Articles

Mrs. Doubtfire

September 24, 2024 - October 6, 2024

If you loved the movie, get ready for the hilarious musical that critics call "wonderful, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny!" (Manchester Evening News). Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Costa Mesa in an internationally acclaimed new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together.

For those who have never seen Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), here’s the plot: Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father.

A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now — one that proves we’re better together.

Back to the Future

December 26, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Great Scott! The 2022 Olivier Award winner for Best New Musical is coming to Segerstrom Hall for a two-week run. Back to the Future: The Musical broke box office records at the Adelphi Theatre and the productions in London and Manchester have so far been seen by half a million people—this adaptation from screen to stage has been called "a jaw-dropping spectacle that hits all the right buttons!" (USA Today).

Let’s rewind a second and go over the story: When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally chances the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself…back to the future.

When Back to the Future: The Musical hits 88mph, you’re gonna see some serious… entertainment.

Kimberly Akimbo

January 21, 2025 - February 2, 2025

This Tony Award winner for Best Musical closes on Broadway on April 28, so if you weren’t amongst the lucky few to see it on the Great White Way, good news: it’s going on tour and is a part of our season! Kimberly Akimbo tells the story of Kimberly, an optimistic girl about to turn 16 as she navigates family disfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush, and possible felony charges. She’s determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure, and this Broadway hit has been called a "howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show" by The New Yorker.

With an all-star creative team including composer Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), writer and lyricist David Lindsay Avaire (Rabbit Hole), choreographer Danny Medford (Dear Evan Hansen), Kimberly Akimbo is a must-see theatrical triumph.

Annie 

February 18, 2025 - February 23, 2025

Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time returns in a new production – just as we all remember it and just when everyone needs it most.

Annie features songs you know and love like "Tomorrow," "It’s a Hard Knock Life," and "You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" and shares a timeless story that has been beloved throughout generations. Directed by Jenn Thompson and written by Tony Award®–winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie is the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.

Hamilton 

April 23, 2025 - May 4, 2025

This theatrical landmark almost needs no introduction. Hamilton exploded not just in theater, but in pop culture since its premiere on Broadway in 2015, and since, has firmly cemented itself in history as one of the great megamusicals of modern musical theater.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, this Tony, Grammy, Olivier, and Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece. Sharing the journey of founding father Alexander Hamilton’s remarkable life, Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. This spectacular piece of art has "transformed theater and the way we think about history" (The New York Times) and made history lessons engaging, modern, and thrilling for audiences across the country. Hamilton has had two sold-out runs at the Center, and the only way to guarantee tickets right now is through a series subscription!

MAMMA MIA! 

May 13, 2025 - May 18, 2025

Who doesn’t love the music of ABBA and the jukebox rom com on a Greek island paradise! MAMMA MIA! shines a light on a tale of love, friendship, and identity as a daughter embarks on a journey to uncover the identity of her father, leading to the invitation of three men from her mother’s past to Greece for her wedding.

This is truly the ultimate feel-good show, and with back-to-back ABBA hits that make you want to get up and dance, people all around the world have fallen in love with MAMMA MIA! for nearly 25 years. If you haven’t watched this beloved musical, now is the time to see what it’s all about!

Life of Pi 

June 3, 2025 - June 15, 2025

We know how much you loved To Kill a Mockingbird when we brought it to Segerstrom Hall, so we added another breathtaking play to our season this year! Life of Pi is a marvel of stagecraft and puppetry as a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger come to life onstage. Taking audiences on a voyage through a shipwreck in the Pacific Ocean and 16-year-old Pi’s perseverance and hope as he survives on a lifeboat, this play brings audiences through an extraordinary journey of a young boy’s profound courage.

In addition to its transformative story, Life of Pi’s jaw-dropping scenic design and visuals are unlike anything else currently on Broadway. Jumping from the middle of a stormy ocean to surreal dreamscapes, each scene takes on an exhilarating visual landscape that leaves audiences spellbound. Experience the magic of this captivating play and its state-of-the-art visuals in Life of Pi’s two-week engagement.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical 

July 29, 2025 - August 10, 2025

Loved Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical? You’re sure to love this new musical memoir taking the stage with songs you’ve adored throughout the years!

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is the uplifting true story of Neil Diamond, from his childhood in Brooklyn all the way to becoming a showstopping rock icon. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, this musical brings you an energy-filled catalogue of classics like "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Sweet Caroline" and "America" and details how this chartbusting legend became a household name. For every Neil Diamond fan out there or every theater lover who can’t resist a good jukebox musical, this one’s for you!

& Juliet 

September 9, 2025 - September 21, 2025

Ever wondered what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?

With pop anthems by Max Martin & friends like "Baby One More Time," "Since U Been Gone," "Roar," and more, & Juliet is a fabulous new musical that flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. This romantic comedy ditches Shakespearean tragedy and leans into campy, electric entertainment that’ll make you want to get up and dance. Created by the Emmy-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, & Juliet will have you and your friends laughing out loud while jamming along to your favorite radio hits by Britney Spears, P!NK, Kesha, The Backstreet Boys, and more. This show is the girl’s night out you’ve been looking for and it’s here for two full weeks!