La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

The inspiration

The city bought the building, which had opened in 1962 as a cinema, added a stagehouse, and reopened it in 1977 as a performing arts center^1,2 . Tony Bennett performed at the opening in September 1977, and the venue has been presenting live entertainment ever since^2,3 .

Who's behind it

The theatre is owned by the City of La Mirada and administered by its Theatre Department, with productions staged in partnership with McCoy Rigby Entertainment . Tom McCoy and Cathy Rigby serve as executive producers of the venue's professional theatre series, a partnership that began with the 1994 season^4,2 .

What to order

• A concert: the season includes Grammy-winning artists and touring musical acts alongside the theatrical lineup .⁵
• Programs for Young Audiences: a children's series of touring shows aimed at families, often a child's first live performance .^5,3
• A La Mirada Symphony performance: the orchestra calls the theatre home .^3,6

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby, this 1,251-seat house offers professional musicals, concerts, and family programming without a trip into Los Angeles^3,6 . Productions that started on this stage have gone on to tour nationally, so you may catch something before the rest of the country does^3,5 .