LEGO Art Snaps Into Place at the Center

GUYS AND DOLLS LEGO display by Peter Aoun of Azusa

DIRTY DANCING LEGO display by James Banks of Long Beach

Patrons coming to Segerstrom Hall now through August 31 will be amazed by the exhibit of Broadway-inspired LEGO art created by some of the most talented members of LUGOLA (LEGO Users Group of Los Angeles). Each sculpture is themed to a Broadway show in the Center’s 2014-2015 Season: PIPPIN (November 11 – 23, 2014), DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (December 10 – 14, 2014), KINKY BOOTS (December 30, 2014 – January 11, 2015), DIRTY DANCING (February 3 – 15, 2015), NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT (March 17 – 22, 2015), GUYS AND DOLLS (April 14 – 19, 2015), ANNIE THE MUSICAL (May 13 – 24, 2015), MOTOWN THE MUSICAL (June 16 – 28, 2015) and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (August 5 – 16, 2015). The team of nine designers are led by Paul Lee. 

ANNIE LEGO display by Guy Himber of Sherman Oaks

PIPPIN LEGO display by Paul Lee of Placentia

It’s incredible and it’s cool – and for a close-up look the Center’s LEGO odes to Broadway, click here or view it here:

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT LEGO display by Eric Tetangco of La Habra

DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS 
LEGO display by John Cooper of San Diego

All photos by Joesan Diche.

How Sweet It Is! Now on the Menu: Broadway Cupcakes!

Surprise your loved ones at intermission by preordering Patina Group’s cupcake trio set inspired by three shows from Segerstrom Center’s Broadway season. The flashy purple confection dons Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical’s glittering pumps over a vanilla cake with berry filling, Glinda’s magic wand tops a caramel-filled chocolate cake for The Wizard of Oz and the iconic red heart from I Love Lucy® Live on Stage completes the last of the set with an American classic – red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. 

To purchase a cupcake trio, please call Patina’s special events line at (714) 556-2122 x4202 by 5 p.m. the day before for the Tuesday to Thursday performances or by 5 p.m. on Friday for both Saturday and Sunday performances. Cupcakes are $10 for all three or $4 a la carte. 

Patina Group has also prepared a themed menu for the run of ANYTHING GOES, available 70 minutes prior to each evening performance. For more information, please visit www.patinagroup.com.  

Caught In the Act

Eloise Evans, Shirley Zellmer, Merritt David Janes (Agent Hanratty), Diane Silvers,
Angela Monroe, Stephen Anthony (Frank Abagnale, Jr.), Jeanne Curry, Brooke Walker
and Aubrey Mae Davis (Brenda).

Three stars from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN were caught backstage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts after a rousingly successful opening night. Intercepting them and welcoming them aboard the Segerstrom Center Broadway Series were former Pan Am flight attendants in uniform. 

Eloise Evans, Brooke Walker, Jeanne Curry, Angela Monroe, Shirley Zellmer and Diane Silvers.

The show continues through Sunday, June 30. To learn more about the show, please visit our online Revue magazine at www.SCFTA.org/Revue.

Catch Jerry Mitchell's Tony Award-Winning Dance Moves

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN follows the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. who became one of the foremost forgers and scam artists in the world between the ages of 16 and 21. In 2002, his fascinating life story inspired the creation of Steven Spielberg’s feature film, but those who have only seen the movie are in for a surprise. The musical takes on a whole new angle and characterizes it as a television spectacular, paying tribute to the golden days of television. 

Part of the vision was constructed by choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who recently won the 2013 Tony Award® for Best Choreography with Kinky Boots. For Mitchell, a self-described “fan of the ’60s,” the opportunity to choreograph some sexy numbers in the style of that decade was irresistible. “To me, great choreography is about nailing the period and telling the story and making it exciting,” he says. “But I don’t just research the dances of the period; I research the period in general. In this case, I read Frank’s autobiography, and watched a video in which he gives a 45-minute talk about his life. I also got a lot of visual stimulation from our set designer, David Rockwell, who does these inspirational boards." 

