Best things to do this week in Los Angeles and Southern California: November 4 - 7

Taiwanese-American comic Atsuko Okatsuka has made a name for herself on social media and beyond with her unique blend of comedy that connects with her audiences on a personal level, from bits about her upbringing to just rolling with the punches in a human way, like when her show at Pasadena’s Ice House was interrupted by an earthquake back in 2019. Catch her at the Largo doing a live run-through before her next taped special.

The longest fall of all time is coming to its end — well, maybe; in 2020 we didn’t have the presidential election results for four days. But if you have the stamina and need community around you, there are several non-partisan election watch events around the city. So you can celebrate, drown your sorrows, or just make some new friends, whatever side of the aisle you’re on and whatever happens. You can also participate in the public observation of vote counting.

Downtown L.A.
Continental Club Watch Party 

University Park
USC Watch Party at Annenberg Forum

Santa Monica
Santa Monica College Watch Party

Shakespeare’s tragedy is brought to an even more dramatic finale in Charles Gounod’s French opera inspired by the classic story of star-crossed lovers. The opera version takes some poetic liberties; spoiler alert: Juliet awakens in time to share a final duet with the dying Romeo. In the fair Dorothy Chandler where we lay our scene, Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan will make his L.A. Opera debut in performances through Nov. 17.

Still holding on to that Halloween spirit? Head to the All in the Cards exhibit by artist and film production designer Aaron Osborne in West Hollywood, an immersive pop-up art exhibition, with large-scale, mixed media paintings based on the Major Arcana Tarot deck, tarot readings by artificial intelligence to “investigate the ways in which technology affects spirituality and contemporary life,” and film installations.

Award-winning Austin-based theater company Glass Half Full Theatre makes its Los Angeles debut with the bilingual magical realism drama Yamel Cucuy as part of the nationwide Encuentro 2024 festival. The show blends innovative visual elements and puppetry in a story about immigration that couldn’t be more timely.

Enter a world of pure imagination as the Academy Museum screens the original (ahem, best) Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, in conjunction with their latest exhibit about the history of color in films, Color In Motion (where you can see the original Wonka Bar prop). I don’t exactly know why I think of this as a Christmas movie, but it seems like a good way to kick off the holiday film season.

Thanksgiving is creeping up on us fast. Here’s a take-out option to make the big day extra special with less work. Little Dom’s annual Deep Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Feast orders are live and they will also offer classic side dishes. Thanksgiving Feast offerings serve 6-8 people and include Deep Fried Turkey with gravy ($120), Roasted Brussel Sprouts with applewood bacon ($48), Shaved Raw Brussels Sprouts with hazelnuts and lemon ($48), Homemade Fennel Sausage & Mushroom Stuffing ($48), Garnet Yam Puree with coconut cream and toasted pecans ($48), Wood Oven Roasted Heirloom Carrots with reduced balsamic ($48), and Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie ($48)

A Thanksgiving must! Pop Pie Co. in Costa Mesa is offering pre-orders for four seasonal specials and customizable mix-and-match pies so everyone gets their favorite slice!

Pickup is available Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28 at the Costa Mesa shop, or via phone for guests desiring a pickup date outside of the two listed.

It’s on the pricey side, but if you’ve ever wanted to check out Mother Wolf’s private dining rooms and taste some exclusive Tuscan wines, this is your chance. Enjoy a special dinner from Mother Wolf and Sommelier Sean Friel with Salvatore Ferragamo of Il Borro Wines from Tuscany, Italy featuring three courses, a welcome glass of bubbly, and a take-home gift.

Electronic indie rockers LCD Soundsystem are teaming up with HomeState for a limited edition taco. Dubbed "The American Dream," it features bacon, egg, American cheese, Frank’s Red Hot sauce and ketchup on a flour tortilla. $1 from every taco ordered will go directly to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems.