THROUGH MAR. 8
“Cinderella: A Salsa Fairy Tale”
The beloved fairy tale gets a bilingual, modern makeover in this musical for young audiences. Cenicienta—Cinderella—is a basketball player who speaks only Spanish and is determined to compete in the Super Dooper Eastern Western Division Basketball Game. Her biggest rival is Rosa, a popular and self-centered player who speaks only English. The two face off in a lively production filled with hip-hop and salsa rhythms. South Coast Repertory, Julianne Argyros Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
MAR. 4 THROUGH 22
“The Shark Is Broken”
Go behind the scenes of the blockbuster film that changed Hollywood in this play about the making of “Jaws.” Film stars Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider gamble and argue their way toward an unexpected friendship while struggling through a chaotic production plagued by a malfunctioning mechanical shark and challenging weather. Co-written by Joseph Nixon and Ian Shaw, the son of Robert Shaw, the comedy captures the tension and humor behind the scenes of a cinematic classic. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
MAR. 6 THROUGH 8
Festival of Whales
For 55 years, the annual Dana Point Festival of Whales has celebrated the marine life that migrates along the Southern California coast. The family-friendly weekend features exhibits, live entertainment, marine conservation talks, and whale-watching excursions. Guests can also enjoy food, craft beer, and cocktails while taking part in the festivities in the city known as the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World.” Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949-496-1555, festivalofwhales.com
MAR. 7
O.C. Lantern Festival
The Pacific Symphony hosts this free annual celebration honoring a 2,000-year-old tradition marking the arrival of spring and the reunion of family 15 days after Lunar New Year. The event features a dragon dance, live performances, food, riddles, lantern making, and a Chinese folk-dance lesson. The concert hall lobby will be illuminated with beautiful lantern displays throughout the evening. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-755-5799, pacificsymphony.org
MAR. 7
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: “The Mikado”
This beloved comedic opera has entertained audiences for more than 135 years, and The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players bring a fresh take to the classic production. The story follows a schoolgirl who falls in love with a wandering minstrel despite being promised to the town executioner. The vibrant staging transports audiences back to the whimsical world of Titipu first imagined by W.S. Gilbert. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
MAR. 8
Mostly Kosher: The Purim Glam Rock Spectacle
The acclaimed klezmer-rock band celebrates Jewish and American musical traditions with a lively blend of jazz, Latin, rock, soul, and folk influences. This carnival-themed Purim performance features glamorous costumes, immersive décor, and high-energy theatrics. Expect to hear favorites such as “Ma’oz” and “Wade into the Water.” Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org
MAR. 10 THROUGH 15
“Six”
Henry VIII’s six wives take center stage to reclaim their stories in this electrifying pop musical. Dressed in dazzling, contemporary costumes, the queens remix 500 years of history with high-energy songs and choreography. The production won the Tony Award for Best Original Score along with 23 other awards in a single season, delivering a history lesson wrapped in a full-scale pop concert experience. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
THROUGH MAR. 21
“God of Carnage” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
South Coast Repertory presents two Tony Award–winning plays on alternating nights with an overlapping cast. God of Carnage is a twisted dark comedy offering sharp, biting commentary on civilization and human nature. The classic 1960s play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a comedic drama driven by psychological games and escalating tension. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
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