Check out the best performances and plays in Los Angeles this month.
Edited by Christina Wiese.
‘The Red Shoes’
Through Oct. 1. Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s ballet adaptation of the beloved fairy tale and Academy Award-winning movie, set to the music of Hollywood composer Bernard Hermann, makes its U.S. premiere. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Big Night’
Through Oct. 8. Master satirist Paul Rudnick’s new play—having its world premiere at the Douglas—explores family and fame by following the night of an Oscar nominee. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
CDMX
Oct. 9-14. This month at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic explore the colorful music scene of Mexico City with the CDMX festival—part of the citywide Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA cultural initiative. The lineup is lots of fun: Grammy-winning percussionist Antonio Sánchez performs his innovative Birdman soundtrack live to film; Mexrrissey covers Morrissey with a Mexican flair; and rock band Café Tacvba takes the stage with new arrangements. 111 S Grand Ave., downtown. laphil.com
‘Bright Star’
Opens Oct. 11. The Broadway musical written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell follows a literary editor who finds a connection with a young soldier coming home from World War II—awakening her longing for the child she once lost. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Turn Me Loose’
Opens Oct. 13. This play about late comic genius Dick Gregory, presented in association with John Legend, sees Scandal’s Joe Morton portraying the stand-up comic and civil-rights activist. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
Festival of Disruption
Oct. 14-15. Most film buffs would love to enter the mind of cult filmmaker David Lynch. During the director’s Festival of Disruption, returning to the Theatre at Ace Hotel, they can. The music, art and film festival’s super-hip, Lynch-curated lineup includes Bon Iver, the Kills, TV on the Radio, Reggie Watts and Mulholland Drive songstress Rebekah Del Rio, plus DJs Moby and Shepard Fairey. Also on the bill are talks with Lynch himself, Ed Ruscha, Bill Pullman and Twin Peaks collaborators; screenings of Lost Highway and rare Lynch shorts; meditation experiences; and an exhibit of William Eggleston’s photography. Proceeds benefit the David Lynch Foundation, which is dedicated to eradicating trauma and toxic stress through transcendental meditation. 929 S. Broadway, downtown, 213.623.3233. festivalofdisruption.com
‘Head of Passes’
Through Oct. 22. This moving new drama—a contemporary parable inspired by the Book of Job—from playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney stars Tony winner Phylicia Rashad. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
‘Hamilton’
Ongoing. The national tour of the Broadway hit brings its brilliant raps about Founding Father Alexander Hamilton (played by Michael Luwoye) to the Pantages stage. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Big Star photo by Nick Stokes.
