Arts Calendar: Weekly Events Dec 14

Upcoming Film Releases

“Avatar: Fire and Ash”

This latest installment in James Cameron’s sci-fi saga follows Jake Sully and his Na’vi wife, Neytiri, as they confront their grief after the loss of their son. They must also face a new violent tribe that enters the conflict on the world of Pandora. The film features Oona Chaplin and David Thewlis alongside returning stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi, Kate Winslet, Edie Falco, and Jemaine Clement.

“The Housemaid”

Starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, this Paul Feig-directed adaptation of Freida McFadden’s novel centers on a young woman who starts a new life by taking a job as a maid for a wealthy couple. However, she uncovers dark secrets behind their seemingly perfect facade.

“Is This Thing On?”

After a mutual separation, a middle-aged couple (Will Arnett and Laura Dern) attempt to rediscover themselves while managing co-parenting and new hobbies, including stand-up comedy. Bradley Cooper directs from a script he wrote with Mr. Arnett and Mark Chappell.

“The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants”

In this film based on the popular animated show, SpongeBob embarks on an adventure to prove his bravery by facing the ghost of the Flying Dutchman.

New TV Series and Seasons

“My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman,” Season 6

David Letterman returns with another season of his talk show, featuring guests such as Michael B. Jordan, MrBeast, and Jason Bateman.

“Fallout,” Season 2

This postapocalyptic sci-fi series, based on the video game, continues with elements drawn from “Fallout: New Vegas” and introduces new foes like Deathclaws. Justin Theroux and Macaulay Culkin join the cast.

“Adult Swim’s The Elephant”

An experimental special featuring animators known for projects like “Adventure Time” and “Steven Universe.” Each animator creates a chapter of the story without knowing the others' parts.

“Breakdown: 1975”

A documentary focusing on the seismic year in cinema, highlighting films like “Jaws,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Narrated by Jodie Foster, it includes interviews with notable figures in the industry.

Theater Performances

“Tartuffe”

Lucas Hnath's new version of Molière's comedy is directed by Sarah Benson, featuring Matthew Broderick, David Cross, Francis Jue, and Emily Davis.

Music Events

Ellington’s “Nutcracker” and Tchaikovsky’s “Winter Daydreams”

The LA Philharmonic performs jazz versions of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, paired with the Russian composer’s First Symphony. Thomas Wilkins conducts.

Peter Criss, “Peter Criss”

The Kiss drummer releases a rock-heavy solo album, his first in nearly two decades, featuring guest appearances by John 5, Billy Sheehan, and Paul Shaffer.

Opera Performances

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”

World-renowned mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato stars in this family-friendly holiday opera, directed by Kenny Leon.

Art Exhibitions

“Bruce Goff: Material Worlds”

A major retrospective of the American architect, showcasing over 200 works, including architectural objects, abstract paintings, and personal items.

Dib Bangkok

Thailand’s first major museum dedicated to international contemporary art opens with an inaugural exhibition featuring works from leading global artists.

“Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination”

An exploration of how images shaped perceptions of Pan-Africanism through works by 20th-century photographers and their contemporary descendants.

“The House on Utopia Parkway: Joseph Cornell’s Studio Re-Created by Wes Anderson”

A meta-exhibition recreating Joseph Cornell’s studio, featuring over 300 works from his collection.

Last Call

“Art”

A Broadway revival of Yasmina Reza’s play, featuring James Corden, Neil Patrick Harris, and Bobby Cannavale. Praised for its comedic acting and fine performances.