Free and Cheap in Orange County

Whether on a comedy club stage or at an industrial or corporate venue, this former radio talk show host is at home. Jim Taylor has shared a stage with a variety of performers, from Judy Tenuta to Jim ... [more+]

Whether on a comedy club stage or at an industrial or corporate venue, this former radio talk show host is at home. Jim Taylor has shared a stage with a variety of performers, from Judy Tenuta to Jim Breuer. On his comedy talk show, Jim's guests included Jeff Foxworthy, Bobby Slayton, Kathleen Madigan and Weird Al Yankovic. He has performed at countless fundraisers, charity events and auctions for a variety of worthy organizations acting as host, entertainment and as auctioneer. Corporate events intrigue him because he is given the opportunity to provide customized humor geared towards the particular company or industry. Now see Jim Taylor live when he hits the stage of the Irvine Improv. [less-]

Long before stand-up Michael Quu (pronounced "Q") settled his comedy roots in the City of Angels, the Long Island native worked his way up the chain through open mics and local comedy contests through... [more+]

Long before stand-up Michael Quu (pronounced "Q") settled his comedy roots in the City of Angels, the Long Island native worked his way up the chain through open mics and local comedy contests throughout New York, honing his high-energy routine on relationships, self-deprecation (the guy just can't get enough of fast food) and witty observations about everyday life. He's created the nationally touring and highly-reviewed "Full Throttle Comedy Tour", which introduces audiences to rising comedians in the area. Catch this comedy star on the rise when he headlines Brea Improv. [less-]

No wonder Sebastion Cetina is called the "super comic" -- his style incorporates the character work of Eddie Murphy, the lovable insults of Don Rickles, the improv chops of Robin Williams and the take... [more+]

No wonder Sebastion Cetina is called the "super comic" -- his style incorporates the character work of Eddie Murphy, the lovable insults of Don Rickles, the improv chops of Robin Williams and the take-no-prisoners insights of Sam Kinison. When Cetina is on stage, it's hard to know who is having more fun: this excitable comic or the audience howling with laughter at his zany, totally over-the-top routine. A coast-to-coast headliner, USO tour veteran and rising TV star, Cetina now comes to the Brea Improv, ready to entertain like no other comic today. [less-]

Filipino-American comedian Rex Navarrete, star of the stand-up DVDs "Hella Pinoy", "Badass Madapaka!" and "Komik Organik", headlines the Improv. After two decades in the comedy business, the San Franc... [more+]

Filipino-American comedian Rex Navarrete, star of the stand-up DVDs "Hella Pinoy", "Badass Madapaka!" and "Komik Organik", headlines the Improv. After two decades in the comedy business, the San Francisco native has performed at clubs all over the country, not to mention Europe and Asia. Not strictly limited to material for the Filipino audience, Navarrete finds the universality in the American immigrant experience -- while still managing to get in a few jabs at Filipino icons like boxer Manny Pacquiao. [less-]

You know him from starring in TV shows like HBO's "Looking", Freeform's "Recovery Road", ABC's "Conviction" and movies like "Bully", "I Spit On Your Grave" and, of course, when he stole our hearts as ... [more+]

You know him from starring in TV shows like HBO's "Looking", Freeform's "Recovery Road", ABC's "Conviction" and movies like "Bully", "I Spit On Your Grave" and, of course, when he stole our hearts as the lovable Damian in Paramount's "Mean Girls"! But now come and see him as you've never seen him before with a no holds barred hot microphone! Originally from Brooklyn, Daniel has become a well-known proponent and speaker for the LGBT Community and thought leader for body positivity. A self-proclaimed Mama's boy, his upbeat high energy stand-up comedy act captures his amazing and quirky life in the entertainment industry, as well as hilarious stories about his Italian parents from Brooklyn, his bilingual dog, and his fear of Pompeii. Get ready for a hilarious look on life in his new show "Yass! You're Amazing!" at the Irvine Improv. [less-]

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Quu (pronounced Q) started his comedy career in New York City. Michael honed his skills at clubs and open mics, winning several local comedy contests before fin... [more+]

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Quu (pronounced Q) started his comedy career in New York City. Michael honed his skills at clubs and open mics, winning several local comedy contests before finally moving to Los Angeles, where he quickly became a club favorite. Full of energy, Michael delivers huge laughs with quick-paced stories about his personal life and quirky observations. He can be seen regularly Monday nights at The Comedy Store Main Room in Hollywood on the "Comedy Madness" show. Michael has appeared on MTV and Spike TV, and is the creator of the highly reviewed national touring "Full Throttle Comedy" show. Now you can see Michael live when he hits the stage at the Irvine Improv. [less-]

Comedian Peter Sers has show business in his blood. A native of Southern California, he's appeared on TV on shows like MTV's "Homewreckers" and "Law and Order: Los Angeles", but his real passion lies ... [more+]

