7 Days in the Arts

29Saturday

It’s “Big/World/Fun” time for kids and families at the Ford Ampitheatre. “It’s Good to Be an Ant,” the world premiere of a larger-than-life ant colony, features actors from Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena Shakespeare Company, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe. The “Big/World/Fun” series brings together local artists with groups of national and international stature to create unique family entertainment. Crafts activities start at 9 a.m., show starts at 10 a.m. $7. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Los Angeles. (323) 461-3673.

Film and animation buffs have a chance to experience the rarely seen works of influential avant-garde filmmaker Oskar Fischinger. The pioneer of abstract musical animation, whose commercial work included the Bach episode of “Fantasia,” is featured in a retrospective of his work at LACMA, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. The screening also features work by artists and filmmakers inspired by Fischinger’s art. 7:30 p.m. $7 (general Admission), $5 (members, seniors and students). LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For advance tickets, call (877) 522-6225.

30Sunday

An L.A.-style musical take on the ancient Greek tragedy of Antigone is the latest site-specific adaptation from the Cornerstone Theater Company. Originally commissioned by the Getty Museum, “An Antigone Story (A Hijack)” has moved its production downtown to the historic Subway Terminal Building. With original songs and choreography, Sophocles’ tale has been transformed into a story of warring corporate, multimedia and political moguls, who all happen to be members of the same family. Through Aug. 20. Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. $15 (general admission), $10 (students and seniors). 417 S. Hill St., Los Angeles. For information and reservations, call (213) 613-1700 ext. 31.

31Monday

“Chick Singers” is Deborah Pearl’s one-woman show about eight different women, each a singer of a different style of music. The show includes popular classic songs from “Over the Rainbow” to “Kol Nidre,” as well as original compositions and characters ranging from an aging opera diva to a punk rocker and a church choir member. Through Aug. 28. Sun., 3 p.m.; Mon., 8 p.m. $15, brunch and dinner packages are available. Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. For reservations call (323) 466-7000.

1Tuesday

Two new exhibitions of film-related artworks are open for the summer at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In the Fourth Floor Gallery, you will find the works of famed watercolorist Dong Kingman, whose motion picture work included the animated title sequences of such films as “Flower Drum Song” and “Lost Horizon.” The exhibit runs through Sept. 24. A second exhibition features more than 50 recently acquired film posters, including originals from “King Kong” and “Citizen Kane.” Posters depicting Ronald Reagan’s acting career are also included. Through Sept. 10. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. and Sun., 12 p.m.-6 p.m. 8949 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 247-3600.

2Wednesday

The popular Jewish music of RebbeSoul is the main attraction of the free summer evening concert at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. The festive concert under the stars features RebbeSoul’s innovative blend of ancient Jewish melodies and world beat music. 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Audrey and Sydney Irma Campus, 11661 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 388-2401.

3Thursday

Another outdoor evening concert this week features multi-instrumentalist and virtuoso guitarist Celso Machado, bringing the rhythms and melodic traditions of his native Brazil to the Skirball Cultural Center. For even more international flair, Machado will be joined in the courtyard setting by Chinese pipa (luteplayer Qiu-xia He and percussionist Joseph “Pepe” Danza. 7:30 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500, orskirball.org

4Friday

French director Alain Renais’ 1993 two-part film “Smoking/No Smoking”plays with notions of destiny, examining the various possibilities of its characters’ lives based on the choices they make. The film won five Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Then its North Americanrelease was indefinitely postponed. Until now. A daring combination of eight plays by British dramatist Alan Ayckbourn, “Smoking/No Smoking” is presented by The American Cinemathequefor a one-week special limited run, with each of the two parts screening on alternate nights.Aug. 2-Aug. 8, times vary. Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre at the Egyptian, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. For showtimes and ticket information, call (323) 466-3456.