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 Grand Tour", recreates the experience of a time when there were virtually no public museums and people would go on artistic pilgrimages, traveling around Europe to see great works of art. Highlighting masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Tiepolo, Longhi, Watteau, Reynolds and Romney, as well as American artists like John Singer Sargent, "The Grand Tour" will take you on a whirlwind journey from Pompeii to a celebration of Carnival in Venice to the European tour of Buffalo Bill's "Wild West Show" to Paris in the Jazz Age. [less-]

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the drag queens... [more+]

When it comes to high-energy stage shows featuring performers in drag, queens have long dominated the genre. But regime change is in the air. In this show at Santa Ana's Velvet Lounge, the drag queens have abdicated their throne and now the drag kings reign supreme. "'Staches, Not Lashes" features a stellar cast of swaggering, masculine dudes who you'd never guess are actually women. In this performance, the kings celebrate the most magical kingdom of all with a tribute to Disney. [less-]

"Disney's The Little Mermaid" is truly a love story for the ages. Take an enchanting trip under the sea with everyone's favorite mermaid princess and her crabby sidekick, Sebastian, as they battle evi... [more+]

"Disney's The Little Mermaid" is truly a love story for the ages. Take an enchanting trip under the sea with everyone's favorite mermaid princess and her crabby sidekick, Sebastian, as they battle evil sea witch Ursula and win the heart of human prince Eric. This ENCORE production features a live orchestra playing music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. A South Bay premiere, "Disney's The Little Mermaid" will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World," at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. [less-]

Inspired by the beloved classic "Don Quixote", the moving "Man of La Mancha" is one of the best musicals ever to grace a Broadway stage. In this play within a play, Don Quixote is a mad knight, a dyin... [more+]

Inspired by the beloved classic "Don Quixote", the moving "Man of La Mancha" is one of the best musicals ever to grace a Broadway stage. In this play within a play, Don Quixote is a mad knight, a dying old man living in a world of his own imagination as he awaits his hearing in the Spanish Inquisition. Prepare to be captivated by the show's Tony Award-winning score and book, a treasure trove of some of musical theater's greatest songs, including "Impossible Dream," "Dulcinea," "It's All the Same" and the ever rousing "Man of La Mancha" with its thrilling, triumphant refrain. Catch this blockbuster musical from La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. [less-]

The "Evil Dead" series of cult movies returns to life as a comedic (and gory) stage production at Maverick Theater in Fullerton, combining all the campy fun of the movies with the added bonus of being... [more+]

The "Evil Dead" series of cult movies returns to life as a comedic (and gory) stage production at Maverick Theater in Fullerton, combining all the campy fun of the movies with the added bonus of being set to music. Five college students who travel to an abandoned cabin in the woods accidentally unleash evil forces, setting the stage for monster-battling hero Ash and his chainsaw to save the day. Characters and demons sing and dance, and Ash dishes out violence and one-liners to a never-ending horde of demons. [less-]

The inimitable Sandra Bernhard returns to Long Beach with her all new show, "Sandra Monica Blvd: Coast to Coast". This fiery one-woman show takes you on a journey to find the soul of America, using an... [more+]

The inimitable Sandra Bernhard returns to Long Beach with her all new show, "Sandra Monica Blvd: Coast to Coast". This fiery one-woman show takes you on a journey to find the soul of America, using anecdotes she's picked up via the nation's backroads and byways. The evening at Carpenter Performing Arts Center also features a live performance by her band, the Sandyland Squad. Let Bernhard's knowing, whip-smart navigation transport you to all those forgotten places on the gas station road map. [less-]

The road trip so nice, you wanted to take it twice! Back by popular demand, "The Beat Goes On" is a rock 'n' roll musical revue that travels through decades of pop, with pit stops at malt shops, surf ... [more+]

The road trip so nice, you wanted to take it twice! Back by popular demand, "The Beat Goes On" is a rock 'n' roll musical revue that travels through decades of pop, with pit stops at malt shops, surf spots, disco lounges and the studios of MTV. From Vanda Eggington, creator of long-running musicals like "Boomers", "American Rhythm" and "Love Makes the World Go 'Round", "The Beat Goes On" is an energetic, family-friendly revue of the hits that defined the latter half of the 20th century. Fun and accessible, the revue will turn back the clock and turn up the volume on some of the best rock to ever appear on LPs, eight-tracks, cassette tapes and CDs. Eggington directs at the Lyceum Theatre on the campus of Costa Mesa's Vanguard University. [less-]

