Center Scene

Tweet to win tickets to see Cinderella

2012-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

You don’t need a fairy godmother for a happily ever after night on the town. Think you know the story of Cinderella? Try Tweeting it in 140 characters and you could win a pair of orchestra seats to the opening night performance of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s Cinderella when the acclaimed company makes its Segerstrom Center debut on February 9. A $75 gift certificate to the Center Club is also part of the prize. Be sure to use the #SCFTA and #Cinderella hashtags or @SegerstromArts handle so we will see your versions of the fairy tale. All entries are due by Tuesday, February 7. Good luck!

Winner will receive one pair of orchestra tickets for the Thursday, February 9 performance. Entries must be received by February 7. Winner will be notified via Direct Message on Twitter. The prize is for two (2 ) orchestra level tickets only, transportation is not included.

Encore with Guillaume Côté

2012-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:00

National Ballet of Canada principal dancer Guillaume Côté starred in the Center’s Kings of the Dance 2011, Tour de Force I in 2009 and Tour de Force II in 2011. For an encore experience of his beautiful choreography and spectacular technique, watch Lost in Motion (video above), directed by Ben Shirinian and originally created for Bravo! FACT.

Côté in Tour de Force II (photo below)

Côté, center, in Kings of the Dance 2011 with Denis Matvienko, Marcelo Gomez, Ivan Vasiliev and David Hallberg (photo above)

Off We Go!

2012-01-16T10:42:00.000-08:00

Before entertaining his own audience during the Center’s Off Center Festival on Saturday night, January 14, Reggie Watts cruised The Car Plays on the Center’s Arts Plaza. His performance in Founders Hall marked Reggie’s Center debut. The Car Plays will be back January 20 & 21 in what is now a sold-out run. You can still see the powerful play ReEntry January 18 -20, Ten Tiny Dances January 20 & 21 and Mexican Institute of Sound with opener Nancy Sanchez January 21. (Photos: Reggie Watts above and below)

Photos: Ten Tiny Dances above; Mexican Institute of Sound below

Merry Bells Keep Ringing at the Center

2011-12-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

This past week, Stefanie Morse, Shannon O’Bryan, Stephen Buntrock and David Elder – the stars of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

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paused before a performance to send Orange County their holiday greetings. Each is spending a little time away from home, but plan to have themselves a merry little Christmas, anyway. See them now through January 1 in Segerstrom Hall.

Paulo Szot Conducts Master Class

2011-12-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Metropolitan Opera star and Tony® Award winner Paulo Szot conducted a master class for four promising young singers at the Center last week. The singers were Emily Dyer of Chapman University, Alyssa Willis of Cal State University, Long Beach, Sepideh Moafi of UCI and Sydney Daebritz of the Orange County High School of the Arts. Each performed either a selection their operatic or musical theater repertory. (Photo above: Alyssa Willis; photo below: Sepideh Moafi)

( Photo above: Emily Dyer)

(Photo above: Sydney Daebritz) All photos by Troy Grover

Toys for Tots!

2011-11-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Guilds of Segerstrom Center for the Arts is holding its 16th Annual Holiday Toy Drive on November 29 and 30. All toys are distributed through the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Toy Drive Co-Chairs Loretta Freund and Kathy Busse are asking those wishing to make sure every child in Orange County has a wonderful holiday to bring new, unwrapped toys that are in their original manufacturer’s packaging to Segerstrom Hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the 29th and 30th.

Photo is from last year's toy drive

Seeing Pink

2011-10-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Arts Plaza of Segerstrom Center was the starting and finish line for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, October 9. This year’s second walk from Segerstrom Center raised more than $240,000. And more than 10,000 dedicated community members participated in this inspirational 5K walk to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate people about the disease and raise funds and awareness to create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays.

Liz Shivener, who portrays Fiona in Shrek the Musical, playing now through October 16 at the Center, got up early herself to welcome and cheer on the walkers, and sang “Morning Person” from the show.

Photo: Liz Shivener sings “Morning Person” from Shrek the Musical.

It Isn't Easy Being an Ogre

2011-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

In fact, it takes about one hour and 45 minutes to become the title character in Shrek the Musical. Jesse and Kristin Wallace with their children Alison, James and Lauren, won a contest sponsored by Parenting OC magazine and were invited to watch Lukas “Shrek” Poost during his transformation. Here they are backstage on Wednesday, October 6 with Poost. Shrek is at the Center through October 16.

Photo by Eva Lempert

Believe All Ogre Again, Free Mini-Performance by Shrek Cast Members This Thursday

2011-10-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Join us for a free mini-performance by the cast of Shrek the Musical at South Coast Plaza this Thursday, October 6 at 4 p.m. on the ground level of Carousel Court. Cast members will sing a selection of songs from its fun and lively score. Afterwards, cast members will be available to sign autographs and meet audience members. There will also be ticket giveaways to see Shrek the Musical during its engagement here now through October 16.

Photo by Joan Marcus

American Cancer Society Holds 5K Walk at the Center Oct. 9

2011-09-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

On October 9, the American Cancer Society will hold its second annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk at Segerstrom Center. The Orange County community is invited to take part in the noncompetitive walk, which was created to celebrate survivors who have battled the disease and raise funds to fight against breast cancer. Last year, more than 80,000 people participated and raised more than $2.6 million in California. During this year’s walk, KCBS-TV anchors Paul Magers and Paul Harvey will be on hand to lend their support. To sign up or learn more about the walk, please click here.

We hope this year’s walk is the most successful yet!

Photo is from last year's walk, which was held at the Center.

The Process: Jorma & Marcelo

2011-09-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

This is the last week of rehearsals for the Kings of the Dance. The show will open in Moscow in just seven days before the production comes to the Center for its American premiere. While many of the pieces are already set and being polished in rehearsals, today's focus is in on a completely new work being created by Jorma Elo for Marcelo Gomes. Elo, the Finnish-born resident choreographer of Boston Ballet, has set his new dance, Still of King, to the first movement of Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 100 in G major. Elo cues the music and Gomes walks slowly to the center of the room. The dancing that follows is brilliant, full of mercurial shifts of mood, fluid, modern and expansive.

Elo and Gomes have been working for the past four days, but there is still a section of music that needs to be choreographed. They move silently to a far corner of the room, and Elo remains motionless for some time, his head bowed slightly. The dancer watches for what's to come. Throughout the rehearsal Elo hardly speaks and when he does, it's so softly as if to himself. Finally he turns to face the mirror and bourrees in 6th position back to the center of the floor. He pauses contemplating his shape in the mirror, then a shoulder wave ripples through his body. He marks the sequence again with Gomes following closely. “Ok, let's see what this looks like,” Elo says in his characteristic hushed voice.

Elo seems to be that rare choreographer who creates directly on and in front of his dancers. Before setting each phrase he assumes the last pose of the preceding movement and remains completely still in a deep inner space until he knows exactly what the next steps will be. It's a zen-like process. He signals a jump, and as Gomes vaults into the air, Elo softly exhales, “Jesus, you are so good at it.” Gomes smiles warmly. His ability to immediately interpret the outline of movement indicated by the choreographer, giving it full weight, emotional color and life, is astonishing to watch.

“Will I survive this?” asks Gomes. “You'll die,” says Elo in a reassuring tone. “Good!” is the dancer's breezy reply.

A King Makes Music and Dance

2011-09-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Guillaume Côté returns to the Center as part of our upcoming Kings of the Dance. The star of The National Ballet of Canada will not only display his amazing prowess as a dancer, but he'll also compose one of the scores to be heard in this program of new ballets. Côté talks about music and dance coming together for him in Kings of the Dance 2011.

How did it happen that your music became part of the Kings of the Dance?

One of the most wonderful things about Kings of the Dance project is that (producer) Sergei Danilian is always eager to do something different. His choice of repertoire is always a very thoughtful process. He asks for our opinion every step of the way and makes sure we are involved and happy with what we are dancing.

In this circumstance, Sergei saw Marcelo's choreography last year in New York and asked him if he could create for this year's galas. Marcelo and I have collaborate as 'composer/choreographer' on couple of different smaller projects and he jumped at the opportunity to get me involved with Kings. As soon as Sergei, Marcelo and I started brainstorming we thought this would be perfect. It would not only be a very inspiring process for us but we think that being part of the show as creators would also add a little different dimension to the evening.

Did you compose the music specially for the project or had you made it before and it was just waiting for the right moment?

This piece was created specially for Kings of the Dance. I have written many different styles of music in the last years. From electronic soundtracks to classically driven work. After having many conversations with Marcelo about the direction we wanted to go, we decided to go as grand and melodic as possible. In a way I've always stopped myself from writing a piece that fell into a 'romantic' category, but for this project I let myself go.

How did it feel when you got the proposal to be a composer for one of the pieces in the Kings of the Dance?

I was thrilled! I love working with Marcelo and I know that no matter what happens, the process of creating this will be truly wonderful.

