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CHANCE THEATER

5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92807


🌙 Make a Night of It

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Review: OC's Segerstrom Center Welcomes New Tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC


by Michael Quintos - June 08, 2026

You may ask yourself—is seeing a touring stage production of the globally and generationally ubiquitous 1959 musical THE SOUND OF MUSIC still worth experiencing live on stage in 2026? While the stage musical in its current touring form certainly doesn't offer anything revolutionary or new to the s...

Review: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre in Santa Monica


by Shari Barrett - June 06, 2026

9 to 5 the Musical was an enjoyably nostalgic experience for those of us who actually lived through working in mid-20th Century offices, albeit losing much humorous dialogue and lyrics due to the faulty sound system....

Review: GRANGEVILLE Staged to Absolute Perfection at the Ruskin Group Theatre


by Shari Barrett - June 05, 2026

The West Coast premiere of Grangeville is staged to absolute perfection on all levels including the script, director, actors, and overall technical brilliance at the Ruskin Group Theatre....

Review: THE MAGIC FLUTE at LA OPERA


by Andrew Child - June 04, 2026

Suzanne Andrade and Barrie Kosky’s Magic Flute returns to LA Opera with a whimsical fusion of animations by Paul Barritt. The effect of the production is a bit surprising. Yes, as characters are revealed by revolving doors and interact with animations of barking dogs, Mozart’s music takes on a n...

Review: Defying Gravity - An Evening with Stephen Schwartz Flies to the Irvine Barclay


by Michael Quintos - June 04, 2026

It's a very rare treat—particularly all the way here in Orange County, California—to hear Broadway songs and the stories behind them performed directly by the legendary composer himself, even for just a one-night-only event. But that is exactly the gift bestowed upon a rapt audience recently whe...

Review: HELL'S KITCHEN at Hollywood Pantages


by Evan Henerson - June 03, 2026

As substantial as its built-in assets are, the two-time Tony Award winner, musical is lacking in other areas. Book writer Kristoffer Diaz has crafted an exciting leading character, and an even more interesting supporting player. Alas, he has also included a rather perfunctory family triangle that gu...

Review: PRIMARY TRUST at Mark Taper Forum


by Evan Henerson - May 31, 2026

Booth’s deeply sympathetic rendering of a good man navigating a life of crises is 95 minutes of sublimity. And in the role of Kenneth, actor Petey McGee delivers a performance that is as throat lump-inducing as it is uplifting....

Review: ANTIGONE at Antaeus


by Evan Henerson - May 27, 2026

Andy Wolk's production transports Sophokles’s work off the pages of a high school syllabus and directly across the threshold of our comfort zone....

Review: Impeccable World Premiere of HENRY ONG’S final play ASCENT


by Shari Barrett - May 26, 2026

Along with the impeccable acting and Diana Wyenn's brilliant direction, the most striking element of the production is Randy Wong-Westbrooke’s scenic design which features a half-dome representation of a rocket engine....

Review: L.A. Premiere of Héctor Armienta’s ZORRO! by Pacific Opera Project


by Shari Barrett - May 20, 2026

Based on the adventures of Johnston McCully's legendary pulp hero, Armienta infuses his opera with the music and sounds of early-19th century Alta California, including flamenco, corrido, and mariachi, with all performed exquisitely by the 24-member POP Orchestra....

Past Shows

Sanctuary City
Sanctuary City
May 1 – May 24, 2026

On the Fyda-Mar Stage… In the aftermath of 9/11, two teenagers in Newark, New Jersey, navigate the precarious terrain of adolescence while grappling with the looming...

OTR: Saint Vegas
OTR: Saint Vegas
May 13 – May 17, 2026

In this memory play, Ben returns to the hot Galveston summer of his thirteenth year when a complicated and dangerous teenaged girl, Fresca, moved in...

