Thursday, June 18
What’s not to like?
Shakespeare by the Sea begins their 2015 touring season with “As You Like It,” Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (plus upcoming dates), at Point Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. It’ll be moving across the South Bay between now and the end of August, in tandem with “The Tempest.” It’s free, but your donations keep the company afloat. Call (310) 217-7596 or go to shakespearebythesea.org.
Providing a helping hand
Raising funds for Walk with Sally, a non-profit that provides healing and comfort to children debilitated by the experience of living with or losing a close relative to cancer, “White Light/White Night 2015” takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Point, 850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo. Tickets, donate.walkwithsally.org/kickoff.
Friday, June 19
A world of sweets
The Belasco Theatre Company presents “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book and the 1971 film that starred Gene Wilder, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., through Sunday, June 28, in the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. It stars Cole Konis, who played the central character as a young boy in “American Sniper.” Tickets, $17 general; $15 seniors and children under 12. Call (310) 379-4208 or head over to belasco.org.
Down the rabbit hole!
The Peninsula School of Performing Arts presents “Alice in Wonderland,” directed by Tita Bolger, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday in the Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates. There’s a cast of hundreds. Tickets, $25 adults and $20 children 17 and under. Call (310) 544-0403 or go to pspadance.com.
Nature at her best
The Pacific Arts Groups of the Palos Verdes Art Center is being featured through July 4 in the Madrona Marsh Art Show, located in the Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center, 3201 Plaza del Amo, Torrance. Original pastel, oil, and watercolor paintings of the Marsh are on view and for sale. Opening reception tonight, Friday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., during which time Margaret Lindsey will speak on “The Inspiration of Nature in Painting.” Contact Lynn Attig at (310) 374-8309 or Madrona Marsh at (310) 782-3989.
Outdoor movies at dusk
“Friday Night at the Movies” takes place at dusk (about 8 p.m.) on the Redondo Beach Pier at 500 Fisherman’s Wharf. Earth to Echo is screening, and it’s free. More at redondopier.com.
Young and in love
Judy Garland and Gene Kelly star in “For Me and My Gal,” screening at 8:15 Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the Old Town Music Hall, 140 Richmond St., El Segundo. It’s about a song-and-dance team in the “good ‘ol days” of Vaudeville, and marks Gene Kelly’s screen debut. Tickets, $10 seniors; $8 seniors over 62. More at OldTownMusicHall.org.
Pintxos and tapas
A Basq Kitchen opens its doors this evening at 136 N. International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, and the Grand Opening feast (from 7 to 9 p.m.) includes food, beer, and sangria for $28. More online at abasqkitchen.com. Tickets for tonight’s meal at abkgrandopening.eventbrite.com.
Saturday, June 20
Crossing genres
The Whyman Project, a chamber ensemble noted for crossing from classical to pop to jazz and film music, performs at 3:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church, 2900 W. Carson St., Torrance. Features original music and arrangements by pianist Ryan Whyman. Free, donations appreciated. Call (310) 316-5574.
Sunday, June 21
A catch in fowl territory
Howlin’ Ray’s and King Harbor Brewery are teaming up for the first “Hot Chicken Eating Challenge” in Los Angeles, with chef Johnny Zone amping up his Howlin’ Hot recipe for the occasion, which goes from 12 noon until the food’s all gone. The eatin’ starts at 1:30. If you’re wanting to be a contestant, email matt@localitela.com. Otherwise, call (310) 542-8657.
Pig out on Daddy’s day
From 12 noon to 4 p.m. a Father’s Day feast, which includes a whole spit-roasted pig, is being served at Shade Hotel, 1221 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. The cost is $40 adults; $15 children under 10. This includes three beers for all dads, with each additional brew being $5. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Richstone Family Center. Reservations, call (310) 469-3466.
Young singers
The Korean American Music Academy’s 25th annual “Children’s Choir Concert” takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Free. Call (310) 781-7171.
Monday, June 22
With their own eyes
“Original Visions” features artists Lois Olsen and Kathie Reis, plus jewelry artist Nancy Comaford, and it will be on view through July 25 in the Artists’ Studio Gallery, located in the Promenade on the Peninsula, 550 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. The opening reception is Saturday, June 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. Call (310) 265-2592.
Nobody stands still
“Happy,” presented by the Studio Art of Dance, features dancers from ages three to full-grown adults, and it’s taking place at 2 and 7 p.m. on Monday, plus 7 p.m. on both Tuesday (June 23) and Wednesday (June 24) in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets, $23, $20, $17. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to thestudioartofdance.com.
