Friday, August 16
Smells like chocolate
The Torrance Theatre Company presents “Willy Wonka” at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Friday) and tomorrow in the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets available by calling (310) 781-7171 or go to torrancetheatrecompany.com.
“Xanadu,” the Broadway roller-skating musical comedy based on the film (and featuring ‘80s pop music), plays tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Tickets, $25 for the old fogeys and $15 for youngsters 18 and under. (310) 544-0403 or go to norriscenter.com.
Open wide
“Tasting Truth,” presented by art historian and French cooking aficionado Maite Gomez-Rejón, leads a discussion from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the aphrodisiacal qualities of food, art history, with a hands-on cooking class, in the El Segundo Museum of Art. In conjunction with the current exhibition, “Truth,” which ends on August 25. Cost, $95, which includes a tour of the show, all ingredients, and well-paired wine.
Saturday, August 17
Surf your way over
The Seventh Annual “Beach Shorts Film Festival,” featuring 6 to 10-minute-long films with surfing or beach lifestyles as the theme, takes place at 7 p.m. in the Hermosa Beach Community Center, 710 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Special guests, artwork by Ron Croci and Ken Pagliaro, and more. Organized by Barry Hatchett. For all ages. Tickets, $10. Please go to beachshortsfilmfest.com.
Lady Marmalade
Patti LaBelle opens the new season at the Cerritos Center, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, with an 8 p.m. show. Ball in the House is the warm-up act. Tickets, $105 to $65. Call (562) 467-8818 or go to cerritoscenter.com.
Sunday, August 18
Rhythm sticks
The Susie Hansen Latin Band performs under the hot August sun from 5 to 7 p.m. in Polliwog Park in Manhattan Beach. Just show up; it’s free. Next week: Fantastic Diamond gives us a tribute to Neil (“Sweet Caroline”) Diamond.
Wednesday, August 21
It’s a strike!
And not a train strike like in France or Italy. There’s a reception at 7 p.m. for the release of Single Pin Red, the book, that documents the South Bay wanderings of “If Slater Bowled,” the large red, pin-shaped surfboard that’s an homage to professional surfer Kelly Slater. The 10-foot-high bowling pin was photographed throughout the area, juxtaposed with landmarks and people (including a couple of Easy Reader staffers). That journey is chronicled and documented in this new, limited edition release. Where? {pages}, a bookstore, 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. RSVP to alison@singlepinred.com or call (310) 387-8899.
Women at the crossroads
“Rapture, Blister, Burn” opens at the Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles. It’s a comedy on the effect that internet porn has on all things feminine, and revolves around three women and one man. Tickets, $39 to $79. Through Sept. 22. Call (310) 208-5454 or go to geffenplayhouse.com.
Thursday, August 22 John Powers presents historical images and little-known information about the people and events surrounding the creation and revelation of the Pentagon Papers from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates. Free. (310) 486-2547 or go to powerplayz.com
