EVENTS
Photo L.A.
Jan. 12–16. Twenty-first edition of contemporary photography fair features local and international galleries. Dealers exhibit and sell vintage masterworks, contemporary photography, video and multimedia instillations. Show also features panel discussions, artist and author talks and more. Opening night gala is Jan. 12. Jan. 13–15, 11 am–7 pm, Jan. 16 until 6 pm. $15–$30; tickets for speakers, $10 each. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica, 323.458.8551. www.photola.com
MythBusters Behind the Myths Tour
Jan. 15. Join Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series MythBusters, for an unexpected evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. For the first time ever, fans can join Jamie and Adam on stage and assist in their mind-twisting and not always orthodox approach to science. Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live, 777 Chick Hearn Court, downtown, 213.763.6020. nokiatheatrelalive.com
Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show
Jan. 14–15. The largest travel show in the western United States features rock climbing, ziplining, a scuba pool, Fiery Food Stage, live music and travel tips from speakers. 10 am–5 pm daily. $7–$10, under 17 free. Parking $10. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562.436.3636. adventureexpo.com/losangeles
MUSIC + DANCE
M83
Jan. 12-13. M83, aka music mastermind Anthony Gonzalez, hits Club Nokia for two nights touring in support of his sixth record and first double disc album, Hurry Up, Were Dreaming. The collection of electro-pop songs range from whimsical to ethereal and adds up to being nothing short of a monumental work for Gonzalez, who now calls LA home. Big Black Delta opens the show. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.7000. www.clubnokia.com
Mahler Project: Mahler 4
Jan 13-15. Over the course of the next few weeks, Gustavo Dudamel accomplishes the extraordinary: leading all of Mahler’s completed symphonies (and more) with two orchestras, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. The series begins with Mahler 4, the shortest and sweetest of all Mahler’s symphonies, which concludes with a child’s vision of heaven, sung by soprano Miah Persson. Attend a preconcert talk with America’s leading Mahler specialist Stephen E. Hefling, Jan. 15, at 1 p.m. in BP Hall. $30 – $170. Walk Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Ave., downtown, 323.850.2000. laphil.com
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Jan. 13–14. Each dance piece in Shen Yun likens to a 5-minute mini drama that tells a story from China’s 5,000 years of history, myths or legends. The show uses story-telling choreography to reenact traditional Chinese folktales with dance performances, and a unique orchestra that features both Chinese and Western instruments. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.7211. www.shenyunperformingarts.org
EAT | DRINK
Brunch at Caulfield’s
Saturdays and Sundays. Brunch service opens this weekend at Caulfield’s, the Thompson Beverly Hills’ new literary-inspired American bistro, headed by chef Cody Diegel. Start with homemade coffee cake (it’s a must) and continue savoring your weekend over dishes such as the Caulfield’s Benedict (jumbo crab, poached eggs, hollandaise on toasted brioche with avocado); blueberry pancakes layered with maple-vanilla bean butter; and brioche French toast with apple compote. Wash it all down with signature cocktails like a bourbon milk shake, Pimm’s Cup, Ram os Gin Fizz and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thompson Beverly Hills, 9360 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.388.6860. caulfieldsbeverlyhills.com
Livello
Italian and Asian meet in a free-form inspiration at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills’ newest dining concept from Executive Chef Joseph Elevado. Dine on entrees such as grilled veal porterhouse with pickled cherry peppers and veal reduction; garlic oil-seared imperial wagyu with sun-dried tomato, ginger, garlic chips and sudachi soy; Prince Edward Island mussel saffron risotto with fennel and shimeji mushrooms; and free-form oxtail ravioli with edamame and veal reduction. Complementing the menu are handcrafted cocktails with Italian and Asian influences. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, 9291 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, 310.385.5302. www.livellorestaurant.com
Naples vs. Venice at Marino Ristorante
Jan. 12. Some feuds never die, and Marino Ristorante is taking the Naples vs. Venice battle to the ultimate playing field: the kitchen. Two “mamas” take the spotlight serving a six course menu that features side-by-side comparisons of classic dishes prepared in both the Venetian and Neopolitan styles. Representing Naples is Mamma Maria Marino: a Napoli native, Maria helped her late husband Ciro recreate the beloved Neapolitan recipes of their youth in the kitchen at Marino Ristorante. On the Venice side is Mamma Luciana Ongaro: daughter of a prominent Italian chef, Luciana lived her entire life in Venezia surrounded by food. Experience the throw-down with dishes such as Manila clams gratin with garlic aioli vs. toasted bread with salted cod; double wide rigatoni stuffed with veal, beef and pork ground meat vs. thick Venetian spaghetti with pulled duck, and more. 6001 Melrose Ave., L.A., 323.466.8812. www.marinorestaurant.net
Chowder Chowdown at Gladstones
Jan. 13-16. Dine on a chowder-centric menu, featuring six chowders including Gladstones classic New England clam chowder and Manhattan fish chowder, in addition to four specialty chowders created by chef Dean Grill. Participants receive a flight of all six chowders, served in 3 oz. cups for $22.95. Each chowder can also be ordered individually, served in a cup, bowl, or sourdough bread bowl. 17300 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.454.3474. www.gladstones.com