The Messenger
The Messenger
Mar 27 – Apr 19, 2026

On the Cripe Stage… What does it cost to stay silent? What does it take to finally speak?From the playwright who brought you Matinicus: The Story of...

OTR: A Punk AF
OTR: A Punk AF
Apr 8

Holly is mad, you might even say angry as hell. But as a 40-something well-established career woman, she can’t just go around screaming, now can...

Once
Once
Jan 23 – Mar 1, 2026

On the Cripe Stage… Get ready to experience the heart and soul of Once! This intimate musical, based on the Academy Award-winning film, tells the story of...

OTR: A Long Time Ago in a Dark Yard at Night
OTR: A Long Time Ago in a Dark Yard at Night
Feb 11

A Long Time Ago in a Dark Yard at Night follows two friends from a small Texas town who take divergent paths in life as they...

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Dec 5 – Dec 21, 2025

Back by popular demand, it’s a holiday season filled with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and of course, the tree! ...

Scrooge! The Musical
Scrooge! The Musical
Nov 28 – Dec 21, 2025

Scrooge! The Musical is a heartwarming and festive adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol, featuring music, lyrics, and book by Leslie Bricusse.Set in Victorian...

What the Constitution Means to Me
What the Constitution Means to Me
Oct 3 – Oct 26, 2025

Heidi Schreck’s timely, hilarious, and deeply felt play breathes new life into our country’s most important document. Fifteen-year-old Heidi paid her college tuition by speaking...

NUCLEAR
NUCLEAR
Oct 22

ABOUT THE SHOW:NUCLEAR is a brand-new full-length play, commissioned by Manhattan Theatre Club and the Sloan Foundation, following the story of Ray, a rockstar of the...

Spring Awakening
Spring Awakening
Jul 11 – Aug 10, 2025

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking play, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s brilliant rock score and searingly emotional book bring the story of sexual awakening, youth...

Punk AF
Punk AF
Jul 30 – Aug 3, 2025

Holly is mad, you might even say angry as hell. But as a 40-something well-established career woman, she can’t just go around screaming, now can...

The Chinese Lady
The Chinese Lady
May 16 – Jun 8, 2025

In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to set foot in America, sailed into New York Harbor to be featured in a museum....

Fancy Nancy, The Musical
Fancy Nancy, The Musical
Mar 28 – Apr 13, 2025

Making a triumphant return to the Chance, Fancy Nancy is back for another delightful adventure! Bring the family and watch as Nancy and her friends – Bree,...

Tea for Toofi
Apr 9

Tea for Toofi is a madcap farce written and directed by Ravi Kapoor, set in the 1980s Orange County. The story follows a retired computer...

Pyro: How to Blow Up a Life
Apr 2

Chance Theater presents a staged reading of Khanisha Foster's new play, Pyro: How to Blow Up a Life. The story follows Helen, portrayed by Tristan...

Such Small hands
Such Small hands
Aug 28 – Mar 23, 2025

Paul and Marie wake in the morning, Marie makes coffee, black, Paul asks for sugar, Marie says the sugar is out of reach and they...

Tick, Tick… Boom!
Jan 24 – Feb 23, 2025

Chance Theater presents Tick, Tick… Boom!, a semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson that explores the life of a young composer facing the challenges of turning...

at the very bottom of a body of water
at the very bottom of a body of water
Feb 12

Marina swims in a circle of routine: every week, she goes to her local fish store, buys a catfish, and makes soup. But this week,...

A Fantabulous Holiday Musical
Dec 6 – Dec 22, 2024

» A Holiday Musical for the Whole Family Returns! Stay tuned for the announcement of a second holiday musical that is back by popular demand...

Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical
Jane Austen’s Emma, The Musical
Nov 29 – Dec 22, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… Jane Austen’s enduring love story is brought to life as a romantic-comedy musical. The story revolves around Emma, a well-meaning, but disaster-prone...

Gloria
Gloria
Sep 27 – Oct 20, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… Style. Status. Success. A group of twentysomething editorial assistants are pursuing it all at one of New York’s most esteemed cultural...

