I can’t think of a better place to raise children. With the beach within biking distance, Disneyland a short trip away on the freeway, and Segerstrom Center for the Arts just down the road, our kids have nature, entertainment and art at their fingertips. And I am especially excited right now because TWO classics from my childhood are hitting the stage in Costa Mesa: Disney’s Aladdin and The Velveteen Rabbit, either choice perfect for a little Family Date!

WHERE | Segerstrom Hall
WHEN | March 6th – March 23rd
THE STORY* | From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
Hailed by USA Today as “Pure Genie-Us,” ALADDIN features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), this “Fabulous” and “Extravagant” (The New York Times) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).
**Excerpted from scfta.org
COST | Tickets start at $30.75
IMPORTANT | This production uses strobe lights. Performance is recommended for ages 6+, all patrons must have a ticket regardless of age.

WHERE | South Coast Repertory
WHEN | Previews May 24th – June 1st; Regular Performances June 1st – June 9th
THE STORY* | For nearly a century, this beloved classic has captivated and charmed children and adults, alike. Lonely and forgotten, a stuffed rabbit longs to be real. When another toy is lost, he quickly becomes a little boy’s new favorite. As the rabbit’s dapper appearance gets worn and shabby from play, a wonderful change begins to happen. A moving story about the power of love—and a little bit of magic.
**Excerpted from scr.org
COST | Preview Tickets are $29 for Children & $34 for Adults; Regular Performance Tickets are $34 for Children & $40 for Adults
IMPORTANT | Grades K–6. No children under the age of four and/or babes-in-arms will be admitted.
**Photos courtesy of Segerstrom and South Coast Repertory