Shelley and Pacific Symphony Excel in a Program of Light Classics
REVIEW: The new music director designate rejuvenates Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.”
October 17, 2025
At Soka, Trifonov Argues His Case for Neglected Repertoire
REVIEW: The celebrated virtuoso pianist had trouble putting across the program of German and Russian composers.
September 28, 2025
Keep Calm and Curry On at Chiang Rai
REVIEW: Chiang Rai, Long Beach’s Michelin-mentioned Thai restaurant, opened a Tustin branch that replaced my local Indonesian spot – but I’m not mad about it.
September 22, 2025
Tokyo Central’s Viral Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant Waka Sakura Arrives in Irvine
REVIEW: The reasonably priced sushi at Waka Sakura is worth the wait, even with a standby list that tests your patience and plating that sometimes feels rushed.
September 5, 2025
Urth Caffé: Is It Worth the Hype?
REVIEW: Here’s the tea: The service is unorthodox, the lines can be long, but the food is fantastic.
August 8, 2025
Double the Drama: New Swan’s Shakespeare Season Embraces Romance, Wit and Reinvention
REVIEW: From a Romantic-era “All’s Well” to a Wild West “Much Ado,” this season’s festival proves why its intimate, open-air productions remain one of Southern California’s most inventive and engaging takes on the Bard.
July 14, 2025
In Final Act, St.Clair and the Pacific Symphony Ponder Verdi’s Requiem
REVIEW: The departing music director, avoiding goodbyes, sticks to the music Thursday, in the first of his farewell concerts.
June 6, 2025
L.A. Philharmonic Visits Orange County with Glowing Herrmann and Tchaikovsky
REVIEW: Joseph Pereira’s new percussion concerto also gets an impressive airing.
June 1, 2025
‘Fences’ Stands Tall as a Sad, Bitter Portrait of ’50s Black America
REVIEW: Laguna Playhouse softens the edges, but Wilson’s masterpiece is still as harsh as ever.
May 7, 2025
Alexander Shelley and Pacific Symphony Reignite Beethoven’s Fifth
REVIEW: The orchestra’s music director-designate made the old seem new, leading accomplished performances.
May 2, 2025
World Premiere ‘End of the World!’ is an Intensely Personal Flight of Fancy
REVIEW: At SCR, Keiko Green’s delightful dramedy interlocks one man’s terminal illness with global issues.
April 14, 2025
St.Clair and Pacific Symphony Shine Up Wagner’s ‘Rheingold’
REVIEW: Strong singing cast and imaginative semi-staged production bring the opera to life.
April 11, 2025
