin in the Sun" examined race in the '50s, "Clybourne Park", its clever and provocative spin-off, takes aim at how we're still wrestling with the same issues today. In 1959, a white coup... [more+]

Just as "A Raisin in the Sun" examined race in the '50s, "Clybourne Park", its clever and provocative spin-off, takes aim at how we're still wrestling with the same issues today. In 1959, a white couple sets off a community controversy when they inadvertently sell their bungalow to the area's first black family. Half a century later, gentrification issues arise when a black couple clashes with the white couple that wants to buy and remodel the same house. Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and the 2012 Tony for Best Play, "Clybourne Park" now comes to Laguna Playhouse. [less-]

You can bet your bottom dollar that there'll be plenty of fun when everyone's favorite orphan takes over The Rock in Anaheim. The musical sensation that started out as a comic strip and then grew into... [more+]

You can bet your bottom dollar that there'll be plenty of fun when everyone's favorite orphan takes over The Rock in Anaheim. The musical sensation that started out as a comic strip and then grew into a huge hit on stage and on the big screen shows no sign of outgrowing its iconic red dress and curls. The beloved story of a plucky young orphan who never gives up her dreams of finding a family, "Annie" brings back all the great characters you know and love -- including the adorable scamp herself, the lovable Daddy Warbucks, his faithful assistant Grace and the wicked Miss Hannigan. Featuring unforgettable numbers like "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You" and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow," this Arts & Learning Conservatory production will leave you with a spring in your step and a song in your heart. [less-]

Jam-packed with big, flashy numbers like "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," it's no surprise "Time" magazine pronounced "Guys and Dolls" "the greatest of all American musicals."... [more+]

Jam-packed with big, flashy numbers like "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," it's no surprise "Time" magazine pronounced "Guys and Dolls" "the greatest of all American musicals." This Tony-winning tale is set in New York City during the swinging 1950s, where Nathan Detroit turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the cash to float the biggest craps game in town. When dolls -- especially a straitlaced missionary named Sarah Brown -- get involved, the term "high stakes" applies to both love and money. This dynamic production of the beloved classic comes to the Aliso Niguel Theater. [less-]

Something wicked this way comes as Shakespeare's juiciest tragedy hits the stage at the Lyceum Theater. Prophecy-casting witches, murderous ambition for the crown and descent into insanity -- "Macbeth... [more+]

Something wicked this way comes as Shakespeare's juiciest tragedy hits the stage at the Lyceum Theater. Prophecy-casting witches, murderous ambition for the crown and descent into insanity -- "Macbeth" was Shakespeare's "Game of Thrones", a haunting psychological thriller that remains as powerful today as when men were wearing tights. Sure, you could watch any of the countless film adaptations (Choose your genius: Orson Welles, Akira Kurosawa, Roman Polanski), but to really experience "Macbeth", you've got to see it as intended -- on the stage. You don't want to miss this American Coast Theatre Company production in Costa Mesa. [less-]