Calendar Picks and Clicks: May 24-June 3, 2011

WED | MAY 25

ONCE IN 100 YEARS
Comedian Craig Ferguson, host of “The Late Late Show,” and the Grammy-winning band Train (“Drops of Jupiter”) perform at The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles’ centennial celebration. Wed. 5:30 p.m. $180 (35 and under), $500 (general). Barker Hangar, 2031 Airport Ave., Santa Monica. (323) 761-8297. jewishla.org.

THU | MAY 26

MAX MAVEN — JEWS IN MAGIC
The acclaimed mentalist, magician and author explores why and how Jewish magicians flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Arrive early and view the “Houdini: Art and Magic” and “Masters of Illusion” exhibitions for free. Thu. 8 p.m.  $12 (general), $10 (Skirball members), $6 (full-time students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. skirball.org.

FRI | MAY 27

“SOUTH OF DELANCEY”
Before Judge Judy or Jerry Springer, there was Rabbi Rubin. Inspired by true stories broadcast on Yiddish radio from a Lower East Side Jewish arbitration court, “South of Delancy” re-enacts three cases from the 1930s and ’40s: a woman who doubts her husband’s feelings for her, two feuding sisters who share a home, and a lustful couple who married to save face. Fri. Through June 26. 8 p.m. $25 (general), $20 (students-seniors). Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. (866) 811-4111. www.southofdelancey.com.

SHABBAT AT THE PROMENADE
Sing, dance and celebrate Shabbat on Third Street Promenade. Rabbi Monty Turner from Makom Ohr Shalom, a Jewish Renewal synagogue in Encino, leads services tonight. Fri. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Third Street Promenade, 1460 Third St., Santa Monica. (323) 472-7484.

SAT | MAY 28

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”
Kids 7 to 15 years old perform composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s biblically inspired, pop-infused musical. Sold into slavery by his 11 brothers, who resent him for being their father Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph eventually becomes one of the most powerful men in Egypt after interpreting the Pharaoh’s dreams and correctly predicting a coming famine. Sat. Through June 5. 2 and 7 p.m. $5-$15. Madrid Theatre, 21622 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. (818) 347-9938. www.ci.la.ca.us/cad/madridtheatre.

WED | JUNE 1

“DISSOLUTION”
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” inspires director Nina Menkes’ 2010 Israeli art film, which follows a morose young Israeli Jew (Didi Fire) who murders a female pawnbroker. Shot in Yaffo, a predominantly Arab part of Tel Aviv, the film won the Anat Pirchi Award for Best Drama at the 2010 Jerusalem International Film Festival. Wed. Through June 5. 7 p.m. $10. Downtown Independent, 251 S. Main St., Los Angeles. (213) 617-1033. downtownindependent.com.
 
THU | JUNE 2
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ISRAEL CONFERENCE
Haim Saban, Yossi Vardi and dozens of other top American and Israeli executives speak during this annual showcase, which shines a light on innovative Israeli technology and products. Meet movers and shakers doing business with or investing in Israeli companies, or sit in on panel discussions covering such topics as “Social Advertising,” “Cool Content and Convergence” and “From Seeding Ideas to Selling Shares.” Breakfast and lunch will be served. Thu. 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. $260-$380. Luxe Hotel, 11461 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 445-5388. theisraelconference.org.

NIGHT OF COMEDY AND COCKTAILS
The Anti-Defamation League’s Asian Jewish Initiative hosts an evening mixer for young professionals followed by a performance from Cold Tofu, an Asian American improv and sketch comedy group. Thu. 6:30 p.m. (cocktail reception), 8 p.m. (Cold Tofu). $15. Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles. (310) 446-4257. adl.org.

“NUREMBERG: ITS LESSON FOR TODAY”
Suppressed in the United States for more than 60 years, “Nuremberg” follows the prosecution of top Nazi leaders during the 11-month Nuremberg war crimes trials, blending courtroom footage with Nazi propaganda films and heart-rending images of human cruelty. Directed by Stuart Schulberg, the film was widely shown in Germany during 1948 and 1949, as part of the campaign to re-educate German society, but U.S. officials got cold feet when it came to showing the film in America. Following tonight’s Museum of Tolerance screening, Schulberg’s daughter, Sandra Schulberg, who produced this restored version of the film, appears in conversation with Stephen Rohde, a constitutional lawyer. Thu. 7 p.m. $10 (general), $7 (Museum of Tolerance members). Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 772-2505. museumoftolerance.com.

BRAD GARRETT
Known for his Emmy-winning role as Ray Romano’s older brother on “Everybody Loves Raymond” —  and more recently as Eddie Stark on “ ’Til Death” — the Woodland Hills native performs tonight at the Comedy and Magic Club. Fair warning: Garrett’s routine features adult themes. Thu. 8 p.m. $25. The Comedy and Magic Club, 1018 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-1193. comedyandmagicclub.com.

FRI | JUNE 3

SHABBAT IN THE PARK
Celebrate summer early by packing a picnic and spending Shabbat outdoors:

SINAI TEMPLE’S DOR CHADASH SHABBAT IN THE PARK
Bring your own kosher-style dinner and welcome Shabbat amid friends, family and monkey bars. Fri. 5:45 p.m. Free. Holmby Park, 601 Club View Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org.
 
IKAR’S PICNIC AND KABBALAT SHABBAT
A traditional Friday night service featuring familiar melodies, rhythmic drumming, insightful study and joyous celebration. Childcare available during services. Fri. 5:45 p.m. (Shabbat dinner), 7 p.m. (services). Free. Roxbury Park, 471 S. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM’S SHABBAT IN THE PARK
Join the Prayer Walk to Greet the Shabbat Bride and stay for a shared feast after services. Fri. 6-7:30 p.m. (Kabbalat Shabbat), 7-8:30 p.m. (dinner).  Free. El Dorado Park, Golden Grove Picnic Area, 7550 E. Spring St., Long Beach. (562) 426-6413. tbslb.org.