From showstopping spectacles to stunning live performances, here are L.A.’s must-see shows this season.
Head to L.A. Louver to see Matt Wedel’s “Potted Plant” (2021, gouache on paper) PHOTO COURTESY OF L.A. LOUVER
10/17-1/14
William Blake: Visionary
Step into Wiliam Blake’s imaginative world—where words meet imagery. Known for his work as a poet, printmaker and painter in the Romantic era, Blake explores the complexities of creation and destruction by creating striking imagery. Explore his remarkable collection at the Getty Center with up-close access to watercolor paintings “Satan Exulting over Eve” and “The Death of the Virgin,” among other celebrated works. Getty Center, Brentwood, getty.edu
William Blake “The Death of the Virgin” (1803, watercolor) on view at The Getty Center PHOTO BY © TATE
10/19-3/3
RECLAIMED: A Family Painting
Discover the hidden artifacts of the Bloch family of Brno, Czechoslovakia—one of the many Jewish families whose possessions and art collections were stolen during the Holocaust—at the Skirball Cultural Center, now through 2024. Showcasing stories of migration, survival and resilience, this collection explores the determination of the Bloch family to reclaim what is rightfully theirs and share the vital importance of history’s tragic event with the Los Angeles community. Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, skirball.org
10/25-1/6
Matt Wedel: Pictures in the Garden
For his exhibition Pictures in the Garden, acclaimed sculptor and painter Matt Wedel explores themes of time, space, metaphor and mythology with vibrant gouache plant paintings on display at Venice Beach’s L.A. Louver. Discover Mother Nature on canvas with his spirited works “Potted Plant” and “Flower Tree (Hawai‘i).” L.A. Louver, Venice Beach, lalouver.com
11/4-1/5
Westward Ho!
Uncover Allison Katz’s deeply personal aesthetic on display at Hauser & Wirth West Hollywood. This solo exhibition explores Katz’s curiosity about meaningful imagery and features some of the works she completed during her residency in Somerset. Each piece represents the viewer’s subjective experience through art history, biography, and commodity culture. Be sure to stop by and see her oil painting, “Eternity.” Hauser & Wirth, West Hollywood, hauserwirth.com
11/12-12/23
Noon Has No Shadows
As a leader of the 1970’s feminist art movement, Rosemary Mayer’s incredible pieces are rich in history. From exquisite drawings to stunning watercolors, the works on view spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s are a rarity that will be on display only at Hannah Hoffman Gallery and Marc Selwyn Fine Art. Hannah Hoff man Gallery, Los Angeles, Marc Selwyn Fine Art, Beverly Hills, hannahhoffman.la; marcselwynfineart.com
Catch Rosemary Mayer’s “HARMLESS DAYS” (1983, watercolor and pencil on paper) at Hannah Hoffman Gallery. PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNAH HOFFMAN GALLERY
11/12-8/4
Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema
Reorient standard perceptions of art with Shifting Perspectives: Vertical Cinema, a new film-forward exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Located in the museum’s dramatic double-height Hurd Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to experience a 20’ x 3’ screen from the second and third floors, showcasing 25 films, three of which were commissioned by Southern Californian filmmakers Zaina Bseiso, Fox Maxy and Walter Thompson-Hernández. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Miracle Mile, academymuseum.org
11/14-12/3
Mamma Mia!
Calling all dancing queens! The nostalgic, coming-of-age tale Mamma Mia! is taking center stage at the Pantages Theatre this winter with timeless hits by ABBA and a feel-good performance pulling sets straight from the shores of Greece. Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, Broadwayinhollywood.com
11/18-12/9
El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego
Enter the world of renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, exploring themes of love, loss, forgiveness and artistry. Brought to life by Grammy Award-winning composer Gabriela Lena Frank, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz, and an incredibly talented international cast, El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego is a powerful tribute portraying a pivotal moment in romantic history that is beautifully crafted, confident and a bit uncanny. LA Opera, Los Angeles, laopera.org
El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, presented by LA Opera PHOTO BY: KARLI CADEL, COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO OPERA
11/18-4/7
Desire, Knowledge, and Hope (with Smog)
A representative journey of Los Angeles and its various complexities, the exhibition Desire, Knowledge, and Hope (with Smog)—a name borrowed from a 1985 multi-panel work by John Baldessari— showcases storytelling through abstraction, realism, photography and politics for an influential gallery experience rich with the city’s history. Be sure to see works from Doug Aitken, Mike Kelley, and Barbara Kruger and the newly acquired pieces by up-and-coming artists Sayre Gomez and Patrick Martinez. The Broad, DTLA, thebroad.org
11/22-12/30
Love Actually Live
‘Tis the season for a holiday-themed rom-com—live from the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts. Cult classic Love Actually is making its way to Beverly Hills in the ultimate multimedia experience, complete with all-star singers, a live orchestra, a wintery set design and love, of course! Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts, Beverly Hills, thewallis.org
12/1-12/26
The Nutcracker
Presented by the Los Angeles Ballet and set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the classic storybook tale The Nutcracker helps usher viewers into the holiday spirit with a spectacular performance. In true L.A. fashion, the 1912 production set pulls influence from Southern California landmarks spanning Spanish-style homes to snow-capped Sierras and moonlit views of the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles Ballet, Multiple Locations, losangelesballet.org
Los Angeles Ballet’s The Nutcracker PHOTO BY: CHERYL MANN
12/6-12/17
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Ever wonder how the Grinch stole Christmas? Find out this December with this heart-warming holiday classic. Kids and adults alike will love watching the Whos come to life to perform “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Pantages Theatre, Hollywood, broadwayinhollywood.com
12/20-12/22
Home Alone in Concert
Performing live to picture, settle in for a family-friendly holiday experience of the beloved classic Home Alone. Scored by John Williams, this hilarious tale is paired with a piece of harmonious music conducted by David Newman. Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA, laphil.com
1/18; 1/20-1/21
Das Rheingold
Explore the luxurious and whimsical world of Richard Wagner, led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Featuring gold, gods and grandiose music, Wagner’s Das Rheingold is a staple in opera music with gripping harmonies and infinite melodies. Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA, laphil.com
1/28-5/5
ART IRAN: Falling Into Language
Explore the diverse art of nine expatriate Iranian artists this season at Craft Contemporary—in collaboration with the Farhang Foundation. This incredible installation highlights the importance of the Persian alphabet in contemporary life through collages, ceramics, site-specific art and more. Craft Contemporary, Miracle Mile, craftcontemporary.org
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