Give the gift of homemade arts and crafts this holiday season
It’s December and the holidays are in full swing — as is the relentless consumerism, which always fills me with unease. The way I’m expected…
Steve McQueen’s ‘Blitz’ reveals an inclusive WWII London
For British director Steve McQueen, the past isn’t worth dramatizing unless it can illuminate the present, so when he makes films steeped in history —…
Cynthia Erivo finds the power of being ‘Wicked’
It’s an autumn day in New York, which prompts Cynthia Erivo to start singing the opening lines of the jazz standard of that name because,…
The week’s bestselling books, Nov. 24
Hardcover fiction1. James by Percival Everett (Doubleday: $28) An action-packed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” 2. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (Farrar, Straus &…
Hallmark Channel debuts “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story”
Hallmark Channel is leaning into its Kansas City roots — and the world-famous romance between music star Taylor Swift and football player Travis Kelce —…
Five leading best picture contenders and how they might win
We’re heading into the early stretch of awards season where voters are about to embark on a long holiday weekend, give thanks and sift through…
The week’s bestselling books, Dec. 1
Hardcover fiction1. James by Percival Everett (Doubleday: $28) An action-packed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” 2. The City and Its Uncertain Walls by…
Driving a Mustang EV on I- 5, but charging up at Tesla station. Is that a thing?
I’m Russ Mitchell, climate and transportation reporter, filling in for Sammy Roth this week. He’s out reporting, and taking Thanksgiving Day off. Look for the…
Rodrigo Prieto makes directorial debut with Netflix’s ‘Pedro Páramo’
On the grassy plains of the set of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto received an unexpected call from…
Natural History Museum news; plus L.A. arts and culture this week
Exposition Park got a boost last week when the Natural History Museum opened its new 75,000-square-foot welcome center. NHM Commons, the new glass-walled entrance and…
Ruben Amorim: The story of Man Utd’s new manager branded the ‘second Special One’
Amorim had started out as a coaching intern at Casa Pia before taking full charge and guiding them to promotion on a minimal budget."As a…
‘Little Women Ballet’ and more Los Angeles arts events this weekend
Happy “Wicked” week, Essential Arts readers! The film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical arrives in theaters this weekend. I’m staff writer Ashley Lee, who’s…
Author Cormac McCarthy’s ‘secret muse’ reveals herself
Great American novelist Cormac McCarthy was defensively private and didn’t share much about the inspiration behind his books — or about himself. However, the author,…
Why California’s favorite bagel shop is defending fossil fuels
I’m having trouble tearing my eyes from the bagel-making machines — the industrial device that rolls the dough into the perfect shape, round with a…
Wicked review: Wizard of Oz based story is a perfect slice of escapism from the miserable weather and even gloomier news
Wicked PG 160mins★★★★☆THERE aren’t many surprises in Hollywood – but one of them is it took 21 years to get stage musical Wicked on to…
Intentionally destroying the climate is not normal
‘’We will talk about global warming. ... And we will act.’’ — presidential candidate George H.W. Bush, 1988“There is a real problem that we as…
The emotions return in ‘Inside Out 2’ — in multiple ways
Kelsey Mann was scanning some old photos when he came to a series of pictures from his childhood birthdays and was struck by what he…
‘Waiting for Godot,’ ‘Star Wars’ in concert, Usher and more LA arts
The crowd was jubilant on the opening night of “Waiting for Godot” at the Geffen Playhouse last Thursday. Starring Aasif Mandvi and Rainn Wilson, Samuel…
‘Kiss Me, Kate’ screenings and more L.A. arts events this weekend
This weekend’s Essential Arts events are all about big screens and bold ideas. I’m staff writer Ashley Lee, here with my colleague Jessica Gelt to…
Everything you need to know about Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Splash Mountain’s eviction is complete. With the opening Friday of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disneyland has formally rid itself of an attraction that came to be…