January 2024 Performances: Segerstrom Center, Pasadena Playhouse, and Beyond

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet

January 28 – February 25, 2024

In Matthew Bourne’s production of “Romeo and Juliet,” Shakespeare’s timeless tale of forbidden love receives a scintillating infusion of unbridled passion and youthful energy. Within a society that seeks to keep them apart, the two young lovers find themselves constrained, yet they choose to follow their hearts, risking everything to be together. This masterful retelling captures the essence of teenage discovery and the intensity of first love. “Romeo and Juliet,” which made its debut in 2019 to universal critical acclaim, now returns to the New Adventures repertoire, standing alongside the best of Matthew Bourne’s world-renowned dance theater productions.

The production is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, in collaboration with the New Adventures Artistic team, which includes Etta Murfitt as Associate Artistic Director, Lez Brotherston handling Set and Costume design, Paule Constable responsible for Lighting Design, Paul Groothuis in charge of Sound Design, and Arielle Smith serving as Associate Choreographer. The production also features Terry Davies’ fresh and thrilling orchestrations of Prokofiev’s dynamic score.

Ahmanson Theatre

135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
https://www.centertheatregroup.org/visit/ahmanson-theatre/

Delirium Musicum: Strings Unbound

January 21, 2024 at 11 AM

Delirium Musicum functions as a self-conducted chamber orchestra that assembles some of Los Angeles’ most innovative and accomplished musicians. The orchestra’s mission centers on delivering vibrant, impassioned, and captivating musical performances that foster a profound connection between the audience and the musicians. Under the artistic leadership of violinist Etienne Gara, Delirium Musicum distinguishes itself by boldly approaching a diverse and daring repertoire.

“Delirium Musicum: Strings Unbound” is an integral component of the Sunday Morning Music / Santa Monica concert series, which is meticulously curated by the acclaimed cellist Antonio Lysy, a long-term collaborator with The Broad Stage. This fresh and engaging chamber music series serves as a platform for uniting eminent artists with enthusiastic audiences, with the goal of enhancing musical camaraderie. These Sunday morning concerts also offer the opportunity for post-show discussions with the performers, accompanied by complimentary refreshments, further enriching the connections among musicians and attendees.

Antonio Lysy, an award-winning cellist and an enduring collaborator with The Broad Stage, returns to oversee a second season of this beloved chamber music series, adeptly facilitating the convergence of celebrated artists and a diverse Los Angeles and beyond audience. These performances continue to provide post-show dialogues with the artists, complete with light refreshments, fostering deeper connections among music enthusiasts.

Broadstage

1310 11th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

broadstage.org

November 16, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Annual Holiday Ice Rink returns to Pershing Square

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square 

532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Open Daily

Each session is 60 minutes.

November 16 – December 14 

11:30 am – 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday

11:30 am – 11:00 pm Friday & Saturday

December 15 – December 30

11:30 am – 11:00 pm Daily

January 2 – January 7

11:30 am – 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday

11:30 am – 11:00 pm Friday & Saturday

Thanksgiving Day, November 23 

11:30 am – 9:30 pm 

Christmas Eve, December 24

Christmas Day, December 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31

11:30 am – 9:30 pm

New Year’s Day, January 1 

11:30 am – 11:00 pm

General admission including skate rental: $20

Locker Rental: $5

Skate Helper: $6

Gloves: $5

Socks: $5

Private Parties: Available on select Mondays and Tuesdays during the 5:30 pm & 7:00 pm sessions. On or before 12/12/23: Rate for private party is $5000. Sessions are not open to the public if sold to a private party.

Purchase tickets online at www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

Kirk Douglas Theatre

9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

https://www.centertheatregroup.org/visit/kirk-douglas-theatre/

Dog Man: The Musical

November 21, 2023 – January 7, 2024

Adapted from the globally popular series authored by Dav Pilkey, “Dog Man: The Musical” introduces a comical and heartwarming theatrical production that unfolds the escapades of Dog Man. This unique character possesses a canine’s head atop a police officer’s body and has an unwavering passion for both fighting crime and gnawing on furniture. As he strives to be the best-behaved of “good boys,” he faces the daunting challenge of rescuing the city from Flippy, a cyborg fish, and his formidable army of Beasty Buildings.