Sized up with Mary's own magical measuring tape, the Broadway adaptation of "Mary Poppins" would definitely be "Practically Perfect in Every Way." Based on P.L. Travers' stories and the classic Disney... [more+]

Sized up with Mary's own magical measuring tape, the Broadway adaptation of "Mary Poppins" would definitely be "Practically Perfect in Every Way." Based on P.L. Travers' stories and the classic Disney film, this high-flying musical now lands at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach. You and your family will be swept away by such favorite tunes as "Spoonful of Sugar," "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "Jolly Holiday" and, of course, "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," as young Jane and Michael learn valuable life lessons from their unconventional nanny and the lovable jack-of-all-trades Bert. Be sure not to miss the magic of "Mary Poppins", who teaches us that "anything can happen if you let it." [less-]

Winner of nine Tony Awards in its original run and successfully revived five times on Broadway, "Fiddler on the Roof" follows the struggles of Tevye, a poor dairyman in an early-1900s Russian village,... [more+]

Winner of nine Tony Awards in its original run and successfully revived five times on Broadway, "Fiddler on the Roof" follows the struggles of Tevye, a poor dairyman in an early-1900s Russian village, who's doing his best to honor and maintain the Jewish customs of his ancestors. Times are changing, though, and his five daughters are eager to follow the new ways. But when dangerous forces threaten the village's traditional way of life, Tevye's faith and love for his family give him strength to fight for his home and his people. This heartwarming favorite is filled with life, laughter and memorable songs, including "If I Were a Rich Man," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "Sunrise, Sunset" and "To Life." Catch this true American classic in Irvine at Musical Theatre Village. [less-]

Featuring actors ranging from age 5 to adult, ENCORE's latest production of "Annie" comes to the Warner Grand Theatre stage in San Pedro showing no sign of outgrowing its iconic red dress and curls. T... [more+]

Featuring actors ranging from age 5 to adult, ENCORE's latest production of "Annie" comes to the Warner Grand Theatre stage in San Pedro showing no sign of outgrowing its iconic red dress and curls. The beloved story of a plucky young Depression-era 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, the crotchety Miss Hannigan -- and of course, her dog Sandy. Now celebrating the 40th anniversary of its Broadway debut, the musical sensation that started out life as a comic strip and then grew into a huge hit on stage and on the big screen includes unforgettable songs like "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You" and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow." [less-]

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway musical provides a colorful twist on the Old Testament tale of Joseph, whose father gives him a gorgeous multi-hued cloak as a gift. Green with envy over the garment, Jo... [more+]

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway musical provides a colorful twist on the Old Testament tale of Joseph, whose father gives him a gorgeous multi-hued cloak as a gift. Green with envy over the garment, Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery, and he ends up in Egypt, where he manages to rescue the country from famine, with a little help from an Elvis-esque pharoah. A multiple Tony nominee when it first appeared on stage, this always-popular show boasts a mix of musical styles, ranging from country and pop to rock and even calypso. Attic Community Theater brings the latest production of "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" to Santa Ana. [less-]

Emmy Award-winner Rod Sterling's iconic supernatural series "The Twilight Zone" gets revamped for the stage in Fullerton. Ranked by "TV Guide" as the fifth greatest show of all time, along with third ... [more+]

Emmy Award-winner Rod Sterling's iconic supernatural series "The Twilight Zone" gets revamped for the stage in Fullerton. Ranked by "TV Guide" as the fifth greatest show of all time, along with third best television series ever written by the Writer's Guild of America, "The Twilight Zone" needs no introduction. The show's influence is constantly referenced in countless shows, movies, theater and pop culture that we see today. This summer, relive the horror and suspicion when the STAGEStheatre produces three particularly enticing episodes of the series live for the audience. Be prepared to enter the fifth dimension of imagination. [less-]

The hit musical "Hairspray" is boppin' onto the stage at the Laguna Playhouse, and it's piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and infectious tunes. Set in 1960s Baltimore, "Hairspray" tells the s... [more+]

The hit musical "Hairspray" is boppin' onto the stage at the Laguna Playhouse, and it's piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and infectious tunes. Set in 1960s Baltimore, "Hairspray" tells the story of lovable plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad, a misfit who becomes a local celebrity by dancing on TV's "Corny Collins Show". It's a dream come true for her, until she discovers racial discrimination in the show's casting. Tracy's love of dancing and passion for social justice transform her into an unlikely heroine, triumphing over snotty teen queens and racial prejudice without mussing a hair on her stylish 'do. [less-]

