July Calendar of Events and Stage Shows in Los Angeles

Disney Pixar movie Brave

The new Disney Pixar movie Brave has a tremendous showcase venue at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood throughout July. The movie is a magnificent 3D animated adventure focusing on a rugged royal family in the mystical Scottish Highlands.

The latest Disney princess is Brave’s Merida, a headstrong redhead determined to change her fate. When she is compelled to mend her relationship with her mother, Merida discovers the true meaning of bravery.

In addition to the movie, the El Capitan Theatre offers a live musical revue before every screening. Princess Merida is part of the show joining many of popularr Disney and Pixar characters as they salute Hollywood’s 125th anniversary.

La Cage Aux Folles

For a much more extravagant production, La Cage Aux Folles is at the Pantages Theatre from July 10 to 22. The Tony-winning musical stars George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber as the hilarious couple who test the bonds of family as feather boas fly.

Hamilton, best known for his eternal tan and being a likable guy, gave his struggling dancing skills a shot on Dancing With the Stars in 2006. Now the star of the unforgettable spoof movies Love at First Bite and Zorro: The Gay Blade is touring with the national company of La Cage, at age 72.

3 Faces of the King: An American Legend

Another musical treat is 3 Faces of the King: An American Legend, the Elvis tribute show playing July 12 to 15 at the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. The show that has toured the world with sellout crowds celebrates the music of Elvis Presley, presenting 35 of the his greatest hits.

There are two great performers who will take the audience through Elvis’ life as the undisputed King of rock’n’roll. The stars of the show are Shawn Klush, who has been dubbed the “Ultimate Elvis” winner by Elvis Presley Enterprises; and Cody Slaughter, who has received raves for his performance as Elvis in Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet.

The Exorcist

The Exorcist will star Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain in the main roles for playwright John Pielmeier’s world premiere adaptation of the drama playing at the Geffen Playhouse starting July 3 and closing August 12. It is the story of the battle between faith and evil that was turned into an iconic horror movie.

L.A. Zoo

There’s always something to roar about at the L.A. Zoo. This month there’s Music in the Zoo. It’s a rare after-hours visit to enjoy performances under the stars.

On Friday, July 13 an eclectic program of classic rock, blues, and pop is featured, called Best Of Music in the LA Zoo Night. And it’s Global Fusion Night on Friday, July 27, with performances taking place throughout the zoo and Botanical Gardens, while guests can view some of the nocturnal animals.

The 14th annual DesignCare

On July 21st celebrities and friends will join hosts Holly Robinson Peete (Mike & Molly) and Rodney Peete at a private estate in Malibu for the 14th annual DesignCare, a celebration of fashion and music to benefit the HollyRod Foundation, which benefits those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.

Guests will enjoy a lavish evening under the stars with a fashion runway show featuring designs by Sue Wong. Natalie Cole will give a musical performance, lead by music director Rickey Minor.

As You Like It

Also outdoors under the stars, Shakespeare’s As You Like It will be performed July 10 to 29 in the Japanese Garden on the grounds of the VA West Los Angeles healthcare center campus. Under the artistic direction of Ben Donenberg, the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles is presenting a re-imagined modern day LA setting for As You Like It.

The stars of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy include Tessa Thompson (Veronica Mars), Peter Cambor (NCIS:LA), and Michael Dorn (Star Trek).

Universal CityWalk

For live music throughout July and the rest of the summer– the place to be is Universal CityWalk, which will have free entertainment with non-stop music-fueled weekends at the “5 Towers” concert venue.

They launched the first Music Spotlight Series with a performance by The Vampire Diaries’ Kat Graham. A highlight was hearing her hit single “Put Your Graffiti On Me.” A fabulous lineup includes Tyrese, American Idol’s James Durbin, Vicci Martinez from The Voice, and the wildly popular DEV. And many others will continue offering more great performances and concerts through Labor Day.


Margie Barron has written for a wide variety of outlets including Gannett newspapers, Nickelodeon, Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine, Fresh!, Senior Life, Production Update, airline magazines, etc. Margie is also proud to have been half of the husband & wife writing team Frank & Margie Barron, who had written together for various entertainment and travel publications for more than 38 years.

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