SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS ANNOUNCES ARRAY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING 2023-2024 FAMILY SERIES AND SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES!

FAMILY SERIES

It’s Okay to Be Different | 123 Andrés | How the Grinch Stole Christmas |

Dino-Light | Paper Planet | The University of Wonder & Imagination |

The Boy Who Cried Wolf | The Pa’akai We Bring  

SUMMER SOUNDS 2023

South Side Symphony | Tolliver | Kyle Dion | Chrisol & The Brown Boyz | ASADI | Boostive | La Misa Negra

For more information visit scfta.org 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is delighted to announce an array of performances that continue to expand the 2023-24 season including the Family Series and our annual Summer Sounds concert series. The Center continues to engage audiences by showcasing amazing artists and welcoming the return of audience favorites. There is something for every Orange County community art lover passionate for the performing arts. Subscriptions and tickets on sale now at scfta.org.

Through the Family Series, Segerstrom Center brings the best professional youth performances from around the world to Orange County. The 2023-2024 Family Series kicks off with Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia’s innovative puppet show based on the best-selling Todd Parr book It’s Okay to Be Different, the Latin Grammy®-winning duo Andrés and Christina of 123 Andrés, and the classic holiday tale of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The new year will bring Dino-Light, a unique glow-in-the-dark adventure, and interactive experiences including Paper Planet and The University of Wonder and Imagination. Inspired by the famous Aesop fable, tutti frutti returns to the Center from the UK with The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Lastly, Honolulu Theatre for Youth will present The Pa’akai We Bring, following a family of multiple generations of pa’akai (salt) farmers on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

It’s Okay to Be Different, 123 Andrés, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf will include sensory friendly/relaxed performances. To give everyone in our community the opportunity to experience the joy of attending a live performance, the Center presents a series of sensory-friendly/relaxed performances as part of our Family Series. These shows are designed specifically for patrons with sensory sensitivity or who will benefit from a more relaxed performance environment. These performances include pre-visit guides, a reduction of any overwhelming lighting or sound cues, low ambient lighting throughout the performance, and the ability to move around and use electronic devices as needed.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds The Charles & Mildred Schnurmacher Foundation, Inc. for its support of the Family Series and recognizes Parenting OC as the media sponsor for the 2023 -2024 Family Series. 

Subscriptions for the Family, Broadway, Chamber, Jazz and Cabaret Series are available now. Tickets for individual performances will go on sale at a later date. Visit the Center’s website www.scfta.org for more information. For Group sales call (714) 755-0236. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the return of our annual summer concert series, Summer Sounds on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. There’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than gathering with friends and family to enjoy some feel-good music and light bites from George’s Café at this exciting outdoor concert series. This year’s array of events will bring an energizing lineup of multi-genre talents with a specially curated program of some of Southern California’s most unique and eclectic artists.

All events are free with a reservation and will take place on Friday evenings from June 2 to July 28. Reservations for the Summer Sounds concert series can be made online at scfta.org or by calling the Box Office. Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel for its lead support of the Summer Sounds Series with additional support from JPMorgan Chase & Co. On every Summer Sounds evening, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel’s on-site restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar, conveniently located across the street from Segerstrom Center, will be offering an exclusive to-go picnic to bring to the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.

For tickets, please visit the Center’s website www.scfta.org  for more information.

FAMILY SERIES LINEUP

Discovery Series (intended for children ages 4 – 7 and their families)

It’s Okay to Be Different | October 14 and October 15, 2023

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects. In this new production, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings three of his storybooks to life. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book, is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, always feel good about yourself. This production features a diverse cast and an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia has performed at Segerstrom Center several times, including their productions of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and The Rainbow Fish.

123 Andrés | December 9 and 10, 2023

Deemed “a rockstar for little language learners” by Billboard, Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy®-winning music duo 123 Andrés (pronounced “uno, dos, tres, Andrés”). Their catchy songs and lively, interactive concerts get the whole family dancing and learning— in Spanish and English. The husband-wife duo fuse folk-based rhythms from all corners of Latin America with upbeat pop, creating a winning combination for listeners of any age. Featuring first-class musicianship and rich instrumentation, 123 Andrés has performed for thousands of children around the US and in Latin America, and has been featured by outlets like NPR, the Boston Globe, Washington Post, CNN en Español, Univisión, Telemundo, and SiriusXM’s KidsPlaceLive.

