Calendar: Fall preview Sept. 26 – Nov. 23

FRI | SEPT 26

“THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU”

Based on Jonathan Tropper’s novel with the same title, the book tells the story of Judd Foxman, returning home to sit shivah for his late father. Citing legal clearances, the film has altered the Foxman name to a less overtly Jewish “Altman,” but the story still reveals that sacred family tension, inevitable when four grown siblings are under the same roof as their psychologist mother. Clever and candid, Shawn Levy directs a reliable cast that includes Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Ari Graynor, Adam Driver, Kathryn Hahn, Jane Fonda, Corey Stoll and more (if you can believe it). Fri. Various times. $11 (general), $8 (seniors, ages 11 and under, bargain matinee). NoHo 7, 5240 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (310) 478-3836. FRI | OCT 10

The “Lewis” half of that dynamic 20th-century comedy team “Martin and Lewis,” Jerry Lewis gives a retrospective of his long and rich life and career. As they take in a night of stories, jokes and special film clips, Lewis-lovers will recall all the actor, screenwriter, director and producer has offered. Also nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, this veteran — of just about everything — knows how to hold down a stage. There will be an opening set by Elizabeth Sams. Fri. 8 p.m. $45-$125. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 655-0111. TUE | OCT 14

It’s the highly anticipated literary debut from the creator and star of HBO’s “Girls.” “Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She’s ‘Learned,’ ” is a collection of personal essays that are every bit the essence of the honest, vocal and unique Dunham. Whether you have a child in his or her late 20s, are in your late 20s yourself, once were or plan to be — the anecdotes here are relevant, intimate and totally Lena. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. Barnes & Noble at The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. (323) 525-0270. ” target=”_blank”>skirball.org.

WED | OCT 15

“ART SPIEGELMAN AND PHILLIP JOHNSTON: WORDLESS!”

You probably remember the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, “Maus,” where Art Spiegelman uses animals to represent race as he tells the story of his father’s Holocaust survival. Now, 22 years later, he has collaborated with jazz composer Phillip Johnston (and Johnston’s sextet) to present an innovative hybrid of slides, talks and musical performance. Spiegelman takes the audience on a personal tour of the artists who influenced him in a celebration of the first legimiate graphic novels. Wed. 8 p.m. $19-$49 (general), $15 (UCLA students). Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. (310) 825-2101. THU | OCT 16

He’s a man with a meal plan. Considered one of the greater authorities on all things food, Mark Bittman covers food policy, cooking and eating as an opinion writer for The New York Times. He’s a public speaker on both radio and television, he’s the author of several cookbooks, and yes, he has a new one! “How to Cook Everything Fast: A Better Way to Cook Great Food” is all about recipes at a rapid rate. Whether it’s a repurposing of kitchen equipment or lessons in time management, this is an opportunity to eat better, sooner. Thu. 8 p.m. $20 (general), $30 (reserved seating), $50 (reserved seating and book), $95 (reserved seating, book, pre-event reception). All Saints Church, 504 N. Camden Drive, Beverly Hills. SAT | OCT 18/SUN | OCT 19

Hello, cello! He’s not The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, but this is a British import we’re just as happy to welcome. Recognized worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician and author, Steve Isserlis has worked with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Orchestra, and both the Cleveland and NHK orchestras. His passion for children’s-book writing and period instruments are just a couple of his unique traits, and maybe the reason he’s one of only two living cellists inducted into Gramophone Magazine’s Hall of Fame. Both nights will be conducted by Douglas Boyd and include Hadyn’s Cello Concerto No. 2. Sat. 8 p.m. $26-$120. Alex Theatre, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Sun. 7 p.m. $26-$120. Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. (213) 622-7001. THU | OCT 23

In an almost ironically dramatic fashion, some of Hollywood’s leading actors, directors, writers and composers had to escape Nazi persecution in order to make their cinematic contributions. The exhibit, co-presented with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, locates the stories of Franz Waxman, Ernst Lubitsch, Billy Wilder, Marlene Dietrich and many more to discover — through footage, photos, costumes, clips and posters — how the journey of the émigré informed the journey of film in America. The exhibit is complemented by two others: “The Noir Effect” and “Café Vienne.” Thu. Various times. Through March 1. $10 (general), $7 (seniors, students, children over 12), $5 (ages 2-12), free (members, ages under 2). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. SAT | OCT 25

While a book with the title “A Book With No Pictures” might initially sound like a turn-off to children, this former “The Office” writer and actor guarantees a good time for both kids and parents. Demanding that every single word on the page get read aloud, B.J. Novak forces his readers to say things like “BLORK” and “Glibbity Globbity.” His grown-up short-story collection, “One More Thing,” is a success with adults everywhere, so it’s no surprise that Novak is now bringing some silly onomatopoeia joy to his younger fans. Sat. Free. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 449-5320. SUN | OCT 26

Yes, Daryl Hall did join our tribe decades ago, and aren’t we the funkier for it! Alongside partner in rhythm and rhyme John Oates, Hall will be making our dreams come true with those staple ’70s and ’80s tunes. With their six No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and a place in both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, these guys are doing something right. Sun. 8 p.m. $40-$110. Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 665-5857. SAT | NOV 1/SUN | NOV 2

Happy half-century! This Tel Aviv-based troupe embraces its middle-aged milestone with a U.S. premiere. Under the artistic direction and choreographic leadership of Ohad Naharin, the contemporary dance company performs “Sadeh 21,” a physical journey that explores all the ways we exist in the world. Athletic, delicate, slow or twitchy, the piece applauds nuance in both how we dance and who we are. Sat. 8 p.m. and Sun. 4 p.m. $29-$89. Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood. (310) 825-2101. TUE | NOV 11

In the mood for the American dream? Perfect. Hershey Felder — who previously embodied George Gershwin for a one-man show — is now bringing Irving Berlin to life. The composer, who escaped czarist Russia to New York’s Lower East Side, eventually became a citizen of the world, his musical contributions far-reaching and long-lasting. From “God Bless America” to “White Christmas,” his songs are classic. Written by Felder and directed by Trevor Hay, it’s a production you can count on. Tue. 8 p.m. $37-$62. Through Dec. 21. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 208-5454. ” target=”_blank”>hollywoodpantages.com.

THU | NOV 13

SECOND CITY’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

Despite the name, this improv group is second to none. Founded in 1959 in Chicago by Paul Sills, Howard Alk and Bernie Sahlins, the troupe has spent the last 55 years expanding to Canada and producing some of our favorite and defining comedic icons. Alumni include Alan Arkin, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and more. Spreading the funny internationally and domestically, tonight’s festivities will showcase both new and classic sketches. Don’t forget to bring tissues! (Assuming you, like any hot-blooded person, cry when laughing uncontrollably). Thu. 7:30 p.m. $45-$55. Valley Performing Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge. (818) 677-3000. THU | NOV 20

Rebecca Gilman’s new play follows veteran social worker Caroline as she tries her best to protect and help baby Luna Gale. But working within a bureaucracy can mean hidden motives, long-held secrets and moral ambiguity, so it’s not exactly smooth sailing. Gilman, the first American playwright to win an Evening Standard Award, is best known for her widely well-received “Spinning Into Butter” and “Boy Gets Girl.” Directed by Robert Falls, the play is a powerful piece of passion and conviction. Sun.  Ticket info to be announced Through Dec. 21. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (213) 628-2772.