Coming up April 29th at 9:30am - Taj Frazier, Professor of Media Arts and Culture, USC Annenberg and Perry B. Johnson, Lecturer, USC Annenberg & Co-Director, The Sound of Victory - talk about LA's Music Scene Unpacked in PBS SoCal's 'OUTSIDE THE LYRICS' Season 2.

OUTSIDE THE LYRICS hosts,
Robeson Taj Frazier, PhD and Perry B. Johnson, PhD.

LISTEN to today's show 

PBS SoCal’s OUTSIDE THE LYRICS Explores  LA’s Subcultures Bridging Music and Creativity  Premieres on YouTube Channel March 17.

New four-episode season of OUTSIDE THE LYRICS dives into the vast subcultures of Los Angeles, including basketball at Venice Beach, Japanese-inspired listening bars and graffiti art. Watch to see how music, fashion, culture and identity all weave together to distinguish this dynamic city.


New episodes will roll out weekly on PBS SoCal’s YouTube channel starting with today's premiere and will be available to stream for free on the PBS app and on pbssocal.org.



PBS SoCal’s OUTSIDE THE LYRICS Explores

LA’s Subcultures Bridging Music and Creativity

Premieres on YouTube Channel March 17

Season Two Spotlights Conversations with Artist Patrick Martinez,

Stones Throw Records Co-Founder DJ Peanut Butter Wolf and more



OUTSIDE THE LYRICS hosts, Robeson Taj Frazier, PhD and Perry B. Johnson, PhD. 

https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/outside-the-lyrics



Select programming will also be available to stream on PBS.org and the free PBS App.

Members of PBS SoCal get extended access with PBS Passport.



Los Angeles, Calif. – March 17, 2026 – PBS SoCal, Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, announced today the second season of OUTSIDE THE LYRICS. Hosted by Robeson Taj Frazier, PhD, writer, multimedia producer and professor of media arts and culture at University of Southern California (USC), and Perry B. Johnson, PhD, music scholar, cultural historian and lecturer at USC.

The series is presented in association with USC Annenberg's Institute for Difference and Empowerment in the Arts (IDEA), which explores the redemptive and transformational capacities of media, the arts and culture.


The second season explores Los Angeles’ rich subcultures and their intersection with music through the people who shape them. In four locally produced episodes, they explore the history of basketball at Venice Beach, LA's listening bars and spaces inspired by Japanese kissaten culture, graffiti and visual art, and the powerful intersection of fashion, music and identity. New episodes will roll out weekly on PBS SoCal’s YouTube channel starting today on Tues., March 17 and will be available to stream for free on the PBS app and on pbssocal.org.



Visual Arts – Tues., March 17 – “Off the Wall”

Artist Patrick Martinez sits down with Robeson Taj Frazier to discuss how his origins as a graffiti writer in East LA continue to shape his artistic vision of Los Angeles. Explore how the bold aesthetics, techniques, materials and perspectives of hip hop and graffiti inform Martinez's now internationally-acclaimed artwork, offering a unique lens on the city's diverse communities and landscapes.



Basketball – Tues., March 24 – “Hooper’s Paradise”

Perry B. Johnson joins Nick Ansom, founder of Veniceball, Venice Basketball League and Hoopbus, to explore the intersection of basketball and music. She uncovers how the courts are a crossroad for athleticism, creativity and community. From streetball’s rhythms to the beats that soundtrack the game, discover how Venice Beach has fostered a unique cultural ecosystem where sports and music collide.



Fashion – Tues., March 31 – “Change Clothes”

Robeson Taj Frazier and Perry B. Johnson examine the relationship between fashion and music with two LA innovators. Designer/stylist Brea Stinson discusses working with popular artists, while GRAY founder Brandon Gray reveals how his upbringing in South Los Angeles influences his custom designs for celebrities. Discover how personal history and identity merge in the city's fashion-music dialogue.



Listening Communities – Tues., April 7 – “Deep Listening”

Robeson Taj Frazier and Perry B. Johnson explore the rise of listening spaces in Los Angeles, tracing their roots to Japanese kissaten culture. At Gold Line, Stones Throw Records founder, DJ Peanut Butter Wolf shares his vision for bars that bring people together through sound. At the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, an evening with In Sheep’s Clothing and Temporal Drift reveals the power of collective music appreciation and the cultural traditions that inspire LA's contemporary listening spaces.



For more information, follow us on social at @pbssocal



About PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal uses the power of public media for good, strengthening the civic fabric of Southern California and providing our community with an essential connection to a wider world. As a local, donor/member-supported non-profit organization, PBS SoCal is available to stream on the PBS app and the PBS Kids App and reaches nearly 22M viewers across 7 Broadcast channels — including 2 primary channels, PBS SoCal and PBS SoCal Plus and 5 digital subchannels. With a commitment to make content available anytime and anywhere for free, PBS SoCal offers programming that reflects the diversity of Southern California and showcases the full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS content spanning Education, News, Environment and Arts & Culture. PBS SoCal also sparks the sharing of ideas at in-person cultural events and community conversations as well as prepares children for kindergarten and beyond by bringing bilingual, hands-on learning experiences to the community for free.


About IDEA

IDEA explores the redemptive and transformation capacities of media, the arts, and culture, with specific attention to what they illuminate about identity, difference, and power. We organize and facilitate media, critical theory, and art-based interdisciplinary education, research, and programming. Learn more about us at: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/idea



About Perry B. Johnson
Perry B. Johnson, Ph.D., is a music scholar, cultural historian and producer of several public-facing music and humanities projects. Her primary research and practice focus on music, popular culture and American cultural histories, with an emphasis on archives, public scholarship, power, identity and belonging. Johnson is at work on the manuscript for her first solo monograph, a cultural history of sexual misconduct in America’s popular music industries.

With this project, Johnson interrogates the framing of incidents of misconduct to track how the sector’s historically grim collage of abuse is structurally, institutionally and ideologically produced and sustained by traditional and social media.

At USC, Johnson teaches in the Annenberg School of Communication. Her courses for the Spring 2026 term include COMM 384: Interpreting Popular Culture and COMM 360: Los Angeles: Communication and Culture. Johnson is also the producer of Arts Talk, the official podcast of the USC Arts Now initiative.

Johnson is the associate producer and co-host of the second season of Outside the Lyrics, an award-winning, Emmy-nominated documentary series from PBS that explores Los Angeles’ rich subcultures and their intersection with music through the people who shape them.

In her collaborative work, Johnson is co-founder and co-director of The Sound of Victory (SOV) (with Dr. Courtney M. Cox, University of Oregon), an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to exploring the historic relationship between music/sound and sport. SOV examines how identity, political economy and cultural mythology operate across the intertwined fields of sport and music/sound and analyzes the connected histories of these global spheres of entertainment through multimedia projects, original scholarship and public programming.


As part of this work, Johnson is co-editor of the forthcoming volume, The Sound of Victory: Music, Sport, and Society (September 2026, NYU Press), an interdisciplinary collection that joins international scholars, journalists and practitioners to critically examine the relationship between music/sound and sport through engagement with key moments, movements, figures and events. Together, Johnson and Cox are also working on their second book project, a nuanced cultural history of the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show, which explores this ritualized entertainment spectacle as a distinctive American production.

Currently, Johnson is co-curating Playing Beyond the Field, a three-part SOV series taking place spring 2026 at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville with the support of the Vanderbilt Sports & Society Initiative. Playing Beyond the Field explores the dynamic relationship between music and sport, with a particular focus on Nashville’s robust African American musical and sporting legacies.

Johnson also co-hosts and produces the Sounding Off podcast, an SOV audio series that highlights the voices of athletes, artists, DJs and public intellectuals working at the intersection of music/sound and sport. Episodes highlight conversations with such interlocutors as writer/poet, cultural critic and MacArthur Fellow Hanif Abdurraqib; baseball historian and sportswriter Shakeia Taylor; Los Angeles Dodgers’ DJ Severe; WNBA player Sydney Colson; and NFL Super Bowl XLVI champion Spencer Paysinger, filmmaker and director Walter Thompson-Hernández, among many others.

