7 Days In Arts

23/Saturday

Three years ago, violinist Lynn Maxine’s aunt died of
Parkinson’s disease. Maxine promised she would do everything she could to help
others with this ailment. Today, she fulfills that promise by performing in a
benefit concert for the Parkinson Institute, accompanied by her husband,
clarinetist Ted Calcara; violist Brant Bayless; and pianist Elaine Chew. The
performance will include Paul Schoenfield’s Jewish Concerto. $25 (general
admission); $10 (students and seniors). 7:30 p.m. Samuelson Chapel at Cal
Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. For tickets or more
information, call (805) 493-3195.

24/Sunday

Today, the USC Hillel and USC Casden Institute for the
Study of the Jewish Role in American Life present the Third Annual USC Jewish
Student Film Festival at the Norris Theater. Ten films will be screened, by
filmmakers from Los Angeles and New York. A featured film, “Today You Are a
Fountain Pen,” poignantly illustrates the reciprocal revelations by a
grandfather and his grandson through their time together. 1 p.m. For more
information, call (213) 747-9135.

25/Monday

This Passover, invite Abie the Afikoman thief, Jacky
the Juggler and mischievous Uncle Eli to your seder. These and more kooky
characters can be found in “Uncle Eli’s Special-For-Kids, Most Fun Ever, Under
the Table, Passover Haggadah.” Inspired by his son’s zeal for Jewish holidays,
author Eliezer Segal decided to create a book intertwining fun and adventure
with lessons about Jewish tradition. (No Starch Press, $12.95 paperback; $17.95
hardcover.) For a copy of the book, visitwww.nostarch.com

26/Tuesday

Where do I begin to tell the story of Arthur Hiller?
The Academy Award-nominated director of the 1970 sob tale “Love Story,” will
tell his story today at the University of Judaism. “Movies Are A-changing,
Movies Are the Same,” encompasses his 50+ career in making critically acclaimed
movies, such as “The Babe,” “The Out-Of-Towners,””The In-Laws” and “Man of La
Mancha.” $10 (general admission); $7 (women members). 10 a.m. 15600 Mulholland
Drive, Bel Air. For reservations or more information, call (310) 476-9777 ext.
283.

27/Wednesday

It’s not just any teapot short and stout, rather one
created by renowned pre-industrial-American craftsman Myer Myers. The silver
piece is just one of the 104 gold and silver creations by New York-born Myers
and exhibited today at the Skirball Cultural Center in “Myer Myers: Jewish
Silversmith in Colonial New York.” The exhibit also features the works of some
of his contemporaries as well as books, maps and portraits. $8 (general
admission); $6 (seniors and students). Gallery hours: Tues.-Sat., Noon-5 p.m.;
Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Through May 26. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For
more information, call (310) 440-4500.

28/Thursday

Murray Schisgal is used to creating quirky male
characters with an affinity for drag. Hence, the film “Tootsie.” The
Oscar-nominated writer has done it again with tonight’s “We Are Family.” The
play follows Sam Cogan, a playwright whose love relationships have all ended up
in heartache. He thinks he’s finally found an answer to his quest for love …
in the opposite sex. The zany comedy features Alan Blumenfield, Michael
Cavanaugh, Salome Jens and Allan Miller. Wed. and Thurs., $19.50; Fri. and Sun.,
$21.50 and Sat., $23.50. Discounts available. Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 7 p.m. (2
p.m. on March 3 and 17). Through April 7. Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, 2055 S.
Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (310)
477-2055.

1/Friday

If you witness a crime, yet fail to take action against
it, are you as guilty as the perpetrator? Yes, according to renowned playwright
Arthur Miller. In “Incident at Vichy,” nine men and one boy are detained by the
police in Nazi-occupied France. Reluctant to be labeled as Jews, the group
divides into those who continue to find escape in illusion and those who support
a struggle for life. Part of L.A. Theater Works’ The Play’s the Thing live radio
theater series, the play was heralded by The New York Times as returning
“theater to its greatness.” $10-$40 (general admission). Wed., Feb. 27-Fri.,
March 1, 8 p.m. and Sun., March 3, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Skirball Cultural
Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information,
call (310) 827-0889.