The Pirates of Torrance

Before the Pirates of the Caribbean, the best-known pirates in the theatrical world came from Penzance. The Torrance Theatre Company will be bringing Gilbert and Sullivan’s merry musical back into the spotlight with a 6 performance run. TTC is making this classic operetta’s opening night even more festive by throwing a “Pirate-palooza” that includes a costume contest, live entertainment, live parrots, free face painting and art projects for the kids. Opening night tickets are $20 for adults; however, it is $25 for the rest of the run, with tickets for children under 12 being $15.
When: 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 13, Sat. Aug. 14, Fri. Aug. 20, Sat. Aug. 21 and 2 p.m. Sun. Aug 15 and Aug. 22.
Where: Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance
Contact: 310-781-7171, www.torrancetheatrecompany.com

The Getty’s Garden Music

This weekend serves at the midway point in the Getty’s Garden Concerts For Kids. This summertime series is not just for kids, however. This weekend’s performers Elizabeth Mitchell is an acclaimed musician both in the family music world as well as in the “adult music” world for her work with the band Ida (however, she isn’t the actress from the TV show Lost). Meanwhile, next weekend, the Getty hosts Sarah Lee Guthrie, another musician who works in both kids and grown up music world (and yes, she is Arlo’s daughter and Woody’s granddaughter). While admission to the Getty is free, parking costs $15.
When: 4-5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Aug. 14-15.
Where: Getty Museum, 1200 Getty Center Dr., L.A.
Contact: 310-440-7300, www.getty.edu

Journey To The Center Of…Los Angeles

The L.A.-based non-profit organization Jules Verne Adventures will be hosting a Nature Day in downtown L.A. on Friday. This free event celebrates sustainable development and nature. Visitors can learn a little more about solar energy, recycling, energy efficiency and more. There will documentary screenings, entertainment, educational demonstrations, electric cars, family activities and more. If you are looking for ways to be green, you might want to check this out.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. Aug. 13
Where: 2010 Ernst & Young Plaza, 735 S. Figueroa St., L.A.
Contact: www.julesverne.org

Happy Birthday JANM

This year marks the Japanese American National Museum’s 25th anniversary, and it will be celebrating with its annual Summer Festival on Sunday. This free Family Day features an array of all-ages activities, including arts and crafts, workshops, performances, cooking demonstrations. Also, you can check out the many events that make up Nisei Week, which happening nearby in Little Tokyo.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  Sat. Aug. 14
Where: Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., L.A.
Contact: 213-625-0414, www.janm.org

A McPhee-nominal Event

The Los Angeles Conservancy is hosting a sneak preview screening of the new Universal Pictures comedy, Nanny McPhee Returns. Emma Thompson returns in the title role for this film, which also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maggie Smith. The screening will take place downtown at the historic Orpheum Theatre, which dates back to the 1920’s. Keeping in the historic mood, ticketholders can get a 10% discount at the legendary Clifton’s Cafeteria, located near the theater. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger, with all proceeds going to the L.A. Conservancy.
When: 2 p.m., Sun. Aug. 15
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 842 S. Broadway, L.A.
Contact: www.laconservancy.org