Best Of LA - Week Of November 2
A colorful Dia de los Muertos celebration kicks off a week of spectacular performances. Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell joins pianist Sam Haywood for a recital of 18th and 19th century works at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Odets' ever poignant Awake and Sing! returns for a 20th anniversary revival at Odyssey Theater. Pop culture guru Kathy Griffin entertains audiences with a stand-up routine with nothing to hide, while a secret Santa Monica speakeasy will leave you feeling very in the know. End the week with two unlikely collaborations as dance collides with comedy and public radio in two very different but very entertaining evenings.
Dia de los Muertos Block Party
24th Street Theatre
1117 West 24th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 745-6516
www.24thstreet.org
Kátia Moraes & Brazilian Hearts will headline 24th Street Theatre's annual Dia de los Muertos block party tonight in downtown L.A. Singers Daniel Sosa and Margarita Luna, as well as folklorico and Aztec dancers, mariachi musicians, and Latino rock group The TwangAholics will also perform on the two stages set up for the celebration. Grub on some homemade tamales, get your face painted, and take part in one of the craft booth areas where families can make their own altars for their departed loved ones. The festivities kick off at 5pm at Estrella Park with ceremonial dancers, Los Chinelos, leading the procession from the park to the theater. Bring a flashlight and get ready to enjoy one of Mexico's most famous holiday traditions.
Joshua Bell and Sam Haywood in Recital
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.laphil.com
Billboard chart-topper and celebrated violinist Joshua Bell returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall as part of L.A. Phil's Colburn Celebrity Recitals series. Joined by British pianist and frequent collaborator Sam Haywood, the duo will perform a program of 18th and 19th century works for violin and piano, including Vitali's Chaconne for Violin and Piano in G minor, Beethoven's Sonata No. 9 for Violin and Piano in A major, Op. 47, Franck's Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, as well as additional works to be announced from the stage. The Bell-Haywood recital tour concludes early next year, so check it out before the run is over.
Awake and Sing!
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 477-2055
www.OdysseyTheatre.com
Resonating as strongly today as it did in its 1935 premiere, "Awake and Sing!" is Clifford Odets' funny and heartbreaking story about a three-generation Jewish family living in an apartment in the Bronx. The lower-middle-class Berger family struggles against the world and each other as they navigate the Great Depression, and seek the opportunity promised in the American Dream. Director Elina de Santos and lead actress Marilyn Fox return for this 20th anniversary revival of the theater's production that ran for nine months in 1994-95. This evening's performance comes with two perks: a special post performance talk, and a "Tix for $10" deal available at the box office two hours prior to curtain on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Kathy Griffin "Like A Boss"
The Music Center's Mark Taper Forum
135 North Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.centertheatregroup.org
Tonight, two-time Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin brings her 80-city "Like A Boss" tour to the Mark Taper Forum. The no holds barred comedian is ready to let loose about all things pop culture, as well as awkward celebrity run-ins. Griffin admits to having a "self-diagnosed, standup comedy disorder" and can't help but share her thoughts on public figures like Caitlyn Jenner, Barbara Streisand, and even the Duggars. A bit of political humor makes its way into her fresh and ever-changing set as well. If you miss tonight's performance, additional performances have been recently added for Friday and Saturday as well.
Visit The New Speakeasy: Guest Room
1519 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 394-7722
www.estate1519.com
Shh, this one's a secret. Santa Monica's got a new speakeasy with all the drama and dynamism of the roaring 20s. A hidden door inside Estate Restaurant + Bar leads you to an even more hidden suite housing Guest Room. The Art Deco and Modern Industrialism design instantly transforms you to an era of bootlegging, prohibition, and jazz. Sit back in one of the deeply-tufted sofas, under a romantic chandelier, and sip a timelessly classic cocktail with a twist. Asian-fusion small plates are available from Estate's executive chef Chef Yoshiara for those with an appetite. Guest Room is open to those in the know Thursdays 7pm-11:30pm, and Friday and Saturday nights 7pm –1am.
Related: Best Speakeasies in Los Angeles
Ira Glass: Three Acts, Two Dancers and One Radio Host
The Theater at Ace Hotel
929 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 623-3233
www.kcrw.com
Everyone's favorite bespectacled radio host, Ira Glass, is back for another unlikely evening of dance and radio. The This American Life host and executive producer will once again be telling captivating stories about love and loss while two dancers from Monica Bill Barnes & Company perform on stage alongside Glass. The "unapologetically human and refreshingly relatable" show premiered last year at Carnegie Hall, and after bringing down the house, is back by popular demand. KCRW presents two performances of the critically acclaimed show at 7:00pm and 10:00pm, and proceeds help support the public radio station.
The Art of Falling
The Music Center's Ahmanson Theater
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-2772
www.musiccenter.com
End the week with a bit of levity when comedy and contemporary dance collide in Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center's latest production The Art of Falling. Three distinct and progressive storylines centered on relationships interweave in this lively and often absurd performance. Created by five choreographers, four writers, and over 30 dancers and actors, the show is an impressive showcase of how improvisation is at the heart of both dance and comedy. Today is the last day to catch the west coast premiere of this unique collaboration between Windy City companies Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and The Second City.
