April 24, 2008
Calendar Girls picks and clicks for April 26-May 2
Follow JewishJournal.com on 
(Page 2 - Previous Page)
TUE | APRIL 29(LECTURE)
What do Muslims around the world think about terrorism and Islamic extremism? Many assumptions have been made on the question, but now for the first time
there is a comprehensive study that can tell us the personal beliefs and thoughts of 1.3 billion Muslims worldwide. "Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think" is a book by Georgetown Islamic studies professor John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed, executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, who lead the six-year study, polling thousands of Muslims throughout the world on various subjects. The findings may just surprise you. For example, one bit of data reveals, contrary to popular belief, that Muslims and Americans both reject terrorist attacks on civilians, calling them "morally unjustifiable." Close the growing cultural divide and learn more about the true Muslim voice in a public forum with the authors and special guest Howard Gordon (photo), executive producer of "24," the hit Fox network show. Tue. 7:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. Mark Taper Auditorium at Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. (310) 657-5511. http://www.levantinecenter.org.(THEATER)
When a dying old high school teacher puts an ad in the newspaper for a housekeeper, he never expects that a former student of his will answer it. A chummy high school reunion this is not -- the once fear-inspiring educator flunked the woman years before. He also flunked her mother and father and deceased husband. Israel Horovitz's "Park Your Car in Harvard Yard" is a touching and humorous old favorite being revived by the talented cast of performers from International City Theatre. Tonight's performance is one of several previews. Tue. 8 p.m. Opens May 2; through May 25. $29 (previews), $32-$42 (regular performances). Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. (562) 436-4610. http://www.ictlongbeach.org.
WED | APRIL 30
(GO GREEN)
What better enticement to learn why and how you should eat sustainably than to taste environmentally friendly and delicious foods for yourself? At "Sustainable
Eating: Delicious and Good for the Earth," you can gather tips from your favorite cookbook authors and restaurant owners who will speak about why it is crucial to maintain a healthy diet and do your part in healing the earth at the same time. Speakers include Amelia Saltsman, author of "Santa Monica Farmers' Market Cookbook"; Evan Kleiman (photo), owner and chef of Angeli Caffe and host of "Good Food" on KCRW-FM; and Molly Gean from Harry's Berries, a family-owned farm in Oxnard. Cookbooks will be available for purchase. Wed. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Kehillat Israel, 16019 W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. R.S.V.P required, (310) 459-1614 or e-mail info@palisadescares.org.THU | MAY 1
(BOOK SIGNING)
Best-selling author Jennifer Weiner delighted readers with several sassy, fem-friendly novels (just don't call them "chick lit" -- she hates that term):
"Good in Bed," "In Her Shoes," "Goodnight Nobody" and "The Guy Not Taken." Her new novel, "Certain Girls," centers around a character that may be familiar to readers from "Good in Bed," Candace Shapiro, and her 13-year-old daughter as they plan the socially significant milestone we call the bat mitzvah. If you think your entry into womanhood was rough (or your daughter is suffering from early teen angst), consider what the young heroine of this story has to deal with: hearing aids, a formerly famous mom, a gay grandmother and two fathers! The book is hitting shelves this month, and Weiner will be signing copies and reading passages from it tonight. Thu. 7 p.m. Free. Barnes and Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica. (310) 260-9110. http://www.jenniferweiner.com. (THEATER)
Michael Childers' production of "One Night Only" will play, you guessed it, for one night only, so don't miss this performance. The variety show, chock full of celebrities such as Lainie Kazan, Bruce Vilanch, Lorenzo Lamas and Tim Curry (just to name a few), is a charity fundraiser for Jewish Family Service of the Desert. "JFS has been an invaluable resource to the desert for 25 years," said Childers. "This is an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for these critical services in our community." Thu. 6:30 p.m. $75-$135. McCallum Theatre, 7300 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert. (760) 340-2787. http://www.jfsdesert.org.
(THEATER)
Women's struggles leap across generational boundaries in James Sherman's play, "From Door to Door," directed by Howard Teichman. Three women, growing up in Chicago during three very different time periods, turbulently attempt to find themselves and their voices in an environment of uncertainty and unfulfilled hopes and dreams. One character, played by Cheryl David, mourns the loss of her husband of 50 years, while reflecting on her various roles in life and now searching for her true identity. With dashes of humor, tragedy and warmth, expect to laugh, cry and bond right alongside these strong female characters. Thu. 8 p.m. Through June 1. $20-$25. The Electric Lodge Theatre, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. (310) 823-0710.
(YOM HASHOAH)
Stories, parables and anecdotes are what remain of the thriving Jewish communities of Eastern Europe decimated by the Holocaust. Gathering these precious remnants and illustrating them with rare archival film footage and photographs, the documentary "Echoes That Remain" brings to life the pre-World War II shtetls of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Romania. The 1991 film was produced by Moriah Films and includes a series of images from the famed late photographer Roman Vishniac. Narrated by Martin Landau and Miriam Margolyes, it will be screened today to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. Thu. 2 p.m. Free. North Hollywood Regional Library, 5211 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood. (818) 766-7185.
