It’s Showtime: Live Performances Are Back
All around LA, your favorite concert halls and theaters are throwing open their doors and welcoming audiences back with exciting new live performances. This fall LA Phil, LA Master Chorale and LA Opera are returning to their respective homes at Walt Disney Concert Hall and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, near THEA. And at last, Hamilton has returned to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Not to be outdone, the Geffen and Pasadena Playhouses have entertaining line-ups in store. Or enjoy Shakespeare under the oaks at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Please note that live venues have safety protocols in place. Check their websites for details.
John Williams: Maestro of the Movies Hollywood Bowl 2301 N Highland Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90068
The Hollywood Bowl continues their season this Labor Day Weekend with John Williams: Maestro of the Movies. The composer behind the emotional heartbeat of some of Hollywood’s most memorable films, John Williams returns to the Bowl for this beloved annual celebration of music from the movies. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted both by David Newman and Williams himself, performs a thrilling program of cinematic hits, including some selections presented with film clips. Tickets & schedule HERE
LA Opera Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 135 N Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA Opera begins its live performance season on September 16, featuring an exciting program of beloved favorites incuding Il Trovatore, Tannhäuser, Alcina, Cinderella and more. Created in 1986 by a team of visionaries, LA Opera has become a leader in artistic innovation, while honoring the great historical legacy of opera. Through the powerful art form of opera, they celebrate the diversity and pioneering spirit of our great city. Tickets & schedule HERE
LA Master Chorale Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA Master Chorale’s long-anticipated return to Walt Disney Concert Hall begins September 25, featuring music from Nilo Alcala, Shawn Kirchner, Reena Esmail, and Morten Lauridsen. Other highlights of the season include Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil, Festival of Carols, and Handel’s Messiah. The Los Angeles Master Chorale is widely recognized as the leading professional choir in the United States and a vibrant cultural treasure. Hailed for its powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring, the Master Chorale is led by Grant Gershon.Tickets & schedule HERE
LA Phil Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
LA Phil returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall on October 9 with Homecoming: A Special Concert & Fundraiser, which sees Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil taking the stage for the first time in 572 days, with special guests Cynthia Erivo and Seong-Jin Cho. Led by Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, this internationally renowned orchestra harnesses the transformative power of live music to build community, foster intellectual and artistic growth, and nurture the creative spirit. Tickets & schedule HERE
Hamilton Hollywood Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028
Hamilton, the beloved sung-and-rapped-through musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, has returned to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Hamilton tells the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.
Grand Performances California Plaza 300 & 350 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071
Grand Performances, the longest running presenter of free outdoor concerts in Los Angeles, has returned to the newly renovated California Plaza in DTLA for its 35th season. September 24 KCRW’s Summer Nights and LA’s iconic Grand Performances are teaming up for a special night featuring indie electronic singer, percussionist and activist, Madame Gandhi, in a full band performance, along with DJ sets from KCRW’s Anne Litt and Valida. Concert schedule HERE
The Enigmatist Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90024
Sept 14 – Oct 30 Can you solve the enigma? From the creator and performer of the hit virtual production Inside the Box comes an immersive experience of puzzles and cryptology. Following a sold-out New York City run in 2019, renowned magician and New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong brings his popular in-person show The Enigmatist to the Geffen Playhouse. Clues are everywhere, so keep your eyes open and be ready for surprises behind every multi-layered illusion.
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum 1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd. Topanga, CA 90290
Enjoy Shakespeare under the oaks at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. Founder Will Geer, noted for his work on the New York stage, in film, and on radio, established the theatre on his property in Topanga in 1973. Because he held a degree in botany, the theater was named for a landmark botany text book, Theatricum Botanicum, which means, quite literally, “a garden theatre.” Today, under the creative supervision of his daughter, Artistic Director Ellen Geer, Theatricum Botanicum has blossomed into a vital creative force that has been recognized internationally for its interpretation of Shakespeare’s work. Tickets & schedule HERE
Head Over Heels Pasadena Playhouse 39 S El Molino Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101
Nov 9 – Dec 12 The music of The Go-Go’s fuels Head Over Heels, a non-stop, dance-filled joyride though magic, merriment and mischief. From the first notes of We Got the Beat to the final rapturous curtain call, you’ll be whisked away through a world of whimsy and wit. This jubilant celebration follows a royal family in search of a purpose, lovers in search of each other and a whole kingdom in search of a beat.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: LA Phil
Photo #2: Hollywood Bowl
Photo #3: LA Opera
Photo #4: LA Master Chorale
Photo #5: LA Phil
Photo #6: Broadway in Hollywood/Hollywood Pantages Theatre
Photo #7: Grand Performances
Photo #8: Geffen Playhouse
Photo #9: Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
Photo #10: Pasadena Playhouse