SoCal arts & culture, Nov. 6-12: Midori, 'Inherit the Wind,' Benita Bike's DanceArt and more
Theater, classical, dance, jazz, folk, pop, comedy, poetry, spoken word, books & lit and more for LA & OC
Welcome to the latest TV or Not TV newsletter spotlighting arts & culture all around Southern California this coming week. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the LA Times’ Calendar section.
The curtain rises…
THEATER
• Opening this week…
‘Inherit the Wind’ Alfred Molina heads the cast of a reimagined version of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s classic drama about the controversial 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial and the teaching of evolution in public schools; onstage courtroom-style seating available. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays; now through Nov. 26. $35 and up. (626) 356-7529. pasadenaplayhouse.org
‘Broadway Baby: Melissa Errico Sings Sondheim’ The Tony nominee salutes the legendary composer. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St. Long Beach. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 8-9. $50-$60. carpenterarts.org
‘The Jewish Dog’ Roy Abramsohn stars in this Holocaust-themed fable told from the perspective of a family’s beloved pet; for ages 10 and older. The Wallis’ Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 9 through 19; added 2:30 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 18. $29, $39. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
‘Science Fiction’ Two botanists toil away on one of Jupiter’s moons in this new sci-fi/horror fable by Whit Flint. The Boxie Studio, 1500 S. Los Angeles St., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, Nov. 9 through 19. $25. riotacttheatre.org
‘Alex Edelman’s Just for Us’ The millennial comic tackles anti-Semitism in his hit theatrical show. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 10 through 26. $40-$150. centertheatregroup.org
‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’ Kentwood Players presents a double-cast staging of the Tony-winning musical comedy. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 10 through Dec. 9; dark Nov. 24-26. $26, $30. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org
‘Mama Mama Can’t You See’ Coin & Ghost stages this fantastical new tale co-written by Stan Mayer and Cecilia Fairchild, based on Mayer’s combat experiences as a Marine; contains graphic language and imagery; for ages 16 and older. Studio/Stage, 520 N. Western Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, November 10 through December 10. $5-$35. (818) 925-4928. coinandghost.org
‘Rotterdam’ The Wayward Artist stages Jon Brittain’s award-winning comedy about two lesbians whose relationship takes an unexpected turn. Grand Central Arts Center, 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 10 through 19. $25, $35. (657) 205-6273. thewaywardartist.org
‘70, Girls, 70’ The Group Rep stages the Kander & Ebb musical comedy about senior citizens banding together to save their home. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Nov. 10 through Dec. 17; dark Nov. 17-19. $35, $40. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com
‘ABCD: American Born Confused Desi’ Three generations of Indian American women share life’s ups and downs in this one-act dramedy by Lily Abha Cratsley. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 11 through 19. $25 and up. (323) 673-0544. GreenwayCourtTheatre.org
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Story’ Tony-winning bio-musical about the singer-songwriter who found solo success with her Grammy-winning 1971 album “Tapestry.” La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 11 through Dec. 3; also 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22; no performances 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 23. $19-$90. (562) 944-9801. LaMiradaTheatre.com
‘The Talented Tenth’ A Black radio executive faces challenges in his personal and professional lives in the Robey Theatre Company’s staging of Richard Wesley’s 1989 drama. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 11 through Dec. 10; dark on Nov. 23. $25-$50. (213) 489-7402. therobeytheatrecompany.org
‘The Trans Diaries 2023’ Members of the transgender and intersex communities share their stories. City Council Chambers, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 11-12. Free; reservations required. transdiaries2023.eventbrite.com
‘Freight: The Five Incarnations of Abel Green’ J. Alphonse Nicholson reprises his off-Broadway role in the West Coast premiere of Howard L. Craft’s fable about a Black everyman’s travels through time. Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Opening night, 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and Mondays; 2 p.m. Sundays; Nov. 12 through Dec. 16. $25-$45. fountaintheatre.com
‘It Must Be Him: A Genderful Musical Memoir’ Veteran performer Michael Kearns is back for an encore. Skylight Theatre, 1816 ½ N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $28. skylighttheatre.org
• Continuing...
