SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 2-8: 'Hadestown,' American Contemporary Ballet and more
SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 2-8: 'Hadestown,' American Contemporary Ballet and more
Theater, classical, dance, jazz, pop, poetry, comedy, movies, museums and more for L.A. and O.C.
The smash Broadway musical “Hadestown” descends upon DTLA, the LA Phil throws Gehry gala and American Contemporary Ballet has the “rite” stuff.
THEATER
‘Hadestown’ Go to hell and back — again! — as the national touring company of Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony-winning, New Orleans-style musical fable based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice returns for a very limited engagement. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 15. $40 and up. centertheatregroup.org
‘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 stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s 2003 novel; with advisories for strong language and violence. 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; Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. $29-$49. chancetheater.com
‘Edgar Arceneaux: Boney Manilli’ The sad saga of disgraced pop music duo Milli Vanilli serves as inspiration for this darkly comic, pop culture-informed fable from interdisciplinary artist Edgar Arceneaux; co-presented by the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 5-7. $15-$30. cap.ucla.edu
‘Quixote Nuevo’ Acclaimed playwright Octavio Solis puts a contemporary spin on the 17th-century tale of Cervantes’ knight errant “Don Quixote” in this Southern California premiere. Herbert Siguenza of Culture Clash stars. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 6 through Oct. 28. $29 to $105. scr.org
‘Urban Death Tour of Terror’ Prepare to have the bejeebers scared out of you with the return of this haunted theater attraction; for ages 17 and older only, with advisories for graphic content and full nudity. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood. Various entry times, 7 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, Oct 6-28. $22, $27. zombiejoes.com
‘Aladdin, the Princess and the Magic Lamp’ Storybook Theatre presents a kid-friendly take on the classic adventure from the Middle Eastern folktale collection “One Thousand and One Nights.” Theatre West, 3333 Cahuenga Blvd. W., L.A. 1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 7 through Jan. 13; no shows Dec. 23 and 30. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org
‘Cindy & The Disco Ball: The Musical’ A 1970s teen rallies her classmates to help save her high school’s arts program in this throwback musical comedy. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Oct. 7 through 29. $40-$76. (818) 955-8101. garrymarshalltheatre.org
‘The Lifespan of a Fact’ A young fact-checker butts heads with a famous writer over a magazine essay in this sharp comedy based on John D’Agata and Jim Fingal’s 2012 book. Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura. 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 7 through 21. $30-$79.50; discounts available. rubicontheatre.org
‘On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan’ This hit bio-musical charts the rise of the chart-topping Latin pop power couple. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 7:30 pm Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m., Oct. 7 through 29; no 6:30 p.m. performance Oct. 8. $19-$85. lamiradatheatre.com
‘The Thanksgiving Play’ A group of white theater artists attempt to craft a culturally-sensitive Thanksgiving program for schoolchildren in Larissa FastHorse’s biting 2015 satire. The New Vic, 33 W. Victoria St., Santa Barbara. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, other dated and times, Oct. 7 through 22. $25-$86. (805) 965-5400. etcsb.org
‘Rise’ A Black woman born and raised in Boyle Heights shares her story in this new drama written by Kimba Henderson. Company of Angels Theater, 1350 San Pablo St., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 7 through Nov. 5. $15, $25. companyofangels.org
‘Superstars of Magic’ Put some abra in your cadabra with this family-friendly stage spectacular featuring five top-flight illusionists direct from Las Vegas. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. $45. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
Bob Baker Marionettes The beloved L.A. institution’s colorful puppets ease on down the 5 for an intimate family-friendly show. Soka Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theatre, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $5, $20. soka.edu
‘Love Among the Ruins’ JoBeth Williams and Peter Strauss play the leads in this rom-com adapted from a 1970s-era TV movie that starred Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8; also 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 5. $29-$125. (818) 508-4200. elportaltheatre.com
MUSIC
‘Don Giovanni’ The legendary Lothario also known as Don Juan finally gets his comeuppance in Los Angeles Opera’s staging of Mozart’s powerful musical drama. James Conlon conducts and baritone Lucas Meachem sings the lead role. Performed in Italian with English subtitles. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Thursday, Oct. 4, 7 and 12; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. $24 and up. laopera.org
