A separate ticket (which can be purchased in a bundle<\/a> with the main exhibition) gets you a ride in an elevator to the hospital\u2019s long-abandoned basement where you are treated to an immersive theater show with a nun for a tour guide. My nun was played by Penny Wiggins, and I\u2019m not sure I have ever witnessed such true commitment in a spook show. Wiggins sold her character \u2014 at one point with genuine tears. <\/p>\n I won\u2019t give away the plot, but it\u2019s harrowing, especially if you are someone familiar with the hospital, which opened in the late 1800s and was the first hospital in the city. I had my daughter there in 2016, so it was extra chilling to know that this basement of horrors was there even then. The show uses the building\u2019s actual abandoned infrastructure as its framework, so guests are led through dank subterranean corridors, old examination rooms and specimen labs, as well as an autopsy room. <\/p>\n \u201cBelow\u201d isn\u2019t as viscerally gory as \u201cDark Harbor\u201d or \u201cHaunted Hayride,\u201d but it\u2019s more artistic. There is dancing and an actual script that features a \u201cgotcha\u201d twist \u2014 as well as an upsetting demon who appears out of nowhere. I applaud the commitment by the actors who, I imagine, must find it kind of scary just waiting down there for the next round of guests. Plus, it\u2019s good fun to be in the \u201cHospital of Emotions\u201d at night when everyone is a little wild and there\u2019s a sense that something out of the ordinary might pop out at you at any minute.<\/p>\n I\u2019m Arts editor Jessica Gelt begrudgingly wearing a tank top and shorts in early October. This is your arts and culture news for the week.<\/p>\n You’re reading Essential Arts <\/p>\n Our critics and reporters guide you through events and happenings in the SoCal arts scene. In your inbox every Friday.<\/p>\n By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service<\/a>, which include arbitration and a class action waiver. You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy<\/a> such as personalizing your experience and ads. <\/p>\n The week ahead: A curated calendarFRIDAY<\/p>\n Felipe Dulzaides \/ Bradley Baboc Ludovico Einaudi M\u00e4lkki Conducts Bart\u00f3k Tak\u00e1cs Quartet with Jeremy Denk SATURDAY Laura Andreson, 1979, Forrest L Merrill Collection, Photo by M. Lee Fatherree<\/p>\n (Photo by M. Lee Fatherree)<\/p>\n The Eternal Quality of Aesthetic Joy: Laura Andreson and Her Legacy Haunted Soiree: True Crime Pacific Jazz Orchestra\u2019s Benefit Concert Saint Megan SUNDAY<\/p>\n Akram Khan Company Camerata Pacifica Heartbreak House Musical Theater Guild members Valerie Larsen and Gabriel Navarro during a reading of \u201cThe Light in the Piazza\u201d in 2024.<\/p>\n (Stan Chandler)<\/p>\n Here\u2019s to Us! Untitled, n.d. Mavis Pusey<\/p>\n (Neil Lane Collection \/ Estate of Mavis Pusey)<\/p>\n Mavis Pusey MONDAY<\/p>\n Art Of Elan: In The Desert TUESDAY<\/p>\n Angela Hewitt WEDNESDAY<\/p>\n Lisa Batiashvili\/Gautier Capu\u00e7on\/Jean-Yves Thibaudet Joey Soloway.<\/p>\n (Loshara Vova)<\/p>\n A 1 They\/Them Show THURSDAY Houston Ballet<\/p>\n (Quinn B. Wharton\/Segerstrom Center for the Arts)<\/p>\n Houston Ballet Speaking In Tongues The SoCal scene Cuban-born artist Enrique Martinez Celaya paints the new curtain for the L.A. Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.<\/p>\n (Carlin Stiehl \/ For The Times)<\/p>\n ICYMI, the best of this week\u2019s L.A. Times arts coverage:<\/p>\n L.A. artist Enrique Mart\u00ednez Celaya<\/a> hand-painted a brand new 70-foot curtain for L.A. Opera\u2019s new season.<\/p>\n A documentary about Asco,<\/a> the revolutionary arts group founded in the 1970s, is streaming for the first time on PBS<\/a>.<\/p>\n Angelina Jolie and Octavia Spencer <\/a>have teamed up to make sure kids have access to live theater.<\/p>\n Times theater critic Charles McNulty reviewed Laura Benanti\u2019s autobiographical show, \u201cNobody Cares,\u201d<\/a> at the Wallis, and found it a bit too breezy.<\/p>\n McNulty, however, really liked the \u201cspectacular\u201d staging of \u201cThe Outsiders\u201d<\/a> at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.<\/p>\n Read about how that staging unfolds during the epic rumble scene <\/a>near the end of the show.<\/p>\n Love it or hate it, Erewhon is now a permanent fixture <\/a>at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. <\/p>\n \u201cHome of the Future\u201d at LACMA<\/a> explores the dark side of the American dream.<\/p>\n Enjoying this newsletter? Consider subscribing to the Los Angeles Times<\/p>\n Your support helps us deliver the news that matters most. Become a subscriber.<\/a><\/p>\n Culture news<\/p>\n As 24th Street Theatre <\/a>prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it has announced that it raised $3 million to officially buy the converted 1928 carriage house it\u2019s called home for the past 29 years. It also purchased properties next door and across the street in order to expand its mission and community programming, including plans for an outdoor garden and a black box theater, which is, according to a news release, \u201cofficially named the 24th Street Black Box Theatre in honor of longtime supporter Jack Black, who is also the new venue\u2019s first donor.\u201d Black is set to host the theater\u2019s gala on Oct. 18.