Paper Planet | March 16 and 17, 2024

Let your imagination run wild in a world made of paper! Children and families are invited to create a beautiful world inside a forest of tall cardboard trees, using only paper, tape, and their imaginations. Everyone plays together in this magical place to create creatures, plants, costumes, characters, stories, and adventures. Paper Planet builds and grows as more families visit, and every session is truly unique as imaginations go wild and play takes over. Children choose how they interact with the performers and with other children; some find themselves absorbed in quiet making, and others prefer to play and explore. Paper Planet is child-led, deeply involving, and highly sensory, and sure to delight the whole family.

The Boy Who Cried Wolf | April 27 and 28, 2024  

Silas is from a family of shepherds and has to do right by his mom and granddad as he reluctantly takes on the responsibility of watching their sheep up on the mountain over the winter. But he’s bored, lonely, and missing out on the fun of the annual knitting competition in town, so he cries – “Wolf!” Written by playwright Mike Kenny and inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, this is a beautiful wintery tale features a gifted ensemble of actor/musicians who play instruments and sing live as they embody all the delightful characters, including hilarious sheep and perhaps a scary wolf or two… All set in a village of knitters with fingers flicking, needles clicking and where every new jumper tells a tale! Ultimately, Silas finds a place for himself (and his imagination) in his warm woolly community.

The Pa’akai We Bring | May 11 and 12, 2024

This original production introduces audiences to the Native Hawaiian relationship to pa‘akai (salt). Traditionally, pa‘akai is food, medicine, a sacrament and a treasured gift. The show follows a family with multiple generations of salt farmers on Kauai, mixing in ancient stories, hula, live music, original songs and plenty of audience participation into a tasty potluck of performance, joyously served up with aloha. Created in partnership with the Bishop Museum and cultural elders and leaders, the performance is intended for a multi-generational audience, so audience members young and old can have this restorative experience together.

Explorer Series (intended for children ages 7 and up and their families)

How The Grinch Stole Christmas | December 23, 2023

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”

Dino-Light | February 3 and 4, 2024

In this original story, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. Dino-Light was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and is the first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by Lightwire Theater (semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent). This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually stunning and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world.

The University of Wonder & Imagination | March 23 and 24, 2024

The University of Wonder & Imagination is now enrolling students of all ages and magical abilities…and there’s a place with your name on it! Assemble with your fellow students and journey to the most unusual of universities, where the mysterious Professor Bamberg will guide you through this interactive theater experience, and the choices you, the audience, make will shape your unique course. You will interact with the liveliest of lecturers, choose your subjects of study, enter themed rooms, and encounter all kinds of problems and puzzles, unlocking your magical powers as you go. You’re bound to leave this hallowed center of magical learning with your mind boggled and your brain bamboozled…do you have what it takes? Come join the class!

SUMMER SOUNDS 2023 LINEUP

South Side Symphony | June 2, 2023

Composer Marcus Norris founded South Side Symphony with the idea “What if orchestras didn’t exist, and were invented today by a young Black man?” He describes the sound as “like a younger, more ‘ratchet’ version of The Roots, accompanied by lush live strings and horns.” The mostly-Black orchestra has performed with Chloe x Halle, Andra Day, played on several film scores, and most recently recorded their first live album through a weekend of three sold-out shows in North Hollywood. After hearing South Side Symphony perform under Marcus’s Musical Direction at the 2022 Wearable Art Gala, Beyoncé asked Marcus to orchestrate several songs for her and 50-piece orchestra as part of her surprise 2023 Dubai return to live performance. The orchestra’s motto is “Our Music in Our Time,” because we know nobody can tell our stories like we can.

