Best Of LA - Week Of January 4
The new year is in full swing, and so are some great shows in Los Angeles. From a Broadway comedy classic, to a mega church service, to Orwell's dystopian future, LA's stages are booming with talent this week. Additionally, if you love new restaurants, you're in luck. Two new eateries offer options for both calorie counters and those ready to indulge this week. A show at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and a trip to the Westside for some ice skating by the sea are a great way to celebrate the weekend and get in a little fun before Monday comes around again.
See The "Becoming Los Angeles" Exhibit
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 763-3466
www.nhm.org
Today, why not check out the new "Becoming L.A." exhibit at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles? The exhibit, which is a 14,000 square foot display of the story of LA in six parts: the time of Spanish contact; the Spanish Mission era; the Mexican rancho era; the early American period; the emergence of a new American city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; and the Great Depression and World War II to the present, is a great way to learn about our great city.
See "The Christians"
Mark Taper Forum
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org
Megachurch founder Pastor Paul has grown his church into thousands of members, and now, on the eve of his 20th anniversary, he has a new and startling message for his congregation. Knowing it will shake the very foundation of everything he's created, he knows he must share the outcome of his soul searching that will challenge the basic tenets of his ministry. Staged as a church service, the show includes a full choir of almost two dozen singers ranging from Broadway alumni to local students. No matter your faith, The Christians is a show about having the courage to self-reflect and change your heart. Tonight's performance comes with a lively post-show Stage Talk led by the artistic staff, giving theater-goers a chance to hear directly from the creators and actors.
"Bullets Over Broadway" Musical
Pantages Theater
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(800) 982-2787
www.hollywoodpantages.com
The LA Premiere of Woody Allen's smash hit musical "Bullets Over Broadway" hits the Pantages this week. The musical comedy is the story of a young playwright who teams up with the girlfriend of a mobster, who also happens to be looking for a way to please his showgirl gal. With the mobster's financial backing, and great ideas for the show, everything starts falling into place - until it starts falling apart. With a cast of colorful characters, hit songs from the roaring 20s, and big laughs, this is the musical that brings comedy with a bang. The limited three-week engagement runs through January 24.
New Restaurant Opening: Ivory on Sunset
Mondrian Los Angeles
8440 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 848-6000
www.ivoryonsunset.com
Opened just last week on New Year's Eve, luxury Sunset Blvd. hotel Mondrian welcomes new restaurant Ivory on Sunset. With sweeping panoramic city views and a relaxed, yet refined midcentury aesthetic, Ivory is the perfect spot for meeting up for drinks or for a romantic dinner out. In true Hollywood fashion, the menu has been designed by The Taste alum Chef Brian Malarkey, and centers on fresh, market driven ingredients celebrating California cuisine. House-infused and signature cocktails accompany an extensive, globally-inspired wine line, offering the perfect libation for any mood. The restaurant is currently open during the week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and on the weekend for brunch and dinner.
"1984"
The Broad Stage
1310 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.thebroadstage.com
Big Brother is making a visit to The Broad Stage as the Headlong theater company makes its US debut with a stage production of George Orwell's "1984.' This unique multimedia production creates a visceral experience as lines between not only the past and present, but fiction and reality, are blurred. Orwell's dystopian future comes to life, and brings audiences uncomfortably close to a world ruled by the destructive powers of Big Brother. Previews of the show begin tonight, and the show runs through early February. If you haven't visited this beautiful theater yet, now's a great time.
Emanuel Ax and the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.laphil.com
Beloved pianist Emanuel Ax celebrates his 40th anniversary with the Los Angeles Philharmonic with a set of three performances this weekend (Friday - Sunday) at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The group will perform Cesar Franck's introspective and compelling concerto-in-one-movement, Symphonic Variations, creating moments ranging from dark brooding to charming Parisian gaiety. Two shorter French works by Berlioz and Boulez will also be performed by the group. The concert will conclude with the Romantic Symphony No. 2 in C major by Schumann, a favorite of conductor Daniel Harding.
ICE At Santa Monica
1324 5th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 260-1199
www.downtownsm.com
Skate your way out of this week and into next at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona in downtown Santa Monica. The ocean meets the ice at this 8,000 square foot rink that's perfect for a family outing or fun date. While you're there, drop by the Farmers Market (open from 8:30am - 1pm) for some lunch, or to do a little grocery shopping at one of Los Angeles' best places to get locally grown fruits and vegetables. The rink is open most days of the week until 10pm, except Fridays and Saturdays when it's open until 12am, and admission with skate rental is $15. Most of LA's ice rinks will be closed by the end of the month. The same is the case with this one, which closes January 18th, so be sure to soak up the good times before it heads out of town until next year!
