Mainstage shows
in 2021-2022
Sign up to receive APA show info:
Play On!
SEP 9-12
Thurs-Sat: Dinner @ 6:00 PM, Show @ 7:00 PM
Sun: Lunch @ 1:00 PM, Show @ 2:00 PM
Dinner Theater Benefit Performance
A Comedy by Rick Abbot, Directed by Jacob Menke
Rick Abbot's hilarious play tells the story of a theater group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance in which anything that can go wrong, does. When the author decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax of this thoroughly hilarious romp. Even the sound effects reap their share of laughter.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Dinner Theater Benefit Performance
A Comedy by Rick Abbot, Directed by Jacob Menke
Rick Abbot's hilarious play tells the story of a theater group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script. Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance in which anything that can go wrong, does. When the author decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax of this thoroughly hilarious romp. Even the sound effects reap their share of laughter.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
Titanic
OCT 15-17, 21, 23-24
Thursday-Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Fall Mainstage Musical
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Directed by Tim Nelson
The sinking of the Titanic in the early hours of April 15, 1912 remains the quintessential disaster of the century. The musical Titanic is set against the melodious score by renown composer Maury Yeston and is based on the true story of the great ship's maiden voyage from departure in Southampton, England, to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. This moving story follows passengers and crew members who actually existed and were aboard the Titanic, and is an exemplary tribute to their memory.
Produced by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
Fall Mainstage Musical
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Directed by Tim Nelson
The sinking of the Titanic in the early hours of April 15, 1912 remains the quintessential disaster of the century. The musical Titanic is set against the melodious score by renown composer Maury Yeston and is based on the true story of the great ship's maiden voyage from departure in Southampton, England, to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. This moving story follows passengers and crew members who actually existed and were aboard the Titanic, and is an exemplary tribute to their memory.
Produced by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
Wings Over America
NOV 5 & 6
Friday & Saturday @ 7:00 PM
MMET Department Benefit Performance
APA's MMET department has been performing the foundational pop music of the Beatles for the last sixteen years. In that fine tradition, we're tweaking the recipe to include plenty of Beatles music, but in the framework of the live triple LP Wings Over America that hit #1 in the US in 1976. You'll hear 30 songs by Paul McCartney, Wings, the Moody Blues, and the Beatles in a faithful reenactment of the biggest and baddest rockshow of its time. If you missed Paul at the Forum in '76, or even if you didn't, you won't want to miss this!
MMET Department Benefit Performance
APA's MMET department has been performing the foundational pop music of the Beatles for the last sixteen years. In that fine tradition, we're tweaking the recipe to include plenty of Beatles music, but in the framework of the live triple LP Wings Over America that hit #1 in the US in 1976. You'll hear 30 songs by Paul McCartney, Wings, the Moody Blues, and the Beatles in a faithful reenactment of the biggest and baddest rockshow of its time. If you missed Paul at the Forum in '76, or even if you didn't, you won't want to miss this!
She Kills Monsters
NOV 12-14, 18 & 19
Thursday-Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Fall Mainstage Play
A Dramatic Comedy by Qui Nguyen
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home after the untimely passing of her sister, Tilly. When Agnes uncovers Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with murderous fairies, revolting ogres, and plenty of ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Fall Mainstage Play
A Dramatic Comedy by Qui Nguyen
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games, She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home after the untimely passing of her sister, Tilly. When Agnes uncovers Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with murderous fairies, revolting ogres, and plenty of ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Sounds of the Season 2021
DEC 9-11
7:00 PM
APA Orchestra Holiday Show
Ho, ho, ho! Plan to spend a little time away from the modern-day holiday grind as the APA Orchestra department presents their annual celebration of winter holiday cheer. In addition to the festive sounds of the APA Orchestra, the evening will feature special guest performances by the APA Musical Theatre department, MMET department, Surf City Singers, and the Huntington Beach High School Band and Color Guard. We may not have snow or mistletoe, but there will be plenty of joy in this holiday show. Come start a new family tradition with your musical friends at APA.
APA Orchestra Holiday Show
Ho, ho, ho! Plan to spend a little time away from the modern-day holiday grind as the APA Orchestra department presents their annual celebration of winter holiday cheer. In addition to the festive sounds of the APA Orchestra, the evening will feature special guest performances by the APA Musical Theatre department, MMET department, Surf City Singers, and the Huntington Beach High School Band and Color Guard. We may not have snow or mistletoe, but there will be plenty of joy in this holiday show. Come start a new family tradition with your musical friends at APA.
