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Best Live Theater
1. Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts opened in 1986 (as Orange County Performing Arts Center) and has since become the crown jewel of local arts and entertainment venues with several exquisite performance spaces.
“We bring the best of the best to Orange County,” says Lisa Middleton, the center’s vice president of marketing and communications. “From international dance companies to touring hit Broadway productions to stars of the classical music world, you can find a performance that fits your style, your budget, and your availability.
“Our outdoor Julianne & George Argyros Plaza continues to offer free or low-cost programming to our community, including many family-friendly offerings,” she adds. “Whether it’s a movie night under the stars, a dance class or a cultural celebration, there is always something happening.”
With COVID-19
LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Dancers rehearse for the American Ballet Theatre’s production of “Uniting in Movement” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa earlier this year.
restrictions lifted, SCFTA fully reopened this month with live inperson performances. The Broadway Series kicks off with “Jesus Christ Superstar” in November, then continues into 2022 with “My Fair Lady” in January, “Tootsie” in May-June, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” in July and “Hadestown” in August.
The Cabaret Series will include Megan Hilty in October, Jane Lynch in January and Tony Yazbek in March. The Jazz Series includes Dianne Reeves in October and Wynton Marsalis in January, with chamber music, dance and more on tap. — George A. Paul
2. Laguna Playhouse
606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; 949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com
Laguna Playhouse launched in 1920, making it one of the oldest continuously operating nonprofit theaters on the West Coast.
“We take great pride in offering our subscribers and audiences a wide range of entertainment options, ranging from thought-provoking dramas, spectacular musicals, comedies and wholesome family entertainment — literally something for everyone, Artistic Director Ann E. Wareham says.
The theatrical offerings resonate among patrons because of “our commitment to production values and our overall entertainment experience keeps our audiences coming back, year after year,” she adds.
Besides screen and stage actors on the main stage, a wide variety of performances are also held on the Moulton Stage. An abbreviated 2019-20 season included “Mamma Mia!,” “The Lion in Winter,” holiday shows and special engagements with tribute bands.
3. South Coast Repertory
Founded in 1964, South Coast Repertory is Orange County’s only Tony Award-winning theater. “We’re known for our extensive development and production of new plays, which begins with a robust play commissioning program,” says Managing Director Paula Tomei. She describes SCR as its own cottage industry with “artisans who build the sets, costumes, props and other elements for each production in shops done onsite.”
After launching new digital platform SCR commUNITY and a virtual season in the springsummer, South Coast Repertory transitioned into its new Outside SCR series with “American Mariachi” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” held at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Tomei says SCR will return soon with live plays on its stages, including the 41st annual production of “A Christmas Carol” in December, with founding member actor Richard Doyle as Ebenezer Scrooge.