How does the music reflect the dancing and vice versa, how does the dance reflect the music?

I approached this creation as an opportunity to make a tribute to the Russian romantic composers. I've always held composers such as Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and other close to my heart, so I wanted to try capturing the feel of their music. I've always felt intimidated to try this but I thought, what better time than now.

Once I found the themes for the piece, I started thinking about the Kings involved in this year's project. I tried to split the sections in what I thought was 'personality' influenced. Knowing all the guys pretty well I wanted to personalize it a little.

Also, for the recording of the final score, I collaborated with a fantastic virtuoso pianist. His name is Andrei Streliaev. His incredible artistry was a great influence as well.

How does it feel to have these two parts of your life come together?

I am thrilled that I get the chance to display both my passions in this year's Kings of the Dance. I've been a composer all my life, but this project will have my two true loves come together: dance and composition. It'll be a very exciting evening.

Paper Cranes Reach Japan

2011-09-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

One thousand paper cranes folded by the local community to help raise hope and spread awareness for the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami are now being displayed in Japan as a symbol for revitalization at the Fukushima Cultural Center. Currently, the Fukushima Cultural Center is not fully operational but they hope to be very soon. (The photo above shows the display in their lobby along with the letter we sent.) Paper cranes were also sent to the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra.

Several months ago, the Center and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County hosted an event to fold paper cranes. In Japanese culture, cranes are a symbol of hope and prosperity and folklore says the act of folding 1,000 cranes grants a wish. The event was a huge success and more than 2,000 cranes were folded and sent to Japan.

It was a very special day and we want to thank everyone again for their participation in this extraordinary effort.

Our Kings are Hard at Work

2011-09-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

Sept 18. The first full week of rehearsals has just ended and looking back, it's amazing how much has been accomplished in such a short time.

Mauro Bigonzetti has made remarkable progress on the opening ballet of the program, Jazzy Five. The music is by Federico Bigonzetti, the choreographer's son, and its sometimes soulful, sometimes playful, rhythmically incisive sound lends the ballet an easy-going, but earnest quality. The introductory dance begins as the five men in the cast move slowly downstage holding on to each other as if they were syrtaki dancers. The image is one of communal coming together. Suddenly they break apart into a pair of brief but strikingly different duets for Sarafanov and Coté, and Gomes and Hallberg, interrupted by a brief solo by Vasiliev who comes ripping down center stage in a huge heal slide before settling in a side split on the floor.

The opening section is followed by solos for each of the men, and although these brief dances are very different from each other in mood and quality of movement (reflecting the individual qualities of the artists they are meant to present), there are connecting leitmotifs threaded throughout – complex arm movements, spiraling turns, held poses, and transitions that compress the dancers' line only to stretch it to the maximum a moment later.

The ballet currently slated to close the evening is Marcelo Gomes' KO'd to a piano sonata of his fellow king, Guillaume Coté. The music is beautiful and lushly romantic, and Gomes responds with steps that are structured, intelligent, and flow easily together. He does almost nothing that would seem forced or superfluous. His language is well developed with hints of the deep knowledge of dance history that he carries as a performer. There are intentional, albeit brief, homages to ballets by Balanchine, Wheeldon, Ratmansky – but nothing obscures Gomes' own by turns elvish and deeply romantic point of view. As a choreographer Gomes may be an emerging artist, but he is certainly an assured one.

Ivan Vasiliev rehearsing for Kings of the Dance, part II

2011-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

New York, City Center studios.

Rehearsal day 5. It's remarkable, but Vasiliev's entire 10 minute solo, renamed The Labyrinth of Solitude, has been set by mid-day Saturday, the 4th day of rehearsal. De Bana's response to music is organic. He listens to a few phrases and then dances through them alone. Ivan stands off to the side, watching intently. If the choreographer is satisfied (indicated by a quiet, “Yes, that's it” to himself), he proceeds to teach the steps to the dancer whose sponge-like ability to absorb and internalize every gesture is uncanny.

The next two rehearsals are spent on smoothing out transitions between sections of choreography and on details of timing and musicality. Everyone is tired, but the mood in the room is easy and jovial. Now and then, de Bana urges his dancer to soften his natural attack, at other times he asks for stronger arms - “I know they are falling off by now, but it's like you've really hit a wall here, make them really shake, make them powerful!” Up until the last moments of rehearsal nuances are layered over an existing structure of steps. As Vasiliev does the final run-through, complete with a vaulting manege of split jetes, the room is stunned. It's a breathtaking performance.

Ivan Vasiliev in Rehearsal for Kings of the Dance 2011

2011-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to have special guest blogger Anya Korisch writing from City Center in New York where she’s behind-the-scenes at rehearsals for Kings of the Dance 2011. For the next few weeks, we’ll be posting Anya’s insider photos and updates. Her first blog post, below, provides a front row seat to the solo piece, Labyrinth of Solitude. Kings 2011 will receive its American premiere here Oct. 21 – 23.

Sept. 8th, second day of fall rehearsals. City Center.

With the Moscow world premiere less than a month away, rehearsals for Kings of the Dance 2011 are in full swing at the City Center studios in New York.

This week, choreographer and former Compania Nacional de Danza principal dancer, Patrick de Bana, is choreographing a new solo, Labyrinth of Solitude, for the Bolshoi's youngest, and arguably brightest, star – Ivan Vasiliev. The music is a stirring orchestral version of Tomaso Antonio Vitali's Chaconne in G Minor for Violin and Piano. When finished, the solo will be 10 grueling minutes long, and de Bana and Vasiliev have only six days to complete it start to finish. It helps that Vasiliev is a quick study – by the end of second day, they have set over five minutes of the music.

In keeping with the title, the piece begins with Vasiliev, his back to the audience, slowly trotting center stage, taking small bouncing steps like a bull or prize-fighter in the ring. “Use your bones, feel your bones,” de Bana tells him. The direction produces a more articulated, weightier quality of movement. At another point, demonstrating a pose of almost extreme contrapposto, de Bana tells Vasiliev to think of the Nijinsky photographs, their oppositions of lightness and weight, the suggested stillness at the heart of the movement. “When I look at you, I think of Nijinsky,” de Bana tells Vasiliev. The dancer doesn't flinch at the comparison.

The choreographer's feedback is full of imagery and he is concerned that each movement convey an emotion, a message to the audience. At the first rehearsal, trying to describe an effect he is looking for, de Bana tells Vasiliev of his own experience watching bullfighting. On day two, the choreographer says, “This is your labyrinth of solitude, but it's your own mind, you know.” Vasiliev immediately hits the right emotional tone. “He is amazing,” exclaims de Bana. “Did you always learn this fast?” Vasiliev nods.

Most of the movement is extremely fluid with huge jumps that are Vasiliev's specialty, bursting into the air like sudden gusts of wind. From day one, even while marking, he colors each movement with an emotional quality and de Bana urges him to play with the timing of the music, to feel free to go slower or faster within the phrase in order to produce the pitch that in the end will fit the music perfectly. “Be the echo,” is the last comment of the long second rehearsal day.

Text and photographs by Anya Korisch

What Do You Want to See at Movie Mondays?

2011-08-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

This summer’s free Movie Mondays are sadly over but you can vote for next year’s movies by clicking here. We’d love to hear your ideas on which movies you’d like to see in the future as well as any ideas on how we can improve the overall Movie Mondays experience. Thanks to all the movie-lovers who came out this summer. We had a blast and can’t wait to see you next year!

There are Only Winners at Free Movie Mondays

2011-07-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Last night’s Victor/Victoria pre-screening contest was a fun gender-bending name game. The game was won by the men (pictured above). They all received tickets to see jazz legend Sonny Rollins when he visits in September. Whoopie pies from Corner Bakery were given to the women’s team.

Before last week’s showing of Harold and Maude, people were encouraged to come dressed as their favorite odd couple. The grand-prize winners were Mike Evert and Matthew Bell from Orange (pictured above) and they won tickets to see Mary Poppins. Other odd couples who participated in the contest won cookies provided by Corner Bakery.

The Centers’ Jonathan Vietze and KCRW’s Matt Holzman at Harold and Maude (pictured above from L to R). KCRW was a media sponsor of the movie.

There are two more movies left this summer: Chicago on August 1 and The King and I on August 8.

Mary Poppins Cast Pops into Newport Beach Public Library

2011-07-22T12:19:00.000-07:00

Steffanie Leigh, who portrays the legendary nanny in Disney’s Mary Poppins now playing at the Center and her colleagues in the show, Hannah Chin and Anthony Christian Daniel, stopped by the Newport Beach Public Library on July 21. During this special visit, the artists read the first chapter from P.L. Travers book, which introduced Mary to the world of literature and imagination in 1934. They answered questions about the show and their careers from the nearly 100 children plus parents who gathered for the afternoon event. The highlight had to be when Steffanie, Hannah and Anthony got everyone to their feet and showed them how to spell out ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’ just as they do it in the show.

