Wharton SoCal Alumni Club Event – Opera at the Beach - West Side Story, Sat 9/27 5:30pm PT

Live from the LA Opera Stage to the Big Screen at Santa Monica Pier

Once a year, the LA Opera streams its fall show for an outdoor audience at the Santa Monica Pier. Join us for this year’s simulcast of West Side Story!

Event Overview:

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, they’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.

When: Saturday September 27.  

Doors open at 5:30pm. Call Wharton hosts at the number below to assemble around 7:00 pm in advance of the show time, 7:30pm. Arrive early and explore your artsy side, enjoy family friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects, and don't miss the gift basket giveaways, LA Opera merchandise giveaways, and more! 

Beverly Chang: 310.709.4922 

Shaina Oake: 978.505.0369

Where: 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica, CA 90401  

Parking/Public Transportation: Beach parking lot is located at 1550 Appian Way, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Cost is $15 per car per entry. There are also parking lots in downtown Santa Monica if you prefer to walk down to the pier. Please consider the public transportation option and take the Metro E (Expo line) which is walking distance to the pier.

Cost: 

This is a free event. 

Contact: 

Shaina Oake: [email protected]

Karrye Braxton: 202.669.2728

Beverly Chang: [email protected]

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. Food and drink will also be available for purchase from on-site vendors.  We will have appetizers for the group to share.

What Not to Bring: Alcoholic beverages, Large coolers, canopies, tents, or sun umbrellas. Sorry, no pets. Bags will be checked upon entry.

More information here: https://www.laopera.org/performances/2026/pier-simulcast

Important note: There are no reserved tickets for this event.  Please arrive with enough time to find the group and ensure entry.  You need to register with the Wharton group. If you would like to be updated by the event itself, you can RSVP here https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8385293/Opera-at-the-Beach-RSVP-2025

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.