He was also influenced by many 1960s television shows. “The opening number, ‘Live in Living Color,’ hearkens back to the Mitzi Gaynor specials that had big, splashy opening numbers,” says Mitchell. “There’s a number in the second act called ‘Doctor’s Orders’ that’s sort of one part 'Laugh-In' and one part Dean Martin’s dance troupe. And another big number was inspired by 'The Mitch Miller Show.'” 

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN flies into Segerstrom Hall from June 25 – 30. Catch it while you can and learn more about the show in our online Revue magazine at www.SCFTA.org/Revue.

Q&A with Amanda Braun of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the high-flying Broadway musical that captures the astonishing true story of con artist Frank Abagnale, Jr., will make its final stop at Segerstrom Hall from June 25 - 30. We've invited cast member Amanda Braun to join us on Center Scene to reflect on some of her favorite moments with the show and to tell us why Orange County will love CATCH ME.

Nice to meet you! Please tell us your name and role in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.
Hi! My name is Amanda Braun and I am in the ensemble of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

What do you love about the show? 
There are so many things I love about the show. The way the story is told through the music is very clever and heart-warming. It's a very lively show with a great score. I also love the dancing of course - it is a blast!

What do you think Orange County will love most?
I always say CATCH ME puts a modern appeal on a classical Broadway show. You have a variety of musical numbers from cute and energetic to sultry and sexy. Orange County will be in for a surprise when they see this beautiful show, and will be totally entertained by the story, the music and the dancing.

Do you have a favorite moment to watch and/or perform?
That's a hard one! My favorite moments have changed a couple of times throughout the course of performing the show. I'd have to say my favorite song right now is "Don't Break The Rules" because of the intensity of the song as well as the choreography.

Can you tell us about your most memorable stop and why?
I loved visiting Denver and Chicago. Both of those cities were exciting and there was a lot to do! We were in hotels right in the downtown area, and for two weeks, which really gives you a feeling of getting to know the area, the people and the sights. But I bet Costa Mesa will be a new favorite too!

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

Now that the show is nearing its end of the run, what will you miss the most?
Oh boy! There is so much I will miss about my tour experience. The cast and crew have become my second family. We have spent so much time together and have shared so many fun memories. Many friendships I will now have forever and always cherish! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN means so much to me, as I always wanted to have the opportunity to be in this show's cast, and it's been fantastic! Not performing in CATCH ME every night will definitely be missed!

What are you most looking forward to after the tour? 
My sister is getting married at the end of the summer so I am definitely looking forward to that! And of course spending time with my family, and catching up with my friends!

Do you have any final thoughts or reflections? What did you learn from the show? 

This tour has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to travel the country and see how different and beautiful every state is. This show has taught me how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can give each and every audience a special performance to remember. Our job is to make an impact on that audience. When I see someone out there having a great time, I know I am doing my job and that is why I love it so much!

Thank you, Amanda! We look forward to seeing you in the show.

Catch it now before it closes. To learn more about CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and to purchase tickets, please visit www.SCFTA.org. 

Frank Abagnale, Jr.: The Real Story Behind CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Catch Me If You Can stars Merritt David Janes, left, and Stephen Anthony,
right, meet Frank Abagnale, Jr.

Frank Abagnale, Jr. is an expert on fraud, scams, deception and beating the system. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he forged and cashed $2.5 million worth of bad checks in the United States and 26 other countries, while successfully passing himself off as an airline pilot for Pan Am, a doctor, a college professor and a lawyer. He was ultimately caught, as he always knew he would be, and served time in French, Swedish and American prisons.  

The Catch Me If You Can tour company. © Carol Rosegg

Abagnale’s life on the lam is the most entertaining part of his story – but it’s not the best part. Since leaving his life of crime, he has used his knowledge as a counterfeiter and scam artist to stop criminals and protect law-abiding citizens, initially working with the FBI – which was part of his parole agreement – and then by developing a host of fraud prevention programs that are used by more than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies.

