COSTA MESA, CA - Segerstrom Center for the Arts is ecstatic to announce its 2025-2026 Cabaret and Family Series, bringing a special lineup of vibrant performances to Samueli Theater. The Cabaret Series will provide unique opportunities to experience distinguished talents in a night of music, laughter, and storytelling; while the Family Series will present entertaining shows showcasing important life lessons for the whole family to enjoy. Subscriptions are now available at scfta.org.  

The Cabaret Series will offer intimate and electrifying opportunities to get up-close and personal with some of the biggest stars from Broadway, TV, and film. Kicking off the season is Dancing Queens, an 80’s pop extravaganza featuring New York’s top vocalists. Next, original RENT stars Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp will reunite for a spectacular evening of music and storytelling, followed by the return of Center favorite and Broadway icon, Tony Yazbeck. Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, known for originating several roles including Fiyero in Wicked and Jamie in The Last Five Years, will bring his signature charm and powerhouse vocals, and Glee star Matthew Morrison, will close the season with his showstopping talent. 

The Family Series will offer an inspirational lineup of family-friendly performances that spark imagination and creativity. This season, our Discovery and Explorer series will combine, offering 7 performances enjoyable for young arts lovers of all ages. The series will begin with Sonia De Los Santos, bringing vibrant melodies celebrating Latin culture. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! Promises a delightful adventure filled with humor and charm, sure to have audiences’ wings flapping with excitement, followed by thrilling journeys in The Great Race, celebrating the Chinese New Year. A classic fable comes to life in Hare and Tortoise, reminding us that slow and steady wins the race. Doodle POP will blend live drawing and storytelling in a mesmerizing visual experience. New Owner offers a heartwarming exploration of love and loss through puppetry, and The Invisible Boy will tell a moving story of empathy and inclusion. 

Sonia De Los Santos, The Great Race, and Hare and Tortoise will offer Sensory Friendly/Relaxed (SF/R) performances intended for anyone who might benefit from a more relaxed sensory environment. Families can subscribe to the three-show SF/R series which features adjusted seating, low house lights, a lobby break space, a pre-visit guide, the ability to use electronic devices, and more! 

All performances include one hour of free, fun activities for families to enjoy together before the show. The Center offers these enriching experiences to provide young people and their families with opportunities to play together creatively, explore the themes and content of the performances, and connect with other patrons. Pre-show activities have included puppet making, drum circles, conducting lessons, and even a silent disco! 

Subscriptions for the Cabaret and Family series are available now. Visit the Center’s Website www.SCFTA.org for more information. For Group sales call (714) 755 – 0236.  

2025 - 2026 Cabaret Series Lineup 

Dancing Queens | September 11 - 13, 2025 

It’s time to get dressed up, make your way to Samueli Theater, and join our fabulous dance party! A cast of New York’s top vocalists will be performing the super hits of Cher, Madonna, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston, The Pointer Sisters and more. 

Put your cares aside for the night and revel in a night of feel-good music!   Join us for the celebration of the joy of the dance floor era and the women who made it happen!  

I'm So Excited (The Pointer Sisters)

Dancing Queen (ABBA)

I Wanna Dance With Somebody  (Whitney Houston)
Respect  (Aretha)

Rollin' in the Deep (Adele)

If I Could Turn Back Time (Cher)

Last Dance (Donna Summer) 

 Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp | October 16 - 18, 2025 

“A revelatory show!” – The New York Times 

Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, original stars of RENT, bring their friendship and history together for an unforgettable and celebratory night of music, stories and fun. 

Expect songs from various projects throughout their careers, music that has influenced their lives, and of course a few of the iconic hits from where it all began- meeting at RENT. 

RENT, by Jonathan Larson, has gone on to become an international phenomenon from its Off-Broadway beginnings. Fans everywhere relate to the theme and stories of RENT and certainly have connected with the characters and the actors who portrayed them. Since their time as members of the original cast, Adam and Anthony have remained close friends while each have gone on to do additional great work on Broadway, film, and TV, since originating the roles of Roger and Mark in this landmark show. 

Tony Award^® nominee Adam Pascal is known for his leading roles on Broadway in shows including Aida, Memphis, Something Rotten!, and Disaster! He most recently toured the country starring in Pretty Woman. Anthony Rapp just completed an acclaimed run of his original show Without You Off-Broadway, and is known for starring in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and If/Then. 

Join Adam and Anthony for a very special evening you’ll never forget! 

