Join Dorothy, The Tinman, The Cowardly Lion, and The Scarecrow as they find courage, heart, and magic on the way to the Emerald City! Long Beach’s premier musical theater company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), will debut its production of The Wizard of Oz for select dates this July. The classic musical fantasy will have audiences enchanted as Broadway-caliber performers, special effects, and dazzling choreography bring the beloved story to life. MTW’s production of The Wizard of Oz will run on select dates, July 7 – July 23, 2023 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the CSU Long Beach campus. Tickets are available starting at $20 on musical.org.

DETAILS: 

Explore the true meaning of home with Musical Theatre West’s 2023 summer production. Based on the iconic 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz is a must-see show for Southern California families. Classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard” fill this outstanding score from the MGM film and will delight audiences of all ages. Ticket holders can expect to be spell-bounded by special effects, an adorable dog playing Toto, a youth ensemble, a live orchestra, choreography from accomplished choreographer Jimmy Locust, and much more. Experience the Broadway-caliber performance during one of the thirteen magic-filled performances throughout July, including a preview show on July 7, the official Ozian-inspired opening night on July 8, and a special ASL-interpreted performance on July 14. For more information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org/the-wizard-of-oz/

WHEN: 

• July 7, Friday: 8:00 pm (Preview Night)
• July 8, Saturday: 8:00 pm 
• July 9, Sunday: 1:00 pm
• July 13, Thursday: 7:30 pm
• July 14, Friday: 8:00 pm (ASL Night)
• July 15, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
• July 16, Sunday: 1:00 pm / 6:00 pm
• July 21, Friday: 8:00 pm 
• July 22, Saturday: 2:00 pm / 8:00 pm
• July 23, Sunday: 1:00 pm

WHERE: 

• Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach 

6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815 

TICKETS: 

• Tickets are available now, $20 – $135
• Purchase online at musical.org or call 562-856-1999 
• $15 student rush tickets available at the door 1 hour prior to showtime, with ID

CAST:

• Leianna Weaver – Dorothy Gale
• Erik Scott Romney – The Scarecrow
• Michael James – The Tinman
• William Hartery – The Cowardly Lion
• Sarah Uriarte Berry – Glinda, the Good Witch
• Erica Hanrahan – The Wicked Witch of the West
• Jason Graae – The Wizard of Oz
• Dennis Holland – Uncle Henry
• Dekontee Tucrkile – Ensemble
• Brianna Liddi – Ensemble
• David Kirk Grant – Ensemble
• TJ Punchard – Ensemble
• Jacob Matthews – Ensemble
• Taleen Shrikian – Ensemble
• Erin Dubreuil – Ensemble
• Julia Doty – Ensemble
• Allen Lucky Weaver – Ensemble
• DarRand Hall – Ensemble
• Quintan Craig – Ensemble 
• Rachel Beard – Youth Ensemble
• James dela Cruz – Youth Ensemble
• Amelia Fischer – Youth Ensemble
• Savannah Fischer – Youth Ensemble
• Faith Graham – Youth Ensemble
• Chloe Alyssa Hanser – Youth Ensemble
• Becca Last – Youth Ensemble
• Catherine Last – Youth Ensemble
• Elizabeth Last – Youth Ensemble
• Maisie Magdalen Oliveros – Youth Ensemble
• Daniela Somers – Youth Ensemble

Credit: MUSICAL THEATRE WEST.

Crystal Cove Conservancy, the nonprofit public benefit organization partnered with Crystal Cove State Park, will continue the century-long tradition of art at Crystal Cove State Park with exciting summer art events beginning June 21. From painting a masterpiece on the beach to meeting local artists, art aficionados will have the chance to take part in the living history of art at Crystal Cove. 

Crystal Cove State Park has a rich art history spanning over 100 years. The tradition continues today, as artists trek down every year to paint the scenic cottages, iconic ocean-side bluffs, and relaxing sandy beaches, setting up their easels to paint en plein air— on site, in the open air.

The Conservancy’s popular Great Plein Air Art Experience classes will return to the Crystal Cove Historic District on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 13 through August 31. Participants will spend the day capturing the beauty of the Cove on canvas, as they paint the beloved seaside landscape. Crystal Cove plein air artist, Debbie Morines, will be an artistic guide, taking participants through the process of creating a plein air painting from beginning to end. All supplies will be provided. Class size is limited to 12 and the minimum age is 18. Pricing is $120 per workshop or $100 for Crystal Cove Conservancy members.

For those who are looking to be an art observer rather than a participant are invited to experience the new Meet the Artist events on June 21 and July 5 from 11:00AM – 2:00PM. Held on the deck of the Crystal Cove State Park Interpretive Store in the Historic District, attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite Crystal Cove artists as they create a masterpiece right before their eyes. On June 21, Long Beach-based artist Anne Kupillas will demonstrate her impressive watercolor technique. Then, on July 5, Gobind Boyes will sweep attendees away with her beautiful seascape paintings. Each Meet the Artist event is open to the public and free to attend.

For more information about summer art events at Crystal Cove and to register for the Great Plein Air Art Experience, visit CrystalCove.org/Events. To learn more about the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District and the history of art at the Cove, join a free Historic District Walking Tour happening every fourth Saturday of the month. More information about upcoming Historic District Walking Tours can be found at CrystalCove.org.