Comedian Peter Sers has show business in his blood. A native of Southern California, he's appeared on TV on shows like MTV's "Homewreckers" and "Law and Order: Los Angeles", but his real passion lies in the edgy, no-holds-barred world of stand-up comedy. With his infectious energy, likeable onstage demeanor and ability to connect with any crowd over just about any subject, Sers is a natural entertainer. He regularly performs at clubs across the country, but he's sticking close to his SoCal roots for this show at the Brea Improv. [less-]

Known for his versatility and topical comedy, Michael Loftus has consistently received rave reviews for his political humor and his stream-of-consciousness, off-the-cuff style of stand-up. His one-hou... [more+]

Known for his versatility and topical comedy, Michael Loftus has consistently received rave reviews for his political humor and his stream-of-consciousness, off-the-cuff style of stand-up. His one-hour special, "You've Changed", about surviving marriage and that one argument you can never win, premiered on Comedy Central in 2009. Currently a co-executive producer on the comedy series "Kevin Can Wait" and star of the History Channel show "American Wiseass", Loftus also lent his comedy writing talents to the hit ABC comedy series "The George Lopez Show" and hosted the political satire series "The Flipside with Michael Loftus". Now you can catch him live when he comes to the stage of the Irvine Improv. [less-]

Picture Hugh Grant, but even more handsome, Australian and way funnier, and you're close to appreciating the outsized charm of stand-up comedian Monty Franklin. One of the biggest comics Down Under, F... [more+]

Picture Hugh Grant, but even more handsome, Australian and way funnier, and you're close to appreciating the outsized charm of stand-up comedian Monty Franklin. One of the biggest comics Down Under, Franklin has performed sold-out shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and played for crowds of rock-star size. Now, just like Crocodile Dundee, he's come to America so you can experience his versatile, always-fresh humor (peppered with some amazing embarrassing stories) when this fast-rising talent headlines the Levity Live Comedy Club in Oxnard. [less-]

Danceability has always been an engine of pop music, but which decade -- the '80s or the '90s -- had the songs that can still make modern feet move? That very question will be answered in one night at... [more+]

Danceability has always been an engine of pop music, but which decade -- the '80s or the '90s -- had the songs that can still make modern feet move? That very question will be answered in one night at "Decades Collide" as DJ Biz Markie curates a stream of hits from both glorious eras. Markie, a beatboxer and rapper best known for his 1989 Top 10 song "Just a Friend," plays host and DJ over two sets while '80s and '90s cover bands take you on a nostalgic ride through some of the greatest and most influential songs of the decades. Dress in your best '80s and '90s gear, and get ready for a pop culture throwback at this themed dance party at House of Blues Anaheim. [less-]

Celebrate the holidays with an up-close-and-personal view of the world-famous Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on pre- and post-parade cruises from Newport Landing. Early and late evening... [more+]

Celebrate the holidays with an up-close-and-personal view of the world-famous Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade of Lights on pre- and post-parade cruises from Newport Landing. Early and late evening excursions allow you to witness all the excitement and spectacular light displays that go into making this a must-see Yuletide event. Along with viewing the entries in this over 100-year-old parade, you'll see many of the bay-front estates fully adorned for the festive season. [less-]

The town of Newport Beach is known for its holiday decorations: Bayside homes and businesses surrounding the harbor go all "out" during this time of year. From rooftop animated scenes to dancing Chris... [more+]

The town of Newport Beach is known for its holiday decorations: Bayside homes and businesses surrounding the harbor go all "out" during this time of year. From rooftop animated scenes to dancing Christmas trees, hundreds of waterfront estates, docks, landscapes and waterfront businesses are lit with extravagant displays for this festive season. Hop on this holiday cruise and catch all the bright lights and elaborate decorations. And you can even pick which ones you think might win the annual Ring of Lights competition. [less-]

SoCal may not have snow, sleds and mittens for the holidays, but Newport Beach boasts dazzling Christmastime light displays sparkling from the boats, homes, docks and businesses along the harbor. Now ... [more+]

SoCal may not have snow, sleds and mittens for the holidays, but Newport Beach boasts dazzling Christmastime light displays sparkling from the boats, homes, docks and businesses along the harbor. Now a holiday tradition dating back more than 100 years, locals go "all out" with roof-top animated scenes, dancing Christmas trees, special effects and more (there are even prizes awarded). Hop onboard a 75-minute Holiday Lights Cruise on Davey's Locker Ships, and be a part of one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in the country. [less-]

"Winter Fest OC" is coming to town for 18 days and nights, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair & Event Center. "Winter Fest OC" is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring ice tub... [more+]

