Mark your calendar with these top cultural and philanthropic events.
Enjoy a beautiful dinner—complete with decadent dessert like this chocolate confection—at Table for 10 on March 5. PHOTO BY BOB HODSON
**3/3
Roméo et Juliette**
Experience a modern rendition of French composer Charles Gounod’s classic opera. Lyric Opera of Orange County puts a Hollywood spin on the timeless love story with incredible costumes, a live orchestra and stunning ballet. 8PM, Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
**3/4
Spirit of Excellence Gala**
Join Irvine Public Schools Foundation in supporting children throughout their educational journeys and creating opportunities for their futures by attending this year’s gala, which will recognize honorees who are using education to make a difference. 5:30PM, Karma Automotive, Irvine, ipsf.net/gala
**3/4
Laguna Art Museum’s California Cool Art Auction, Benefit and Bash**
Revel in California culture at Laguna Art Museum’s 41st annual benefit, which will include an auction with works by over 125 of the state’s leading artists. Connect with art lovers, sample California-inspired food and cocktails, and enjoy a musical performance by Laguna local Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats. 6:30PM, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, lagunaartmuseum.org
**3/4
One Night Gala**
Support JDRF Southern California’s goal of advancing Type 1 diabetes research by attending the organization’s annual benefit. The elegant evening honoring Cathie Lawler includes cocktails, a delicious three-course dinner, and exciting live and silent auctions. 6PM, VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, jdrf.org
**3/5
Table for 10**
Embark on a culinary journey as master chefs from nationally esteemed restaurants, including A Crystal Cove and The Mayor’s Table at Lido House, prepare delectable dishes tableside for 10 guests. This year’s event benefits the Pascal Culinary Arts Scholarship, which creates educational opportunities for aspiring chefs. 4:30PM, VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, tableforten.org
**3/6
Erik Larson**
Hear the bestselling author of The Devil in the White City and The Splendid and the Vile discuss the inspiration behind his intriguing nonfiction books, as well as his imaginative writing process. 8PM, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
**3/7-19
Mean Girls**
Written by award-winning comedian Tina Fey, the theatrical adaptation of her hit 2004 teen comedy hilariously pokes fun at stereotypical high school dynamics. See the high-energy production now on tour after its Broadway run. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
**3/8
A Conversation with Brooke Gladstone**
The award-winning journalist and host of NPR’s On the Media will share her insights about innate biases in journalism that she explores in her new book, The Trouble with Reality: A Rumination on Moral Panic in Our Time. 8PM, Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
**3/12
Illumination Foundation’s Chef’s Table 2023**
To further its mission of disrupting the homelessness cycle, Illumination Foundation—now celebrating 15 years—will host its 10th annual culinary gala. Each table will enjoy a unique dinner prepared tableside by 40 leading SoCal chefs, from restaurants including Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, Water Grill and Mastro’s Ocean Club. 5PM, The Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, ifhomeless.org/ct2023
**3/15-19
Hoag Classic**
Watch pro golfers tee off in one of the most philanthropic stops on the PGA Tour Champions. The tournament has raised over $20 million for Hoag healthcare and other Orange County charities. Newport Beach Country Club, hoagclassic.com
**3/16-18
Tao Plays Mozart**
Distinguished pianist Conrad Tao will take the stage to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 in a masterful display of artistry. 8PM, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
Discover new works, including Charles Arnoldi’s “La Croix,” at Laguna Art Museum’s California Cool Art Auction, Benefit and Bash on March 4. PHOTO COURTESY OF: LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
**3/17
For the Love of a Child**
Fashion Show & Luncheon Check out the latest looks at the Orange County chapter of Childhelp’s 37th annual luncheon and fashion show. This year, longtime ambassadors John and Caitlin Stamos will be honored for their commitment to the cause. 10:30AM, Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, childhelp.org
**3/18
Let’s Be Frank About Cancer**
This beloved Orange County affair includes dinner, dancing, awards and a live auction—all to benefit cancer research under the direction of Dr. Sumanta K. Pal and City of Hope Orange County. 6PM, Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach, letsbefrankaboutcancer.org
**3/18
Disney: A Decade in Concert**
Relive Disney favorites from the last decade, like Moana and Frozen, through a magical musical experience that pairs clips from the films with Pacific Symphony’s live renditions of their scores. Two morning performances will be held. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
**3/18-19
Festival Ballet Theatre: Swan Lake**
Marvel at the elegant ballet moves set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score as Odette—who is tragically cursed to live as a swan during the day and a woman at night—falls in love with Prince Siegfried. Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
Like Water for Chocolate leaps onto the Segerstrom Hall stage March 29 to April 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF: SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
**3/24
Greta Van Fleet**
See the Grammy-winning rock band belt out hits during its Dreams in Gold Tour with special guests Rival Sons. 8PM, Honda Center, Anaheim, hondacenter.com
**3/26
Nowruz: Iranian New Year**
Ring in the Iranian New Year and welcome spring with a colorful celebration, lively festivities and special performance by Pacific Symphony. 7PM, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
**3/29-4/2
American Ballet Theatre’s Like Water for Chocolate**
Esteemed choreographer Christopher Wheeldon transforms Mexican author Laura Esquivel’s famous novel into a stunning ballet exploring the conflict between tradition and passion. Segerstrom Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, scfta.org
**3/30
Steep Canyon Rangers**
Known for musical collaborations with comedian and banjoist Steve Martin, bluegrass group Steep Canyon Rangers will take the stage to sing its beloved chart-toppers. 8PM, Irvine Barclay Theatre, thebarclay.org
**3/31-4/1
Choc Follies Presents The Three Chocolatiers**
The Follies—which have raised over $10 million for Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC) in its 25 years—are back with a fun-filled performance of The Three Chocolatiers. Bring your whole family to watch community members and leaders sing, dance and act while raising awareness of CHOC’s mental health initiative. Robert B. Moore Theatre, Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, chocfollies.org
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