News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Costa Mesa Theatre Newsroom

The latest news on live theatre in Costa Mesa from Broadway shows on tour to regional theatre.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY Comes to Soka Performing Arts Center
by Stephi Wild - February 25, 2025


Passion, romance and tragedy come to Soka Performing Arts Center on March 1 with the staging of Giacomo Puccini’s most famous opera, Madama Butterfly.

THE INCREDIBLE BOOK EATING BOY Begins This Month at South Coast Repertory
by A.A. Cristi - February 20, 2025


South Coast Repertory celebrates the joy of reading with a hilarious musical almost good enough to eat in The Incredible Book Eating Boy. The Incredible Book Eating Boy runs Feb. 28-March 16 on the Julianne Argyros Stage.

FOOTLOOSE Will Be Performed as Part of Vanguard University's Department Of Theatre Arts
by Stephi Wild - February 20, 2025


New York-based distribution company Cinema Guild has announced the North American theatrical release of You Burn Me (Tú me abrasas), the latest work from Matías Piñeiro.Vanguard University’s Theatre Arts Department will present Footloose written by Dean Pitchford, adapted by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, and music by Tom Snow.

MUJERES ON THE VERGE (WOMEN ON THE VERGE) to Kick Off CASA 0101 Theater's 25th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 20, 2025


The 25th Anniversary Season of CASA 0101 Theater will kick off with the World Premiere of MUJERES ON THE VERGE (WOMEN ON THE VERGE), Four One-Act Plays in celebration of Women's “HER”story Month. Learn more.

Pacific Symphony And Music Director Carl St. Clair To Perform CARMINA BURANA AND BACH
by A.A. Cristi - February 18, 2025


'O Fortuna!', one of the most popular and exhilarating choral movements in the Western canon becomes the finale to Pacific Symphony's upcoming concert exploring the power, complexity, and beauty of music and the human voice.

Abigail Barlow, Frankie Rodriguez & More to Lead RENT in Concert at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 12, 2025


Measure your life in love with the iconic music of RENT in Concert.  Segerstrom Center for the Arts will present this new symphonic experience of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical in March. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL to be Presented by Edison High School
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 12, 2025


Edison High School Theater will present its upcoming production of 'Footloose the Musical,' a high-energy and heartwarming story about the power of music and dance. Learn more!

Hershey Felder Will Bring RACHMANINOFF AND THE TSAR to South Coast Repertory
by Stephi Wild - February 05, 2025


South Coast Repertory and HFP LIVE will present pianist/actor/playwright/producer Hershey Felder, for a strictly limited engagement of Rachmaninoff and the Tsar.

Israel Philharmonic to Embark on Five-City US Tour in Florida and California
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 22, 2025


The Israel Philharmonic will return to the United States for a five-city tour, March 19–26, 2025, conducted by Music Director Lahav Shani. See the tour dates and learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Segerstrom Center For the Arts Celebrates 10 Years of Disney Musicals in Schools
by Stephi Wild - January 22, 2025


Segerstrom Center For the Arts has released a documentary on the 10 year anniversary of its Disney Musicals in Schools program. Check out the video here!

Interview: Sarah Lynn Marion of KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Segerstrom Center For The Arts
by Melissa Heckscher - January 21, 2025


Orange County native Sarah Lynn Marion talks with BroadwayWorld about her Broadway debut—and what it’s like to be an understudy for two roles in the show. 

Review: South Coast Repertory Presents WISH YOU WERE HERE
by Michael Quintos - January 20, 2025


Directed by Mina Morita, the play—an emotionally-absorbing drama with sprinkled bits of comedy—is, at its core, a poignant exploration of deep friendships, colored by a devotion to cultural and religious identity and the fears of displacement and upheaval set against the backdrop of Iran's political turmoil in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Featuring an outstanding ensemble of five very gifted actors that give their respective roles distinct personalities and quirks, the play transcends some of its staging obstacles to ultimately become one of the most emotionally resonant and relatable plays of SCR's 61st season.

