Mendelsohn — Better Than Beethoven!

This week: Syzygy Theatre Group stages Lanford Wilson\'s Pulitzer-winning \"Talley\'s Folly\"; celebrated composer Felix Mendelsohn receives the ultimate compliment in the new play, \"Better Than Beethoven,\" as well as center stage; a special screening of the new documentary, \"Out of Faith,\" takes place today only at Laemmle Sunset 5; big name comedians donate stage time to raise money for The Federation\'s children\'s literacy program, KOREH L.A.; fine art and contemporary crafts can be found all weekend long at the inaugural Santa Monica Arts Festival.

[additional-authors]

Keren Engelberg

September 7, 2006

Saturday the 9th

Syzygy Theatre Group stages Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning “Talley’s Folly.” First staged in 1979, the romance was Wilson’s answer to his first play about the Talley family, “Fifth of July.” It features the characters of Sally Talley (a small town girl from a wealthy and bigoted Protestant family) and Matt Friedman (a Jewish accountant 12 years her senior) as partners in a sweet and unlikely courtship.

8 p.m. (Fri. and Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sun.). Through Oct. 14. $20 (Fri. and Sat.) pay-what-you-can (Sun.). GTC Burbank, 1111-B W. Olive Ave., Burbank. (323) 254-9328.
” TARGET=”_blank”>www.outoffaith.com.

Wednesday the 13th

Two DVDs of interest are released this week. With beautiful archival footage as well as interviews with dancers, the critically acclaimed documentary, “Ballets Russes,” tells the story of the ground-breaking dance company created by Serge Diaghilev, and the equally culturally relevant competing groups that emerged after his untimely death. Multiple International Film Festival award- winner, “Gloomy Sunday,” is also out this week. The romantic period piece focuses on a love triangle between a restaurant owner, a waitress and a pianist, set against the backdrop of Holocaust-era Budapest.

“Ballet Russes”: $22.49. ” TARGET=”_blank”>whv.warnerbros.com.

Thursday the 14th

Big name comedians donate stage time to raise money for The Federation’s children’s literacy program, KOREH L.A. Contributing “Laughs for Literacy,” D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Jon Lovitz, Howie Mandel and Bob Saget appear tonight at the Laugh Factory.

7 p.m. $150 (includes hors d’oevres and drink tickets). 8001 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P., (323) 761-8219.

Friday the 15th

Fine art and contemporary crafts can be found all weekend long at the inaugural Santa Monica Arts Festival. Come to view paintings, sculpture, photography, wood crafts and even painted talitot by artist Smadar Knobler — as well as hourly demonstrations by artists and artisans. Items are also available for purchase.

Sept. 15-17. Hours vary. Free (children under 12), $6.50 (seniors), $7.50 (adults). Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. (310) 458-8551.