Went to see this amazing production of Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE. it was fantastic, magical and I…read morewish I could go again! It's sad this is the end of an era. I wish they had merchandise with imagery from the show!!! I would have bought it ALL!!!

The end of an era, James Conlon's final opera performancc is fittingly the Magic Flute, my…read morefavorite. We have had season tickets for years, and I especially love the Queen of the Night, but all performances are professional from West Side Story to Carmen. The Dorothy Chandler is a beautiful venue with excellent acoustics.Lunch before our matinee at Kendalls makes for a wonderful cultural experience in DTLA.

What a gorgeous summer evening enjoying The Merry Wives of Windsor on the UCI campus! The show…read moretakes place in a temporary outdoor, Elizabethan-style theater with just over 120 seats, making the experience feel wonderfully intimate. I sat in the Queen Elizabeth section and loved being so close to the action. The production was funny, lively, and incredibly engaging. After thoroughly enjoying last year's production of Much Ado About Nothing, I knew I wanted to return and so glad I did! This isn't the Shakespeare some people might expect. There was laughter, dancing, singing, plenty of clever satire, a mix of Shakespearean and modern English, and Spanish. The entire cast was fantastic! I especially enjoyed "Frank" and "Cayo", although everyone did an amazing job! Sitting so close to the actors really pulls you into the performance and allows you to feel every emotion. It was such a fun and entertaining evening, and looking forward to next year! Be sure to put it on your reminder list for next season. This year's production ends at the end of the month, and unfortunately, the remaining performances are sold out!

An absolute must do! The theater is outdoor and something I have never experienced before. There…read moreare no bad seats, which is mind blogging!! The performers were excellent and obviously they have a fantastic director!! From costumes, to stage design, lighting, choreographer all went well together! I have been to enough plays and performances to say this theater is definitely special and if you get a chance you should go watch a play here. There is a big parking structure so parking is not a problem and it's a short walk to the theater from there.

I went to the Golden West College Mainstage Theater to see an on-stage production of Herman…read moreMelville's classic American novel, "Moby Dick." It was great!: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/golden-west-college-mainstage-theater-huntington-beach?select=T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg#T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg So as not to ruin or spoil the play's narration or momentum, I won't, however, spend much time reviewing the show. If you've yet to experience the book, you'll be enlightened: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/golden-west-college-mainstage-theater-huntington-beach?select=T8CKz6UQoLckecoKqeincg#xcpkDky8g78aToWGiJ7upQ . But if you have read "Moby Dick," don't let that stop you from attending. While the enigmatic, white whale certainly occupies space in this imaginative adaptation, the spotlight is instead directed upon the depths of character development and the relationships among the Pequod's crew. Awesome performance notes and applause go to the intriguing Elijah and Father Mapple. As a venue for experiencing community theater, I whole-heartedly recommend GWC's Mainstage. The seating is intimate and comfortable, the ushers are helpful and all smiles, and the direction of the theater is completely supportive of its cast. In fact, the programs themselves open the college's doors for available enrollment, course offerings, and audition information. Makes you wonder... Have you yet had your 15 minutes? For a listing of upcoming events and shows, visit their website: www.gwctheater.com . ***Tips*** * The address listed is the main address for the college. The theater is not facing Goldenwest St. It actually faces Gothard St., which parallels Goldenwest. Parking is also located off Gothard.

Easy parking and a nice size theater. Every seat is a good one. I saw Evita here and while I…read moredidn't enjoy the musical I was comfortable. The sounds was a bit off so it was hard to hear the cast; the mic kept going in and out on some folks. There were refreshments (cheesecake and coffee) for purchase in the lobby during intermission. Restrooms are outside, but clean. If there was something here that I really wanted to see, I'd return.

Garden Grove has a brilliant Shakespeare Company bring well staged modern versions of the…read moreplaywright's ancient classics . Your high school play is a poor comparison and so would be most of the stodgier tradition stuff that you would imagine. The Tempest in this version takes place on an exotic island perhaps in Asia and performed with music, dance, rhythmic drumming and imaginative staging as with most of new theatrical companies. I can not say that I am a fan of Shakespeare's art but I enjoy good live performances of all types of theatrics & music. This Shakespeare Company does do that very well.

Amazing inexpensive Shakespeare, right here in downtown Garden Grove, CA of The OC…read more I have seen super star Hollywood actors plus actresses perform a radio show here. Then we went to their phenomenal production of William Shakespeare's Midsummer's Night Dream featuring a local OC-based Thaitian dance troupe. Pluses: An abundance of FREE Parking! They only have a very small dedicated parking lot. But no worries. You can readily park on the street for free all right within 1 block of the theater. Bring a picnic lunch and get here early. You can spread out and enjoy it on the grass of the park which is right outside of the theater. They sell beer, wine, and soda. Bring some singles with you. You won't be disappointed.

