HELEN MIRREN: She's playing the traditionally male lead in the new Julie Taymor take on "The Tempest," which is plenty exciting. Even more exciting, at least for one ArcLight Hollywood audience tonight: The Academy Award-winning actor will be stopping by to chat about the film and the role. Also in the film: Alan Cumming, Djimon Hounsou, David Straithairn (they're not scheduled to show tonight, but we can hope).
CONCERTS AROUND TOWN: Andrea Bocelli is at Staples Center; The Dandy Warhols are at Club Nokia; and drummer Allison Miller brings her Boom Tic Boom tour to the Royal/T.
"ELF" AND "GREMLINS" DRINK ALONG: Another Friday night, another sip-to-the-cinematic-presentation at the Downtown Independent. What can we advise about the two offerings tonight? Well, "Gremlins" has some built-in rules on both water and feeding, which surely you know. And if you don't, perhaps it is best that you're in bed before midnight, after catching these two holiday classics.
