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opera at the beach
Live from the LA Opera Stage to the Big Screen at
Santa Monica Pier
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Pre-show activities begin at 5:30pm
Broadcast begins at 7:30pm
Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401
Lights, camera, action: Gather your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic, and come experience the music and drama of West Side Story under the stars. Countless fans know and love Leonard Bernstein’s landmark work with songs like “America,” “Somewhere,” and “I Feel Pretty”, but few have seen it like this. Originally conceived as an opera, we’re paying tribute to Bernstein’s impact with the grand operatic treatment. New York City’s West Side is split between the Jets and the Sharks—but these warring gangs never imagined that two of their own could fall in love.
This event is free to attend and open to all ages.
RSVP now to receive the latest updates and a free gift at the event.
Join the Sharks – In Partnership with
Heal the Bay Aquarium
At the Santa Monica Pier, we'll get up close and personal with a baby shark viewing tank provided by Heal the Bay Aquarium. Don't forget to sponsor your favorite shark and support marine conservation through Aquadoptions!
Event Details
Arrive early to enjoy fun pre-show activities, including:
- Explore your artsy side and make family friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects and don't miss our gift basket giveaways, LA Opera merchandise giveaways, and more!
- Get a balloon animal before the show starts
- Have your face painted by Work of Heart face painting, a biodegradable glitter bar
- Be amazed by close-up magician Dana Pleasant
- Pick up some free LA Opera merchandise, spin the prize wheel, and enter a drawing for a luxury gift basket
- Stop by our food vendors and other booths for preshow treats and fun
- and more!
What to Bring: Bring your own blankets, low lawn seats, and cushions. Don't forget your sweaters and jackets. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.
What Not to Bring: Large coolers, canopies, tents, or sun umbrellas. Sorry, no pets.
Beach Parking Lot: 1550 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401. For Parking info and rates click here.
**There will be a bag check at the event entrance.
Live Performances
Palisades Charter High Concert Band
The Pali High Concert Band performs traditional repertoire on-campus and in festivals, maintaining strong ties with the local middle school program.
Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra
The SMC Symphony Orchestra provides students and community musicians a robust opportunity to learn and perform a wide range of symphonic, choral, oratorio, and operatic music. The ensemble comprises a variety of instrumentalists, including high school, college, freelance professional, and amateur community musicians, who enjoy exploring symphonic literature such as major orchestral works, contemporary literature, and works by living composers.
Santa Monica High school Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced string ensemble at Santa Monica High, composed of the most advanced string members. This ensemble performs highly advanced repertoire, performs publicly throughout the year, and tours every other year.
More About West Side Story
New York City’s West Side is split between the Jets and the Sharks—but these warring gangs never imagined that two of their own could fall in love.
Tenor Duke Kim is Tony, a former Jet who finds himself falling for Maria (the radiant Gabriella Reyes). But Maria is promised to another, and her brother Bernardo is more than willing to rally his Sharks to keep it that way. The two lovers dream of a happily ever after, but their neighborhood can see tragedy coming a mile away. James Conlon, "the most accomplished music director currently working on the podium of an American opera house" (Opera News), opens the season conducting the beloved American classic.
The simulcast will be sung and subtitled in English and Spanish.
Want to attend the performance in-person at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion?
Buy tickets here
