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Fred Hersch and ETHEL At SCFTA
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ – LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS
A ROOF-RAISING MUSICAL TO START THE NEW YEAR!
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
Music by Thomas “Fats” Waller
Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Musical Direction by Abdul Hamid Royal
Choreography by Roxane Carrasco
Directed by Yvette Freeman Hartley
THE JOINT STARTS JUMPIN’ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
AT THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE!
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE presents the first show of the new year with the roof-raising musical revue, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, music by Thomas “Fats” Waller, conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz, musical direction by Abdul Hamid Royal, choreography by Roxane Carrasco and directed by Yvette Freeman Hartley. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will begin previews on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 (with a press opening on Sunday, January 28 at 5:30pm) and run through Sunday, February 11, 2024 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.
It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new tunes that are a wild mix of raucous, rowdy, and mournful. Featuring the intoxicating music of Thomas “Fats” Waller – the big-hearted, bigger-than-life impresario and international jazz pianist who helped create and define American swing, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is a roof-raising musical tribute to the era and winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards, featuring a song list that includes “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and dozens more.
The cast of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will feature Dedrick Bonner (Ragtime at Pasadena Playhouse; Something Rotten at Musical Theatre West), Summer Nicole Greer (44 at the Bourbon Room; Parade at the Chance Theatre), Jenelle Lynn Randall (All Shook Up on Broadway; Carrie the Musical at La Mirada Theatre), James Tolbert (Clue at La Mirada Theatre; Anything Goes at Goodspeed Opera House), and Amber Diane Wright (Aida at Candlelight Pavillion; Dreamgirls at Moonlight Amphitheatre). The understudies for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ are T.J. Wilkins, Jodi Marks and Samantha M. Lawrence.
The Design Team for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is as follows: Scenic design by Edward E. Haynes, Jr.; lighting design by Jared A. Sayeg; sound design by Ian Scot; costume, hair and wig design by Wendell Carmichael; props design by Kevin Williams. Casting is by Michael Donovan Casting, Michael Donovan, CSA and Richie Ferris, CSA. The Production Stage Manager is Natalie Figaredo.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will preview on Wednesday, January 24 at 7:30pm; Thursday, January 25 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm; Friday, January 26 at 7:30pm; Saturday, January 27 at 7:30pm (with a press opening on Sunday, January 28 at 5:30pm) and run through Sunday, February 11, 2024 at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.
Performances will be Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sundays at 1:00pm & 5:30pm. There will be added performances on Thursday, February 1 at 2:00pm and Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30pm. There will be no performance on Sunday, February 11 at 5:30pm.
Tickets range from $55 – $94 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229. Prices subject to change.
The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain. Open until showtime on all performance days.
For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com. LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director/Bill Kerlin, Managing Director) is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.
Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.
Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Peter Strauss, Jobeth Williams, Joely Fisher, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.
Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.
Save the date for exhilarating music, entertainment events in one-of-a-kind spot
Experience the Oso Creek Trail in a whole new way through “Subterranean Soundscapes,” a free event series kicking off in 2024 featuring live music and entertainment in the acoustically rich Jeronimo Tunnel.
This space was recently enhanced with a vibrant mural that sets the scene for excitement, and each event will boast different lighting effects to spotlight the colorful surroundings, covering visitors in an audio and visual experience like no other site in the City.
On Friday, January 26, dance the night away with a silent disco party wearing wireless headphones that let you choose your groove. With three unique music channels, there’s something for everyone. The silent disco takes place from 6 to 9 pm and headphones are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Then on Wednesday, February 21, enjoy the melodic harmonies of West Beat Sings acapella vocalists from 7 to 8 pm. This vibrant group of singers performs top 40 hits from the 20th century and today. After that, get ready for reggae night with Upstream Band on Wednesday, March 13 from 7 to 8 pm. Steel drums and tropical beats will take you on a sun-soaked journey.
Stay tuned for more details including parking information and keep an eye out for future “Subterranean Soundscapes” events that will captivate your senses!
The Jeronimo Tunnel is located near the intersection of Jeronimo and Arbolitos in Mission Viejo. All ages are invited to these exciting free events. For more information, contact arts@cityofmissionviejo.org.