In her production work, Johnson has produced and organized events at The Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Hammer Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, The Ebell of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles’ historic Palace Theatre, Regent Theater, and more.

Johnson received her Ph.D. in communication from USC Annenberg, where she had a graduate affiliation in the Department of Gender & Sexuality Studies and was a research fellow with The Popular Music Project at USC Annenberg's Norman Lear Center. Prior to returning to USC Annenberg, Johnson was a postdoctoral fellow and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, with a joint appointment at the Annenberg School for Communication’s Center for Media at Risk and the Annenberg Center for Collaborative Communication.
About Robeson Taj Frazier

About Robeson Taj Frazier
Robeson Taj Frazier is a USC professor of communication, arts and humanities curator, and Emmy-nominated producer of docuseries and documentary film. His intellectual, research, and creative practice explore American and Afrodiasporic political and expressive cultures, with a specific focus on intellectual histories and contemporary examples of political activism, media arts, subcultural and vernacular traditions, and cross-cultural contact in local and global contexts. 

He is the author (w/ Ben Caldwell) of the award-winning book, KAOS Theory: The Afrokosmic Ark of Ben Caldwell (Angel City Press, 2023), and The East is Black: Cold War China in the Black Radical Imagination (Duke University Press, 2014). He is the host and executive producer of the award-winning PBS productions, Hip Hop and the Metaverse, and Outside the Lyrics, and producer of the documentary film, It’s Yours: A Story About Hip Hop and the Internet (dir. Marguerite de Bourgoing, 2019). He is also the executive director of IDEA (USC’s Institute for Difference and Empowerment in the Arts), an arts and culture-driven center that facilitates interdisciplinary education, research, programming, and cultural/media productions.



Where to Watch: “Episodes are available on PBS SoCal’s YouTube channel and to stream for free on the PBS app and on pbssocal.org/outsidethelyrics.”

Easy Honey is bringing their nostalgic brand of indie folk rock to BeachLife Festival this weekend to celebrate the release of their fantastic new EP Plaid (out this Thursday, 4/30). Songwriter, singer and guitarist Selby Austin joins us!

LISTEN
to today's show

ABOUT EASY HONEY

Easy Honey is a Charleston, SC based indie rock band that infuses its singer-songwriter folk roots with an original mix of nostalgic East Coast surf-rock. Originating at The University of The South: Sewanee over a cooler filled with freshman year college punch, the dynamic of this group is one of their strongest elements, existing with an electricity and a true sense of comradery both on and off stage. The tremendous creative power between the band’s members Selby Austin (vocals, guitar), Darby McGlone (vocals, guitar), Charlie Holt (drums, vocals) and Webster Austin (bass, vocals) is on full display in their versatile new EP, Plaid (out April 30 via Third Brother Records), which they wrote and recorded over a three-day session at an isolated cabin in snowy Marble, Colorado. 

Mixed with a steady sheen by the legendary Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix, The Kooks, Air, M83), the rapid-fire five-song set deepens their beachy indie-pop style with vibrant new colors as they serve up witty melodies, catchy, relatable hooks and raucous yet sentimental lyrics about love, wistfulness and life’s big moments. Easy Honey, like so many of their mutual rock heroes, cut their teeth on the road and have built a devoted following of daydreamers and night seekers through extensive touring and sold-out gigs. 

Just like their live shows, which have taken them to audiences nationwide, their influences remain all over the map and pull from the classic rock and power-pop staples of their parents’ record collections (Big Star, Neil Young), up through '90s alt heroes Blind Melon as well as indie tunesmiths like Dr. Dog. No matter if they’re harmonizing next to a beach bonfire or exploring the rhythmic twists of a funky riff on stage, their music inevitably pulls you closer with an open-armed, all-are-welcome spirit. For more info, please visit www.easyhoneymusic.com.





Katie Leggett

PRESS HERE

138 W. 25th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10001

katie@pressherepublicity.com

Event : Youth Mental Wellbeing: A Youth-Led Design Lab on Brain Health, the Arts and AI May 01, 2026

On the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month — as California’s landmark Prop 1 Mental Health Accountability Act takes effect — UCLA’s Semel Institute Teen Advisory Council, well-known artists dedicated to community healing, SoCal youth organizations and OpenAI Academy will convene the people who can actually solve this: young Californians themselves.


Youth Mental Wellbeing: A Youth-Led Design Lab on Brain, Arts & AI is a first-of-its-kind participatory symposium at UCLA’s Luskin Conference Center bringing together youth leaders, artists, mental health experts, policymakers and AI technologists around a single animating principle: Youth lead. Adults support. AI assists.World-class artistic performances for 600 youth and adult allies showing that music, creativity, and cultural expression are not soft additions to mental health—they are the science.

Three panels of California’s most influential voices in government, mental health, technology, and philanthropy interspersed with the performances— present not to speak at young people, but to listen and be accountable to what they produce
Three simultaneous breakout tracks —Arts & Mental Wellbeing, and AI & Youth Mental Health, and Neuroscience of Brain Health – where young people don’t attend panels, they run them

A live Youth Design Sprint in partnership with OpenAI Academy, where youth use AI tools in real time to co-author a California Youth Wellbeing Blueprint — concrete demands, named actors, actionable timeline

This is a conference by youth, for California’s future.

The findings from May 1st will not go into a binder. They will travel — to the CA Behavioral Health Commission, to OpenAI’s community deployment strategy, and through a strategic arc that runs to the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art grand opening, Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium, and the LA 2028 Olympics. All in support of youth agency in crafting a mental wellbeing system.

California is the pilot. The world is watching.

Co-sponsors: UCLA Semel Institute Teen Advisory Council, UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital Next Gen Advisory Board, Healthsperian, OpenAI Academy, Charles Drew University’s Arts and Healing Initiative, Brotherhood Crusade, Social Justice Learning Institute, TGood Lab

Learn more about the agenda and how to register:
Youth Mental Wellbeing: A Youth-Led Design Lab on Brain Health, the Arts and AI – Semel Institute

Here's the schedule for BEACHLIFE Festival '26!

 

BeachLife Festival | Live Music Festival | Redondo Beach, CA, USA

BeachLife Festival | Live Music Festival | Redondo Beach, CA, USA

It’s UC Irvine Giving Day! Show your support for KUCI 88.9 FM—underground music and talk since 1969!

Giving Day is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to KUCI and invest in our future as a great local institution. With your support, we can:

• Buy a backup transmitter
• Replace studio doors with recording studio quality doors for better sound isolation
• Replace aging studio chairs and cabinetry

ABOUT KUCI

Underground music & talk since 1969


KUCI, one of the oldest, continuously-broadcasting radio stations in Orange County, began broadcasting from the campus of the University of California, Irvine in 1969. KUCI's origin story had students airing music and news from the dorms, then as a fully-licensed, FCC-regulated FM broadcast station. For more than 55 years KUCI has flourished and expanded to become a local institution of the UC Irvine campus community, our loyal audience and our surrounding communities.

For over five decades, the station has been powered up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With limited resources and 125 devoted volunteers, KUCI creates and airs only all-original programming.

KUCI is:

A place where you can hear a greater range and diversity of music than on any other station in California.

An intimate setting for guest artists performing live, in any genre, from punk to classical.

A broadcaster of public affairs including politics, science, culture, sports, business, technology and many other topics.

The home of live broadcasts of Anteater Baseball and Men's and Women's Basketball.

A place of learning and memory making for students of media and communications.

A launch pad for thousands of young people and members of the Orange County community yearning to express themselves and share their passions.

A studio for interviews with national and international radio networks.


Visit our website (http://kuci.org/), see our weekly schedule (https://kuci.org/wp/show-schedule/) or listen to us live (88.9FM) or by streaming on the web through our website (http://kuci.org/).

Your gift of any amount will help! Thank you!