"Winter Fest OC" is coming to town for 18 days and nights, blowing tons of family fun into the OC Fair & Event Center. "Winter Fest OC" is a giant wonderland of immersive wintry fun, featuring ice tubing down an 8-lane, 150 foot real ice summit; massive snow play and slide area with fresh snow blown in daily; an all new SoCal Dickens Village, where you can take a trip down memory lane through the 1800's with holidays past, present and future. Decorate Christmas cookies, listen to holiday storytelling, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (through Christmas Eve), enjoy a pony ride, and visit the new Victorian holiday shops. Make sure you don't miss the magic of Santa and his Reindeer flying over the fairgrounds through Christmas Eve. "Winter Fest OC" also includes the all new Festival of Lights walk-through with more than 2 million lights, nightly Christmas tree lighting celebration with spectacular fireworks and snowfall and ice skating under the stars on SoCal's largest outdoor ice rink. "Winter Fest OC" is also packed with over 30 carnival rides, attractions and games, a petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train through the Festival of Lights, interactive model trains, craft-making activities and plenty of Instagram-worthy picture opportunities. Make sure you also don't miss ringing in the New Year not once, but twice, with a special countdown, Orange Ball drop, fireworks spectacular and an unforgettable balloon drop at both 6:00pm and midnight. Multiple live bands will be playing to commemorate the end of the year, and the start of the a new one. Your ticket includes a fast pass, so you can skip the lines and go down the Snowflake Summit ice tubing slide. Go for the season pass and save over 40% and return as many times as you would like over the 18-day run of SoCal's favorite winter experience. [less-]

Be there when Pearl Jam tribute act Vitalogy and No Doubt tribute band No Duh play the hit songs you love at Gaslamp Long Beach.... [more+]

Be there when Pearl Jam tribute act Vitalogy and No Doubt tribute band No Duh play the hit songs you love at Gaslamp Long Beach. [less-]

The American Pacific Ballet Company once again charms young and old alike this holiday season with a production of "The Nutcracker". Featuring choreography by Mignon Furman, this beloved seasonal favo... [more+]

The American Pacific Ballet Company once again charms young and old alike this holiday season with a production of "The Nutcracker". Featuring choreography by Mignon Furman, this beloved seasonal favorite is chock-full of lively children, scampering mice, beautiful dancers and more, not to mention a thrilling battle, magical transformations, a mysteriously "growing" Christmas tree, and delicately falling snow. Yuriko Kajiya and Jared Matthews, principals with the Houston Ballet, will perform the roles of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Make sure to put this classic holiday treat, set to the beloved Tchaikovsky score, on your calendar. [less-]

This annual production of Tchaikovsky's much-beloved holiday ballet from the O.C.'s own Sunrise Ballet captures the true magic of E.T.A. Hoffman's timeless tale, while remaining fresh through all-new ... [more+]

This annual production of Tchaikovsky's much-beloved holiday ballet from the O.C.'s own Sunrise Ballet captures the true magic of E.T.A. Hoffman's timeless tale, while remaining fresh through all-new staging and choreography each year. You'll marvel at the magical adventures of Clara, a young girl whose Christmas Eve gift of a nutcracker comes alive, leading her on an exciting journey that begins with an epic battle between mice and toys and ends with a journey to the Kingdom of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy. Celebrating its 27th season, the company continues its tradition of donating all performance proceeds to local charities. [less-]

The talented quartet known as The MistleTones will be at Fullerton's Maverick Theater with bells on, as they hit the stage for a holiday music and comedy revue designed to leave you feeling merry and ... [more+]

The talented quartet known as The MistleTones will be at Fullerton's Maverick Theater with bells on, as they hit the stage for a holiday music and comedy revue designed to leave you feeling merry and bright. Soprano Amy Glinskas, alto Jillian Lawson, tenor Jin Schoenherz and bass Casey Marshall bring their hand bells and beautiful voices to this seasonal extravaganza, along with a sleighful of clever parody songs, including "We Will Flock You" to the sounds of Queen, "Can't Wrap This" ala MC Hammer and even an Aretha Franklin-inspired "P-R-E-S-E-N-T," among many more. The MistleTones are longtime SoCal favorites, who've performed at Disney's California Adventure, Downtown Disney, Knott's Berry Farm and the Staples Center. [less-]

Direct from Las Vegas is a classic reenactment of the peerless iconic pop performers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. as they performed together in the 1960s and took the world by storm.... [more+]

Direct from Las Vegas is a classic reenactment of the peerless iconic pop performers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. as they performed together in the 1960s and took the world by storm. This 90-minute show captures the essence of the chemistry, the music, and the magical spirit of the times. It’s a journey back in time through their music and an insightful multi-media narrative, with rare photos and vintage video footage, of their relationships with each other, the times and with us. See why, generations later, they continue to be major influence. Backed by a six piece swing band, this show has been pleasing audiences, both nationally and internationally. [less-]

Short of the King of Pop himself, it doesn't get any better than Who's Bad. The world's longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band stages a multimedia celebration of everything MJ at House of Blues ... [more+]

Short of the King of Pop himself, it doesn't get any better than Who's Bad. The world's longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band stages a multimedia celebration of everything MJ at House of Blues Anaheim. Since 2004, Who's Bad has assembled a world-class cast of brilliant singers, top musicians and Broadway dancers to perform all of Jackson's legendary hits from the days of Jackson 5 to "Off the Wall", "Thriller", "Bad" and beyond. Uncanny vocals, intricate dance routines, glitzy jackets and glittery gloves help recreate the total Michael Jackson experience. No wonder some of pop music's biggest acts, including The Four Tops, Boyz II Men and The Backstreet Boys, have scrambled to share the stage with this astonishing incarnation of pop's one true King. [less-]