7 Days in The Arts

[additional-authors]

Melanie Herschorn

June 8, 2006

Saturday, June 10

“Wedding Singer Blues” is originally a workshop production, and Carla Zilbersmith is defying her character’s misfortune by taking the show on the road. Written and performed by Zilbersmith, the musical chronicles the ups and downs experienced by a wedding singer desperately trying to break into show business. Robbie Hart can surely relate.

Through July 16. $20-$25. Coronet Theatre, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 657-7377.

Sunday, June 11

L.A. Theatre Works revisits the “red scare” one last time with today’s final performance of “The Real Dr. Strangelove.” Robert Oppenheimer, father of the atomic bomb, is on trial, and his rival, Edward Teller (Simon Templeman), father of the hydrogen bomb, is the prosecution’s star witness. This enlightening production about U.S. military history will likely cause someone to ask the question: “Can’t they just learn to stop worrying and love the bomb?”
4 p.m. $25-$45. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 827-0889.

Monday, June 12

Deborah Shulman’s shows at The Gardenia have been canceled.

Tuesday, June 13

Did a teacher ever change your life? In “Without Walls,” actor Laurence Fishburne portrays Morocco, a high school drama teacher who inspires and creates a bond with his students. Although Morocco cares deeply about his students, their mentor-student relationship becomes strained. Set in the late 1970s, this dramatic play is the latest work from playwright Alfred Uhry, whose “Driving Miss Daisy” and “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” won him critical acclaim.

Through July 16. $20-$55. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772.

Wednesday, June 14

?Artist Debra Band’s exhibit, “Song of Songs: An Illuminated Manuscript,” incorporates passionate love poetry from one of the shortest books of the Tanakh, with eye-catching imagery of two lovers in a walled garden. Band uses bright blues, gold and copper leaf to bring these pages of kosher slunk vellum to life. The works are exquisitely created with Hebrew calligraphy, but thankfully, for Anglophones, English translations appear next to each piece.

On display at the University of Judaism, Mondays-Thursdays through Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Marjorie and Herman Platt Gallery, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. (310) 440-1201.

Thursday, June 15

Treat yourself near the end of a long week to a performance by singer, composer, performance artist and teacher Rhiannon. Her sound is a mix of jazz, world music, improvisation and storytelling, and she strongly believes in the connection between music and healing. Part of the “A World of Songs” series, this concert may just lift your spirits and renew your energy.

8 p.m. $15-$25. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (866) 468-3399.

Friday, June 16

Vuhin gaitsu this Shabbes? Beth Chayim Chadashim will be celebrating Shabbat with zmires in Yiddish as part of the first event of “Zol Zayn Shabbes.” Traditional Yiddish songs will be performed by the Beth Chayim Chadashim Choir, conducted by cantorial soloist Fran Chalin. Yiddish expert Hannah Polin will serve as guest speaker. You’ll be sure to see a haimish ponem at this event.

8 p.m. 6000 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 931-7023. www.bcc-la.org.