OTR: A New Play by Dustin H. Chinn
Oct 9 – Oct 12, 2024

From the writer of last season’s Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious comes a brand new play that is so new that we don’t...

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Jul 12 – Aug 11, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… In a barber shop above Mrs. Lovett’s struggling pie shop, Sweeney Todd plots revenge on the lecherous judge who wronged him...

OTR: Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four
OTR: Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four
Aug 7

OTR New Play Staged Reading

Fancy Nancy, The Musical
Fancy Nancy, The Musical
May 24 – Jun 9, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… This TYA favorite returns to the Chance for the seventh time. Bring the family and watch as Fancy Nancy and her...

OTR: Boat Show
OTR: Boat Show
Jun 5

Staged reading of a new play by 2024 Resident Playwright Dustin H. Chinn

Alma
Alma
May 3 – May 26, 2024

On the Fyda-Mar Stage… Alma and her daughter, Angel, made sixteen wishes long ago: good health, love, carne asada every day, perfect SAT scores, and...

Tiny Beautiful Things
Tiny Beautiful Things
Apr 5 – Apr 28, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… Based on the best-selling book by Cheryl Strayed (now a Hulu series, starring Kathryn Hahn), Tiny Beautiful Things follows the relationships...

OTR: Call Your Mother
OTR: Call Your Mother
Apr 24

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this...

Hedwig and The Angry Inch
Hedwig and The Angry Inch
Jan 26 – Feb 25, 2024

On the Cripe Stage… This groundbreaking Obie-winning Off-Broadway smash that took Broadway by storm tells the story of “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt, a...

OTR: Lipstick Lobotomy
OTR: Lipstick Lobotomy
Feb 7

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this...

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Dec 1 – Dec 23, 2023

What could be fancier than Christmas?Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles – and who could forget the tree? After all,...

The Secret Garden, The Musical
The Secret Garden, The Musical
Nov 24 – Dec 23, 2023

Based on the popular children’s book of the same name, The Secret Garden follows the story of Mary Lennox, a young British girl born and raised in...

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Sep 22 – Oct 22, 2023

Fifteen-year-old math whiz Christopher Boone lives with his divorced dad in Swinton, a working-class town west of London. After being falsely accused of killing a...

OTR: Such Small Hands
OTR: Such Small Hands
Oct 11

Long-married couple Paul and Marie are the center of this moving new play about love, aging, selfishness, and selflessness. As Paul’s illness progresses, he can...

OTR: Norine & the King of Swatsville
OTR: Norine & the King of Swatsville
Sep 20

In July of 1903, famed baseball player Edward “Big Ed” Delahanty was found dead at the base of the Niagara Falls gorge. Now, Ed’s widow,...

OTR: The Bed Trick
OTR: The Bed Trick
Aug 23 – Aug 26, 2023

College freshmen Lulu and Marianne test their limits as they party through the school year, in search of their place in the world. Marianne, newly...

RENT
RENT
Jul 21 – Aug 20, 2023

“VIVA LA VIE CHANCE”“extraordinarily well-cast”“the characters are all well-lived-in and the troupe’s chemistry shines with love, giving us many compelling moments”“Director Matthew McCray has assembled...

Fancy Nancy The Musical
Fancy Nancy The Musical
May 26 – Jun 17, 2023

This TYA favorite returns to the Chance for the sixth time. Bring the family and watch as Fancy Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda,...

Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess
Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess
May 5 – Jun 4, 2023

Based on the true story of Abigail Burgess, a young lighthouse keeper’s daughter, living on a rock 25 miles off the coast of Maine, this...

Colonialism is Terrible But Phở is Delicious
Colonialism is Terrible But Phở is Delicious
Mar 31 – Apr 30, 2023

WORLD PREMIERE!This biting comedy spans centuries, continents, and cultures in its three-part vignette structure. Beginning in 1880s Hanoi, the capital city of French Indochina, where...

