Beverly Hills Announces New Performing Arts Season

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A glimpse into the exciting performances of the Beverly Hills Performing Arts Season at The Wallis Annenberg Center.

News Summary

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills has announced its upcoming performing arts season, featuring a range of premieres and performances from prestigious artists. Highlights include the Los Angeles premiere of the award-winning play ‘English’ and performances honoring Robert Rauschenberg. Musical acts will showcase Grammy winners and renowned ensembles, while community events and collaborations are designed to engage local audiences. This season aims to promote accessibility in the arts and celebrate diverse forms of expression.

Beverly Hills Unveils 2025-2026 Performing Arts Season

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills has revealed an exciting lineup for its 2025-2026 season, featuring a mix of highly anticipated premieres and performances by renowned artists. The season will kick off with the Los Angeles premiere of the Broadway production of English, written by Sanaz Toossi, running from April 4 to April 24, 2026. This critically acclaimed play has earned five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play and Best Direction by Knud Adams, in addition to winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

English is celebrated by The New York Times as a Critic’s Pick, portraying a group of adult students in an Iranian classroom who are studying language. This poignant exploration of communication and identity promises to resonate with audiences in Beverly Hills.

Tributes and Collaborations

In a tribute to the influential artist Robert Rauschenberg, The Wallis will present Dancing with Bob from May 7 to May 9, 2026. The performance will feature the Trisha Brown Dance Company and the Merce Cunningham Trust, showcasing works that include Set and Reset and Travelogue. These pieces will highlight Rauschenberg’s unique visual design, accompanied by music from esteemed composers Laurie Anderson and John Cage.

Another significant production in the upcoming season is the world premiere of Hildegard, set to run from November 5 to November 9, 2025. This intriguing work centers around the life of visionary composer Hildegard von Bingen and is created by composer and librettist Sarah Kirkland Snider, produced in collaboration with LA Opera and Beth Morrison Projects.

Musical Highlights

The season will also showcase a diverse range of musical performances, starting with a concert by GRAMMY winner Arooj Aftab on January 24, 2026. The season features acclaimed jazz musicians such as Christian McBride & Brad Mehldau on October 15, 2025, Lonnie Holley & Moor Mother on November 20, 2025, and DakhaBrakha on December 5, 2025. Rickie Lee Jones will make her debut on February 6, 2026, while new music will be presented by the vocal ensemble TONALITY.

Additionally, a series of concerts by the Scott Dunn Orchestra will spotlight classic Hollywood film music, with three performances scheduled throughout the season.

Community Engagement and Collaborations

The Wallis continues its commitment to community engagement by partnering with Film Independent to host a series of events, including exclusive screenings and live readings. National Theatre Live will return, providing audiences with high-definition screenings of esteemed British theatre productions.

The season will also feature performances from Compagnie Hervé Koubi, presenting Sol Invictus from February 19 to 21, 2026, and an engagement by the LA Dance Project scheduled for October 23 to 25, 2025. BODYTRAFFIC will deliver two distinct programs, one on December 11 to 13, 2025, and another on June 4 to 6, 2026.

The 20-year anniversary celebration of the Los Angeles Ballet will present a world premiere from January 29 to 31, 2026. Additionally, the Pasadena Chorale will conclude its season with Sing America Part Two: E Pluribus Unum on June 11, 2025, while the IAMA Theatre Company is set to present Trauma Play, a new comedy by Abigail Miller, as part of its 17th season closing.

For further community engagement, the Morgan-Wixson Theatre will host its 2025 NEW WORKS FESTIVAL, showcasing original short plays from local writers and artists, fostering creativity and innovation within the Los Angeles arts scene.

Looking Ahead

Robert van Leer, Executive Director and CEO of The Wallis, emphasizes the goal of the upcoming season as one focused on breaking down barriers across language, genre, and expectations. The 2025-2026 season promises to be a vibrant celebration of the arts, catering to a wide audience through its diverse offerings.