One of the greatest aspects of staying in Costa Mesa is that you’re only ever minutes away from unique experiences, whether it be some of the region’s best dining, world renowned shopping, live music and theatre, beaches and even Disneyland_® Resort. But for theatre buffs, Costa Mesa is truly a creative paradise as the heart of theatre and arts in Orange County! Whether you’re a Broadway fanatic or ballet obsessed, you won’t want to miss these 10 shows coming to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa this year.

You can even turn your weekend matinee into a weekend getaway with a stay at one of Costa Mesa’s hotels within walking distance of Segerstrom Center for the Arts like The Westin South Coast Plaza, Avenue of the Arts or Marriott Costa Mesa!

Waitress

Inspired by the uplifting film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress, as she dreams of a way to escape both her loveless marriage and small town. Led by an all-female creative team, the production includes original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy^® nominee Sara Bareilles, direction by Tony Award^® winner Diane Paulus and choreography by Lorin Latarro. Catch it in Costa Mesa November 13^th through 25^th.

Dear Evan Hansen

Since its Broadway premier in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen has become a sensation winning six Tony Awards^®, including “Best Musical” 2017, and the 2018 Grammy Award^® for “Best Musical Theater Album.” The musical tells a deeply personal story of life, connection and the choices we make. See is on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts stage January 1^st through 13^th.

Hello, Dolly!

This revival of the 1964 classic, which remains one of the most enduring musical theatre hits, has been called “the best show of the year” by NPR, “gorgeous” by Vogue and a “musical comedy dream” by Rolling Stone. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts production welcomes Tony Award^® winner Betty Buckley as Dolly Gallagher Levi beginning January 22nd and running through January 27^th.

Mikhailovsky Ballet Don Quixote

With 180 members of St. Petersbrug’s Mikhailovsky Ballet and Orchestra, the Orange County premiere of Don Quixote is sure to bring a memorable performance November 9^th through 11^th. The company will bring to life Miguel de Cervantes’ tale of chivalry and romance complete with the knight-errant of la Mancha, his devoted companion Sancho Panza, village maiden Kitri and her love Basilio.

The Nutcracker

This annual favorite returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for the holiday season. With stunning visuals, a cast of more than 100 and featuring principal dancers like Misty Copeland, The Nutcracker is a show to awe anyone!

Come From Away

This musical about the incredible true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers in the wake of 9/11 is a New York Times Critics’ Pick written by Tony Award^® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Your heart is sure to swell as you watch the inspiring story set in a small town in Newfoundland.

Fiddler On The Roof

This treasured Broadway show comes to Costa Mesa for the month of May, bringing with it the heartwarming story of family, tradition, love and laughter set in Imperial Russia. The production is led by an award-winning team including Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Start looking for that golden ticket – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory comes to Costa Mesa May 28^th through June 9^th of next year! Join Charlie Bucket and four other lucky winners as they embark on a journey beyond their wildest dreams in Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. The show includes all of the classic tunes from the original movie along with a new score by the songwriters of Hairspray.

Disney’s Aladdin

Another new production inspired by a classic tail, Disney’s Aladdin can be found at Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 6^th through 23^rd. The production is backed by a team of stellar creatives including music by Tony^® and Academy Award^® winner Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tony Award^® winner Tim Rice; directing and choreography by Tony Award^® winner Casey Nicholaw and sets, costumes and lighting by Tony Award^® winners Bob Crowley, Gregg Barnes and Natasha Katz.

American Ballet Theatre Harlequinade

American Ballet Theatre brings this comic hit to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for its first West Coast performance January 17^th through 20^th featuring principal dancer Misty Copeland. As a celebration of the Italian Commedia dell’ Arte, Harlequinade tells the story of a love-struck Herlequin as he attempts to woo the beautiful Columbine. With a heartwarming story and more than 174 beautifully crafted costumes designed by the prolific designer Robert Perdziola, it will leave you in awe.

Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera returns to Orange County July 10^th through 21^st of next year with a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webster’s classic! The new show will include new design, choreography, staging and special effects, as well as backing from a 52-member orchestra and, of course, the iconic chandelier.