Stand-Up Tuesdays
Stand-Up Tuesdays
Apr 25

Get ready to laugh your Chance off at Stand-Up Tuesdays! Host Mark Christopher Lawrence taps into his extensive list of talented comedian friends and shares...

Cheese, The Musical - Staged Singing
Cheese, The Musical - Staged Singing
Apr 19

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this...

Ride the Cyclone - Extended through March 5 by Popular Demand!
Ride the Cyclone - Extended through March 5 by Popular Demand!
Jan 27 – Mar 5, 2023

When life goes off the rails, we discover what really matters.Chance Theater’s critically-acclaimed California premiere of the bracingly funny, supremely inventive musical journey with more...

Exotic Deadly, or The MSG Play - Staged Reading
Exotic Deadly, or The MSG Play - Staged Reading
Feb 22

It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward, Japanese American high school girl, just trying to stay as invisible as possible. But her world comes crashing...

Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas
Dec 9 – Dec 23, 2022

What could be fancier than Christmas? Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles and who could forget the tree? After all,...

Little Women - The Broadway Musical
Little Women - The Broadway Musical
Nov 25 – Dec 23, 2022

From the novel that holds a special place in the heart of American literature, comes a new musical that proves this timeless story is still...

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
Sep 23 – Oct 23, 2022

Experience pro wrestling in a whole new light or perhaps for the first time in Kristoffer Diazs Pulitzer Prize-nominated play. Chad Deity follows the life...

A Thousand Maids: OTR Reading
A Thousand Maids: OTR Reading
Oct 12

In every artistic context, the imagery of a woman of color in a maids uniform will immediately spark controversy. A Thousand Maids looks at this...

We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up - The Hymon & Parfunkle Story
We Ain't Ever Gonna Break Up - The Hymon & Parfunkle Story
Aug 12 – Aug 28, 2022

We Aint Ever Gonna Break Up: The Hymon & Parfunkel Story is the first jukebox musical about, and featuring the songs of, a band that...

Green Day's American Idiot
Green Day's American Idiot
Jul 15 – Aug 14, 2022

Slinging razor guitars, thundering drums, and an anti-hero named Johnny. Not the prelude of typical entries in the canon of musical theatre. But these elements...

HONGO: OTR Staged Reading
HONGO: OTR Staged Reading
Aug 3 – Aug 7, 2022

Gifted scientist Dr. Mirian Reyes has discovered a method of using mycelium cells to heal damaged brains. So when her radically progressive son, Dagoberto, is...

Fancy Nancy The Musical
Fancy Nancy The Musical
May 27 – Jun 19, 2022

This TYA favorite returns to the Chance for the fifth time. Bring the family and watch as Fancy Nancy and her friends Bree, Rhonda, Wanda,...

Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play
Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play
Jun 1 – Jun 5, 2022

Matinicus: A Lighthouse Play is based on the true story of Abigail Burgess, a young lighthouse keepers daughter, living on a rock 25 miles off...

Cry It Out
Cry It Out
Apr 1 – May 1, 2022

Dirty diapers, breast pumps and 2 a.m. feedings, are enough to give anyone sleepless nights Not to mention the need for a strong cup of...

Crimson Lit - Scarlet Letter Setlist
Crimson Lit - Scarlet Letter Setlist
Apr 27

You’re not going to want to miss the staged reading of the updated version of this brand new pulpy riot grrrl musical adaptation of The...

The Empress of Oz
The Empress of Oz
Apr 13 – Apr 27, 2022

There’s no place like a No MSG Added sketch show where we seek to define the BRAIN, HEART, COURAGE, and HOME of being Asian American. Jump onto...

The Empress of Oz
The Empress of Oz
Apr 13 – Apr 27, 2022

There’s no place like a No MSG Added sketch show where we seek to define the BRAIN, HEART, COURAGE, and HOME of being Asian American. Jump onto...

