SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 9-15: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' singer Lila Downs and more
SoCal arts & culture, Oct. 9-15: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,' singer Lila Downs and more
Theater, classical, dance, jazz, pop, poetry, comedy, movies, museums, kid's stuff and more for L.A. and O.C.
Bodhisattva, would you take me by the hand and show me …. a week’s worth of local arts and entertainment options including Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at A Noise Within, Mexican vocalist Lila Downs at Segerstrom and the Soraya, and a survey of sacred Buddhist artworks at the Norton Simon.
THEATER
Opening this week…
‘It Must Be Him: A Genderful Musical Memoir’ One Institute’s inaugural “Circa: Queer Histories Festival” includes a one-night-only presentation of this new solo show from veteran performer Michael Kearns. Los Angeles LGBT Center, Davidson/Valentini Theatre, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. $15. circafestival.org
‘The Engagement Party’ A couple’s intimate celebration at their posh Manhattan apartment takes an unexpected turn in the West Coast premiere of Samuel Baum’s drama. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 12 through Nov. 5. $30-$129. geffenplayhouse.org
‘Fear of Heights’ An Irish American youngster dreams of escaping NYC for a showbiz career in Hollywood in the West Coast premiere of Kevin Flynn’s autobiographical solo show. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 12 through 29. $30. (310) 477-2055. odysseytheatre.com
‘Lottie Plachett Took a Hatchet’ An alleged 19th century axe murderess has her day in court in this campy comedy written by Justin Elizabeth Sayre; recommended for ages 16 and older only, with advisories for sexual language, incest; co-presented by Jessica Hanna. Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1118 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays-Mondays, Oct. 13 through 31. $30, $40. lottieplachett.com
‘Oliver!’ 5-Star Theatricals will leave you wanting “more” with a new production of Lionel Bart’s classic musical based on Dickens’ Victorian-era fable “Oliver Twist.” Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 13-22; also 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and 1 p.m. Oct. 19. $35-$90. (800) 745-3000. 5startheatricals.com
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ A wedding in ancient Greece attracts the attention of the king and queen of the fairies whilst a troop of amateur players prepare for a really big show in a 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
Continuing…
‘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. Sunday through Oct. 29. $40-$76. (818) 955-8101. garrymarshalltheatre.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. $29-$49. chancetheater.com
‘Hadestown’ Go to hell and back — again! — as the national touring company of Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony-winning, mythologically inspired, New Orleans-style musical fable 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
‘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
‘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 written and directed by Jessica Kubzansky. 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
‘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
‘Queen of the Rumba’ An elderly Cuban woman looks back on her life, including her groundbreaking dance career, in this new fact-based 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
‘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, through Oct. 28. $29 to $105. scr.org
‘Rent: The Musical’ Young artistic types eke out an existence on New York's Lower East Side in Jonathan Larson’s hit musical inspired by the classic Puccini opera “La Boheme.” Long Beach Playhouse Studio, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 through Nov. 13. $20-$30. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org
‘Romeo and Juliet — Love is a Fire’ Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the young star-crossed lovers is re-imagined in this new adaptation from Neno Pervan; co-presented by Il Doce Theatre Company. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 14 to Nov. 18. $25; discounts available. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘Sea of Terror’ Anxiety rises for a couple hosting friends for a casual get-together in this comedy from Sam Catlin. Hudson Mainstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 29; no performances Oct. 13-15. $45 and up. (323) 856-4249. onstage411.com
MUSIC
Lila Downs The Grammy-winning Mexican songwriter with the powerhouse voice and encyclopedic knowledge of traditional, indigenous and popular music shares the stage with special guests Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. $39 and up. scfta.org
Also 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. $41 and up. TheSoraya.org
Dreamers’ Circus The Copenhagen-based trio performs original Nordic folk music with jazz, pop and classical elements. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. $35. philharmonicsociety.org
Also at UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. $32. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
‘Gershwin and Rachmaninoff’ Guest conductor Elim Chan leads the LA Phil in a program that includes Gershwin’s Concerto in F featuring pianist Igor Levit, Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 12-13; 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. $54-$241. laphil.com
Sergio Mendes The Grammy-winning artist who helped put Brazilian music in general — and bossa nova in particular — on the map performs. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1. $55 and up. luckmanarts.org
‘The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie: Give Up & Transatlanticism 20th Anniversary Tour’ Double your pleasure as the two veteran indie rock bands co-founded by Benjamin Gibbard perform those two classic albums in their entirety. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13; 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17. $39 and up. hollywoodbowl.com
