SAT | MAY 26
“THE IMMIGRANT”
Haskell, a young Jewish immigrant fleeing Russian pogroms in 1909, settles in the Baptist community of Hamilton, Texas, in this musical adaptation of playwright Mark Harelik’s tale of a stranger in a strange land. As he struggles to achieve the American Dream without caving in to assimilation, Haskell’s unlikely, longtime friendship with a local banker, Milton, is tested by political differences over World War II. Based on the true story of Harelik’s late grandfather, this West Coast Jewish Theatre’s production features a klezmer-meets-Copeland soundtrack with music by Steven M. Alper and lyrics by Sarah Knapp. Sat. Through July 15. 8 p.m. $28-$35. Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 860-6620. wcjt.org.
WED | MAY 30
BETHENNY FRANKEL
Reality TV star (“Bethenny Ever After”), author, entrepreneur and chef sign copies of her debut novel, “Skinnydipping.” Echoing Frankel’s experiences, the tale follows aspiring actress Faith Brightstone, who finds reality TV stardom in New York when her Hollywood dreams don’t pan out. Wed. 6 p.m. Free. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. (626) 449-5320. vromansbookstore.com.
“CLIENT 9: THE RISE AND FALL OF ELIOT SPITZER”
Oscar-winning director Alex Gibney (“Taxi to the Dark Side”) examines the call-girl scandal that brought down New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and whether his political enemies engineered the investigation. A Q-and-A with sibling producers Jedd and Todd Wider follows. Part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Contemporary Documentaries series. Wed. 7 p.m. Free. Linwood Dunn Theater, 1313 Vine St., Hollywood. (310) 247-3600. oscars.org/events-exhibitions.
SANDRA BERNHARD
The wry comedian, actress and pop-culture anthropologist brings her one-woman show, “Sandrology,” to REDCAT. Backed by a high-octane rock band, Bernhard skewers the worlds of contemporary culture, politics and celebrity, much the way she does on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live.” Wed. Through June 3. 8 p.m. $50-$55. Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater, 631 W. Second St., downtown. (213) 237-2800. redcat.org.
THU | MAY 31
THE ISRAEL CONFRENCE
Nearly 1,000 attendees are expected at this two-day interactive forum, which brings companies together to increase business and investment opportunities between Israel and California. Speakers from the technology, media and consumer-product sectors today include Yoram Yaacovi, general manager of Microsoft Israel R&D; Roy Bahat, president of IGN Entertainment; Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf CEO Mel Elias; and Gideon Weiss, business development manager for Iron Dome builder Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. The day concludes with a Music & Media & Entertainment Reception featuring Israeli performers along with wine and cheese from Israel. Thu. Through June 1. 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $395 (advance), $480 (door). Luxe Hotel, 11461 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 445-5388. theisraelconference.org.
SOULFARM
Founded in Israel by Grammy-winning lead guitarist C Lanzbom and lead singer/guitarist Noah Solomon, Soulfarm brings its guitar leads, dance rhythms and strong percussion breaks to The Joint as part of Jewlicious’ second concert series. Organized with the concert-going, cash-strapped young adult in mind, the concerts featuring nationally recognized and independent talent and $2 brews. Live music and cheap alcohol — what more could you ask for? Co-sponsored by Asahi beer. Thu. 8 p.m. $10 (advance), $15 (door, space permitting). The Joint, 8771 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 277-5544. jewliciousfestival.com.
MIKE STOLLER
The legendary composer — one half of songwriting team Leiber and Stoller, who crafted tunes for Elvis Presley (“Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock”), Peggy Lee (“Is That All There Is?”) and others — appears in conversation with songwriter and producer Steve Barri to discuss his life and career. A book signing of “Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography” follows. Thu. 2 p.m. $5 (general), free (Skirball members). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.
FRI | JUNE 1
JEFF GARLIN
Celebrating his 50th birthday and 30 years in comedy, the acclaimed actor-comedian (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) appears in person to perform an evening of stand-up. Tribe favorite Sarah Silverman, Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille,” “King of Queens”), Bob Odenkirk (“Breaking Bad”), Bill Burr and others join Garlin. Expect irreverent, wacky and Jewy humor. Proceeds benefit The Littlest Tumor Foundation. Fri. 9 p.m. $40 (online only). Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 855-0350. largo-la.com.
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