Cabaret
JAN 7-9, 12-14 & 16
Wednesday-Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Musical Theatre Benefit Performance
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, and Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on John Van Druten's play I Am a Camera, Adapted from Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood
Cabaret holds its lens to 1929 Berlin. In the midst of a post-World War I economic depression, the city is transitioning from an underground, avant-garde cultural epicenter to the beginnings of Hitler’s totalitarian regime. Into this world enters Clifford Bradshaw, a struggling American writer looking for inspiration for his next novel. On his first night in Berlin, Cliff wanders into the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy nightclub home to the strange, omniscient Master of Ceremonies, and Sally Bowles, a vivacious cabaret performer. Sally and Cliff begin a relationship, which blossoms unexpectedly into a dream-like romance. As time passes, however, the situation in Berlin changes from exhilarating and vibrant to ominous and violent. With a score featuring songs that have become American Musical Theater classics, Cabaret is a fierce, weighty musical that pushes boundaries and literally holds the mirror up to nature.
Produced by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
Musical Theatre Benefit Performance
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, and Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on John Van Druten's play I Am a Camera, Adapted from Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood
Cabaret holds its lens to 1929 Berlin. In the midst of a post-World War I economic depression, the city is transitioning from an underground, avant-garde cultural epicenter to the beginnings of Hitler’s totalitarian regime. Into this world enters Clifford Bradshaw, a struggling American writer looking for inspiration for his next novel. On his first night in Berlin, Cliff wanders into the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy nightclub home to the strange, omniscient Master of Ceremonies, and Sally Bowles, a vivacious cabaret performer. Sally and Cliff begin a relationship, which blossoms unexpectedly into a dream-like romance. As time passes, however, the situation in Berlin changes from exhilarating and vibrant to ominous and violent. With a score featuring songs that have become American Musical Theater classics, Cabaret is a fierce, weighty musical that pushes boundaries and literally holds the mirror up to nature.
Produced by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
Fusion 2022
JAN 28 & 29
Friday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Winter Dance Concert
The APA Dance department invites you to experience the past, present, and future of movement at their faculty-choreographed dance concert Fusion 2022. The Academy’s talented dancers will bring to life the vision of APA’s dance mentors as they display a dizzying blend of works covering the complete spectrum of dance. The evening will be a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap, and modern dance styles, so join us in celebrating movement in its infinite form as our esteemed faculty create unique works that showcase APA’s unrivaled talent. Whether you are an experienced dance connoisseur or new to the dance world, Fusion 2022 will move you.
Winter Dance Concert
The APA Dance department invites you to experience the past, present, and future of movement at their faculty-choreographed dance concert Fusion 2022. The Academy’s talented dancers will bring to life the vision of APA’s dance mentors as they display a dizzying blend of works covering the complete spectrum of dance. The evening will be a fusion of hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap, and modern dance styles, so join us in celebrating movement in its infinite form as our esteemed faculty create unique works that showcase APA’s unrivaled talent. Whether you are an experienced dance connoisseur or new to the dance world, Fusion 2022 will move you.
Playlist 2022
FEB 11 & 12
Friday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
MMET Department Rock Concert
Playlist is the purest distillation of our purpose and mission at APA. It is a souped-up support vehicle that transports students to creative places they could never reach on their own. It’s a big rock ‘n’ roll festival show full of our students’ latest creative work in original music and film, paired with the best in contemporary music. The MMET Pop Music majors will showcase their original compositions and bands, while our APA Media Team enhances their performances with original music videos and short films. This is an entirely student-curated show that speaks directly to their generation, all while upholding the same high entertainment standards you have come to expect from APA.
MMET Department Rock Concert
Playlist is the purest distillation of our purpose and mission at APA. It is a souped-up support vehicle that transports students to creative places they could never reach on their own. It’s a big rock ‘n’ roll festival show full of our students’ latest creative work in original music and film, paired with the best in contemporary music. The MMET Pop Music majors will showcase their original compositions and bands, while our APA Media Team enhances their performances with original music videos and short films. This is an entirely student-curated show that speaks directly to their generation, all while upholding the same high entertainment standards you have come to expect from APA.
The Pajama Game
MAR 18-20, 25-27
Friday & Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Spring Mainstage Musical
Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Directed by Tim Nelson
Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well. Featuring plenty of fun and splashy production numbers, including a comic dream ballet, The Pajama Game is a perennial favorite and glowing example of timeless musical comedy.
Produced under license from Music Theatre International.
Spring Mainstage Musical
Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross
Directed by Tim Nelson
Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well. Featuring plenty of fun and splashy production numbers, including a comic dream ballet, The Pajama Game is a perennial favorite and glowing example of timeless musical comedy.
Produced under license from Music Theatre International.