Coming up Wednesday April 22nd at 9am - An NPR Editor's Pick- Genevieve Wheeler Brown's Beyond Blue and White

In Genevieve Wheeler Brown's new book, Beyond Blue and White, art history meets real-life mystery! After rediscovering the most iconic dishes in a townhouse, Genevieve unravels their fascinating stories

LISTEN to today's show

featuring Genevieve Wheeler Brown

“Beyond Blue and White taps into what every collector of antiques knows to be true: The decorative arts are more than mere objects where beauty meets function—they are the tactile messengers of histories forgotten.”

—The Wall Street Journal

*A NPR “Here and Now” Editor’s Pick!*

Beyond Blue and White: The Hidden History of Delftware and the Women Behind the Iconic Ceramic

by Genevieve Wheeler Brown

“A quest to uncover a New York fine arts mystery, told as if in the delicate northern light of a Vermeer painting. I loved it: I won’t look at Dutch porcelain in the same way again, and I might not look at the Netherlands in the same way again either.” —Victoria Finlay, author of Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World

“Brown’s bibliography is extensive: She consulted archival collections, numerous histories, and scholarly articles. Museum- and academic-library collections will want to add this title, as will public libraries whose patrons include Delftware devotees.” – Booklist

An absorbing work of cultural history that reveals the stories behind one of the world's most coveted and beloved ceramic.


When over seventy-five pieces of rare and intriguing 17th and 18th century Delftware are rediscovered in a historic Manhattan townhouse, decorative art advisor and writer Genevieve Wheeler Brown quickly recognizes that, together, these pieces tell an amazing story. What begins as a curatorial exercise quickly evolves not only into an exploration of this colorful, expressive, and sometimes even humorous decorative art, coveted for hundreds of years, but also an unexpected uncovering of forceful female lives yet untold.

Connecting the accounts of women across centuries, Beyond Blue and White allows us to craft a more complete picture of female experience through the lens of material culture. We meet female Delftware makers, including Barbara Rotteveel founder of “The Three Bells” Delftware factory in 1671. 

We are introduced to female Delftware patrons such as Queen Mary II, who found her means of expression while creating a vogue in the 17th century for Delft blue and white across royal courts. And then there are the female collectors beginning in the 19th century who saw the artistry and craft in these ceramics others had overlooked. Foremost among them was Mrs. J. Pierpont Morgan and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II who came together with fellow New York women and laid the groundwork for women in the museum world while preserving decorative arts with an educational mission.


With illustrations of period objects, documents, maps, paintings, prints and drawings, Beyond Blue and White is a colorful celebration of an iconic decorative art and dynamic women living in extraordinary times.



About the author: As a decorative art advisor and writer with over thirty years in the art world, including a decade with Christie’s in New York and London, Genevieve Wheeler Brown has been actively involved in the community of Delftware. She has also participated on the Antiques Roadshow as an appraiser with an eye out for overlooked “treasure.” In her role, she has held innumerable objects, from fake Stradivari violins to gold-mounted Faberge eggs, considering their value but also the stories they can tell.

Praise for Beyond Blue and White:


“A journey through history as delightful and intricate as the artform it follows. The author's hand tracing a path for us to follow, over the surface of a gleaming puzzle-jug and through the lives of the women who intersected with it.”– Naomi Novak, New York Times bestselling author of Uprooted and A Deadly Education


“A captivating history of Delftware and the extraordinary women who ran the potteries and collected the beautiful Dutch ceramics, as well as the innovative and inspiring women who created the arts institutions that would display Delftware to a broad audience. Framed in an engaging and quick-paced personal narrative, Brown weaves a brilliant historical story. I highly recommend this book!”—Leslie Banker, author of Think Like a Decorator

“Brown shows us that the story of blue and white is not black and white at all. This is a richly hued narrative filled with depth and surprises. Some of the best characters are the objects themselves, improbable Delftware survivors—desired, dusted, coveted, ignored—now pointing us to a series of remarkable women fiercely devoted to the medium over centuries.” —Christine Coulson, author of Metropolitan Stories and One Woman Show

SOUTH COAST REPERTORY ANNOUNCES 2026-27 SEASON Expanded Nine-play Lineup Features Raymond Lee as Hamlet, Commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Into the Woods, Brings Mehr Theatre Group’s Blind Runner to the West Coast for the First Time, Includes a Rotating Repertory of Lauren Yee’s Mother Russia and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, And Premieres of New Plays by JuCoby Johnson and Eleanor Burgess

SOUTH COAST REPERTORY ANNOUNCES 2026-27 SEASON

Location: South Coast Repertory is located at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, at the Bristol Street/Avenue of the Arts exit off the San Diego (405) Freeway in the David Emmes/Martin Benson Theatre Center, part of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Parking is available on Park Center Drive, off Anton Boulevard.

Complete information is available at www.scr.org.



###



ABOUT SOUTH COAST REPERTORY: Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel. SCR is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern plays and musicals, SCR is renowned for its extensive new-play development program—The Lab@SCR—which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers. Of SCR’s more than 550 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major new-play awards. Located in Costa Mesa, CA., SCR is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. www.scr.org

COSTA MESA, Calif.—South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel) announced its expanded 2026-27 season today, which features nine productions. Season highlights include Raymond Lee returning to SCR as Hamlet, Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical masterpiece Into the Woods as the latest installment in the American Icons series and a unique rotating repertory—the recent Off-Broadway hit Mother Russia by Lauren Yee paired with Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest.


SCR’s 63rd season also includes the West Coast Premiere of Blind Runner, the international hit from Mehr Theatre Group and Iranian writer/director Amir Reza Koohestani, and two world premieres that will anchor the 2027 Pacific Playwrights Festival: Three-headed Monster by JuCoby Johnson and The Ingenue by Eleanor Burgess. Family-centered programming includes Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jerry Patch, and the Theatre for Young Audiences and Families production of How I Became a Pirate, book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman and based on the book “How I Became a Pirate” by Melinda Long with illustrations by David Shannon.


The 2026-27 season reflects programming changes established in SCR’s recently adopted strategic plan, which includes more classics, modern masterpieces and the continuation of an annual musical on the Segerstrom Stage, and a dedication to world premieres and exciting new hits on the Julianne Argyros Stage. In addition, audiences will now enjoy a world premiere in SCR’s most intimate space—the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. Moving one world premiere to the Nicholas Studio not only creates more opportunities to experience the powerful, inspiring storytelling SCR is known for, it also frees up the Segerstrom Stage for an additional spring production.



“As we deepen programming and expand our offerings, I am so grateful to our supportive board of trustees and our unequaled staff,” Ivers said. “I am confident the season has something for everyone,” Ivers said. “An adventurous joyful feast highlighting resilience, empowerment, entertainment and laughter, it’s woven together by some of SCR's favorite returning artists. JuCoby Johnson’s and Eleanor Burgess’ new plays conversing with Lauren Yee, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare and Sondheim is a combination truly not to be missed. I am certain the shows will engage audiences and artists alike.”

The season is the institution’s largest since 2018-19 and will continue at this level of production into the future. And like this season, The Rep will perform continuously for eight weeks—giving theatregoers the opportunity to see both plays in the same weekend or even back-to-back on the same day.

“The time is right for SCR to expand the season. Audiences have grown substantially over the past two years and subscribers have expressed an appetite for more plays. This expansion, combined with the selection of plays which includes more classics and more comedies, provides wonderful opportunities for connection and community building,” said Appel. “Whether you’re interested in the great works on the Segerstrom Stage or the innovative works on the Julianne Argyros Stage and Nicholas Studio, or all the above, SCR has a subscription that’s right for you. You can give yourself a gift by subscribing and putting more theatre on your calendar.”


The season opens with Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical masterpiece Into the Woods, Sept. 12-Oct. 10, 2026 on the Segerstrom Stage, and continues SCR’s American Icons series, which celebrates the artists, opinion leaders and artists who boldly changed our world. Recognizing Sondheim as an American Icon, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy marks its 40th anniversary with its inventive twist on favorite fairy-tale characters. Directed by Peter Rothstein (All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, which won the New York Drama Desk Critics Award), Into the Woods features Sondheim’s enchanting score and Lapine’s relevant, darkly comedic book which continues to captivate audiences.

