SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 16-22: Anoushka Shankar, William Blake, Rachel Bloom and more
SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 16-22: Anoushka Shankar, William Blake, Rachel Bloom and more
Theater, classical, dance, jazz, pop, poetry, comedy, movies, museums, kid's stuff and more for L.A. and O.C.
A sitar virtuoso pulls some strings, a visionary British artist is hailed, a silent-era legend climbs the walls and two kid-friendly arts festivals take over streets in Pasadena and DTLA. Welcome to a new installment of the TV or Not TV? local arts newsletter. Stay with me now…
THEATER
Opening this week…
‘Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations’ The hit Broadway musical about the legendary Motown group returns to SoCal. Segerstrom Center’s Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m., October 17 through 29. $29-$119. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘The BFF: Binge Fringe Festival of Free Theatre’ Comedies, dramas, solo shows, standup, etc. plus workshops, family friendly offerings and more. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Various times, Oct. 17 through Nov. 19. Free; reservations required. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘40 Years of Celebration’ The groundbreaking local LGBTQIA+ theatre company marks a milestone with a gala of that includes memorable moments from such favorite productions as “Naked Boys Singing” and “Cabaret.” Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. $15-$100. celebrationtheatre.org
‘Befok (or the Desperate Attempt to Impress Iñárritu)’ A 30-something aspiring actress from South Africa dreams of working with the famed Mexican filmmaker in this solo show from writer-performer Asta Leigh. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 19-Nov. 5. $30. (310) 477-2055. OdysseyTheatre.com
‘LatinXoxo’ Venezuelan-born queer theater artist Migguel Anggelo takes the stage in this autobiographical musical drama. Musco Center, 415 N. Glassell, Orange. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. $25 and up. muscocenter.org
‘Mother of the Year: The Kris Jenner Musical’ The matriarch of reality TV’s Kardashian clan comes in for a spoofing in this new bio-musical from writer-performer Ryan Raftery. Bourbon Room, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 19-20. $55, $75. bourbonroomhollywood.com
‘Slow Thunder’ A New Orleans woman, her sometime beau and two other friends converge in New Orleans in this dark drama from Suse Sternkopf. The Emerson, Theatre 68 Arts Complex, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 19 through Nov. 12. $32, $39. tickettailor.com
‘West Hollywood's Spirit Royale’ Drag queens, go-go dancers and others strut their stuff in this campy competition. The Abbey, 692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. $25, $100. eventbrite.com
‘Deathtrap’ A famous playwright in desperate need of a hit considers stealing the work of a former student in Ira Levin’s classic comedy thriller. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 5. $49-$55. (562) 436-4610. InternationalCityTheatre.org
‘Monster’ A woman does battle with her demons in this new fable from April Littlejohn. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 12. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
‘Sally Spectre: the Musical’ The ghost of a murdered 5-year-old haunts a Victorian mansion in New Orleans in this dark, tune-filled tale from David P. Johnson. Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. West, L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 through Oct. 29. $40, $50.(323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org
‘Outrage’ An acting teacher finds himself on the wrong side of cancel culture in this new drama from Allen Barton. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 South Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 20 though Nov. 12 $15, $35. (323) 657-5992. crimsonsquare.org
‘She’ A Black teen makes her way at a prestigious boarding school in this inspirational new coming-of-age drama from Marlo Wyatt. Antaeus Theatre Company, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 20 through Nov. 20; also 8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Saturdays; no performance Oct. 23. $40. (818) 506-1983. antaeus.org
‘Love, Sex, and Misery’ The ins and outs of human relationships are explored in a short plays by Jeff Gould and Jake Gould; contains mature themes. 905 Cole Theatre, 905 N. Cole Ave., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 21 through Dec. 10; dark Thanksgiving weekend. $40. onstage411.com
‘For the Culture, Honey: An Evening of Queer Comedy & Drag’ Comics and drag artists share the stage in this benefit show. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Suggested donation, $20; VIP, $30. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
‘Methusalem or The Eternal Bourgeois’ The Actors’ Gang revisits their 1985 staging of Ivan Goll’s 1920s-era German Expressionist fable. The Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 9 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21 through Dec. 16. $25, $34.99; pay what you can, Thursdays beginning Oct. 26. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com
