Some of the most exciting work happening in the performing arts today exists in the spaces between traditional disciplines. Rather than presenting opera, dance, theater, poetry or visual art as separate experiences, a growing number of artists are blending them into immersive productions.
This spirit of artistic cross-contamination is at the heart of “ANIMA: An Immersive Night of Opera, Poetry, Dance, Light Sculpture & Ritual,” which will come to Long Beach on Saturday, Aug. 1, and Aug. 8.
Conceived, directed and produced by Vida Patricia Rodriguez Castro at the SOLO Arts Center — Cultural Playground & Gallery, 236 Pine Ave., the evening is designed as a journey that combines operatic performance with original poetry, contemporary dance, light sculpture and ritual-inspired theatrical elements.
The exterior of the SOLO Arts Center in Long Beach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The exterior of the SOLO Arts Center in Long Beach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
The exterior of the SOLO Arts Center in Long Beach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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The exterior of the SOLO Arts Center in Long Beach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Rather than asking audiences to sit and observe, “ANIMA” hopes to fully invite them into an intriguingly curated environment.
This particular production is billed as “ANIMA Andante,” which followed the inaugural movement, “ANIMA in Metamorphosis,” which explored the emergence of consciousness through vibration, movement and language.
This time around, just like the first movement, the audience is invited into an immersive space where consciousness unfolds in real time.
The performance, for example, begins in complete darkness before the gallery gradually transforms into a symbolic womb.
Productions like “ANIMA” reflect a broader shift occurring across the arts, as artists increasingly reject rigid genre boundaries in favor of collaborative works that appeal to multiple senses at once.
For more information, go to shorturl.at/bt0eO.
‘A Chorus Line’
Few musicals capture the hopes, anxieties, and determination of young performers quite like “A Chorus Line.”
Those themes hit home this month as JewelBox Children’s Theatre presents “A Chorus Line: Teen Edition” at the Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., putting a new generation of performers in the shoes of Broadway dreamers.
Adapted specifically for teen actors and family audiences, “A Chorus Line: Teen Edition” retains the heart of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical while making its content accessible for younger casts.
Set during a Broadway audition, the story follows a diverse group of aspiring performers as they compete for a coveted spot in the chorus. Along the way, each dancer steps into the spotlight to share deeply personal stories about ambition, setbacks and the love of performing.
There’s a fitting symmetry in seeing teenagers perform a musical about young artists trying to find their place in the theater world. While the original show famously explores the sacrifices required to pursue a life on stage, this production also highlights the educational side of musical theater, giving emerging performers the opportunity to tackle character work alongside demanding choreography and memorable music.
Audiences can expect many of the musical’s best-known numbers, including the audition anthem “I Hope I Get It,” the heartfelt ballad “What I Did for Love” and the finale, “One.”
The show is up for only three performances — Aug.14-16 — so grab your tickets. To do so, go to lbplayhouse.org.
‘Long Beach Soul Collective’
A soulful cabaret will come to Belmont Shore on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Hosted by Long Beach storyteller, producer and community leader Melanie Rae, “Long Beach Soul Collective” blends spoken word, personal storytelling and live music into a community experience at brunch spot Let’s Yolk About It, 4722 Second St.
Rae has become a familiar voice in our city’s creative scene through “Speak Easy,” the radio show she produces and co-hosts on KLBP Long Beach Public Radio, where artists, neighbors and changemakers come together to share stories that reflect the city’s culture.
This communal philosophy carries into her “soul collective” this Saturday.
Live music from Philosophy and Acoustic Soul Express will intertwine with storytelling from Rae and friends, creating a cabaret that celebrates authenticity over spectacle.
Admission is $20 and includes a drink, making it an inviting way to spend a summer evening supporting the independent arts community.
For tickets, go to shorturl.at/hZpKC.