Calendar: October 4-10

SAT | OCT 4

“BETTER”

Who says Los Angeles isn’t a theater town? When Annie returns to her Midwest childhood home to escape her less-than-blissful married life and visit her dying father, drama unfolds. With family and old friends around, secrets are revealed, wine is consumed, and relationships are re-explored. Written by Jessica Goldberg, a graduate of NYU and Juilliard as well as a Tennessee Williams Fellow at the University of the South, this new play is like a Jewish, Midwestern Chekhov for the 21st century. Check it out, maybe you’ll feel better. Sat. 8 p.m. $25. Through Nov. 9. The Echo Theater Company, 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 307-3753. TUE | OCT 7

Our favorite, Gene Wilder, in a 1974 film adaptation of one of the more absurdist Eugene Ionesco plays. When the residents of a town slowly begin to turn into rhinoceroses, hilarity and philosophical musings are inevitable. This was Wilder’s second on-screen partnership with Zero Mostel, the two having worked together on “The Producers.” Directed by Tom O’Horgan and also starring Karen Black, it’s a celebration of one of the weirder decades in American cinema — the 1970s. Tue. 1:30 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. ” target=”_blank”>sinaitemple.org.

RON PERLMAN

Maybe you know him for his Golden Globe-winning performance as Vincent in “Beauty and the Beast,” or from his role as Hellboy in the comic-turned-film, or maybe you recognize him from “Sons of Anarchy” on FX. Ron Perlman is everywhere, and in his  new memoir, “Easy Street (The Hard Way): A Memoir,” you get to know the man behind all these men. A native New Yorker who was taunted for his distinctive looks, Perlman’s been the beast and hero of his own life. He’s also a classically trained actor who’s been in the game for 40 years. If you’re chasing a dream, check out this story. Tue. 7 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. WED | OCT 8

’Tis the season to be tented! Sometimes it’s hard to locate this Sukkot staple around a metropolis like L.A. If you’re looking for that special place to eat a snack or have a moment of thanks, consider the Skirball’s special installation. As you locate all the ways to commemorate this harvest season, remember that to be a guest in someone else’s sukkah is very much a part of the Sukkot spirit. Wed. Noon-5 p.m. Free. Through Oct. 16. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. THU | OCT 9

MRG Fine Arts Gallery presents works by this local artist. With a long history working for the Anti-Defamation League, Gillman has spent the last few years honing her painting and writing. The gallery will include pieces from her series “Notes That Float” and “A Slice of Art,” both an exploration in bold design style. Come for the art and the opening reception. Thu. 7 p.m. Through Oct. 16. Free. MRG Fine Art Gallery, 13453 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. (818) 277-6927. FRI | OCT 10

The “Lewis” half of that dynamic 20th- century comedy team, “Martin and Lewis,” Jerry gives a retrospective of his long and rich life and career. With stories, jokes and special film clips, Lewis-lovers will recall all that 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. The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. (818) 879-5016. ” target=”_blank”>laemmle.com