Here are your highlights for January 12-14 in Los Angeles:
Shakespeare in Love – South Coast Repertory
Now – February 10
It’s award season in the film industry and what better timing for a stage version of the film that upset the heavily favored Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture. Based on Tom Stoppard’s Academy Award winning screenplay, Shakespeare in Love has been adapted by Lee Hall for the stage and opens Saturday at South Coast Repertory Theatre in Costa Mesa. Shakespeare is battling writer’s block and through the love and inspiration of a woman named Viola. It all works out in the end, of course, and Judi Dench wins an Oscar.
Smokey Robinson – Cerritos Performing Arts Center
January 13
The Motown Legend returns for one night only at Cerritos Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The Grammy Winner, best known for such songs as Tracks of My Tears, Tears of a Clown and I Second that Emotion brings all the songs you know and love from his over 50-year career to the stage.
Roy Hargrove Quintet – Catalina Bar & Grill
January 12-14
Roy Hargrove is one of those musicians who straddles multiple genres. Best known for his jazz work, but he’s also collaborated with such diverse artists as D’Angelo, Niles Rodgers, Common and Macy Gray. The Roy Hargrove Quintet takes to the stage at Catalina Bar & Grill for three nights.
Aladdin – Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
January 14
If you don’t think your kids will sit for a two-and-a-half hour version of Aladdin, then there’s an alternative available for you and it is free. Stevens Puppets presents a 45-minute puppet version of the classic tale on Sunday at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills. You won’t get the Disney songs from the animated film, but you will get a much shorter show for the little ones.
Remember the other Aladdin has just opened at the Pantages Theatre. Small Mouth Sounds just opened at the Broad Stage.