Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season

Pacific Symphony has announced its 2026-27 Pops Series, featuring a lineup packed with Broadway stars, holiday favorites, iconic film music and internationally acclaimed performers. Curated by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the season includes performances by Idina Menzel, Cody Fry and Pink Martini, along with original productions celebrating James Bond films, sci-fi movie music and a concert presentation of Chicago. 

The season opens Nov. 6 and 7 with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel, best known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked and voicing Elsa in Frozen. Holiday favorite Cody Fry returns Dec. 18 and 19 for his orchestral Christmas performances after multiple sold-out appearances with the symphony. 

Pink Martini All-Stars takes the stage Feb. 19 and 20 with Thomas Lauderdale joined by Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and Jimmie Herrod for an evening blending pop, swing and international music influences. March 12 and 13 brings “Clouds in My Coffee: The Music of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Carly Simon,” celebrating the legendary singer-songwriters with symphonic arrangements of their classic hits. 

“The Music of Bond, James Bond” arrives April 16 and 17 at Segerstrom Hall with iconic themes from the famous spy franchise and a pre-concert casino experience. On May 7 and 8, “Sci-Fi Showdown: A Galactic Journey” will feature music inspired by beloved science fiction films and television series. The season concludes June 4 and 5 with “Chicago: The Musical – In Concert,” bringing the Broadway favorite to life with full orchestra. 

“All performances are designed to create experiences audiences cannot stream or replicate anywhere else in Orange County,” Lopez-Yañez said in the announcement. 

Concerts take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall unless otherwise noted. Pops subscriptions are available now, including seven-concert and customizable four-concert packages. 

For more information, visit Pacific Symphony.

‘The Sound of Music’ Tour Brings Its Beloved Story to Costa Mesa

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is bringing the North American tour of "The Sound of Music" to its Segerstrom Hall stage from June 2 to 14, 2026, and if you have any affection for this story, this is one worth making plans for.

The production, directed by Jack O'Brien, the 2024 recipient of a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, features Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria, fresh off a celebrated run in London's West End. She's joined by Kevin Earley as Captain von Trapp, the always-reliable Christiane Noll as the Mother Abbess, and a cast that includes Nicholas Rodriguez, Kate Loprest, Ariana Ferch and Ian Coursey.

All the songs you love are here: "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss" and the title number, drawn from Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning score.

O'Brien, who reunited with choreographer Danny Mefford, music supervisor Andy Einhorn and the rest of his creative team for this new staging, said he's excited to see a fresh cast bring new life to a show audiences have cherished for generations.

Tickets start at $39 and are available at scfta.org, by phone at 714-556-2787, or in person at the box office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.

Sherman Library & Gardens Introduces Hazeltine’s and New Afternoon Tea Experience

Sherman Library & Gardens is preparing to welcome Hazeltine’s, a new restaurant overlooking the gardens and Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar. The restaurant will be operated by Damian Orozco, owner of the historic Tea House on Los Rios in San Juan Capistrano, and will focus on seasonal purveyor-to-table cuisine, thoughtful hospitality, and an expanded dining experience for Sherman guests.

Named after Moses Hazeltine Sherman and his daughter, Hazeltine’s will feature brunch, lunch, dinner, a full-service bar, and catering for Sherman events. The new two-story restaurant space also returns dining to the garden’s original roots, when light lunches were once served from the Tea Garden to visitors decades ago.

Before the restaurant officially opens, Sherman is offering a preview through the new Hazeltine’s Afternoon Tea Experience, held select Sundays throughout the summer and fall during seasonal garden exhibitions and installations.

The curated tea service includes loose leaf organic tea, seasonal scones with preserves and clotted cream, tea sandwiches, petit fours, strawberries and cream, and optional Champagne service. Vegetarian and gluten-free accommodations are available with advance notice.

Upcoming tea dates include June 14, July 19, Aug. 16, Sept. 13 and Oct. 18 at Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar. Reservations and advance payment are required here, and space is limited.

Sherman Library & Gardens is located at 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar.