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Joel Beers
Writer
Contributing Writer
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Join date: Nov 22, 2024
About
Joel Beers focuses on theater and cultural events in and around Orange County. He was the OC Weekly theater critic for the full life of that publication. He has also written for LA Weekly, American Theatre Magazine, Southland Golf, the Daily Journal, Reuters, and the Riverside Press-Enterprise,Daily Pilot and San Gabriel Valley Tribune newspapers, as well as formerly serving as the adviser for the student newspaper at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Beers is a playwright whose work has been produced at theaters in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
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Beat
Theater & Culture
Posts (33)
Nov 19, 2025 ∙ 7 min
New Era, New Energy: Fullerton Museum Center Reopens After Major Renovation
A long-awaited grant is funding the Fullerton Museum Center’s renovation, which salutes its past and points to its future. LEFT: Workers finish up repairs on the interior of the museum. RIGHT: The museum will open with an exhibition of work by John van Hamersveld, whose career has spanned surf culture iconography, psychedelic art, some 300 rock and other album covers, posters, commercial and editorial illustration and public art installations. Photos courtesy of Fullerton Museum Center If a...
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Nov 17, 2025 ∙ 10 min
Hi-Tech & History: Anaheim and Orange Metrolink Stations Exhibit Vastly Different Vibes
Two stations, two worlds – Anaheim’s soaring, high-tech hub still waits for a neighborhood, while Orange’s modest depot thrives amid Old Town’s charm. This story is a part of our series OC by Metrolink , discovering what what makes each stop worth the stop. LEFT: Anaheim's ARTIC Station. Photo by Joel Beers, Culture OC. LIGHT: The depot in Orange. Screenshot courtesy of Google Street View/ Map data: Google, Maxar Technologies Both Anaheim and Orange share passenger rail histories that...
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Nov 3, 2025 ∙ 9 min
Fullerton’s Metrolink Station Is the City’s Past, Present and Pulse
Where historic depots meet bustling streets, Fullerton’s station connects the city’s rail-born roots with its constantly renewing downtown. This story is a part of our series OC by Metrolink , discovering what what makes each stop worth the stop. The Fullerton Transportation Center received an $800,000 state grant used to restore the historic depot. It includes fresh painting, new lighting and signage, and restoration of the pedestrian bridge, including a new public mural comprised of 16...
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Oct 29, 2025 ∙ 7 min
Guided by the Light: The Wayward Artist Theater is Reborn in an Irvine Church
Orange County’s most adventurous theater company finds a new home and is presenting “The Christians,” a provocative choice for the religious venue. Kelly Franett (left) as Pastor Paul and Max Lund as Associate Pastor Joshua are part of the cast of Lucas Hnath's 2016 Obie-Award winning play "The Christians," about a megachurch that faces a schism after its lead pastor announces he no longer believes in hell. The Wayward Artist production opens at the Irvine United Congregational Church. Photo...
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Oct 20, 2025 ∙ 7 min
From Clock Tower to Koreatown, Buena Park’s Metrolink Station Has Plenty Worth Stopping For
Surrounded by housing yet full of surprises, Buena Park’s Metrolink station offers history, charm and nearby attractions worth the walk. This story is a part of our series OC by Metrolink , discovering what what makes each stop worth the stop. The clock tower and gazebo greet visitors at the Buena Park Metrolink Station. Photo by Joel Beers, Culture OC One year ago, Metrolink – the five-county commuter rail system Orange County joined in 1994 – rolled out the biggest expansion in its...
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Oct 13, 2025 ∙ 6 min
All Aboard! Join Us in Rediscovering Orange County, One Station at a Time
This introductory story launches Culture OC’s new series exploring Metrolink’s Orange County Line – and what makes each stop a destination. The Metrolink tracks at the station in Buena Park. Photo by Joel Beers, Culture OC As Metrolink pivots from commuter service to cultural connector, its Orange County Line offers a new way to experience the region – not just as a way through it, but as a way into it. Over the next several weeks, Culture OC will explore what makes each stop along this...
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Oct 6, 2025 ∙ 9 min
The Mansion at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
In its centennial year, the Fullerton mansion connects 21st-century arts and culture to Orange County’s early history. When construction...
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Aug 13, 2025 ∙ 5 min
Fritz Coleman is Weathering Age with Laughter
The legendary Southern California broadcaster is as busy as ever in 'retirement.' Fritz Coleman spent 40 years as lead weather person for...
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Jul 25, 2025 ∙ 9 min
New Life in This Old Fox
As the Fox Theatre in Fullerton turns 100, renewed interest and hope in its restoration grows. Exterior of the Fox Fullerton, 2025. Two...
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Jun 9, 2025 ∙ 6 min
'Erabus' Conveys Key Concerns of Gun Violence and Teen Suicide
The play, onstage at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, was written and directed by O.C. School of the Arts faculty, and is being performed...
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Jun 4, 2025 ∙ 9 min
Nate Jackson Takes Orange County Punk History Personally
Native son Nate Jackson co-writes first book documenting the history of Orange County's punk rock scene. Nate Jackson, co-author of...
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May 23, 2025 ∙ 6 min
How Rocker John Kraus Found a New Musical Direction While Earning His Sea Legs
The Fullerton musician, who has played in Orange County bands since the 1990s, has released his second album with his current band, the...
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