by tony reverditto –
‘Twas a long time coming…but it was absolutely worth the wait. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is celebrating their latest addition, the new beautiful Argyros Plaza and Center for Dance and Innovation (CDI), which has transformed the center’s campus.
This brilliant use of space was designed by Michael Maltzan and has taken the plaza to a whole new level, offering inviting and flexible outdoor spaces for performances, community events, international festivals, pre-show dining, picnicking and a stunning new public place to gather.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts President Terrence W. Dwyer said, “The Julianne and George Argyros Plaza and Center for Dance and Innovation and the programs they host, reflect our commitment to complementing great performances with innovative community-focused initiatives to contribute in every possible way to the vitality of the county.
We look forward to welcoming families and guests of all ages to the Argyros Plaza, a place where people can connect culturally and celebrate the dynamic diversity of the County’s many wonderful communities.
Performances and events on the Argyros Plaza and programs offered through our Center for Dance and Innovation and Center Without Boundaries will provide new ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the arts.”
A flurry of festive events, along with some rumored California snowfall, is taking place during the month of December to introduce attendees to the new public space. All events offered at the plaza are free, beginning with their Sugar Plum Party on the Plaza Sunday, December 3.
Holidays Around the World takes place Thursday, December 7 through Sunday, December 17 during which the magic of winter comes to life each night with wondrous southern California snowfall.
Additional activities include festive holiday photo opportunities for friends and family each night: opportunities to decorate the Lighted Pathway throughout the Community Grove, a chance to decorate cookies, make your own s’mores, sample delicious selections at the cocoa bar, enjoy delicious food trucks or take a magical ride on the center’s Express Train all around Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
On the mainstage, Motown the Musical, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright will play from Tuesday, December 19 through Sunday, December 24, with a pre-show party, called The Sound of Motown on the Argyros Plaza.
American Ballet’s The Nutcracker runs from Thursday, December 7 through Sunday, December 17 and Nathan Pacheco’s Christmas Tour lands on Wednesday, December 20, with Seth MacFarlane taking over one of Segerstrom’s stages on Friday and Saturday, December 22 and 23.
Holidays Around the World and many other fantastical events take place all throughout the month of December at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For tickets and more information on all the offerings, call 714.556.2121 or go to: scfta.org.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS:
Thursday, December 7 – Brother Yusef, hits the stage with his exuberant, highly rhythmic beats offering his passionate version of the blues.
Friday, December 8 – The Santa Margarita Catholic High School Chamber Singers perform wondrous holiday music to cheer your season, followed by the United States Navy Band. Based at the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., this wonderful organization has served as the official musical organization of the United States Navy since 1925.
Saturday, December 9 – Look for the magic brass sounds of Trombone Christmas and stop by at one of the unique artisan pop-up shops on the plaza!
Sunday, December 10 – Catch the Orange County School of the Arts, Unplugged Carolers strolling and “tolling the ancient yuletide carols.” Fresh Rhythm with their big band sound breaks down some classic tunes. On hand too will be the Orange County School of the Arts’ Ballet Folklórico.
Wednesday, December 13 – The Davis Magnet School Band and Choir will be appearing…you may want to bring a warm coat and a blanket, rumors of impending snow storms abound.
Thursday, December 14 – The blues sound of Brother Yusef returns, “The king of organic, deep fried, fatback blues,” as he likes to call himself!
Friday, December 15 – Santa Ana’s El Centro Cultural de Mexico’s Ballet Folklorico, takes to the floor with stirring folk dances and rhythms.
Sunday, December 17 – Fresh Rhythm returns, followed by Orange County School of the Arts, Classical Voice singers, with a holiday program sure to please.