Events
Heartwarming, rousing, and irresistible are just a few of the adjectives reviewers have used to describe the musical “Billy Elliot.” While part of that is due to the inspiring story—a young boy’s gift for dance elevates him from his bleak life—it’s also a credit to the talented, and tireless, child actors who play the title role.
Critic's Choice
The month's best selected by arts editor Antastacia Grenda
“Billy Elliot” won over audiences—and Tony voters—with its heartwarming tale of a boy who takes up dance and escapes his hardscrabble life in a British coal-mining town. The Broadway musical, adapted from the movie of the same name, is now on tour. April 16 through 28 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Members of the Los Angeles-based Taiko-Project promote the traditional art of Japanese drumming while giving it a contemporary beat. It’s won them gigs on TV shows, and recording sessions with Justin Bieber and Usher. April 27 at Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949-480-4278, performingarts.soka.edu
If your knowledge of DNA is limited to old “CSI” episodes, visit “Evidence ... Works by Paul Vanouse.” He creates installations, experiments, and films using images of our genetic blueprints. Feb. 7 through May 4 at the Beall Center for Art + Technology at UC Irvine, 712 Arts Plaza, 949-824-6206, beallcenter.uci.edu
Playwright Noah Haidle returns to South Coast Repertory with the world premiere of “Smokefall,” the multigenerational story of a Midwestern family. Its run coincides with the Pacific Playwrights Festival of new-play readings and another eagerly awaited premiere, Beau Willimon’s “The Parisian Woman.” March 29 through April 28 at 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org
Honda Center gets the jump on the summer concert season. The Killers arrive first in support of their latest release, “Battle Born,” followed by The Rolling Stones on a “50 and Counting” expedition, and then Fleetwood Mac on its “Rumours” 35th anniversary tour. May 1, 15, and 28, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714-704-2500, hondacenter.com
The tumultuous love affair and artistic passions of sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel are the focus of the two-act dance drama “Rodin,” from choreographer Boris Eifman. This is his ballet company’s seventh visit here. May 3 through 5 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org
Art With an Agenda uses art to advocate for social justice. The Fullerton organization promotes marriage equality with “Love. Sex. Unity. Respect.” May 3 through 25 (opening receptions May 3 and 4) at PÄS and Hibbleton galleries, Magoski Arts Colony, 223 W. Santa Fe, Fullerton, 714-342-3052, artwithanagenda.org
It’s hard to miss “Richard Jackson: Ain’t Painting a Pain,” the first retrospective of the contemporary California artist’s work. While inside the Orange County Museum of Art are 11 large installations, the 26-foot-tall “Bad Dog” sculpture is outside, which is also where the canine has left his mark—in paint. Feb. 17 through May 5 at 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949-759-1122, ocma.net
“In the Garden of the Casa: Gianne Harper”showcases the artist’s impressionist paintings of Casa Romantica. Born in the U.S., but now living in France, Harper is the first artist-in-residence at the San Clemente landmark. She will discuss her work there May 16. May 11 through June 10, 415 Avenida Granada, 949-498-2139, casaromantica.org
Blues rocker Ben Harper and harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite make beautiful music together on their album, “Get Up!” See them at the Doheny Blues Festival. Robert Randolph and the Family Band will be there, too. May 18 and 19 at Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949-360-7800, dohenybluesfestival.com
In 2012, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s charismatic maestro, Gustavo Dudamel, was unable to appear with the orchestra during its annual concert in Costa Mesa. He’ll be with them for this show, and it’s likely to be a sellout.May 24 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 949-553-2422, philharmonicsociety.org
Arts Orange County, O.C.’s nonprofit arts council, and the Orange County Department of Education present the 28th annual Imagination Celebration with more than 50 exhibits, events, and performances for families, either free or at minimal cost. April 20 through May 26 at venues throughout Orange County, 714-556-5160, artsoc.org
Concert pianist Mona Golabek learned how to play from her mother, Lisa Jura. Golabek honors that legacy in“The Pianist of Willesden Lane,” a one-woman show about how Jura found solace in music as a Jewish refugee during World War II. May 29 through June 9 at Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
For 300 years, Florence’s Medici dynasty commissioned and amassed outstanding artistic treasures, some of which are featured in the exhibition “Gems of the Medici.” Also still running are “Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasure of Ethiopia” and a Maurice Sendak show. April 14 through Sept. 15 at the Bowers, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714-567-3600, bowers.org