New Samsung Galaxy S24 Series Now Available to Cox Mobile Customers
The newly released Galaxy S24 Series is officially available to Cox Mobile customers for preorder online and in Cox retail stores nationwide, with general availability beginning on Wednesday, January 31.
Samsung unveiled the newest generation of the Galaxy S24 Series and showcased how the company is transforming its smartphones to be smarter and more intuitive than ever before with Galaxy AI 1. With the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Series, Cox Mobile customers will experience Galaxy AI features like:
- Live Translate2– Real-time, seamless translation via voice or text.
- Circle to Search3with Google – No need to articulate what you’re looking for. Get the info you want instantly just by circling the object on your phone screen to see helpful, high-quality search results.
- Generative Edit4 – When a person or object needs to be slightly moved to be in the perfect position, AI lets you adjust the position of the subject and generates a perfectly blended background in its original spot.
Cox Mobile is exclusively available to Cox Internet customers in all Cox markets nationwide. With unlimited talk and text and no term agreements, customers have access to two simple data plans designed with their needs and budget in mind – Pay As You Gig and Gig Unlimited. Discounted plans are available for customers with multiple unlimited mobile lines or when bundled with their Cox Internet service. Customers also have access to a network with unbeatable 5G reliability, as well as the ability to stay connected with Cox Internet at home and with more than 4 million of Cox’s on-the-go wifi hotspots.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, S24+, and S24 is officially available for preorder, with general availability beginning Wednesday, January 31. For a limited time, Cox Mobile customers can receive up to $500 off their new Samsung S24 device. Customers who purchase during the pre-order period will also receive a free storage upgrade on us that doubles their device’s storage capabilities.
Customers interested in learning more about Cox Mobile or the newest Samsung devices can visit their nearest Cox retail store, go directly to www.cox.com/mobile, or give us a call at 1-800-234-3993.
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
The commercial division of Cox Communications, Cox Business, provides a broad commercial solutions portfolio, including advanced managed IT and fiber-based network solutions that support connected environments, unique hospitality experiences and diverse applications for nearly 370,000 businesses nationwide. For more information, please visit www.coxbusiness.com.
1 Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Samsung AI features.
2 Live Translate requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Live Translate is only available on the pre-installed Samsung Phone app. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
3Results may vary depending on visual matches. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android to the latest version. Product functionality may be dependent on your app and device settings. Some functions may not be compatible with certain apps. Availability of the service varies by country and language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
4 Generative Edit requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE YOUTH CONSERVATORY ANNOUNCES TWO NEW SESSIONS FOR WINTER & SPRING 2024
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE YOUTH CONSERVATORY announces winter and spring sessions for their Youth and Junior Conservatory programs. The Youth Conservatory sessions, for students ages 10-18, run January 16 – March 16 and March 25 – June 1. Junior Conservatory sessions, which are designed for students ages 6-9, run February 3 – March 16 and April 20 – June 1.
Each session ends with a showcase for an invited audience. Students may enroll in winter, spring, or both sessions.
More information and registration details can be found at www.lagunaplayhouse.com/youth-theatre/conservatory-classes. Financial ad scholarships are available for both programs.
Laguna Playhouse’s Conservatory is unique among youth theater programs in the area. In addition to participating in weekly classes which build a strong acting and theater arts foundation, students in the Youth Conservatory are also invited to audition for youth productions on the Laguna Playhouse stage.
The spring Youth Theatre production will be The Addams Family Musical, which runs May 10 – 12. Students may also participate in additional specialty workshops at no additional cost. All conservatory sessions mark the end of the session with onstage presentations for family and friends.
Every class is structured as an Acting Class where students learn the fundamentals of auditioning, studying, and performing. Guest Artists also come in to teach more specific subject matter such as audition techniques, movement, stage combat, and more. Students in the conservatory are invited to audition for the fall and spring Youth Productions. Additional workshops are added throughout the year and conservatory students are invited to attend at no additional costs.
For more information on the Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory program, please contact Laguna Playhouse Director of Education, Joseph Alanes at 949-497-2787 X202 or Jalanes@lagunaplayhouse.com.
Photo Credit: Laguna Playhouse Youth Conservatory Program
Celebrating 7 Years of Empowering All Abilities: Studio D at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Paves the Way for an Inclusive Future
Segerstrom Center’s Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities proudly marks
its seventh year of providing an inclusive space for students of all abilities to engage in high
quality dance, music, and theater instruction. Studio D offers classes for children and adults with disabilities as well as those who are non-disabled, promoting confidence, imagination, and overall well-being.
