So we hear there’s a new movie in town. Â “Star…” something. Â But since it’s obvious nobody’s going to see it this weekend, we have several other things you could do instead (or after the movie, if you insist).
The first one is…oh, look at that…related to the little movie.  For those who’ve already seen it, can’t get tickets yet, or just want to get their Jedi on with a couple thousand other fans, there’s “Lightsaber Battle LA 2015,” tonight, Friday, December 18, at downtown’s Pershing Square.  Participants will choose a side of the Force (Jedi or Sith), and “use that venerable, ancient, glowing tool: the lightsaber, in the ultimate nocturnal showdown.”  Warriors gather at 8:00 p.m., and the battle begins a bit after 9.  DJ, food truck and a temporary bar will be provided by Pershing Square.  The event is free, with no reservations required.  Bring bring your own lightsaber. (The event sponsors were offering to provide lightsabers for $10 each, but word is they’re now sold out.) There will also be lightsaber demonstrations all day long today, courtesy of LightsaberAcademy.com, as well as an afterparty at a downtown location (TBA).
A bit more upscale, and holiday themed, you could also choose “The Nutcracker Swings,” tonight at the Ebell Theater.  This updated, yet still vintage, version of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet is set in 1945 Los Angeles during WWII.  The old Coconut Grove doubles as the Land of Sweets as the story’s main characters take in the beautiful dancers from around the world, with a score that blends both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington. Performances are at 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights.  Tickets available through the Ebell’s website.  Vintage dress encouraged!
On Saturday (before, after or instead of seeing the little movie that no one’s talking about), you could start out by visiting a faithful re-creation of a set from a little-known television show, about nothing, that no one also ever talked about.  Television streaming service Hulu is sponsoring “Seinfeld:  The Apartment,” a pop-up installation at 8445 Melrose (no need for directions – you can’t miss it…there’s a mural of a nearly naked George Costanza on the front of the building).  The show, which is free, is open daily through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  In addition to Jerry’s apartment, you can peep through the reverse peephole on Kramer’s door, re-create George’s famous photo shoot or practice your own stand-up routine against a red velvet backdrop.  Not to mention a gallery of other props, a Festivus pole, and the oh-so-familiar diner booths and table where our old friends liked to hang out while talking about nothing in particular.
For those who don’t want to worship at the temple of pop culture, just want to avoid the crowds who do, or who are of a certain, more serious age (like 16 or 17) and intently focused on more important life events, Memorial Library, 4625 W. Olympic Blvd., is offering a free SAT practice test from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.  All participants will receive a free Princeton Review Cracking the SAT book. Scores will be mailed to you after the test. Sign up at the reference desk or call the library (323) 938-2732 to reserve your spot.
Families with younger kids may also enjoy “A Christmas Tale for Everyone,” presented by the Ebony Repertory Theater and the Blackstreet Puppet Theater at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 W. Washington Blvd..  Join creator Gary Jones and his Yuppets for this family-friendly holiday performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, or 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20.  Tickets available at http://www.itsmyseat.com/ERT/
After the puppet show, head over to downtown’s historic Olvera Street for Las Posadas, a nine-night presentation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem…portrayed with singing, ballet folklorico entertainment, a candlelight procession on Olvera Street and a children’s piñata breaking each evening.  The procession will be held nightly from now through Thursday, December 24, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, we don’t have any day-specific events to add (aside from the lovely-sounding Larchmont Boulevard caroling event we reported on yesterday), so you get a second chance to catch up with the Seinfeld exhibit, “Christmas Tale” puppet show, and/or Las Posadas…or you could go stand in line for that little movie no one’s interested in. (And yes, we admit…you might find us there, too.)
May the Force be with you.
