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2 0 1 6 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 43 Performance is the lifeblood of the arts, especially in California. From the Barbary Coast docks to the Paramount studio lots, drama, dance and music have always been an indelible part of the "Left Coast" spirit. It makes perfect sense that, in the classic 1936 film San Francisco, Mary Blake (Jeanette MacDonald) is singing her heart out when the Great Earthquake strikes. Today, nearly every town in California boasts a stage of its own—from the Light- house Repertory Theater in Crescent City to San Diego's Coronado Playhouse. The state's scores of concert halls, symphony orchestras, theaters, jazz clubs, dance com- panies, comedy troupes, cabarets, operas and fringe festivals lay waste to the notion of spending a quiet evening (or even an afternoon) at home. What would one expect, though, from the birthplace of I Love Lucy and the home of the San Francisco Mime Troupe? The performing arts are one of California's great attractions, with a dizzying variety of choices—sacred, profane and everything in between—that is both inspiring and maddening. A full accounting is impos- sible, but here are some suggestions to consider if you are visiting any of the state's urban hubs. Regional Theaters In San Diego, near the Mexican border, the La Jolla Playhouse has seen 26 of its pro- ductions move across the continent to Broadway, earning 35 Tony Awards. The Old Globe Theatre presents the plays of Shake- speare (of course), as well as works by the likes of Arthur Miller and an annual Christmas production penned by a late local resident: Dr. Seuss. Los Angeles, naturally, features dozens of small theater companies—such as Santa Monica's Open Fist, the Actor's Co-op, the diverse Cornerstone and Hollywood's pro- found Blank Theater (which hosts the annual Young Playwrights Festival every summer). The city's star attraction is the Center Theatre Group, with three stages: The Mark Taper Forum, Kirk Douglas and Ahmanson theaters. Here you'll find everything from top-shelf classics to cutting-edge solo performances. It is San Francisco, though, that quali- fies as California's theater epicenter. Home of the legendary American Conservatory Encore! Encore! California celebrates every flavor of live performance BY JEFF GREENWALD & LAURIE WEED SAN FRANCISCO OPERA The world-renowned San Francisco Opera is the second largest opera company in North America. Founded in 1923, the company's first performance was Puccini's La Bohème. Opera had been popular in San Francisco since Gold Rush days, but until 1923 had only been performed by visiting opera companies. Today, opening night is a festive occasion, with the War Memorial Opera House always packed. A scene from a recent production of Tosca appears above. The Opera also produces an annual simulcast at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, above right. PERFORMING ARTS