‘Baby Foot’ Two troubled people in rehab make a connection in Tim Venable’s drama. Rogue Machine, Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., L.A. 7 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 20. $20-$35; pay what you can Fridays, Nov. 10, 17 ($20 and up). (855) 585-5185. roguemachinetheatre.org
‘The BFF: Binge Fringe Festival of Free Theatre’ Comedies, dramas, solo shows, standup, etc. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. Various times through Nov. 19. Free; reservations required. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘Birds of North America’ A father and daughter find common ground through bird-watching in Anna Ouyang Moench’s two-hander. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West L.A. 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays thru Nov. 19; also 8 p.m. Nov. 13, 15 and 17. $25-$40; Mondays, pay what you will. (310) 477-2055. OdysseyTheatre.com
‘Blood at the Root’ Open Fist Theatre Company stages Dominique Morisseau’s fact-based drama about racial tensions at a Louisiana high school. Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Atwater Village. 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. $20-$30. (323) 882-6912. openfist.org
‘An Evening of One-Acts by Ethan Coen’ Three short comedies by the Oscar-winning filmmaker; contains graphic language, adult themes, gunshot noises. Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday through Nov. 12. $25. onstage411.com
‘Lewis and Tolkien’ “Chronicles of Narnia” author C.S. Lewis and “Lord of the Rings’” J.R.R. Tolkien converse in Dean Batali’s new drama. Actors Co-op Theatre Company, Crossley Theater, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, other dates through Dec. 3. $25-$35. (323) 462-8460. ActorsCo-op.org
‘Love, Sex, and Misery’ The ins and outs of human relationships are explored in 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 through Dec. 10; dark Thanksgiving weekend. $40. onstage411.com
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Magical 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 through Nov. 12. $29 and up; students, $18 and up. (626) 356-3100. anoisewithin.org
‘Methusalem or The Eternal Bourgeois’ Ivan Goll’s 1920s-era German Expressionist fable. Actors’ Gang Theater, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 9 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 16. $25, $34.99; pay what you can, Thursdays beginning Oct. 26. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com
‘Monster’ A woman does battle with her demons in April Littlejohn’s new fable. Loft Ensemble, 11031 Camarillo St., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 12. Donate what you want. (818) 452-3153. loftensemble.org
‘Outrage’ An acting teacher finds himself on the wrong side of cancel culture in Allen Barton’s new drama. Beverly Hills Playhouse, 254 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays though Nov. 19. $15, $35. (323) 657-5992. crimsonsquare.org
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ A Black family in Chicago struggles to improve their lot in life in Lorraine Hansberry’s classic 1959 drama. South Coast Rep, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 12. (714) 708-5555. scr.org
‘Rent: The Musical’ Young artistic types eke out an existence in Manhattan in Jonathan Larson’s hit musical. Long Beach Playhouse Studio, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays 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. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 18. $25; discounts available. (310) 394-9779. santamonicaplayhouse.com
‘She’ A Black teen tries to escape small-town life in Marlo Wyatt’s drama. Antaeus Theatre, 110 E. Broadway, Glendale. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 20; also 8 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 9 and Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Saturdays. $40. (818) 506-1983. antaeus.org
‘Slow Thunder’ A New Orleans woman, her sometime beau and two other friends converge in Suse Sternkopf’s drama. The Emerson, Theatre 68 Arts Complex, 5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 12. $32, $39. tickettailor.com
‘Spring Awakening’ East West Players stages the Tony-winning coming-of-age rock musical. David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Little Tokyo, downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 5 p.m. Sundays, extended through Dec. 3. $39-$69; pay what you can, 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.org
‘A View from the Bridge’ Arthur Miller’s classic American drama. Ruskin Group Theatre, 3000 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 19. $25-$35; discounts available. (310) 397-3244. ruskingrouptheatre.com
MUSIC
• Classical & Opera…
Camerata Pacifica Chamber music by Brahms, Ginastera and Paul Dean; presented as part of California Festival. The Huntington’s Rothenberg Hall, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Also 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at Music Academy’s Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Rd., Santa Barbara; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $75; Scherr Forum only, $80. (805) 884-8410. cameratapacifica.org
‘Pereira, Washington, and Mozart’ The LA Phil presents chamber music pieces by Mozart, Joseph Pereira, Shelley Washington and Kevin Day; part of the California Festival. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. $20-$64. laphil.com
‘Ray-Kallay: Inflection Point’ Keyboardists Aron Kallay and Vicki Ray perform; part of the California Festival. 2220 Arts + Archives, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. $15, $25. pianospheres.org
‘The Barber of Seville’ 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. Thursday, Nov. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $24 and up. laopera.org
‘Lila Downs, Catalina García, Ely Guerra and Ana Tijoux: Canto en resistencia’ Guest artists join Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil for a celebration of classic protest songs from Latin America; part of the California Festival. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. $59-$151. laphil.com
Midori with Festival Strings Lucerne The superstar violinist is featured in a program that includes works by Beethoven, Schumann, et al. The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. (818) 677-8800. thesoraya.org
Also at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive,
Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. $38-$268. scfta.org
‘Dudamel and the LA Phil featuring Silvana Estrada: Canto en resistencia’ The Mexican indie artist joins the orchestra for classic protest songs; the program also includes the world premiere of “Seis piezas a Violeta” by Gabriela Ortiz; part of the California Festival. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10; 2 p,m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 11-12. $30-$160. laphil.com
