BEST BETS Thursday 9/20

7:30pm

Pop Music

Sade was as coolly, sensually elegant as ever last in her sold-out show in July at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. The “Smooth Operator” also seemed more approachably human. Those who missed out get another chance with her return to Orange County for tonight’s appearance at the Arrowhead Pond.* Sade, Arrowhead Pond, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim. 7:30 p.m. $35.25 to $85.25. (714) 704-2500.

*

7:30pm

Theater

In 1982, an unemployed New York City actor named Gerard Alessandrini decided to start giving his disregards to Broadway. “Forbidden Broadway,” the revue of musical parodies he conceived, has become a theatrical institution in its own right--a never-ending, ever-evolving franchise seen continuously in New York and in touring versions. The send-ups of familiar songs, shows and foibles of the Great White Way are updated regularly and carried out by versatile casts of four singer-actors and a piano-playing musical director. It’s their mission to satirize and, through imitation, backhandedly honor, enduring icons and recent stars of Broadway.* “Forbidden Broadway,” Founders Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., Saturday late shows, 9:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ends Sept 30. $46 to $49. (714) 556-2787.