Press Release

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announced today the 2018/2019 season, delivering ten months of groundbreaking produced and presented works in dance, music and theater from locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists and companies.

The season begins September 21, 2018, marking the third year of programming under the leadership of Artistic Director Paul Crewes and Managing Director Rachel Fine and the sixth for the institution. Michael Nemeroff, Chairman of the Board of The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, begins the second year of his term.

2018/2019 Season tickets are currently only available for purchase through subscription. Single tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

“As part of our commitment to developing lasting relationships with artists and companies, local and abroad, we will continue to produce new works as well as present world renowned companies and performances,” says The Wallis’ Artistic Director Paul Crewes. “Our 2018/2019 Season not only brings back collaborations with old friends such as Jacob Jonas The Company and For The Record, but also introduces a new musical we’re developing with creators Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews, called Witness Uganda.We’re equally excited to be working with new friends, among them L.A. Master Chorale, the National Theater of Great Britain, National Sawdust from New York, Malpaso Dance Company from Cuba, PigPen Theater Company, and Film Independent.”

Dance @ The Wallis 

Post-show talk backs offered after select dance performances. All of the 2018/2019 dance companies will perform for GRoW @ The Wallis Focus and Partner Schools.

October 24 – 27, 2018
Lovelace Studio Theatre
May 10 – 11, 2019 – Bram Goldsmith Theater
Jacob Jonas The Company

After a sold-out run in The Wallis’ 2016/2017 Season, Jacob Jonas The Company returns as the 2018/2019 Season Company-in-Residence. The Company – led by its dynamic namesake – is gaining international acclaim for its honest storytelling, visceral performances and cutting-edge content creation – including the #CamerasandDancers visual arts movement. Whether you were lucky enough to catch The Company at The Wallis, their To the Sea festivals at the Santa Monica Pier or are new to their mix of contemporary ballet and acrobatic movement, you won’t want to miss two engagements in the 2018/2019 Season, which includes an intimate studio series in the Lovelace Studio Theater and a world premiere in the Bram Goldsmith Theater.

November 1-3, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Alonzo King Lines Ballet 

Alonzo King Lines Ballet creates work drawing on a diverse set of deeply rooted cultural traditions, imbuing classical ballet with new expressive potential. Choreographer King understands ballet as a science – founded on universal, geometric principles of energy and evolution – and continues to develop a new language of movement from its classical forms and techniques, connecting audiences to a profound sense of shared humanity.

January 10 – 12, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago & Third Coast Percussion

A new, full-length collaboration between the acclaimed Chicago companies Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Third Coast Percussion with sensational choreography by Emma Portner, Movement Art Is, and a rousing score by Devonté Hynes.

February 15-16, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
ATE9 Dance Company

Los Angeles’ Ate9 Dance Company presents the world premiere of A Blind Lady and the highly acclaimed calling glenn, which features live music by Wilco percussionist Glenn Kotche. Both works by choreographer and Artistic Director Danielle Agami highlight her deep artistry in movement and need to create personally relevant work.

March 28-30, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Malpaso Dance Company
Artistic Director, Osnel Delgado
An Associate Company of Joyce Theater Productions

Cuba’s hottest contemporary dance company shares a little slice of Havana in a sparkling program of movement and music featuring works by Artistic Director Osnel Delgado, as well as international choreographers Aszure Barton, Cecilia Bengolea and Ohad Naharin.

Beginning November 11, 2018
Dance Sundays with Debbie Allen & Friends

Every second Sunday of the month, Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen returns with the 4th season of FREE, outdoor dance events for the whole family.

Music @ The Wallis

The Wallis invites audiences to take a deeper dive into programs offerings with Preludes @ The Wallis. Join Classical KUSC’s Brian Lauritzen and other guest moderators for free pre-concert conversations with the artists, an hour before select classical music performance in the Bram Goldsmith Theater, along with a complimentary glass of wine.Sponsored by Classical KUSC and The Henry Wine Group.

October 20-21, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Lagrime Di San Pietro/Tears of St. Peter
By Orlando di Lasso
Conducted by Jenny Wong
Directed by Peter Sellars

From the creative mind of acclaimed director Peter Sellars comes his very first acapella staging and most personal and emotionally-charged work to date. Twenty-one singers transform this 75-minute Renaissance masterpiece – committed to memory and dramatically staged – into both a biblical parable of St. Peter’s disavowal of Jesus Christ and a contemporary allegory for our fractious times.

October 27, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Chris Walden Big Band

The Grammy-nominated Chris Walden Big Band —comprised of the very best studio musicians based in Los Angeles — makes its Wallis debut with a program that pays tribute to the “Rat Pack” era, featuring four fantastic guest vocalists accompanied by Walden’s hand-crafted and swinging arrangements.

November 9, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Alisa Wilerstein, Cello
Complete Bach Cello Suites

The young cellist Alisa Weilerstein, a recipient of a 2011 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, has justly earned international acclaim for emotionally resonant performances of both traditional and contemporary music. Weilerstein will bring her technical precision and impassioned musicianship to the extraordinary task of performing all six of Bach’s solo cello suites in one evening.

June 22, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Inon Barnatan, Piano
Piano: Variations on a Suite

Inon Barnatan is celebrated for his poetic sensibility, musical intelligence and consummate artistry. Recently named the music director of the La Jolla Music Society’s 32-year-old SummerFest, Barnatan will make his Wallis debut with one of his typically adventurous concert programs.

Program

HANDEL Chaconne in G Major, HWV. 442
BACH Allemandefrom Partita in D Major, BWV. 828
RAMEAU Courante from Suite in A minor, RCT. 5
COUPERIN L’Atalante
RAVEL Rigaudon from Le Tombeau de Couperin
ADES Blanca Variations
LIGETI Musica Ricercata Nos. 11 & 10
BARBER Fugue from Sonata for Piano, Op. 26
BRAHMS Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

January 16, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Jorge Federico Osorio, Piano

Jorge Federico Osorio has been lauded throughout the world, and his native Mexico, for his superb musicianship, powerful technique, vibrant imagination and deep passion. He is the recipient of several international prizes and awards, including the prestigious Medalla Bellas Artes, the highest honor granted by Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts. Osorio’s program includes works by Bach, Schubert, Liszt, Debussy, Albéniz and fellow countrymen Ricardo Castro and Manuel Ponce. Mr. Osorio is a Steinway Artist.

Program

BACH Two Chorale Preludes
SCHUBERT Sonata in A Major, D. 959
LISZT Vallée d’Obermann
DEBUSSY Three Preludes
ALBÉNIZ Mallorca (Barcarola)
CASTRO Barcarola
PONCE Rapsodia Cubana
PONCE Balada Mexicana

February 23, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Kaleidoscope
With Irene Kim, Piano

Kaleidoscope is a conductorless chamber orchestra dedicated to enriching lives through exhilarating concert experiences that connect diverse communities of Los Angeles. Kaleidoscope will bring over 40 musicians to the Bram Goldsmith stage for an evening of Beethoven, Prokofiev — featuring pianist Irene Kim — and a brilliant contemporary work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw.

Program

SHAW Entr’acte (for string orchestra)
PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5

February 22, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
The ASCAP Foundation and The Wallis Present Stephen Schwartz & Friends

Tony, Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz returns once again for an always-exhilarating evening of music and conversation with composers, lyricists and artists he has mentored and inspired. The popular ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop in partnership with Universal Pictures Theatrical and The Wallis returns February 20-21, 2019.

March 22, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Judy Collins: A Love Letter To Stephen Sondheim

For over five decades, Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, captivating presence and firm commitment to social activism. Collins celebrates one of the most gifted composers in American music history, Stephen Sondheim, with stunning versions of some of the most moving songs ever written for the stage – including, of course, her chart-topping, Grammy-winning version of Send in the Clowns.

