South Bay arts calendar for Feb. 21 to 27
“Two by Two: Stories Beneath the Surface” features art by Amelia Amell and Jesús Chaidez, and it’s opening Friday with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Manhattan Beach Art Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., MB. The exhibit examines the impact of global politics, personal histories, and cultural symbolism upon both artists. Related event: “A tea gathering” from 4 to 6 p.m. this Sunday. Through April 14. Pictured, “Drug Tunnel,” by Jesús Chaidez. (310) 802-5440 or go to citymb.info/CulturalArts
Tea and gravestones
“The Cemetery Club,” written by Ivan Menchell and directed by James Rice, opens at 8 p.m. at Little Fish Theatre, 777 Centre St., San Pedro. Much of the cast has been seen in Hermosa Beach and Torrance productions. The play explores enduring friendships and the power of love after life. Tickets, tonight (Thursday) is $24 general and $15 for those 25 and under use use the word “hipster.” Thereafter, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sundays, March 3 and 17, at 2 p.m. Tickets, $28 general; $26 seniors; $15 same as Thursday, above. Through March 17. Call (310) 512-6030 or go to littlefishtheatre.org.
The New Hollywood String Quartet performs at 8 p.m. on Friday in the Recital Hall at LA Harbor College, Wilmington, and then they’ll repeat their performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Pacific Unitarian Church, Rancho Palos Verdes. Works by Mozart, Schubert, and Brahms to be played. Free; donations appreciated. More at sbcms
Double feature
“Two by Two: Stories Beneath the Surface” features art by Amelia Amell (who was born on Hispaniola) and Jesús Chaidez (born in Culiacan, Mexico), and it’s opening with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Manhattan Beach Art Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. The exhibit examines the impact of global politics, personal histories, and cultural symbolism upon both artists. A related event is “A tea gathering” from 4 to 6 p.m. this Sunday. Through April 14. Call (310) 802-5440 or go to citymb.info/CulturalArts.
Missed the ‘50s? Here ya go!
“Life Could Be a Dream,” by Roger Bean, opens at International City Theatre, in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 330 Seaside Way, Long Beach. It’s a jukebox musical that features such songs as “Earth Angel,” “Runaround Sue,” and “Unchained Melody”. Thursday ($47), Friday ($47, but $55 on opening night), Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2 p.m. ($49 Sat. and Sun.), through March 10. Call (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org.
“Life Could Be a Dream,” by Roger Bean, opens Friday at International City Theatre, in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. It’s a jukebox musical with songs like “Earth Angel,” “Runaround Sue,” and “Unchained Melody”. Opening night: $55, thereafter $47-$49 (mostly Thursday through Sunday, through March 10. Pictured: Trevor Shor, Hunter Berecochea, Marisa Matthews, J. Thomas Miller and Josey Montana McCoy. Photo by Tracey Roman. (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org
Presented by the South Bay Chamber Music Society, the New Hollywood String Quartet performs at 8 p.m. on Friday in the Recital Hall of the Music Department at LA Harbor College, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington, and then they’ll repeat their performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga, Rancho Palos Verdes. The group consists of two violins, viola, and cello. Works by Mozart, Schubert, and Brahms to be played. Free; donations appreciated. More at sbcms.
Saturday, February 23
Lessons from the pros
“Dancing with the South Bay Stars” is set for 7 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, and like the TV show professional dancers have paired with two-left-feet amateurs to improve their skills. And the result? Someone’s bound to rake in all the accolades! Tickets, $65, $45, $35. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancearts.org.
“Love” is on view through February at Artlife Gallery, Plaza El Segundo, in El Segundo. Features 10 multimedia artists. The artists reception is Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Hours, Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (310) 938-2511
One word title for this art show, “Love,” on view through February at Artlife Gallery, 720C South Allied Way, Plaza El Segundo, in El Segundo. Features 10 multimedia artists. The artists reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Hours, Monday to Saturday from 11:30 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (310) 938-2511.
It shouldn’t have happened
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute presents a “Day of Remembrance” from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Gardena Valley JCI Hall, 1964 West 162 St., Gardena. Parallels between what happened 77 years ago and what’s happening now will be examined, and Jon Osaki’s documentary, “Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066” will be screened. Free. (310) 324-6611 or visit jci-gardena.org.
Sunday, February 24
Orchestral pleasures
The Peninsula Symphony Association, under the guidance of Music Director Gary Berkson, presents “Big Works for Small Groups” at 7 p.m. (6:15 pre-concert lecture for members and card holders) in the Redondo Union High School Auditorium, 222 N. Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach. Free. Works by Bach, Glière, Stravinsky, and Dvorák to be played, with featured artist Cristina Montes Mateo on harp. (310) 544-0320 or go to pensym.org.
Came a long way to sing
The African Children’s Choir performs at 6:30 p.m. in the Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach. Free; donations appreciated. (310) 378-9273 or visit africanchildrenschoir.com.
The African Children’s Choir performs at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach. Free; donations appreciated. (310) 378-9273 or visit africanchildrenschoir.com
“Hamlet,” with Benedict Cumberbatch, screens at 2 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, as part of the National Theatre Live series. One of Shakespeare’s finest. Tickets, $17.50. Call (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancearts.org.
Wednesday, February 19
Where could she be?
Elizabeth Letts, author of “Finding Dorothy,” is appearing at 7 p.m. in {pages} a bookstorre, 904 Manhattan Beach Ave., Manhattan Beach. It’s a ticketed event. Find out more about this author and her book. (310) 318-0900 or go to pagesabookstore.com. ER