Abagnale works with the FBI to this day, and became lifelong friends with the agent who relentlessly pursued him, Joseph Shea – known as Carl Hanratty in the movie and the musical – who died in 2005. He has his own business, Abagnale & Associates, a security consulting firm, and is considered to be a leading authority in the field. He is a dynamic, much sought-after lecturer, and a self-made millionaire – legitimately. 

The Catch Me If You Can tour company. © Carol Rosegg

He lives with his past every day, and, although three presidents have offered to pardon him, he has turned them down. “I truly believe that a piece of paper cannot excuse my actions. I don’t think it works that way. I made some mistakes in my life and I have to live with them. I know people are fascinated by what I did between the ages of 16 and 21. But what amazes me is where my life went when I came out of prison. I try to do the right thing, and I hope that in the end I’ll be judged for that.”

FLASHDANCE Behind the Scenes: Nick Hurley

Expressive tenor Matthew Hydzik is Nick Hurley, Alex’s smitten boss and steel mill heir. In this interview, Hydzik shares stories on growing up in the show’s Pittsburgh setting and how his character becomes a positive force in Alex’s world by encouraging her to achieve her dream of training as a ballet dancer. 

FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL is currently playing at Segerstrom Center now through Sunday, May 19.   For more information, please visit www.SCFTA.org. 

FLASHDANCE Behind the Scenes: Gloria

 

Meet Kelly Felthous who plays Gloria, protagonist Alex Owen’s bubbly best friend who travels down a different road than the strong-willed Alex. Here, see what the actress has to say about living in her own fantasy world on stage, being dramatic like Gloria and how classic Hollywood stars such as Gene Kelley continue to inspire her. 

FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL is currently playing at Segerstrom Center now through Sunday, May 19.   For more information, please visit www.SCFTA.org. 

FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

Join Segerstrom Center for the Arts and OC Weekly as we bring back the ‘80s to the max! 

On Friday, May 10, put on your best ‘80s fashions and let’s celebrate the most righteous decade in history. Share your ‘80s look on the Center’s social media pages and you might win prizes such as tickets to the hottest show in town, FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL! 

To enter, post your photo on our Facebook wall (www.Facebook.com/SCFTA) or share it on Twitter or Instagram with #FlashdanceOC. Win ‘80s-themed prizes hourly throughout the day. Two grand prize winners will receive two tickets to FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL and a $50 gift card to Maggiano’s Little Italy at South Coast Plaza. Grand prize winners will be announced on Saturday, May 11 at 12pm.  

2013 - 2014 Season Announcement

The Center is proud to announce its 2013 – 2014 Season, featuring the very best in performing arts across dance, Broadway, jazz, cabaret, classical music, enriching family entertainment and more.

Information for renewing season ticket holders for the upcoming season will be sent to current subscribers, with new priority order for new season tickets available soon. Single tickets will go on sale approximately six weeks prior to individual engagements.

For more information and detailed descriptions, please click the respective series titles or visit SCFTA.org.

International Dance Series

• Diana Vishneva: On the Edge (November 6, 7, 9 & 10, 2013)

• Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev (January 24 – 26, 2014)
• Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo: Swan Lake (February 27 – March 2, 2014)
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (March 27 – 30, 2014)


Broadway Series

• EVITA (December 10 – 22, 2013)

• The Wizard of Oz (February 11 – 23, 2014)
• The Book of Mormon (May 13 – 25, 2014)
• Jersey Boys (June 24 – July 13, 2014)
• Ghost The Musical (July 22 – August 3, 2014)
• ONCE (August 19 – 31, 2014)


Curtain Call Series
• Priscilla Queen of the Desert (October 22 – 27, 2013)
• CHICAGO (January 28 – February 2, 2014)
• I Love Lucy® Live On Stage (March 18 – 23, 2014)


Special Bonus Productions






• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (January 14 – 19, 2014)
• Mamma Mia! (April 8 – 13, 2014)


