Best Of LA - Week Of December 14
A visual feast awaits you this week, Los Angeles. A Paley Center screening and panel discussion of a hilarious new comedy starts the week, and is followed by a stunning production of "The Bridges of Madison County." The last Venice Art Crawl of the year takes place later in the week, as does Debbie Allen's always popular "The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker," and a vintage movie palace screening of an unexpected holiday movie. An auditory treat is in store for you as well, with LA Master Chorale's annual Messiah Sing-Along concert, and an All-Rachmaninoff performance accompanied by a special pop-up shop for that holiday shopping you may or may not be putting off.
An Evening with Life in Pieces
The Paley Center for Media
465 N. Beverly Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(866) 811-4111
www.paleycenter.org
Met with rave reviews in its PaleyFest Fall TV Previews screening, CBS and 20th Century Fox's new show Life in Pieces is sure to be a hit. Told in four short stories by various family members each week, the program tackles all of life's milestones, from budding romance to parenthood, in a unique and fun way. Tonight the Paley Center presents a special screening and panel discussion of the show, moderated by Extra's Charissa Thompson. A dozen cast and crew members will be at the event, including James Brolin, Colin Hanks, and Betsy Brandt, and will dish on all the behind-the-scenes info, and their thoughts on the show and its characters. The event is open to the public.
The Bridges of Madison County
The Ahmanson Theatre
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-4444
www.centertheatregroup.org
Hot on the heels of its Iowa premiere, the national tour of The Bridges of Madison County, The Broadway Musical makes its stop at the Ahmanson Theater. The two-time Tony Award-winning musical tells the unforgettably romantic story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson's life-changing, whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. A chance encounter between the two becomes a second chance at so much more. This production features a whole slew of award-winning talent, including three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marsha Norman, direction by Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher, and scenic design by two‐time Tony Award‐winner Michael Yeargan. The show will be at the Ahmanson through January 17th.
Los Angeles Master Chorale's 35th Annual "Messiah Sing-Along"
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.lamc.org
www.lamc.org
Hallelujah - the highly anticipated "Messiah Sing-Along" is back! Celebrating its 35th year, the event invites the entire 2,200-member audience to join a professional chamber orchestra and quartet of professional soloists in a powerful performance of Handel's Messiah. The beloved and time-honored tradition is the perfect way to get the whole family together and sing your heart out at the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall. Singers of all levels, even those with no experience, are welcome to join in the fun. Scores are available at the door for $10, and audience members are encouraged to gussy up in festive attire for the evening.
Venice Art Crawl
Starts at Hinano's
15 Washington Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 430-2214
www.veniceartcrawl.com
Don't miss the very last Venice Art Crawl of the year, happening tonight from 6:00pm - 10:00pm. This free community event features art, culture, and entertainment from dozens of participating locations along the streets of Venice. Grab a map at Danny's Venice (23 Windward Ave., Venice, CA 90291), and check out featured youth artwork from the "My Venice Holiday" Poster Contest, enjoy carols by singers strolling up and down Washington Blvd., and head to the end of the Venice Pier to experience pop up artists and music. If you're planning to cycle your way through the crawl, be sure to light up your bike and join the Venice Electric Light Parade, starting at dusk.
Debbie Allen's "The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker"
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
135 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-8550
www.thehotchocolatenutcracker.com
Back for its sixth year, and in a larger location to accommodate continued popular demand, Debbie Allen's "The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker" begins its two-day run tonight. This vibrant and comedic take on the classic tells the story of a young girl who receives a Nutcracker full of her favorite hot chocolate. When she falls asleep, a spectacular journey begins as the Nutcracker comes to life and takes her on a mystical, magical journey to Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest, Bollywood, Jazzland, and the Land of Kimono Dolls. This by all ages, for all ages show stars writer, director, and choreographer Debbie Allen, Raven Symone, Carlo Imperato, Tichina Arnold, Rasta Thomas, and many more. In the spirit of the season, 100 percent of the show's proceeds will benefit arts education for youth in the greater Los Angeles area.
Cinespia Presents: Gremlins
The Palace Theater
615 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(323) 221-3343
www.cinespia.org
Love holiday movies but tired of the same old stories of Grinches and reindeer? Well, Cinespia has you covered with a special screening of "Gremlins." Directed by Joe Dante, the classic 80s movie is the story of a father who buys a truly unique gift for his son that comes with a very specific set of instructions. Naturally the rules are broken, and his seemingly sweet Mogwai, Gizmo, sets off a night of chaotic monster invasion on Christmas Eve. Shown in 35mm in the beautiful vintage movie palace, the show will be accompanied by DJs spinning records, special holiday cocktails, and Cinespia's famous free photo booth. Tickets are $18 and doors open at 7:30pm.
LA Phil's All-Rachmaninoff + Pop-Up Shopping Event
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.laphil.com
Enjoy an evening of Rachmaninoff as the LA Phil presents some of the piano virtuoso and composer's most famous works. In addition to classic Vocalise and the composer's edgy and final work Symphonic Dances, Russian-born soloist Kirill Gerstein shows off his world-class piano skills with a performance of Rachmaninoff's beloved Piano Concerto No. 2. After the concert, head over to the La Phil Store where a limited holiday season pop-up shop will be located just outside the store entrance. It's the perfect chance to get a unique holiday gift from Southern California-based designers and artists, including HB Artisan, offering home furnishings crafted from reclaimed Hollywood Bowl bench seats. Authentic LA Phil and Hollywood Bowl street banners will also be available for purchase in either their original condition, or repurposed tote bags.
