New Performing Arts Seasons Debut in Long Beach

Classic birthdays, holiday traditions and big-name, award-winning productions highlight the upcoming performing arts season in Long Beach. The city boasts all manner of orchestras, vocal groups and theater companies–both dramatic and musical–many of which will begin new productions this fall. Check out the listings below and get your calendar filled with arts, culture and entertainment to last well into 2025!

LONG BEACH SYMPHONY

Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the Long Beach Symphony kicks off the 2024-25 season Oct. 5 in the Terrace Theater with a performance of Beethoven’s Egmont Overture. The choice is significant since Egmont was the first piece the LB Symphony ever performed back in 1934. Along with its Classical Series, the symphony will also offer its popular POPS Series as well, including tributes to Kings of Soul, Women of Rock and 80’s Dance Party. For the full calendar, visit the Long Beach Symphony webpage.

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH

The magic of Broadway will be on display at the Terrace Theater as Broadway at the Beach arrives with its 2024-2025 season, featuring four fan favorites. The season includes nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical The Book of Mormon (Feb. 4-5, 2025), as well a critically acclaimed and uplifting Come From Away (Nov. 19-20) and the high energy, mind bending extravaganza of the Champions of Magic (May 1-2, 2025). For tickets or information visit Broadway at the Beach.

Credit: Julieta Cervantes

MUSICA ANGELICA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA

Acclaimed as Southern California’s preeminent historical performance music ensemble, Musica Angelica returns for its 32nd season. Music Angelica–which performs at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach (241 Cedar Ave)--will perform the music of Bach, Mozart, and Vivaldi. In addition, there will be popular holiday favorites such as Christmas in Vienna and the Easter season’s St. Matthew Passion. For dates, details and tickets, visit the Musica Angelica website.

LONG BEACH CAMERATA SINGERS

As usual, Long Beach Camerata Singers, now in its 59th season, offer a wide ranging menu of holiday favorites and socially significant music. Performances include Cradle of Life, “celebrating the earth and our relation to it,” as well as an evening of jazz standards and a celebration of the USO. Camerata’s holiday offerings include Catalyst Candlelight Christmas and the always popular Handel’s Messiah. For details, visit the Camerata Singers website.

Credit: Long Beach Camerata Singers

INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATER

International City Theater finishes up its 2024 season with Murder on the Links, a comic murder mystery based on an Agatha Christie novel. ICT, which stages its productions in the Beverly O’Neill Theatre, will follow up with a 2025 season highlighted by the world premiere of The Violin Maker, based on stories from the Violins of Hope, as well as the Southern California premiere of Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson–Apt. 2B, described as “cheerfully desecrating the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle. For a full lineup or tickets, visit their website.

Credit: International City Theater

LONG BEACH PLAYHOUSE THEATRES

This landmark theater has been producing great live performances locally since 1929. And Long Beach Playhouse (5021 E. Anaheim St.) remains true to its heritage, acting as a sort of creative factory, turning out great theater on two stages–Studio Theatre and Mainstage–at a near-constant flow that is always entertaining. Upcoming highlights include Hedwig and the Angry Inch and a two-week, holiday run of A Christmas Carol. See the full schedule and details on their website.

Credit: Long Beach Playhouse

MUSICAL THEATER WEST

Musical Theater West (4350 E 7th St) will debut its 2025 season on Valentine’s Day with the opening of Jersey Boys, the Broadway hit that follows the fortunes of The Four Seasons. That’s followed by the Tony Award-winning Into the Woods, written by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Other shows in the season include The Buddy Holly Story and the redoubtable Hello, Dolly! For tickets and subscriptions, visit the MTW website.

Credit: Musical Theater West

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.