U.S. premieres, theater, art exhibits, dance, concerts and plenty of cultural events are on tap for Orange County during the first half of 2025.
The new year is already looking promising for artists, cultural warriors and arts and culture enthusiasts in Orange County, with plenty of national and regional premieres in store. On Jan. 12, South Coast Repertory will present the West Coast premiere of “Wish You Were Here” by Sanaz Toossi, a 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner and an Orange County native.
Starting Jan. 31, the O.C. Museum of Art is offering the first solo museum exhibition outside Asia for Su Yu-Xin, an up-and-coming Taiwanese artist based in Los Angeles. And Segerstrom Center for the Arts will host the U.S. premiere of American Ballet Theatre’s “The Winter’s Tale” in April.
Here’s a look at what’s on tap in theater, dance, visual arts, food and drinks, culture, classical, popular and jazz and world music for 2025, brought to you by Culture OC’s talented team of arts and culture writers. While this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, it should give you an idea of what’s worth marking down in your calendar, and what’s worth spending your hard-earned money on.
Go to
Theater | Dance | Visual Arts | Food & Drinks | Culture
Theater
Among the many fine stage works to anticipate for the coming months, O.C. theatergoers can anticipate and underline these three: A contemporary drama about the life and exploits of Eleanor Roosevelt, an all-new adaptation of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” and a new dramedy, written by an Iranian American, O.C.-based playwright, that begins during the Iranian Revolution. – Eric Marchese
‘Eleanor’
When: Jan. 12-Feb. 2. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Admission: $51-$100
Contact: 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com
Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most consequential figures of the 20th century. Now, Kandis Chappell, well known to Orange County audiences for decades, stars in the solo show she performed at North Coast Rep in 2023 (and which Harriet Harris played Off-Broadway in 2021). The show brings the dynamic and iconic first lady to life, showing the strong and vulnerable first lady’s personal and public story as a sweeping, fascinating one. Mark St. Germain’s play offers audiences a look at the passionate and unforgettable woman at the heart of her husband’s presidency. The play proves that Mrs. Roosevelt’s impact on history cannot be understated, let alone ignored or forgotten.
‘Wish You Were Here’
When: Jan. 18-Feb. 2. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Admission: $35-$114.
Contact: 714-708-5555, scr.org
It’s 1978, and the Iranian Revolution has exploded and protests break out across the ancient land. Playwright Sanaz Toossi proffers an enlightened comedy in which five close girlfriends plan weddings, trade dirty jokes, and try to live their lives. The revolution escalates, forcing each woman to face an uncertain future – and decide whether to stay in Iran or leave it. Toossi uses “Wish You Were Here” to chronicle a decade of life as the five best friends are separated, then search for the bond they once cherished. Iranian American playwright Toossie is an Orange County native and winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and SCR’s production is directed by Mina Morita.
‘Uncle Vanya’
When: March 21-April 13. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
Where: Costa Mesa Playhouse, 661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa
Admission: $30 general, $28 seniors and students
Contact: 949-650-5269, costamesaplayhouse.com
First produced in 1899 by the Moscow Art Theatre, the Anton Chekhov masterpiece “Uncle Vanya” portrays a society on the brink of change and an uncertain political climate – written 20 years before the Russian Revolution, it was a revolutionary play for its time. Director Michael Serna said he and company are “very excited to present Chekhov’s classic play. This is the Orange County premiere of Andrew Upton’s vibrant and thrilling adaptation. His handling of the classic play leans into the comedy of the human condition versus dwelling on agony. Playing Vanya is Angel Correa, a longtime collaborator of mine who has been on numerous O.C. stages and has been nominated for multiple O.C. Theatre Guild Acting awards.”
Go to
Theater | Dance | Visual Arts | Food & Drinks | Culture
Dance
Some of the most thrilling performances in Orange County this season aren’t just about the steps on stage – they’re milestones, premieres and celebrations of dance as an evolving art form. These events invite us into grand narratives, pioneering visions and a vibrant community of movement, promising unforgettable experiences for both the seasoned aficionado and the curious newcomer.
Among the highlights: the centennial of a company that redefined modern dance, a Shakespearean tale of jealousy and redemption brought to life by one of the nation’s leading ballet companies, and a Jazz Age spectacle that reimagines one of American literature’s most iconic works. These are the moments that make this upcoming season special.
Here are four dance performances to catch in the first half of 2025. – Kaitlin Wright
100th Anniversary of Martha Graham Dance Company
When: 7:30 p.m Jan. 18
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: Starts at $44
Contact: scfta.org or 714-556-2787
Known as the “mother of modern dance,” Martha Graham revolutionized the art form with her groundbreaking, uniquely American style that continues to captivate and inspire. The Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates its centennial with “GRAHAM100,” a worldwide tribute to her enduring legacy.
Orange County audiences will be treated to a program featuring classic pieces like “Appalachian Spring,” a celebration of renewal in the American wilderness, and the powerful solo “Immediate Tragedy,” a lost solo from 1937 that has been reimagined. The program also highlights the company’s ongoing innovation with two newer works: the high-energy, techno-inspired “Cave” and the socially resonant “We The People.” This milestone event will offer a rare glimpse into the lasting impact of a true dance pioneer.