This weekend, the Long Beach Landmark Theatre Company invites audiences to unplug — and be enthralled.
As part of their special “Unplugged” matinee performances, the company presents “Jagged Little Pill: The Musical” in a fresh, intimate way.
Inspired by MTV’s iconic Unplugged series and NPR’s Tiny Desk ethos, select daytime shows spotlight music and story in a stripped-down, acoustic-forward format.
Presented alongside Landmark’s full-evening productions — which feature dynamic design and high-impact visuals — the Unplugged Matinees provide a compelling alternative perspective to this captivating musical, the story of a family’s resilience and healing.
“We are leaning into the limitations of performing in a gorgeous sun-lit space,” explains producing director Jay Dysart, “and turning it into an asset instead of a limitation.”
The matinees, taking place in Long Beach’s First Congregational Church, embrace the natural light of Landmark’s sanctuary, pairing muted lighting and simplified staging with a largely acoustic orchestration.
This unique, immersive experience highlights the raw and relatable emotion of Alanis Morissette’s music and the narrative crafted by Academy Award-winning writer Diablo Cody.
Isn’t it ironic? Not really. It’s a fresh and engaging take on a classic jukebox musical.
Main stage performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. The “Unplugged” Matinees take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 23.
Tickets range from $40 to $70 for main stage performances and $25 to $35 for the “Unplugged” shows, and are available at lblandmark.org.
‘The Streisand Effect’
Broadway star Melissa Errico pays tribute to an icon in the debut of her new concert, “The Streisand Effect,” at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center next week.
The show is a shimmering homage to Barbra Streisand and the songbook that shaped a generation.
Accompanied by a stellar quartet that includes Randy Waldman, Streisand’s pianist of more than 40 years, Errico will perform selections that reflect both her artistry and her admiration of a musical legend.
Audiences can expect luminous interpretations of favorites like “Send in the Clowns,” “I’d Rather Be Blue,” and “I Never Meant to Hurt You,” as well as stories that trace the creative lineage connecting Streisand to composers like David Shire, Marvin Hamlisch, and Stephen Sondheim — some of whom became Errico’s own mentors.
A beloved presence on Broadway (“My Fair Lady,” “High Society,” and “Les Misérables”) and an acclaimed concert artist whose “Sondheim Sublime” album was hailed by The Wall Street Journal as “the best all-Sondheim album ever recorded,” Errico brings her signature blend of intelligence and emotional depth to this intimate new show.
For a special experience, guests can add a pre-show meal and dine on stage before the performance.
The shows will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.
Visit carpenterarts.org/event/melissa-errico for ticket details and dinner reservations.
Long Beach Queer ArtFest
Queer creativity takes center stage this fall as Long Beach Queer ArtFest hopes to transform the city into an expressive, communal canvas.
This new three-day, citywide celebration from Friday, Nov. 14 to Sunday, Nov. 16 will fill Long Beach’s spaces with art exhibitions, live performances, drag shows, artist talks, music, dance, poetry, and community activations — all dedicated to uplifting queer voices.
From neighborhood galleries to local businesses and nonprofits, venues across the city will open their doors to showcase the work of LGBTQ+ artists and allies.
The festival encourages participation from all art forms, from visual and performing arts to design and digital media.
Started by local photographer and artist Lucas Gordon, Long Beach Queer ArtFest invites everyone to join in celebrating the power of art to connect and empower the LGBTQ+ community.
“We all know that queer art, artists, nonprofits, and businesses are what make Long Beach so fabulous,” writes Gordon on the event website. “But it’s never been more important to support and uplift queer voices and queer joy.”
For full festival details, including a complete list of artists and locations, visit the festival’s website at shorturl.at/8bRQc.