Tony Yazbeck | December 11 - 13, 2025 

Some people are born entertainers.  Tony Yazbeck might be Broadway’s quintessential song & dance man!      

At just 4 years old, Tony saw Fred Astaire performing on a black and white TV screen and he danced around the living room, copying those moves so well that his mom and dad put him in dance class right away.  He was starring in his first Broadway show at the age of 11 in Gypsy with Tyne Daly!  And has been delighting audiences with his singing and dancing ever since!  

Tony most recently starred as Cary Grant in the new musical Flying Over Sunset on Broadway at Lincoln Center Theatre. He remains best known for his work on revival of On the Town, for which he won the Astaire Award and was nominated for the Tony, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle

awards for his virtuosic performance. He also starred in the Susan Stroman/Harold Prince-helmed Japan and Broadway productions of Prince of Broadway for which he received the Chita Rivera Award as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations.  He also starred as J.M. Barrie in the Broadway production of Finding Neverland and as Billy Flynn in Chicago!

 You probably also recognize him from his numerous television and film credits including American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez (playing legendary coach Urban Meyer), The Good Fight, Billions, Smash, and the feature documentary Every Little Step, about the casting process for the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line on Broadway.  

Don’t miss the Broadway veteran’s spellbinding one-man show, as he invited audiences to join him on an honest, emotional journey along life’s ups and downs as told through the lyrics of classic show tunes, new standards, and dazzling tap dancing. 

Stella Cole | January 15 - 17, 2026 

Beginning with an impromptu a cappella clip of “Over the Rainbow,” Stella Cole has become a global viral sensation for simply doing what she has been passionate about her whole life - singing songs from the Great American Songbook. 

To watch Stella Cole perform is to be transported back in time. Her sense of joy and wonder is infectious – as one look at her massive social media following makes very clear.   She has a combined social media following of over 1.6 million and her most viral singing video has a staggering 27 million views.  

These fans are immediately struck by her rich tone, irresistible charm and extraordinary vocal control!  However, what is particularly rare is her ability to interpret songs that were initially intended for actors in character in a direct, personally vulnerable way that connects to something within herself, placing her in the lineage of the greatest interpreters of the repertoire. Perhaps most exciting, to her many young fans, who have never heard these songs before, these are Stella Cole songs, which clearly makes her one of the most exciting artists of her generation.   

Stella’s talents have caught the attention of superstars David Foster, James Taylor, Michael Buble, John Mayer and Meghan Trainor and she has graced the stages of Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Birdland and the Cafe Carlyle.  In 2023, she toured the United States, 

Australia and New Zealand with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. Her stylish, swinging rendition of Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” with the group was met with mass acclaim and racked up more than 6 million views.  

Stella’s uncanny ability to transcend generations and her enduring influence as a viral artist and live performer lays a promising foundation for a bright, bright future.  Don’t miss your chance to catch this skyrocketing star! 

Norbert Leo Butz | February 26 - 28, 2026 

Norbert Leo Butz is a two-time Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical and is one of only nine actors ever to have won the award twice as lead actor. 

In this special evening of story and song, Mr. Butz sings highlights from his storied three decades on the boards of Broadway. From his humble beginning as the 7th of 11 children (his first bed was a drawer!) to his Tony triumphs – and everything in between!     

Norbert originated roles on Broadway in Jason Robert Browns’ The Last Five Years, Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked, in Andrew Lippa’s Big Fish, in Harry Connick Jr’s Thou Shalt Not (Tony nomination) in the Lincoln Center 2018 revival of My Fair Lady (Tony nomination) and his two Tony Winning performances in David Yazbek’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and in Shaiman and Whitman’s Catch Me If You Can.  

Mr Butz’s television and film credits include Netflix’s Bloodline, Fosse/Verdon, Justified: City Primeval, and the soon to be released new series on FX from Ryan Murphy Gladiator: American Sports Story, as well as the recent Exorcist sequel by David Gordon Green. 

In addition to excerpts from his signature roles, this versatile hyphenate will share a few original compositions from his 4 solo records and some surprising covers from Tom Waits, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen.  

Expect the unexpected in this singular evening of musical entertainment, by one of Broadway’s legendary leading men.  

Matthew Morrison | March 19 - 21, 2026 

Matthew Morrison, known for his standout role as Will Schuester on "Glee," is a dynamic performer whose charisma and versatility have captivated audiences for years. 

With a background in musical theater, Morrison effortlessly blends his impressive vocal talents with a strong acting presence, bringing depth and charm to all his performances. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. 

