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Calendar: Holiday preview 2014

Events holiday preview.
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November 21, 2014

FRI | NOV 28

“THE COMEDIC GENIUS OF RODNEY DANGERFIELD”

Have some respect! Curated with the help of Rodney Dangerfield’s widow, Joan, this temporary exhibit offers an intimate look into the iconic career of a comedy favorite. Featuring the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album, “No Respect,” the federal ruling in favor of Dangerfield over Star Magazine, the robe from “Easy Money” and more, fans can get close to some of the precious things that have become part of one man’s legacy. Fri. 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.), 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.). Through February 2015. $12.95 (general), $11.95 (students and seniors), $10.95 (ages 6-17). The Grammy Museum, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 765-6800. SAT | NOV 29

BRENT WEINBACH

If you like your arts a little abstract, consider taking your comedy the same way! Brent Weinbach has appeared on Comedy Central and HBO and offers a smart, deadpan, little-bit-weird approach to stand-up. Whether he’s wondering what right-wing slam poetry might sound like or deconstructing music in classic video games, he’s providing a unique kind of consciousness. Winner of the 2007 Andy Kaufman Award, Weinbach started as a jazz pianist and substitute teacher. Now, he’s landing jokes. Sat. 10 p.m. $15. The Improv, 8162 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 651-2583. TUE | DEC 2

“INTO THE WOODS”

Are you tired of having your fairytales sold separately? Tonight, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s Tony-winning musical is coming to town. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (we’re talking beanstalk), a baker and his wife all cross paths in this modern twist on a Brothers Grimm type production. With witches, wolves, giants and mysterious strangers, our familiar storybook characters discover that wishes come at a price, and sometimes happily-ever-after doesn’t come at all. Directed by Amanda Dehnert. Tue. 8 p.m. $39-$99. Through Dec. 21. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. (310) 746-4000. ” target=”_blank”>hollywood.improv.com.


THU | DEC 4

DEBORAH FEINGOLD

Sometimes, photographers are just as rock ’n’ roll as the musicians they photograph. Deborah Feingold, whose career has included teaching photography to troubled youth in a Boston prison as well as snapping the book-cover photo of then-senator, now-President Barack Obama, is a force in the world of photos. In her new book, “Music,” Feingold shares some of the most dazzling moments from her sessions with artists over the last 40 years (such as Madonna and Billy Joel, to name a few). Her lecture tonight will focus on the challenges of working with stars who don’t always want to be captured. Thu. 6:30 p.m. Free. RSVP required. The Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles. (213) 403-3000. ” target=”_blank”>jewishwomenstheatre.org.


SAT | DEC 6 / SUN | DEC 7

“SEASON OF WONDER”

Artistic Director Sue Fink and the Angel City Chorale present a two-day vocal extravaganza. In a nod to pan-religiousness, there will be a mix of Christmas and Chanukah favorites coming to you in all shapes and sizes: From classical to choral to gospel and R&B, you’ll recognize the style even if you don’t know the song. Attendees will also have an opportunity to join the more than 150 members of the choir in a sing-along portion of the concert. If the songs don’t satisfy your sweet tooth, there will be a dessert reception following the program. Get into the spirit. Sat. and Sun. 7 p.m. $22-$50. Wilshire United Methodist Church, 4350 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 943-9231. MON | DEC 8

JOHN SAFRAN

Perhaps it’s easier for an outsider to reveal the complexities and leveled horror of race and race crimes in the South, even someone as outsider as a young, white, Jewish-Australian documentarian. In his new book, “God’ll Cut You Down: The Tangled Tale of a White Supremacist, a Black Hustler, a Murder, and How I Lost a Year in Mississippi,” John Safran chronicles what ultimately became his own odd investigation into the 2010 murder of notorious white supremacist Richard Barrett by a young black man named Vincent Mcgee. What unfolds is a haunting, hilarious story about the American South from an outsider’s point of view. Mon. 7 p.m. Free. 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. WED | DEC 10

“WICKED”

The national tour is back in L.A. (Don’t pretend you’re sick of it.) With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, “Wicked” is the prequel to “The Wizard and Oz” we all know and love. Following the friendship between two young women in the land of Oz, audiences will come to learn the story behind the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Winner of a Grammy and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” is powerful, clever and hits all the right notes. Catch it before it’s swept away. Wed. 8 p.m. Through March 15. $35-$195. Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 468-1770. THU | DEC 11

SUSSAN DEYHIM

This renowned vocalist, composer and performance artist has a new solo exhibition of mixed-media installations. “Dawn of the Cold Season” is a multi-level artistic journey that will showcase Deyhim’s saturated photographs, videos, haunting vocals and music. Inspired by Forough Farrokhzad — the 1950s Iranian literary heroine — Deyhim explores potent feminist existential poetry. A recent artist-in-residence at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Deyhim’s work is fully realized and wholly unique. Enjoy a ticketed performance by Deyhim tonight as she brings her exhibition to life. Thu. 7 p.m. Free. Must RSVP. Exhibition through Jan. 10. Shulamit Gallery, 17 N. Venice Blvd., Venice. (310) 281-0961. SUN | DEC 14

CHANUKAH FAMILY FESTIVAL (LUZ Y LIBERTAD)

Welcome to Chanukah, everyone. The Skirball’s annual festival is back, and with a Latin twist. Highlighting two major themes — light and freedom (apropos, no?) — there will be storytelling, art workshops and even brisket empanadas available at Zeidler’s café. If you just want to sit back and have the entertainment come to you, there will be live performances throughout the day from Pasatono Orquesta, a nine-piece ensemble blending Mexican folk and Dixie; Mariachi Guadalajara, offering classic mariachi tunes with holiday favorites; and later in the day, actress Anna Dresdon will perform a retelling of the Chanukah story. Local Jewish reggae-rock band Moshav will close out the day. That’s basically eight gifts right there. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $10 (general), $7 (seniors, students), free (members, ages 12 and under). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. THU | DEC 25

“THE INTERVIEW”

Director-writer team Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg offer up an action comedy that takes us all the way to North Korea and back. When tabloid TV duo David Skylark (James Franco) and Aaron Rapaport (Rogen) land an interview with Kim Jong-un, the two are recruited by the CIA to assassinate the North Korean dictator. With the pair completely unqualified, their success is questionable — but your enjoyment is a guarantee. Also starring Lizzy Caplan and Randall Park. Thu. Check local listings. WED | DEC 31

“WAR AND PEOPLE: ART, EXILE AND THE MIDDLE EAST”

It’s closing day of an exhibition you don’t want to miss. The Levantine Cultural Center presents an exploration into the First Persian Gulf War, the Israel-Palestine wars, the Lebanese Civil War and the Syrian Civil War. Focused on contemporary art and artifacts gathered from artists, war refugees and their children, the exhibit features Muslim, Christian and Jewish contributors. With such vast and important themes, the show is bound to impress. Now through Wed. 10 p.m. Free. Levantine Cultural Center, 5998 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 657-5511.

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