Went to go see Wagner's Tristan and Isolde with Christopher S. He's the only friend I know that…read moreactually likes opera! Anyhoo, this was my first one. I wasn't expecting Four and a Half Hours! with 25 minute intermissions. I will tell the story sans opera voice in a quick nutshell. Girl is pissed that boy killed her first boy. boy that killed her first boy got wounded in the fight. She nurses murder boy back to health. She is still pissed. She tries to kill new boy but ends up falling for new boy. New boy secretly likes Girl, but she is getting hitched to his uncle, the King of Ireland. She's mad because he won't pay attention to her since his uncle has claimed her. She's so pissed and has him take the love potion. Act II Oh I curse the day that comes, let the night last forever (repeated again and again for an hour) ::Um. I slept through half of it:: Act III Boy is dying and his buddy sings to him, Boy that is dying miraculously has the ability to sing and belt out notes for an hour "Where's the ship? Is the ship coming, Is my love coming, Isolde, Isolde!!" (again repeated for an hour) Girl's ship comes and he dies. She complains over his body, why'd you die? Even in death women complain about their men. Best party is even after she complains and he dies, his ghost meets her and surrounds her with his love. The last part, made me cry. I can say that I like opera, just not Wagner. I think he would have done better to have made two acts and made the same connections. The sets were wonderful, the singers were completely amazing, the orchestra was on point, and the acting was impeccable. Despite my detestment of Wagner's long-winded storytelling, I did enjoy myself. Anyway, as for the opera house itself, it is lovely, there are good seats in the rear orchestra for 98 bucks, and they serve champagne as you wait. Outside the courtyard is a beautiful fountain and a nice snackbar complete with salad bar. You can even get a jack and coke during intermission. Underneath the complex of the opera house and theatre is flat rate 8 dollar parking . Get there early so you can park well!!! I'd definitely going back.

Beethoven's Fidelo was done with traditional story telling on aesthetically sensible staging…read more Several scenes were like art work in a modern art museum. The use of projection in Act II, thanks to modern technology, was successful in depicting the contrast of darkness in scene 1's underworld and brightness in scene 2's liberation. Soprano Anja Kampe, in the role of " Fidelio/LEonore" had a big and bright voice. However, she seemed worn out toward the end of Act II. Her high pitch was tight, honking like truck horn - granted, this demanding role requires juice to swim off 200 meter butterfly. Tenor Kalus Florian Vogt, as Florestan, had a young and delightful voice. The supporting roles of Rocco, Fizarro, Fernando and Marzelline were sung beautifully. This was one of the few LA Opera productions where there were no weak links. The orchestra played with refined sounds. Conductor James Conlon has made great improvements to the orchestra. Not quite the level of the Met or Chicago's Lyric, the playing from the pit demonstrated an up and coming great orchestra. Can't wait to see their Jenufa, the next production of the season.

I've been here many times when I was in elementary school. The symphony and the music flowing…read morethrough this place brings back memories. Thinking back now, it reminds me of the Dolby Theater. I remembered they played the Indiana Jones theme song here years ago. Got me really pumped up with excitement.

I love the Pacific Symphony and feel so lucky to have it as my neighborhood symphony…read more My husband and I had Sunday afternoon tickets for Brahms' 4th symphony today, to which I was really looking forward. Unfortunately, the experience was basically destroyed by Mr. St. Clair's decision to stop after the first and second movements to explain what the audience was about to hear. It just completely destroyed the flow and my ability to hear the symphony the way the composer intended it to be heard. I appreciate understanding the context for the music. I have the ability to research this information for myself. If Mr. St. Clair feels the need to explain the piece to the audience, can he please do that before the orchestra starts playing? I'm feeling kind of ridiculously angry about being deprived of this immersive experience today. Please consider this feedback because we have tickets, once again, for the Sunday series and I'm coming to listen to the music. It's a visceral experience that I want to have without someone interfering with it. Respectfully, Leslie K

