Best Of LA - Week Of December 8
'Tis the season for holiday get togethers, family outings, community events, and well, live theater. This week is filled with both a plethora of Christmas and holiday happenings, as well as a unique launching point for some of LA's most successful and anticipated theatrical events and performances.
"Austrian vs. Thai Street Food Dinner"
Silaa Thai
1128 S Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 858-7738
www.silaathai.com
For two days only, Chef Bernhard Mairinger will be cooking an "Austrian vs. Thai Street Food Dinner " with the team at Silaa Thai. The menu will feature traditional Austrian and Thai street dishes and guests can enjoy the fare in a "street" setting that compliments the unique dishes including famous BierBeisl sausage and bauernkrapfen, an Austrian doughnut. Reservations are required, with tickets at $65/person.
"Blithe Spirit"
Ahmason Theatre
135 N Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-4444
www.CenterTheatreGroup.com
The North American tour of "Blithe Spirit" opens tonight at the Center Theater Group's Ahmanson Theatre, running now through January 18. Starring Angela Lansbury, reprising her Tony-Award Winning performance of sold out engagements on both the West End and on Broadway. Directed by Michael Blakemore, Noël Coward's smash-hit comedic play "Blithe Spirit" was first seen on Broadway in 1941, followed by the longest comedy run on the West End starting that same year.
"Wicked"
Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 468-3030
www.HollywoodPantages.com
"Wicked" returns to Los Angeles this week as the tour rolls into the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a 14 week engagement. This LA favorite follows the story of two unique and different girls in the Land of Oz, long before Dorothy and Toto drop in. Dubbed a "Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety and "The Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly, ticked prices for "Wicked" start at just $35. In addition, daily ticket lotteries are available for orchestra seats, offered for just $25.
Disney on Ice - Let's Celebrate
Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 742-7100
www.disneyonice.com
More than 50 Disney characters from 16 beloved Disney stories weave together in a magical celebration on ice for the whole family. The five-night LA run kicks off today, giving your family the chance to celebrate Christmas, holidays, and celebrations from around the globe in one setting. This fun-filled holiday celebration theme is coupled with some of your favorite Disney songs and memories for the perfect wintertime family evening.
Downtown Art Walk
Art Walk Lounge
634 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.downtownartwalk.org
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Downtown Art Walk, showcasing the art of local artisans and small works artists as they display their handcrafted goods. Perfect for the holiday shopping season, this month's Art Walk features a unique opportunity to purchase a variety of locally created goods. A Small Works Benefit Show will highlight small works from this year's featured artists, and will host a silent auction benefitting Art Walk. 6-10pm.
"Raditatical: A Journey in Rhythm"
The Montalbán Theatre
1615 North Vine Street
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 461-6999
www.raditatical.com
An original live stage spectacular filled with music, laughter, dance and raw energy opens in Hollywood at The Montalbán Theatre on December 12 for six performances only. Appropriate for all ages, RADITATICAL: A Journey in Rhythm explores the human potential as it follows one man's journey across the country as he learns about both musical expression and infinite possibilities. The highly energetic, unique live theatrical experience tells the story through action and music, with less focus on dialogue.
SANTA Monica Pub Crawl
Various Locations
Santa Monica, CA
www.santamonicapubcrawl.com
One of the city's most attended events, the 6th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl, benefiting the Westside Food Bank, takes place tonight, offering drinkers a chance to revel in holiday spirits while giving back to the community. More than 30 bars and restaurants across Santa Monica will take part in the festivities offering food and drink specials to crawlers dressed in Santa and holiday attire. A portion of all proceeds directly benefit the Westside Food Bank, who has received over $75,000 from the previous crawl's donations.
Festival of Carols
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7282
www.lamc.org
Take in a matinee performance of the Los Angeles Master Chorale's popular "Festival of Carols" at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA today. You'll enjoy new arrangements of Christmas carols such as Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Angels We Have Heard on High, White Christmas, and Silent Night sung by the nearly perfect 100 members of the Master Chorale under the artistic direction of Grant Gershon. The program will also boast a live performance of Eric Whitacre's Glow, part of the "Virtual Choir" series where performers around the world record themselves singing a chorale work that is then synchronized and combined together.
Winter Holiday Festival
Pershing Square
532 S Olive St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 847-4970
www.laparks.org
For the classic wintery experience, head to Pershing Square this weekend for their Winter Holiday Festival. Santa, tons of snow, sledding opportunities, ice skating, the "Elf Olympics," and live holiday entertainment take center stage in downtown LA at this free event designed to bring Los Angelenos together for wholesome family fun. Enjoy local artisans and exhibitor booths, free crafts, and pictures with Santa.
Meet Me Under the Fig Tree
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-7777
www.fairmont.com
Enjoy an afternoon for the whole family as you gather under the Moreton Bay Fig Tree at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica for their annual Holiday Celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, pictures with Santa Claus himself, beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, crafts, bounce houses, and even snowfall! Food donations will be taken to benefit the Ocean Park Community Center and Olympic High School; admission to the event is free.