<\/p>\n Tesserae \u2014 Andrew McIntosh, left, Ian Pritchard and Joshua Rubin \u2014 perform \u201cBowling, Animals and the Ocean\u201d at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.<\/p>\n (Dania Maxwell \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n The 99-seat Sierra Madre Playhouse announced<\/a> it has received $2.5 million from the State of California for a slew of exciting upgrades to its 100-year-old building \u2014 marking the largest gift in the organization\u2019s history. The funds were secured by Pasadena Assemblymember John Harabedian, and will be used toward making the historic venue ADA-compliant, as well as to renovate lobbies and other areas open to the public. It will also help with new programming and building infrastructure.<\/p>\n The LA Phil and Orchestre de Paris have announced the launch of a new opportunity: the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship<\/a>, which is, according to a news release, \u201cdesigned to nurture and accelerate the careers of the next generation of orchestral conductors \u2026 the fellowship will offer early-career conductors unparalleled access to artistic mentorship, practical podium experience, and professional development opportunities at Los Angeles\u2019 Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Philharmonie de Paris.\u201d The first yearlong program will start in the 2027-28 season, and will feature two to four fellows, who will spend about six weeks working with each orchestra. <\/p>\n The Hammer Museum at UCLA announced this week that Eric Esrailian is succeeding Marcy Carsey as the new chair of the museum\u2019s board<\/a> (after previously serving as vice chair). Karen Hillenburg will now serve as vice chair. The Hammer also named three new members to its board: philanthropist Leslie McMorrow, attorney Alicia Mi\u00f1ana de Lovelace and Joan Weinstein, vice president of program planning at the Getty. <\/p>\n \u2014 Jessica Gelt<\/p>\n And last but not least<\/p>\n
Cuban-born artist Dulzaides uses photography, drawing, video, performance, sculpture and sound to capture the sublime nature of Havana knife sharpeners in the exhibition \u201cBalance in Place.\u201d L.A. painter Boboc drew on the Toy District as inspiration for a new series of paintings, \u201cShadoobie (Shattered).\u201d
Opening, 6-9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, through Nov. 8. Arcane Space, 324 Sunset Ave., Unit G, Venice. arcanespacela.com<\/a><\/p>\n
The popular Italian pianist and composer returns to Disney Hall for the first time since 2019 on this solo tour.
8 p.m. Friday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com<\/a><\/p>\n
Susanna M\u00e4lkki leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic in B\u00e9la Bart\u00f3k\u2019s \u201cConcerto for Orchestra.\u201d
11 a.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com<\/a><\/p>\n
The Grammy winning ensemble teams up with the MacArthur Grant-winning pianist for a program of chamber music featuring works by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Franck.
7:30 p.m. Broad Stage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica. broadstage.org<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Laura](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564375_767_.jpeg\")
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The artist bristled at \u201csuperfluous\u201d decoration, favoring distilled jar, box, bowl and vase forms influenced by her love for Scandinavian and Bauhaus design. She became a wizard with glazes, conjuring lustrous surfaces resonant with elements of the Southern California landscape. This show offers a rare opportunity to savor the gorgeous purity of her work, alongside that of several of her mentors and peers, such as Gertrud and Otto Natzler and Glen Lukens, as well as some of her students, including JB Blunk and Bernard Kester. (Leah Ollman)
Noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 10-Jan. 9, 2027. Craft in America Center, 8415 W 3rd St. craftinamerica.org<\/a><\/p>\n
An immersive theater experience inspired by the 1928 Hex Hollow murder with cocktails and curious encounters.
Selected nights through Oct. 31. Nocturne Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. hauntedsoiree.com<\/a><\/p>\n
Songwriter and producer David Foster, singers Katharine McPhee, Joanna \u201cJoJo\u201d Levesque, Veronica Swift, Adam \u201cAeJaye\u201d Jackson, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and pianist Emmet Cohen are the headliners for a celebration of founding Artistic Director Chris Walden\u2019s 60th birthday, which also includes a buffet reception and dancing under the stars.
7 p.m. Private estate in Toluca Lake, address to be provided upon confirmation of attendance. pacificjazz.org<\/a><\/p>\n
Playwright Joy Gregory, inspired by the journey of the granddaughter of the founder of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church, examines the long history of American Christian zealotry.
Opening, 8 p.m. Saturday, 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 22 (no performance Oct. 12 or Oct. 31. Rogue Machine at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. roguemachinetheatre.org<\/a><\/p>\n
In the London-based dance troupe\u2019s final touring production, \u201cThikra: Night of Remembering,\u201d an international cast of women perform contemporary and Bharatanatyam dances.
