LA Observed on KCRW, every Tuesday at 4:44 p.m.
Observing and enjoying some downtown shows.
Arts, music and culture
News, observations and links on the arts, music, theater, dance, photography and local institutions
Observing and enjoying some downtown shows.
The big finale featured Mitchell herself coming out on stage and receiving a birthday cake.
'Dear Evan Hansen' and 'Quack' show the power - and the problems -- of viral social media in two otherwise very different productions.
The art of NASA is music to our ears.
Verdi's words remain relevant in these political times. Plus: Refik Anadol's electronic kaleidoscope of Philharmonic moments.
Don Shirley recommends "Native Gardens" in Pasadena, "The Cake" in Westwood Village and "Gloria" in Atwater Village.
It's the season for outdoor productions that are worth the effort to go see.
Intimate big-screen close-ups and high-tech sonics at the Bowl, courtesy of the LA Philharmonic. Or the old-time glory of glittering Russian ballet downtown at the Chandler Pavilion.
For two weeks in May, two of CTG's three main stages were occupied by plays mostly set in or around the Los Angeles area.
Just how many hats can an unencumbered contender wear? Ask Matthew Aucoin, for his answer.
As a theater critic in a city famous for making movies, I sometimes meet new acquaintances who assume that I see a lot of movies and TV. Sorry, but no. Usually.
Performances from Tilson Thomas, Dudamel, LA Dance Project and more.
"82 Portraits and 1 Still-Life" opens at the museum this weekend. Some pics.
"Cambodian Rock Band," "Allegiance," "The New Colossus," "A Raisin in the Sun," "Sell/Buy/Date" and more.
Donna Perlmutter: Also "Fantastic Woman" on screen, "Betroffenheit" at the Broad Stage and Beethoven with the LA Phil.
Donna Perlmutter: We're in the throes of celebrating what would be the 100th birthday of America's most famous music man, Leonard Bernstein.
Awakening of local theater for the new year, and Donald Trump's first anniversary, are not entirely unrelated.
Known for "Cartonlandia," Serrano's new room-sized piece recalls her family's traditions in LA and Mexico.
Eduardo Carrillo a founding patriarch of the Chicano Art movement, as seen in an exhibition at the Pasadena Museum of California Art.
Looking back at a pivotal year, plus some recommendations to enjoy during the holiday season.
The LA Phil's Noon to Midnight festival brought a new crowd to classical music in LA. More from Donna Perlmutter.
One venue for the muralist and educator is simply not enough, so here are some others.
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Neighborhoods change. Change often causes conflict. Conflict is usually an important ingredient of drama.
In case you thought that we, in headline-exploding Hollywood, suffer a paucity of music performances, think again.
Take My Picture Gary Leonard runs each week at LA Observed.
"A [ For 100 Cars]," a symphony based around A440, the standard tuning note of the Western world, played through the sound systems of 100 automobiles parked on a downtown roof.
In two remarkable new plays, same-sex Angeleno couples are traveling with their parents or other older relatives. Bigger topics become involved.
Here are some Inland Empire exhibitions featured in the massive showcase of Latino and Chicano artists now on view across Southern California.
It was just a matter of time. When would Matthew Bourne attempt to cross Niagara on a wire?