Credit: Crystal Cove Conservancy.

LA Waterkeeper invites you to join us along with model and actress Tatchi Ringsby in the first-ever Beach Haven, an LGBTQIA+ safe space and beach cleanup. With the help of LA Waterkeeper, we will remove trash and debris from Santa Monica Beach. Simultaneously, like-minded individuals will unite to create a “haven” to celebrate unique identities and expressions. Together we will combat the plastic crisis while fostering new connections in the queer community.

World Oceans Day and Pride Month: Beach Haven with LA Waterkeeper and Tatchi Ringsby

June 9, 10am-1:30pm Free event

10 am at Santa Monica Beach, Tower 20, 2030 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

12pm – 1:30pm afterparty at JuneShine-Santa Monica (21+ only), 2914 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Event link: https://lawaterkeeper.link/BeachHaven

RSVP required. 

Credit: Beach Haven with LA Waterkeeper and Tatchi Ringsby.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to celebrate World Ocean Day. Aquarium visitors can learn about climate change, ocean pollution, and other important ocean issues by viewing films and shows and exploring exhibits. The ocean makes life on this planet possible. It covers 70 percent of Earth’s surface and remains 90 percent unexplored. The public is invited to learn more about the ocean and ways to get involved in protecting it on World Ocean Day.

Cost: General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $29.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Info/Tickets: 562-590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/world_ocean_day/

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific.

Summer Perks Include Free Chips & $3 Alcohol 

It’s time to celebrate Rubio’s 40th summer — the summer of Baja — beginning with the launch of tender, slow-cooked Carnitas. Available starting May 31, guests can enjoy the new, bold Baja-inspired Carnitas Macha Two Taco Plate, Carnitas Macha Bowl & Carnitas Macha Burrito. Guests can also get the carnitas on any of their favorites, as a substitute for chicken or steak. For example, choose carnitas on the Burrito Especial or Street Tacos, or atop the California Bowl.

“Our new carnitas are grilled to be slightly crispy on the outside while still juicy on the inside, and feature premium cuts of tender pork slow-cooked to perfection,” said Rubio’s Co-Founder Ralph Rubio. “They are marinated with fresh oranges, garlic and onion, and topped with our new signature Salsa Macha — made with ancho and guajillo chiles, roasted pepitas, chipotle peppers, and a squeeze of lime. They are next-level delicious.”

Rubio’s Summer of Baja also features Baja Weekends, kicking off Memorial Day weekend. From May 25 through Labor Day weekend, September 3, guests can enjoy $3 alcohol and free chips with any drink purchase, dine in only, every Thursday to Sunday, after 3 pm. Rubio’s Baja Weekends encourage guests to come in and enjoy a relaxing happy hour, or dinner on Rubio’s patios, while enjoying free chips and cold beers. Plus, Rubio’s is offering new refreshing beverages — Mango Lime Agua Fresca, Jarritos Pineapple, Mandarin and Mineragua, and a new ready-to-drink Seaborn Margarita.

Credit: Rubio’s. Self Disclosure: Some form of compensation was provided to post.

The public is invited to the Aquarium to explore new programming, events, and special contests starting May 26 through December 31, 2023.

 Since opening its doors in 1998, the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific has connected millions of people from around the world to the beauty and wonder of our ocean planet. The Aquarium celebrates its 25^th anniversary with new programming, events, a photography exhibit, and a short film—all highlighting Southern California’s natural world.

Southern California is home to ocean treasures that rival those around the world. Through its 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Aquarium will highlight this special region in a variety of ways, including announcing new major exhibits opening July 1. Throughout each day of the anniversary celebration, visitors can take in a new short film projected in the Aquarium’s Great Hall next to a life-sized model of a blue whale. During this experience, you can see the Aquarium’s work in saving local species and habitats.

I was able to check out the construction site for the upcoming exhibit and I can’t wait! It is going to be amazing!

On the Aquarium’s second floor, you can explore photography celebrating people’s connections to nature in Southern California. This exhibit will showcase the work of the top ten winners of the Aquarium’s 25^th Anniversary photo contest. Also, during the celebration, the first guest who finds an octopus figurine hidden in a different exhibit each day will win a limited-edition commemorative Aquarium pin. During the summer, the Aquarium’s First Wednesdays guest speaker series, which includes music and a cocktail/social hour, will focus on the theme of connecting to nature. In addition, the Aquarium will launch its new podcast series and will have new 25^th anniversary merchandise in its gift store.

WHEN:           May 26, 2023, through December 31, 2023 – Aquarium’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration

WHERE:         100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 

COST:            Included with general admission / General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $29.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three / Advance reservations required.

INFO:  (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific (except for my personal opinion).

2ND & PCH is hosting a free Pop-up Kids Club, Pajama Party on Wednesday, May 24 from 10 am – noon on the grand staircase. Kids Club invites all young explorers to dress in their pj’s and enjoy crafts hosted by Able ARTS Work, face painting and balloons, and an interactive performance by special guests followed by meet and greets. 

Kids Club is best suited for ages 2 – 10 years and will take place weather permitting. For additional details, visit 2ND&PCH.com

Credit: 2ND & PCH.