The West Coast Premiere of Mehr Theatre Group’s international hit, Blind Runner follows, Oct. 18-Nov. 8, 2026 on the Julianne Argyros Stage. With text and direction by Amir Reza Koohestani, Blind Runner tells the story of an imprisoned Iranian activist who convinces her husband to train a blind runner. United Kingdom’s The Guardian praised Blind Runner, calling it “mesmerizing, stunning, deeply moving,” while New York Stage Review described it as, “undeniably powerful.” Critically praised for its poignancy, relevancy, and artful use of video, Blind Runner is performed in Persian with English supertitles. The Farhang Foundation continues their support as Cultural Partner on this production.

An Orange County holiday tradition, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Jerry Patch, takes the stage for its 46th season, Nov. 28-Dec. 27, 2026. Once again, SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle entertains audiences as Ebenezer Scrooge. Hisa Takakuwa returns to direct.


For the second consecutive season, SCR welcomes the new year with The Rep—two comedies about love and identity performed in rotating repertory, alternating nightly, with overlapping casts on the same stage. Michael Ray returns as Lead Repertory Producer. It begins with Mother Russia, which brings Lauren Yee back to SCR for the first time since her breakout hit Cambodian Rock Band in 2018. A critical hit during its Off-Broadway run earlier this year, where the Wall Street Journal called it “engaging and fiercely funny,” Mother Russia runs Jan. 22-March 20, 2027 on the Segerstrom Stage.


Mother Russia rotates with The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s comedic masterpiece. Directed by Lisa Rothe, who helmed SCR’s critically acclaimed production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and considered one of the greatest comedies in the English language for its delightfully satirical skewering of Victorian England, The Importance of Being Earnest runs Jan. 23-March 20, 2027 on the Segerstrom Stage.


For SCR’s youngest audience members, the Theatre for Young Audiences and Families production of How I Became a Pirate, book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman takes the Julianne Argryos Stage Feb. 19-March 7, 2027. Directed by Kari Hayter (the Outside SCR production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and Into the Woods at Musical Theatre West), How I Became a Pirate is based on the award-winning book written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. This fun, imaginative musical follows 10-year-old Jeremy as he learns that home is a treasure you can’t find on any map.



The spring brings two world premieres to SCR stages. The first is Three-headed Monster by JuCoby Johnson, one of the American theatre’s rising stars. Directed by H. Adam Harris, Johnson’s close collaborator and SCR’s Artistic and Audience Engagement Associate, Three-headed Monster tells a gripping, touching story about the power of friendship through the eyes of Kyrie, who returns home from Riker’s Island after serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. Three-headed Monster premieres in SCR’s intimate Nicholas Studio April 4-May 2, 2027.

The second world premiere is The Ingenue by Eleanor Burgess, who returns to SCR after her critically acclaimed Galilee, 34 premiered in 2024. In The Ingenue, Burgess takes us inside the life of 18th century playwright Hannah Cowley as she attempts to write a romantic comedy while her own marriage and life disintegrate around her. The Ingenue takes the Julianne Argyros Stage April 18-May 9, 2027.


The subscription season concludes with William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Hamlet, which runs May 8-June 5, 2027 on the Segerstrom Stage. With Ivers directing, Hamlet returns to the SCR stage after 20 years with Lee playing the title role of Hamlet. 

Lee’s history at SCR runs deep and memorable. He received his Equity card right out of Cal State Long Beach in SCR’s Theatre for Young Audiences and Families 2012 production of Robin Hood. Lee went on to play the lead, Quang, in SCR’s 2015 world premiere of Vietgone by Qui Nguyen and re-created the role at Manhattan Theatre Club, for which he received the 2016 Theatre World Award for Outstanding Debut Performance. 

Lee’s other SCR performances came in Office Hour (2016) opposite Sandra Oh, and Cambodian Rock Band (2018). His TV career includes the recently wrapped second season of "Sugar" opposite Colin Farrell for Apple TV+, "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed” (Apple TV+), the lead role of Dr. Ben Song in the NBC revival of “Quantum Leap,” series regular roles in "Kevin Can F*** Himself" (AMC) and "Here and Now" (HBOMax) and recurring performances in "Made For Love" (HBOMax), "Prodigal Son" (Fox), "Mozart in the Jungle" (Amazon) and "Scandal" (ABC). Lee's film career includes appearing in the independent feature The Unknown Country and as Lt. Logan “Yale” Lee in Top Gun: Maverick.

Into the Woods, Blind Runner, Mother Russia, The Importance of Being Earnest, Three-headed Monster, The Ingenue and Hamlet can be purchased on subscription at this time. Subscribers also get exclusive early access to A Christmas Carol, which is not included in subscriptions and goes on sale to the general public in August.



More offerings will be announced in May when the SCR Presents series is unveiled.

A variety of subscription package options are available now and may be purchased online at www.scr.org or by phone at (714) 708-5555. The six-play Super Subscription ranges from $299- $533, depending on the day and time of performance. Four-play Segerstrom Stage package range from $213-$369, and the three-play Julianne Argyros Stage packages range from $149-$237, with additional discounts for students, seniors, educators and theatregoers age 35 and under. Also available is a special seven-play Opening Night subscription for two people, which includes post-show parties with the cast and artists who create the productions. Opening Night subscriptions start at $4,000 per couple and include a tax-deductible donation of $2,656 benefiting SCR.


Single tickets for the fall and winter plays go on sale Aug. 4.

2026-27 Season


American Icons

Join us over several seasons as we celebrate the artists, personalities and opinion leaders who boldly changed our world – like legendary composer Stephen Sondheim.

Into the Woods

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by James Lapine

Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Directed by Peter Rothstein

Sept. 12-Oct. 10, 2026

Segerstrom Stage

When the Baker and his wife venture into the forest to break a witch’s curse, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (of beanstalk fame)—and familiar tales take on clever new lives. But be careful what you wish for, because “happily ever after” is never the whole story. With a Tony Award-winning book and score, this poignant musical comedy masterpiece celebrates its 40th anniversary with a fabulous new SCR production.



Blind Runner

A Mehr Theatre Group production

Text and Direction by Amir Reza Koohestani

Oct. 18-Nov. 8, 2026

Julianne Argyros Stage

Blind Runner interweaves the destinies of three Iranians in an international multi-media hit proclaimed “mesmerizing” by The Guardian. At the insistence of his wife, a political prisoner, a man agrees to help a blind woman train for a race in Paris. After placing third, they take on a second challenge. Can they run the 38-kilometer Channel Tunnel from France to the UK in a few hours to avoid being hit by the first train of the morning? Performed in Persian with English supertitles.



Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol

Adapted by Jerry Patch

Directed by Hisa Takakuwa

Nov. 28-Dec. 27, 2026

Segerstrom Stage

Whether it’s your first time or a cherished family tradition, this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit! Gather your loved ones and celebrate the season with festive music, joyful dancing and the heartwarming story of one magical, life-changing night in the life of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted.



The Rep

Another ambitious centerpiece to our season

Two delightful comedies about love and trading in your old identity. Performed in repertory, alternating nightly, on the same stage with overlapping casts. This is must-see theatre!



Mother Russia

By Lauren Yee

Jan. 22-Mar. 20, 2027

Segerstrom Stage

1992: The Soviet Union has collapsed and McDonald’s is open. Clueless Evgeny takes a surveillance job with his friend Dmitri to spy on Katya, a former pop star with a mysterious past. Deeply in love, Evgeny decides to defy his gangster father and risk everything to win over Katya. A New York Times Critic’s Pick, Lauren Yee’s (Cambodian Rock Band) off-beat comedy about identity and the cost of capitalism is “as funny as it is smart.”



The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde

Directed by Lisa Rothe

Jan. 23-Mar. 20, 2027

Segerstrom Stage

Celebrated as the finest comedy of the English language, this sparkling classic hilariously skewers Victorian England’s upper class. Jack and Algernon are carefree bachelors who’ve created false identities to shirk their responsibilities and have a bit of fun. Jack’s in love with the enchanting Gwendolen, Algernon is falling for Cecily—and both women have sworn to marry only men named Ernest. But their happiness hinges on the approval of Gwendolen’s mother, the unbending Lady Bracknell.



