Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Nov. 1-27. Glee’s Darren Criss stars alongside Tony winner Lena Hall in the L.A. premiere of this genre-bending rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask. Recommended for mature audiences. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.468.1770. hollywoodpantages.com
Pop-Up Magazine
Nov. 3. The live magazine, created for a stage, a screen and a live audience reruns to LA on the first stop of their national tour. The event features Oscar-winning filmmakers, New York Times bestselling authors, popular radio and podcast voices, and artists, as well as emerging talent (think Ira Glass, Jessica Hopper and Mychal Denzel Smith). Presenters tell vivid, multimedia stories, accompanied by illustration, animation, photography, even shadow theater. The night ends gathered around the bar. 7:30. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 933 S Broadway, downtown. popupmagazine.com
Westedge Design Fair
Nov. 3-6. Some 150 premium design brands showcase their latest products and design ideas for the home during this annual event, which also features educational panel discussions, culinary demonstrations and more. Th 7-10 pm; F-Sa 10 am-6 pm; Su 10 am-5 pm. $20-$80, under 12 free; opening night $80-$95. Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica, 917.822.0350. westedgedesignfair.com
My Wildest Night in WeHo
Nov. 3. Hosted by Andy Dick with Margaret Cho, Lachlan Patterson, Iliza Shlesinger, Moshe Kasher Jonathan Kite and Justin Martingale, the evening will pay homage to the best of the best wild and crazy nights in West Hollywood. All proceeds will benefit The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, an internationally acclaimed group that promotes civil rights and acceptance through music in Los Angeles and beyond. $20. The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. thecomedystore.com
Ice at Santa Monica
Opening Nov. 3. This 8,000-square-foot outdoor skating rink in downtown Santa Monica brings holiday spirit to the beach. M-Th 2-10 pm; F 2 pm-midnight; Sa 10 am-midnight; Su 10 am-10 pm. Admission, including skate rental, $15. 5th Street and Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, 310.260.1199. downtownsm.com
Girl Gods
Nov. 3-6. The powerful contemporary dance and multimedia production is Seattle-based choreographer Pat Graney’s newest work. It is set within an immersive video and sculptural environment. With a physical language expressing undomesticated and long-buried feelings, the dancers fiercely reveal the emotional underbelly of the female experience. REDCAT, 631 West 2nd St., downtown, 213.237.2800. redcat.org
Dinner En Blanc
Nov. 4. The chic Parisian-inspired secret picnic draws outdoor eating enthusiasts all dressed in white to a secret location. Just pack your picnic and accoutrements (like your finest china and stemware), rally at one of the predetermined destinations and wait for the final call that will lead you to the evening’s secret destination. Over the course of the night, you will eat and celebrate amid live music and dancing. losangeles.dinerenblanc.info
Akhnaten
Nov. 5, 10, 13, 17, 19, 27. In ancient Egypt, Akhnaten ascends to the throne with his bride Nefertiti. He has a vision for his people, one that abandons the worship of many gods for just one: The Sun God reigns supreme. But Akhnaten’s bold attempt to alter the course of history with a single revolutionary idea ultimately leads to his violent overthrow. L.A. Opera presents a new production of Akhnaten by renowned director Phelim McDermott, led by the company’s new artist in residence, young conductor Matthew Aucoin. Akhnaten’s mesmerizing score by Philip Glass is filled with driving rhythms and exquisite choral harmonies. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.8001. laopera.org
Icebergs
Opening Nov. 8. Alena Smith’s (The Affair, Newsroom) Silver Lake-set comedy about aimless 30-somethings has its world premiere here. Gil Cates Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Nov. 9-Dec. 18. This dark comedy follows protagonist Maureen Folan and her aging mother, who meddles in her daughter’s romantic relationship with horrific results. Tony winner Garry Hynes helms this production by the renowned Irish Druid Theatre Company. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org
AFI Fest
Nov. 10-17. Presented by Audi, the American Film Institute’s annual film festival offers screenings and events in the heart of Hollywood. Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply opens this year’s fest. Tickets available online or at box office. Screenings free. See website for schedule, venues and pass pricing. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 866.234.3378. afi.com/afifest
L.A. Comedy Fest
Nov. 10-20. Featuring film, live comedy acts and a screenplay competition, this showcase attracts up-and-comers and established comics alike. Check website for schedule and ticket information. Let Live Theatre, 916 N. Formosa Ave., L.A. lacomedyfest.com
Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square
Opening Nov. 10. Skate among the skyscrapers at this ice-skating rink, which materializes every holiday season at Pershing Square. See website for hours and skate-session schedule. $9, skate rental $4. 532 S. Olive St., downtown. holidayicerinkdowntownla.com
Officine Brera
Nov. 10. The northern Italian restaurant introduces its bi-monthly wine dinner series with debut winery, Cascina Val del Prete. Dine on a four-course menu from chef Angelo Auriana that pays homage Piedmonte wines selected by second-generation winemaker Mario Roagna. Highlights of the menu include hand-chopped beef, celery, raspadura cheese and quail egg; beef cheek raviolacci; spit-roasted California leg of lamb with rosemary potatoes, peppers and natural jus and more. $150/pp, includes wine pairings. 7 p.m. Reservations required. 1331 East 6th St., 213.553.8006. officinebrera.com
Diem: Talks Design
Nov. 11. Fifth annual design symposium offers discussions and panels from leaders in the fields of design, decorative and fine arts, fashion and architecture. Panelists at this year’s “Co-Everything”-themed event include Eric Buterbaugh, Mayer Rus and Clique Media Group’s Michelle Plantan. See website for schedule and registration. 11 am. West Hollywood Design District, Melrose Avenue and Robertson and Beverly boulevards, West Hollywood. diemevent.com
Cirque du Soleil: Toruk—The First Flight
Nov. 11-13. Based on James Cameron’s megahit Avatar, this Cirque du Soleil show envisions a world beyond imagination set thousands of years before the events of the film. Check website for schedule. $55-$155, under 3 free. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.742.7340. cirquedusoleil.com
Contemporary Crafts Market
Nov. 11-13. Shop for handmade works of art, from jewelry to furnishings, textiles, home decor, silver, glass and more from artisans who are on site selling their works. The Contemporary Crafts Market has been a showcase for burgeoning and established talent for the last 30 years. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena, 310.285.3655. craftsource.org
Sleepless: The Music Center After Hours
Nov. 11. The Music Center is transformed into a world of “ethereal awakenings” with DJ performances, real snowfall, multi-media performances, chill lounges, dancing and eye-opening video installations. 11:11 p.m.-3 a.m. $20/$30. 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.0711. musiccenter.org
Japanese Food Festival
Nov. 13. Feast on an endless array of Japanese food and beverages like sushi, sashimi, tempura, soba, karaage and sake. The afternoon also includes a big tuna filleting show where a chef will break down a six-foot-long giant tuna into fillets in front of the audience. $55/$70. Hilton Los Angeles, Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr., Universal City. jraamerica.org
Anthony Bourdain
Nov. 14. See internationally renowned best-selling author, television host and multiple Emmy Award-winner Anthony Bourdain in a new live show featuring a brutally honest monologue on diverse culture, street food and his travels around the world. Q&A follows the show. 7:30 p.m. Pantages Theatre. hollywoodpantages.com
L.A. Zoo Lights
Nov. 18-Jan. 8. The holiday light experience combines spectacular sets and lighting design with the enchanting environment of the L.A. Zoo. Stroll through areas of the Zoo that are transformed into a fantastical wonderland populated by glowing light animals and gold touches in celebration of the Zoo’s 50th anniversary. 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200. lazoolights.org
Los Angeles Auto Show
Nov. 18-27. Test-drive over 100 cars and explore more than 1,000 vehicles in the show’s four exhibit halls. New this year: a showcase of cutting-edge mobility tech. Check website for hours. $5-$15, under 6 free. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 310.444.1850. laautoshow.com
Robert Wilson/Mikhail Baryshnikov: Letter to a Man
Nov. 18-19. Mikhail Baryshnikov steps inside the splintering psyche of one of the greatest dancers in history in director Robert Wilson’s staging of Vaslav Nijinsky’s diaries. Royce Hall, UCLA, 405 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.825.2101. cap.ucla.edu
Asterion
Nov. 19. Inspired by the the myth of the Minotaur, Asterion explores the life of one man who has seen the dark side of his nature and fights to regain his humanity. The play is by Katharine Noon, developed by the Ghost Road Company and reflects the ensemble’s recent work with renowned Polish theater company, Teatr Zar. Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades. getty.edu
Merrily We Roll Along
Opening Nov. 22. This rarely staged Stephen Sondheim work (based on the 1934 play of the same name) navigates the bumpy history of three friends who began their careers in show business together and features songs like “Good Thing Going” and “Our Time.” Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.746.4000. thewallis.org
