Thankful there are reasons to go out
‘Chasing Mem’ries’
Tyne Daly showcases the songs of Alan and Marilyn Bergman in “Chasing Mem’ries: A Different Kind of Musical.” The production is dark on Thanksgiving but has an evening performance Friday and afternoon and evening performances Saturday and Sunday next weekend. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, Westwood. (310) 208-5454. geffenplayhouse.org
— Charles McNulty
‘Something Rotten!’
This commendable touring production can’t quite attain the same intoxicating heights as the Broadway original, but it’s never long before a devious joke or frantic dance step plunges the audience into giddy hilarity. The show is dark on Thanksgiving but then has two shows daily for the rest of the holiday weekend. Ahmanson Theatre, L.A. (213) 972-4400. centertheatregroup.org
— Charles McNulty
‘Painted in Mexico’
This exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, full title “Painted in Mexico, 1700-1790: Pinxit Mexici,” is the first full survey of 18th century painting in Mexico to be seen in an American museum. LACMA will be closed on Thanksgiving but open regular hours the rest of the holiday weekend. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (323) 857-6010. lacma.org
— Christopher Knight
‘Tattoo’
A traveling exhibition organized by the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris covers 5,000 years of tattoo culture with artifacts, photographs and multimedia intallations. If you can’t wait for The Times’ forthcoming article on the show, check it out for yourself. It will be open Friday-Sunday of the holiday weekend. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, L.A. (213) 763DINO. nhm.org
— Deborah Vankin
‘Girls of the Golden West’
Road-tripping north for the holiday? San Francisco Opera’s “Girls of the Golden West” is the highly anticipated collaboration between composer John Adams and director Peter Sellars, who supplied the libretto. Performances on the Friday and Sunday after Thanksgiving still have tickets available. San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. (415) 864-3330. sfopera.com
— Mark Swed