Whether it's film, live theatre or cabaret, all forms of entertainment can serve as a temporary escape from the daily challenges of modern life. In Reprise Theatre’s production of the classic American musical “Cabaret” at UCLA’s Freud Playhouse, the audience is made keenly aware of the dangers of ignoring changing society's unpleasant realities. more ›

Rewind, a new group of plays, enjoys a premiere tonight at The Little Victory Theatre in Burbank. These short one-acts (each runs about 15 minutes) are written by members of the SkyPilot Theatre's resident playwrights program and star some of the company's talent. Five plays will premiere on Friday night and the other five will show on Saturday. more ›

Think you're a fan of Broadway musicals? Think Again. Caught this week on the 704 Metro Rapid down Santa Monica Boulevard was this guy, complete with tattoos on his legs and arms featuring, not intricate designs, but logos from musicals such as Cats, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls, A Chorus Line, Rumors and 42nd Street. Now that's awesome dedication. more ›

There’s a work-in-progress preview tonight of Overtone Industries production of Songs and Dances of Imaginary Lands at the Actors' Gang in Culver City tonight at 8 pm. This stripped-down performance will feature songs and selections from the production by Musical Director David O and pianist Brent Crayon. (It doesn’t include the costumes, sets, choreography, and full orchestra for the site-specific contemporary opera). There will also be a feedback session with Director O-Lan Jones and Costume and Scenic Designer Snezana Petrovic. Tickets: $10. more ›

Weekend plans still up in the air? If 20,000 feet isn't enough elevation for you, boldly go to the Aero for screenings of JJ Abrams' Star Trek, fanboy tribute Free Enterprise, and a Trek triple: Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock & The Voyage Home. TrekMovie.com has organized panels reuniting the cast & crew of Free Enterprise, and welcomes writer/director Nicholas Meyer in-between Khan & Search for Spock. For a different warped drive, the Warner Grand has cracked-out Christmas flick Santa Claus Conquers The Martians, paired with surrealist seasonal import Santa Claus. If you'd rather stick to this planet, the Nuart has celluloid space-cases Werner Herzog & Nicolas Cage unspooling all week in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans. more ›

No insult instended, but it would be tremendously foolish not to see Eath Sucks. more ›

6 p.m. // The Hammer Museum // 10899 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles // (310) 443-7000 // $5 more ›

Stage and screen choreographer Michael Kidd died this past Sunday in Los Angeles at the age of 92, according to the New York Times. From his beginnings in Brooklyn, Kidd moved over to Manhattan to dance and create dances for dance companies including Lincoln Kirstein's Ballet Caravan (1937), Eugene Loring's Dance Players (1941) and Ballet Theater, the predecessor to the American Ballet Theater (1942-47). more ›

This summer, Universal Studios has been presenting a special series called Wicked Wednesdays, featuring performers from the hit musical, Wicked. It is a rare opportunity to hear the hit songs performed in an intimate venue. The Wizard and I, Popular, As Long as You're Mine and For Good were sung yesterday by Julie Reiber (in the role of Elphaba) Emily Rozek (in the role of Glinda), and Adam Lambert (Fiyero). The Wizard, John Rubinstein... more ›