Hot Dates 12.13
WHAT’S SIZZLING IN SECONDS FLAT
THROUGH DEC. 1 L.A. AUTO SHOW Automakers rev up car buyers with their latest and greatest offerings at this annual show, held at the L.A. Convention Center downtown. Ticketholders can check out more than 1,000 car makes and models, including more than 50 debuts, plus cutting-edge race cars and alternative fuel vehicles. DEC. 3 BEYONCÉ Who runs the world? Possibly Billboard’s Top Female Artist of the 2000s, who, after a several-year touring hiatus, is back on the road with the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. The Grammy Award–winning singer/actress/ businesswoman/one-woman industry stops at Staples Center en route to world domination. DEC. 14 MARINA DEL REY BOAT PARADE Festooned with twinkling lights and decorations, boats and yachts cruise their way through Marina del Rey for spectators’ pleasure. A fireworks show over the water starts the 50-year-old tradition with a bang.
OPENING DEC. 12
A Twisted Carol Move over, Rudolph, Santa and your little elves. There’s another cast of holiday characters coming to town, ready to spread good cheer and a hefty dose of laughter. The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens annual satire on the classic story A Christmas Carol returns to the stage at Culver City’s Kirk Douglas Theatre. Look for surprise celebrity guests— past stars have included Ben McKenzie and Jason Alexander—who will join comedy troupe members in their memorable interactive portrayal of Charles Dickens’ well-loved tale and its merry band. The play is penned by Second City alums Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort, both formerly of The Colbert Report. And don’t miss the festivities in the theater lobby, featuring aptly named cocktails including Tiny Tim Tinis and Scroogedrivers, natch. Cheers to that. p. 90 NEARBY Peruse furniture, design and clothing boutiques at Helms Bakery (helmsbakerydistrict.com). Ogle oddities at the Museum of Jurassic Technology (p. 102), a funky cabinet of curiosities. For dinner, acclaimed Sushi Zo in nearby Palms features a glorious omakase menu (310.842.3977).
Y
DEC. 24 L.A. COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion downtown showcases the cultures of L.A. with holiday-inspired music and dance. More than 20 entertainment groups share their traditions in this free, Emmy Award– nominated show. DEC. 28–JAN. 2 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES The world-famous Rose Parade in Pasadena features marching bands, equestrian units and an astonishing array of flower-bedecked floats; the Rose Bowl sees top college football teams go head to head at Rose Bowl Stadium, nearby the parade route. For tips on navigating the event, turn to The Tournament Blooms on page 20. ALL MONTH ICE AT SANTA MONICA Downtown Santa Monica turns winter wonderland with the arrival of the popular Santa Monica skating rink, back for its seventh year. The outdoor venue offers skate rentals, a snack bar and even a minirink for children younger than 7. For more details on these events, turn to page 90. HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Go to WhereLA.com for the Weekend Roundup, where you can get the lowdown on the coolest festivals, performing arts events, dining promotions and more.
“Parfumerie” inspired three Hollywood movies—”The Shop Around the Corner,” “In the Good Old Summertime” and “You’ve Got Mail”—as well as the musical “She Loves Me.”
CRAIG SCHWARTZ
Ron West in Twist Your Dickens at Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City
THROUGH DEC. 22 PARFUMERIE The curtains are up at the longawaited Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. The debut theater production is Parfumerie, a romance set during the holidays in 1930s Budapest. Also featured: an exhibition on perfume, Timeless Scents: 1370–2013.
12 WHERELA.COM
012-025_WhereNow_WLA.indd 12
11/12/13 5:29 PM