So Cal Arts & Entertainment

Klezmer, that uplifting genre of rhythm known variously as Jewish jazz, Jewish party music and Jewish soul music, is rarely heard live in Orange County. That alone is reason enough to mark “In the Fiddler’s House” (Thursday night at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert...

One thing is certain when it comes to Culture Clash—no one is safe. No nationality, ethnicity or religion, no political point of view or sexual preference gets a free pass from the group. A few people are always going to be offended, no matter what. Only one person...

  Johnny Carson, despite his legacy, was a Johnny Come Lately. Before Johnny, before David Letterman, before Jay Leno, there was Ernie Kovacs. The crazy, cigar-chomping Hungarian with the bushy eyebrows and the mustache, an obvious inspiration for all three, did...

Yes, Virginia, he can still somersault into his hat. There are many reasons to catch South Coast Repertory’s 39th anniversary production of “A Christmas Carol” (before it closes Dec. 24), but surely Hal Landon Jr.’s trademark shtick with the topper is one that keeps...

Carroll O’Connor once described to me a Broadway flop he auditioned for as resembling “a Christmas tree that topples over from the sheer weight of ornaments.” That pretty much sums up “Jane Austen's Emma, The Musical” (at Anaheim’s Chance Theater through Dec. 23). The...

Never mind Black Friday, it’s Noirvember. Two new 4K restorations of film noir titles have hit my desk recently, one classic and one forgotten gem. Robert Siodmak (“Phantom Lady”) may not be a familiar name to you but he was acclaimed The New Hitchcock early in his...

The current political situation is nothing to laugh at, that much is certain. Where is Will Rogers when we need him more than ever? Will and his wicked spot-on witticisms may be a thing of the past, but a modern day pundit named Sarah Burgess provides plenty to chew...

If you’ve never heard of “You Never Know Women” (1926), you’re not alone. But this obscure silent drama was of great importance in the career of director William Wellman, according to his son—his deft handling of the assignment won him the opportunity to direct...

A less than capable cast and crew can wreak havoc on stage, especially with a non-linear play that jumps around. Sharr White’s “The Other Place” (at The Chance Theater in Anaheim Hills through Oct. 21) is just such a play, but fortunately it’s in very good hands in...

  South Coast Repertory pushes the concept of colorblind casting to the edge with their current production of Jane Austen’s "Sense and Sensibility" (in Costa Mesa through Sept. 29). Purists and history buffs may object at first glance to the multi-ethnic ensemble...