News Summary
The vibrant theater scene in Southern California is gearing up for a packed summer and fall with a variety of productions and cultural events. Marissa Jaret Winokur is set to direct a new rendition of ‘Hairspray’ in October. Theater lovers can enjoy free Shakespeare plays, the community’s 150th-anniversary celebrations, and events like the Bastille Day celebration in Downtown L.A. Families can also look forward to performances like ‘Seussical TYA’ and a film screening of ‘Superman’. Southern California’s artistic calendar is ready to delight audiences now and in the future.
Southern California Theater Scene Heats Up with Upcoming Productions and Celebrations
Los Angeles – The vibrant theater scene in Southern California is gearing up for an exciting summer and fall, with a series of productions and cultural events that promise to delight audiences and celebrate local artistry.
Marissa Jaret Winokur, best known for her original role as Tracy Turnblad in the beloved musical Hairspray, will return to direct a new production of the show set to premiere in mid-October. This exciting opportunity marks a significant addition to an already bustling theater calendar in the region.
This summer, theater enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of performances, including free Shakespeare plays and a run of The Fantasticks at the Ruskin Theatre in Santa Monica, which opens next week. These productions provide accessible options for audiences seeking entertainment as the warm weather kicks in.
In addition to theater productions, Santa Monica is celebrating its 150th anniversary with several events beginning this week. Notably, a community celebration will be held at Reed Park on July 17 from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring live music and a beer garden, inviting locals to join in the festivities.
The cultural calendar also includes a Bastille Day Celebration on July 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. in Downtown L.A. at Grand Performance. This event will celebrate France’s national holiday with live music and French food, engaging attendees in a cross-cultural experience.
For those interested in hands-on activities, the Bead-a-long with Okay Gems event will take place on July 14 at Baby Battista in Atwater Village starting at 7 p.m., allowing participants to create their own jewelry. Parallel to this, an ICE OUT OF LA benefit concert is scheduled at the Regent Theater on July 17 at 8 p.m. to support the immigrant community in Los Angeles.
The Las Culturistas Culture Awards will take place on July 15 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Orpheum Theatre, where hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers will recognize influential figures in the cultural landscape, adding to an already packed schedule of events.
Readers who enjoy literature can attend the Romance Reader Read + Swap event on July 14 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Runway Playa Vista, hosted by a themed book truck focusing on romance novels. This provides a unique opportunity for book lovers to connect and exchange their favorite reads.
For art enthusiasts, renowned artist Wang Mansheng will discuss his exhibit “Without Us” at The Huntington on July 18, which includes a free reservation to participate in demonstrations of traditional ink painting techniques.
Families looking for entertainment can take their children to the screening of the classic animated short film Superman at the Art Theatre of Long Beach on July 16 from 5 to 9 p.m., with ticket prices set at $5.
Culinary experiences abound as well, such as the World Taste of the Packing District event in Anaheim, taking place on July 15 at 8 p.m. This gastronomic affair will feature tastings from various gourmet vendors, with ticket prices starting at $28.44. Additionally, a one-night-only mezcal tasting dinner at Mirate with Chef Alan Sanz will be hosted on July 15 for $178, pairing a five-course menu with rare mezcal selections.
To round out the summer offerings, Santa Monica College will present Seussical TYA at their Theatre Arts Main Stage from July 25 to August 3, with performances scheduled for 7 p.m. and matinees at 1 p.m. The play promises to entertain families with its whimsical storytelling. Furthermore, Kiki Yeung’s comedic solo show Cantonese Mom will run for six performances at the Santa Monica Playhouse from July 17 to July 27, blending humor with cultural insight.
With an exciting array of theater productions and cultural events on the horizon, Southern California’s artistic scene is set to captivate audiences through the summer and into the fall.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Weekend Packed with Events and Activities
Los Angeles Weekend Events Showcase Art and Culture
Los Angeles Revisits Historic Smog Challenges
Yucca Valley Opens Mojave Gold Dining and Entertainment Venue
Culinary Highlights in Los Angeles: A Diverse Dining Scene
Exploring the Unique Popcorn Experience in Los Angeles Theaters
Los Angeles Hosts Father’s Day Weekend Events
Los Angeles Weekend Dining Highlights
L.A. Pride Festivals Celebrate LGBTQ+ Diversity and Culture
Hollywood Fringe Festival to Premiere ‘NO’ by Annalisa Limardi
Additional Resources
- Culver City Observer: Santa Monica College to Stage Seussical TYA
- Santa Monica Daily Press: AMC Broadway 4 Movie Theater Shuts Doors on Promenade
- Broadway World: Kiki Yeung’s Cantonese Mom to Play Limited Run at Santa Monica Playhouse
- Patch: Movie Theater Chain to Offer Half Price Tickets
- Argonaut News: From Dream to Stage – Ruskin Arts Center Nears Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- Google Search: Southern California theater scene
- Google Scholar: American theater performance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
- Google News: Southern California theater productions