Tolliver | June 9, 2023

Tolliver is an LA-based, Chicago-bred, sequin-loving son of a cowboy-obsessed pastor and a gospel choir singer. His songs are a gumbo of soul, funk, pop, camp and are as funny as they are soul-baring. His EP, Daddyland is a vibrant and sassy ode to appreciating and loving your imperfections. His ethereal-yet-gritty soul surviving nature has been compared to that of War, Al Green and Andre 3000. In February of 2022, Tolliver made his late-night debut performing his hit single “SAY WHAT” on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Kyle Dion | June 16, 2023

A boisterous rising star with a bright falsetto and golden pen, Kyle Dion can’t stay put. After releasing his heartfelt ode to traditional R&B, SUGA, in 2019, he couldn’t help but expand his talents and set his eyes on creating a classic turn-up album in 2021, his sophomore project, SASSY. Dion reinvents himself in the next chapter of his career with SASSY Deluxe, showing off the fullness of his personality by throwing out any and all rulebooks. The proudly independent artist possesses a soul from another era and creates a sound refreshing to any generation. From the small community in Florida where he grew up to effervescent Los Angeles, where he’s worked with artists like Kehlani, Kali Uchis, PartyNextDoor, Channel Tres, Kari Faux, Duckwrth, UMI, Ja Rule, and Jessie Reyes, Dion is blazing a unique path. Dion has toured the globe with PartyNextDoor, Ella Mai, Xavier Omar, BJ The Chicago Kid, and more.

Chrisol & The Brown Boyz | July 7, 2023

Chrisol is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles with a vibrant sound that beautifully blends the likes of Latin, disco and soul with the support of The Brown Boyz, an Indie R&B band from Southern California with proud Latino roots.

ASADI | July 14, 2023

ASADI is a Persian American electronic music producer and performance artist from

Columbus, Ohio. He is known for his rare Middle Eastern influence and impressive performance ability. In the studio, his knowledge in Persian composition uniquely activates a sense of timelessness that the world can resonate with, and his instruments play a strong role in illustrating such emotion. They include the Persian Setar, Persian Tar, Persian Daf, and Italian Mandolin. He brings these delicate sounds to life when performed with his drum machine, in which he effortlessly triggers his entire rhythm section completely live on 16 electronic pads. ASADI’s artistry derived from a lifetime passion in writing songs, first learning piano at the age of 5. In high school, his parents gifted him with a drum pad and some Persian instruments he never knew existed. This flipped a switch and birthed the 10-year voyage to who he is today. . From his diligent hustle on social media, from a thousand hours of perfecting his craft live, and from the constant desire to create truly extraordinary music, a precious diehard following has inevitably grown to represent the sound of ASADI Worldwide. The artists accompanying ASADI on July 14 include Xye, EMAEL, DSharp, and Rocky Angelini.

Boostive | July 21, 2023

Beach city-based band Boostive strongly believes in the energy created through collaboration. This group’s diverse cultural and musical backgrounds blend the worldly sounds of soul, dub-reggae and hip hop.

La Misa Negra | July 28, 2023

La Misa Negra is a 7-piece band from Oakland, California, known for their unique blend of heavyweight cumbia and high-energy, Afro-Latin music. On stage, they deliver an electrifying performance that explodes with infectious dance grooves and punk rock energy, powered by horn and accordion-driven riffs, a fierce rhythm  section, and a vintage-inspired sound.
On the strength of their wild and one-of-a-kind shows, they have gained a
reputation as one of the most exciting live bands to emerge from the Bay Area in
recent years, garnering a diverse fan base that transcends musical, cultural, and
generational divides. Finding common ground between their heavy metal leanings
and mambo-inspired horn lines, La Misa Negra’s arrangements serve as the perfect
delivery mechanism for both their humorous storytelling and exploration of heavier
subject matter, like gun violence, water scarcity, and gender inequality.

Season Ticket Subscriptions Available

Box Office
In-person
The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Monday 10 am to 2 pm
Tuesday through Friday 12 pm to 5 pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Phone: Monday – Friday 10 am to 5 pm
(714) 556-2787

Online – SCFTA.org
Group Sales – (714) 755-0236

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.    
 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts applauds its corporate partner Kaiser Permanente, Official Health Care Partner and recognizes Spectrum Reach as a media partner for the 2023 -2024 Broadway Series.  

The 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.