LA Life: The Good Stuff in September
Hidey-ho, fellow Tomatoes! Hard to believe summer’s almost over— and thrilled to finally get a break from the heat. But even if the temps are cooler, this month’s offerings are good for warming up your social calendar. So take advantage of the kids being back in school and entertain yourself by doing something like: spend an afternoon with a Hooker, explore the creative alter of George Lucas, watch a vampire get hammered, and sing with a bunch of nuns. Whatever you choose, here’s your Guide To The Good Stuff.
Sept 6 & Oct. 4. Sunday With a Hooker
In case you were thinking the “hooker” in question was the “Pretty Woman” variety, sorry to disappoint…it’s the Hooker Telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory, where you can go up into the dome of the telescope’s interior for a celestial afternoon concert of classical music. The acoustics are otherworldly, but you’ll have to climb 53 steps to get to them, so you might want to wear your tennies. Though Beethoven in the belly of a telescope in the sky sounds like it’s worth the trek. Next two Sundays, September 6th and October 4th, concerts at 3:00pm and 5:00pm, at the Mt. Wilson Observatory. BYOO (Bring Your Own Oxygen). GET THE DETAILS.
Drunk Dracula
The folks responsible for the popular “Drunk Shakespeare” show are now bringing us their inebriated take on the pointy-toothed prince of darkness. As in their boozy Bard productions, one actor at each show throws back 5 shots of whiskey, then attempts to proceed with the show while hammered, as the rest of the cast must cope with his alcohol-impaired performance. Hilarity ensues, of course. “Drunk Dracula” runs Tuesdays thru Sundays in September, and nightly in October, at The Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Blvd. Get ready for a blood-sucking good time! GET THE DETAILS.
Sept. 26. Sing-a-long Sound of Music
Unless you were raised by wolves in the wild, you’ve no doubt seen Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music” on TV a time or two – or 20. But if you haven’t seen the “Sing-a-long Sound of Music” at the Hollywood Bowl, you do not know how to solve a problem like Maria. This annual event is a love-fest of the classic film, with a large swath of the audience showing up in nun-wear, or urchin-attire, or dressed as an Alp. There’s even a costume contest before the show…but the best part is watching the film on the massive Bowl screen, while singing your heart out to all the songs with 17,000 equally “Do-Re-Mi”- adoring fans. The (Hollywood) hills are, literally, alive. Saturday, September 26th at 7:30 pm (pre-show and costume contest start at 6:00pm), at the Hollywood Bowl. GET THE DETAILS.
Now-February. Marilyn Monroe at the Academy Museum
From her breathy version of “Happy Birthday, Mister President” to the famous photo of her tamping down her flouncy up-twirled dress, it seems like the global obsession with Marilyn Monroe has never lost its fervor. And now the world’s most famous blonde is on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The “Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon” exhibition examines how the visionary actress “created and shaped her public image in the context of the classical Hollywood studio system.” You can schedule a private guided tour, if you like – and maybe you’ll get some insight into why gentlemen prefer blondes. Exhibit runs through February, at the Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. GET THE DETAILS.
Sept. 19. Chow Down for Charity
Attention, Foodies! You are cordially invited to a night your taste buds will thank you for. Eater.com is rolling out its biggest LA event ever. Dubbed “Eater Off Menu,” the evening “translates Eater’s tastemaking, trendspotting, and reporting into an unforgettable night of bites and experiences from the biggest names in dining.” Expect a what’s what from a who’s who in all things FOOD. If it’s trending and tastes great, they’ll be serving it up. The tickets aren’t cheap, but all net proceeds are going to the World Central Kitchen, which provides fresh meals to people in crisis situations across the globe. So you’ll be gobbling for a good cause. Saturday, September 19th at 6:00 pm, at the historic Tam O’Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Blvd in Los Feliz. Bring your appetite and a bib. GET THE DETAILS.
Sept. 22. The Force is with You
Visionary filmmaker George Lucas gave the world a wealth of cinematic cultural touchstones – including “Star Wars,” a universe unto itself that has a 50-year legacy to date. Now he’s giving Los Angeles another legacy which will no doubt stand the test of time. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens its doors to the public on September 22, and the faithful who flock there will see that, in Mr. Lucas’s words, “narrative art tells the story of a society – what the common beliefs are that hold it together.” They’ll also see that the building looks like a spaceship worthy of “Star Wars” (no surprise). Expect to revel in the complete Lucasfilm archives – a treasure trove of items from all of Lucas’s films from 1971 to 2012 — along with a plethora of visual stories from a group of renowned artists. The Lucas Museum is open every day except Tuesday. May you bump into R2D2. GET THE DETAILS>
Stefanie Novik
From Midwest roots to Hollywood hustle, Stefanie Novik has spent the past 40 years soaking up the sunshine and stories of Los Angeles. She came for summer school at UCLA and stayed for the earthquakes, traffic, and endless inspiration. Her path has zigzagged through showbiz—casting assistant, talent manager, sitcom writer, and TV marketing pro—before pivoting to real estate, where she now helps Angelenos find their dream homes (cue the tearful key handoffs). As your Guide to the Good Stuff, she’s thrilled to share the delicious, delightful, and downright dazzling sides of L.A. Life’s a wild ride—let’s enjoy the view.
