Movies

Our critics pick spring’s most anticipated L.A. arts, theater, classical music, pop and comedy shows

BBG News

This spring, Los Angeles is set to host an array of top-tier Broadway shows, art exhibitions, and concerts, ranging from classical to contemporary music, encompassing various artistic genres such as painting, photography, sculpture, and more. Whether your preference leans towards Beyoncé, Boulez, or AC/DC, theater performances like “Hamlet” or works by Ibsen, stand-up comedy, or musicals, our critics have handpicked events tailored to suit every taste. So, grab your smartphone (or traditional pencil and planner) and begin planning your calendar for the unmissable performing and visual arts events of the season.

VISUAL ARTS

From April 5th to August 31st, Will Rawls will be exhibiting at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). In this exhibit, he projects stop-motion videos of still images of Black dancers onto green screens suspended from the ceiling. This blending of animation, photography, projection, and motion combines various lens-based media to critically analyze depictions of the human body, as observed by critic Christopher Knight.

A Life in Portraits” at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Gardens. For over seven decades, Bachardy has been drawing portraits of individuals from the artistic, literary, and film industries. About 100 pieces, made using graphite and acrylic on paper, give a broad overview of the busy L.A. artist, with works chosen from the Huntington’s collection of his work. — C.K. (Simplified)

From April 12 to August 4, check out “Don Bachardy: A Life in Portraits” at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Gardens. For over seven decades, Bachardy has been sketching portraits of people from the world of art, literature, and film. More than 100 works made with graphite and acrylic on paper provide a comprehensive look at the busy L.A. artist, using pieces selected from the Huntington’s collection of his work. — C.K. (Conversational)

From May 11th to July 2nd, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will showcase a variety of Asian Buddhist artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects from their permanent collection. These pieces, which have been stored away for years, will be complemented by loans from other institutions to provide a comprehensive perspective on Buddhist ideologies across Asia. — C.K.

From June 8th to August 31st, the works of the late Los Angeles artist, Noah Davis, will be showcased at the UCLA Hammer Museum. This collection, which comprises over 50 figurative paintings, was created by Davis before his untimely death in 2015, at the age of 32. His career had only recently gained significant recognition. The exhibition follows stops in Potsdam, Germany, and London. Davis’ art, frequently constructed around found photographs, often teeters on the precipice between reality and dream. — C.K.

From June 17th to September 28th, the thought-provoking exhibit “Queer Lens: A History of Photography” will be on display at the Getty Museum. This exhibition boldly places queer imagery at the heart of photographic history, dating back to the mid-19th century. By exploring how the ease and speed of photography have influenced societal perceptions of LGBTQ+ individuals, this exhibit invites us to reconsider the role of photography in shaping these perspectives. — C.K.

The California Biennial at Orange County Museum of Art, titled “Desperate, Sacred, yet Social,” aims to juxtapose early, youthful pieces from renowned artists such as Miranda July, Stanya Kahn, Laura Owens, and Joey Terrill (all in their 50s or above) with contemporary works by today’s teenage artists. The exhibition will feature a collection curated by a team of teenage curators alongside pieces selected from the museum’s permanent holdings. — C.K.

CLASSICAL

On April 10th, the Grenada Theatre in Santa Barbara will host a unique dance performance titled “Gigenis: The Generation of the Earth,” by renowned choreographer Akram Khan. This production, part of the UC Santa Barbara Arts and Lectures series, is a one-night-only event that brings together seven dancers and seven musicians, blending traditional Indian and Western dance techniques. Originally a dancer in Peter Brooks’ groundbreaking “Mahabharata” performance in 1987, Khan has since crafted his own large-scale dance from the Hindu epic. Despite L.A. missing out on hosting Khan’s London-based company, this event offers Angelenos a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of cultures and styles in a captivating dance production. — Mark Swed

On April 24th, the renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin will perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Known for his first Chopin recording at just 12 years old in 1984, this Russian-born artist has since gained fame as a British and Israeli citizen who is critical of the Russian government. A pianist, composer, and Yiddish poet, Kissin has become a global figure with unique performances. This will be his first recital in L.A. in over a decade, brought to us by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, featuring pieces from Bach, Chopin, and Shostakovich. There’s hope that he might also share some of his own compositions during this event. — M.S.

