Two Tickets to Paradise

More Downtown Artistic Options for February 14

by Andrew Haas-Roche

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to plan something nice for the special person in your life. Dinner and flowers have already been arranged (right?), so this is the moment to accent the evening by finding something unique to do together.

One reliable standby is tickets to a special event. Fortunately, Downtown Los Angeles has a wealth of events taking place on Valentine’s Day that are perfect for dating couples, longtime married folk and even singles. From the Music Center south to USC there is no end to the options, which run the gamut from mucho expensive to free.

But don’t wait, as some of these events will sell out.

Classic Option: For those who believe that nothing says I love you like classical music, head to the University of Southern California. The USC Thornton School of Music is putting on a concert by faculty member and cellist Daniel Rothmuller with pianist Bernadene Blaha; the romantic event is titled, aptly, “Valentines for Cello and Piano.” The program of Brahms’ Sonatas and Pavkovic’s Rhapsody at USC’s Alfred Newman Hall is a safe bet for couples wanting to relax and hear pretty music and is sure to win over any mushy heart. Yes, even yours.
7:30 p.m.: Alfred Newman Recital Hall, USC University Park Campus, (213) 740-2584 or usc.edu/music.

Wrestling With Love: Think your relationship is a freak show? Gain a bit of perspective at Lucha VaVoom’s “Valentine’s Sextacular.” The popular Downtown tradition returns for three shows Feb. 13-15. Expect the requisite mix of masked Mexican wrestling, erotic burlesque and comedy at the Mayan Theatre. On Valentine’s Day itself, the Blue Demon Twins and the Minis will battle the Rudos, Mashers and Bullies. And that’s only the beginning.
8 p.m.: Mayan Theatre, 1038 S. Hill St., (213) 746-4287 or luchavavoom.com.

Sing a Song of Romance: Opera is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if there’s one day where non-aficionados can get into the spirit, it’s Feb. 14. And L.A. Opera’s current production puts a twist on the expected: The company’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahoganny stars Patti Lupone and four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. In a new production from composer Kurt Weill and playwright Bertolt Brecht, with Music Director James Conlon in the pit, Mahoganny is a mix of opera and raucous music hall songs set in, believe it or not, the Old West. L.A. Opera notes that the original version was banned by the Nazis in the 1930s. That probably won’t happen this time.
7:30 p.m.: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-8001 or laopera.com.

Raising the Curtain on Amour: The theater is always a prime option for lovebirds, and there are two very different choices this Valentine’s Day at the Music Center. At the Mark Taper Forum, it’s Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown’s new musical comedy 13, which will remind you what it was like to be young – if you need reminding. However, it might require more mature audiences to take in the show across the Music Center Plaza: Edward Albee’s play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf should sizzle with stars Kathleen Turner and Tony Award winner Bill Irwin at the Ahmanson Theatre. But be prepared: It’s not the traditional tale of a loving relationship.
Both shows at 7:30 p.m. Ahmanson Theatre and Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., (213) 972-7211 or centertheatregroup.org.

‘Show’ Me the Honey: This final option doesn’t require a ticket at all, nor do you need to be a couple; all it takes is the ability to enjoy art. The MJ Higgins gallery is hosting The Love Show, a mix of art, entertainment and Etch-A-Sketch portraits. Gallery owner Martha Higgins said she aims to show “different interpretations of love.” The Historic Core venue will hold two live dances by Mecca Vazie. Adam & Midzt will create glass sculpture paintings and rapper Pitch White performs.
8 p.m.-midnight: MJ Higgins Gallery, 244 S. Main St., (213) 617-1700 or mjhiggins.com.