Independent Shakespeare Co.’s “Julius Caesar”; “Contempt”; Viver Brasil; Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards
(Keturah Bishop; Rialto Pictures; Viver Brasil; Kaido Haagen)
Looking for culture in L.A.? We’ve got Shakespeare, ‘Scarface,’ music, dance and more
Hello and welcome to this week’s update of the Culture Guide, our curated rundown of where to find Southern California’s most promising cultural happenings this weekend and beyond. I’m listings coordinator Matt Cooper.
Summer’s in full swing, and that means outdoor Shakespeare including al fresco productions of the Bard’s “Measure for Measure,” “Twelfth Night” and “Julius Caesar” as well as an indoor staging of “The Tempest.” Other theater picks include a top-flight revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” at the Ahmanson plus the kid-friendly shows “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Classical music aficionados can enjoy the Summer of Paris Chamber Music Festival, the iPalpiti Festival and a free performance by Pacific Opera Project, while on the pop tip, Kool & the Gang and the Village People share the stage at the Hollywood Bowl and Tori Amos holds court at the Greek.
Dance lovers need look no further than DTLA with upcoming performances by Viver Brasil and the Dutch National Ballet, while drag fans can get an eyeful with shows by local legend Jackie Beat and contestants from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
And movie fans, you can catch the return of the LGBTQ+-friendly showcase Outfest, the new film series “Women in the Holocaust” and a new 4K restoration of a French New Wave classic starring Brigitte Bardot.
And for other arts-related entertainment options, check out my colleague Steven Vargas’ weekly newsletter, L.A. Goes Out.
Before you go, remember to check for reservation requirements and COVID-19 protocols.
Showing Places
“Into the Woods”
(Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman / MurphyMade)
'Into the Woods' at the Ahmanson Theatre
Downtown L.A. Entertainment Venue
The hit Broadway revival of the beloved Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical inspired by classic fairy tales arrives in SoCal for a limited stay. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, June 29 through July 30. $40 and up.
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The New Hollywood String Quartet
(Sam Muller)
'Summer of Paris Chamber Music Festival' in the Pompeian Room
University Park College or University
The New Hollywood String Quartet is joined by guest artists for a four-concert celebration of the music of Debussy and Ravel. 8 p.m. July 6-7, 4 p.m. July 8-9. $40-$110. newhollywoodstringquartet.com
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“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”
(Manuel Harlan)
'Tina — The Tina Turner Musical' at the Pantages
Hollywood Entertainment Venue
The life and times of the legendary R&B star, who died in May, are recalled in this high-octane bio-musical. 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, June 13 through July 9. $39 and up. (also at Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa, July 11-23.)
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Pageant of the Masters
(Pageant of the Masters)
Pageant of the Masters at Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach Craft fair
The annual exhibition of tableaux vivant returns for its 90th season with an all-new production entitled “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists.” 8:30 p.m. nightly, July 7 through Sept. 1. $35 and up.
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The iPalpiti 2023 Festival at the Saban Theatre
Beverly Hills Entertainment Venue
Running from July 17 through July 23, this annual multi-venue showcase for up and coming classical music artists includes Trio Zadig in a program of works by Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. 8 p.m. July 21. Free; donations accepted. ipalpiti.org
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Brigitte Bardot in “Contempt.”
(Rialto Pictures)
'Contempt' at the Laemmle Royal
West Los Angeles Movie Theater
Rialto Pictures presents a new 4K restoration of Jean-Luc Godard’s classic 1963 French New Wave drama about love, marriage and the movie business; with Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli and Jack Palance. 1:20, 4:20 and 7:10 p.m. July 7-13. $6-$12.50.
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John Williams
(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
'Maestro of the Movies: John Williams With the LA Phil' at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Entertainment Venue
The venerable composer-conductor shares the podium with Gustavo Dudamel for an evening of selections from Williams’ innumerable film scores, enhanced with movie clips. 8 p.m. July 7-8, 7:30 p.m. July 9. $20 and up.