How I Became a Pirate

Book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman

Based on the book “How I Became a Pirate” written by Melinda Long and illustrations by David Shannon

Directed by Kari Hayter

Feb. 19-Mar. 7, 2027

Theatre for Young Audiences

Julianne Argyros Stage

Aaarrh! The award-winning picture book is now a fun-filled musical comedy kids and adults will love! Braid Beard and his band of goofy pirates are searching for an expert digger to join their crew. When 10-year-old Jeremy Jacob joins them at sea, he learns their unique pirate ways and helps them look for the perfect spot to bury their booty. Along the swashbuckling adventure, he discovers that home is a treasure you can’t find on any map.



World Premiere

Three-headed Monster

By JuCoby Johnson

Directed by H. Adam Harris

Apr. 4-May 2, 2027

Nicholas Studio

After serving time for a crime he didn’t commit, 21-year-old Kyrie returns to the Bronx and his two best friends. As kids, they were inseparable—lovingly known as the Three-headed Monster. Now, in their cramped apartment, Kyrie fears there’s no room left for him in a trio, and world, that moved on while he was away. A touching drama about the healing power of friendship from one of the theatre’s rising stars.



World Premiere

The Ingenue

By Eleanor Burgess

Apr. 18-May 9, 2027

Julianne Argyros Stage

In 18th century London, neither Letitia nor Doricourt wants to go through with their arranged marriage, and each is determined to make the other call it off. Their hilarious scheming is playwright Hannah Cowley’s latest work-in-progress, which she’s desperately trying to finish while also holding together her own marriage and career. With a nudge and a wink, the writer of Galilee, 34 takes us inside a witty new twist on a classic comedy of manners.



Hamlet

By William Shakespeare

Directed by David Ivers

May 8-June 5, 2027

Segerstrom Stage

When Prince Hamlet returns to Denmark following the suspicious death of his father, he discovers that his uncle has seized the throne—and occupies his mother’s bed. Spurred on by his father’s ghost, Hamlet rages against his own conscience, plots revenge against the new king and spirals deeper into treachery and madness. Artistic Director David Ivers and actor Raymond Lee (SCR: Vietgone, Office Hour. TV/Film: Quantum Leap, Sugar, Top Gun: Maverick) join forces to bring Shakespeare’s haunting psychological thriller to life.



Location: South Coast Repertory is located at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, at the Bristol Street/Avenue of the Arts exit off the San Diego (405) Freeway in the David Emmes/Martin Benson Theatre Center, part of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Parking is available on Park Center Drive, off Anton Boulevard.

Complete information is available at www.scr.org.



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ABOUT SOUTH COAST REPERTORY: Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory, founded in 1964, is led by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel. SCR is widely recognized as one of the leading professional theatres in the United States. While its productions represent a balance of classic and modern plays and musicals, SCR is renowned for its extensive new-play development program—The Lab@SCR—which includes one of the nation’s largest commissioning programs for emerging, mid-career and established writers. Of SCR’s more than 550 productions, one-quarter have been world premieres. SCR-developed works have garnered two Pulitzer Prizes and eight Pulitzer nominations, several Obie Awards and scores of major new-play awards. Located in Costa Mesa, CA., SCR is home to the 507-seat Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and the 94-seat Nicholas Studio. www.scr.org

Irvine Barclay Theatre Announces 2026 – 27 Season with Grammy Winners, Notable Dance Companies, Speakers & Renowned Artists

Irvine, CA, April 13, 2026 – Irvine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s top performing arts venues, has announced its 2026-27 season, which again brings top-tier artists to Southern California for intimate experiences. Irvine Barclay Theatre continues to present renowned artists in a wide range of genres, from jazz, classical, folk, pop, and global music, to comedy, dance, theater, film, captivating speakers, and more.

In addition to offering discounted ticket packages in a specific genre, Irvine Barclay Theatre also provides free tickets to veterans through the Veteran Tickets Foundation and free tickets to UC Irvine students to select Performances on sale now include:


National Choreographers Initiative: NCI Discovery 2026: The Last Dance, July 25, 2026 at 8pm

Celebrate The Last Dance for National Choreographers Initiative (NCI), the culmination of an intensive, three-week program where Founder and Artistic Director Molly Lynch invites four choreographers, as well as 16 professional dancers from ballet companies across the country, to participate and create new works. The project culminates in a performance showcasing the excitement of new creation. 

To celebrate the work of NCI over the years and highlight the work of the choreographers, Lynch is inviting back four choreographers from past years,
including Sarah Tallman, Julia Feldman, Emily Adams, and DaYoung Jung. The program began with the Pacifica Choreographic Project (13 years) and continued with the National Choreographers Initiative (22 years). 

Over the past 35 years, Lynch has worked with 136 choreographers and, Through NCI, 185 dancers representing 60 dance companies. These artists have launched and developed their careers at NCI. Tickets are $28 - $105 and includes a post-performance reception with the artists on the Irvine Barclay Theatre patio to celebrate NCI storied history.

National Theatre Live Screening: Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Sept. 13, 2026 at 3pm
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter, Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the first time, playing mother and daughter in Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic. Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost? Filmed live from the West End, this new production reunites Staunton with director Dominic Cooke (Follies, Good), exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress. Expected run time of this film is 1 hour and 56 minutes with no intermission.

The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra with Shelly Berg, the Tom & Mayumi Music Director: Battle of the Bands, Sept. 16, 2026 at 8pm
Led by musical director Shelly Berg, the 19-pieceensemble, The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra, will channel the Swing Era spirit as rival ensembles face off in a lively musical showdown. Enjoy iconic big band classics from Count Basie, Duke Ellington and others, while audiences vote to crown the winner.

Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me – Music by Leonard Cohen, 

Sept. 24, 2026 at 8pm

Inspired by Leonard Cohen’s music and poetry, this exclusive show is a powerful homage blending contemporary dance, theatrical design, and evocative storytelling. Approved by the late Cohen during his lifetime, Dance Me was created by three internationally renowned choreographers who have transformed his legendary songs into a visually stunning, emotionally resonate celebration of his life and artistry. A native of Montreal, Cohen’s songs featured will include: “Here It Is”; “Lover, Lover, Lover”; “Dance Me to the End of Love”; “Boogie Street; Steer Your Way”; “Everybody Knows”; “Tower of Song”; “So Long, Marianne”; “A Thousand Kisses Deep” (poem); “Suzanne”; “Famous Blue Raincoat”; “Nevermind”; “First We Take Manhattan”; “It Seemed the Better Way”; “Hallelujah”; “String Reprise” / “Treaty.” This event sold out when it appeared at Irvine Barclay Theatre in 2024.


The Mākaha Sons, Sept. 25, 2026 at 8pm
The Mākaha Sons are one of Hawai‘i’s premier musical groups committed to preserving traditional Hawaiian music. As part of Irvine Barclay Theatre’s expanded Hawaiian Series, the trio creates an iconic sound with alluring harmonies and melodies, authentic storytelling, and breathtakingly memorable songs. Their distinct sound and delightful stage presence have won the hearts of thousands of fans worldwide. Winners of countless Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for their timeless recordings (22 albums thus far), The Mākaha Sons are the recipients of a Lifetime Achievement Award and are inductees of the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Their legacy persists with founding member and front-man, Jerome Koko on vocals and 12-string guitar, Kimo Artis on vocals and electric bass, and Hanale Kaʻanapu on vocals and 6-string guitar.

The Bad Plus: The Farewell Tour, Sept. 26, 2026 at 8pm
Boundary-pushing and fiercely original, The Bad Plus redefine modern jazz with explosive improvisation and bold, genre-defying sound. On their farewell tour, the acclaimed quartet delivers knotty grooves, immersive textures, and the fearless creativity that has captivated audiences worldwide. The popular piano-less quartet, founding members Reid Anderson (bass) and Dave King (drums) are joined by guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed.


Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story, Sept. 27, 2026 at 5pm
Created by acclaimed jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci and combat veteran Jaymes Poling, Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story is a powerful live fusion of storytelling, music, and theatre exploring the human impact of September 11 and the war that followed. As we look at the 25th anniversary of 9/11, World Trade Center firefighter Bill Spade – the sole survivor of FDNY Rescue Company 5 – and Poling, a three-tour Afghanistan combat veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division, will take the stage to share firsthand experiences of service, survival, and the lasting weight of memory, revealing an unexpected bond forged through resilience and purpose. 

Farinacci, praised by The New York Times for his expressive artistry, leads a live ensemble performing an evocative score of original music and reimagined works by Leonard Cohen, Gnarls Barkley, and Tom Waits that serves as the emotional heartbeat of the piece. Immersive lighting and cinematic visuals translate memory into color and motion, creating a deeply moving environment that amplifies the storytelling. The result is an unforgettable, human portrait of courage, healing, and connection.


Snarky Puppy, Oct. 4, 2026 at 7pm
Snarky Puppy is a five-time Grammy–winning collective that defies easy classification. Drawing from funk, R&B, hard rock, classic soul, modern gospel, fusion, and jazz, the band occupies a musical space entirely its own. As New York Times critic Nate Chinen suggests, they’re best appreciated for what they are—rather than what they’re not. 

Over the years, Snarky Puppy’s sound has expanded dramatically, evolving from a jazz-forward foundation into something groovier, more emotional, and powerfully communicative. The result is music that connects instantly and deeply, without compromise. With members hailing from Japan, Argentina, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the band embodies a truly global perspective – but its true defining trait is the joy of collaboration. That shared spirit fuels a constant push toward creative growth, making every performance an electrifying celebration of musical possibility. Tickets are $49 to $185.

Le Patin Libre: Melt, Oct. 11, 2026 at 5pm
In this movement spectacle, a scorching post-apocalyptic world without ice or music is depicted, with a simple duet of skaters who survive. Eerily observed by a gas-guzzling musician, they live on with what remains: humor and love. On theater stages for the first time, Le Patin Libre seizes the opportunity to explore an intimacy impossible on traditional ice rinks. On a forgotten 1990s prototype of roller skates, they combine the athletic virtuosity of figure skating with the depth of contemporary dance and a nod to street performance. Melt takes us on a surreal journey, inviting reflection on what is truly precious in these uncertain times.

Simple Too: An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi, Oct. 14, 2026 at 8pm
Spend an evening with globally celebrated chef and bestselling author Yotam Ottolenghi, as he returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre stage. He will discuss his new cookbook, Simple Too, followed by a book signing in the lobby. Renowned for bold flavors and “The Ottolenghi effect,” he has transformed how audiences cook, eat and experience vibrant, vegetable-forward cuisine.

Shanghai Ballet: The Butterfly Lovers, Oct. 16, 2026 at 8pm
The renowned Shanghai Ballet returns to North America with a sweeping production of The Butterfly Lovers, the legendary Chinese tale of devotion and transformation, often likened to “Romeo and Juliet”. Blending classical ballet with rich Chinese theatrical traditions, this visually stunning performance offers lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and dramatic grandeur. This is the only Orange County appearance by the 50-person dance company.

Begum Parween Sultana, Oct. 23, 2026 at 8pm
Experience one of India’s most celebrated classical vocalists, renowned for her extraordinary four-octave range and expressive artistry. A Padma Sri recipient and modern Hindustani icon, Begum Parween Sultana delivers breathtaking performances that move effortlessly from meditative depth to exhilarating brilliance. This is an exclusive North America performance for Begum Parween Sultana, a resident of India.

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical, Oct. 24, 2026 at 1pm and 5pm
Based on Dav Pikley’s hit book series for kids, this hilarious new musical follows Cat Kid and 21 imaginative baby frogs as creativity runs delightfully wild. Packed with humor, heart and comic chaos, it’s an inventive adventure for the whole family. Presented by TheaterWorksUSA, the show is 60 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

CelloGayageum: Oct. 25, 2026 at 5pm
Founded in 2016 by Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and Korean gayageum virtuoso Dayoung Yoon, CelloGayageum is a boundary-crossing duo that creates a mesmerizing fusion of cultures and centuries. Blending Korean folk roots with contemporary global influences, CelloGayageum crafts a sound that is both ancient in spirit and strikingly modern.

National Theatre Live Screening: Hamlet, Nov. 1, 2026 at 3pm
Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in this bold, contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, filmed live at London’s National Theatre. Directed by Robert Hastie, this sharp and stylish reimagining brings urgency, wit, and psychological intensity to the timeless tragedy.

Choir! Choir! Choir! Un-Silent Night: An Epic Holiday Sing-Along, Nov. 29, 2026 at 5pm
This fully interactive, holiday sing-along transforms the audience into a choir, celebrating seasonal favorites in a joyful, high-energy evening where all voices are welcome. Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with audiences around the globe. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists like Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright, and even Kermit the Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered millions of views.

The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra with Shelly Berg, the Tom & Mayumi Music Director: Swinging Through the Holidays Featuring Eric Marienthal and Lucy Woodward, Dec. 9, 2026 at 8pm
Swing into the holidays as The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra brings festive favorites to life with guest artists Eric Marienthal, Grammy-nominated saxophonist, and Lucy Woodward, the popular UK-based singer and songwriter. From jazzed-up Christmas classics to contemporary holiday hits, this spirited concert delivers a joyful evening of seasonal swing.

Robert Cazimero: Christmas in Hawaii, Dec. 18, 2026 at 8pm
Legendary Hawaiian musician Robert Cazimero brings the spirit of the holidays to life with beloved songs, graceful hula by Halau Na Kamalei – the only male hālau hula in the Hawaiian Islands – and the warmth of island tradition in a festive evening of music and celebration. This will be Cazimero’s only show on the mainland.

Festival Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, Dec. 5 to 24, 2026
The timeless holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” is a beloved tradition at Irvine Barclay Theatre. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtaking production features superb, colorful scenery and dazzling costumes. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score as the Sugar Plum Fairy, the heroine Clara, and a cast of hundreds take you on a magical journey to mystical lands. This full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla, and features world-renowned guest artists, FBT’s professional company dancers, and exceptional young talent from across the Southland.

National Theatre Live Screening: All My Sons, Jan. 10, 2027 at 3pm
Emmy and Oscar-nominated actor Bryan Cranston stars in Arthur Miller’s gripping American classic, filmed live from London’s West End. Directed by Ivo Van Hove, this five-star production examines ambition, morality, and the cost of the American dream with searing performances and devastating power.


DakhaBrakha, Jan. 15, 2027 at 8pm
Hailing from Kyiv, this extraordinary quartet blends traditional Ukranian folk with global rhythms in a sound they call “ethno chaos.” Layered vocals, driving percussion, and striking visuals create a powerful, emotionally charged performance rooted in resilience and cultural identity.

The Peking Acrobats, Jan. 16, 2027 at 1pm and 8pm
Experience the breathtaking spectacle of The Peking Acrobats as they bring over 2,000 years of Chinese tradition to Irvine Barclay Theatre. This extraordinary production features gravity-defying feats—from towering chair stacks and precision tumbling to astonishing contortion, foot juggling, and masterful balancing acts. With vibrant costumes, dazzling special effects, and the festive energy of a Chinese Carnival, the performance blends ancient artistry with modern theatrical flair. Each act showcases remarkable discipline, strength, flexibility, and control, reflecting the timeless harmony of mind and body at the heart of Chinese acrobatics. Dynamic, graceful, and awe-inspiring, The Peking Acrobats captivate audiences of all ages with a mesmerizing performance.

Ignite Dance: A Celebration of Dance, Jan. 23, 2027 at 8pm
After a sold-out debut in 2026, Ignite Dance returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre featuring five Southern California dance companies: INTUITV ARTSHIP, Re:borN Dance Interactive, Outrun the Bear, Caminos Flamencos, and Pointeworks. Celebrate diverse dance styles then enjoy an after-party with a DJ, refreshments, and mingling with the artists.