‘The Sound of Music’ A young woman in pre-WWII Austria becomes governess to a widower’s large brood in Musical Theatre West’s staging of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. Dirndls and lederhosen encouraged! Carpenter Center, 6200 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Oct. 20-21 and 27 and Nov. 3; 1 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 22 and Nov. 5; through Nov. 5. $20 and up; student rush, $15. musical.org
‘The Angel Next Door’ Assorted characters come together at a Newport mansion in 1948 in this new rom-com from Paul Slade Smith. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive, Laguna Beach. Opening night, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays; also 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; no 5:30 p.m. performance Sunday, Nov. 5. $45-$84. (949) 497-2787. lagunaplayhouse.com
Continuing…
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ A neurodivergent British lad finds himself at the center of a mystery in this technologically-enhanced tale. Chance Theater, 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 22, 2023. $29-$49. chancetheater.com
‘Measure STILL For Measure’ Shakespeare's tale of mores and morality in Old Vienna becomes the play-within-the-play in this new immersive backstage drama. Boston Court, 70 N Mentor Ave., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 22. $25-$47. (626) 683-6801. bostoncourtpasadena.org
‘Queen of the Rumba’ An elderly Cuban woman looks back on her life in this new drama from Josefina López; Corky Dominguez directs. Casa 0101 Theater, 2102 E. 1st St., Boyle Heights. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 22. $20-$25. (323) 263-7684. casa0101.org
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ The course of true love does not run smooth in this rollicking new staging of Shakespeare’s sylvan fantasy. A Noise Within, 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 12. $29 and up; students, $18 and up. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
MUSIC
‘Camerata Pacifica Baroque: From Bach to Bolivia’ Works by Bach plus pieces from our South American neighbor. The Huntington’s Rothenberg Hall, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 17. $75. Also at the Colburn School, Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, $75; Hahn Hall, Music Academy, 1070 Fairway Rd., Santa Barbara. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, $75; and Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, $80. cameratapacifica.org
Vadym Kholodenko in Recital The Ukrainian pianist performs works by Beethoven, Handel, Haydn and Thomas Adès as part of the intimate Onstage Sessions series. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. $109. thesoraya.org
‘Gospel and The King’ Elvis Presley’s deep connections to gospel music are explored in a new installment of Muse/Ique’s “Music = Power” series. irst Congregational Church, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 and Saturday, Oct. 21. Included with membership, $100 and up. muse-ique.com
‘Sibelius' Violin Concerto’ Violinist Esther Yoo performs with Pacific Symphony, under the baton of Christian Kluxen. The program also includes Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 and Lili Boulanger’s “D’un soir triste.” Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 19–21; pre-concert talk with Alan Chapman at 7 p.m. $25-$225. pacificsymphony.org
Nano Stern The Chilean singer-instrumentalist kicks off a two-night engagement with a screening of his new film “We’ll Be Singing by September,” followed the next night by a performance that includes a salute to legendary Chilean folk singer, artist and activist Víctor Jara. Presented by the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 19-20. $32. cap.ucla.edu
‘Halloween Tales of Gore & Folklore’ Pacific Opera Project’s new Artist Recital Series continues with a spooky program featuring mezzo-soprano Danielle Marcelle Bond accompanied by pianist Milena Gligic. POP HQ, 125 S. Avenue 57, Highland Park. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. $35, $40. pacificoperaproject.com
Marisa Monte The Brazilian singer-composer performs a selection of her pop and samba hits. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. $56 and up. laphil.com
‘Sibelius and Swan Lake’ Violinist Hilary Hahn joins the LA Phil under guest conductor Alpesh Chauhan for Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. The program also includes selections from Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20; 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $79-$274. laphil.com
Anoushka Shankar The sitar player performs her signature mix of traditional and contemporary musical styles. Musco Center, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. $35 and up. muscocenter.org
Also at the Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $42 and up. thesoraya.org
