Australian Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Playwrights Festival, plus more things to do in OC this week.

APRIL 29
AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Known for its intimate performances, the Australian Chamber Orchestra performs a collection of classical pieces bathed in the glow of candlelight. The orchestra has traveled around the world to perform to audiences of all sizes. For this show, it will perform pieces from Purcell, Handel, John Luther Adams, Vaughn Williams, and Schubert with precision and warmth. Each of the pieces are planned to match the dark and mysterious vibe of the evening. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-556-2787, scfta.org

South Coast Repertory presents the 2026 world premiere production of ”Eat Me” by Talene Monahon, directed by Caitlin Sullivan. Cast: Jake Borelli (Stevie), Sheldon D. Brown (Chris), Anne Gee Byrd (Cindy), Carolyn Ratteray (Jen), Kacie Rogers (Beatrice), Jeorge Bennett Watson (The Gourmand). Julianne Argyros Stage, April 12 – May 3, 2026Credit: Robert Huskey

THROUGH MAY 3
“EAT ME”
Food is at the center of this unique play developed by Talene Monahon, one of The New York Times’ rising theater stars of 2023. The world premiere of “Eat Me” made its mark on the South Coast Repertory stage last year, and it returns with its provocative storytelling. The story serves as commentary on the social media-driven world of foodies and food obsessed content creators. Some rate various cuisines and others drum up their own inventive concoctions, all thriving off of their own food-related niches. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org

THROUGH MAY 3
“THE MALTESE FALCON”
Revisit the 1941 film noir in this staged theatrical comedy. Five actors will tackle the 20-plus roles as they tell the story of Sam Spade, a stern detective devoted to solving a complicated case filled with crime, danger, and suspicious circumstances. He sets out to find a famous jewel-encrusted falcon statue and loses his partner to murder in the process, but he will stop at nothing to solve his case. This version uses physical comedy and sly humor to add a distinctive twist. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949-497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com

Sanctuary CityCredit: Casey Long

MAY 1 THROUGH 24
“SANCTUARY CITY”
Following the events of 9/11, two teenagers living in Newark, N.J., are faced with navigating their adolescence with the threat of a potential deportation weighing on them. Their bond is tested by the complexities of love and identity. The play was developed by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok and offers a look into the lives of undocumented youth and the daily struggles they face. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-3033, chancetheater.com

MAY 1 THROUGH 3
PACIFIC PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
The 28th annual Pacific Playwrights Festival will feature staged readings of five productions and two world premiere productions. The works, which will be on various stages at South Coast Repertory, encompass a diverse array of genres and storylines, from romantic comedies and titillating dramas to heartfelt tributes to friendship. The staged readings, a playwrights panel, and full stage performances of the premieres of “Eat Me” and “Fremont Ave” will take place during the three-day fest. South Coast Repertory, 714-708-5555, scr.org

MAY 3
TRIO BARCLAY: DVORÁK’S “PIANO TRIO NO. 3”
Irvine’s own Trio Barclay will perform two piano pieces in a truly remarkable evening of music. The concert will kick off with Dvorak’s “Piano Trio No. 3 in F Minor,” an emotional and passionate piece evoking conflict and triumph. The trio will then perform the U.S. premiere of Sheridan Seyfried’s “Piano Trio No. 4.” Seyfried, who counts Dvorak as one of his influences, is known for his rhythmic and soulful compositions. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org