These afternoon gatherings organized by the Center and the library illustrate how shows and ballets and other stage productions so often originate from great works of literature. Reading them as well as seeing them provides wonderful insight into the stories and their journey through time from page to stage.

Mary Poppins Cast Visits CHOC Children's

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Nicolas Dromard, Rachel Wallace, Neka Zang and Nic Thompson from the cast of Mary Poppins visited CHOC Children’s on Wednesday. They visited children in the playrooms and stopped into a number of private rooms. They colored with them, played air hockey, posed for photos and even sang a little bit of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” All agreed that Mary Poppins herself would have said they brought a very special spoonful of sugar into their young lives.

Pictured above: Rachel Wallace and Nic Thompson at CHOC Children's

Mary Poppins welcomes KTLA to the Center

2011-07-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

KTLA's Allie MacKay spent the morning at Segerstrom Center for the Arts as she went behind the scenes of Mary Poppins, now onstage at the Center.

MacKay talked with Nicolas Dromard who plays Bert as she begins her transformation into the world's most beloved Nanny.

Next, she's on to costumes, hair and make up

With her transformation complete, MacKay talks with Steffanie Leigh, who stars as Mary, on what it's like to play such an iconic role.

Mary Poppins is onstage now through August 7.

And BINGO was his Name-O

2011-07-12T12:40:00.001-07:00

Before the screening of Beach Blanket Bingo last night, the Movie Mondays’ crowd joined in on a rousing game of…you guessed it, BINGO. Lucky grand-prize winner Paul Fabares (pictured above with his winning card) won a fabulous four-pack of tickets to see Disney's Mary Poppins, which plays the Center starting this Thursday. Other winners received Mary Poppins merchandise and gift certificates to Quattro Caffé. As everyone is a winner at Movie Mondays, attendees were offered a one-night-only opportunity to buy Mary Poppins tickets at a 50% discount. We’re already working on more fun prizes and discounts to give to the Movie Mondays faithful.

Next Monday, moviegoers are encouraged to dress up as their favorite odd couple (fiction or real-life) in anticipation of the showing of Harold and Maude. Prizes will be given to the best couples so don’t hold back. Hope to see you!

Pictured above: Cody Nunes and Ashley Morales from Costa Mesa

Pictured above: Cheri Wilson, Anna Vrska, Erica Tucker from the Newport Beach Film Festival; NBFF selects a selection of the best animated short films to show before each movie

Free Movie Mondays Starts Tonight 7/11

2011-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Free Movie Mondays returns tonight, July 11 with the '60s surfside party film, Beach Blanket Bingo. Arrive early to join in on a rousing game of BINGO for a chance to win tickets to Disney's Mary Poppins, which will run July 14 - August 7. BINGO starts at 7:30 p.m. with the movie beginning at dusk. Guest are encouraged to bring beach chairs or other easily portable seating items, as well as snacks and picnic suppers.

Here's the rest of the Movie Mondays line-up:
– July 25 Harold and Maude
– July 25 Victor/Victoria
– August 2 Chicago
– August 9 The King and I

Burning Up Orange County

2011-06-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

It’s been a busy week for the cast of Broadway’s dance sensation, Burn the Floor. The show kicked off its OC engagement on Tuesday to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The Orange County Register’s Paul Hodgins exclaimed, “How hot is Burn the Floor? So hot that I felt like smoking a cigarette at intermission.” On Wednesday, cast members, including featured dancers Anya and Pasha, participated in a mini-performance and dance lesson at South Coast Plaza (click on the video above).

Shoppers at South Coast Plaza learning dance steps

And earlier today, a couple of the show's dancers taught an exercise class at The Sports Club/LA in Irvine incorporating moves from the show. Burn the Floor plays here through June 12 before it leaves the U.S. for stops in Europe, the U.K. and Australia.

Dance class at The Sports Club/LA in Irvine

Karen (center), pictured with dancers Ash Leigh (left) and Karen (right), received free tickets at the gym class to see Burn the Floor

Super-local

2011-05-31T16:07:00.001-07:00

Twenty-two lucky local children and adults were cast as supernumeraries (also known as extras) to appear in the Royal Danish Ballet’s new production of the comic ballet Napoli, which made its American debut over the weekend in Segerstrom Hall. After auditioning last week, the selected supernumeraries attended rehearsals and appeared in four performances with the legendary company. The photos show the supernumeraries in costumes after a rehearsal. If you are interested in receiving information on future audition opportunities for supernumerary roles, please email auditions@SCFTA.org.

Photos by Dave Leavenworth

Kiev Goes 3D

2011-05-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Last night Kiev kicked off the latest installment of the Indie Band Series with something never seen before at Segerstrom Center – a 3D stereoscopic show. Throughout the band's entire set, vivid imagery was projected and streamed to create an immersive and one-of-a-kind experience for the more than 500 fans in attendance. Audience members wore 3D glasses provided by band to enjoy the visuals. Afterwards, headliner Menomena took to the stage and joked their show was only in 2D.

Photos by Nick Koon

The Danes are Coming!

2011-05-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

After more than 15 years since their last visit to Southern California, the Royal Danish Ballet will kick off its highly-anticipated U.S. tour here in Orange County on Tuesday, May 24. For a sneak preview of some of the works they will perform, click on the video above to watch a recent Works & Process segment from the Guggenheim Museum where the RDB's Artistic Director Nikolaj Hübbe speaks with John Meehan, professor of dance at Vassar College.

For more exclusive looks at the RDB during its tour, download the compay's brand-new iPhone app. And you can also read the most up-to-date happenings on their tour blog.

Emerson String Quartet Honored

2011-05-12T11:42:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Emerson String Quartet - the ensemble has been inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame. The nine-time Grammy® Award-winning Emerson has performed in Segerstrom Center's Concert Series 15 times, more than any other group or artist. The American Classical Music Hall of Fame recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to classical music and, by doing so, inspire and build interest in classical music. Also honored this year were two composers well known to Center audiences: William Bolcom and Phillip Glass. The Center commissioned Bolcom's song cycle Canciones de Lorca for the opening of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in 2006, and was performed by Placido Domingo with Pacific Symphony. Glass's works were recently featured at the Center during "The Passion of Phillip Glass" by Pacific Symphony. His The Passion of Ramakrishna was also performed as part of the Concert Hall inaugural festivities. You can see the Emerson when they return to the Center on September 21 to open the 2011-2012 Concert Series.

5/9 is all about 9 to 5

2011-05-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

On May (5) 9, Broadway's 9 to 5: The Musical will be the 'show du jour' in Orange County. Enjoy a 5/9 Happy Hour from 5 to 9 at Pizzeria Ortica, located at 650 Anton Blvd. in the South Coast Metro area. The special Happy Hour menu will include select wines for $5, select pizzas for $9, and the first 100 guests will receive a free 9 to 5: The Musical tumbler!

And 9 to 5: The Musical star Diane DeGarmo will sing the National Anthem and Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the Angels' game (against the Chicago White Sox) that same evening in Anaheim. (Just off the 5 freeway and the 91 - OK, we'll stop with the numerology now.)

Don't miss this hilarious show which opens on May 10 for one week only at Segerstrom Center, featuring 12 new songs from Grammy®-winner Dolly Parton!

Sonora Elementary Students Pitch the Arts to City Council

2011-04-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Members of the Costa Mesa City Council received special gifts from the children of Sonora Elementary on Tuesday, April 19. The youngsters - Russel Zuniga , Samantha Nguyen , Lesly Marin, Tristin Taber, Sarah Ashley and Kaelee Mills - joined Sonora Principal Christine Anderson, teachers Peggy Roberts and Terri Munroe and the Center's Vice President, Education Talena Mara to underscore the importance of the arts in their school work. Anderson and Mara explained the seven-year partnership between Sonora and Segerstrom Center's ArtsConnect education program. The teaching artists of ArtsConnect work with students and teachers during special residencies. These have included composing, puppetry and, most recently, ceramics. The artists show how these arts disciplines and forms relate to and enhance other core curriculum, such as history, social studies, reading, creative writing and science. The children presented each councilmember with one of their creations made in the ceramics class.

Free Inside Dance Lecture-Demonstration

2011-04-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our intern Jake McIntyre writes about the upcoming Inside Dance event, which is free and open to the public. More details are in his blog post below.

If you enjoy ballet, you undoubtedly get the basics: the athleticism, music and costumes. But have you ever wondered what the choreographer’s message or point is or how the dancers can even do that? Don’t be embarrassed because many of us feel that way somtimes. Segerstrom Center has answers for you with a special free Inside Dance event led by dance historian and interim Associate Dean of the College of the Arts at California State University, Long Beach, Cyrus Parker-Jeanette. Inside Dance will be held Saturday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Samueli Theater. This will be an animated, interactive and informal discussion, full of demonstrations by local dancers, Lisa Ushino, Bernadette Torres and Ya Xi Fu.