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William Elsman, left, and Sabra Williams in “Julius Caesar.”
(Keturah Bishop)
'Julius Caesar' at the Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival
Griffith Park Live Theater Group
Independent Shakespeare Co. launches its summer season with an outdoor staging of the Bard’s historical drama about the ill-fated Roman ruler. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, July 8 through 30. Free.
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Amandititita
(Levitt LA)
'Tropicaliente' at Levitt Pavilion, MacArthur Park
MacArthur Park Entertainment Venue
Mexican cumbia artist Amandititita, masked Mexico City rockers El Conjunto Nuevo Ola and L.A.-based Pacífico Dance Company perform. 7 p.m. July 8. Free.
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Leianna Weaver in “The Wizard of Oz.”
(KG Productions)
'The Wizard of Oz' at the Carpenter Center
Long Beach Entertainment Venue
Musical Theatre West presents the tune-filled stage adaptation of the beloved fantasy tale based on the writings of L. Frank Baum. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6 p.m. Sundays, July 8 through 23. $20-$135; student rush, $15. musical.org
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'Babette’s Feast' at the Norton Simon Museum
Pasadena Art Museum
The five-part series “Life’s Banquet: Food in Films” gets underway with a screening of Gabriel Axel’s sumptuous 1987 drama set in 19th century Denmark. In Danish, French and Swedish with English subtitles. 4:30 p.m. July 8. Free with museum admission ($12, $15; students and ages 18 and younger, free).
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Viver Brasil
(Viver Brasil)
Viver Brasil at Grand Performances
Downtown L.A. Entertainment Venue
The local troupe that melds contemporary dance with traditional Afro-Brazilian dance premieres a new work from choreographer and co-artistic director Vera Passos. With DJ Muñeka. 6 p.m. July 8. Free.
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Oscar Nava as Hansel in “Hansel & Gretel.”
(Garry Kluger)
'Hansel and Gretel' at the Tony Arceo Memorial Park Bandshell
El Monte City park
Storybook Theatre, the children’s theater wing of Theatre West, launches a locally-touring bilingual production of this musical based on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. In English, 5 p.m. July 10; in Spanish, 6:30 p.m. July 10 (also July 16 in Panorama City and July 22 in Sun Valley). Free.
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“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”
(Blue Fox Entertainment)
Outfest at the Directors Guild, other area theaters
Hollywood Hills West Movie Theater
The annual showcase for films by, for and about the LGBTQ+ community returns with a full slate of features, short films, documentaries, etc. both in-person and online. Also at the Orpheum Theatre, the Montalbán, REDCAT and Harmony Gold television studio. Various times, July 13-23. In person, $16 and up; virtual screenings, $10. outfest.org
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Midsummer Shakespeare Festival at the Sontag Greek Theatre, Pomona College
Pomona Entertainment Venue
Ophelia’s Jump pairs the Bard’s tragicomedy “Measure for Measure” (8 p.m. July 13, 25, 21, 23) with Gilbert & Sullivan’s classic rom-com “The Pirates of Penzance” (8 p.m. July 14, 16, 20 and 22). $25-$42. opheliasjump.org
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“Frida”
(Hans Gerritsen)
The Dutch National Ballet's 'Frida' at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Downtown L.A. Entertainment Venue
The Amsterdam-based company, backed by a live orchestra, presents the U.S. premiere of choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s dance-theater piece inspired by the life and times of beloved Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. 7:30 p.m. July 14-15, 2 p.m. July 16. $34 and up.
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'Avenue Q' at the Grand Central Arts Center
Santa Ana Arts
Puppets say the darndest things as Santa Ana-based troupe the Wayward Artist stages the Tony-winning, adult-themed musical comedy. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 14-30. $25, $30. thewaywardartist.org
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Cheetahs
(Laura Dyer)
Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Award Winners at the Natural History Museum
Exposition Park Museum
On view July 14 through October 9, this new exhibition showcases more than 40 award-winning images and videos of African animals in their native habitats. $7-$18; ages 2 and younger, free.
