“Love Actually Live” will return as part of the fall lineup for The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. (photo courtesy The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts plans to resume live indoor performances in October after more than 18 months without an indoor performance.

The announcement comes after the center resumed in-person, socially distanced outdoor performances on The Wallis’ Promenade Terrace.

The first half of its 2021-22 season encompasses works featuring Southern California-based artists and companies. The season begins Oct. 2, and for the sixth year will be under the leadership of Artistic Director Paul Crewes and Executive Director and CEO Rachel Fine.

All indoor performances are planned to take place in The Wallis’ 500-seat Bram Goldsmith Theater, which has undergone extensive interior maintenance and technical upgrades over the past year while the theater was shuttered.

“We are thrilled with the plans to welcome audiences safely back inside The Wallis this fall, with a mix of diverse work in the Bram Goldsmith Theater,” Crewes said. “In designing the season, we wanted to honor our commitments to artists who were slated to work with us during the past 15 months, as well as bring new artists and companies to our stage.”

Programming includes the 40th anniversary celebration of “Dreamgirls” with Jennifer Holiday, standup comedy by Sandra Bernhard and the return of the concert celebration “Love Actually Live.”

Three L.A.-based dance companies led by female choreographers will be presented over a four-week period, beginning with BODYTRAFFIC. The troupe is returning to conclude last season’s residency, which was interrupted by COVID-19.

Continuing its commitment to presenting new work, L.A.’s innovative 24th Street Theatre in association with The Wallis will premiere a radio play version of “Rapunzel Alone” as a prelude to its world premiere live performance at the venue in spring 2022.

In addition, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers with pianist Fabio Bidini, and pianist Ory Shihor will share their virtuosic artistry in separate programs.

The Wallis also will continue its free monthly outdoor Sunday Funday family events with a variety of engaging programming that includes Debbie Allen & Friends’ Dance Sundays, Story Pirates, Parker Bent and Kiddle Karoo.

“There’s a real need for quality live performances geared for young people since in-person music, theater and dance programs have been on hiatus for such a long time,” Crewes said. “These events are designed to spark children’s imagination and fuel their creativity. Since no reservations or tickets are required for Sunday Funday events, families can even decide to attend at the last minute.”

A complete calendar can be viewed at thewallis.org. Programming for the second half of the season will be announced at a later date.

To purchase tickets and for more information, call (310)746-4000 or email Tickets@Wallis.org.

The Wallis is closely monitoring local health and safety guidelines carefully.  Should plans change and any performance be required to be postponed or canceled, ticket holders will be notified immediately with options for their purchased tickets.

All audience members attending indoor performances will be required upon entry to sho5w proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of attending their performance date.

In addition, all patrons, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to properly wear a face mask upon entering The Wallis’ indoor spaces.