Costa Mesa Theatre Newsroom

Watch Hannah Corneau and Chris McCarrell performing Love in the Age of Anxiety from the world premiere of Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical. The musical has Lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, Music by Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas.

Based on Craig Lucas' 1988 play and 1992 film adaptation of the same name, PRELUDE TO A KISS - THE MUSICAL is an admirable first attempt of a new musical that is, clearly, still a work-in-progress. In its current state, this genuinely charming but disjointed musical could use a sharp refocus and some more magical and narrative clarity.

Adapted from the 1988 Tim Burton cult classic, BEETLEJUICE - THE MUSICAL is an over-the-top, chaotic, and wildly unhinged reimagining that amps up the kooky-ness of its source material a thousand-fold. Mostly funny and entertaining despite its tonal shifts and forced outlandishness, the show elicits lots of laughs thanks to its title character.

More like one elongated impromptu jam session than a typical musical, Musical Theatre West's new production of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET doesn't involve a complex storyline, but instead focuses on imagining what it must have been like to be in the room where music history happened. The resulting concert-like jukebox musical is a rollicking good time.

 The American Theatre Guild is pleased to present Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, HAIRSPRAY. This new North American tour, helmed by original director Jack O'Brien and original choreographer Jerry Mitchell, will close out the 23–24 BROADWAY AT THE FOX IN RIVERSIDE Series at the Fox Performing Arts Center May 8–9, 2024.

Dionne Warwick will perform one concert only at Soka Performing Arts Center on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, at 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 17 at 12 noon.

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be presented at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Ahead of his third appearance at the Mark Taper Forum under the banner Feinstein's at the Taper, BroadwayWorld sat down to chat with Michael Feinstein about the upcoming performance of RAINBOW: The New Judy Garland Musical on Saturday, April 13 at 8PM.

Experience the enchanting blend of voice and violin with the world-renowned duo Larisa Martínez and Joshua Bell at the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

Experience the magic of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST presented by Vanguard University's award-winning theatre arts department.

Catalina Museum for Art & History will present the upcoming exhibition, Sarah Kaizar: RARE AIR. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has unveiled its Broadway lineup for the 2024-25 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

South Coast Repertory has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Galilee, 34 by Eleanor Burgess. Directed by Davis McCallum, the story exploring the disciples in the aftermath of the Crucifixion, runs April 21-May 12, 2024 on the Julianne Argyros Stage.

The Danish String Quartet returns to Orange County for two nights, performing timeless works by Haydn, Schubert, Shostakovich, and an encore of Nordic Folk music.

An overall resounding triumph despite its insistence on side-stepping some of the more salacious scandals associated with its subject, pop star Michael Jackson—MJ - THE MUSICAL is a genuinely entertaining and nostalgic show that purposely aims to celebrate the creative, if misunderstood genius behind some of the biggest hits in pop music history.

This Easter, Orange County's Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA will present a one-night-only production of The Living Lord's Supper. The one-night-only performance will take place on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at 6:30 PM or 8:30 PM. 

Watch as Hannah Corneau rehearses 'I Haven't Slept in Years' from Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical with Music Director Wiley DeWeese on piano. The musical has Lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, Music by Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas. The production is directed by David Ivers.

Watch as Conor Ryan rehearses 'The Room Where She Doesn't Sleep' from Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical with Music Director Wylie DeWeese on piano at South Coast Rep. The musical has Lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, Music by Daniel Messé and book by Craig Lucas.

Celebrate the birthdays of Sondheim and ALW with us!

Chance Theater will present the stage adaptation of the globally beloved 'Tiny Beautiful Things,” based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos.

 Opening its 2024 Season, Placer Community Theater will present this Friday, March 8, and for 3 consecutive weekends, ending on March 23, the Tony Award-winning play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a comedy written by Christopher Durang.

Discover the lineup for the 26th Pacific Playwrights Festival at South Coast Repertory, showcasing new works from emerging playwrights. Featuring world-premiere productions of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL and GALILEE, 34.

Experience the world premiere of PRELUDE TO A KISS, THE MUSICAL at South Coast Repertory. This modern fable, with lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, explores love's peaks and valleys.

The Cal State Fullerton Department of Theatre & Dance Season will present 'Accidentally on Purpose,” beginning March 13 and running through April 13 in the Hallberg Theatre on campus. Learn more about the production here!

Craig Lucas returns to one of his theatrical homes as South Coast Repertory will present the world premiere of Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical, lyrics by Sean Hartley and Daniel Messé, music by Messé, book by Lucas. Directed by Ivers, it runs April 5-May 4, 2024 on the Segerstrom Stage as the centerpiece to SCR’s 60th season.