Hamlet
APR 22-24
Friday & Saturday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Spring Mainstage Play
A Tragedy by William Shakespeare
Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s most enacted plays. Given its rich language and time-defying political and psychological commentary, the play remains poignant and relevant to date, even centuries after its creation. Hamlet, a university student and the Prince of Denmark, returns home for his father’s funeral to find his mother married to his uncle. Instructed by the ghost of his father to seek revenge, the play is a journey of one individual’s descent into murder, melancholy, and madness.
Spring Mainstage Play
A Tragedy by William Shakespeare
Hamlet is one of William Shakespeare’s most enacted plays. Given its rich language and time-defying political and psychological commentary, the play remains poignant and relevant to date, even centuries after its creation. Hamlet, a university student and the Prince of Denmark, returns home for his father’s funeral to find his mother married to his uncle. Instructed by the ghost of his father to seek revenge, the play is a journey of one individual’s descent into murder, melancholy, and madness.
Fanfare 2022
APR 29
7:00 PM
Spring Instrumental Music Concert
Entertain your brain and get a little culture if you dare...at Fanfare! APA Orchestra department celebrates timeless music from the Baroque period to today with a night of exceptional student performances. You will hear from the APA Festival Orchestra, Select Wind Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles of woodwinds, saxes, brass, strings, percussion, and keyboard instruments, and the winners of the APA Concerto Competition. This is a night of beautiful music performed by outstanding young artists, so come elevate your evening with our talented APA instrumentalists.
Spring Instrumental Music Concert
Entertain your brain and get a little culture if you dare...at Fanfare! APA Orchestra department celebrates timeless music from the Baroque period to today with a night of exceptional student performances. You will hear from the APA Festival Orchestra, Select Wind Ensemble, Chamber Ensembles of woodwinds, saxes, brass, strings, percussion, and keyboard instruments, and the winners of the APA Concerto Competition. This is a night of beautiful music performed by outstanding young artists, so come elevate your evening with our talented APA instrumentalists.
Retrofest: Sunshine ‘72
MAY 12-14
Thursday & Friday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
MMET Department Rock Concert
Once again, the APA MMET department will zero in on a year in the life of Rock 'n' Roll. Bubblegum and Pop ruled the AM airwaves, Rock dominated the fledgling technology of FM, and the age of the Singer-Songwriter solo act was in full swing. Join us as we present an important and interesting point in pop music history, with a surprisingly rich and eclectic set list that is guaranteed to delight, touch, and rock in equal measure.
MMET Department Rock Concert
Once again, the APA MMET department will zero in on a year in the life of Rock 'n' Roll. Bubblegum and Pop ruled the AM airwaves, Rock dominated the fledgling technology of FM, and the age of the Singer-Songwriter solo act was in full swing. Join us as we present an important and interesting point in pop music history, with a surprisingly rich and eclectic set list that is guaranteed to delight, touch, and rock in equal measure.
Private Screening
MAY 21
6:00 PM
MMET Department Original Film Screening
When not filming live performances and concerts, the MMET Media Team’s true passion is filmmaking. APA has a great stable of screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, and editors that have spent all year producing their own short films. Join our Media creatives for a special screening of their films in an environment that's both intimate and informative, as well as a brief Q&A about their work. This is your chance to witness the next generation of storytellers and filmmakers.
MMET Department Original Film Screening
When not filming live performances and concerts, the MMET Media Team’s true passion is filmmaking. APA has a great stable of screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, and editors that have spent all year producing their own short films. Join our Media creatives for a special screening of their films in an environment that's both intimate and informative, as well as a brief Q&A about their work. This is your chance to witness the next generation of storytellers and filmmakers.
Syn*er*gy 2022
JUN 3 & 4
Friday @ 7:00 PM
Saturday @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Spring Dance Concert
(sin·er·jee) / noun. 1. Combined action or operation 2. A mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct participants 3. A mainstage dance show of spectacular movement and dedicated dancers.
The APA Dance department will close out its season with a thought-provoking showcase of movement sure to captivate audiences and lovers of dance. Centered around APA’s Dance Ensembles, join us for works by APA faculty, special guest choreographers, and groundbreaking collaborative numbers.
Spring Dance Concert
(sin·er·jee) / noun. 1. Combined action or operation 2. A mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of distinct participants 3. A mainstage dance show of spectacular movement and dedicated dancers.
The APA Dance department will close out its season with a thought-provoking showcase of movement sure to captivate audiences and lovers of dance. Centered around APA’s Dance Ensembles, join us for works by APA faculty, special guest choreographers, and groundbreaking collaborative numbers.
Featured In
Distinctions