‘Théotime Langlois De Swarte and Le Consort: A Journey through the Baroque Era’ The ensemble plays pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, et al. Segerstrom Center’s Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. $39-$99. scfta.org
Joseph Calleja The acclaimed tenor performs, accompanied by pianist Kamal Khan. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $80. (310) 434-3200. broadstage.org
Orchestra Nova LA The ensemble plays works by Mendelssohn, de Falla and Ravel; part of the California Festival. Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 4117 Overland Ave., Culver City. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $25. orchnovala.org
‘Pathways: Koh + Kahane’ Conductor laureate Jeffrey Kahane returns to lead Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3, “Scottish”; C.P.E. Bach’s Symphonia in D; and the world premiere of Nina C. Young’s violin concerto “Traces” featuring violinist Jennifer Koh; part of the California Festival. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Also 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 at Royce Hall, UCLA, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. $32-$142. (213) 221-3920. laco.org
‘Perilous Balance’ Pianist Inna Faliks, the Lyris Quartet and Jacaranda Chamber Ensemble play pieces by Berg, Schoenberg, Wagner, Webern, and Peter Knell; part of the California Festival. First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m .Saturday, Nov. 11. $20, $45. jacarandamusic.org
Southern California Brass Consortium The ensemble plays a special Veterans Day concert. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos. 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $10. (562) 916-8500. cerritoscenter.com
James McVinnie The British organist plays works by Bach and Philip Glass; part of the California Festival. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $20-$64. laphil.com
Vieness Piano Duo Pianists Vijay Venkatesh and Eva Schaumkell play pieces by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Shostakovich, et al. Private residence, address provided to ticket holders, L.A. 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $35-$75. dacamerasociety.org
• Jazz, pop, folk, rock and more…
‘To Joni Mitchell on Her 80th Birthday: A Tribute to the Icon’ Jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton, et al. salute the beloved singer-songwriter in this all-ages benefit. Catalina Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. $25-$35; VIP seating available. catalinajazzclub.com
Brad Mehldau Trio The pianist who blends jazz with classical, rock and pop performs. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. $59-$199. laphil.com
‘An Evening with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox — Life in the Past Lane’ The retro-styled ensemble swings back through SoCal. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. $79 and up. (714) 556-2787. scfta.org
Also at the Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. 87 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. $47-$107. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
‘American Railroad: Silkroad Ensemble With Rhiannon Giddens’ The ensemble explores the impact the building of the Transcontinental Railroad had on Black, Irish, Chinese and Native American communities. Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $49.50-$115. soka.edu
Also at the Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $42-$101. (818) 677-8800. thesoraya.org
‘Sonic Biographies’ OG punk rocker Alice Bag, artist and archivist Guadalupe Rosales, and Chulita Vinyl Club share songs and stories. Walt Disney Concert Hall’s BP Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free with RSVP. laphil.com
Nella The Venezuelan singer graces the stage in this CAP UCLA presentation. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd. Westwood. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $32. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
‘Karim Sulayman and Sean Shibe: Broken Branches’ The Lebanese American tenor and the Scottish guitarist have a musical dialogue in this CAP UCLA presentation. The Nimoy, 1262 Westwood Blvd. Westwood. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $32. (310) 825-2101. cap.ucla.edu
Symphonic Jazz Orchestra The ensemble performs a free community concert. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Free. (562) 985-7000. carpenterarts.org
DANCE
‘Dimitri Chamblas With Kim Gordon: takemehome’ The choreographer and the former Sonic Youth guitarist and vocalist join forces for this work that shines a light on the marginalized members of society; contains loud sounds. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 8-9. $24, $30. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org
Benita Bike’s DanceArt The L.A.-based troupe performs the company favorites “Griot Songs,” “For Rose” and “Aspects of Me.” Los Angeles Mission College’s AMP Theatre, 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Free. (818) 470-5734. danceart.org
‘Encounters with Beauty’ Salastina and Leela Dance Collective team up for this world premiere set to music by L.A.-based composers Derrick Skye and Reena Esmail; part of the California Festival. The Edye at the Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. $10, $40. salastina.org
COMEDY
‘An Evening with Amy Sedaris’ The veteran comic takes part in a conversation moderated by KCRW’s Anthony Byrnes. Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $55. carpenterarts.org
Tom Papa The comic performs. Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. $44.50, $54.50. (805) 449-2787. bapacthousandoaks.com
Kiran Deol The Asian American comic and actor recalls having been on the receiving end of a random act of violence in 2022 in the latest stop on her “Assault on Comedy” tour. Dynasty Typewriter, 2511 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. $20, $25. squadup.com
BOOKS, POETRY & SPOKEN WORD
Brown & Down Book Fair This inaugural event showcasing works by Latinx authors and others includes readings, vendor booths and more, plus appearances by Myriam Gurba, Marisela Norte, Sessu Foster, et al. Coyote Studios, 1412 Spence St., East L.A. Noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. facebook.com/ReArteLA
‘Selected Shorts on Tour’ Judy Greer, Tony Hale, Emma Roberts, Randall Park et al. from classic and contemporary short stories. Getty Center’s Harold M. Williams Auditorium, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A. 3 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. $20; advance tickets required. (310) 440-7300. getty.edu
For exhibitions at SoCal museums this November, click here