7 Days In Arts

Saturday, Jan.26

The setting is France, during the Napoleonic era for
the film “The Count of Monte Cristo,” portraying the trials and tribulations of
a falsely imprisoned Edmond Dantes. Once out of prison, he is determined to get
revenge on his enemies while uncovering treasures on the island of Monte Cristo.
Join University Synagogue in their benefit screening of this widely acclaimed
2002 flick, accompanied by a gourmet dessert buffet. $40 (reserved seating with
a special gift); $25 (general admission); $10 (children ages 10 and under). 7
p.m. Frank G. Wells Theater, Walt Disney Studios, 500 S. Buena Vista St.,
Burbank. For reservations or more information, call (310) 472-1255.

Sunday, Jan. 27

If you couldn’t get enough of Elliot Gould in “Ocean’s
Eleven”, not to worry. Tonight, he appears with British actress Christina
Pickles and screenwriter Michael Schiffer in Literary Stages, an evening of
readings at Café des Artists. His presentation of Adam Gopnik’s “Paris to the
Moon” portrays the experiences of a New Yorker reporter for the living in the
City of Lights. A buffet dinner is included. $25 (general admission). Café des
Artists, 1534 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood. For reservations or more
information, call (323) 465-1010.

Monday, Jan. 28

Get your VCR or Tivo ready for “Simon Magus,” a
mystical tale set in a quaint 19th century Polish village that airs tonight on
the Sundance Channel. Land developers threaten to build a railroad, thus
destroying the livelihood of the town until a Jewish scholar and a corrupt
businessman arrive on the scene. The fairy tale comes alive with comedy by a
village idiot, Simon, played by Noah Taylor from “Almost Famous.” 1 a.m. Also
airs Sun., Jan. 27, 1:25 p.m., Tues., Jan. 29, 9 p.m. and Thurs., Jan. 31, 11
p.m. For more information, visit www.sundance.com.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

In “Biloxi Blues,” the sequel to Neil Simon’s “Brighton
Beach Memoirs,” Eugene Jerome enlists in the Army and leaves behind his Jewish
New York neighborhood for basic training in Biloxi, Miss., during the last year
of World War II. Paul Lazarus (“The People vs. Mona”) directs this 1985 Tony
Award-winning play at The Pasadena Playhouse. $39.50 (Sun.-Thurs.); $44.50
(Fri., Sat. and Sun. matinee). Tues.-Thurs., 8 p.m., Sat., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. and
Sun., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Through Feb. 24. 39 S. El Molino Ave. For tickets or
more information, call (626) 356-7529.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

Tamim Ansary has a unique perspective on Sept. 11 and
the aftermath. The Afghan American author, who struggles with his dual heritage
in the book, “West of Kabul, East of New York,” will relay his experiences of
claiming both nationalities and the possibilities of finding some compromise and
understanding between Islam and the West today at the Malibu Jewish Center and
Synagogue. 7:30 p.m. 24855 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. For more information,
call (310) 456-2178.

Thursday, Jan. 31

What do celebrities like Joan Rivers, Roseanne and
Bette Midler have in common? All three possess a Jewish charisma derived from
singer and entertainer Sophie Tucker. Born Sophie Abuza to a Russian Jewish
family, the feisty Connecticut single mother was so determined to make it as a
star that she ventured to New York with only $100 in her pocket. Tonight, she
stars in “Sophie Tucker: The Last of the Red Hot Yiddishe Mamas,” part of the
University of Judaism’s Dotort Program for the Arts. $20. 7 p.m. 15600
Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. For more information, call (310) 440-1546.

Friday, Feb. 1

Israel’s West Bank is the setting for “Time of Favor,”
playing tonight at the Fairfax Cinemas. Menachem, a yeshiva student serving in
an Orthodox army troop, is caught up in a viscous love triangle when he falls in
love with Michal, who is also being courted by Menachem’s best friend, Pini. In
an act of revenge, a dejected Pini secretly organizes a plan to regain Jewish
control of the Temple Mount. $8.50 (general admission); $6.50 (students); $5.50
(seniors ages 62 and older and children ages 12 and under). 7907 Beverly Blvd.,
Los Angeles. For showtimes or more information, call (323) 655-4010.