Private Eyes, the CRE Outreach/Theatre by the Blind puts its unique spin on this Steven Dietz play, a dramedy about jealousy and revenge. The play will be performed by an entirely blind cast, directed by Greg Shane. Concludes this Sunday, Nov. 20. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Promenade Playhouse, 1404 Third Street Promenade, creoutreach.org, 310.902.8220
Dolls! Not Your Usual Love Story, concludes this Sunday, Nov. 20. A feel-good hit of the summer, a cheerfully mysterious, unexpectedly amorous musical unveiling of the remarkable secret life of the dolls we left behind. Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 6:30 p.m. General admission $26. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., 310.394.9779 ext. 1, santamonicaplayhouse.com
Natural Order, British artist Margaret Francis and Seattle artist Fred Lisaius will conclude an exhibition of paintings this Saturday, Nov. 19. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Schomburg Gallery, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, E3A. 310.453.5757, schomburggallery.com
New Works by Tym Benn, Blue Seven Gallery concludes the first solo exhibit of Tym Benn’s large prints on canvas this Wednesday, Nov. 23. The images are organic forms that remind one of the exotic and strange flora found on Prospero’s magic island. Free. 3129 Pico Blvd. 310.449.1444, blue7gallery.com
THIS WEEK
Friday, November 18
Gilbert Castellaños Quintet, perform at SMC’s final Fall Jazz Concert at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The inventive jazz improvisations of trumpet virtuoso Castellaños and his Latin quintet are always a treat. The Edye Second Space at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street. 310.434.3005, smc.edu/eventsinfo
Suzy Williams and her Solid Senders, bring your dancing shoes to their performance at 8 p.m. Tickets $10. The Moose Lodge, 1600 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.306.7330, westsidejazzforum.org
Rapp Saloon Friday, free open mic event open to everyone. Sign-up 8 p.m. 1436 Second St. 213.207.6881, rappsaloon@gmail.com, facebook.com/pages/Rapp-Saloon-Poetry-Reading/122145672327
National Education Association Event, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gilbert’s El Indio restaurant in Santa Monica, celebrate NEA Substitute Educators Day with your Santa Monica-Malibu substitute teachers. Support the super subs that support the district’s terrific teachers. RSVP at vincentbernota@yahoo.com. 2526 Pico Blvd.
Saturday, November 19
Arthur Christmas Santa Photo Opportunity, enter the world of Arthur Christmas with free photo opportunities with Santa and a special take home photo from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Third Street Promenade and Wilshire Blvd. 805.701.7248, iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Los Angeles MG Walk, join the inaugural Los Angeles MG Walk, which is designed to provide hope for the thousands of Americans who face the challenges of Myasthenia Gravis. Check-in 9 a.m. Walk starts at 10 a.m. Choose from a one-mile or three-mile route. Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way. 855.649.2557, http://mgwalk.org/mgwalk/fundevent.asp?nnaffundid=49
Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival Celebration, in celebration of the holiday season, visitors will enjoy a spectacular tree lighting ceremony at Santa Monica Place at 6 p.m. Event will include Santa’s arrival, accompanied by Mrs. Claus, musical entertainment by Savannah Robinson, HeartBeat Boys, Ace of Hearts, Josh Vietti, special giveaways, and magnificent snowfall. 395 Santa Monica Place. 805.701.7248, ceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Turkey Soup 2011, this pre-turkey day charity bash at Wokano Santa Monica raises money for Westside Food Bank to help feed the less fortunate over the holidays. Festivities include complimentary hors d’oeuvres 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and music by DJ Hapa from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets $5 in advance, $10 at the door or a minimum donation of five canned food items. 1413 Fifth St. 310.458.3080, turkeysoup2011.eventbrite.com
Finding a Forever Family with Christine Devine, a longtime advocate for foster children and adoptive families, Fox 11News anchor Christine Devine visits the Santa Monica Public Library at 3 p.m. to discuss her new book, “Finding a Forever Family: A News Anchor’s Notebook on Adoption within the Foster Care System,” with parents, families, and those interested in learning how to navigate the foster care/adoption maze. Free. Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8600, smpl.org
Multimedia Talks and Concert, the Santa Monica Public Library continue its season of Saturdays with LA Opera, featuring a multimedia talk on Charles Gounod’s opera Roméo et Juliette at 3 p.m. These talks are presented by LA Opera Community Educators for attendees to learn about the operas before attending them. Free. 601 Santa Monica Blvd. 310.458.8606, smpl.org
Artist Reception, will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the first solo exhibit of Tym Benn’s large prints on canvas. Benn’s technique is her own that she has developed over the years and the process often surprises herself. Blue Seven Gallery. 3129 Pico Blvd. 310.449.1444, blue7gallery.com
The 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Women’s Health, Dr. Sharon Orrange will speak at 10:15 a.m. at the YWCA Santa Monica / Westside about hot issues, recent studies, and new tests. 2019 14th St. Space is limited, RSVP to jmiele@smywca.org, smywca.org
Sunday, November 20
Arthur Christmas Ice Skating Party, lace up your skates and join Arthur on the ice at ICE at Santa Monica from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1324 Fifth St., 805.701.7248, iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Santa Monica Repertory Theater, will hold its one-year anniversary gala fundraiser at the historical landmark and former residence of playwriter Bertolt Brecht from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets $45. 1063 26th St. santamonicarep.org
Music by Mozart, Gieseking, Reinecke and Bolling, Mt. Olive’s Classical Music Series will feature Kristi Lobitz on piano, Susan Greenberg on flute, and Pat Maimone on organ at 3 p.m. Freewill offering and free parking. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd. 310.452.1116, mtolivelutheranchurch.org
Monday, November 21
Arthur Christmas Craft Day, bring the little ones and let their creativity flow from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Third Street Promenade at Santa Monica Blvd. 805.701.7248, iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Tuesday, November 22
Arthur Christmas Ornament Decorating and Snow, join the fun and get ready to razzle-dazzle your Christmas tree with your Arthur Christmas spirit from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Snow at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. Third Street Promenade at Arizona Ave. 805.701.7248, iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Mind the Gap, back on the West Coast after a well-received performance at CMJ Music Marathon 2011 in New York City, Mind the Gap will perform at The Central at 8 p.m. 1348 14th St., Santa Monica, 310.451.5040, centralsapc.com
Wednesday, November 23
Celebrate “Arthur Christmas,” meet at 3:30 p.m. in front of the AMC Santa Monica to receive an Arthur Christmas t-shirt and elf hat while supplies last to celebrate the film release of “Arthur Christmas.” Third Street Promenade at Arizona Ave. 805.701.7248, iceatsantamonica.com/winterlit.html
Thursday, November 24
Westside Thanksgiving Celebration, celebrate Thanksgiving with a full day of free services, entertainment, and a hearty traditional Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community members who need assistance with food and services are especially welcomed, but the organization emphasizes the celebration is open to everyone. No reservations are necessary. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. 1855 Main St. 310.394.3153, westsidethanksgiving.org