7 p.m. UCLA, Royce Hall, 340 Royce Drive, Westwood, cap.ucla.edu<\/a><\/p>\n
The chamber ensemble opens its 37th Season with Rachmaninoff\u2019s \u201cVariations on a Theme of Chopin, Op. 22\u201d and Schubert\u2019s \u201cB-Flat Major Trio.\u201d
5 p.m. Sunday. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Huntington, Rothenberg Hall, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino; 8 p.m. Wednesday. The Colburn School, Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.; and 7 p.m. Thursday. Music Academy of the West, Hahn Hall, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara. cameratapacifica.org<\/a><\/p>\n
The Antaeus Theatre Company launches its 35th season with George Bernard Shaw\u2019s dark comedy. Directed by ATC Artistic Director Nike Doukas. The cast includes Elinor Gunn, Harry Groener, Arye Gross and Bernard Addison,
Previews, 2 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Tuesday-Oct. 16; opening, Oct. 17-Nov. 16. Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 East Broadway, Glendale. antaeus.org<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Musical](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564376_657_.png\")
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The Musical Theatre Guild marks its 30th anniversary with a benefit concert featuring show tunes from \u201cTitanic,\u201d \u201cFanny, \u201cThe Pajama Game\u201d and \u201cSunday in the Park with George.\u201d
7 p.m. Broad Stage at Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica. musicaltheatreguild.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564377_223_.jpeg\")
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Two exhibitions this fall will help familiarize audiences with this remarkable woman. \u201cMobile Images\u201d at the Hammer is a full-scale survey co-organized by the Studio Museum in Harlem and the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania, and is accompanied by a rich and thorough catalog. \u201cRestless\u201d also adds a Pusey publication to the shelf. The Benton show focuses mostly on Pusey\u2019s prints, drawing exclusively from the collection of Ian White, artist, educator and son of esteemed artist Charles White. (Leah Ollman)
\u201cMobile Images,\u201d through Feb. 28, 2027. UCLA Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. hammer.ucla.edu<\/a> \u201cRestless,\u201d through Jan. 3, 2027. Benton Museum of Art, Pomona College, 120 W. Bonita Ave., Claremont. pomona.edu<\/a><\/p>\n
Inspired by a trip to Bryce Canyon, Olivier Messiaen wrote his percussion-rich chamber music masterpiece \u201cFrom the Canyons to the Stars\u201d as a 1976 U.S. Bicentennial commission from Alice Tully Hall in New York. Replete with Messiaen\u2019s characteristic bird calls, it\u2019s been done out of doors before, and memorably at the Ojai Music Festival. But the San Diego imaginative new music series Art of Elan is now taking it to the desert for a special performance led by percussionist Steven Schick at an outdoor theater in Borrego Springs. (Mark Swed)
6:30 p.m. Stargazing Theater, La Casa del Zorro Desert Resort & Spa, 3845 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs. artofelan.org<\/a><\/p>\n
The pianist performs an all-Mozart recital accompanied by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra concertmaster and violinist Margaret Batjer for the first installment in LACO\u2019s inaugural recital series.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Colburn School, Zipper Hall, 200 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laco.org<\/a><\/p>\n
The superstar violinist, cellist and pianist team up for an evening of Shostakovich, Debussy, and Dvo\u0159\u00e1k.
8 p.m. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Joey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564377_697_.jpeg\")
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The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning creator of \u201cTransparent\u201d steps out from behind the camera to try out their stand-up routine in L.A. before hitting the road with a deeply personal solo comedy performance exploring family, Hollywood, gender, sex, Judaism, ambition and reinvention. A tour is expected to include a November stop in Chicago.
8 p.m. Wednesday and Oct. 28, doors open at 7 p.m.. The Virgil, 4519 Santa Monica Blvd. dice.fm<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Houston](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564378_261_.jpeg\")
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The Texas dance troupe brings celebrated young pianist George Li for an ode to Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Chopin. Making its West Coast debut, and created by Stanton Welch AM, artistic director of the Houston Ballet, the piece, \u201cSons de L\u2019\u00e2me\u201d (Sounds of the Soul), merges choreography with a live performance of Chopin\u2019s famed piano pieces, showcasing the talents of the nation\u2019s fourth-largest ballet company and a rising star of classical music. (Eloise Rollins-Fife)
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. scfta.org<\/a><\/p>\n
The world premiere of a Luis Alfaro play is always a welcome event. And his latest work, commissioned by Latino Theater Co. and developed at the theater\u2019s Circle of Imaginistas playwriting group, resonates thematically with Alfaro\u2019s 2023 play \u201cThe Travelers,\u201d which LTC produced in 2023 and made my list of that year\u2019s best theater productions. The new play, infused with Alfaro\u2019s trademark Chicano humor, returns us to the world of California\u2019s Central Valley and the stories of migrant farmworkers and their spiritual quests in a societal landscape transforming faster than anyone can keep up. (Charles McNulty)
Previews, 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday; opening night, 8 p.m. Saturday; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Nov.. 15. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring Street, downtown L.A. latinotheaterco.org<\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1791564378_20_.jpeg\")
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