Cyrus will lead the audience through the changing trends in ballet, from classical to contemporary, with the dancers performing examples of each style. The excerpts will be choreographed by Lorin Johnson, a professor of dance at CSULB. Lorin is a former dancer with San Francisco Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, and a wonderful teacher. I’ve had the pleasure of taking one of his classes, and I am excited to see the works he has created.

Inside Dance is perfect for anyone who likes ballet and/or dance and wants to learn more. While this event is free, you will need to reserve a ticket for you and your friends. To reserve a ticket for Inside Dance, call (714) 556-2787.

Photos

Top image: (L to R) Bernadette Torres, Lorin Johnson, Lisa Ushino and Ya Xi Fu
Lower image: Lisa Ushino(front) and Ya Xi Fu (behind)

Wicked Star Sings Anthem at Ducks Game

2011-03-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

Lesley McKinnell from the cast of Wicked wowed a crowd of nearly 18,000 people at the Honda Center this past Monday. She sang the National Anthem before an Anaheim Ducks game against the Colorado Avalanche (the Ducks won!). Lesley is from Southern California and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton. She is a member of the ensemble and the understudy for Glinda the Good Witch. For a sampling of what the fans enjoyed, click below. You can see Lesley in Wicked, which is here through Sunday.

Broadway Saturdays Hit High Note

2011-03-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

Last month, more than 20 local musical theater students participated in Segerstrom Center’s brand new Broadway Saturdays program. Over three Saturdays, students learned musical theater technique, scene work, monologue interpretation, improvisation, lyric analysis and audition advice from instructors Tony® Award nominee and Broadway star, Erin Dilly, and Broadway veteran Stephen Buntrock (pictured above), who most recently starred in A Little Night Music opposite Bernadette Peters.

The students weren’t the only ones who learned invaluable lessons. Erin (pictured above) said “Broadway Saturdays was such a revelation for me as a teacher. To watch these kids arrive from all different high schools, different places in their learning, strangers and then to watch them leave as friends, inspired, cheering for each other...wow! It reminded me of why I got into theater when I was young – the community! In three weeks I watched each student make remarkable progress. And at the end, a group of strangers had become a joyful little band of players – a real family. It warmed my heart.”

If you or anyone you know is interested in pursuing musical theater, Erin and Stephen will be back at the Center this summer for the Six Days of Broadway camp June 27 – July 2 (for ages 11-13) and July 5 – July 10 (for ages 14-18). For more information and to reserve a spot, call (714) 556-2122 x4333, option 4 or email stars@SCFTA.org. Last summer’s camp sold out.

A New Side to Nathan Gunn

2011-03-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Grammy winner Nathan Gunn is one of opera's most sought after baritones. He is fast becoming the go-to-guy for a variety of other projects as well having earned raves for Show Boat at Carnegie Hall and Camelot at Lincoln Center. You'll begin to see why with this clip from Camelot:

He'll join Kelli O'Hara and the New York Philharmonic on March 21 for a celebration of Broadway before coming the Samueli Theater. Here he sings in the recording studio with Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth:

Segerstrom Center to Celebrate 25th

2011-03-09T09:53:00.000-08:00

It was an exciting evening on March 7 when Segerstrom Center President Terry Dwyer hosted an evening for press, guests and fans to announce the Center's 2011-12 Season - the 25th Anniversary Season. Shows include all the usual great dance, Broadway, jazz, cabaret, classical music and family shows - plus free events and the now highly anticipated Off Center offerings. There will be a special celebration weekend at the end of September for the actual anniversary with free performances in the concert hall and on the arts plaza. And 10,000 tickets will be sold throughout the season for just $10 each. Best part of the evening may have been astonishing performances by Antoine Carabinier from the show Traces (photo above), which will be part of next season, and the rocking ensemble from Tony® Award-winning show Million Dollar Quartet, which flew in specially to be part of the event.

Photos below: Center President Terry Dwyer and Million Dollar Quartet. All photos by Doug Gifford.

OC Rocks Out!

2011-03-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Jake McIntyre, our new guest blogger, is back with a review of the hit musical Rock of Ages. Jake writes:

Rock of Ages made its Orange County debut on Tuesday night at Segerstrom Center to a packed house. I had expected a musical, but what I got was more akin to a rock concert. The audience was quickly transported from Costa Mesa to a dirty, louder, sexier and more hair spray-filled era of rock music in L.A.

The show follows Drew, played by former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis and small-town girl Sherrie, played by Rebecca Faulkenberry, as they fall in love at L.A.’s most legendary rock club to the biggest hits of the ’80s. Rock of Ages pays homage to the great rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Poison, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more. ROA made it clear these rock ballads have not lost their touch: audience members sang along to almost every song, stood with their arms raised swaying to the music, and raised flashlights shaped like lighters (provided by ROA) above their heads.

The show pokes fun at cultural norms of the ‘80s, rock musicians and Broadway musicals in general. Lonny, the show’s narrator, keeps the audience laughing with the perfect amount of cheese and raunchiness as he sways his hips.

As a dancer, I have to comment on the fantastic choreography by Kelly Devine. Devine kept to movement exclusive to the ‘80s, mixing steps you would have seen in rock music videos and concerts. You could tell it was not just the audience enjoying the show, but that the performers were having a blast. I was in my car after the show, rocking out during the whole ride home.

This show is a must see for ‘80s rock fans, and anyone who owned a pair of acid-washed jeans, or used to have hair bigger than a door frame. Rock of Ages plays through March 6. The next Broadway Series show is 9 to 5: The Musical May 10 – 15.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Terence Blanchard's Newest Bleeping Project

2011-03-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Trumpeter extraordinaire Terence Blanchard is composing music for a new play by Stephen Adly Guirgis titled, Motherf**ker with the Hat, which will star Chris Rock. Blanchard has written numerous scores for films but this project is his first foray into Broadway. To read the entire story on Playbill click here.

Besides composing, Blanchard also continues to tour with his quintet. Blanchard and his ensemble will perform in the Jazz Series on April 3 with world-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis and his quartet for a special-one-night only show in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Click for more info.

Photo by Jenny Bagert

New Guest Blogger Reviews the Mandelring Quartet

2011-02-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

We have a new guest blogger - Chapman University's Jake McIntyre. Jake is Segerstrom Center's new marketing intern and he will be reviewing a variety of shows during his time with us. He is a senior at Chapman with a double major in communication studies and dance performance. An Orange County native, he has trained in theater and dance throughout Southern California. Besides working with the Center, Jake has worked with Backhaus Dance, Newport Beach Film Festival and the American Cancer Society. An avid theater and art enthusiast, Jake spends time immersing himself as much as possible in the local artistic community. He caught the Manderling Quartet's performance last week and below are Jake's thoughts on the concert.

Jake writes:

The acclaimed German ensemble, the Mandelring Quartet made its Center debut at the Samueli Theater February 24. I am by no means a classical music aficionado, but this performance by the Mandelring enthralled me. I was hypnotized by the choreography of their bows, and was blown away by the personality these players were able to expose from the musical scores.

LA Times music critic, Herbert Glass, discussed in his preview talk how the program followed the heritage of Beethoven’s string quartets on later composers and the beginnings of dissonance. The night opened with Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13, a lyrical and romantic composition, which transported me to the German countryside. The Quartet then played the more contemporary work, String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102 by Bartok. This piece was composed in 1934, during the onset of WWII, and a haunting tension could be felt throughout the work. The piece was extremely avant garde for its time and sounded more akin to a work of the 20th century verse the '30s. The program ended with Mozart’s String Quartet in C major, K. 465 (“Dissonant”), a revolutionary score that was the first to have the famous dissonance sequence at the beginning of the work.

The Quartet was called back three times for bows, and for an encore performance. The short encore piece, whose name I did not catch, was by Shostakovich. The piece was well received and left most the audience laughing at the score’s comedic tones.

This evening was an inspiring and enjoyable night, a perfect way to end a long week. I look forward to the future concerts planned at the Center this season, and I will definitely be back for more. Information on the Center’s upcoming concert series can be found on the website.

So Many Reasons to See Rock of Ages

2011-02-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our flip cam recorded Rock of Ages cast members yesterday on their bus ride from LA to Costa Mesa for a mini concert at South Coast Plaza (they gave an amazing performance BTW!). Click on the video to hear cast members discuss why people should come see the show in Orange County. As if rocking songs by Journey, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon or Bon Jovi weren’t enough! Click here to see the cast perform Journey's "Don't Stop Believin.'"

A big thanks to MiG Ayessa, Rebecca Faulkenberry, Sean Jenness, Holly Laurent, Erika Shannon, Teresa Stanley and J Michael Zygo for spending time with us. Rock of Ages runs March 1 – 6.

Tommy Thrills

2011-02-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Chance Theater’s The Who’s Tommy made its thrilling Segerstrom Center debut last night with a sold-out performance. Staged in Founders Hall, which has been transformed into an intimate 161-seat theater for this show, The Who’s Tommy wowed the audience and critics with a captivating production full of cool video projections, rocking music played by an onstage band and charismatic performances. To read the reviews, please click here. Some of the upcoming performances are nearly sold out so be sure to get your tickets soon. The Who’s Tommy plays through February 20.

