The arrival of spring means fresh displays of flowers, drama, art, music and learning at San Clemente’s Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.
The grounds around the Spanish-style mansion that was once the home of San Clemente founder Ole Hanson are alive with colorful blooms. Many of them didn’t wait for the official arrival of spring March 20.
Some Casa visitors just want to stroll the grounds, admire the flowers and breathe in ocean panoramas. Others explore the casa’s indoor exhibits or take a docent-led tour to learn the story of San Clemente. Admission is $5.
There’s more, too:
Art: The current exhibit, the E. Gene Crain Collection, provides artistic perspectives of California from 1944 through 1985. It is on display through April 19 and will be followed by “Artists of Tomorrow,” May 1-31, showcasing San Clemente High School artists. The exhibit is included with casa admission. The student exhibit’s opening reception at 6 p.m May 1 is free.
Drama: Actors from the Monkey Wrench Collective promise to creatively reinvent a stage classic when they present “Slings and Arrows: Shakespeare’s Hamlet Reimagined” at 7 p.m. April 10-11 and 17-18. The cast guides visitors through the casa while performing the play. Admission is $25. Moderate walking is required.
Prodigy: At 3 p.m. April 19, the casa presents Jacobo Fabuel, a 15-year-old violin artist from Spain, performing classics and the works of Spanish composers. Admission is $25.
Insights: At 7 p.m. April 23, the casa invites museum professional Phyllis Lutjeans to discuss what it means to be an art collector. And at 7 p.m. May 14, pop culture historian Chris Epting discusses “The Hidden History of Orange County.” Admission is $12 to each event.
Music: At 7 p.m. May 28, the L.A. Grand Ensemble, featuring musicians from Los Angeles’ finest music institutions including the L.A. Philharmonic, the L.A. Opera and the Colburn School, will perform. Admission is $25.
Wellness: At 7 p.m. May 20, Dr. Craig Stark, director of the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory with UC Irvine, describes how the memory changes as people age, under the title “Where Did I Put my Keys?” Admission is $12.
Yoga: This year-round casa program offers yoga at 9 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Admission is $5.
Contact: For details or reservations call 949-498-2139 or go to casaromantica.org.
Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127
