7 Days In Arts

Saturday, Dec. 1

If you still aren’t convinced that Jewish humor is some
of the best around, then go see “Sholem Schtik III: Visit to Vaudeville and
Beyond: An Evening of Laughter and Music.” Enjoy the evolution of Jewish comedy
from Yiddish theater to burlesque to the movies and TV shows of today. Be warned
however, some material might be unsuitable for children. Presented by the Sholem
Community/Workmen’s Circle, the money raised in this one-night-only performance
will benefit Sholem, a secular Jewish educational, cultural, and social
institution. $10. 7:30 p.m. Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter’s Ring, 1525 Robertson
Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, call (310) 552-2007.

Sunday, Dec. 2

For some brides, searching for the right wedding dress
is comparable to finding a needle in a haystack. For those who prefer the
dresses to come to them, the Skirball Cultural Center presents “A Match Made in
Heaven: Tea and Badgley Mischka Bridal Fashion Show.” The high tea, with floral
design by event planner King Dahl, features the newest creations by the
world-renowned designer Mischka, accompanied by the Ladies Choice String
Quartet. The program also includes a talk led by Grace Cohen Grossman, curator
of “Romance & Ritual: Celebrating the Jewish Wedding.” $35 (per person).
1:30 p.m. Ahmanson Hall, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or
more information, call (323) 655-8587.

Monday, Dec. 3

The lady in the rocking chair brings back memories of
the famous mother in the 1960 movie “Psycho”. But fear not, the sculpture “Woman
on White Wicker Rocker,” by artist George Segal, is not dangerous. The work is
one of two dozen from “Art and Illusion: Selections From the Frederick R.
Weisman Art Foundation,” presented by the University of Judaism’s Platt and
Bornstein Galleries. The collection includes that span the 20th century, and
“reveal an emphasis on vibrant works with … a frequent focus on illusionism.”
Opening reception: Sun., Dec. 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Gallery hours: Sun.-Thurs., 10
a.m.-4 p.m. and Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. For more
information, call (310) 476-9777 ext. 201.

Tuesday, Dec. 4

How does a simple extramarital affair lead to absolute
upheaval in a small town? Author Loraine Despres answers that question in her
debut novel “The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc.” In 1956, when Sissy’s
high-school sweetheart shows up in Gentry, La., the unhappy housewife doesn’t
hesitate to let him add some excitement to her boring life and unhappy 14-year
marriage. Despres, whose writing credits includes the “Who Shot J.R.?” episode
of “Dallas,” will sign copies of this sassy, sexy story and discuss its
humorous, yet serious reflections of life. $10 (members); $15 (nonmembers). 7
p.m.-9 p.m. National Council of Jewish Women’s Council House, 543 N. Fairfax
Ave., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (323) 852-8518.

Wednesday, Dec. 5

Take two models, a rabbi and a man named Norman and you
get A Different Kind of One-Act Festival: 2001-2002 Season, presented by Theatre
Forty. The collection of new one-acts, music and tales includes “Norman!”; the
romantic comedy “The Rabbi Is In”; and a humorous dialogue between two self
absorbed models in “Plastic.” Music is provided by Michael Gough, Jeff Harlan
and Jennifer Parsons. $10 (general admission). Plays Sun., Dec. 2, 2 p.m.,
Tues., Dec. 4-Fri., Dec. 7, 8 p.m. Through Dec. 16. 241 Moreno Drive, Beverly
Hills. For reservations or more information, call (323) 936-5842.

Thursday, Dec. 6

For many, the word kabbalah brings to mind a belief in
mysticism and spirituality, practiced by Madonna. “Reading the Zohar: The Sacred
Text of Kabbalah,” by Dr. Pinchas Giller gives an insightful look into the
origin of the Zohar in the 16th century by the people of Safed in the Galilee,
and the culmination of Jewish mysticism. Today, the author will speak on the
book at the Jewish Community Library of Los Angeles as part of the Adult Lecture
Series. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. 6505 Wilshire Blvd. For reservations or more
information, call (323) 761-8648.

Friday, Dec. 7

With only a small amount of well-known Chanukah
melodies, hearing the same ones over and over can become pretty boring. That’s
why musician Karl Kimmel has added a new twist to holiday favorites by adding
jazz. Predicted to “become one of the classics to be played during the holidays
for decades to come, ” by Virginia Jazz DJ Jerry Carter, “Absolutely Chanukah is
a compilation of age-old songs such as “Chanukah, Oh Chanukah” and “I Have a
Little Dreidel.” with a fresh sound. To purchase the CD, visit www.amazon.com or
www.jewishmusic.com.