‘LA Phil Gala: Celebrating Frank Gehry’ Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic open their season with a salute to the superstar architect who designed their fancy digs. Featured performers include jazz legend Herbie Hancock and singer-songwriter H.E.R. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. $99-$349. laphil.com
The Calder Quartet and Timo Andres The acclaimed string quartet and the composer-pianist join forces for a program that includes new work from Andres plus pieces by Schubert, Ann Southam and Julius Eastman. Segerstrom Center, Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6. $39 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
‘Stravinsky and Shostakovich with Dudamel’ Rising young cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason joins Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil for Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1. The program also includes Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” Suite plus the Villa-Lobos tone poem “Uirapuru.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 6-7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $89-$329. laphil.com
Los Angeles Folk Festival Local folk music duo the Milk Carton Kids curate this two-night showcase featuring performances by singer-songwriters Davíd Garza, Tré Burt and Valerie June plus comedian Mae Martin. The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E., Hollywood. 6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 7-8. $90-$122. theford.com
‘Voices of Light/The Passion of Joan of Arc’ Pacific Chorale launches its 56th season with Richard Einhorn’s haunting 1994 oratorio performed live-to-picture for a screening of Carl Dreyer’s rapturous 1928 silent drama about the Maid of Orleans. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. $28-$147. pacificchorale.org
Americana Harvest Festival and ‘The Woody Guthrie Story’ at Theatricum Botanicum ’Tis the season for an autumnal celebration featuring live performances, food and drink, an arts and crafts marketplace and more (11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8), followed by separately ticketed performance of the company’s affectionate salute to legendary folksinger Guthrie (5:30 p.m.). Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Festival: $10, $20, free for children 4 and younger; “Woody Guthrie,” $100. theatricum.com
Le Salon de Musiques at La Jolla Woman’s Club The chamber-music series launches a new season of intimate performances and illuminating conversations with a program featuring with Schubert’s “Death & the Maiden” for string quartet plus pieces by Beethoven and Purcell. La Jolla Woman’s Club, 7791 Draper Ave., La Jolla. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct 8. $45-$95. lesalondemusiques.com
EnviroArts Fair and ‘Peace Project VII: The Worth of Water’ The importance of water to human survival is underscored in a free and family-friendly festival (noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8) followed by a ticketed performance by the Long Beach Camerata Singers (4:30 p.m., $40-$75). Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach. longbeachcameratasingers.org
‘When You Wish Upon a Star: A Jazz Tribute to 100 Years of Disney’ The National Jazz Museum Band lead by pianist Sean Mason is joined by vocalists Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson for a swingin’ celebration of classic tunes from a wide selection of Disney movies. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $45. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
DANCE
American Contemporary Ballet’s ‘The Rite & Burlesque’ The local company that melds intimacy and spectacle presents a new work from artistic director Lincoln Jones inspired by Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” The program also includes the company favorites “Burlesque” and “Variation VII'”; performance contains brief nudity. Two California Plaza, 350 S. Grand Ave., 28th Floor, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, Oct. 6 through Oct. 28. $65-$140. acbdances.com
Bodytraffic The L.A.-based contemporary dance company returns with a program of works by Fernando Hernando, Trey McIntyre, Joan Rodriguez and Micaela Taylor. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 6-7. $49. thewallis.org
Cabaret Macabre Halloween Dancers strut their scantily-clad stuff in a spooky edition of this dark and twisted burlesque show directed and choreographed Brittany DeWeese; for ages 17 and older only. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, 4850 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Oct. 31. $22, $27. zombiejoes.com
‘Savion Glover: SoUNDz’ SaCRoSaNcT’ The Tony-winning tap-dance legend hoofs it in this semi-autobiographical stage show. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. $39-$109. thesoraya.org