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Kool & the Gang
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Kool & the Gang and the Village People at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Entertainment Venue
Dust off your dancing shoes as the veteran R&B band and the disco-era mirth-makers share the stage in a two-night stand. 8 p.m. July 14-15. $15-$153.
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OC Fair
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The OC Fair at the OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa Fair
Ride the rides, pet the animals, sample the belly-busting food options and, for an additional fee, enjoy musical performances by X, Smokey Robinson, Dwight Yoakam, et al. at the annual exhibition. Wednesdays-Sundays, July 14 through Aug. 13. $9-$15; children 5 and younger, free; passes, $60; concerts, various prices (includes fair admission).
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'Strictly BBoy Bgirl Business' at Gloria Molina Grand Park
Downtown L.A. City park
This free and family friendly celebration of hip-hop culture returns with live rappers, dance battles, DJs, graffiti art and more. 1 to 6:30 p.m. July 16. Free. bboysummit.com
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“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars”
(Jordin Althaus / World of Wonder / Paramount+)
'RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World Tour 2023' at the Microsoft Theater
Downtown L.A. Live Music Venue
Season 15 favorites including Asia O’Hara, Lady Camden and Mistress Isabelle Brooks strut their stuff in a drag-tastic stage spectacular. 8 p.m. July 16. $65 and up.
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Tori Amos
(Chase Castor/For The Times)
Tori Amos at the Greek Theatre
Griffith Park Amphitheatre
The veteran singer-songwriter swings through SoCal as part of her ongoing “Ocean to Ocean” tour in support of her 2021 album of the same name. 8 p.m. July 21. $50 and up.
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'Mother + Daddy: An Extreme Horror Experience' at Zombie Joe's
North Hollywood Live Theater Group
The dark side of parenthood is explored in this interactive thriller for ages 18 and older only. 8, 8:30, 9, 9:30, 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 p.m. July 14-16. $25, $30. zombiejoes.com
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Kings of Soul
(Pasadena Symphony & Pops)
Pasadena Pops at the Los Angeles County Arboretum
Arcadia City park
The orchestra is joined by tribute act Kings of Soul for a salute to legendary R&B artists including James Brown, Al Green, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye. 7:30 p.m. July 15. $10 and up. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
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'Charlotte's Web' at the Morgan-Wixson Theatre
Santa Monica Live Theater Group
The Morgan-Wixson’s Y.E.S. Youth Theatre program presents this kid-friendly stage adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved barnyard fable. 11 a.m. Saturdays-Sundays, July 15 through 30. $12, $15.
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Karoly Hajduk and Abigel Szoke in “Those Who Remained.”
(Holocaust Museum LA)
'Those Who Remained' at the Laemmle Royal
West Los Angeles Movie Theater
Holocaust Museum LA launches the new off-campus film series “Women in the Holocaust” with this poignant 2019 drama from Hungary about a middle-aged doctor and a teenage girl grieving for their lost loved ones in post-WWII Budapest; a discussion follows. 7 p.m. July 20. Free; RSVP at holocaustmuseumla.org
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Pasadena Bead & Design Show
(Pasadena Bead & Design Show)
Pasadena Bead & Design Show at the Hilton Pasadena
Pasadena Historic Hotel
This biannual arts & crafts fair returns with hundreds of exhibitor booths, plus hands-on workshops and more. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 21-22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 23. $8, $10. beadanddesign.com
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'42nd Street' at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena
Pasadena Church
An intergenerational cast hoofs it onstage in a local production of this classic Broadway musical about the world of Broadway musicals. 7 p.m. July 26-29. Free; first come, first served.
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Jackie Beat
(Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)
'Jackie Beat: Sexty!' at the Catalina Jazz Club
Hollywood Live Music Venue (Under 3,000 People)
The legendary drag artist marks a milestone with a scandalous night of laughter and song with special guests including Alaska, BenDeLaCreme and Sherry Vine. For ages 18 and older only. 7:30 p.m. July 23, 8:30 p.m. July 24-25. $25 and up; food and drink minimums apply.