Trio Barclay, Jan. 24, 2027 at 5pm
Bound by friendship and artistry, Trio Barclay – comprised of Dennis Kim on violin, Jonah Kim on cello, and Sean Kennard on piano – brings electrifying chemistry to piano trio repertoire spanning centuries. Their dynamic performances blend virtuosity, passion and prevision, redefining the chamber music experience.


Jesse Cook, Jan. 27, 2027 at 8pm
Back by popular demand, virtuoso guitarist Jesse Cook captivates audiences with a signature blend of flamenco, jazz, and global rhythms. Inspired by the groundbreaking album Friday Night by Paco du Lucia, Cook’s vibrant, genre-crossing music has earned international acclaim and a devoted worldwide following.

The Conference of The Birds, Jan. 30, 2027 at 8pm
Inspired by Farid ud-Din Attar’s 12th century epic, this movement-driven a cappella theatrical work follows the birds’ mystical journey through the Seven Valleys in search of enlightenment. Presented The Resonance Collective, a Southern California group of 30 performers, The Conference of The Birds features lush vocal soundscapes and striking choreography to create a powerful meditation on unity and self-discovery.

Kalani Pe'a and Taimane: Live in Concert, Feb. 5, 2027 at 8pm
The vibrant spirit of Hawai‘i comes alive when two of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated artists share the stage for a spectacular evening of music. Four-time Grammy winner Kalani Pe‘a is joined by ukulele virtuoso and singer Taimane, blending soaring vocals, island tradition and musical innovation for an evening of contemporary Hawaiian artistry.

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen, Feb. 6, 2027 at 1pm and 5pm
Lightwire Theater reimagines Aesop’s classic fable The Tortoise and the Hare, where the “slow and steady” Tortoise triumphs over the overconfident Hare. When the next generation faces modern distractions, families discover a heartfelt, visually stunning story about connection, perseverance, and teamwork. The Next Gen is a glow-in-the-dark adventure told through dance and luminous puppetry. For Ages K and Up. The show is 55 minutes with no intermission.

Ambrose Akinmusire Quartet, March 6, 2027 at 8pm
Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire leads a quartet of singular voices in a performance of emotional depth and fearless originality. Blending jazz, chamber influences, and bold improvisation, his music expands the genre’s boundaries with visionary intensity.

The Klezmatics: 40th Anniversary Tour, March 7, 2027 at 5pm
Celebrating 40 years, the Grammy-winning Klezmatics fuse Yiddish roots with jazz, punk, gospel, and folk in music that is joyous, defiant, and deeply human. Their anniversary tour honors a legacy of cultural pride, fearless innovation, and irresistible groove.

GALLIM, March 13, 2027 at 8pm
Experience the electrifying artistry of GALLIM, the boundary-pushing New York contemporary dance company founded by choreographer Andrea Miller. Known for visceral physicality and striking theatricality, the ensemble delivers daring, emotionally charged contemporary dance that pushes movement to thrilling extremes.

The Irish Tenors, March 17, 2027 at 8pm
Celebrate Ireland’s rich musical heritage with the trio that has defined Celtic tenor harmony for a generation. With soaring vocals and beloved ballads, The Irish Tenors deliver a stirring evening of passion, tradition and timeless Irish song.

Live from Laurel Canyon: Songs & Stories of American Folk Rock, March 19, 2027 at 8pm
Back by popular demand, this concert revives the golden era of folk rock with the songs and stories from 1960s Laurel Canyon. Featuring music from iconic artists like The Mamas and The Papas; The Doors; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; Joni Mitchell; Jackson Browne; and the Eagles, whose songs reshaped American pop. This nostalgic celebration brings timeless hits and backstories vividly to life.

The Hot Sardines, March 20, 2027 at 8pm
From Brooklyn speakeasies to sold-out stages worldwide, The Hot Sardines deliver a high-voltage revival of classic jazz. With vintage style, sparkling originals, and irresistible swing, their performances are sultry, fun and upbeat.

Backhausdance: Now, March 24, 2027 at 8pm
Orange County’s leading contemporary dance company, Backhausdance presents an evening of bold, original works. Featuring the premiere of Multitudes by founder Jennifer Backhaus and Amanda Kay White, this dynamic program showcases athletic dancers, innovative collaborators, and powerful storytelling through movement.

Sona Jobarteh, April 7, 2027 at 8pm
Hailed as “Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso,” Sona Jobarteh brings the radiant sound of the 21-string kora, an African harp, to life. Blending ancient West African tradition with contemporary energy, she leads a dynamic band in powerful, soulful performances.

Natlie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: Four on the Floor, April 8, 2027 at 8pm
Celtic fiddle superstars Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy return to Irvine Barclay Theatre with an electrifying family collaboration as they’re joined by their two eldest children, Mary Frances and Micheal Leahy. A member of the Order of Canada and multiple award winner, Natalie is renowned for her dazzling technique and magnetic charm. Donnell, former leader of the double-platinum family band Leahy, commands the stage with fiery intensity. Together they have sold out more than 1,000 shows and collaborated with artists from Yo-Yo Ma to Alison Krauss.

Aga Khan Master Musicians with Vincent Peirani & Vincent Ségal, April 10, 2027 at 8pm
Join master musicians from across Asia and the Mediterranean for an electrifying night of global music. Seven extraordinary musicians unite for this performance as part of an international tour. Wu Man is a world-leading virtuoso on the pipa, a Chinese lute, and a passionate advocate for her country’s traditional music. Syrian-born multi-instrumentalist Basel Rajoub has developed an entirely new repertoire for the saxophone, while his compatriot Feras Charestan is a master of the qanun, a Middle Eastern plucked zither. Turkish oud master Yurdal Tokcan and Uzbek Abbos Kosimov, a virtuoso on the doira frame drum, complete the outstanding quintet of Aga Khan Master Musicians. They are joined by two eminent French musicians celebrated for their explorations across musical genres. Award-winning accordionist, singer, and composer Vincent Peirani has worked in jazz and contemporary music, while Vincent Ségal is a renowned cellist and bassist who has collaborated with artists including Sting, Cesária Évora, and Elvis Costello. The result is a high-energy celebration of global artistry that is deeply engaging, performed by some of today’s most compelling global artists.

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble, April 11, 2027 at 5pm
Back by popular demand, improv legends Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood create a night of unscripted comedy fueled entirely by audience suggestions. The dynamic duo from TV's Whose Line is it Anyway?, take the stage in a one-night-only live show, armed with their lightning-fast wits and spontaneity.

NoGravity Theatre: Divine Comedy, April 15, 2027 at 8pm
Inspired by Dante’s epic journey, this breathtaking visual spectacle features six Rome-based dancers who soar, spin, and suspend themselves in gravity-defying choreography. Blending Baroque theatrical splendor with modern illusion, NoGravity Theatre creates a dreamlike world where movement, music, and imagination transcend earthly limits. Please note: this performance contains nudity. The performance is 1 hour 20 minutes, with no intermission.

Endea Owens and The Cookout, April 17, 2027 at 8pm
Grammy, Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Endea Owens – a member of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert house band – leads her band, The Cookout, in a joyful evening of groove-driven jazz. The bassist and bandleader is known as one of the most vibrant emerging artists in jazz, having worked with Jon Batiste and other notable artists.

Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and The Pirate’s Gold, April 18, 2027 at 1pm and 5pm
Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, this thrilling live-action graphic novel follows young Jane Hawkins on a high seas adventure, with performers voicing characters and sound effects as more than 1,200 comic panels animate the story on a giant screen. Recommended for ages 10 and up; the performance is 80 minutes without intermission.

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: The Pirates of Penzance in One Act & An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan Favorites, April 23, 2027 at 8pm
A sextet from New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players presents a one-act The Pirates of Penzance featuring its most beloved numbers. After intermission, enjoy favorite selections from the comic operas of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan – including spontaneous audience requests.