WISH YOU WERE HERE Adds Performance at South Coast Repertory
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 18, 2025


South Coast Repertory is bringing Pulitzer Prize-winning, Orange County native Sanaz Toossi home with the West Coast premiere of her comedy Wish You Were Here. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Spotlight: JASON ROBERT BROWN WITH ANIKA NONI ROSE at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
by BWW Special Offer - January 10, 2025


After making his Center debut last season and delighting audiences with his humor, anecdotes, and beloved music, Jason Robert Brown takes the stage once more for a wonderful cabaret performance, this time, featuring Anika Noni Rose! 

Pageant Of The Masters To Debut New FAMILY FUN FEST Event
by A.A. Cristi - January 06, 2025


For the first time in its history, the Pageant of the Masters is introducing Family Fun Fest, an exciting new addition to the final day of its annual Open Casting Call.

Pacific Symphony's Globally Recognized Concertmaster Dennis Kim Takes Center Stage To Lead Vivaldi's Four Seasons
by A.A. Cristi - January 03, 2025


Pacific Symphony rings in the New Year with 'Four Seasons and Strauss,' featuring two inspiring masterpieces that are sure to uplift and calm the spirit.

Laguna Art Museum Announces 43rd Annual California Cool Art Auction
by A.A. Cristi - December 19, 2024


Laguna Art Museum has unveiled details of its highly anticipated 43rd Annual California Cool Art Auction benefiting Laguna Art Museum.

WISH YOU WERE HERE Makes West Coast Premiere At South Coast Repertory
by A.A. Cristi - December 19, 2024


South Coast Repertory will bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Orange County native Sanaz Toossi home with the West Coast premiere of her comedy Wish You Were Here.

PBS SoCal To Premiere New Documentary UNDER THE BATON: PACIFIC SYMPHONY'S CARL ST.CLAIR
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 17, 2024


The new locally produced PBS SoCal documentary offers a glimpse into the rise of Pacific Symphony from its founding in 1978 to becoming the youngest Tier One Orchestra in the nation under Maestro Carl St.Clair. Learn how to watch.

American Coast Theater Company Presents 2024 CHRISTMAS CABARET
by A.A. Cristi - December 13, 2024


American Coast Theater Company has announced its 2024 Christmas Cabaret, a festive celebration of holiday cheer and musical magic!

Cirque Du Soleil's ECHO Is Coming To Laguna Hills
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 09, 2024


Cirque du Soleil will return to Laguna Hills, California, with its latest show, ECHO, a visually groundbreaking story of connection, intention, and the symbiotic unions between humans and the animal kingdom. Learn more!

Video: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at South Coast Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - December 06, 2024


A Christmas Carol is now playing at South Coast Repertory Theatre. Performances run through December 24, 2024. Watch an all new video trailer and learn more about the show here!

The Laguna Art Museum Receives $25,000 Donation from The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Foundation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 05, 2024


The Laguna Art Museum has received a $25,000 donation from The William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Foundation  in support of the museum's Every Single One campaign.

Voctave & Canadian Brass Return To Orange County This Holiday Season
by A.A. Cristi - December 04, 2024


The Philharmonic Society of Orange County rings in the holiday season with Voctave & Canadian Brass.

Founding Artistic Director of South Coast Repertory Martin Benson Dies at 87
by Stephi Wild - December 04, 2024


 South Coast Repertory has announced the passing of Founding Artistic Director Martin Benson on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the age of 87. Read the full obituary here.


Videos


Pacific Symphony Café Ludwig: Echoes of Times in Costa Mesa Pacific Symphony Café Ludwig: Echoes of Times
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (5/4 - 5/4)
Pacific Symphony Presents Nowruz: Iranian New Year in Costa Mesa Pacific Symphony Presents Nowruz: Iranian New Year
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (3/29 - 3/29)
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar in Costa Mesa Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
South Coast Repertory (2/19 - 3/2)
Pacific Symphony Sunday Matinee: Rediscover Verdi's Requiem in Costa Mesa Pacific Symphony Sunday Matinee: Rediscover Verdi's Requiem
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (6/8 - 6/8)
Pacific Symphony Presents Beethoven's Emperor
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (5/1 - 5/3)
TETZLAFF QUARTET in Costa Mesa TETZLAFF QUARTET
Irvine Barclay Theatre (3/22 - 3/22)
Mamma Mia! in Costa Mesa Mamma Mia!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (5/13 - 5/18)
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