Since its inception, Studio D has grown into an artistic haven, embodying its
mission of encouraging self-expression and creative exploration, while celebrating the interests of each student.
We are inviting families to learn more about Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities at an open
house on Saturday, January 13, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This event offers an excellent
opportunity for new and interested families to tour the studio, learn about the program offerings, meet the staff, and register for Spring 2024 sessions.
Those interested in attending can RSVP
by emailing community@scfta.org.
“Studio D was founded on the belief that the arts are for everyone,” says Chloe Saalsaa,
Manager of Studio D. “Our journey over the past seven years has been a testament to the
transformative power of the arts and the incredible potential within everyone. Studio D has
become a thriving community and we look forward to continuing to provide a space where our students can express themselves and build lasting connections.”
Studio D, originally named the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities, first
opened its doors in February of 2017, welcoming kids ages 4-13 with a six-week curriculum
centered on recreational movement and music. Due to high community demand, the next three years saw Studio D’s expansion to include classes for ages 14-17 and 18-22 and extended its session duration to 15 weeks.
In the Summer of 2019, Studio D introduced musical theater
classes which included a mentorship with students at Orange County School of the Arts and a
culminating performance for friends and family.
In July of 2019, Studio D announced a number of off-site partnerships, including Easter Seals
OC, Unlimited Possibilities, CHOC, Santa Ana Unified School District, and many more, allowing
the Center to bring dance and music classes directly to the communities served by these
incredible organizations.
Unlimited Possibilities (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County) named the Center its 2019 Impact Award Recipient in recognition of the power of this program. In July 2019, the school was named the “Best Special Needs Camp/Activity” by Parenting OC magazine.
During the 2020-2021 school year, Studio D quickly pivoted to an online platform in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Studio D faculty created original on-demand video lessons covering dance, music, and musical theater. The additional live Zoom classes enabled previous students to interact with their teachers from home, and also attracted students from other states and counties who traditionally would not have been able to participate. In-person classes resumed in summer of 2021.
Studio D has expanded class offerings to all adults, previously only available until age 22. The
program now offers a wide range of artistic styles, including dance and music, musical theater
and theater, as well as a ballet curriculum under development. Dance and music classes are
offered for all age groups and promote creative choice making and mind-body connectivity.
Musical theater classes are catered to ages 8+ and explore singing, dancing and acting with a
focus on Broadway-style choreography and techniques. Theater courses are for ages 18+ and are supported by a Speech Language Pathologist, with the opportunity to learn various facets of the theater world.
Classes are held in the Center’s dance studios and are led by a three-person team, with two
artistic teachers conducting the lessons and a therapist providing specialized support to
students. The faculty is committed to adapting lessons to engage every student in the room,
recognizing that everyone may participate and engage differently.
Avid supporter of the Center and Director of Orange County Arts & Disability Marlena Barber
shares, “while specialized instruction is important for students with disabilities, inclusive arts
programming facilitates modes of communication and self-advocacy. Inclusive settings also
foster empathy, confidence and a sense of belonging among typical peers. Orange County Arts & Disability applauds Segerstrom Center’s Studio D for their efforts to provide high quality arts programming for artists of all abilities.”
Studio D aspires to further diversify its curriculum, providing students with an even broader
range of artistic experiences. This vision includes expanding offsite programs through more
collaboration with community partners and to increase broader access to the program by
creating a digital Studio D library.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an innovative, nonprofit arts organization committed to supporting artistic excellence, creating impactful educational programs, and dedicated to engaging a culturally connected, inclusive and vital Orange County community for all, through the power of live performance.
As the leading cultural arts hub, the Center presents a variety of programming with performances by international dance companies, Broadway national tours, jazz and cabaret musicians, chamber orchestras and ensembles, comedy, and speaker series. Through the Education and Community Engagement departments, the Center also delivers family-friendly programming and performances on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza; these events include outdoor movie screenings, concerts, dance classes, diverse festivals and more.
With six venues on a beautiful multi-disciplinary campus, Segerstrom Center for the Arts proudly serves as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site opening this fall as the home of the Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre
William J. Gillespie School and Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities.
