Seances lift ‘Spirit’ to comedic heights By Lawrence Sullivan Although written in five days during one of the darkest years of World War II, there is no darkening of manners among the pompous British upper-class characters of Noel Coward’s play, "Blithe Spirit." Poised against the mantelpiece, one hand in the double-breasted jacket pocket, the other gesturing with a dry martini, Don Shenk settles fastidiously but commendably into the smug role of London novelist Charles Condomine. Read more...

‘Seduction’ adds new edge to spicy formula By Lael Loewenstein The dark and dangerous femme fatale has long stalked men in Hollywood films. In classics like Double Indemnity (1944) and Out of the Past (1946), beautiful and mysterious women lured unsuspecting men into committing crimes in the name of love, only to double-cross and kill them later. Read more...

Spencer’s Explosion creates distinct blues sound Band, on third tour, to make appearance at the Palace tonight By Nisha Gopalan When John Spencer sings the blues, no one gets depressed. Read more...

Dare to be stupid In the first installment of Naked Gun, Leslie Neilsen exits an airliner to thunderous applause. He bows and acknowledges the crowd humbly. Read more...

Maniacal Natalie Merchant: ‘What is the matter here?’ By Michael Tatum No music figure I revile intrigues me more than Natalie Merchant, formerly of the pop group 10,000 Maniacs. Read more...

‘Mask’ screenwriter visits Melnitz Film success story Mike Werb returns to his alma mater By Michael Horowitz Daily Bruin Senior Staff "Every parking attendant in town is writing a screenplay," declares Mike Werb, who writes screenplays for a living and doesn’t park any cars except his own. Read more...

Philharmonic revives 1919 performance for 75th By John Mangum The Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrated its 75th birthday with a six-foot tall cake. It didn’t need candles because the orchestra was on fire. Read more...