(L-R): Mark Blum, Kristine Nielsen, Christine Ebersole and David Hull in Christopher Durang’s Tony Award-winning play ‘Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.’ (Craig Schwartz Photography) No wonder it won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play! Christopher Durang’s “Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike” is a laugh-riot ensemble piece that... Read more →

Martin Thompson, Jennifer Lee Laks, and Christine Joelle in "Night Watch" at Theatre 40.(Photo by Ed Krieger) Elaine (Jennifer Lee Laks) has had insomnia all her life, so she habitually wanders around the house in the middle of the night. This night, she looks out her front window and screams! In rush her husband, John (Martin... Read more →

GOOD LOOKING: The Albright offers views of the Santa Monica Pier and the ocean. (Merv Hecht editor@smdp.com) Years ago, when we were sailing a lot, we used to sail south, down to King Harbor, tie up to one of the fishing boat docks, and walk to the big fish market in the corner of the harbor. We would pick out a few crabs, they would... Read more →

Whether Valentine’s Day, like Halloween, is rooted in the pagan celebration, Lupercalia or the Christian festival honoring the legend of St. Valentine is still up for debate. But one thing for sure is that Total U.S confectionery sales for Valentine’s Day 2014 are projected to be over $1 billion, and chocolate will make up approximately... Read more →

A MAN AND HIS WORDS: Storyteller Mike Daisey is set to perform tonight at UCLA. (Photo courtesy of CAP UCLA) Mike Daisey has managed to carve a living out of storytelling, which has become one of the predominant art forms of our time. “I grew up in far northern Maine and did a lot of storytelling, something that happens in remote... Read more →

LOOK! Barry McGovern in ‘I’ll Go On,’ at the Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre. (Courtesy Craig Schwartz Photography) Have you ever listened intently to someone explaining, succinctly and articulately, an esoteric concept you never understood before, until you suddenly exclaimed triumphantly, “A ha! I got it!” only to... Read more →

The Shore Hotel is partnering with Sprinkles Cupcakes to give locals a little something sweet for Valentine’s Day. The Los Angeles-based bakery will bring its cupcake cart to the Ocean Avenue hotel from Feb. 14-17, offering an assortment of classic favorites including red velvet, dark chocolate and salty caramel. For more information,... Read more →

BROAD STAGE — Santa Monica College’s Emeritus College Concert Band will be hosting a free concert this Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Broad Stage that will feature show tune favorites, as well as a Sousa march. “Free concerts at the Broad are almost non-existent, so this is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a Saturday afternoon of good,... Read more →

THIRD STREET PROMENADE — Visitors to the Third Street Promenade will be in for a special treat this Thursday when Cirque du Soleil presents a free preview of its traveling production "Totem" that's currently on show next to the Santa Monica Pier through March 16. The special preview will take place between Broadway and Santa Monica... Read more →

OCEAN AVE  — Santa Monicans looking for a place to dance the night away have flocked to Ma’kai restaurant and lounge located at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Broadway. It was practically the only place to hear dance music and grab a drink in Downtown after Gotham Hall closed a few years back. Ma'kai lounge will be no more. (Photo... Read more →