Information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” is a registered trademark.
Photo Credit: SCFTA
105 Pints of Blood Donated at SDCCU New Year’s Blood Drive
San Diego County Credit Union® (SDCCU®), one of Southern California’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, partnered with the San Diego Blood Bank to host a New Year’s blood drive at six SDCCU locations, five in San Diego County and one in Riverside County, collecting 105 units of much-needed blood, which will help to save the lives of over 315 people.
The tradition continues as SDCCU and the San Diego Blood Bank partner together to save lives
The blood drive was held during a challenging time of the year for the San Diego Blood Bank with less blood drives taking place during the holiday season. Blood donations are especially critical at this time of year after a busy winter season, and the reduced number of drives has put additional strain on the already stretched on-hand supply.
“We are thankful to everyone who came out and donated at our blood drive to kick off the New Year,” said Teresa Campbell, SDCCU president and CEO. “Our blood donors’ support truly makes a difference in the lives of those in our community.”
More than 30 hospitals rely on the San Diego Blood Bank every day. With a shelf life of just 42 days, the constant need for new donations is critical. To learn more about the San Diego Blood Bank or for more information on the blood drive, visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org.
SDCCU is one of the nation’s top credit unions, proudly serving the financial needs of customers in Southern California counties including Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. SDCCU has assets of more than $12 billion, more than 433,000 customers, over 40 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs.
SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU mobile banking, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa® credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #580585. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.
Photo Credit: SDCCU
Lion King At SCFTA
Casting has been announced for the Costa Mesa engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. Costa Mesa’s most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Segerstrom Center for the Arts stage from Thursday, February 1 to Sunday, February 25. The press opening night is Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM.
The production features Peter Hargrave as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Mukelisiwe Goba as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Nick LaMedica as “Zazu,” John E. Brady as “Pumbaa,” Darian Sanders as “Simba,” Khalifa White as “Nala,” Forest VanDyke as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed.”
The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Mason Lawson and Julian Villela and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Jaxyn Damasco and Aniya Simone.
Rounding out the cast are William John Austin, Iman Ayana, Isaiah Bailey, Samantha Lauren Barriento, Eric Bean, Jr., Layla Brent, Vernon Brooks III, Sasha Caicedo, Lauren Carr, Thembelihle Cele, Daniela Cobb, Gabriel Croom, Lyric Danae, Marquis Floyd, Tony Freeman, Aliah James, Jolina Javier, Joel Karie, Samaree Lawson, Gabisile Manana, Amber Mayberry, Justin Mensah, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Jeremy Noel, Sicelo Ntshangase, Erick D. Patrick, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Poseletso Sejosingoe, Sadé Simmons, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Denzel Tsopnang, Brinie Wallace and Jordan Nicole Willis.
In Costa Mesa, The Lion King will play Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. There will also be a special 2:00 PM matinee performance on Thursday, February 1. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and a cinch bag, are also available. Tickets are available at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Box Office, by calling (714) 556-2787 Monday-Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, or via the Internet at SCFTA.org. Orders for groups of twenty (20) or more may be placed by calling 714-755-0236.
For more than 20 years, the North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by over 21 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 9,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Costa Mesa at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
THE LION KING
Celebrating 25 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 28 global productions have been seen by over 112 million people. Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 20 or more years and two others running 25 or more years.
Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Paris; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Sao Paulo and on tour across North America and the U.K. & Ireland for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe. Having played over 100 cities in 24 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.
The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.
The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor supervises new productions of the show around the world.
The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.
Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.
The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), Thomas Schlenk (general manager) and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting). Anne Quart serves as executive producer.
For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com, www.facebook.com/thelionkingusa and www.instagram.com/thelionking.
The Costa Mesa engagement of Disney’s The Lion King is presented by arrangement with Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and CIBC Private Wealth Management and is a subscription offering of the Broadway Series.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an innovative, nonprofit arts organization committed to supporting artistic excellence, creating impactful educational programs, and dedicated to engaging a culturally connected, inclusive and vital Orange County community for all, through the power of live performance.
As the leading cultural arts hub, the Center presents a variety of programming with performances by international dance companies, Broadway national tours, jazz and cabaret musicians, chamber orchestras and ensembles, comedy, and speaker series. Through the Education and Community Engagement departments, the Center also delivers family-friendly programming and performances on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza; these events include outdoor movie screenings, concerts, dance classes, diverse festivals and more.
