September 11, 2008
Arts in L.A. Quarterly Calendar: Cultural events through November 2008
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NOVEMBERWed., Nov. 5
"By the Waters of Babylon" at the Geffen Playhouse. Mexican actor Demian Bichir's handsome face is already familiar to many fans of Showtime's "Weeds," where he plays Mary Louise-Parker's fourth-season love interest. But now, the descendant of an accomplished theatrical family from Mexico and an acclaimed actor in his own right will be gracing the U.S. stage for the first time in Pulitzer Prize-winner Robert Schenkkan's new play. Bichir will play a Cuban immigrant who is hired to weed (strange coincidence) the garden of a widow, played by Shannon Cochran, an acclaimed stage actress who has performed at some of America's most prestigious theaters. The two-character contemporary love story is making its Los Angeles premiere at the venerable Geffen Playhouse. Tue.-Sun. Through Dec. 7. $40-$74. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood Village. (310) 208-5454. http://www.geffenplayhouse.com.
Thu., Nov. 6
Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet Tour." On her first tour past the age of 50, Madonna creates a four-act rock/pop homage to her illustrious career, distinguished by the themes "pimp," "old school," "gypsy" and "rave." Sure to be as full of surprises as costume changes, Madonna's travels from 20s deco gangsta pimp to a Romanian folk infused "La Isla Bonita" is full of glitz, provocation and controversy. Two hours with Madonna will last the whole year. 7 p.m. $55-$350. Dodger Stadium, 1000 Elysian Park Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 480-3232. http://www.madonna.com.
Fri., Nov. 7
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas." "Why do you wear pajamas all day?" asks a young German boy of a new friend he just made. The boy is, of course, not wearing pajamas, but rather a concentration camp uniform, but the naive 8-year-old who encounters him on the other side of a fence in the countryside outside of Berlin has been so sheltered from the events transpiring in his country that he knows nothing about the Jews, World War II or the activities of his Nazi officer father. Slowly, the boy begins to unravel the horrible reality of the "farm" on the other side of the fence as his bond with the little boy in the pajamas grows into a lifelong friendship. Based on the fictional best-selling novel by John Boyne, this film offers a unique perspective on how hatred and violence affects children in time of war. Opens in theaters Nov. 7. http://www.boyinthestripedpajamas.com.
Sat., Nov. 8
"The Who" in Concert. The Nokia Theatre is giving a new generation the chance to see one the greatest rock bands of the '60s and '70s: The Who. Two of the original members, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey, continue to tour the globe playing many of the band's classic songs and new material. Their 2006 album "Endless Wire" was a hit both here and in the United Kingdom. 8 p.m. Through Nov. 9. $67.50-$130. Nokia Theatre, 777 Chick Hearn Court, Los Angeles. (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. http://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com.
Sun., Nov. 9
Hearst the Collector. Instead of renting "Citizen Kane," head on over to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a real tete-a-tete with the infamous William Randolph Hearst. This impressive collection of about 170 works analyzes what Hearst collected and why. In addition to his influence in journalism and politics, Hearst became one of the most imaginative patrons of the arts, earning him the title of the greatest independent donor to LACMA. Peer into the mind of one of the most dominant and controversial figures of America, and Los Angeles, as LACMA contextualizes and reassesses Hearst in relation to his art. Museum open Thursday through Tuesday. $8-$12. Through Feb. 1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 857-6000. http://www.lacma.org.
Wed., Nov. 12
"The Real Thing." First performed in 1982, "The Real Thing," by acclaimed playwright Tom Stoppard, garnered a Tony Award for Best Play only two years after it first premiered. Audiences and critics were both struck by the ways in which Stoppard cleverly blurred the distinctions between real life and art. In it, protagonist Henry is a successful playwright, but when his own personal travails start to imitate his art, marriage and infidelity suddenly make for much more painful subjects. All performances will be recorded to air on L.A. Theatre Works radio theatre series "The Play's the Thing," which broadcasts weekly on both public and satellite radio stations. Through Nov. 16. $20-$48. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 827-0889. http://www.latw.org.