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'Rent' at Chance Theater
Anaheim Live Theater Group
Creative types eke out an existence on New York’s Lower East Side in Jonathan Larson’s smash Broadway musical inspired by Puccini’s tragic opera “La bohème.” 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, July 29 through Aug. 20. $25-$49.
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(Liz O. Baylen/Los Angeles Times )
'Quincy Jones’ 90th-Birthday Tribute: A Musical Celebration' at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Entertainment Venue
George Benson, Jennifer Hudson, Patti Austin and Angélique Kidjo are among the artists paying tribute to the legendary composer-producer-arranger in this two-night event. 8 p.m. July 28-29. $15-$114.
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Pacific Opera Project's Sunset Concert at the Tournament of Roses House
Pasadena Historic Home
Pacific Opera Project — aka POP — presents a family friendly outdoor concert of operatic favorites and classic show tunes. 6:30 p.m. July 29. Free; RSVP at pacificoperaproject.com
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“Bugs Bunny at the Symphony”
(Chris Lee)
'Bugs Bunny at the Symphony' at the Microsoft Theater
Downtown L.A. Live Music Venue
What’s up, doc? Bugs Bunny and company caper and cavort in 16 classic Looney Tunes animated shorts projected on a massive screen and presented with live orchestral accompaniment. 6 p.m. July 30. $49 and up.
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(Rahav Segev/Photopass.com)
'Everybody Rise! A Sondheim Celebration' at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Entertainment Venue
Tony winner Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster and Brian Stokes Mitchell are among the stars paying tribute to the late, great Broadway composer of such classics as “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods” and “Sunday in the Park With George.” 7:30 p.m. July 30. $15 and up.
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“Hartley with Cat” (detail), by Alice Neel, 1969, oil on canvas
(Orange County Museum of Art)
'Alice Neel: Feels Like Home' at the Orange County Museum of Art
Costa Mesa Art Museum
A curated selection of domestic-themed works by the painter who died in 1984 will be on view June 23 through Oct. 22. Closed Mondays. Free.
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“The Friends Experience”
(Ken Pak / Original X Productions)
'The Friends Experience: The One Near Long Beach' at Lakewood Center
Lakewood Shopping Center
This immersive and Instagram-able celebration of the hit 1994-2004 sitcom includes props, costumes and re-creations of the gang’s favorite hangouts including Central Perk. Various entry times, Wednesdays-Sundays, June 23 through Sept. 17. $30 and up. longbeach.friendstheexperience.com
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Discovery Cube’s “Sea Lab & Ocean Encounter”
(Discovery Cube)
'Sea Lab & Ocean Encounter' at Discovery Cube Orange County
Santa Ana Museum
This interactive and kid-friendly marine science exhibit showcasing the ocean’s biodiversity features a simulated submarine ride, a tide pool and a shark-petting tank. Open daily. $14.95-$19.95
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Bob Baker Marionette Theater
(Ian Byers-Gamber)
'Hooray LA!' at Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Highland Park Live Theater Group
The puppet-theater troupe celebrates our fair city with this newly updated and family friendly show. Various showtimes, July 1 through Sept. 10. $25; children younger than 2, free.
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Peter Van Norden, right, in “The Tempest.”
(Frank Ishman)
'The Tempest' at Antaeus Theatre Company
Glendale Live Theater Group
A new staging of Shakespeare’s fantastical tale of a deposed duke and his young daughter marooned on a magical island is augmented with live music and on-stage Foley effects. 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, 8 p.m. Mondays, June 30 through July 30. $40.
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'Twelfth Night' at Point Fermin Park
San Pedro City park
Shakespeare by the Sea kicks off another summer of locally touring outdoor productions with the Bard’s gender-bending rom-com. 8 p.m. June 22-24, July 6 and 8, Aug. 4; other area venues through Aug 5. Free. shakespearebythesea.org
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Updates:
8:00 a.m. July 6, 2023: This post has been updated to remove older events and add new ones.