‘These Are the Ones We Fell Among’ The Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA presents Shinichi Iova-Koga and Dana Iova-Koga of the experimental dance-theater company inkBoat in this fantastical, environmentally-informed fable created by interdisciplinary artist Ann Carlson. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7; 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $32. cap.ucla.edu
MOVIES
Clara Bow in ‘Hula’ Retroformat Silent Films presents the original “It Girl” in this Pre-Code 1927 romp presented in 16mm with live musical accompaniment by Cliff Retallick. Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $15. retroformat.org
‘Farewell My Concubine’ Leslie Cheung and Gong Li star in a new 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Chen Kaige's ravishing, decades-spanning 1993 romantic period drama set in China. Town Center 5, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino; Monica Film Center, 1332 2nd St., Santa Monica. Various showtimes, Oct. 6-12. $7-$16. laemmle.com
Hola Mexico Film Festival The annual two-week, multi-venue celebration of cinema from our neighbors to the south continues with screenings, panels, workshops and more. Regal LA Live, 1000 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.; also at The Montalbán Theater, 1615 Vine St, Hollywood; and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown L.A. Various times and prices through Oct. 7. holamexicoff.com
‘The Lion King’ Disney’s 100th anniversary celebration continues with a one-night-only screening of the animated 1994 for musical featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick and James Earl Jones. El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 7 p.m. Oct 5. $25. elcapitantheatre.com
UCLA Film & Television Archive presents ‘Soundies’ Ever wonder what MTV might have looked like way back in the day? Check out the Archive’s one-night-only program of vintage musical shorts from the 1940s featuring Duke Ellington, Count Basie, the Les Paul Trio, et al. The Hammer Museum’s Billy Wilder Theater, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Free; no reservations required; first-come, first served. cinema.ucla.edu
2nd Annual Venice Heritage Museum Film Festival This family-friendly cinematic celebration of all things Venice — the L.A. one, not the Italy one — returns for a second year. Main Street Design Center, 228 Main St., Venice. 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Oct. 7. $20; ages 17 and younger, free. veniceheritagemuseum.org
‘Voices of Light/The Passion of Joan of Arc’ Pacific Chorale launches its 56th season with Richard Einhorn’s haunting 1994 oratorio performed live-to-picture for a screening of Carl Dreyer’s rapturous 1928 silent drama about the Maid of Orleans. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. $28-$147. pacificchorale.org
MUSEUMS & ART
‘Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living’ More than three dozen local artists, collectives and organizations are spotlighted in the sixth iteration of the Hammer’s biennial exhibition, on view through Dec. 31. UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. Closed Mondays. Free. (310) 443-7000. hammer.ucla.edu
‘ONE Magazine at Seventy’ The storied publication that has been at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights for seven decades celebrates itself with an exhibition of print materials, art and ephemera. Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries, 1125 N. McCadden Pl., L.A. Noon to 5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, now through Nov. 5. Free. one.usc.edu
Art Mixer at Li Mei-Franco Gallery Shoot the breeze with local artists, art aficionados, et al. in this inaugural soiree that includes singer-songwriter Tyrone Rotunno performing improvisations plus selections from his 2023 album “Shapeshifter.” Li Mei-Franco Gallery, 1057 E. Green St., Pasadena. 6 p.m. Oct. 6. Free. RSVP at limeifrancogallery.com
‘Narcisa Hirsch: In Relation’ This new exhibition features eight recently digitized works by the pioneering Argentinian experimental filmmaker. USC Fisher Museum of Art, 823 W. Exposition Blvd., L.A. On view Oct. 6 through Dec. 9. Closed Sundays-Mondays. Free. (213) 740-4561. fisher.usc.edu
‘Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit’ This new immersive exhibit charts the rise of the musical genre/cultural movement through letters, photographs, film clips, stage costumes, artifacts and ephemera. The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A. Oct. 7 through Sept. 4, 2024. Closed Tuesdays. $12-$18; ages 4 and younger, free. (213) 765-6800. grammymuseum.org
COMEDY, POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
2023 Poetry Series Presented by the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, weekend-long celebration of the written/spoken word includes live readings, workshops, open mics and more. Featured poets include Richard Modiano, Iris De Anda, Christina Cha and Margaret Elysia Garcia. The Helen Borgers Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Blvd., Long Beach. 6 and 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct 6; 2, 3 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7; and 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. $13. lbshakespeare.org