"Shopkins Live!" lights up the stage in this premiere live production packed with show stopping performances featuring the Shoppies. Join Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette and... [more+]

"Shopkins Live!" lights up the stage in this premiere live production packed with show stopping performances featuring the Shoppies. Join Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette and Polli Polish as they perform the coolest dance moves, sing the latest pop songs, and show off the trendiest fashions. All of Shopville is in a tizzy as preparations get underway for the annual "Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair." Shady Diva showcases her latest fashion designs; Lippy Lips gives colorful advice at the nail salon; Kooky Cookie tries to get in a beauty nap! But wait! No event is complete without a few hiccups! Who has high-jinxed the fashion pageant? Where is the super-secret celebrity guest? Will Slick Breadstick ever find a dance partner? The Shopkins and Shoppies need your help -- the show must go on! Featuring innovative set design, creative costuming and state of the art projections, this is one theatrical event at City National Grove of Anaheim you don't want to miss! [less-]

"Fun Home" -- winner of five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical -- has been praised as "the best of what Broadway can do" ("Associated Press") and "something of a miracle" ("New York Magazine").... [more+]

"Fun Home" -- winner of five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical -- has been praised as "the best of what Broadway can do" ("Associated Press") and "something of a miracle" ("New York Magazine"). Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, "Fun Home" tells the story of Alison at three different ages, alongside her uniquely dysfunctional family -- her mother, brothers and brilliant, volatile father. Intimate, emotional and refreshingly honest, "Fun Home" captures the experience of seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. When "Fun Home" played on Broadway, "Newsday" called it "a blazingly original heartbreaker and a nonstop treasure of invention." Now it's coming to Segerstrom Hall in Orange County. [less-]

"A Night with Janis Joplin" is a blues-rock theatrical event that captures the legendary singer's life and legacy with all of the live intensity of an actual Joplin concert. Powered by showstopping hi... [more+]

"A Night with Janis Joplin" is a blues-rock theatrical event that captures the legendary singer's life and legacy with all of the live intensity of an actual Joplin concert. Powered by showstopping hits like "Cry Baby," "Piece of My Heart," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Summertime" and "Mercedes Benz," as well as a song Joplin never formally recorded, the show brings Joplin's story to the stage while also saluting some of her famous musical influences, including Bessie Smith, Etta James, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. Catch this soulful, no-holds-barred tribute to one of rock music's greatest performers at the Laguna Playhouse. [less-]

Few battles in U.S. history are as infamous as Gettysburg. Widely considered the turning point in the Civil War, the bloody conflict was brought to vivid life in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winnin... [more+]

Few battles in U.S. history are as infamous as Gettysburg. Widely considered the turning point in the Civil War, the bloody conflict was brought to vivid life in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Killer Angels", which drew on the diaries and letters of those who were there. Now, Brian Newell, founder of Fullerton's Maverick Theater, brings Shaara's novel to the stage in an intimate production that focuses on several characters who find themselves caught up in the middle of our nation's greatest crisis. [less-]

A fresh, sophisticated spin on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, "Into the Woods" interweaves several classic fairy tales into one epic story that shows what happens when things get real in the fair... [more+]

A fresh, sophisticated spin on several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, "Into the Woods" interweaves several classic fairy tales into one epic story that shows what happens when things get real in the fairy-tale world. Unable to bear children, a baker and his wife are lured into completing a number of tasks by a witch who promises to grant them their wish if they're successful. During their journey, they encounter Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk. All the storybook characters discover that wishes often come with a steep price. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the original Broadway run won critical praise and numerous awards and the cast recording took home a Grammy. This production from Mysterium Theater plays at the La Habra Depot Playhouse. [less-]

Those kitschy "creature features" from the '50s, '60s and '70s have re-emerged and are ready to breathe new life. "Attack of the Unscripted B Movie" is 16 full-length plays completely improvised in th... [more+]

Those kitschy "creature features" from the '50s, '60s and '70s have re-emerged and are ready to breathe new life. "Attack of the Unscripted B Movie" is 16 full-length plays completely improvised in the style of low budget sci-fi movies. Watch as the Modjeska Unscripted cast creates monsters and aliens that attack amorous teenagers, frighten housewives and wreak havoc on small towns. Full of outlandish characters, campy dialogue and ridiculous plot lines, these plays pay homage to the Saturday afternoon matinees you loved to hate. Based on your suggestions, each show is totally unscripted and created on the spot. The sci-fi fun slithers, lurches and creeps into Lake Forest's Modjeska 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-]