Furthermore, Dog Man must contend with the cunning Petey, widely recognized as the world’s most malevolent cat. Petey, having cloned himself, is determined to take vengeance on the valiant doggy do-gooder. Throughout this enthralling musical journey, audiences will witness the unfolding of an epic adventure, infused with the trademark humor and warmth characteristic of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. Dav Pilkey, celebrated as the creative genius behind “Captain Underpants” and “Cat Kid Comic Club,” presents a tale that explores whether George and Harold can complete their show before the lunchtime bell rings.

Pasadena Playhouse

39 S. El Molino Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101

https://www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/

KATE

January 17 – February 11, 2024

In her highly acclaimed solo performance, the esteemed comedian Kate Berlant delves into the life experiences that have led her to this pivotal moment. With remarkable versatility, she inhabits a multitude of characters in this remarkable display of talent, skillfully transforming right before the audience’s eyes and unveiling a hidden truth she had previously concealed. This one-woman show, originally under the direction of Bo Burnham, presents a captivating journey into Berlant’s life and her artistry.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

300 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626

scfta.org

Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John

January 11-13, 2024

Broadway luminaries Jessica Hendy and David Burnham are joining forces to pay tribute to the cherished singer and actress Olivia Newton-John.

Over a six-decade career as an entertainer, Olivia Newton-John made an indelible mark on the hearts of people worldwide. Her journey commenced with music, where she garnered four Grammy Awards and achieved fifteen Top 10 songs, including five chart-toppers. Her monumental popularity extended to the silver screen, solidifying her legendary status with iconic roles such as Sandy in “Grease” and Kira in “Xanadu.”

Jessica Hendy, a vocal powerhouse who recently concluded her role in the Broadway revival of “CATS,” holds the unique distinction of participating in the original Broadway production of “CATS,” the National tour, and the Broadway revival. Her notable achievements include a debut at Radio City Music Hall in “The New York Spring Spectacular,” where she shared the stage with the world-famous ROCKETTES.

David Burnham, last seen on Broadway in the hit musical “Wicked,” originated the role of Fiyero during the show’s developmental workshops. Audiences in Orange County may also fondly recall his leading performance in “The Light in the Piazza” at South Coast Repertory, a role he reprised on Broadway.

In this special presentation, Jessica and David will serenade the audience with their favorite selections from Olivia Newton-John’s remarkable repertoire, creating an emotionally charged celebration of her life and enduring legacy.

Cecile McLorin Salvant

January 20, 2024

To categorize Cécile McLorin Salvant merely as a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist is to do an injustice to this musical narrative weaver. Beyond her multiple Grammy wins, Salvant is a composer, a visual artist, and a MacArthur Fellow whose artistic journey has moved at an astonishing pace. Since her initial victory in the Thelonious Monk competition in 2010, Salvant has unveiled five acclaimed albums, each one bolder than the last.

She has forged her unique sonic identity by melding her classically trained voice with elements of vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz, baroque music, and folk traditions from diverse corners of the world. Salvant’s approach injects historical context, a revitalized sense of theatricality, and an enlightened musical sensibility into jazz standards and her original compositions alike, expanding the horizons of live performance.

This winter, Salvant graces the Samueli Theater stage with “Ghost Song,” her inaugural album for Nonesuch Records, which garnered critical acclaim upon its release in March 2022. “Ghost Song” encompasses a diverse repertoire of seven original compositions and five interpretations, exploring themes of ghosts, nostalgia, and yearning. The New York Times hails it as “her most revealing and rewarding record yet.”

Alonzo King LINES Ballet

January 20, 2024

Over the past two seasons, the Center’s audiences have succumbed to the enchanting allure of a contemporary dance troupe hailing from San Francisco. They’ve witnessed the captivating performances of the remarkable and graceful dancers who seem to glide seamlessly across the stage, weaving together movements that are opulent, transcendent, and thoroughly engrossing—achieving a distinct artistry unique to LINES.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet, established in 1982, is recognized as a celebrated contemporary ballet company that adheres to a globally inspired artistic vision. Collaborating with renowned composers, musicians, and visual artists, Alonzo King crafts performances that draw from a rich mosaic of cultural traditions, infusing classical ballet with fresh avenues for artistic expression. Alonzo King’s visionary choreography is renowned for its ability to establish a deep connection with audiences, inviting them into a realm of shared humanity—encompassing moments of vulnerability and tenderness while also embracing episodes of unbridled enthusiasm and liberating freedom.

Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience

January 21, 2024

Bringing the songs and narratives of the “Man in Black” to the stage in an unprecedented manner, this performance offers audiences a wholly unique experience. Johnny’s presence will be vividly brought to life through video footage from episodes of “The Johnny Cash TV Show,” seamlessly projected on a screen above the stage. A live band and vocalists will join him, ensuring a flawless synchronization between visuals and live performance.

This concert event promises to be a showcase of iconic performances from the TV show, effectively capturing the essence of this legendary figure by revisiting his memorable words and anecdotes. Johnny Cash is set to perform some of his most renowned hits, including classics like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” and “I Walk the Line.” In addition, the performance will delve into the stories of individuals he encountered along his journey, individuals for whom he fervently championed the causes, celebrating the working class from all walks of life. Furthermore, both male and female vocalists on stage will share the spotlight, each offering their unique interpretations of Johnny Cash’s timeless hits. This concert event guarantees an uninterrupted flow of music and an unforgettable experience.

California Dreamin’: Jessica Vosk Sings the Songwriters of Laurel Canyon

January 26, 2024

The celebrated Broadway vocalist Jessica Vosk, known for her remarkable roles in acclaimed productions such as “Wicked” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” graces the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall’s stage once more, following her previous sold-out performances in the Samueli Theater.

Her latest production, titled “California Dreamin’,” serves as a tribute to the influential California songwriters of the 1960s and ’70s, whose captivating harmonies and innovative songwriting formed the backdrop of her earliest musical memories. Vosk pays homage to legendary songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, David Crosby, Linda Ronstadt, John Phillips, The Mamas & the Papas, and the Eagles’ Don Henley and Glenn Frey, among others who contributed to the iconic West Coast pop sound that defined an era. This performance, meticulously crafted in collaboration with the esteemed music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and the acclaimed director James Darrah, with whom Vosk previously collaborated on the remarkable “The Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood,” invites the audience to venture into the intimate Laurel Canyon community in California. This locale served as the incubator for numerous chart-toppers and a hub for pioneering songwriting.

Audiences are in for a treat as they experience Vosk’s resplendent vocals interpreting songs that bridge the gap between the past and the present, delivered by one of today’s most exceptionally gifted and captivating artists.

Takacs Quartet with Marc-André Hamelin

January 27, 2024

The treasured Takács Quartet, a constant presence at the Samueli Theater, which serves as their artistic haven, is preparing for a resplendent performance, joined by the esteemed pianist Marc-André Hamelin.

As the audience is well acquainted, this globally celebrated quartet is renowned for the vitality and depth of their musical interpretations. They’ve achieved a remarkable distinction as the very first string quartet to be inducted into the prestigious Gramophone Hall of Fame. Now, in their remarkable 48th year as a performing ensemble, they have secured their fourth Gramophone Classical Music Award for Chamber Music in 2021.

Marc-André Hamelin, a familiar and esteemed figure among our music-loving audience, is recognized worldwide for his exceptional amalgamation of consummate artistry and dazzling technical virtuosity, particularly in the classical repertoire.

With these two distinguished artists gracing the stage of our intimate Samueli Theater, this event promises to be an indelible concert experience that will leave a profound mark on all in attendance.

Verdi Chorus
First Presbyterian Church
1220 2nd Street, Santa Monica

https://www.verdichorus.org/

Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana

January 20, 2024 at 7:30pm 

In a significant moment for the Verdi Chorus, they are set to present Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” in its entirety, providing the audience with an immersive experience into the electrifying world of verismo opera. Verismo opera stands out for its focus on the everyday struggles and emotions of regular men and women, rather than on mythological figures, monarchs, or royalty. It delves deep into the emotionally charged and sometimes tumultuous situations that life can bring. Notably, Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” holds the distinction of being the pioneering verismo opera, laying the foundation for this captivating genre.