Pauline Quirke’s dementia has ‘gathered pace’ as cruellest symptom takes hold at just 65
Pauline Quirke's Birds of a Feather colleague has spoken out on the star's devastating dementia diagnosis, as the Birds of a Feathers star's condition has…
Lakers’ free art exhibit, and more L.A. arts and culture this weekend
Attention, fellow Los Angeles Lakers fans: While we’re all understandably focused on the huge news of the team’s latest addition, let’s also celebrate the local…
The Industry’s opera party at the Bradbury Building
The avant-garde opera company the Industry threw a feel-good bash at downtown L.A.’s historic Bradbury Building last week. Called the “Decade Party,” the evening was…
How Pasadena Playhouse is helping kids affected by the L.A. fires
On the first day Pasadena Unified School District reopened campuses after a two-week closure caused by the Eaton fire, I brought my daughter to her…
Free concert tickets for people affected by L.A. fires, firefighters
“Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and attics. It brings healing.”Julia Cameron shared this truth in her 1992 book “The Artist’s Way.” And…
Hugely underrated Pauline Quirke’s work helping working-class youngsters try to make it in the industry is legendary
TO most, she was Birds of a Feather’s Sharon Theodopolopodous.But Pauline Quirke was a hugely underrated actress with exceptional range beyond that comic timing.3Pauline Quirke…
Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke, 65, steps down from professional duties after revealing dementia diagnosis
Pauline Quirke is stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia, her husband has said.The actress, 65, starred in Birds of a Feather,…
David Lynch was a painter before he brought his art to film
David Lynch lived and worked beyond all definition. He was best known as a filmmaker — using his lens to unearth the tawdry, decayed and…
Artists are mobilizing for fire victims and first responders
As thousands of firefighters continue to battle the Palisades and Eaton fires and the unfathomable damage is assessed, the arts communities are mobilizing. Actors, musicians…
Cultural gems threatened, and the race to save Getty Villa
As fires spread throughout areas of Los Angeles this week, my colleague Jessica Gelt has diligently kept track of the region’s treasured cultural institutions and…
Los Angeles’ best classical music, art and theater in 2025
Happy New Year, Essential Arts readers! 2025 is already shaping up to be a feast of a year in terms of arts and culture in…
L.A. County’s annual holiday celebration and a Velázquez masterpiece
Dear Essential Arts Readers,This has been a tough year for many of us. I don’t need to list the challenges we have faced as a…
Los Angeles welcomes New Year’s Eve at Disney Hall and Grand Park
If you’re reading this, thank you. Taking over the Essential Arts newsletter from our wonderful former colleague Carolina A. Miranda remains a daunting task, and…
Los Angeles arts events this weekend are Wabanaki basketry, flamenco
Sure, many of us have had Christmas covers on repeat lately, but I’ve also been playing the soundtrack and score of the still-brilliant 1994 movie…
Making theater fans for life starts with great shows for kids
I have an admission to make: I recently cried during a matinee of “Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical” at Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver…
Things to do in Los Angeles this weekend: art, music, theater
During The Times’ Actors Roundtable, Adrien Brody gorgeously shared how his mother has “guided me in my understanding of art and the yearning to leave…
Give the gift of homemade arts and crafts this holiday season
It’s December and the holidays are in full swing — as is the relentless consumerism, which always fills me with unease. The way I’m expected…
Natural History Museum news; plus L.A. arts and culture this week
Exposition Park got a boost last week when the Natural History Museum opened its new 75,000-square-foot welcome center. NHM Commons, the new glass-walled entrance and…
‘Little Women Ballet’ and more Los Angeles arts events this weekend
Happy “Wicked” week, Essential Arts readers! The film adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical arrives in theaters this weekend. I’m staff writer Ashley Lee, who’s…
‘Waiting for Godot,’ ‘Star Wars’ in concert, Usher and more LA arts
The crowd was jubilant on the opening night of “Waiting for Godot” at the Geffen Playhouse last Thursday. Starring Aasif Mandvi and Rainn Wilson, Samuel…