7 Days In Arts

13
Saturday

Fans of contemporary Jewish music, you have two chances this weekend to see Debbie Friedman. Last week’s Journal cover subject as Jewish music’s “Queen of Soul,” Friedman has created many folksy, soulful compositions sung in synagogues and camps across the country. Her performance tonight at the Wadsworth Theater benefits Congregation Mishkon Tephilo, B’nai Tikvah Congregation and Kehillat Ma’arav. $25-$100 ($4.75 service charge per ticket ordered through Telecharge; no service fee at the door). 8 p.m. Wadsworth Theater, Brentwood. For tickets, call (800) 233-3123. Also Sun., Jan. 14, at Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, 1434 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena. $25-$118. For more information, call (626) 798-1161.

14
Sunday

The dark comedy “Wendell & Ben” follows the title characters, one a non-Jewish engineer with a gun collection, the other his son-in-law-to-be, a Jewish writer. The mismatched pair are forced to get along for the sake of their daughter and prospective wife, respectively, and the audience discovers more in common between them than they would like to admit. This is the second in the University of Judaism’s series of five staged play readings. $15. 2 p.m. Gindi Auditorium, 15600 Mulholland Dr., Bel Air. For tickets or more information, call (310) 476-9777 ext. 203.

Also today, for something sweet and sentimental, the Central Library presents “Music Out of Nowhere.” Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the musical tells an old-fashioned love story. Stars Ken Weiner and Marilyn Kelliher, with book by Jacob Goldberg and music and lyrics by Bruce Lloyd Kates. 2 p.m. Central Library, downtown. Also Jan. 21 and 28. For reservations, call (213) 228-7241.

15
Monday

The inaugural arts festival produced by the Los Angeles Media and Education Center (LAMEC) is shaping up to be a veritable circus of theater, opera, pop music, film and comedy. For one ring of this circus, LAMEC founder and Emmy Award-winning documentarian Robert Guenette has put together a Monday-night series of short documentaries. Tonight’s installment includes “Three Miracles,” the story of 107-year-old Rose Friedman, the last survivor of the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. 8 p.m. The New Ivar Theatre, 1605 N. Ivar Ave., Hollywood. For reservations or more information, call (310) 785-9312.

16
Tuesday

Some of the finest Israeli art is continually on view at Michael Hittleman Gallery of Fine Israeli Art. With a collection of artists ranging from Marc Chagall and Yaacov Agam to folk artist Shalom of Safed, the Hittleman Gallery presents artwork from throughout Israel’s history. Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 8797 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 655-5364.

17
Wednesday

Hanoch Rosen gives pantomime a new name. The widely acknowledged successor to Marcel Marceau will as likely bring to mind Buster Keaton or a slick MTV video with his satiric comedy and multimedia special effects. Rosenn grew up in Jerusalem and had a popular children’s television show in Israel before taking his pantomime around the world, from a successful off-Broadway show to performances in Europe and China. He’s in West Hills tonight, so be careful – Rosen has a habit of literally roping “volunteers” on stage with him. $10-$15. 6 p.m. Shomrei Torah Synagogue, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. For tickets or more information, call (818) 346-0811.

18
Thursday

The largest and longest-running photographic art exhibition on the West Coast opens tonight with a benefit reception hosted by actor and photographer Dennis Hopper. What’s more exciting, the “photo l.a.” exhibition, organized by the Stephen Cohen Gallery, includes thousands of images from 75 galleries and art dealers. Artists represented in the show range from big names like Ansel Adams and Diane Arbus to cutting-edge and experimental photography. Benefit preview reception, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. For tickets, call (323) 932-5846. Exposition $12 (one day); $20 (three days). Public hours: Fri. and Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Through Jan. 21. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. For more information, call (323) 937-5525.

19
Friday

In a smaller, more personal photography exhibit, Roger Marshutz’s photography speaks to its audience – literally. In his exhibit at A Shenere Velt Gallery, Marshutz has mounted his photographs with tape players, each playing back an interview with the subject. Titled “Hidden Conversations,” the exhibit gives voice to homeless people and former gang members, people to whom we don’t often listen. Opening reception Sun., Jan. 14, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Gallery hours, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment. Through March 2. Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 552-2007.