Jazz Series

• Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® featuring Omara Portuondo, Eliades Ochoa, Guajiro Mirabal & Barbarito Torres with special guest Roberto Fonseca (September 17, 2013)

• ACS: Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington and Esperanza Spalding (October 25 & 26, 2013)
• McCoy Tyner and Joe Lovano (December 13 & 14, 2013)
• Dr. Lonnie Smith (February 21 & 22, 2014)
• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis (March 14, 2014)
• Fred Hersch Trio (May 2 & 3, 2014)


Cabaret Series 
• Bernadette Peters (October 11, 2013)
• Marilyn Maye and Clint Holmes (November 14 – 16, 2013)
• Peter Gallagher (February 13 – 15, 2014)
• Patti LuPone (March 22, 2014)
• Jimmy Webb and Maureen McGovern (April 11- 13, 2014)


Concert Series

• Pacifica Quartet with Marc-André Hamelin (November 12, 2013)

• Jeffrey Kahane, Joseph Swensen and Carter Brey (December 12, 2013)
• Emerson String Quartet (January 10, 2014)
• St. Lawrence String Quartet (February 20, 2014)
• Philharmonia Baroque Chamber Players (March 16, 2014)


Family: Discovery Series
• The Okee Dokee Brothers (December 7 & 8, 2013)
• Still Awake Still! (February 8 & 9, 2014)
• Cre8tion: Fluff (April 5 & 6, 2014)
• Bristol Riverside Theatre: The Little Prince (April 26 & 27, 2014)
• Lightwire Theater: The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and The Hare (May 17 & 18, 2014)


Family: Explorer Series

• Perth Theatre Company: The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer (October 18 – 20, 2013)

• The Intergalactic Nemesis Book Two: Robot Planet Rising (November 9 & 10, 2013)
• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (January 17 – 19, 2014) – Explorer Series subscribers have a unique and special opportunity to see the full production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Segerstrom Hall as a part of their subscription package.


Opera Series






• LA OPERA In Concert: Falstaff (November 26, 2013)
• LA OPERA In Concert: Thaïs (May 27, 2014) – previously announced for May 22, 2014

Registration for Six Days of Broadway is now open!

SPECIAL OFFER: The first five paid registrations for the week of July 1 through July 7 will receive a FREE ticket to see WICKED with fellow camp participants on Thursday, March 14!

Our annual summer camp is a one-week intensive in musical theater taught by some of Broadway’s leading artists and educators. From classes in monologue interpretation to audition technique, students are invited to hone their craft in a positive environment at the Center. The camp features two sessions based on age groups. June 24 through June 29  is for students ages 11 to 13. July 1 through July 7 is for students ages 14 to 19.

As a preview of the type of classes you might expect, we’re sharing some of our favorite moments from past year’s intensives: 

This year’s camp will be led by Broadway and film star Erin Dilly, best known for her portrayal of Truly Scrumptious in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Other instructors will include Broadway and film veterans Stephen Buntrock, Danny Gurwin, Hank Stratton and other guest teachers. Space is limited, but to register, please visit www.scfta.org/summercamp or call (714) 556-2122 extension 4333, option 4. 

WICKED Ways to Be A Winner

WICKED fans are testing their luck by entering their names into a special ticket lottery. The day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats is being held for every performance through the end of the engagement on March 17. Winners have the opportunity to purchase orchestra seats for just $25. 

On opening night, we saw friends and families gather around the Segerstrom Hall Box Office, eagerly waiting for their names to be called. Enjoy a few snapshots of our excited fans! 

Two and one-half hours prior to each performance, WICKED fans can come to the Segerstrom Center box office and have their names placed in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, winning names are drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats that can be purchased for $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a purchase limit of two tickets per person. Lottery participants must have a valid photo ID when submitting their entry form and, if chosen, when purchasing tickets. The number of available lottery tickets may vary from performance to performance. Winners also receive an “I Won the WICKED Lottery!” button as a keepsake. For more information, please call the Box Office at (714) 556-2787.