Photos by Doug Gifford

South Coast Plaza Lets the Sunshine In

2011-01-27T17:51:00.000-08:00

Talented cast members from HAIR: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical entertained an audience of more than 250 people with a rocking lunchtime performance at South Coast Plaza earlier today. The crowd enjoyed iconic songs from the Tony Award-winning musical including, “Aquarius,” “Where Do I Go” and “Hair.” To get shoppers into the flower power mood of the ‘60s, gerbera daisies, groovy headbands and temporary HAIR tattoos were given as favors. There was also a ticket giveaway to see HAIR this weekend – the lucky winners were Jack Morris from Huntington Beach and Amy Sydoruk from Cal State Fullerton. After the performance, cast members met fans and signed posters. HAIR plays Segerstrom Center through February 6.

The next lunchtime Broadway performance at South Coast Plaza is scheduled for February 24 at 1 p.m. with cast members from Rock of Ages.

Click above to watch the performance of “Aquarius.”

Click below to watch the performance of “Hair.”

Segerstrom Center Favorites Win Dance Awards

2011-01-26T11:39:00.000-08:00

Winners of the UK Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2010 were announced earlier this week and a few of Segerstrom Center favorites were included – Bolshoi Ballet superstars Natalia Osipova won for Best Female Dancer, Ivan Vasiliev received the award for Best Male Dancer and the Bolshoi Ballet nabbed Best Foreign Dance Company. Natalia and Ivan appeared in Reflections, a joint project with the Bolshoi Ballet, which received its world premiere here in Segerstrom Hall last Thursday. Both dancers will return to the Center to star in Tour de Force II: A Gala Dance Extravaganza this coming May as well as a special commission dance event in the Fall of 2012. Audiences at Tour de Force I in 2009 were blown away by the pair's performance of a pas de deux from Flames of Paris.
The National Dance Awards were established by the Critics Circle in 2000 to highlight the astonishing range of dance on offer in the United Kingdom. A big congratulations to everyone!

Photo: Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev in Serenata (Reflections); by Steve Dawson

Tango Costa Mesa

2011-01-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

To tantalize and inspire audiences attending performances of Tango Buenos Aires last week (January 14 - 16), Segerstrom Center offered free tango lessons on the arts plaza prior to the Friday and Saturday evening performances. Carolina and Felipe Telona of CNF Dance in Playa Del Rey gathered several hundred audience members and passersby on a special dance floor conducive to the sleek and stylized tango moves. And from there, it was Tango Costa Mesa until curtain.

Center Thanks Local Schools

2010-12-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

Staff members from the Center’s education and development departments visited Sonora Elementary School in Costa Mesa and McFadden Intermediate School in Santa Ana to thank students in-person for providing musical entertainment during the 37th annual Candlelight Concert fundraiser, which raised more than $1 million for the Center. During Candlelight Concert, Sonora’s Hand Bell Choir and McFadden’s Vocal Ensemble performed at the reception, reminding guests the funds raised from the evening positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of students who take part in the Center’s education programs each year.

To show the Center’s appreciation for the students’ talent, dedication and hard work, staff members presented each school with an honorarium to be used towards their music program.

A big thanks to Nick St. Royal and his students at Sonora and Greg Ellis and his students at McFadden for helping to make Candlelight Concert a huge success!

Photo above: Sonora Elementary School’s Hand Bell Choir performing during the school’s 2010 holiday concert.

Photo above: McFadden’s Vocal Ensemble during class

Photo above: Sonora Principal Christine Anderson, Mesa-Newport Unified School District Board of Education VP Walt Davenport, Mesa-Newport Unified School Disctrict Board of Education Member Katrina Foley, Center VP of Education Talena Mara, Sonora Music Director Nick St. Royal, Stephanie Jernigan and Aimee Cherie from the Center

Desperate for Peter Pan

2010-12-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Felicity Huffman, William H. Macy and their children took a trip to Peter Pan’s Neverland at the Center. The photo above shows the two Oscar®-nominated actors (center) backstage with cast members. There are only a few more weeks left to catch threesixtyº entertainment’s Peter Pan in Southern California before it travels to its next stop, Atlanta. The show ends January 2, 2011.

Grammy Noms for Center's Jazz Series Artists

2010-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Nominations for the 53rd Grammy® Awards were announced last night and a couple of artists popular with the Center’s Jazz Series were selected: Esperanza Spalding and Freddy Cole. Esperanza, who sold-out her engagement here last year, is competing in the Best New Artist category and Freddy is up for Best Jazz Vocal Album with Freddy Cole Sings Mr.B. Freddy returns to the Center May 13 and 14 with the Bill Charlap Trio. Congratulations and the best of luck to Esperanza and Freddy! The Grammys will air on February 13 on CBS.

ABT's Cuban Adventure

2010-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

CBS News traveled with American Ballet Theatre on its recent trip to Cuba. The trip marked the first time in over 50 years that ABT performed in Havanna. The company honored former ABT dancer and the Founder and General Director of the National Ballet of Cuba (coming to the Center in June) on the occassion of Alonso's 90th birthday. Bravo!

Peter Pan Magic Comes to CHOC

2010-12-01T15:53:00.001-08:00

Nate Fallows (Peter Pan), Shannon Warrick (Mrs. Darling and Neverbird), Beth Tiffon (Jane and a mermaid) and Lee Turnbull (Slightly, a Lost Boy) took a bit of time away from Neverland and the production of Peter Pan at the Center to visit with youngsters at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Some of the youthful patients painted their faces while Elliott Towfigh of Corona challenged them to air hockey. They also went from room to room visiting a number of the children who are being cared for with great skill and attention at CHOC.

Photo above: Cast and friends at CHOC hospital.

Photo below: Elliott Towfigh, front, with cast members Lee Turnbull, Shannon Warrick Nathan Fallows, rear, and Beth Triffon.

Idina Menzel to star in new ABC musical drama

2010-12-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wicked's Tony winning Elphaba Idina Menzel recently wowed Center audiences in her Center debut. Next Fall you can catch the star in a new musical drama on ABC. You can read more here.

Peter Pan Finds New Fans at Newport Beach Library

2010-11-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

It was closer to the beach than "first star and to the right and onto Neverland," but more than 100 children did find their way to the Newport Beach Public Library on Tuesday, November 9 to meet cast members from JM Barrie's Peter Pan. It was a combination of various arts - literature, theater and puppetry. Following a brief reading from chapter one of Barrie's classic novel, Ciaran Joyce and Beth Triffon burst forth with an actual scene from the play, as Peter enters and Wendy sews his shadow back on. A special surprise was the appearance of Nana, the Newfoundland dog who is the Darling childrens' nurse (she was accompanied by her trainer/puppeteer Christopher Keller). Peter Pan continues its run at the Center through January 2.

Hear the Szymanowski Quartet on KUSC

2010-11-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Szymanowski Quartet was interviewed in-studio today by KUSC's very own Jim Svejda. The lively discussion with Jim and all four members of the ensemble covered everything from why they decided on the Szymanowski name to how reactions from American audiences differ from European ones. You can hear the interview as well as recordings by the quartet tomorrow night (Wednesday) starting at 7 p.m. on Classical KUSC 91.5 FM. The Szymanowski plays in the Center's Concert Series this Thursday evening at 8 p.m. in Samueli Theater. Click here for more information.

Photo: Jim Svejda (center) with the quartet (L to R: Vladimir Mykitka, Marcin Sieniawski, Andrej Bielow and Grzegorz Kotow)

Wicked Cast Recording Certified Double Platinum

2010-11-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

The original Broadway cast recording of Stephen Schwartz's Wicked has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Double platinum certification means the Decca Broadway recording, which features Tony Award winners Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, has sold more than two million copies.

To celebrate the occasion, composer Stephen Schwartz will be presented with a commemorative plaque following November 10th matinee performance of the smash musical at The Gershwin Theatre.

Other Decca Broadway cast recordings to achieve double platinum status include Rent, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

Chris Colfer Makes a Trip to Neverland

2010-11-08T09:30:00.000-08:00

Chris Colfer, one of the stars of Fox's Glee, attended a performance of Peter Pan at the Center this past Saturday night. Chris is pictured above with a friend and couple of Peter Pan's Lost Boys. The show seems to be popular with Glee cast members - a few weeks ago Josh Sussman, who plays Jacob Ben Israel, also caught a performance. Due to popular demand, threesixty° entertainment's Peter Pan has been extended until January 2, 2011.

Mary Poppins on Dancing with the Stars

2010-11-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the cast of Mary Poppins performing "Step in Time" on Dancing with the Stars...we've got it for you here along with a behind-the scenes look:

Idina Menzel: From the White House to the Center

2010-10-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

Tony Winner Idina Menzel was part of a star studded cast that performed at the White House as part of PBS' In Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Broadway. The star of Wicked not only performed her show stopper "Defying Gravity", but also sang "What I Did for Love" from A Chorus Line. You can check out both numbers below.

