Williams, Daugherty, Brahms, “The Messenger”, plus more things to do in O.C. this week.

MARCH 26 THROUGH 28
WILLIAMS, DAUGHERTY & BRAHMS
Conductor Carl St.Clair will lead the Pacific Symphony through a performance of three groundbreaking pieces of music. The performances will kick off with John Williams’ “Flying Scene” from “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial,” a soaring and lively piece with strings and trills. The orchestra will then perform Michael Daugherty’s dramatic “Blue Electra” alongside Anne Akiko Meyers on violin. The night will finish with Brahms’ dark and tragic “Symphony No. 4,” his final symphony. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-755-5799, pacificsymphony.org

OPENS MARCH 27
“THE MESSENGER”
Four women from different generations struggle with prejudice, survival, and fighting against hatred in their respective lives in the Southern California city of Pasadena. The central character is Georgia Gabor, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, and the play continues as her story impacts women from 1969, 1993, and 2020. The play is a provocative and emotional story that encourages viewers to think about history, injustice, and the current state of the world. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-3033, chancetheater.com

MARCH 27
STAND BY ME: THE FILM AND ITS STARS 40 YEARS LATER
For 40 years, the story told in the cult classic “Stand by Me” has united audiences and developed a strong fan base. The film perfectly captures the painful realities of growing up and the nostalgia of leaving childhood behind. The bond created by four young boys on a daring journey has stuck with viewers for decades. Enjoy the film in its entirety alongside stars Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and Wil Wheaton. The reunion will feature a live conversation with the three actors as they discuss their time working on the film and its emotional impact. Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714-712-2700, groveofanaheim.com

MARCH 27 AND 28
WITTE LECTURES: PIPPA MALMGREN
Malmgren, an economist, author, and economic advisor to former President George W. Bush, will discuss international relations and the future of the global economy in her Witte Lecture. Each of her five books tackles different aspects of the political landscape, showcasing her expertise and background. Her most recent best-selling book “The Infinite Leader” won the International Press Award for the Best Book on Leadership for its unique look on management styles and the roads to success. 949-717-3892, nbplf.foundation

MARCH 29
BRAHMS’ SYMPHONY NO. 4
Before the Pacific Symphony performs the beloved piece by Brahms, Music
Director Laureate and conductor Carl St.Clair will guide the audience through the symphony and discuss its structure and meaning. The piece is known for its innovative nature as Brahms uses a Baroque passacaglia, a collection of variations over the bass line, in the finale. While dark and emotional, the symphony is known for being one of Brahms’ most complicated and dynamic works. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-755-5799, pacificsymphony.org 

THROUGHOUT MARCH
“GOD OF CARNAGE” AND “WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”
The two Tony Award-winning plays will be performed on alternating nights with the same cast and on the same stage. “God of Carnage” is a twisted dark comedy with witty, biting commentary on civilization and human nature. The classic 1960s play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is a comedic drama filled with psychological games. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714-708-5555, scr.org