SoCal kids & families, Nov. 16-23: ‘Dog Man: The Musical,’ Chrissy Metz, ‘Trolls 3’ and more
Encourage your children to continue to learn and grow with our curated list of fun, artsy and engaging events and activities in LA and OC this week
Welcome to another edition of TV or Not TV’s curated guide to fun, artsy, kid-centric and family-friendly activities and happenings all around LA and OC this weekend and beyond. I’m Matt Cooper, former listings coordinator for the Los Angeles Times’ Calendar.
‘Trolls Band Together’ Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprise their voice roles in this 2023 entry in the tune-filled, kid-friendly animated franchise based on the popular line of toys. Opens Friday, Nov. 17. 91 mins. Rated PG. Various theaters
‘Family Time with Chrissy Metz’ The “This Is Us” co-star performs songs from her recent children’s album “Prayed For This Day” and reads from her bestselling children’s book “When I Talk To God, I Talk About You.” Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A. 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. $8, $10. (213) 765-6800. grammymuseum.org
‘Beethoven’ Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt head the cast but the titular St. Bernard steals the show in this hit 1992 comedy. New Beverly Cinema, 7165 Beverly Blvd., L.A. 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. $10. thenewbev.com
‘An Afternoon Family Concert’ Chamber Music Palisades presents a program that includes Prokofiev’s musical fable “Peter and the Wolf” narrated by KUSC’s Alan Chapman, plus favorites by Bizet, Scott Joplin, Henry Mancini, et al. United Methodist Church, 801 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19. Free; donations accepted. cmpalisades.org
‘Dog Man: The Musical’ He’s half canine, half cop and he’s back to take a bite out of crime in this tune-filled tale based on the bestselling children’s book series by Dav Pilkey. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Various dates & times, Nov. 21 thru Jan. 7. (213) 628-2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Bob Baker’s Nutcracker’ It’s the old holiday favorite ... with a few strings attached. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 4949 York Blvd., Highland Park. Various dates & times, Nov. 25 thru Jan. 7. $28; ages 2 and under, free if lap-sitting. (213) 250-9995. bobbakermarionettetheater.com
‘The Jewish Dog’ Roy Abramsohn stars in this Holocaust-themed fable adapted from the Asher Kravitz novel told from the perspective of a Jewish family’s beloved pet; for ages 10 and older. The Wallis’ Lovelace Studio Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 thru 19; added 2:30 p.m. performance Saturday, Nov. 18. $29, $39. (310) 746-4000. thewallis.org
Spider Pavilion Arachnophobes need not apply! This close-up encounter with those creepy, crawly critters closes up shop for the season on Nov. 26. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd., Exposition Park, L.A. Closed the first Tuesday each month. $8, plus general admission ($8-$17; ages 2 and younger, free; advanced online tickets highly recommended). nhm.org
‘The Wonderful Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Friends’ The hunny-lovin’ bear and his pals from the Hundred Acre Wood take the stage in this tune-filled youth theater production for ages 5 and up. Rose Center Theater, 14140 All American Way, Westminster. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 10 thru 19. $10-$23. (714) 793-1150. rosecentertheater.com
Ice at Santa Monica Get your glide on at this holiday-themed outdoor attraction that features skating demos, hour-long sessions, live DJs, costumed helpers to assist the kiddos and more. 1324 5th St. at Arizona Ave., Santa Monica. Open daily, Nov. 9 through Jan. 15. Skate rental, $20; lockers, socks, mittens, $5. iceatsantamonica.com
‘The Addams Family’ They’re creepy and they’re kooky in this young-persons theater production of the hit musical based on the work of cartoonist Charles Addams. Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Various dates and times thru Nov. 26. $16-$25. (310) 828-7519. morgan-wixson.org
‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie’ Your young’uns’ favorite canine heroes suit up for this animated 2023 adventure based on the kids TV series. Various theaters, showtimes and prices. 95 mins. Rated PG. pawpatrol.movie
‘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 thru Jan. 13; no shows Dec. 23 and 30. $15. (323) 851-7977. theatrewest.org