Menzel comes to the Center November 7th for a not-to-be-missed concert with a full symphony orchestra.

First Look at 9 to 5 The Musical

2010-10-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

The new national tour of 9 to 5 The Musical is off and running. Here's a look at the show, interviews with the cast and creatives and more.

Peter Pan Pirates Commandeer South Coast Plaza!

2010-10-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

The hearty pirates from the threesixtyº production of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan at the Center proved they do, indeed, have hearts! The six took no prisoners at South Coast Plaza on Sunday, October 24, to show their support for the annual Pumpkins and Pancakes fundraiser benefitting Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA advocates for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to parental abuse and neglect. Pirates Darrell Brockis, Zoot Lynam, Jim Nieb, Brad E. Smith, Justin Torres and Mauricio Villalobos dueled, danced and charmed their way through the crowds, stealing the show – and the hearts – of everyone on hand to help CASA. If you haven’t seen them and are a pirates fan, you can catch the crew in Peter Pan through January 2.

Congrats to Chance Theater’s The Who’s Tommy!

2010-10-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

The LA Stage Alliance’s 2009-2010 Ovation Award nominations were announced earlier this week and Chance Theater’s production of The Who's Tommy was nominated for five awards: Best Production of a Musical (Intimate Theatre), Best Director, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design and a special Ovation Honors Award for Video Design. Audiences can see the acclaimed show when it plays the Center February 10 – 20 in Founders Hall.

The awards, organized by the Los Angeles Stage Alliance, are intended to honor excellence in L.A.-area theater productions. The Ovations ceremony will take place January 17 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The best of luck to Chance Theater!

Photo by Doug Catiller, True Image Studio

Ahoy! Peter Pan Pirates Join Pumpkins and Pancakes at South Coast Plaza!

2010-10-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

The pirates from J.M.Barrie’s Peter Pan now playing at the Center will mix and mingle at the Saturday, October 24 Pumpkins and Pancakes fundraiser at South Coast Plaza from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA works to break the vicious cycle of child abuse by training community volunteers to speak up for abused children and guiding them into environments where they will thrive. The pirates will join other entertainment and fun on the Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store wing of South Coast Plaza. The event runs 8-11 a.m.

Dora the Explorer's Adventure at Westfield MainPlace Mall

2010-10-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Dora the Explorer, who looks lot like Allison Ramirez, visited Santa Ana’s Westfield MainPlace Mall on Saturday afternoon. Dora read one of her favorite adventure books to her fans and took time from her busy globe-trotting schedule to say hello and pose for photos. If you missed her at MainPlace, you can catch up with Dora and her friends the Backyardigans, the Wonder Pets and Kai-lan in Nickelodeon’s Storytime Live! at the Center October 30 and 31.

Center Offered Free Screening of New Opera Starring Plácido Domingo

2010-10-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Center’s Arts Plaza was filled with 2,500 people last night for a screening of the world premiere production of LA Opera’s Il Postino starring Plácido Domingo as Pablo Neruda and Charles Castronovo in the title role. Domingo greeted the crowed before the broadcast and introduced the cast members who joined them for the showing. The Center’s Arts Plaza is turning into a happening place, as it continues to pack in crowds to its Summer Movie Mondays and just last week, 20,000 people attended three performances by dance company Project Bandaloop.

Pictured above: LA Opera President Carol Harvey (center), Placido Domingo (right) and Center President Terry Dwyer (left)

American Cancer Society Makes Strides at the Center

2010-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

The first Orange County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was held Sunday morning, October 9. The walk began and ended on the Center’s Arts Plaza, with approximately 8,000 people here to support the American Cancer Society. The Making Strides event is a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love.

Megan Mullally Mentors Master Students

2010-10-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

The versatile star Megan Mullally conducted a master class for local students during her engagement in the Center’s Cabaret Series. After each student singer performed, Mullally discussed interpretation with them and had them re-sing their selections. Each time, there was a significant change – much to the enjoyment of the performers and the audience of fellow students. Mullally later engaged with the students in a Q&A period, giving them encouragement about repertory, auditions and career planning. These wonderful mentoring experiences are presented by the Center’s education department throughout the year as part of its Masters at the Center program.

Photo (L to R): Courtney Stokes (UCI), Amy (UCI), Daniel Wargo (CSU. Fullerton), Megan Mullally, Deanna Ott (CSU, Fullerton), Katie Perry (OCHSA) and Abby Sherrill (CSU. Long Beach).

"A Wonderful Guy"

2010-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Meet three of the wonderful guys from the new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s prize-winning musical South Pacific: David Pittsinger and local Orange County boys Christopher Johnstone and Travis Roberston. You can see them all here when South Pacific starts its two-week run tomorrow.

David Pittsinger leads the cast as Emile de Becque - a role he played on Broadway. Click on the video above to hear why David thinks South Pacific is such a timeless story.

In the the video below, Christopher (Thomas Hassinger) and Travis (Tom O'Brien) discuss the things they are looking forward to during their trip back to Orange County.

Get Sweet with Peter Pan

2010-10-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Whimsical confections have been created expressly by South Coast Plaza restaurants to celebrate threesixty° entertainment’s smash hit production of Peter Pan which is playing at the Center through November 21. The Peter Pan-themed desserts include a special cupcake with pixie dust at Quattro Caffé, Io rifiuto di crescere (I don’t want to grow up) chocolate brownie at Antonello Ristorante and Tinker Bell’s fairy wand at Champagne’s. The sweet treats can be enjoyed before or after seeing Peter Pan performances or anytime a sugar craving hits. These delicious creations, plus many more, can be found at participating restaurants: Anqi by Crustacean, Antonello Ristorante, Champagne French Bakery Café, Leatherby’s Café Rouge, Quattro Caffé, Scott’s Restaurant & Bar and Vie de France. For more information, visit southcoastplaza.com

The enduring power of South Pacific

2010-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

The critically-acclaimed revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific arrives at the Center next week. Through its glorious and beloved score, it continues to remind us of the incredible ability of musical theater to explore powerful social themes such as tolerance. The lyrics remain relevant some 60 years later and continue to have a deep impact on audiences. Consider the powerful words of this great song:

You've got to be taught

To hate and fear

You've got to be taught

From year to Year

It's got to be drummed
in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
To be Afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
Is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are 6 or 7 or 8
To hate all the people
your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught

Pictured above Anderson Davis as Lt Joseph Cable and Sumie Maeda as Liat - photo by Peter Coombs

Neverland Arrives in Orange County

2010-10-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

Opening day for the threesixtyº production of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan at the Center brought out thousands of fans of ‘the boy who wouldn’t grow up’ – including some very nice costumes. The production takes your breath away with its 360-degree projections of Edwardian London, Neverland, Wendy, Michael and John’s bedroom, a pirate’s ship and the mermaids’ lagoon. The only place you can see it in Southern California is at the Center.

Pictured above: the Harden family with little Tinkerbells Vivian, Charlotte and Camille

Pictured below: Natalie and Christian Ruckmick ready for a trip to Neverland

Pictured below: Cynda Lancaster with granddaughter Willow Todd

Peter Pan GLEEks Out

2010-10-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Josh Sussman who plays Jacob Ben Israel on FOX's hit show GLEE was in last night's audience of Peter Pan. After seeing the show, Josh gushed, "The combination of the sensational performances with the threesixtyº projections was truly amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it in live theatre.” Josh's fellow cast members, Jenna Ushkowitz and Matthew Morrison have also attended Center events. Keep your eyes peeled because who knows when someone else from GLEE might show up!

Photo: Josh and friend (center) is pictured with Samantha Hopkins who plays Wendy (right) and Ciaran Joyce who plays Peter Pan (left).

Fly with Tink!

2010-09-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

In our last flip cam video with Peter Pan cast members, meet Tinker Bell who is performed by Itxaso Moreno. She played the fairy in the original cast of threesixty° entertainment's Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and after a season at the Royal National Theatre in London, she returned as Tinker Bell for the U.S. engagements. Itxaso hails from the Basque Country where she trained in the performing arts at Bilboa's BAI. She moved to Scotland in 1999 and has been acting in the U.K. ever since. You can see Itxaso, Abby, Jonathan and Nate live when Peter Pan starts it Orange County run tomorrow.

A Peek Into Neverland

2010-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Members of the Center’s staff had a sneak peek into the intimate threesixtyº Theatre. A bit of theater magic was happening as rigging, lighting and stage machinery were being put in place to create Peter Pan's Neverland and John and Wendy Darling’s bedroom. Above the exit sign are two spot lights. The dark box is one of the 12 special CGI projectors that will help to envelop the actors and audience in scenes of Edwardian London and Neverland and all the other exciting adventures they experience during the Peter Pan show.

