Arts and Entertainment

21
Saturday

Pianist Max Levinson, 28, makes his debut with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra tonight, performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Levinson has been called “a master in the making” by the BBC and “extravagantly gifted and extraordinarily accomplished” by the Los Angeles Times. The orchestra will also perform Stravinsky’s Concerto in D and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4. Dr. Alan Chapman discusses the musical pieces to be performed in a “Concert Conversation” one hour before the 8 p.m. performance. $13-$53. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For tickets, call (213) 622-7001 ext. 215.

22
Sunday

Born in Siberia and the son of a rabbi, Abraham Walkowitz grew up to be one of America’s most versatile and dynamic modern artists, a pioneer who helped introduce modernism to America. Best known for his drawings of dancer Isadora Duncan, Walkowitz created works in a variety of styles, both representational and abstract. More than 120 of his works are now on view at Galerie Yoramgil. Mon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Through Nov. 11. 319 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 275-8130.

23
Monday

At USC Hillel today, artist Arlene Miller will be on hand for the opening of her gallery show
of ceramic tiles. Inspired by her time spent in Portugal among a community of “crypto-Jews” who had
openly converted back to Judaism and established a synagogue after centuries of secretly practicing,
Miller’s series of silk-screened ceramic tiles reflect on assimilation and the intersection of cultures
in this community. Artist reception, 4-7 p.m. Gallery hours, Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Through Dec. 15. USC Hillel Jewish Center Art Gallery, 3300 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles. For more information,
call (213) 747-9135.

24
Tuesday

Multigenre, multiplatinum Grammy-winning musician Beck, revered by many for his turntable experimentation,
offers L.A. fans a special acoustic performance tonight and Wednesday at the Wilshire Theatre. A native
of Los Angeles, the innovative pop musician has spoken in interviews about his connection to and inspiration
from Judaism. $25. Tues. and Wed., Oct. 24 and 25, 8 p.m. Wilshire Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.
For tickets, call (213) 480-3232.

25
Wednesday

The nationally acclaimed Liz Lerman Dance Exchange will premiere a participatory community dance project in February 2001. Titled “The Hallelujah Project,” the dance project will be constructed around the question “What are we in praise of?” No dance experience is necessary to participate in this cross-generational, cross-cultural community experience. This evening at the Skirball Cultural Center, learn more about the multiple opportunities to participate in this event. 7:30-9:30 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 440-4646.

26
Thursday

Though Richard Greenberg’s play “Night and Her Stars” examines much the same territory as the film “Twenty-One,”
the play differs from that film in important respects. Greenberg’s play deals with events surrounding the game show scandals
of the 1950’s, but moves beyond a close-up on one game show to examine the impact those scandals had on American culture at
large. With game shows currently back in the pop culture spotlight, “Night and Her Stars” shines with relevance. $15.
Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m. Through Dec. 3. Alliance Repertory Company, 3204 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.
For reservations or more information, call (323) 930-9304.

27
Friday

It happened just over five years ago, during the holiest week on the Jewish calendar –
between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. “For two years I still couldn’t talk about it,”
said Brenda Adelman. “Even in my actors’ class, I’d be hiding.” What Adelman couldn’t talk about
was the real-life tragedy that is the basis of her tragi-comedy “Surrenda Ta Brenda The Red Hot Contenda:
My Personal Hamlet.” In 1995, Brenda’s mother, Barbara, was found dead, a bullet to the head, in the bedroom
of her affluent Brooklyn home. Brenda’s father allegedly had pulled the trigger. But after two years in prison,
he was released, the gun never found. To complicate matters, he married his wife’s sister. Adelman has since
accepted that she may never learn the truth and that it no longer matters: “It isn’t going to bring my mom back.”
Faith in God helped her forgive her father. “I’m in a place where I need to heal,” says Adelman,
who finds performing the show therapeutic. “I’m living proof that, ‘Look, you can go on with your life.'” “Surrenda Ta Brenda
The Red Hot Contenda: My Personal Hamlet” runs Thursday and Friday at Actors Art Theatre through Oct. 27. Call (323) 969-4953;
www.actorsart.com – Michael Aushenker, Staff Writer