7 Days In Arts

Saturday

Tonight’s estrogen-crowd-pleaser stars Bonnie Franklin, Mariette Hartley and Teri Ralston in a show that humorously explores middle-aged women’s issues — husbands, babies, careers and the like. Based on the poems of Judith Viorst, “Love and Shrimp” plays at the University of Judaism. So what’s shrimp got to do with it? One way to find out….

8 p.m. (Saturday), 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (Sunday). $32-$38. 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1547.

Sunday

Artist Jimmy Ernst’s 1984 autobiography describes “A Not So Still Life” that included the loss of his mother in the Holocaust when he was a teenager and a subsequent move from Germany to the United States, where he reunited with his father, renown surrealist artist Max Ernst. Jimmy grew up around other celebrated artists of the day, friends of his father’s, such as Paul Klee and Jean Arp. His own work was both influenced by and independent of his predecessors, and is on view at Pepperdine’s Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art in a show titled “Jimmy Ernst: Transcending the Surreal.”

Runs through April 4. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tuesday-Sunday). Free. 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. (310) 506-4851.

Monday

Today, The Workmen’s Circle’s A Shenere Velt Gallery pays homage to — what else? — the workmen. Mexican American muralist Eladio Alvarez’s colorful folk art portrays working people, and can be seen in the gallery’s new exhibition, “Popular by Demand.” Who knows? There might even be some workwomen in there, too.

Runs through Feb. 27. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Friday). 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-2007.

Tuesday

Ari Gold’s latest heavily produced R&B/funk/soul CD is as out today as the Orthodox-raised, gay musician himself. In it, he lays everything bare, with songs that range in theme from sexual (“Funk That Ship”), to romantic (“Bashert”), to introspective (“Back to Me”); and inside cover shots that stick to one hot shirtless-in-the-shower theme that’s tough to argue with. Ending his liner notes to “Space Under Sun” with the same open and proud vibe, Gold writes, “…to all the kids out there who feel ‘different.’ You will find your space under sun.”

www.arigold.com. $13.99.

Wednesday

“Direct From Vegas — The Rat Pack” opens at the Kodak tonight, with impersonators Steve Apple as Dean Martin, Cary Corsello as Frank Sinatra and Lonnie Parlor as Sammy Davis, Jr., crooning such signature tunes as “Luck Be a Lady.” Because ersatz Elvises are so very 2003.

8 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday), 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Saturday), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Sunday). $30-$95. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (231) 365-3500.

Thursday

Tonight only, Israeli-born gem and violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman wows ’em at UCLA’s Royce Hall. What will he play? Seems that’s a surprise. But it’s a safe bet your ears won’t be disappointed by this recent Kennedy Center honoree.

8 p.m. $25-$80. (310) 825-2101.

Friday

Photo L.A. returns to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium this week. Viggo Mortensen (a work of art in his own right, some would argue) kicked off the photography exposition last night with a benefit reception for LACMA’s photo department. Today through Sunday, images from 75 galleries and private dealers are displayed for sale (or just perusal), including works by Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, Lauren Greenfield and Man Ray. Various lectures and seminars are planned as well.

Noon-7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). $15 (one day), $25 (three days). 1855 Main St., Santa Monica. (323) 937-5525.