On May 8th, Esa-Pekka Salonen leads a performance celebrating Pierre Boulez at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, marking the centenary of his birth. This event is one of two tributes planned for later this spring in honor of the influential French composer and conductor. In Los Angeles, where Boulez frequently conducted, Pierre-Laurent Aimard (who was invited by Boulez to join his Ensemble Intercontemporain) and L.A. Dance Project will collaborate with Salonen for a diverse program. Meanwhile, at UCLA’s Nimoy Theater, local pianist Gloria Chang, whose playing Boulez admired so much that he wrote a charming little wedding piece for her, joins Dutch pianist Ralph van Raat to perform Boulez’s challenging two-piano “Structures,” as well as two-piano pieces by John Cage, Stravinsky, and Frank Zappa. — M.S.

From May 18-20, 2022, celebrate the West Coast premiere of “Schoenberg in Hollywood,” a production by UCLA’s music department during their official 2024-25 season. This opera, created by Tod Machover in 2018, portrays the unique Hollywood interactions between composer Arnold Schoenberg and studio head Irving Thalberg, as they discuss the unusual idea of a modernist like Schoenberg scoring a film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s best-selling novel “The Good Earth,” set in a Chinese village. — M.S.

As a music enthusiast, I’m excitedly looking forward to immersing myself in the enchanting world of the Ojai Festival from June 5th to 8th. This year, the spotlight falls on Claire Chase, an unstoppable flutist and champion for contemporary music. The festival’s traditional blend of Bach to modern tunes is expanded this time around, with a focus on environmental appreciation.

For instance, Liza Lim’s “How Forests Think” will be the highlight of the Saturday evening program, while Annea Lockwood, a New Zealand maestro known for her ability to harness the beauty of natural sounds, will make full use of Ojai’s untouched landscapes. And let’s not forget about the premiere of Terry Riley’s latest composition!

— M.S.

The Seoul Festival, featuring new music from Korea, will take place at Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 3, 6-8 and 10. This event is curated by Unsuk Chin, a renowned composer supported by the L.A. Phil orchestra. Some of the names may be unfamiliar to Los Angeles residents, such as Juri Seo, Kay Kyurim Rhie, Whan Ri-Ahn, and Hankyeol Yoon, who will conduct the weekend orchestra programs. To appeal to a wider audience, a bit of Brahms is included in the program. – M.S.

As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about the upcoming performances by the Pacific Symphony at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The remarkable 35-year tenure of Carl St.Clair as music director has been instrumental in transforming this symphony from a humble, makeshift band playing in a high school auditorium with less than ideal acoustics into the world-class ensemble it is today. With its very own world-class concert hall, the Pacific Symphony now stands tall among the best orchestras globally.

In his farewell season as music director (he will later become music director laureate), St.Clair is set to go out with a bang! The lineup includes a semi-staged production of Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” as well as an installment of his popular Cathedrals of Sound series, which pairs organ solos with the grandeur of Bruckner symphonies (specifically, the beloved No. 7 on this occasion). The final program under his leadership as music director will be Verdi’s Requiem in June. — M.S.

Theater

As a movie buff who can’t wait to catch the latest theater productions, I’m thrilled to share that from April 16th to May 18th, the Geffen Playhouse will present the West Coast premiere of “Furlough’s Paradise” by the acclaimed playwright a.k. payne. This play, which recently won the prestigious Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for women+ playwrights in the English-speaking theater, is a captivating two-hander that delves into the complex relationship between two cousins. One of them is on a three-day furlough from prison to attend a family funeral, and their lives have taken dramatically different paths since then.

