Best Of LA - Week Of February 23
'Tis the week to celebrate new performances hitting the Los Angeles scene. A Wickedly fun adaptation of Rocky Horror Picture Show, a DeafWest production of American Buffalo, a Shakespeare mashup, and a cultural and civil rights movement must-see, live theater, whether spoken, sung, read, or signed, is the way to experience LA's best this week. In addition, diners can snag some great treats this week with both National Banana Bread day and Clam Chowder day filling the midweek culinary options. Add in a magical kid's tea this weekend, and this is one filling and entertaining week.
"The Wicked Rocky Horror Show"
The Fonda Theatre
6126 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(888) 929-7849
www.fondatheatre.com
The National Touring Company of Wicked, currently performing on stage each week at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, will take a break from their regularly-scheduled programming to perform a one-night-only benefit production of Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show" benefiting the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS charity. The event is part of the touring company's ongoing support to charitable causes that advance Wicked's themes of acceptance and non-judgment. Tony-Award winner Barry Bostwick, most well-known for his portrayal of Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, will join the cast.
Celebrate National Banana Bread Day
La Boheme
8400 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 848-2360
www.globaldiningca.com/laboheme
If you are a lover of banana bread, then this national holiday is just for you. To sample some of LA's best banana bread without the hassle, head to La Boheme in West Hollywood where you can try their Banana Bread Pudding for the occasion. Made with banana brûlée, chantilly cream, and cinnamon ice cream, start your Monday with an indulgence for your sweet tooth.
Experience French Cuisine & Culture
L'Assiette Steak Frites
7166 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 274-2319
www.lassiettesteakfrites.com
L'Assiette Steak Frites will host an evening celebrating the best of French cuisine and culture in collaboration with the French Consulate to honor French journalist and author, Cecile Delarue of the newly published The Everything Easy French Cookbook. Guests can indulge in hors d'oeuvres from The Everything Easy French Cookbook followed by a prix-fixe dinner ($48 – 78) of Steak Frites or Steak Rossini with Foie Gras & Shaved Black Truffles. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Delarue and purchase a signed copy of her cookbook.
Celebrate National Clam Chowder Day
Various Locations
Southern California might not be the clam chowder hub of the western world, but Los Angeles is giving New England a run for its money with some great reinventions of the traditional staple. Playa Provisions, the 4-in-1 restaurant concept by Top Chef runner up Brooke Williamson & Nick Roberts boast "The Chowder": Salted cod clam chowder with braised bacon, served in a sourdough bread bowl. Captain Kidd's, the 38-year-old, family run Redondo Beach gem, encourages diners to enjoy their chowder options including a New England clam chowder or Manhattan-style (Red, spicy tomato broth), served in a house-baked, sourdough bread bowl; both bowls use fresh local clams that are dished daily. Silver Lake's L&E Oyster Bar serves up a chowder with farm-raised clams, Neuske's bacon & Weiser Farms' pee wee potatoes, and Malibu Pier Restaurant & Bar's take on the dish, brought to residents by Chef Jason Fullilove, is dubbed the "Carlsbad Clam Chowder" and includes Neuske's bacon, and drill drop biscuits.
Free Ice Cream at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
331 N. Glendale Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206
www.jenis.com
In anticipation of the Los Feliz brick and mortar grand opening just around the corner (the first west coast scoop shop of the brand), Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream's Street Treat truck will be serving guests FREE ice cream this weekend at various locations including today at the Whole Foods Market in Glendale (they'll be at Bristol Farms Manhattan Beach tomorrow and the Van Nuys Warehouse in Los Feliz on Saturday). From 1-4pm today, you can score some of these great flavors including Salty Caramel, Brambleberry Crisp, Ndali Estate Vanilla Bean, Riesling Poached Pear, Goat Cheese with red cherries, Whisky and pecans, and more.
"American Buffalo"
State Playhouse
5151 State University Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(818) 762-2998
www.deafwest.org
The Cal State L.A. Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance joins up with Deaf West Theatre to present "American Buffalo" by David Mamet. Part of a community engagement mission by the two institutions, this fresh look at Mamet's groundbreaking play is directed by longtime Deaf West collaborator Stephen Rothman, with Troy Kotsur (Spring Awakening, Cyrano), Paul Raci (Cyrano, What Are You…Deaf?), and Cal State L.A. MFA candidate Matthew Ryan Pest on stage as three small-time crooks planning to rob a man of his valuable coin collection. Performed simultaneously in ASL and spoken English, the poignant comedy offers something for every guest.
"Romeo & Juliet: Love is a Battlefield"
Rockwell Table & Stage
1714 N. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 669-1550
www.rockwell-la.com
With a Valentine's-inspired mashup of Shakespeare and Benatar, take your love out for an evening that mixes the best of the greatest love story of all time, "Romeo & Juliet," coupled with the greatest rock anthems of the 1980s, from the tunes of Pat Benatar. Directed by Bradley Bredeweg and Kelley Parker, this Rockwell Table & Stage production opens this weekend in Los Feliz and includes Rustin Cole Sailors and Ashley Argota in the title roles.
"This Land": Special Event Reading
Watts Village Theater Company
1827 E 103rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90002
(818) 919-9705
www.wattsvillagetheatercompany.org
The Watts Village Theater Company and The Watts Labor Community Action Committee, in a special collaboration with the Center Theater Group's DouglasPlus productions will present a one-night-only reading of the new play "This Land" by by Evangeline Ordaz, coupled with a tour of WLCAC's unique experiential civil rights exhibit. Directed by Armando Molina, "This Land"'s cast is led by Ian Alda, Richar Azurdia, Niketa Calame, and Tonantzin Carmelo, among others. A post show meet-the-artists reception will follow the show that spans 150 years following four families making their home in what has become modern day Watts. The event and production are both free.
Imagine Tea
Langham Huntington Pasadena
1401 S Oak Knoll Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 568-3900
www.langhamhotels.com
Visit the Langham Huntington in Pasadena this weekend for their special offering of their popular Imagine Tea, brought to young guests by the culinary and hospitality teams at the Langham, coupled with the magical flare of The Magic Castle. Kids are invited to dress up in imaginative costumes for the event which showcases up-close magic tricks for the young and young at heart. The specialty tea menu will be accompanied by magically-decorated desserts. A portion of proceeds for the event go to Five Acres, a local child and family services agency.