I am a huge Avenue Q fan and I have been trying to catch their show but I missed them the last time…read morethey were in town at the Pantages Theatre. This year I was on top of their schedule and I was pleased to discover that they would be performing at the Claire Trevor Theatre at UC Irvine. I was able to purchase tickets for the event online and the tickets were mailed to me within a week. There are discounted tickets for military, seniors, students and of course ALUMNI!! Zot Zot!! If you are not familiar with the UCI campus, I recommend parking at the Mesa Parking Structure (4004 Mesa Rd, Irvine, CA). Level 3 has a bridge that connects the structure over to the Arts Plaza. If you don't see a map, just keep an eye out for building #711. If you see box office windows, you have successfully located the Claire Trevor Theatre. The Claire Trevor Theatre was originally known as the Village Theatre. It later became renamed after legendary Emmy and Oscar Award winning actress Claire Trevor. Not only was so talented in the arts, but she was also a philanthropist. In her retirement she spent a lot of time with the UCI School of the Arts and their students. Upon her death her family donated $10 million to the school and thus the school had the money to rebuild the theater and to rename it in her honor. If you are not familiar with Avenue Q, they are a Tony award winning musical that is an adult version of Sesame Streets. Their performance addresses real social issues that we face in our lives. They addressed controversial issues like racism and homosexuality and how things would be better if we were honest about our feelings. They question one's purpose in life and how to deal with disappointment. Most importantly they stressed out that helping others is a reward in itself and it can bring you fulfillment when you are feeling lost. The performance was spectacular!! It was beyond the scope of my expectations. I am trying really hard to sensor myself to not ruin the plot for anyone who has not seen it. I just want to commend all of the cast who were SO TALENTED!! They were able to make the puppets portray real emotions and real arm movements all while singing and being in complete sync with their character. I have the upmost respect for their skills and passion for the stage. My favorite character and the character I relate to the most is Kate Monster and I wanted to cry during one of her songs, "There's a fine, fine line between love... And a waste of time."

I would admit it that I have never had attended a play before, but as of tonight, I would be a fan…read moreof it. A play called living out at UCI school of Arts. An illegal alien mother tried to blend in this society by getting a job as a caretaker so that to earn enough money to bring her other kid from Guatemala over. Her husband also worked odd jobs so they could save the money. In the end , by saving her employers child but could not saved her own. The actors of this play were awesome and well prepared and professional. The storyline was excellent and easy to comprehend especially with today's climate and political highly unpopular. This was a very interesting story with people from different backgrounds and customs, it was an excellent writer and also superb acting by the cast members, also with that people the scenes...

On Sat., July 20, 2013, I saw Twelfth Night here…read more If you see only one play this summer, SEE THIS ONE! Six performances remain. It is an outstanding professional production of Shakespeare's craziest comedy with a super cast of 18 or 19 actors. If you do not laugh hard, see a psychologist - something is very, very wrong with you. And as a date, with friend or spouse, well, as Duke Orsino says, "If music be the food of love, play on!" It's also a great introduction to Shakespeare for young people. It helps to know a bit about the play beforehand, so review the plot on the web, or read the synopsis at the theater. The script is full of silly jokes, and mistaken identity of boy-girl fraternal twins is important. (You can tell they are twins because their costumes match.) Costumes and lighting are excellent, also. Props and sets are spare - very Elizabethan - but very effective. Audience was about 150 casually-dressed patrons - there are plenty more seats. This open-air amphitheater puts everyone just a few rows from the stage, and has really comfortable seats. Bring a cushion if you must, but you aren't likely to need one. There's a no-alcohol snack bar at intermission, where the highest price is $1. Before the show, bring your picnic stuff and spread out on the lawn outside the theater, under the trees. Free parking will be just a few steps away. And, at 7:30 PM, while you're finishing your picnic, you will get a wild and crazy Greens Show at no extra charge, which will also leave you laughing. Best of all, there are bargain tickets ($18?) available at Goldstar! If this sounds too good to be true, it almost is. My honest advice: Don't miss this! Go by yourself, or bring friends. Super summer entertainment.

With two plays seasonally in the summer, Shakespeare Orange County offers a local way to get your…read moreShakespeare fix, or just feel more cultured. Each summer two new plays are chosen. The company performs in an outdoor theater in the historic district of Garden Grove. Because it is outdoors there can be distracting noises such as fire trucks, people yelling in the park, and car alarms. There are plenty of restaurants in the area to grab a bite at before the performance and plenty of free street parking. Tickets run $32 for shows Thus-Sat. I think this is high for a local summer troupe and I would never pay that (I'm cheap). Fortunately, on Thursday's you can buy your tickets at the door at the price of your choosing (min. $1). Worth a fun "pay what you want" Thursday evening with dinner before or drinks after the show. The actors seem to enjoy themselves as does the audience.