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, "The Time Machine", takes inspiration from science fiction and steampunk fantasies to take you around the world and into the past, present and future in search of great art and amazing stories. [less-]

Before Lin-Manuel Miranda came along, Stephen Sondheim was Broadway's rappingest wordsmith. "Into the Woods" works its considerable magic through his exhilarating rhymes and occasional grim wisdom. Th... [more+]

Before Lin-Manuel Miranda came along, Stephen Sondheim was Broadway's rappingest wordsmith. "Into the Woods" works its considerable magic through his exhilarating rhymes and occasional grim wisdom. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Don't miss this fun production at STAGEStheatre in Fullerton. [less-]

From the first notes to the final breath, "West Side Story" is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely ... [more+]

From the first notes to the final breath, "West Side Story" is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. Shakespeare's timeless classic story, "Romeo and Juliet", is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American “Jets” and the Puerto Rican “Sharks.” In this production at The GEM Theater in Garden Grove, their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice proves to be one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. [less-]

The Maverick Theater presents the Orange County premiere of "Fellowship! The Musical", a musical parody of "The Fellowship of the Ring". This Broadway style musical is a hilarious jaunt through Tolkie... [more+]

The Maverick Theater presents the Orange County premiere of "Fellowship! The Musical", a musical parody of "The Fellowship of the Ring". This Broadway style musical is a hilarious jaunt through Tolkien’s fantasy world, with all your favorite characters from the films and novels, with one big difference: They're funny. "Fellowship! The Musical" features 12 original songs, from the over-the-top opening number with barefoot dancing Hobbits, to an elf-on-human ‘80s power ballad. In another song, the Balrog (a terrifying creature of shadow and flame) performs a sequin-studded New York cabaret number. For its premiere in 2005, "Fellowship!" won Musical of the Year and Best Comedy Ensemble at the "LA Weekly" Awards. The show was recognized by many papers in and around the LA area with such honors as Critic's Pick, Best Bet and Pick of the Week. [less-]

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, "Annie" became a worldwide phenomenon and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan... [more+]

Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, "Annie" became a worldwide phenomenon and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin features some of the greatest musical theater hits ever written, including the quintessential "Tomorrow." With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie warms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She's determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage that’s run by the cruel and embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the big city. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations ... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. "Annie" is the perfect musical for a fun-filled family outing. See it at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center courtesy of ENCORE. [less-]

Everyone's favorite ogre comes to the stage in this musical adaptation of the beloved animated film "Shrek". The fun family affair tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing ... [more+]

Everyone's favorite ogre comes to the stage in this musical adaptation of the beloved animated film "Shrek". The fun family affair tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, the unlikely hero Shrek fights a fearsome dragon, meets a feisty princess who's anything but a damsel in distress, and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t found only in fairy tales. Featuring music by Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and 3-D Theatricals Executive Producer T.J. Dawson in the title role, "Shrek The Musical" is fun for the whole family at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. [less-]

More than just a tribute show, "Elton: The Early Years" is a pitch-perfect look at the life of a musical legend. Kenny Metcalf stars as Elton in this showcase, which has appeared on the AXS show "The ... [more+]

More than just a tribute show, "Elton: The Early Years" is a pitch-perfect look at the life of a musical legend. Kenny Metcalf stars as Elton in this showcase, which has appeared on the AXS show "The World's Greatest Tribute Bands". This electric concert at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts features a technically accurate Vegas-style production with the wildly popular music, costumes and antics of one of music's most flamboyant personalities. [less-]

Named the best show of its kind across the country, "The Dinner Detective" comes to Anaheim's Four Points by Sheraton to serve up a tasty whodunit along with a delicious four-course dinner. And since ... [more+]

Named the best show of its kind across the country, "The Dinner Detective" comes to Anaheim's Four Points by Sheraton to serve up a tasty whodunit along with a delicious four-course dinner. And since this comedic murder mystery is set in the present day, you'll never know whether someone at your table is one of the talented cast of improvisers. In fact, everyone's a suspect, including you. The event starts out with a reception featuring tray-passed hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by the meal, which includes a salad, 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-]

The Disney Channel's original movie event "High School Musical" was so successful it received its own stage adaptation, and now the Wildcats are coming to Musical Theatre Village in Irvine. The musica... [more+]

The Disney Channel's original movie event "High School Musical" was so successful it received its own stage adaptation, and now the Wildcats are coming to Musical Theatre Village in Irvine. The musical updates the timeless love story "Romeo and Juliet" to a modern day high school romance. Singing and dancing to classics like "You Are the Music in Me" and "Bop to the Top," these lovable youths deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities. Although Troy plays ball and Gabriella sticks to the books, they find common ground -- and romance -- auditioning for the school musical, but will the couple's alliance allow them to "Stick to the Status Quo?" [less-]

One of the most groundbreaking and romantic musicals ever written, "West Side Story" sets Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" in the turbulent and passionate streets of New York’s West Side during th... [more+]

One of the most groundbreaking and romantic musicals ever written, "West Side Story" sets Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" in the turbulent and passionate streets of New York’s West Side during the 1950s. Tony is a dreamer, ready to leave his street gang behind and face the future head-on; Maria is idealistic and looking to explore womanhood and the world beyond her family’s dress shop. When the two meet, their worlds stop -- and cultural divides and societal expectations give way to star-crossed love. Featuring a live orchestra performing one of the most exciting scores ever written for the stage, and a story that tackles topics of prejudice, street violence, and the need for compassion between communities, this outdoor production at Tustin's Peppertree Park will rumble in your heart long after the final note is sung. [less-]