Australian Haydn Ensemble The chamber orchestra from a Land Down Under performs symphonies by Bach, Mozart and their namesake, Haydn. The Musco Center, Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. $38 and up. (714) 997-6812. muscocenter.org
Carminho The Latin Grammy-nominated singer known for melding with traditional Portuguese fado with other musical styles performs. Luckman Fine Arts Complex, 5151 State University Drive, L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. $30 and up. luckmanarts.org
Bill Frisell’s FIVE The legendary jazz guitarist performs with his new band and sits in with Ambrose Akinmusire’s eclectic ensemble Owl Song; presented by the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. $40.50-$60.50. cap.ucla.edu
Pablo Sáinz-Villegas & Isabel Leonard The acclaimed guitarist and the mezzo-soprano perform pieces by Bizet, Mozart, et al. in this Philharmonic Society of Orange County presentation. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. $28 and up. philharmonicsociety.org
POP Artist Recital Series Pacific Opera Project launches this new series of intimate performances with “Cabaret Confidential: Two Untold Tales of Classical Cabaret” featuring soprano Julia Maria Johnson (2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, $25) and “American Cabaret: A Continent of Color” with baritone Ryan Reithmeier (2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, $20). Pop HQ, 125 S. Avenue 57, Highland Park. pacificoperaproject.com
Stravinsky’s ‘Soldier’s Tale’ BroadStage’s Sunday Morning Music series launches a new season with a performance of the Russian composer’s 1918 chamber music-driven drama. Pianist, actor, and playwright Hershey Felder narrates. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. $60 and up. (310) 434-3200. broadstage.org
‘This, and My Heart, A Portrait of Emily Dickinson and Her Worlds Through Text and Song’ The Santa Monica-based Verdi Chorus launches its 40th anniversary season with a theatrical concert celebrating the beloved 19th century American poet. First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. $10-$50. verdichorus.org
Wu Man The virtuoso Chinese pipa player, a founding member of the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma, performs solo in an intimate setting; presented by CAP UCLA. UCLA Nimoy Theater, 1262 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. (310) 825-2101. $32. cap.ucla.edu
DANCE
American Contemporary Ballet’s ‘The Rite & Burlesque’ The L.A.-based company 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, through Oct. 28. $65-$140. acbdances.com
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
MOVIES
’Musical Tales in the Venetian Jewish Ghetto’ L.A. premiere of this new drama written and directed by the aforementioned Hershey Felder; a Q&A and live performance follows. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. $25. eventbrite.com
‘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 through Oct. 12. $7-$16. laemmle.com
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ and ‘Hallo-Queen Spook-tacular!’ It’s astounding! A free outdoor screening of the campy 1975 sci-fi/horror/musical comedy mashup starring Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon is preceded by a drag show hosted by Miss Clair Voyant; may not be suitable for younger audiences. Segerstrom Center’s Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. Free; reservations required. scfta.org
MUSEUMS & ART
‘Benevolent Beings: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas from South and Southeast Asia’ Representations of protective deities in the Buddhist religion are explored in works drawn from the museum’s collections; 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
‘The World Made Wondrous: The Dutch Collector’s Cabinet and the Politics of Possession’ Colonialism, capitalism and European collecting practices in the 17th century are interrogated in an exhibition of paintings, prints, sculptures, etc. on view through March 3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Closed Wednesdays. $10-$25; ages 2 and younger are free; L.A. County youth (17 and younger) and one guest, free; free after 3 p.m. weekdays for L.A. County residents with valid ID. (323) 857-6010. lacma.org
‘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
‘Narcisa Hirsch: In Relation’ Eight recently digitized works by the pioneering Argentinian experimental filmmaker are on view through Dec. 9. USC Fisher Museum of Art, 823 W. Exposition Blvd., L.A. 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; on view through Sept. 4, 2024. The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A. Closed Tuesdays. $12-$18; ages 4 and younger, free. (213) 765-6800. grammymuseum.org
‘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; on view through Nov. 5. Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries, 1125 N. McCadden Place, L.A. Noon to 5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays Free. one.usc.edu
COMEDY, POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
‘Chelsea Handler: Little Big Bitch Tour’ The veteran comic and talk-show host has a thing or three to say in her latest standup show. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Oct. 12-13. $75 and up. broadwayinhollywood.com
KIDS & FAMILIES
Family Fest The Wallis launches this new quarterly series of free events featuring kid-friendly activities, live performances and more. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14. thewallis.org
‘It’s Okay to Be Different’ Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents a new stage show based on author and illustrator Todd Parr’s popular children’s books; recommended for ages 4 to 8. Segerstrom Center, Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Regular performances, 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15; sensory-friendly, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14; American Sign Language, 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. $20 and up. scfta.org
‘Pumpkin Palooza’ This family-friendly festival returns for a second year with science demos, dance parties, bumper cars, trick-or-treating and more; now through Oct. 31. Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. Open daily. Regular museum admission: $17-$22. discoverycube.org
‘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