Morrison made his debut on Broadway in Footloose but his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the Tony-winning hit Hairspray. Morrison was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles.  Morrison starred in the Tony-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York and then returned to the stage as J.M Barrie in the musical Finding Neverland, for which he received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of Favorite Actor in a Musical in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.  

Morrison was also nominated for Best Actor as the iconic director of the glee club on Fox’s musical comedy series Glee The show was created by Ryan Murphy and received the Golden Globe award “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical” in 2010 and 2011. 

Morrison has had many other iconic roles on TV, most notably on the hit CBS show The Good Wife and ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. He starred as the Grinch in NBC’s 2020 production Dr Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live! and he’s also been a judge on the reality dance show So You Think You Can Dance on Fox. 

2025 - 2026 Family Series Lineup 

Sonia De Los Santos | October 11 -12, 2025

Sensory Friendly/Relaxed

Age Recommendation: Ages 4 -10 and their families 

Sonia De Los Santos was born with a smile on her face (that's what her mom says) in Monterrey, Mexico, and has been singing in Spanish and English for audiences of all ages since 2007, when she joined the Grammy Award® winning group Dan Zanes and Friends. It’s hard not to smile when she’s sharing some of her favorite things - migrating birds, friendship, chocolate, and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and realizing her childhood dream of moving to New York. Her songs are inspired by various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa, and festejo, as well as the North American folk traditions from the United States. 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! | November 15 -16, 2025

Age Recommendation: Ages 4 –8 and their families 

It's not easy being the Pigeon - you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping. 

The Wiz | January 17, 2026

Age Recommendation: Age 8+ 

This groundbreaking twist on "The Wizard of Oz" changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. For the first time in decades, the 1975 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical The Wiz returns home to the stage with a brand new adaptation. Director Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”), William F. Brown (book), Charlie Smalls (music & lyrics), Amber Ruffin (additional material), and Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. So everybody rejoice! An all-new 21st-Century The Wiz is sliding into an Emerald City near you. 

The Great Race | January 31 – February 1, 2026

Sensory Friendly/Relaxed

Age Recommendation: Ages 4- 9 and their families 

Join our characters Po Po and Kung Kung as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore - the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first twelve animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? Why do the Rat and Cat become enemies? Learn how each animal earned its place in the Chinese Zodiac through this new performance from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, featuring a cast of four, traditional Chinese music, Jingju, and martial arts, and a whole lot of fun! 

Hare and Tortoise | February 21 - 22, 2026

Sensory Friendly/Relaxed

Age Recommendation: Ages 4 - 8 and their families 

‘Young audiences deserve the very best and here they get it’ – The Stage 

Meet two competing friends in this fantastic adaptation of Aesop’s classic fable. Hare is ready to race, but Tortoise has many things to do before it’s the right time. And time moves so slowly! From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, the duo goes through all four seasons. Does Hare have the patience? When will they actually start the race? Brimming with charming characters, live music and singing, and wonderful physicality, Tutti Frutti brings you this much-loved story about opposites and friendship. 

Doodle POP | March 14 - 15, 2026

Age Recommendation: Ages 4 -8 and their families 

A mischievous duo starts to doodle… and ends up creating a whole imaginative world! They invite us along on their sea adventure with a tiny little turtle. What will happen as we follow their vivid drawings into this beautiful watery world, and will they return the turtle to the sea safely? Doodle POP is a playful, non-verbal show that uses live musicians who perform the accompanying score and sound effects, stunning interactive animation projections and live whiteboard drawings, and an abundance of theatrical imagination. 

New Owner | April 25 - 26, 2026

Age Recommendation: Ages 7 – 12 and their families 

A story of love, loss, and new beginnings. Bart is a boisterous puppy waiting to be chosen from the animal shelter. Mabel is a lonely widow, trying to fill the hole in her heart. The day they find each other is the beginning of a profound friendship – but Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and suddenly alone. Combining puppetry, live-action, and animation, New Owner takes us on a world of adventure through a dog’s eyes. 

The Invisible Boy | May 9 - 10, 2026

Age Recommendation: Ages 5 - 10 and their families 

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party...until that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine. From one simple act of kindness, Brian’s world is changed for the better. Based on the beloved children's classic by Trudy Ludwig, this high-spirited musical, complete with fun songs and heartfelt humor, will help us all discover the possibilities that begin with a simple act of kindness.

New Subscriptions on sale at scfta.org