In a year that promises particularly joyful holiday reunions, “Love Actually Live” the multimedia concert celebration of the beloved holiday film is back at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Presented by the Wallis and For The Record, the show runs from Saturday, November 27 to Friday, December 31, 2021 – the opening night was held on December 1, 2021. This is a fun show…I saw it and reviewed it back in 2019. Stay tuned, we’ll have a staff writer posting a review soon.

This not-to-be-missed Los Angeles tradition features iconic scenes displayed on screens that travel throughout the set share the stage with an all-star cast of singers and live orchestra. The production includes the reimagined film’s hit soundtrack including “Christmas is All Around,” “Trouble With Love,” and “Both Sides Now.”

Broadway and television star Aaron Lazar (Fox’s Filthy Rich, Broadway’s The Last Ship, A Little Night Music, Les Misérables, and The Light in the Piazza) joins the exciting lineup of talented performers alongside singer/songwriter, musician, producer and engineer, Brian McKnight Jr., who comes from a legendary musically gifted family including famed father Brian McKnight. American Idol 4th place finalist on season 4, Anthony Fedorov, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist actor Michael Thomas Grant, and RCA recording artist Nina Nelson, member of girl group Citizen Queen (with over 30 million music video views), also join the cast for the first time. Rounding out the group of newcomers is Cheyenne Wells who starred in the recent production of Little Shop of Horrors at Pasadena Playhouse with MJ Rodriguez.

Returning to “Love Actually Live” stars include RIAA Gold® recording artist Rex Smith, Broadway star Doug Kreeger (Les Misérables); recording artist James Byous (Netflix’ Original Series Westside); singer/songwriter Gabriela Carrillo; recording artist/performer Tomasina Abate; and multi-dimensional artist Emily Lopez. Ensemble members include Sha’Leah Nikole Stubblefield, Darrell Morris Jr., Parissa Koo, and Ian Ward. Playing adolescents “Joanna” and “Sam” respectively are Zola Odessa and Conor Jack Kowalski.

“Love Actually Live” is adapted and directed by Anderson Davis, with musical supervision and arrangements by Jesse Vargas, vocal design by Tony Award nominee AnnMarie Milazzo, musical staging by Sumie Maeda, scenic design by Emmy Award winner Matthew Steinbrenner, lighting design by Michael Berger, sound design by Ben Soldate, costume design by Steve Mazurek, video design by Aaron Rhyne, casting by Stewart/Whitley and co-produced by Shane Scheel/For the Record and the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

The Wallis is closely monitoring the ever-changing local health and safety environment carefully and addressing known health factors at the moment.  Should plans change and any performance be required to be postponed or cancelled or if venue capacity limitations are instituted, ticket holders will be notified immediately with options for their purchased tickets per The Wallis’ ticketing policies. Visit the website for more info. 

The show runs from Saturday, November 27 – Friday, December 31, 2021; Admission for previews (November 27, 28, 30) are $35-105; General Admission (after previews) December 1-31 are $39-$125 (subject to change).

What: “Love Actually Live”
Where: The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
When: See above for times
Phone: 310-746-4000 (Monday – Friday, 10 am to 6 pm)
Website: TheWallis.org/Love