The play explores the strained bond between Sade and Mina, who used to be inseparable, but now their memories don’t align. Tarell Alvin McCraney, the Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director and payne’s former teacher at Yale, describes it as a poignant search for “utopia in a world that is marred by a criminal justice system that needs significant reform.” So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally charged theater experience, mark your calendars for this compelling production. — Charles McNulty

Experience the captivating adaptation of Yann Martel’s Booker Prize-winning novel, “Life of Pi,” at Ahmanson Theatre from June 3 to June 15. This visual feast, presented by Segerstrom Center for the Arts, is a testament to the artistry of playwright Lolita Chakrabarti and director Max Webster.

The story revolves around a teenage boy’s incredible journey at sea, accompanied by an extraordinary menagerie that comes alive through breathtaking puppetry. “Life of Pi” explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss, showcasing how our imagination can provide solace and strength. This production, which garnered three Tony Awards for its mesmerizing design, seamlessly blends the timeless wisdom of a fable with the elegance of contemporary stage artistry. — C.M.

From May 11th to June 22nd, the thought-provoking play “White Rabbit, Red Rabit” will be staged at Fountain Theatre. This unique production by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour features a different actor performing the work for the first time at every show, with no rehearsals or direction – just the actor and the thrill of an unread script. Notable stars such as Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, and Cynthia Nixon have taken on this challenge in New York, leaving us wondering who might step up for the Los Angeles premiere.

This performance isn’t just a novelty act; it holds deeper meaning. Soleimanpour wrote the play after he was barred from leaving his country due to refusing military service. It serves as a covert message about life under oppressive regimes, shedding light on censorship and the subtle power of art. – C.M.

From May 14th to June 8th, the play “A Doll’s House, Part 2” will be staged at the Pasadena Playhouse. Renowned contemporary American playwright Lucas Hnath (“The Christians,” “Dana H.”) has revisited Nora from Henrik Ibsen’s classic to explore what became of her life fifteen years after she left her marriage and sparked a revolution in modern drama. This thought-provoking comedy delves into the pros and cons of personal freedom, offering a fresh perspective on one of the sharpest and most enjoyable new plays of the past decade. Jennifer Chang directs this modern adaptation. — C.M.

From May 28 to July 6, Robert O’Hara, a renowned playwright and director (“Barbecue”, “Bootycandy”), will present his unique take on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” at the Mark Taper Forum. This new adaptation infuses the timeless tragedy with a noir aesthetic. Don’t be fooled by the audacity of a modern dramatist reimagining Shakespeare’s boundless masterpiece. In “Fat Ham,” James Ijames crafted a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy that delves into the concept of fate and its influence on our lives. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch, Salvador Dalí, and “Perry Mason”, O’Hara is set to carve his own provocative path in a production that doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of blood and violence. — C.M.

From June 17 to July 12, Michael Arden’s award-winning revival of “Parade,” a musical drama by Alfred Uhry and Jason Robert Brown, will be staged at the Ahmanson Theatre. This production, which won multiple Tonys in 2023, solidifies the status of this complex modern musical as a timeless classic. The show, with its ambitious narrative, sheds light on the 1913 trial of Leo Frank, a miscarriage of justice that ultimately led to his tragic lynching due to anti-Semitism. As it delves into the social and political climate, “Parade” never loses focus on the personal story of Leo and his wife, offering a poignant glimpse into the emotional side of an American tragedy. This tale serves as a stark reminder of our nation’s dark past. — C.M.

POP

Beginning three months after her long-awaited Grammy win for Album of the Year with “Cowboy Carter”, Beyoncé is set to kick off her much anticipated tour tied to the country-leaning LP with a five-night stint at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. With Beyoncé’s reputation, it’s hard to predict what breathtaking musical and visual performance she has planned – although her elaborate halftime show during a Christmas Day NFL game in December might offer a hint of the spectacle to come. Buckle up! – Mikael Wood

On May 7th, it’s Central Cee taking over the Hollywood Palladium stage. This could be the British rapper’s breakthrough moment in the U.S., following his success last year with “Band4Band,” a hit pop-drill collaboration with Lil Baby, which made it to the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Central Cee has also released his debut album, “Can’t Rush Greatness,” featuring popular collaborations with artists such as 21 Savage and Lil Durk. – M.W.

