Watch CBS News

Best Date Night Shows For Valentine's Day In Los Angeles

imagine dragons
(credit: Mark Venema/Getty Images)

Getting to go out all dressed up on February 14 is part of the fun of Valentine's Day. So is the chance to have cupid hit your heart by enjoying a relaxing time listening to some good music, watching some excellent theater or even taking in a romantic dance performance. Along with choosing your alluring outfit during the planning stages for the big event, consider the following five fine shows to book that will instantly put you in the right mood for a Valentine's Day to remember.

Mark Taper Forum Theater
(Credit: Center Theatre Group)

Mark Taper Forum
601 W. Temple St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centretheatregroup.org

Christopher Durang's Broadway blockbuster "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" takes over the Taper just in time for this particular holiday. The multi-award-winning play, which Durang describes as "... not a Chekhov parody...I take Chekhov scenes and characters and put them into a blender," is more than likely going to be a hot ticket for Los Angeles theater goers. Be sure to make reservations as early as possible and then get ready for some fine comedic work on the boards that is sure to make February 14 memorable and then some.

valley performing arts center
(credit: Melissa W./Yelp)

Valley Performing Arts Center
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-8800
www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

Talk about romantic! In Northridge's most prominent house, The Moscow Festival Ballet takes on two performances, "Chopiniana" and "Romeo and Juliet," in an effort that is sure to have you swoon. You'll get a chance to see the work of two great storytellers at once in the form of Chopin and Shakespeare, both of whom don't tend to hide their emotions, often wearing their collective hearts on their sleeves. To get to the glass edifice where you'll enjoy this repast, you'll need to walk through a thick grove of fragrant orange trees, the perfect place to capture a quick smooch or even a long one.

wikipedia-Pasadena Playhouse
(credit: Canon in 2D/Wikipedia)

Pasadena Playhouse
39 S. El Molino Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 792-8672
www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

Playing out on The Playhouse Mainstage, "Above The Fold" by Bernard Weinraub and starring movie star Taraji Henson leads the audience on a journey with a New York journalist who makes her way to the deep South. There, she is privy to experiencing a long, hard look at how ambition and truth end up co-mingling for this African-American writer. This play takes on heavy-hitting topics that will need to be discussed, but that will also mesmerize on a night when that's the intension. To kick romantic things up a notch, be sure to make time to dally in the Playhouse's romantic courtyard at intermission for a chance to catch up and cuddle.

Related: Best Music Clubs in LA

Great Western Forum
(credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
(212) 465-6741
www.fabulousforum.com

Up and coming rock act Imagine Dragons plays the Forum in Inglewood on Valentine's Day for a night that is sure to impress you and your loved one. And, although alternative rock may not be a mellow choice for this particular holiday, for those who thrive on that musical genre, this is the act to impress with. Grab a couple of tickets and get ready to rock out in your seats to the sounds from Dan Reynolds, Ben McKee, Wayne Sermon and Daniel Platzman, the four of whom make up one hot band that will earn you bragging rights just for joining in on their musical madness.

Pantages Theater
(credit: broadwayla.org/index.asp)

The Pantages
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-1770
www.hollywoodpantages.com

The Tony Award-winning "Book of Mormon" has extended its stay in Los Angeles at the memorable Art Deco palace known as The Pantages just in time for Valentine's. Not only will hilarity ensue as you watch this off-the-wall parody that takes you to Africa in a way you could never image, but you'll sit in the lap of luxury in a theater that has long been a landmark in Hollywood. Make sure to take time to buy a drink in the lobby before the curtain parts as this is one of the most spectacular aspects of this particular venue with highlights like a grand staircase and its opulent ceiling -- so be sure to look up!

Related: LA's Best Performing Arts Theaters

TEST Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.