 JAN. 9–31
Parque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil brings its big-top production Kooza to the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, arguably the first time a world-class company has performed at the developing venue. In the troupe’s best tradition, the show is a colorful mélange combining acrobatic performance and the art of clowning, the physical demands of human performance and bold slapstick humor. “Kooza is about human connection and the world of duality, good and bad,” says writer-director David Shiner. “The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s very much about ideas, too.” The Trickster bursts onto the scene like a jack-in-the-box in front of The Innocent, whose journey brings him into contact with other comic characters including the King, the Pickpocket, the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog. Orange County Great Park, 7000 Trabuco Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D6
Dec. 3–Jan. 3
Glory of Christmas Crystal Cathedral’s Glory of Christmas draws visitors from around the world to witness its unique pageantry. Pre-recorded orchestration by the London Symphony Orchestra provides the musical backdrop for live performances by adult and child soloists. The Cathedral's world-renowned pipe organ also fills the all-glass structure with glorious sounds. Through the creative blend of Christmas carols, pageantry of live animals, flying angels and special effects the nativity unfolds with colorful wonder. Early reservations are required for good seating and dates. 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 714-54-GLORY. Map J10
DEC. 10
METALLICAThe band’s World Magnetic Tour stops at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Its
platinum-selling album Death Magnetic debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, sold 1.7 million copies in the U.S. and spawned singles including “My Apocalypse” and “Cyanide.” Cheery! 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
DEC. 13
ANDREA BOCELLI The celebrated Italian classical crossover tenor performs selections from his new holiday album, My Christmas, at the Honda Center in Anaheim. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
DEC. 16–20
christmas boat parade wport Beach’s Christmas card to the world features multi-million-dollar yachts as well as kayaks, canoes and other small boats gliding through Newport Harbor dressed in their holiday best. Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, 949.729.4400 Map M14
JAN. 12–FEB. 21
GEORGE GERSHWIN ALONE Actor-pianist
Hershey Felder inhabits the life and music of the American composer in this one-man play at the Laguna Playhouse. The production provides new perspective on Gershwin, who wrote A Rhapsody in Blue, Porgy and Bess and more than 1,000 songs as part of some 40 musical comedy scores. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15
FEB. 7
SURF CITY USA MARATHON The course runs along Pacific Coast Highway. Retro surf bands provide entertainment, the Finish Line Festival includes a beer garden, and finishers receive a bodacious surfboard medal. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 888.422.ORUN Map N9
FEB. 8
DUCKS VS. KINGS HockeyFights.com reports that SoCal rivals the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings have gotten into some three dozen ice scuffles in the past decade. They duke it out at the Honda Center in Anaheim. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
OPENS FEB. 20
SPIRITS AND HEADHUNTERS An exhibit
featuring art of the Pacific Islands opens at
Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. There’s a particular focus on New Guinea. Items include masks, feast bowls, shell and feather currency, tools of the shaman, weapons and adornments. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13
FEB. 24–28
BOLSHOI BALLET The famed troupe presents the sumptuous spectacle La Bayadère, an opulent fairy tale involving rajas and beautiful temple dancers, at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 |