"Rock on Broadway!" is a musical "rock-umentary" featuring smash hit songs from some of the greatest rock musicals ever to hit Broadway. Hear songs from "Rent", "Hair", "Tommy", "Hairspray", "Rocky Ho... [more+]

"Rock on Broadway!" is a musical "rock-umentary" featuring smash hit songs from some of the greatest rock musicals ever to hit Broadway. Hear songs from "Rent", "Hair", "Tommy", "Hairspray", "Rocky Horror", "Godspell", "Xanadu", "Pippin", "Grease", "Footloose", "Saturday Night Fever", "Fame", "Mama Mia!" and many more! See it all under the stars at The Plaza at Ehlers Event Center in Buena Park. [less-]

In an English industrial city, a young girl commits suicide and an inspector calls on an eminently respectable British family, subjecting them to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. The fa... [more+]

In an English industrial city, a young girl commits suicide and an inspector calls on an eminently respectable British family, subjecting them to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. The family is straight-laced and closely knit. But what lurks beneath are brought to the surface when all members of the group are implicated in the girl’s undoing. "An Inspector Calls" is an effective presentation of how humans react and what they will do for self-preservation. [less-]

This Young Performers’ Edition is a one-hour adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," specially tailored for elementary, middle, and high school-aged actors. This classic tale, in which a Kansas farm girl ... [more+]

This Young Performers’ Edition is a one-hour adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," specially tailored for elementary, middle, and high school-aged actors. This classic tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for generations. [less-]

Heather Pallfeather is a damsel in distress whose stepfather just kicked the bucket. Or did somebody kick it for him? With this crazy family it’s hard to tell. To get to the truth she hires a privat... [more+]

Heather Pallfeather is a damsel in distress whose stepfather just kicked the bucket. Or did somebody kick it for him? With this crazy family it’s hard to tell. To get to the truth she hires a private eye named Jack Sparks to act as her fiancé for the reading of the will. Sparks thinks of himself as a pretty shrewd cookie … until the lights go out and he starts to crumble. Throw in the mother who gets lost in her own house, a cousin who’s married to a known convict, interchangeable twins, a stepsister, and a butler with the personality of a tongue depressor and the hilarity begins. Enjoy the antics of "Murder Runs in the Family" at the Westminster Community Playhouse. [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 Pandora Boxx from RuPaul's hit shows "Drag Race" and "All-Star Drag Race". 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-]

A small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Little Rhoda, who is the focus of the story. While on the surface she is sweet, charming, and full of old-fashioned ... [more+]

A small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Little Rhoda, who is the focus of the story. While on the surface she is sweet, charming, and full of old-fashioned graces, her mother couldn't help but have this uneasy feeling about her. Alarm bells go off when one of Rhoda’s schoolmates mysteriously drowns at a picnic. Did Sweet Rhoda have anything to do with this tragedy? It will be up to you to decide. [less-]

A world-famous tenor is due to perform at the Cleveland Grand Opera, but through a hilarious series of mishaps, the star passes out and is apparently unable to go on. The opera company members hastily... [more+]

A world-famous tenor is due to perform at the Cleveland Grand Opera, but through a hilarious series of mishaps, the star passes out and is apparently unable to go on. The opera company members hastily attempt to save the day--with uproarious results. [less-]

One of the world's most beloved musicals, "The Sound of Music" comes to Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. After more than 50 years, the film version continues to be the most successful movie musical ... [more+]

One of the world's most beloved musicals, "The Sound of Music" comes to Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. After more than 50 years, the film version continues to be the most successful movie musical in history, and now you can see the show in a whole new way on stage. Get swept away by the spirited, romantic and the heartwarming story of the free-spirited aspiring nun who brings joy to a family of seven children in the shadow of WWII. The beautiful production features such Rodgers & Hammerstein classics as "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss" and, of course, the enchanting title number. [less-]

Experience the tale as old as time as you step into the enchanted world of the modern Broadway classic Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". Let Lumiere light the way as you embark on this romantic adventu... [more+]

Experience the tale as old as time as you step into the enchanted world of the modern Broadway classic Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". Let Lumiere light the way as you embark on this romantic adventure with Belle and her Beast. You'll sing, you'll swoon, you'll shake a fist at the dastardly Gaston and Le Fou. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of those unforgettable songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman -- from the rousing "Be Our Guest" to the heartwarming title track -- along with new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. Fall in love with this magical musical all over again at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. [less-]

Famous historical characters and a rich score propel "Ragtime" through a spectacular recreation of turn-of-the-20th-century New York. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel, this 13-time Tony-nomi... [more+]

Famous historical characters and a rich score propel "Ragtime" through a spectacular recreation of turn-of-the-20th-century New York. Based on E.L. Doctorow’s acclaimed novel, this 13-time Tony-nominated musical paints a nostalgic and powerful portrait of three people -- a stifled married woman from the upper classes, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young musician from Harlem -- whose fates become unexpectedly intertwined. With music and lyrics by the Tony Award-winning team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the show boasts a Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally and such memorable songs as “Getting Ready Rag,” “Wheels of a Dream,” “Till We Reach That Day” and “Make Them Hear You.” Recommendation: Ages 13 and up. Contains mature themes and strong language. [less-]