January Family Entertainment Picks
Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, why not ease yourself back into regular life with some of the plethora of events that are happening in Los Angeles in the month of January? Everything from live theatre, amusement parks, films and some indoor fun will keep your entire family occupied.
Live Theatre
John Lithgow- Stories By Heart
Mark Taper Forum
135 N. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-7211
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In this one man show John Lithgow relates the stories he was told by his parents and grandparents from writers like P.G. Wodehouse and Ring Lardner. He creates amazing theatrical scenes with himself as every character. Running Jan 4th – Feb.13th.
Cavalia
Under the White Big Top
77 N. Front St.
Burbank, Ca. 91502
(866) 999-8111
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Running daily from Jan.19-30 This an amazing show with equestrians, acrobats, and magicians. It is surreal, and a spectacular representation of the bond between horses and people. A must see for every horse lover.
Jamie Adkins Circus Incognitus
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
(213) 628-2772
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Jamie Adkins is a one-man circus who fuses clowning, juggling, balancing and acrobats into what the New York Times calls "infinitesimal acts of imperceptible genius." Circus INcognitus is pure fun and wonder – a perfect show for young audiences. Only 6 shows between Jan.15 and the 23rd.
Expressing Motherhood
The Lillian Theater
1078 Lillian Way
Los Angeles, CA
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This stage show, in which women read their essays about motherhood aloud in front of an audience, features stories that are heartwarming, hilarious, and tear-jerking, so be prepared to laugh but also bring tissues. At each show the producers will be collecting donations of disposable diapers for homeless and needy families in Los Angeles. Production runs on weekends January 21-30. Tickets will sell out, so get yours early.
A Faery Hunt
See website for various locations and dates
(818)324-6800
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With the help of the faery folk, children embark on an exciting quest to help the faeries find the Faery Queen's missing light. The shows are for children 2-10 year olds, boys and girls, and the young-at-heart. Costumes are welcome but not required.
Films
Green Hornet
Rated PG13 for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content. Release date Jan. 14th.
Based on the TV show and starring Seth Rogen. This is bound to be a funny take on the much loved classic television program.
Season of the Witch
Rated PG13 for thematic elements, violence and disturbing content. Release date Jan. 7th.
Behmen (Nicholas Cage) is a 14th century Crusader who returns to his home to find it devastated by the Black Plague. He is then charged with transporting the witch accused of causing the outbreak, to a remote abbey, where the spell will be broken. Adventure ensues…
Amusement Parks
Underwater Park Days
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 393-6149
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Celebrate the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium's annual Underwater Parks Day on Saturday, January 15. Enjoy presentations and activities throughout the day highlighting marine protected areas of Southern California and the benefits of marine reserves around the world.
Adventure City
1238 South Beach Blvd
Anaheim, California
(714) 236-9300
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This is such a great park with rides, a petting zoo, rock climbing, arcade and a theatre. Designed for the younger thrill seeker it's just right for young families. No rides they aren't tall enough for, as long as they're accompanied by an adult.
Video Games
Glee Karaoke Revolution
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With songs and performances taken from the hugely successful television show, this is an incredibly fun Karaoke. Even if your child isn't the strongest reader they are able to learn these song quickly enough that it's fun for all ages.
Kinectimals
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This is a virtual pet game for the new XBox Kinect game system. This system requires no remote, so it really borders on virtual reality. If you have a child who loves animals, this is definitely for them. You can do everything from petting to playing games like fetch.
Elise Crane Derby writes about entertainment at Elise's Ramblings.