‘The Barber of Seville’ That rapscallion Figaro is up to his old tricks in LA Opera’s presentation of Rossini's classic rom-com. With baritone Joshua Hopkins. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29; 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 4; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $24 and up. laopera.org
‘Byrd and Weelkes and Quadricentennial’ Jouyssance salutes the two Renaissance-era composers. St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 3590 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Also at Church of the Angels, 1100 Avenue 64, Pasadena. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 $10-$25. jouyssance.org
‘Dimensions: Hadelich + Mendelssohn’ Violinist Augustin Hadelich joins Jaime Martín and Los Angeles for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto. The program also includes the West Coast premiere of Day Wei’s “Invisible Portals” and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter.” Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Also at Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $32-$142. laco.org
‘Let Music In’ The Third@First concert series opens its 10th season with a program that includes this new work from organist and composer Aaron Shows. First United Methodist Church, 500. E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Free. (626) 796-0157. thirdatfirst.org
Opening Night with Andreas Boyde The pianist joins maestro Eckart Preu and Long Beach Symphony for Dvořák’s Piano Concerto. The program also includes Brahms’ Hungarian Dances and Smetana’s “Ma Vlast/My Homeland.” Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. $32 and up.(562) 436-3203. LongBeachSymphony.org
‘Root Progressions’ Pianist Gloria Cheng and special guests meld classical new music and experimental jazz in this program co-presented by Piano Spheres and Angel City Jazz Festival. Colburn School, Zipper Concert Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. $15, $25. pianospheres.org
Ruthie Foster The Grammy nominee and her band perform her signature mix of blues, jazz, gospel, folk and soul. Presented by CAP UCLA. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. $32. cap.ucla.edu
‘Tchaikovsky 4’ Pasadena Symphony opens its season with a program that includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, Mason Bates’s “Garages of the Valley,” and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto featuring violinist Diana Adamyan. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. $42-$137. (626) 793-7172. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
Gabriel Kahane & Attacca Quartet The composer and singer, backed by the acclaimed ensemble, performs selections for his 2022 album “Magnificent Bird.” The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $32. cap.ucla.edu
Restoration Concerts Cellist Cecilia Tsan and pianist Steven Vanhauwaert play pieces by Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Nan Schwartz and John Williams. South Pasadena Public Library, Community Room, 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $25 at the door. friendsofsopaslibrary.org
‘Transatlantic’ Jacaranda continues its final season with a program that includes works by Schubert, Schoenberg and others. With Lyris Quartet, pianist Gloria Cheng, et al. First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. $20, $45. jacarandamusic.org
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Jacaranda’s performance in Santa Monica on Sunday, Oct. 22. has been canceled due to Covid-related circumstances]
DANCE
Nacera Belaza’s ‘L’Onde (The Wave)’ The dance artist makes her L.A. debut with an exploration of Algerian ritualistic dances. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 19-21. $15-$30. redcat.org
‘The Golden Apple’ The Regina Klenjoski Dance Company returns with this interdisciplinary work inspired by an old Macedonian folk tale. James Armstrong Theater, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. $35-$45. torrancearts.org
Luminario Ballet’s ‘Zarathustra!’ The L.A.-based company is joined by R&B singer Thelma Houston and others for their annual gala followed by a live performance. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 N. Vine St., Hollywood. Gala, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, $350 and up; performance only, 8 p.m., $35 and up. luminarioballet.org
MOVIES
‘We’ve Been Here Before: What the Punk Scene Can Teach Us About White Supremacy Today’ A screening of this new documentary is followed by a discussion with filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth and civil rights activist Eric K. Ward. Holocaust Museum LA,100 The Grove Drive, L.A. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. Free. RSVP at holocaustmuseumla.org
‘Proof: Proof of Concept Film Festival’ Presented by American Cinematheque, this showcase for short films returns with screenings, panel discussions, pitch meetings, workshops and more. Culver Theater, 9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City. Various times, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 20-22. $10, $15; passes, $125, $150; some free events. americancinematheque.com