Thu., Nov. 13
John Updike at UCLA Live. If you were convinced you couldn't see living literary legends in an affordable, convenient way, this might be the one time you're happy to be wrong. John Updike, the great American novelist, poet and critic, will be making a special appearance at UCLA Live's Royce Hall as his latest novel hits -- and quickly sells out at -- the book stores. "The Widows of Eastwick" is a promising sequel to his 1984 "The Witches of Eastwick." Also by Updike is his famed "Rabbit" series, which has probed the American mind and conscience for more than four decades. 8 p.m. $15-$38. Royce Hall at UCLA Le Conte Ave. and Westwood Blvd. (310) 825-2101. http://www.uclalive.org.
Fri., Nov. 14
"Arthur Tricks the Tooth Fairy" at the Cerritos Center. Arthur the delightful aardvark may not be big and purple, but he's built up quite a large fan base among the toddler to kindergarten set. Based on Marc Brown's popular children's books and the Emmy Award-winning PBS series, the interactive show will feature catchy tunes, such as "Good and Ready" and "The Loose Tooth Wiggle," special effects, a pop-up storybook set and all of Arthur's regular playground entourage: his sassy sister D.W., his pals Buster and "The Brain," his archrival Francine and the wise and wacky Tooth Fairy. Educational as well as entertaining, Arthur's story lines emphasize teamwork, learning and the delights of being a child. 6 p.m. Also, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. $10-$30. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. (800) 300-4345. http://www.cerritoscenter.com.
Sat., Nov. 15
Savor the West: Wine, Whiskey, and Song. This saloon-style homage to 19th-century cowboy culture is the final piece in a three-part series that features 1800s "re-enactors" dressed in period costume; a live band playing reels, jigs and ballads; and a focus on Scotch and Irish whiskies to the tune of Celtic music. Don't worry about the drinks going straight to your head; this full-service festivity includes a catered dinner. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. $30-$40. Autry National Center of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles. (323) 667-2000, ext. 300. http://www.autrynationalcenter.org.
Sun., Nov. 16
"The Little Dog Laughed." Being young and gay in Hollywood has never been an easy task, but watching Douglas Carter Beane's Tony-nominated Best Play of 2007 -- "The Little Dog Laughed" -- is sure to provide anyone with some comic relief. Tony-winning actress Julie White plays Diane, an ambitious Hollywood agent who strives to keep her client in the closet so that he (and she) can become stars. Her new client, however, develops plans of his own, as a new love interest enters his life and makes the ruse increasingly difficult to keep up. Still, nothing will stop Diane from pursuing her dream of fame and fortune. The result is what Ben Brantley of the New York Times has referred to as a "trenchant satire about truth and illusion Hollywood-style." Through Dec. 21. $20-$65. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (213) 628-2772. http://www.kirkdouglastheatre.org.
Sun., Nov. 23
"Clara's Tea." This holiday performance for youngsters borrows its charms from "The Nutcracker." Mischievous mice, toy soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy -- you've heard it before. But this teaser of Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet comes replete with a Patina-catered lunch and activities for the kids: face painting, cookie decorating, magic and dance. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. $75. Descanso Gardens, Van de Camp Hall, 1418 Descanso Drive, Flintridge. (818) 972-9692. http://www.mediacityballet.org.
Mon., Nov. 24
Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The IPO does more than play some good music; it allows for a moving reflection of Israel as a united and harmonious (pun intended) nation. Founded by violinist Bronislaw Huberman in 1936, the orchestra proved to be a sort of haven for musicians who had lost their jobs due to Nazism. Garnering universal acclaim as both musicians and diplomats in their own right, IPO will celebrate its 71st anniversary this December. Help the celebration get an early start by stopping by for what is sure to be an exceptional performance. 8 p.m. Call for pricing and availability. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles. (323) 850-2000. http://www.laphil.com.