ART
Tag You’re It
Jan. 14-Mar. 25. Curator Amber Noland transforms Royal/T Cafe into a playground of contemporary art and imagination to inspire the next generation of artists and collectors. The playful exhibition focuses on several themes, including emerging art, conceptual works, and unexpected materials. Everything is installed at kid level, encouraging younger audiences to literally see eye-to-eye with art. After examining the works, kids can play a game of “art tag,” a conceptual game of “hide and seek” between the viewer and ideas hidden within the pieces. To support the exhibition, a number of artists, curators, and collectors will stop by Royal/T to share stories about their jobs and works they love. 8910 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.559.6300. www.royal-t.org
Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection
Through Feb. 5. With a couture label that’s only seven years old, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte can hardly be expected to have their designs shown in museums. Yet the Pasadena-based sisters are already subject of a second exhibition from a major U.S. museum. Rodarte: Fra Angelico Collection, on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Italian Renaissance gallery through Feb. 5, features 10 gowns inspired by Italian art, including the frescoes of Fra Angelico and Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Silk fabrics were draped and manipulated to give form, texture and tonal variety to the color palette inspired by the frescoes, and hand-forged gold metallic accessories such as a headpiece, breastplate and belts complete the gowns. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000. lacma.org
THEATER
Our Town
Jan. 13-Feb. 20. Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe-winner Helen Hunt stars in this groundbreaking new version of Thornton Wilder’s iconic American play. Our Town tells the story of young lovers George and Emily, whose life in a small New England town becomes a microcosm of every day life. The wisdom of the play, rendered through a deceptively simple story, makes Our Town an enduring treasure of the American theater. This electrifying new production is directed by Broadway director and MacArthur Fellow David Cromer in his LA debut. Most of the seating for this production will be on stage with the actors. Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica 310.434.3200. thebroadstage.com
Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins
Jan. 3-Feb. 12. Two-time Tony and Oscar nominee Kathleen Turner sizzles as Molly Ivins, the brassy Texan reporter whose liberal journalism skyrocketed her to the national stage. This acclaimed show captures the redheaded reporter’s indomitable character by weaving personal anecdotes with her colorful take on national politics. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., L.A., 310.208.5454. geffenplayhouse.com
Noises Off
Jan. 6-Jan 15. A Noise Within brings its hit production of Michael Frayn’s Noises Off to its new Pasadena theater. Reprising the comedy that played to sold-out houses at its former Glendale venue during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Featuring the original A Noise Within cast, Noises Off, directed by Julia Rodriguez-Elliott and Geoff Elliott, pays tribute to the art of theatre-making itself as chaos reigns onstage and off. 3352 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 626.356.3100. www.ANoiseWithin.org
Clybourne Park
Jan. 11-Feb. 26. In this play inspired by A Raisin in the Sun, jokes fly and hidden agendas unfold as two vastly different generations of characters tip-toe the delicate dance of social politics, pitting race against real estate at the crux of two seminal events — 50 years apart — in the same north Chicago house. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. www.centertheatregroup.org
Fela!
Through Jan 22. Legendary Nigerian Fela Kuti was a musical dynamo and a political powder keg who used his supercharged and sexy Afrobeat sound and charismatic spirit to ignite and inspire a generation to dare challenge a government of oppression. FELA! is both rave and theatrical wonder. Thanks to Fela’s captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony Award® winner Bill T. Jones, this tale of courage, passion and love will shake you: body and soul. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.628.2772. www.centertheatregroup.org
Cirque du Soleil: Iris
Continuing. Watch out, Vegas! L.A. has finally earned its own Cirque du Soleil spectacle, fittingly themed around the history of film. The long-anticipated Iris: A Journey Through the World of Cinema, written and directed by director-choreographer Philippe Decouflé, runs at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre; it will be the exclusive host to this production. Described as a “lyrical, fanciful, kinetic foray into the seventh art,” Iris uses dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation to tell the history of cinema and its genres. More than 70 performers don 200 costumes for the show, which is scored by Grammy and Emmy Award winner and L.A. native Danny Elfman. Performances Tu–Su. $43–$133; VIP Ticket $253. 877.943.4747. www.cirquedusoleil.com
Wicked
Through Jan 29. Back by popular demand! L.A.’s favorite musical flies back to the Pantages this holiday season after a record-breaking two-year run. Called “A phenomenon that keeps growing” by The Los Angeles Times and “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” by The New York Times, “Wicked” is the untold story of the witches of Oz and how they became known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., L.A., 323.468.1770. www.broadwayla.org