‘Safety Last’ Silent film legend Harold Lloyd hangs around downtown L.A. — literally — in a free 100th-anniversary outdoor screening of this stunt-filled 1923 romp featuring live music by Cliff Retallick and co-presented by Retroformat Silent Films and the Alex Film Society. Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale. 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Free. retroformat.org
‘The Birds’ Turns out our fine feathered friends are not so friendly after all in 60th anniversary screenings of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1963 terror tale starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor. Various area theaters (see website for details). 1 and 7 p.m. Oct. 22; 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23. $18, $20. fathomevents.com
MUSEUMS & ART
Opening this week…
‘William Blake: Visionary’ More than 100 works by the Romantic era poet, painter and printmaker are featured in this international loan exhibition on view Oct. 17 through Jan. 14. The Getty Center, N. Sepulveda Blvd. & Getty Center Drive, L.A. Closed Mondays. Free; advance reservations required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu
‘Reina de Los Angeles’ The Virgin of Guadalupe and local Mexican culture are celebrated in photographs on display Oct 19. through Feb. 11. Also on view: “Shaping Gravity,” featuring non-figurative works by seven contemporary artists (Oct. 19 through March 10). Forest Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale. Open Tuesdays-Sundays. Free. forestlawn.com
‘Reclaimed: A Family Painting’ A decades-long effort to return a painting looted by the Nazis to its rightful owners is charted in this exhibition on view Oct. 19 through March 3. Also on view: “This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement” (Oct. 21 through Feb. 25); and Yinka Shonibare’s immersive installation “The American Library” (Oct. 21 through Sept. 1). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. Closed Monday. $7-$12; 2 and under, free; free on Thursdays. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org
‘Teddy Sandoval and the Butch Gardens School of Art’ The groundbreaking queer Chicano avant-garde artist, who died in 1995, is remembered with this exhibition on view Oct. 21 through Feb. 3. Also on view: the immersive installation “Yoshie Sakai: Grandma Entertainment Franchise” (Oct. 21 through Feb. 3). Vincent Price Art Museum (VPAM), East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park. Open Wednesdays-Saturdays. Free. (323) 265-8841. vincentpriceartmuseum.org
Beverly Hills Art Show More than 230 artists from the U.S. and around the world will participate in this two-day affair that includes live demos, kid-friendly arts & crafts, live music, food and drink and more. Beverly Gardens Park, 1300 Park Way, Beverly Hills. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 21-22. beverlyhills.org
Continuing…
‘Benevolent Beings: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from South and Southeast Asia’ Representations of protective deities in the Buddhist religion are explored in this exhibition on view Oct. 13 through Feb. 19. Norton Simon Museum, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Closed Tuesdays-Wednesdays. $15, $20; member, students, active-duty military and ages 18 and younger are free. (626) 449-6840. nortonsimon.org
‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ More than three dozen local artists, collectives and organizations are spotlighted in this biennial exhibition, on view through Dec. 31. UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Closed Mondays. Free. (310) 443-7000. hammer.ucla.edu
BOOKS & LIT
‘Building Bridges: A Conversation About Book Banning’ PEN America’s Allison Lee moderates a panel featuring contemporary authors whose books have been banned. Holocaust Museum LA, 100 The Grove Drive, L.A. 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. Free; RSVP at holocaustmuseumla.org
KIDS & FAMILIES
‘Grand Ave Arts: All Access’ The Broad, Center Theatre Group, the LA Phil, LA Opera, MoCA, REDCAT and the Central Library are among the institutions taking part in the return of this free and family-friendly festival featuring live performances, arts & crafts workshops and behind-the-scenes tours. Grand Avenue between Temple St. and 6th St., downtown L.A. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Free. grandavearts.org
‘Playhouse Family Play Day’ Pasadena Playhouse’s first-ever kid-friendly street festival includes live performances, hands-on arts & crafts, face-painting, ballroom animals, food trucks and … ooh, an appearance by the lovely and talented Rachel Bloom from “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Free. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Wing on Wing’ The LA Phil’s Symphonies for Youth series of interactive concerts presents conductor laureate Esa-Pekka Salonen’s salute to superstar architect Frank Gehry. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111. S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 11 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 21 & 28. $24, $28. laphil.com