Comedy vs. Art Smackdown Saturday, February 27, 2010

Despite his decidedly downbeat resume (Nihilist Party presidential candidate, Nihilist Olympics organizer, Lunatic Fringe host), Elisha Shapiro still appreciates a good joke. As if to prove that very point, he's curating the "Comedy vs. Art Smackdown," a monthly evening of standup that even the most nihilistic of nihilists would appreciate. This time around, the artistes d'absurd include Josh Fadem (Acid Reflux Hour), Jan Davidson (Funniest Mom in America), Heather Thomson ("Most Adorable Comic") and Matt Sager (The Joey Gold Show). Quoth Thomson, on romance: "I tried being with women, but then I realized vaginas are not like ice cream. You can't just eat it every time a boy makes you sad." Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica; Mon., March 8, 7:30 p.m.; $5. (310) 315-1459. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, March 5, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 11:26 PM, ,

Paula Deen and Family Saturday, February 20, 2010

Here's what's cookin', good lookin': Food Network's Paula Deen takes her TV show on the road as "An Evening with Paula Deen and Family," an onstage showcase of traditional Southern cooking and Deen's signature folksy charm. Onstage, indeed, as the $200 option gets you a seat ON THE STAGE. That's where you get to sample the food, Emeril Live-style, and maybe even help chop some onions or something. You can also "Dine with Paula" prior to the show for an extra $150 (along with up to 150 other fans) at Citizen Smith, the "urban bistro" around the corner on Cahuenga; and you get a cookbook. The cheap seats are just for the show, but you still get Paula in person. Don't miss it, y'all! Pantages Theater, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd.; Thurs., March 4, 8 p.m.; $35-$200. (323) 468-1770, broadwayla.org. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, February 25, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 6:56 PM, ,

Bob Newhart: Cold Turkey Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lest we forget the star of two TV sitcom classics had a pretty good run as a film actor before his network success, the Aero presents a Bob Newhart double feature, with — yes — Bob Newhart in person. Newhart plays a tobacco-industry henchman in 1971's Cold Turkey (directed by All in the Family creator Norman Lear), out to stop the town of Eagle Rock, Iowa, from winning the Valiant Tobacco Company's $25 million-dollar prize in a stop-smoking promotion gone awry. In 1968's caper flick Hot Millions, corporate executive Newhart suspects computer programmer (!) Peter Ustinov of being a hacker. While the premises alone raise plenty of questions (bring yours for the between-screenings Q&A), the most burning may be why neither film is available on DVD. American Cinematheque at the Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; Fri., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.; $9. (323) 466-3456. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, February 19, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 2:50 AM, ,

L.A. Street Food Fest Saturday, February 13, 2010

Craving Antojitos de Abuelita's pambazos? How about Sabor de Bahia's acaraje? Or Mama Koh's Korean chicken wings? They're all here and more at the L.A. Street Food Fest, so bring fistfuls of cash (everything's of "tasting menu" size in the one-to-five-dollar range) and get ready to gorge. Food trucks scheduled to be on scene: Flying Pig, Fishlips, Komodo, the Buttermilk Truck, the Grilled Cheese Truck, the Sweets Truck, Fresser's, Frysmith, and Slice Truck. The admission price also gets you fun in a street-food-themed photo booth, plus live performances courtesy Capoeira Batuque and offbeat wares on offer from the local designers and artists of Unique L.A. We recommended splurging on the VIP pass (pre-sale only), which, for $30, includes "a bird's-eye view of the festival, premium gift bags, luxe street food from a surprise chef guest, a private bar, and access to indoor restrooms." L.A. Center Studios, 500 S. Beaudry Ave., L.A.; Sat., Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; $5, $30 VIP. Tickets online at lastreetfoodfest.com. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, February 12, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 8:08 PM, ,

The Art of Exploitation Saturday, February 6, 2010

New York City never looked so seedy as it does in 1972's Fleshpot on 42nd Street, directed by Andy Milligan, the pioneering filmmaker (in)famous for his stories of pimps, hookers, drug dealers, and other assorted low-lifes living the high life. "The Art of Exploitation," Cinefamily's Friday-night tribute to all things sleazy and greasy on film, continues with Milligan's masterpiece, along with his 1970 vampire movie The Body Beneath. This double bill is also secretly a triple bill, with a "bonus mystery film" promised for smut fanatics who just can't get enough. (Hint: Playboy's Playmate of the Year 1970 Claudia Jennings stars.) New York blog Temple of Schlock (templeofschlock.blogspot.com) co-sponsors the series with Cultra Video, a DVD label on a mission to save the greatest flicks of underground cinema from obscurity. Still to come: Teenage Divorcee (a.k.a. Josie's Castle), Honky Tonk Nights (Feb. 19); Game Show Models, The Boob Tube (Feb. 26). Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A.; Fri., Feb. 12, 8 p.m.; $10. (323) 655-2510. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, February 12, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 7:22 PM, ,

Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Find out where all those classic Three Stooges films were made around town at the Hollywood Heritage Museum's Three Stooges Hollywood Filming Locations, Then and Now. While most of the Stooges' zany shorts were shot at Columbia Studios, some were filmed on the very same streets Angelinos walk today, and film historian Jim Pauley reveals these lost locations — including Silver Lake in "An Ache in Every Stake" and Larchmont Boulevard in "Pop Goes the Easel" — along with Marc Wanamaker, who speaks on the history of Columbia via vintage slides of the movie ranch on Hollywood Way and studio at Sunset and Gower. Joan Howard Maurer, the daughter of Moe, the bowl-cut Stooge, appears in person to reminisce on her part as a little girl in "Pop Goes the Easel." Shorts scheduled also include "Three Little Beers" (1935) and "Movie Maniacs" (1936). Hollywood Heritage Museum, 2100 N. Highland Ave., Hlywd.; Wed., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.; $10. (323) 874-4005. (Originally published in L.A. Weekly, February 5, 2010.)

posted by Derek Thomas @ 12:05 PM, ,