Kurosawa Revisited

I Wish They All Could Be.......

The Last Samurai: Akira Kurosawa Revisited

Aero Theatre
Thursday through Sunday

The Aero Theatre’s Akira Kurosawa Festival begins tonight with one of the great directors greatest films, High and Low, examining the harsh realities of unprincipled capitalism. On Friday it’s a new print of Kagemusha which was co-produced by George Lucas and Francis Coppola. Saturday brings us The Seven Samurai (one of the best movies ever made) and on Sunday, Ikiru. If you consider yourself a film buff but you haven’t seen these films, you better get online and reserve your tickets through Fandango now before someone figures out you’re cheating!

My Father's Dragon
Youth Education Series (Y.E.S.)
Morgan Wixson Theatre
Saturday and Sundays through April 5

Take your kids on a fantastic adventure to fantastical Tangerina and Wild Island to rescue a baby dragon. Generations of readers have grown up with this Newbery Honor book and for the next three weeks you and the family can see it live on stage in a production made possible by a grant from the Santa Monica Arts Commission. Y.E.S. was recently named best new theatre company of the year by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education - bring your kids to this show and you'll see why! Buy your tickets on-line here!

Jumping the Median:
an evening of five unexpected acts
Santa Monica Playhouse
Fridays, Saturday and Sundays through April 19

Push to Talk Theatre has commandeered The Other Space at Santa Monica Playhouse for the next few weeks to present Jumping the Median: an evening of five unexpected acts. You'll discover a powerful mix of theatre, live music and spoken word on stage every weekend through April 19. Written and co-directed by poet/actor/playwright/spoken word artist Steve Connell who performs along with twelve other talented actors, it’s a collection of sexy, outrageous, moving, provocative and unabashedly fun evening one-acts that you’ll definitely enjoy. Get your tickets on-line here.

Into the Woods, Jr.
Lincoln Middle School
Friday, Saturday at 7:00 pm
Sunday at 2:00 pm

The Broadway version of Into the Woods might be considered a bit dark for elementary school but Sondheim and company have created a special version just for kids. It still explores the morals and behaviors in some of society’s favorite fairy tales such as Jack’s thievery and the deception used by the Baker and his wife in trading the three magic beans for the cow not to mention the emotional impact of Rapunzel’s being locked in a tower for all those years and Cinderella’s fantasy that marriage to the prince is going to make her life complete. I’ll be there on Saturday with my surrogate grandkids and I hope to see you there! And always remember - Wishes come true, not free.

LALOP At The Pier

Opening Reception Friday, March 20

Carousel Building
Santa Monica Pier

The delightfully warm weekend that’s heading our way will be perfect for a stroll on the Pier where you’ll find an exhibition sponsored by the Los Angeles League of Photographers in the historic Carousel building. This collection of works depicts the Santa Monica icon in some of the most beautiful imagery you could imagine. The distinguished line-up of photographers includes Santa Monica residents Cindy Bendat and Barbara Gluck along with former Arts Commissioner Helen K. Garber. Some of the work can be found in the new book Santa Monica Pier, A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier. The exhibition will be on view through April 18.

I Wish They All Could Be.......

Mid-Century California Girls

Alice & Peter Gowland Vintage Photos

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There’s a new gallery tucked away in Santa Monica Canyon currently featuring works by local photographers Alice and Peter Gowland. There’s a plethora of California girls and boys in images of Will Rogers State Beach from the 1940’s through the 1970’s. You’ll see a shore packed with bohemians, actors, surfers such as Miki Dora and even a few celebs here and there. Call 310/459.4481 for an appointment and then stop by the gallery between now and April 19.