CULTURE IT'S SHOWTIME

Take in a concert, theatrical performance, musical, improv comedy, or dinner show at one of Orange County’s world-class culture and entertainment venues.

Anaheim Venues of Interest

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Chance Theater

Be a part of indie local theater in a big way at the Chance Theater, whose mission is to produce and deliver powerful, socially conscious, innovative theater experiences. In other words, to entertain, inform, and inspire. 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; 888-455-4212; chancetheater.com

City National Grove of Anaheim

This intimate, stately venue channels old Hollywood. Everyone will find something they love on the calendar, from contemporary jazz and easy listening to pop ballads and family-friendly entertainment. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; 714-712-2700; citynationalgroveofanaheim.com

Segerstrom Center For The Arts

Honda Center

When the world’s top-billed musical artists–from Post Malone to Cher–pass through Orange County, they perform at Honda Center. While the indoor arena is home to the Anaheim Ducks, it also plays host to several concerts throughout the year, accommodating more than 18,000 guests. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim; 714-704-2400; hondacenter.com

House of Blues Anaheim

The flagship location at Anaheim GardenWalk covers four dedicated areas: a 2,200-capacity music hall, the VIP Foundation Room, an intimate performance space, and the expanded restaurant and bar. The historic venue continues its threedecades-long tradition of celebrating blues history through live music, art, and cuisine. 400 Disney Way, Anaheim; 714-778-2583; houseo lues.com/anaheim

THE RANCH Restaurant & Saloon

Orange County meets Nashville at this intimate venue that gives country singers a place in the local music scene. Reserve a table or join the crowd around the stage for two-stepping and line dancing the night away. Live music brings down the house every Friday and Saturday night. 1025 E. Ball Rd., Anaheim; 714-817-4200; theranch.com

Other Venues in Orange County

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Irvine Improv

They say laughter is the best medicine, so get your comedy cure at the recently expanded Irvine Improv with the best in famous and up-and-coming comedians. BYOFF (Bring Your Own Fun Friends) and laugh both the night and your cares away. 527 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine; 949-854-5455; improv.com/irvine

Pageant of the Masters

This annual spectacle in Laguna Beach was breathing life into art long before Van Gogh got immersive. Sit back in an expansive amphitheater tucked in the lush hills of Laguna Canyon, then watch famous works

Matthew Arkin is a jack of many trades. Whether he’s acting in shows like Law & Order and Hawaii Five-O, writing suspense novels, or teaching the art of acting at South Coast Repertory and Chapman University, Arkin excels at it all. His latest venture is Batch 22, a spirits brand that he co-founded with two friends, adding to his many creative accomplishments and keeping him even busier.

Could you share more about your involvement with South Coast Repertory?

I’ve performed at South Coast Rep a lot—I’ve done six or