Dec. 26, 2009 – Jan. 8, 2010

David Mamet directs the infamously reclusive magician in a production that offers a rare glimpse into Ricky Jay’s life and career. “Ricky Jay: A Rogue’s Gallery — An Evening of Conversation and Performance” includes Jay’s renowned sleight-of-hand illusions and a fair amount of audience interaction. Tue. 8 p.m. Through Jan. 10. $65-$125. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood Village. (310) 208-5454

[additional-authors]

Dikla Kadosh

December 25, 2009

SAT | DECEMBER 26

(MUSIC)
“Eyt Ratzon” is an afternoon of sacred, meditative music, mystical teachings and the Havdalah ritual with Rabbi T’mimah Ickovits and musician Yuval Ron. The program will commence with seudat shlishi, Shabbat’s third light meal, Kiddush and snacks. Sat. 4 p.m. $20 (suggested donation). Private home in Santa Monica. (310) 450-8808. {encode=”rebbet@kabbalahtmimah.org” title=”rebbet@kabbalahtmimah.org”}.

(THEATER)
Charlie Lustman returns to Los Angeles for two special performances of his one-man musical pep rally for those battling cancer: “Made Me Nuclear” is an operetta based on Lustman’s experiences with a rare form of cancer and a manifestation of the passion — music — that helped him through. Sat. 8 p.m. Also, Sun. 8 p.m. $20. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. (310) 394-9779. ” title=”friendshipcircleoc.org”>friendshipcircleoc.org.

TUE | DECEMBER 29

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WED | DECEMBER 30

(FILM)
Michael Haneke’s Cannes Film Festival award-winning film, “The White Ribbon,” weaves together tales of strange behavior in a strictly Protestant German village pre- World War I. The film is also Germany’s entry for this year’s Academy Awards. Wed. Check theater for show times. $9-$12. Landmark Theatre, 10850 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 281-8233. ” title=”veganday.info”>veganday.info.

SUN | JANUARY 3

(MUSIC)
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center hosts “Music for the Heart and Soul: A Grand Evening of Jewish Music” with cantors from across Southern California including from the hosting temple, the San Gabriel Valley Jewish Chorale, Kol HaEmek, Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills, Beth Shir Shalom in Santa Monica, Temple Beth David in Temple City and Temple Beth Israel in Pomona. Proceeds from the Cantors Assembly Western Region concert benefit the H.L. Miller Cantorial School Scholarship Funds of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Sun. 7 p.m. $18-$50. PJTC, 1434 N. Altadena Drive, Pasadena. (626) 798-1161. ” title=”tbala.org/jan8″>tbala.org/jan8.

(THEATER)
Art, science, love and commerce collide when Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meet at a bar in France to discuss the approaching 20th century in Steve Martin’s comical play, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” The meeting takes place in 1904, and imagines the hopeful discussion between two brilliant young men who are destined to make an indelible mark on civilization. Fri. 8 p.m. Through Feb. 13. $10-$20. The Complex East Theatre, 6468 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 960-7714.