7 Days In Arts

Saturday, May 5

Peter and Marian are happily married, but not for long
if Peter’s Catholic father and Marian’s Jewish dad get in their way. In Ben
Matthews’ comedy-drama “From I Do to I Don’t,” the in-laws mix it up over the
mixed marriage. The dramatic first act is followed by comedy in the second as
the bickering boils over into an all-out cultural battle. $10. Saturdays at 8
p.m., indefinitely. Lion Star Theater, 12655 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. For
more information, call (818) 786-8833.

Sunday, May 6

You know you’re in for an evening of dark humor and
meditative beauty with Stephen Dobyns at the podium. The prolific novelist and
poet will read from his latest volume of poetry, “Pallbearers Envying the One
Who Rides,” in this afternoon’s installment of the Skirball’s Rattle Poetry
series. $5 (general admission); free (students). 2 p.m. Skirball Cultural
Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets, call (323) 655-8587.

Tune in to KRLA 870 AM for your weekly dose of informed
local celebrity chat. “Inside/Out with Michael Levine” features guests from
different facets of entertainment, politics and business discussing current
events, with live call-ins from listeners. Tonight’s guests include
psychologist/self-esteem expert Nathaniel Branden, alongside the Jewish
Journal’s Editor-in-Chief Rob Eshman. 10 p.m.-midnight. Call-in toll-free at
(866) 870-5752.

Monday, May 7

The title of painter Franceil Masi’s exhibit at A
Shenere Velt Gallery is indicative of both the series of paintings and the
subject itself. In “Jews: A Work in Progress,” Masi has created portraits of
pre-WWII Jewish working-class life, in Europe and America. Masi’s paintings
depict both the adversity and ongoing successes of her subjects. Opening
reception Sun., May 6, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and
by appointment. Through June 29. 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. For more
information, call (310) 552-2007.

Tuesday, May 8

Barbara Mendes’ long and varied artistic career took a
major turn in the early 1990’s when she discovered and returned to her Sephardic
Jewish roots. On display now at West Los Angeles College, Mendes’ newest work,
“Entering the Land,” is a feast of color, depicting an aged Moses and the
beautiful land he would not live to enter. Also included in the show are some of
Mendes’ large-scale works, such as the 18-foot mural “Beresheit.” Artist
reception Sun., May 20, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. 4800 Freshman Drive, Los Angeles. For
gallery hours or more information, call (310) 287-4200.

Friday, May 11

Born in Zimbabwe, educated in London, inspired by
Jerusalem and exhibiting in Los Angeles, Ginette Mizraki offers a spiritual
series of luminous paintings in her latest exhibit, “Epiphanies.” Though
originally trained in theater, Mizraki turned to the visual arts while living in
Israel, eager to recreate the surrounding hills and ever-changing light of
Jerusalem. Opening reception Sat., May 5, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Gallery hours: Tue.-Sat.
10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Through June 14. 15125 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. For
more information, call (310) 454-1195.