CHILL at the Queen Mary
Opening Nov. 23. The Queen Mary hosts this annual winter wonderland, which features outdoor ice skating, ice tubing and more. This year’s immersive Alice in Winterland experience reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic story with color and light. Check website for hours. $29.99-$59.99. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0752. queenmary.com/chill
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Nov. 24. Spend Thanksgiving morning in downtown L.A., partaking in a scenic 5K or 10K route through the area’s historic streets. The race starts at City Hall and takes runners past Grand Park and Walt Disney Concert Hall. There is also a Widdle Wobble 1K for kids. Proceeds benefit charity the Midnight Mission. 5K 8 am; 10K 8:30 am; Widdle Wobble 10 am. $20-$60. 200 N. Spring St., downtown, 310.821.7898. turkeytrot.la
Hollywood Christmas Parade
Nov. 27. Celebrate the season with the 85th annual parade hosted by Grand Marshal Olivia Newton-John. The event’s telecast will be hosted by Laura McKenzie, Erik Estrada, Dean Cain and Montel Williams and will air on the CW on Dec. 16. The parade winds through Hollywood and features floats, balloons, costumed characters, bands, equestrians and celebrities. Parade starts on Hollywood Blvd at Orange, the U-shaped parade route will travel east to Vine, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard and west on Sunset, back to Orange. Grandstand tickets on sale. thehollywoodchristmasparade.org
Continuing
Plan Check “Comfort Masters” Guest Chef Series
Nov. 1; Dec. 4-5, 7. The popular Los Angeles eatery welcomes 10 chefs from across the country for an exclusive six-month pop-up dining series in collaboration with food writer, Andy Wang and Table8. The series continues in November and December with a lineup that includes Golden Boys Chinese (Nov. 1), Mike Randolph (Dec. 4-5) and Tory Miller (Dec. 7). Visit website for complete details and Plan Check locations. comfortmasters.table8.com
Doug Aitken: Electric Earth
Through Jan. 15. For more than 20 years, Doug Aitken’s multichannel video installations, sculptures, photographs, publications, happenings and architectural works have provided insights into the nature and structure of our mobile, ever-changing, image-based contemporary condition. Rooted in interdisciplinary collaborations and the broad availability of images, his work looks at the cool but relentless human, industrial, urban and environmental entropy that defines 21st-century existence. Organized as a collaboration and dialogue with the artist, Doug Aitken: Electric Earth at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA is Aitken’s first North American survey; it presents output from his breakthrough installation diamond sea (1997) to his most recent event-based work, Black Mirror (2011). 152 N. Central Ave., downtown, 213.625.4390. moca.org
Gardens, Art, and Commerce in Chinese Woodblock Prints
Sept. 17-Jan. 9. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens presents Gardens, Art, and Commerce in Chinese Woodblock Prints. The international loan exhibition explores the art, craft and cultural significance of Chinese woodblock prints made during their golden age, from the 16th through 19th centuries. The show in the Boone Gallery gathers 48 of the finest examples from the National Library of China, Beijing; the Nanjing Library; the Shanghai Museum; and 14 collections in the United States. It presents monumental visual accounts of elaborate “scholars’ gardens” alongside delicate prints depicting plants and birds. A highlight is the Huntington’s rare edition of the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting (ca. 1633-1703), on public view for the first time. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100. huntington.org
Model Apartment
Oct. 11-Nov. 20. This early work by Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies follows an elderly couple who retire to Florida but can’t escape their brutal past. Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood, 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
A Taste of Honey
Through Nov. 27. Written by Shelagh Delaney when she was nineteen, the work is one of the great defining and taboo-breaking plays of the 1950s. Bursting with energy and daring, this dynamic and angry depiction of harsh, working-class life in post-war Salford is shot through with love and humor and infused with jazz. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 310.477.2055 x2. odysseytheatre.com
VICUÑA
Oct. 23-Nov. 20. A timely entry for election season, this satirical play—having its world premiere—follows the tailor of a real-estate tycoon/reality TV star turned presidential nominee. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. centertheatregroup.org