March 23, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Dee Dee Bridgwater and the Memphis Soulphonymemphis: Yes, I’m Ready

She’s simply a music legend. Triple Grammy winner, Tony winner, UN Goodwill Ambassador and NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater makes her Wallis debut with a tribute to the rich soul tradition of the city where she was born.

April 26, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Tetzlaff Trio

Three of the most prominent performers in classical music — violinist Christian Tetzlaff, cellist Tanja Tetzlaff and pianist Lars Vogt — join forces for a perfectly paired evening of Schumann and Dvořák. This might just be the ideal way to celebrate post-Tax Day.

Program

SCHUMANN Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63
DVOŘÁK Trio No. 3 in F minor, Op. 65

May 12, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Inna Faliks, Piano
Danielpour & Schumann

Ukrainian-born American pianist Inna Faliks, Head of Piano at UCLA, has established herself as one of the most exciting, committed, communicative and poetic artists of her generation. Her Wallis debut features the world premiere of Eleven Bagatelles for Piano by Iranian-American Richard Danielpour, Professor of Composition at UCLA, as well as two masterworks by Robert Schumann.

Program

DANIELPOUR Eleven Bagatelles for Piano
SCHUMANN Kinderszenen Op 15
SCHUMANN Symphonic Etudes Op 13 (With Posthumous Variations)

National Sawdust @ The Wallis
Lovelace Studio Theater

Brooklyn’s National Sawdust is one of the most innovative venues in the country, a place where emerging and established artists can share their music with serious fans and casual listeners alike. The Wallis is thrilled to partner with National Sawdust, led by the visionary co-founder, Artistic Director and Composer Paola Prestini, for two boundary-breaking concerts in the intimate Lovelace Studio Theater this season.

March 14 – 15, 2019
(M)iyamoto is Black Enough

Andy Akiho, composer; Roger Bonair-Agard, Lyricist; Sean Dixon, percussion; Jeffrey Zeigler, cello. A contemporary band performs a riveting piece about Ariana Miyamoto, the mixed-race winner of Miss Universe Japan 2015, who weathered backlash for her lack of “pure” parentage – that she was not Japanese enough. Prepare yourself for a brash symphony of hard-driving rhythms and biting social commentary.

May 30 – 31, 2019
Forward Music Project

Amanda Gookin, performer
Composers: Angélica Negrón, Nathalie Joachim, Leila Adu, Jessica Meyer, Allison Loggins-Hull, Amanda Feery, Morgan Krauss.The startlingly visceral cellist Amanda Gookin performs stylistically contrasting commissions by seven female composers that explore a range of issues facing women today, from the LGBTQ+ to reproductive rights, sexual violence and empowerment.

Theater @ The Wallis

The Wallis offers post-show talk backs after select theater performances.

December 4-31, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
The Wallis & For The Record production of Love Actually Live

After a sold-out engagement in The Sorting Room last December, For The Record returns with an expanded, multi-media theatrical celebration of the soundtrack to Love Actually. The beloved holiday rom-com will be brought to life through Christmas and pop hits by Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys, Joni Mitchell and many more, performed by an eclectic mix of artists from the worlds of music, stage and screen.

January 22 – February 10, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
The National Theatre of Great Britain’s Landmark production of J.B. Priestly’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls
Directed by Stephen Daldry

When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. Director Stephen Daldry (The Crown) returns to his landmark 1992 production, which was hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, winning multiple Olivier and Tony Awards. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation of theatergoer.

February 5 – 24, 2019
Lovelace Studio Theater
The Wallis Production of
Witness Uganda: A Documentary Musical
By Matt Gould & Griffin Matthews

Devastated when his New York City church kicks him out for being gay, Griffin escapes across the world to volunteer in a small village. His “good intentions” are tested against the backdrop of an incurable epidemic, corruption and a dangerous abduction that leaves him questioning everything he has ever known. Witness Uganda is a groundbreaking documentary journey that expands the possibilities of the American musical.