Next To Normal
Next To Normal
Jan 28 – Mar 6, 2022

See the groundbreaking smash hit musical that won the Pulitzer Prize and three Tony Awards during its acclaimed run on Broadway. With a thrilling contemporary...

They Could Give No Name: OTR Staged Reading
They Could Give No Name: OTR Staged Reading
Feb 23

This new play will be presented as a reading. Readings are an essential part of the play development process. We are proud to offer this...

Exotic Deadly, or The MSG Play - Staged Reading
Exotic Deadly, or The MSG Play - Staged Reading
Feb 22

It’s 1999, and Ami is an awkward, Japanese American high school girl, just trying to stay as invisible as possible. But her world comes crashing...

A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Dec 3 – Dec 19, 2021

Everyones favorite holiday classic comes to life in the all-new stage adaptation! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they...

Striking 12
Striking 12
Nov 26 – Dec 19, 2021

Striking 12 is a unique hybrid of riveting musical theater and an electrifying pop-rock concert. It tells the story of a grumpy, overworked New Yorker...

Yellowman
Yellowman
Sep 24 – Oct 24, 2021

The Pulitzer Prize Finalist Yellowman makes its Orange County premiere this Fall at Chance Theater. A celebration of language and the human spirit, Yellowman is...

The Queer Couch
The Queer Couch
Aug 19 – Aug 22, 2021

Zayn, Nola, and Tia are three friends at Kennedy College who are each having trouble moving past the misery and humiliation of their high school...

Edges
Edges
Jul 9 – Aug 8, 2021

Before they wrote Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Dogfight, and many other modern musical classics, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul wrote...

Shooter!
Shooter!
Aug 4

Professor Leia is befuddled by the task of ushering undergrads into the dramatic principles of playwriting and life lessons simultaneously. When a student brings in...

Little Women: The Broadway Musical
Nov 16 – Dec 23, 2012

Little Women: The Broadway Musical brings the classic coming-of-age novel to the stage, filled with drama, romance, humor and song. Rambunctious Jo, practical Meg, sweet...

Boom
Sep 21 – Oct 21, 2012

“Sex to change the course of the world…” With this line from a personal ad, marine biology grad student Jules lures journalism student Jo to...

West Side Story
Jul 6 – Aug 12, 2012

More than fifty years ago, a show about rival gangs in New York City changed musical theater forever. As powerful and timely today as ever,...

Videos


The Most Happy Fella in Los Angeles The Most Happy Fella
North Coast Repertory Theatre (6/03-6/28)
My Life is a Sonnet in Los Angeles My Life is a Sonnet
Broadwater Studio (6/07-6/27)
Melt : The Play in Los Angeles Melt : The Play
The Marilyn Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute (6/11-6/13) PHOTOS
MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN in Los Angeles MISS MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT GOES TO PROVINCETOWN
Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Davidson/Valentini Theatre (6/17-6/28) PHOTOS VIDEOS
Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event in Los Angeles Sonja Marie’s Free Bricks – two shows only – a Black History [every] Month Special Event
Santa Monica Playhouse (6/20-6/21)
Bus People – A Hilarious & Optimistic Take on L.A. Public Transit in Los Angeles Bus People – A Hilarious & Optimistic Take on L.A. Public Transit
The Actor's Company (6/06-6/28)
The Lionheart Play Festival in Los Angeles The Lionheart Play Festival
Skylight Theatre (6/19-6/21)
In the Blink of an Eye: A Musical Memoir in Los Angeles In the Blink of an Eye: A Musical Memoir
The Pico (6/19-6/21)
The Show Has Been Cancelled (Due to the End of The World) in Los Angeles The Show Has Been Cancelled (Due to the End of The World)
Broadwater Second Stage (6/16-6/27)
A Haunting Revue II in Los Angeles A Haunting Revue II
Impro Theatre (6/06-6/26) PHOTOS