Chance Theater was just named one of the Top 3 best live theater’s in Orange County by the OC Register. Check out the entire article below or HERE.

1. Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787; scfta.org

You don’t have to look far to satisfy that Broadway fix or find a show the kids can enjoy. Segerstrom Center for the Arts — an Orange County fixture for nearly 40 years — consistently books a varied mix of entertainment across its multiple venues. “We are always raising the bar, season after season, to bring the most talented artists and performances,” states Lisa Middleton, vice president of marketing and communications at Segerstrom. “Our commitment to family programming helps start a love of theater early on” and the events “cater to a wide audience, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy,” she continues.

Segerstrom’s 2024-25 season has six O.C. premieres, such as the musicals “Back to the Future,” “Romeo & Juliet” and Neil Diamond’s “A Beautiful Noise.” Other theatrical presentations include “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Hadestown,” “Shrek: the Musical,” “Journey to Oz,” “Annie,” “Hamilton” and “Mamma Mia!” Under the dance series banner is American Ballet Theatre’s North American debut of “The Winter’s Tale” and Miami City Ballet’s “Swan Lake,” while “The Musicians of Bremen” is part of the family series. Talks with literary figures (Tony Kushner, Tracy K. Smith), and comedian Brian Regan are also scheduled.

Middleton notes the availability of 3D seat viewing and easy digital ticket sharing for patrons, plus accommodations for people with special needs (audio description, ASL-interpreted performances, relaxed and sensory-friendly shows, mobile subtitles, Braille house programs).

– George A. Paul

2. Laguna Playhouse

606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; 949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com

Laguna Playhouse Interim Marketing Director Kate Brandt cites the intimate 400-seat theater, where “every seat is a great one and you’re never very far from the stage,” as a key benefit to attending Laguna shows.

Since David Ellenstein became artistic director, audiences are responding favorably to “the variety and the quality of the shows.” For example, “Holmes & Watson” was a big hit and Brandt says subscriptions for next year are already outpacing the past three seasons. “We’re hearing a lot of excitement” about it.

The upcoming schedule includes “A View from the Bridge,” “Eleanor,” “The Remarkable Mister Holmes,” “Fences” and “Peril in the Alps.”

3. Chance Theater

Bette Aitken theater arts Center, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; 888-455-4212; chancetheater.com

Launched in 1999, the Chance Theater is Anaheim’s resident theater company. Expanded into the Bette Aitken theater arts Center a decade ago, the ensemble-driven company has won eight Ovation Awards. According to its website, the overall goal is to collaborate with gifted artists on enthusiastic and provocative plays and musicals to tell bold, distinctive and innovative stories.

Shinshin Tsai, casting director/marketing manager at The Chance, says the staff is dedicated to “showcasing incredible local artists and premiering original works in Orange County. We always strive to bring a fresh perspective to classic plays and musicals. Our two intimate stages bring you up close with the characters, creating a truly immersive experience.”

Recent productions included “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Tiny Beautiful Things,” “Alma” and “Fancy Nancy: The Musical” (under the family series; a Christmas sequel is planned). Over the summer, “Sweeney Todd” featured a small cast (a rarity at The Chance). The drama “Gloria” and Jane Austen’s “Emma” are on the upcoming schedule.