Jasmine Choi, Flute, with Hugh Sung: Piano, April 24, 2027 at 8pm
Hailed as “The goddess of the flute,” Jasmine Choi brings breathtaking virtuosity and expressive artistry to the stage. A former principal of the Vienna Symphony, she has performed worldwide and reimagines classical masterworks with bold creativity while accompanied by pianist Hugh Sung.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, April 25, 2027 at 3pm
Experience the world’s most exhilarating mountain stories on the big screen. This global film tour showcases award-winning adventures, breathtaking landscapes, and inspiring tales of exploration, bringing the spirit of the outdoors to audiences around the world. Film listing to be announced at a later date.

Blockbuster Broadway!, April 30, 2027 at 8pm
Celebrate Broadway’s biggest hits in one show-stopping evening of iconic songs from beloved musicals. Featuring powerhouse vocalist Scott Coulter and others performing favorites from stage classics and modern blockbusters, including “Wicked”, “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Jersey Boys”, “Chicago”, “Cats” and “The Lion King”.

Home in the Islands: May Day with Henry Kapono and Kala’e + Kalena, May 1, 2027 at 8pm
Celebrate May Day – or Lei Day in Hawaii – with island music legend Henry Kapono and the dynamic duo of Kala’e + Kalena. Featuring beloved classics, rich harmonies, hula, and island stories, this joyful evening honors classic and country music of Hawaii.

Django Festival All-Stars, May 6, 2027 at 8pm
Back by popular demand, the Django Festival All-Stars ignite the spirit of Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club jazz with blazing guitars, soaring violin, and unstoppable swing. The ensemble revives the sound of 1930s Paris with dazzling virtuosity and irresistible rhythm.

The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra with Shelly Berg, The Tom and Mayumi Adams Music Director: Ella & Joe: A Tribute to the Music & Style of Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Williams, Featuring Carmen Bradford and Jamie Davis, May 14, 2027 at 8pm
The Barclay Jazz & Beyond Orchestra honors jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Williams with acclaimed vocalists Carmen Bradford and Jamie Davis. Hear timeless classics brought to life with lush big band arrangements and the irresistible swing of jazz’s golden age.

Feathered Creatures: Mark Lettieri and Purbayan Chatterjee & Friends, May 15, 2027 at 8pm
Longtime Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri joins sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chaterjee for a thrilling cross-cultural collaboration. Blending modern groove with Indian classical tradition, their music creates a vibrant dialogue of rhythm, melody, and improvisation.

Nadine Sierra in Concert, Accompanied by Bryan Wagorn, May 21, 2027 at 8pm
Internationally acclaimed soprano Nadine Sierra brings her radiant tone and magnetic artistry to an intimate recital setting. Fresh from leading opera houses worldwide, she delivers a captivating evening showcasing the extraordinary voice and expressive brilliance defining a new generation.

About Irvine Barclay Theatre
Irvine Barclay Theatre is Orange County’s boutique theater experience, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. Since opening its doors in 1990, the 750-seat Irvine Barclay Theatre has developed into one of California's most imaginative performing arts showcases, welcoming over 3 million patrons over the last 36 years to an impressive array of varied performances by internationally recognized artists.
A unique collaborative venture between the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and private donors, Irvine Barclay Theatre is operated as an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Irvine Barclay Theatre is located at 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, California 92612 adjacent to UC Irvine. For tickets or more information, please visit www.thebarclay.org or call (949) 854-4646.

Coming up April 15th at 9:30am - Novelist Lori Gold talks about her seventh book, KISS, MARRY, KILL

LISTEN to today's show with Lori Gold!

Who would you…

Kiss?

Marry?

Kill?

Novelist Lori Gold’s sixth book, KISS, MARRY, KILL (Harper Collins; April 7, 2026) brings the conversation game, played (now famously) even by Taylor Swift’s fiancé, Trace Kelce, to life, asking: Which would you choose: kiss, marry, or kill? The book’s premise takes a question that haunts many of us—what if?— and Lori Gold delivers a page-turning novel that explores the path not taken, the push-pull between ambition and morality, and the powerful and complicated world of female friendships, all core issues ripe for discussion that audiences will relate to.


In a conversation, Lori discusses:

Why the viral phenomenon of conversation games, like Kiss, Marry, Kill, and the recent “TikTok 36 Questions” has taken hold and where it’s going.

https://www.instyle.com/travis-kelce-kiss-marry-kill-game-taylor-swift-2016-8600948


Why decision fatigue and the “just tell me” economy, where mental exhaustion and cognitive overload, combined with the “ease” of AI and recommendation algorithms, are leading us to lose our critical thinking abilities and just be “told” what to watch and buy, what jobs to take, and even when to seek medical help.


Stronger Together: The collective power of female friendships and how women coming together, embodied by the decision to collaborate rather than compete, when KISS, MARRY, KILL authors Lori Gold and Cara Tanamachi discovered their forthcoming books had the same exact title: https://people.com/lori-gold-cara-tanamachi-kiss-marry-kill-exclusive-11847790


The personal cost of “perfect” choices. Kiss, Marry, Kill is drawn from the author, Lori Gold’s intense period of personal crisis and became her way to explore how the pressure to make the “perfect” choice can become its own trap and how we can find peace with how much is truly out of our hands.


The post-pandemic cultural fascination of the multiverse and alternate realities, such, Kiss, Marry, Kill, as well as Palm Springs, Everything Everywhere All at Once, Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Dark Matter, The Midnight Library, The Measure, Maybe Next Time, The Husbands, and many more.


With Lori’s inspiration and the ripe themes in the novel itself, KISS, MARRY, KILL is the perfect story for readers looking to have meaningful discussions about the choices in their own life.



More About Lori:

Lori Gold is the author of the Zibby Media Summer Read pick and NPR Book of the Day ROMANTIC FRICTION. She is also the author of an adult historical and four novels for young adults (all under Lori Goldstein). She currently lives outside of Boston, where she fosters a writing community through her creative writing classes, book coaching, and writing retreats.


More About the Book:


When three best friends and founders of a health and wellness app on the verge of hitting the big time play a spin on the game of “kiss, marry, kill” at their company’s summer outing, they wake up the next morning in an alternate universe to discover they’ve each done just that. Kiss: In the “real world,” quiet, indecisive Aubrey is heartbroken over things ending with her fiancé. In the new reality ushered in by the game, Aubrey finds herself in bed, naked, next to their company’s newly hired graphic designer, ten years her junior. 

Marry: Practical, straight-laced Ilena, on the brink of a divorce following a stressful struggle with infertility, wakes up six months pregnant and married to their company’s general counsel. Kill: Mallory’s philosophy is to ask neither forgiveness nor permission. Yet the reckless behavior of their biggest investor crosses lines even Mallory didn’t know she had. Especially since she’s been secretly sleeping with him for the past year. She’s mad enough to kill. But in this world, he’s already dead. Told alternately from the perspectives of these three best friends, this Sliding Doors-esque story explores the nuances of ambition, the power of female friendship, and the many facets of love in our lives, ultimately asking: if our choices define us or if we define our choices.


Lori Gold’s forthcoming novel, Kiss, Marry, Kill (Harper Collins, April 7, 2026, $18.99) follows three best friends and cofounders of a health and wellness app who play a spin on the game of “kiss, marry, kill” at their summer outing and wake up the next day in an alternate universe where they’ve each done exactly that. It’s part twisty book club fiction, part female friendship, and part meditation on control, chance, and the stories we tell ourselves.

This book is for all the readers out there looking for the perfect job, partner, or throw pillow to make their life complete. It is about the path not taken and the many facets of love in our lives, ultimately asking: Do our choices define us or do we define our choices



Advance Praise for Kiss, Marry, Kill

“Deviously clever and emotionally rich, Kiss, Marry, Kill is a sharp dive into friendship, fate, and the choices that change everything. I devoured it.” —Chandler Baker, NYT bestselling author of Whisper Network, The Husbands, and Cutting Teeth

“A wonderfully outlandish premise that delivers a clever, pacy, emotionally satisfying read. This thought-provoking Sliding Doors-style story had me fully invested in the lives of all three friends as they navigated the outcome of their life-changing game. My brain spun as I stayed up late to find out how it would all resolve!“ —Cesca Major, author of Reese’s Book Club pick Maybe Next Time