With six venues on a beautiful multi-disciplinary campus, Segerstrom Center for the Arts proudly serves as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Studio D, Arts School for All Abilities.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds its corporate partner Kaiser Permanente, Official Health Care Partner and recognizes Spectrum Reach as media partner for the Broadway Series.
Photo Credit: SCFTA
Kelly Ellis named Mission Viejo 2023 Employee of the Year
Kelly Ellis, an Information Technology Administrative Assistant, has been named Mission Viejo’s 2023 Employee of the Year.
Surrounded by colleagues and friends, she received the annual award Tuesday from City Manager Dennis Wilberg.
Kelly performs her administrative duties at the highest level with attention to detail, exemplary customer service and is the epitome of a team player.
In fact, Kelly has gone the extra distance to develop her skillset, mastering her administrative assistant job duties and beyond. She serves as an extra set of hands for the IT department on the technical level. Her expanded skills include application management, development and redesign of various City websites, coordinating migration to a new graphic design platform and many other extensive tasks such as creating technical documentation and assisting with the City’s cybersecurity training program.
Anyone fortunate to work with Kelly will tell you she is helpful, friendly and always willing to take on any project or volunteer for the good of the City team and community at large.
“Kelly Ellis is the perfect combination of possessing a great attitude and follow-through and sets a great example for the City of Mission Viejo,” said Director of Information Technology David Meyer. “She is truly the essence of what this award is all about.”
The City of Mission Viejo appreciates Kelly’s outstanding efforts and commitment to this community. She will be honored by the City Council in January.
Kelly Tokarski
Public Information Specialist
Photo Credit: City Of MV
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS A VERY SPECIAL EVENT! Frank Ferrante starring in AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO
5 PERFORMANCES ONLY! BEGINNING THURSDAY, JANUARY 4
AT THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE!
“Nothing short of MASTERFUL!” – Chicago Tribune
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE presents Frank Ferrante starring in his critically acclaimed one-man show, AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO. AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO will perform on Thursday, January 4 & Friday January 5, 2024 at 7:30pm; Saturday, January 6 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm and Sunday, January 7 at 1:00pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.
Award-winning actor Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed stage portrayal of the legendary comedian in this fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity which he has performed over 3000 times!
The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including “Hooray for Captain Spalding,” and “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady.” The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film and reacquaints us with the likes of brothers Harpo, Chico, Zeppo and Gummo, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields and Marx foil Margaret Dumont. A show perfect for all ages!
AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO will perform on Thursday, January 4 & Friday January 5, 2024 at 7:30pm; Saturday, January 6 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm and Sunday, January 7 at 1:00pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Dr. in Laguna Beach.
Tickets range from $41 – $51 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229. Prices subject to change.
The box office is open Tuesdays – Sundays: 12pm to 4pm; Mondays open 2 hours prior to show time and until 15 minutes after curtain. Open until showtime on all performance days.
For more information on all shows and programming visit www.lagunaplayhouse.com. LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE is located at 606 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach.
Founded in 1920, the historic Laguna Playhouse Playhouse (David Ellenstein, Artistic Director/Bill Kerlin, Managing Director) is one of the oldest continuously-operating not-for-profit theatres on the West Coast and is proud to be an active participant in the celebrated Laguna Beach arts community. From classic plays and musical comedies to the current off-Broadway smash, cutting edge and traditional music exhibitions, dance festivals and stand-up comedy performances, Laguna Playhouse brings the magical experience of the performing arts direct to over 80,000 patrons each season.
Laguna Playhouse educational programming includes year-round classes, productions by and for children and teens (Youth Theatre) and is one of the few companies in the region that offer a curriculum-based professional theatre-touring program, TheatreReach, which aligns with the California State Standards for literature, history and performing arts curriculum.
Laguna Playhouse has been recognized in for the past five years as one of Orange County Register’s “Best of OC” in the category of Live Theatre. The Laguna Playhouse has featured many talented performers on stage, including Ed Asner, Leslie Caron, Hershey Felder, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Peter Strauss, Jobeth Williams, Joely Fisher, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart, Loretta Swit, and Bette Davis.
Learn What’s Going On at www.lagunaplayhouse.com.