Saturday, June 17 The “Red Scare” is over and the Hollywood Blacklist forgotten, but the war is about to heat up between Benny Silverman and Leo Greshen in Jeffrey Sweet’s play “The Value of Names.” When Leo testified against Benny before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s, they became enemies. Now, several decades later, the two are brought together as Benny’s daughter Norma is cast in a play directed by Leo. Benny must decide the fate of his relationship with Leo as well as with Norma, who wants to change her name, thereby denying her heritage. What’s a Jew to do? Through July 23. $20-$35. Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. R.S.V.P., (866) 811-4111. www.theatermania.com. |
Â
Sunday, June 18 Willy Loman returns to the stage on his desperate quest to achieve the American Dream. Pacific Resident Theater has revived “Death of a Salesman” as part of its Summer Series. Although Arthur Miller’s classic play is a tragic tale, this story is deeply rooted in American literature and history and should be read or seen in one’s lifetime. Through July 23. $18-$20. 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. R.S.V.P., (310) 822-8392. Â Â Â
Monday, June 19 Shabbat is not for a few days, but flautist Toby Caplan-Stonefield will have you feeling festive with her new CD, “The Spiritual Flute” Vol. 1. This album features Caplan-Stonefield with the Conejo Valley Flute Society, guitarist Larry Giannecchini, pianist Paul Switzler and percussionist Ken Meyer, performing pieces by Jewish composers and other composers with spiritual qualities. This mellifluous music will surely turn a manic Monday into a relaxing one. $15. CD is available for purchase at ” target=”_blank”>www.fluteworld.com. Â | ||||||||||
Tuesday, June 20 Dan Thorne’s new art exhibit, “Tzva’im Mavrikim — Bright Colors,” features plein-air, acrylic works that pay homage to Havdalah ceremonies and customs. Through his vibrant pieces, Thorne celebrates the distinction between Shabbat and the rest of the week. Of Havdalah, Thorne explains, “it’s a wondrous service, and I wanted to share some images that it brings to me.” Through July 13. Free. Pauline and Zena Gatov Gallery, Barbara and Ray Alpert JCC, Weinberg Jewish Federation Campus, 3801 E. Willow St., Long Beach. (562) 426-7601. |
 Â
Wednesday, June 21 What do George Costanza, Bob Patterson and Max Bialystock have in common? The man behind these great characters, Jason Alexander, who is now flexing his directing muscle for the Los Angeles Premiere of Sam Shepard’s “The God of Hell.” This dark political comedy follows the lives of Frank and Emma of rural Wisconsin, whose lives are greatly disrupted after two unwelcome visitors arrive at their home. One can almost hear Frank and Emma shouting “Serenity now!” $35-$69. The Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P., (310) 208-5454.
Thursday, June 22 When Academy Award-nominated movie star Tyler Johnes finds himself in a bar in purgatory on Oscar night, schmoozing with the glitterati and posing for the paparazzi on the red carpet are no longer in the cards. Johnes is then forced to re-examine aspects of Through July 2. $20-$59. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. (949) 497-2787.
Friday, June 23 Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll may be a necessary backdrop for the rock musical genre, but “Prime,” written by Luke Lehman and Deborah Kassner, also highlights the inner conflicts of four musicians as they strive to pursue their dreams. Creators of this multimedia production successfully blur the lines between reality and fantasy by staging a real vocal competition during each performance. The contest winner will receive a professional recording session. Details are available at www.primetherockmusical.com. Through July 1. $30. El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (866) 811-4111.
| ||||||||||
Did you enjoy this article?You'll love our roundtable.Editor's PicksWhat Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Dan Schnur
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
Ryan Torok
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Larry Greenfield
Latest ArticlesNSFW – A Poem for Parsha Metzora
Rick Lupert
Israel War Room Launches in Spanish
Kylie Ora Lobell
Modern Book Bans Echo Past Atrocities and Further Silence Marginalized Voices
Larry Bailis and Cindy Rowe
The Power of the Passover Seder to Unite Jews
Samuel J. Abrams
Dr. Nicole Saphier Reflects on Motherhood and Jewish Advocacy
Kylie Ora Lobell
Israel’s David Moment
Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman
CultureMake Felt Seder Plate Elements
Jonathan Fong
Oct. 7 Events to Be Depicted in New Stage Show
Brian Fishbach
Shani Seidman: Manischewitz, Passover Memories and Matzo Brei
Debra L. Eckerling
Was Spinoza a Victim of Cancel Culture?
Matthew Schultz
Beit Issie Shapiro Gala, David Labkovski Exhibit, de Toledo College Signing Day, JFSLA Shabbat
April 18, 2024
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community. Is Aaron’s Haroses the New Hummus?
April 18, 2024
Aaron Weiner, Founder of Aaron’s Haroses, wants to make haroses – aka charoset – a year-round treat. A Bisl Torah – Ask These Questions
April 18, 2024
The shackles of ancient Egypt feel ever present. The nightmare isn’t over. HollywoodPodcastsShani Seidman: Manischewitz, Passover Memories and Matzo Brei
Debra L. Eckerling
Joan Nathan: “My Life in Recipes” and Pecan Lemon Torte
Debra L. Eckerling
More news and opinions than at a |
7Days in the Arts
This week in Los Angeles: Jeffrey Sweet\'s play \"The Value of Names\"; \"Death of a Salesman\" at Pacific Resident Theater; Toby Caplan-Stonefield\'s new CD, \"The Spiritual Flute\"; Dan Thorne\'s new art exhibit, \"Tzva\'im Mavrikim -- Bright Colors\"; Los Angeles Premiere of Sam Shepard\'s \"The God of Hell\"; Mitch Albom\'s comedic play \"And The Winner Is...\"; Rock musical \"Prime.\"