On May 16th, the Outlaw Music Festival will take place at the Hollywood Bowl. Every year, Willie Nelson headlines this traveling roots-music event that he initiated in 2016. As the festival arrives, Nelson will be turning 92. The performer lineup changes according to the city, but for Los Angeles, we can expect Bob Dylan, who’s been rejuvenated by Timothée Chalamet’s Hollywood connection, and two up-and-coming bluegrass prodigies, Billy Strings and Sierra Hull. Keep a watchful eye for surprise guests; last year at the Hollywood Bowl, Nelson had John Densmore of the Doors join him to play various percussion instruments as he humorously called them “doohickeys.” — M.W.

On the 18th of April, AC/DC will be performing at the Rose Bowl. This iconic rock band has proven its resilience and adaptability over the years. After the demise of their original lead singer, they managed to carry on successfully with a replacement. Moreover, they temporarily recruited Axl Rose as a guest vocalist in 2016. Now touring with a new rhythm section, the Australian hard rock pioneers make their way back to the U.S. for their first tour in close to a decade, with the exception of a recent appearance at the debut Power Trip metal festival in Indio. — August Brown

In your festival-going journey, you might find that the lineup at Coachella becomes filled with artists you’re not familiar with, belonging to genres you barely know. It’s an experience shared by many. Immerse yourself in a cozy wave of nostalgia at two of Goldenvoice’s iconic retro festivals: Just Like Heaven, the indie-focused festival that fans have been eagerly anticipating, brings together Rilo Kiley for their long-awaited reunion and performances from Vampire Weekend, Bloc Party, and TV on the Radio. Meanwhile, Cruel World, its goth/new wave counterpart, offers sets from New Order, Nick Cave, and a reunited Go-Go’s. — A.B.

On May 21st, 23rd, and 24th, the dynamic duo of Kendrick Lamar and SZA will take over SoFi Stadium. After his Grammy triumph for “Not Like Us,” Kendrick’s undeniable joy must be sky-high. Not only did he release a hit single that outshines a rival he dislikes, but he also received the ultimate recognition in music – a Grammy – and performed at the Super Bowl halftime show as an added bonus. With SZA by his side, it seems like Kendrick’s Grand National tour is more than just a concert series; it feels like a literal victory lap! Here’s hoping that Serena Williams joins them on stage with her signature C-walk dance moves. — A.B.

COMEDY

On April 5th, 17th, and 22nd, Ali Wong will showcase her “Work in Progress” at the intimate Lab space within the Hollywood Improv. Known for pushing boundaries in comedy, Wong is refining new material during these performances, following the success of her Netflix special “Single Lady”. If you’re fortunate enough to secure a ticket, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. – Nate Jackson

On May 6th, it’s Dr. Phil (the TV personality) teaming up with Adam Ray (a comedy figure) at the Comedy Store. Given that there are two different ‘Dr. Phils’ involved here, this event is quite unusual. Originally a playful imitation of the daytime talk show therapist by long-time L.A. comedian Adam Ray, it has since escalated into a popular trend with a Netflix special and packed shows nationwide. As they bring things back to where it all started at the Comedy Store, expect an incredible lineup of comedians for some hilarious skits, promising one of the most outrageous comedy shows this spring season. — N.J.

On May 31, comedian Ricky Gervais will be gracing the Hollywood Bowl stage for a thought-provoking and humorous show titled “Mortality.” Known for his witty takes on taboo topics, this controversial British humorist has gained fame for his work in shows like “The Office” and for roasting celebrities. In this new production, Gervais delves even deeper into the macabre, tackling the subject of mortality with his signature blend of comedy and contemplation. The tour is generating excitement as it stops at various locations across the U.K., and in L.A., it will serve as a unique opportunity for audiences to engage in a lighthearted discussion about our inevitable end. Additionally, footage from this tour will be featured in Gervais’ upcoming Netflix special. — N.J.

Read More

2025-04-02 13:33

Previous post LEGO’s new Lord of the Rings set is available to buy right now
Next post Dua Lipa Stuns in Nude Bodysuit as She Kicks Off New Zealand Tour with a Show-Stopping Performance!