Reviews

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Shelley, the Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale Resurrect Mahler 2

Shelley, the Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale Resurrect Mahler 2

REVIEW: The composer’s epic symphony emerges dramatically succinct and beautifully wrought.

October 2, 2026

Shelley Debuts as Pacific Symphony’s Music Director

Shelley Debuts as Pacific Symphony’s Music Director

REVIEW: He welcomes violinist Joshua Bell in a sampler program that mostly works.

September 25, 2026

‘Wild Child’ Has Some Growing Up to Do

‘Wild Child’ Has Some Growing Up to Do

REVIEW: Laguna Playhouse’s world-premiere musical is heartfelt and visually spectacular, but its characters, conflicts and multimedia ambitions don’t always find their footing.

September 16, 2026

The Udon Restaurant My Algorithm Influenced Me To Try

The Udon Restaurant My Algorithm Influenced Me To Try

REVIEW: With its viral online popularity and well-executed dishes, Tsurukawa Udon may be the restaurant that finally breaks the curse of its location at The District in Tustin.

August 5, 2026

In an Arts Town, Laguna Dance Builds a New Residency for Making Dance

In an Arts Town, Laguna Dance Builds a New Residency for Making Dance

Laguna Dance’s inaugural three-week residency pairs professional dancers with apprentices and teenagers to build world premieres from scratch.

August 3, 2026

Qua Brings Bold Chinese-Vietnamese Fusion to Fountain Valley

Qua Brings Bold Chinese-Vietnamese Fusion to Fountain Valley

REVIEW: Chef Viet Nguyen's newest restaurant excels when it blends Chinese traditions with Vietnamese influences in shareable dishes.

July 20, 2026

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Casts Its Spell at Segerstrom

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Casts Its Spell at Segerstrom

REVIEW: The plot gets complicated and occasionally boring, but the visual effects may save this touring production. Warning: This review contains spoilers.

July 19, 2026

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Performs a Hum-drum Mozart and a Delightful ‘Mozartiana’

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Performs a Hum-drum Mozart and a Delightful ‘Mozartiana’

REVIEW: An uneven evening sees LACO falter in Mozart but recover with a lively “Mozartiana” and a thoughtful new work by Christopher Cerrone.

May 15, 2026

A Full-Course Theatrical Meal That Doesn’t Go Down Easy

A Full-Course Theatrical Meal That Doesn’t Go Down Easy

REVIEW: South Coast Repertory’s ‘Eat Me’ serves up obsession, identity and consumption in a feast that lingers uneasily.

April 20, 2026

Jeremy Denk Essays Beethoven, Ives and Ragtime

Jeremy Denk Essays Beethoven, Ives and Ragtime

REVIEW: The American pianist’s ambitious program, anchored by the “Concord Sonata,” proves a little less than its parts.

April 10, 2026

In Search of the Perfect Fish Taco, Santa Ana Delivers

In Search of the Perfect Fish Taco, Santa Ana Delivers

REVIEW: From a seafood truck to a surprising juice bar, three spots serve crisp, beer-battered fish tacos done right.

March 18, 2026

Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Make Mighty Sounds in Costa Mesa

Riccardo Muti and the Chicago Symphony Make Mighty Sounds in Costa Mesa

REVIEW: The visiting orchestra and conductor provide a splendid program of Strauss, Hindemith Stravinsky and Ravel.

January 25, 2026

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