Introducing Wendy Darling

2010-09-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Abby Ford plays Wendy Darling in threesixty° entertainment's new production of Peter Pan - a role she originated in London. Before joining the Peter Pan cast, Abby was busy working in British television and theater. She's also appeared on the big screen in movies including Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Click on the video above to hear Abby's insights into the character of Wendy. And be sure to check out Abby in Peter Pan when it opens September 28.

Storytime Live! Star Dora the Explorer Explores South Coast Plaza

2010-09-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, September 18, Storytime Live! star Dora the Explorer stopped by South Coast Plaza to explore the excitement of The Festival of Children Foundation activities. Dora read one of her books to the children who had arrived for the day and stopped to say hello and have photos taken with her fans. The Festival of Children helps to improve the lives of children by strengthening the charities that serve them and runs through September 26. Storytime Live! – and Dora and all her Nickelodeon friends – will be at the Orange County Performing Arts Center October 30 and 31. Click here for more information on Storytime Live!

9 to 5: The Musical in rehearsal

2010-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Dolly Parton watches the cast of the touring production rehearse. Check out this footage, including Diana DeGarmo singing Backwoods Barbie

Arrrrrrgh! It's Captain Hook

2010-09-14T10:53:00.000-07:00

You may recognize Jonathan Hyde from blockbuster movies such as The Mummy, Anaconda and Titantic. Now, you can see Jonathan in his newest role as Captain Hook (as well as Mr. Darling) in threesixty° entertainment's production of Peter Pan which opens here later this month in the first-ever first 360-degree CGI theater set. Click on the video above to hear what Jonathan has to say about playing Hook.

Backstage with Mel Brooks

2010-09-13T11:25:00.001-07:00

Last night's performance of Young Frankenstein was attended by none other than the show's creator, Mel Brooks. Joining Brooks in Segerstrom Hall were Susan Stroman (director and choreographer), Robin Wagner (set designer) and William Ivey Long (costume designer). Following the crowd-pleasing performance, these multi-Tony® Award winners went backstage to take a few photos with the cast and crew. Young Frankenstein plays at the Center through September 25.

Photo above: Mel Brooks and Susan Stroman (center) with Synthia Link (far left) and Purdie Baumann (far right)

Photo below: Susuan Stroman and Mel Brooks (center) with Robin Wagner to the right of Brooks and William Ivey Long in the front row (far left)

Project Bandaloop readies for OC Premiere

2010-09-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

We are excited to welcome the return of the incredily talented Project Bandaloop for FREE performances on our plaza. They will be premiering a new work performed on the side of Segerstrom Hall September 30, October 1 and 2. Here are a couple of shots from a rehearsal of the work.

Meet Peter Pan!

2010-08-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

British actor Nate Fallows was literally plucked out of the Birmingham School of Acting to play the coveted lead role of Peter Pan in threesixty° entertainment's new production of the classic JM Barrie story. Our flip camera caught a few moments with Nate during a break in between performances in San Francisco where Peter Pan made its American premiere. The show plays there through September 5 before it comes to Orange County September 28 for its Southern California debut. Check back next week to see a video with Jonathan Hyde who plays Captain Hook and Mr. Darling.

A Night in Neverland

2010-08-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Center’s group buyers were transported to Peter Pan’s Neverland last night for a magical preview party at the Center Club complete with a pirate ship, mermaid and crocodile. Nearly 200 guests got a special sneak peak at the spectacular new production of JM Barrie’s Peter Pan by threesixty° entertainment which makes its Southern California debut here on September 28. Robert Butters, one of the producers of Peter Pan, was on hand to discuss the show’s storied history and guests also watched behind-the-scenes footage of the state-of-the-art theater pavilion that travels with the production, dazzling flying scenes and amazing puppets. The evening culminated with the raffle drawing of Michael Ann Nameroff as the winner of the Neverland weekend package - a one-night hotel stay at the Wyndham, dinner for two at the Center and a dream flight excursion by Sunset Flying.

Pictured above: David and Jennifer Sonke, Geri and Steven Dorman

Picured above: William Tran and Kathy Lew

Pictured above: Lucky raffle winner Michael Ann and Steve Nameroff

The Writing Is On The Wall!

2010-08-11T17:19:00.000-07:00

Mel Brooks’ New Musical Young Frankenstein will be alive at the Center September 12 – 25. The wall of Segerstrom Hall overlooking the community plaza currently boasts a monster-size banner heralding its arrival. Don’t miss this sweet mystery of musical theater.

In the Heights Singer Brings Good Luck to the Angels!

2010-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. In the Heights star Genny Lis Padilla sang the national anthem Monday night, August 9 for the Angels before a crowd of 40,000-plus fans. The Angels, by the way, routed the Kansas City Royals. She also performed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for the 7th inning stretch. (In the Heights runs through August 15 – so you can see Genny there too.)

Photo credit: Oscar Cheda

Zippity Zumba

2010-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

More than 20 people left sweaty and happy after In the Heights cast member Sandy Alvarez taught a Zumba-inspired dance class today at The Sports Club/LA in Irvine. During the hour, the class learned a variety of Latin dance rhythms like the salsa, samba, merenge along with hip-hop and other fun moves thrown in. Sandy gets a major workout every night performing in the touring production of In the Heights which won one of its four Grammy Awards for Best Choreography. Catch Sandy in the show while its here through August 15.

Photo above: Sandy with Mark and Angie Gaeta

Soaring to New "Heights"

2010-08-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Center's Summer at the Center program for at-risk and underserved high school aged youth culminated with the students performing free Broadway revue-style shows in Samueli Theater last weekend. The public performances included the title song from the Tony® and Grammy® Award winning musical In the Heights, which is currently playing the Center through August 15. The students will return next week to see the show - for many it will be their first experience seeing a musical. Click on the video to watch the students' performance.

For two weeks, 38 Summer at the Center students were immersed in intensive music and theater workshops. The program utilizes the performing arts to engage the participants and empower them to overcome adversity in their lives, build self esteem, develop social skills and become peer role models. During the program's 19 years, it has continually been praised for helping to change and improve the lives of young people.

Way to go Summer at the Center 2010!

Be My Baby

2010-08-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Fifty lucky people (out of a crowd of 3,700) got the chance to play “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner” shower contest last night before the Center’s showing of Dirty Dancing at free Movie Mondays. Contestants played traditional baby shower games such as pass the pacifier with a straw relay, draw a picture of baby on a paper plate placed on your head, drink juice the fastest from a baby bottle, blow up a balloon and stick it under your shirt the fastest and scoop up as many cotton balls into a bowl while blindfolded.

Winners of each game won prizes from Corner Bakery, the OC Fair and Gelson’s. The baby shower contest was based on the main character played by Jennifer Grey and a line said by leading man Patrick Swayze in the film. Guests also got a special treat before the screening – In the Heights cast member Rayanne Gonzales performed a number from the musical which opens tonight and runs through August 15. Click here to see the performance. And Banana Republic gave away a $500 gift certificate to celebrate the opening of the remodeled women’s store at South Coast Plaza. Thanks to the OC Fair and the retailers for providing all the great giveaways!

Free Movie Mondays concludes this summer with the showing of Mad Hot Ballroom on August 9.

KCRW's Matt Holzman Hearts Oliver

2010-07-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

And so does Orange County judging from the crowd’s reaction to the Center’s free screening of Oliver! on Monday night. KCRW’s Matt Holzman (along with his sisters) was here for the third installment of this summer’s Movie Mondays. Matt, host of the radio station’s preview screening club, selected Oliver! for the popular movies series and was also on hand to get the evening going. Click on the video above to hear what Matt said when we caught up with him before the movie. The screening of Oliver! was presented in partnership with KCRW. A big thanks to KCRW and Matt!

Dirty Dancing will be next in the free Movie Mondays lineup on August 2. Be sure to come early to see a free performance by a cast member of In the Heights and a fun “No one keeps Baby in a corner” contest with tons of fun-filled prizes.

Century and Valley View High School Kids Take Broadway to the "Heights"

2010-07-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Center has taken its ongoing partnership with the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) to a whole new height – In the Heights, that is. Students from Century High School and Valley View High School participated in a summer enrichment program organized by THINK Together for the SAUSD in collaboration with the Center and funded in part by the Broadway League. Seventy students worked with theater pros Ruben Garfias and Cynthia McGarity on vocal performance and interpretation using songs from Broadway’s Tony Award-winning show, In the Heights, which comes to the Center August 3 – 15.

The students will also attend the Thursday, August 12th performance of In the Heights at the Center and participate in a special post-performance Talk Back with artists from the show.

(Instructor discusses lines with Century High School students.)

(Century High School kids study their lines)

Things Heat Up at Movie Mondays

2010-07-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Do you know the answer to: what movie did Jack Lemmon and Kevin Bacon appear in together? If you guessed JFK you’d have won the Some Like it Hot trivia contest last night at the Center’s free Movie Mondays. Frank Wong of Huntington Beach gave the correct reply to the tie-breaking question and went home with free tickets to The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein which visits the Center September 12 – 25, a groovy glow ball and a Young Frankenstein DVD (pictured above). Other contestants won Young Frankenstein swag including medical bags, stethoscopes and DVDs. A big thanks to the Young Frankenstein touring production for providing the fun prizes.

Free Movie Mondays returns next week with Oliver! The movie is being presented in partnership with public radio station KCRW. Matt Holzman who hosts “Matt’s Movies” – KCRW’s preview screening club – will be at the Center to kick off the evening. Hope to see you Monday!

Photo above and below: For the the trivia contest, contestants were asked to hold up the photo of actor who they thought was the answer to the question.

From Dorothy to the Witches and Even Toto Too

2010-07-13T09:32:00.000-07:00

A record-breaking 3,000 people followed the Yellow Brick Road to the Center last night for the screening of The Wizard of Oz which kicked off this summer's free Movie Mondays series on the community plaza. The evening started with a fun themed costume contest. Guests were invited to dress as their favorite character from the film for a chance to win prizes such as tickets to the Orange County Fair and goodies from Broadway shows scheduled to appear at the Center. Chosen by audience applause, the winner for best costume was Scarecrow Chase Castillo from Orange (pictured below with his sister Chanelle; pictured above: Kailyn, Olivia and Jackie Cortez from Placentia). Movie Mondays continues next week with Some Like it Hot on July 19 with a movie trivia contest.

(Above: Brenna and Bronwyn Tosh from Newport Beach)

(Above: Grace Messerschmidt with Merielle Billyou Palmer)

Center Launches First Broadway Summer Intensive

2010-06-30T14:25:00.001-07:00

Local high school students participated in a brand-new weeklong musical theater summer camp June 22 to 26 on the Center’s campus. Five Days of Broadway provided opportunities for kids to work with Tony® Award-nominated actress Erin Dilly, Danny Gurwin and Emily Rozek to build a strong foundation of technique in Broadway music, scene work and dance, as well as career development and an introduction to the business aspects of working as a professional theater actor. Sessions included the fundamentals of acting within a song, learning choreography from a current stage production and the basics of auditioning for a Broadway show. Five Days of Broadway was developed by the Center’s Education and Community Programs Department.

Photos by Chris Emerick.

Congratulations Palm Avenue Elementary in San Bernardino!

2010-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Palm Avenue Elementary School in San Bernardino was named a 2010 California Distinguished School and has been honored with the Title 1 Academic Achievement Award. The school’s staff has contributed much of their success to their fine arts magnet program. According to the school’s principal, Christopher Tickell, “I have the privilege of working with some dedicated and creative employees, very involved parents and students who are eager to learn. And I think a lot of that ties back into our fine arts magnet program.”

How does this tie to the Center? Palm Avenue is an Arts Teach Partner School and, as a member of the Center’s ArtsConnect program, the Center provides a majority of the services that make up Palm Avenue’s fine arts program by giving workshops, residencies and performance opportunities with professional artists as well as teacher professional development and opportunities for parents to learn alongside their students. Palm Avenue’s fine arts resource teacher states, “It has been a great year and OCPAC is a HUGE part of it!”

Hey there, hi there, ho there from the Orange County Performing Arts Center!

2010-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Mickey arrived at the Orange County Performing Arts Center this afternoon, wearing his Toronto Blue Jays uniform. To celebrate the All-Star game to be played at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium on July 13, 36 Mickey Mouse statues are decorated with graphics featuring each of the Major League clubs as well as four All-Star designs, and an American League and a National League design. Each statue is 7 1/2 feet tall and weighs 989 pounds.

Fans are welcome to snap a photo with Mickey, who will remain on site through the All-Star game.

Working it Out with The Lion King

2010-06-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

Disney’s The Lion King cast member Amyia Burrell taught a special workout class at The Sports Club/LA in Irvine last Friday. Click on the video above to see highlights from the class. A big thank you to The Sports Club/LA for hosting the class and to Amyia for giving everyone one a great workout! Amyia and The Lion King will be at the Center through Sunday, June 13.

We're Vocal

2010-06-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday more than 600 local middle-school students and teachers gathered at the Center for the 2010 Southern California Vocal Association Choral Festival. Schools from Santa Ana, Covina, Baldwin Park, Costa Mesa and Placentia participated in this year's festival, which was hosted by the Center in collaboration with Pacific Chorale. Started in 1993, the festival provides non-competitive concert-style opportunities for young singers to hear other ensembles and receive valuable evaluations and advice from professional adjudicators.

A big congratulations to all the singers and their teachers!

Photos: Choir students from McFadden Intermediate School in Santa Ana; courtesy of Gregory Ellis.

Mickey Mouse in the House

2010-06-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Center will soon be home to one of the 36 giant Major League Baseball-themed Mickey Mouse statues appearing throughout Southern California this summer. The statues are being placed in high-profile locations in celebration of the 2010 MLB All-Star game in Anaheim on July 13. The Center's Mickey Mouse statue is decorated as a Toronto Blue Jay.

Starting June 11, MLB and Disney Consumer products is launching a Find Mickey Scavenger Hunt, which rewards fans for visiting the different statue locations and tweeting photos. The first person to take a photo in front of all 36 statues and tweet a link to their photo gallery will win the grand prize of two tickets to the MLB All-Star Game. For more contest information visit mlb.com/mickeymouse.

We hope to see you here!

PHOTO: Angels outfielder Torii Hunter and Hall of Famer Rod Carew pose with the MLB All-Star Stars & Stripes-themed Mickey Mouse statue, which will be on display at the Anaheim Convention Center, home of MLB All-Star FanFest.

The Lion King Brings Out Brandy

2010-06-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

Disney's The Lion King had an unexpected guest at Sunday evening's performance in Segerstrom Hall: the multi-talented star, Brandy Norwood. The photo above shows Brandy and her daughter posing with the performers who play the characters of Simba and Nala in the North American touring production. The Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical is at the Center through June 13.

Photo caption: (clockwise from the left) Brandy Norwood, Andre Jackson, Marja Harmon, Elijah Johnson, Sy'rai Smith, and Jamariana Tribble. Photo credit: RJ Magee.

Beyond the Beat

2010-05-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Percussionist Andrew Grueschow helped deaf and hard of hearing students at Taft Elementary in Santa Ana experience music and rhythm. These students participated in a special four-day workshop conducted by Grueschow, a teaching artist from the Center’s ArtsConnect education program. The students learned, heard and felt basic elements of music, such as pulse, tempo, pitch and rhythm to enhance learning and understanding of cultural concepts in the classroom. Watch the video to hear from Grueschow and click here to read the OC Register's story by Tim Mangan.

Sparks in the Heights

2010-05-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

Playbill reports that 2007's American Idol champ Jordin Sparks will make her Broadway debut in In The Heights. The hit musical, which won four 2008 Tony Awards including Best Musical, currently stars Corbin Bleu as Usnavi. Playbill also has a photo gallery of Sparks on a recent visit to In the Heights with Bleu which you can view here.

A Marathon Runs Through Us

2010-05-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

If you happened to be at the Center Sunday morning, you would have seen nearly 1,800 runners stay the course of the OC Marathon onto the Center’s community plaza, around Richard Serra’s towering Connector sculpture and take a quick left past a rock band and down the side of Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Many friends and family members were on hand to cheer the athletes and enjoy some mid-morning entertainment by Delmos Wade. Congrats to all the runners!

Tag It!

2010-04-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

This is cool! If you’ve got a smart phone, you can scan this tag and a 30-second Dreamgirls video will automatically download and play. It's simple - all you have to do is get the app at http://gettag.mobi/. For those who don’t have a smart phone, click here to see the video. We'd love to hear what you think of this tag and the new technology that makes it possible. We’ll let you know when we get any new tags.

Dance Students Learn the Shen Wei

2010-04-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the engagement of Shen Wei Dance Arts at the Center April 16-18, the company’s Andrew Cowan conducted a special master class for talented young dancers from Academy of Dance (Santa Ana), Anaheim Ballet, California Conservatory of Dance (Mission Viejo), Cal State Fullerton, Chapman University, Southland Ballet (Fountain Valley), Irvine Valley College, Maple Conservatory (Irvine), Pacific Coast Academy of Dance (San Clemente) and the University of California, Irvine. Cowan is only one of three Company members taught to teach the Shen Wei pure body movement technique. The class was held in the Center’s Founders Hall on Wednesday, April 14.

Get the Look of Dreamgirls

2010-04-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Now you can become one of the Dreamgirls! Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza has created a special Get the Look boutique inspired by the stunning costumes from the sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls. The boutique is open now through April 30 on the Upper Level of Bloomingdale’s where shoppers can browse a collection of sketches hand-drawn by Tony® Award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long and choose from a selection of glamorous styles that coordinate with the sketches. Shoppers can also enter to win a four-pack of tickets to Dreamgirls for the closing night performance. Dreamgirls will be at the Center April 21 - May 2.