March 2-17, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
A New Musical Folktale By PigPen Theatre Company
The Old Man and the Moon

Who keeps the moon shining bright? The Old Man charged with that task embarks on an epic adventure of land, sea and sky in search of his missing wife in this swirling tale of love, accompanied by a live, indie-folk band. The endlessly imaginative PigPen Theatre Co. finally arrives in Los Angeles with a luminously lo-fi spectacle that elevates traditional storytelling to high art. Recommended for all ages.

May 24 – June 9, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
Los Angeles Premiere
Hershey Felder as Claude Debussy: A Paris Love Story
Featuring the music of Claude Debussy
Written and Performed by Hershey Felder
Directed by Trevor Hay

Virtuoso Hershey Felder takes us on his own personal journey as he explores the life and music of Impressionist composer Claude Debussy. From the sweeping La Merto the evocative L’après-midi d’un fauneand the mystical Clair de Lune, this soaring tribute will never be forgotten.

December 8, March 9 & May 11 @ 2pm
Lovelace Studio Theater
Story Pirates @ The Wallis

The Story Pirates aren’t your typical swashbuckling sailors. They don’t steal gold – they’re searching for kids’ wildest, most imaginative stories. The Pirates then adapt these tales into a musical sketch comedy show, performed by the best actors from the Groundlings, Second City and elsewhere.

**Submit YOUR stories for our three themed shows this season! TheWallis.org/Pirates Recommended for ages 5+

November 11, January 13 & February 10 @ 11am
Promenade Terrace
The kid-centric company is back for more FREE outdoor musical sketch comedy based on stories written by children, geared especially for toddlers!

November 3-4, 2018
Lovelace Studio Theater
Trusty Sidekick Theater Company’s Production of
Shadow Play

Have you ever wondered what happens to your shadow while you sleep? Well, it turns out that some shadows are more mischievous than others. And soon after moving to his new home, Flash discovers that his shadow has moving plans of his own! Follow the playful adventures of Flash and his exciting quest to reunite with his shadow in this multimedia performance for the youngest of audiences (ages 2+) and the young at heart.

November 14-17, 2018
Bram Goldsmith Theater
The Bitter Game
Created, Written & Performed by Keith A. Wallace
Directed & Co-Created by Deborah Stein

With its five acts structured as the four quarters and overtime of a basketball game, The Bitter Game tells the story of Jamel Smith, who witnesses a neighborhood act of violence as a child and later must learn to navigate his interactions with police. Based on the playwright-actor Keith A. Wallace’s youth in Philadelphia, this multi-character performance brilliantly explores the experience of being Black in America. Warning: contains strong language.

April 26 – May 5, 2019
Lovelace Studio Theater
Red Bridge Arts & Traverse Theatre Company Present
Black Beauty
Created by Andy Manley, Andy Cannon and Shona Reppe

From the cozy horsebox they call home, Andy and Andy take the bit firmly between their teeth and tell the classic tale as you’ve never seen it before. Blending storytelling, music and puppetry, this re-telling of Black Beautyis sure to warm your heart. Recommended for ages 5+

Cinema @ The Wallis

September 21–27, 2018
La Film Festival @ The Wallis

The Wallis partners with the LA Film Festival, produced by Film Independent, to host the 2018 LA Film Festival at The Wallis, along with a number of other esteemed venues.

Cinema @ The Wallis In Partnership with Film Independent present
Film Independent

January 15, March 19, April 23, June 25, 2019
Bram Goldsmith Theater
4 Special Events for Film Lovers

December 7-23, 2018 & June 13-30, 2019
Lovelace Studio Theater
The Sorting Room

Named in honor of the room’s original purpose as a mail sorting room during Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Sorting Room’s rustic elegance returns for its third fabulous season of both winter and summer series. Transforming the Lovelace Studio Theater into an intimate nightclub, The Sorting Room offering the best talent from a wide range of genres including the American songbook, spoken word, comedy, classic cabaret, storytelling, dance, contemporary music, and more.

Sandra Bernhard launches the winter series with Sandemonium, and there are many more to be announced.