HITTING THE BOOK
The Book of Mormon, the Tony Award-winning religious satire musical, is returning to LA. Written by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and co-created with Robert Lopez, the Broadway juggernaut (which grossed in excess of $1 million a week in New York City) comes to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Telling the story of two young, bumbling and ultra preppy missionaries sent to a village in Uganda, the play pokes fun at the Mormon religion. But fear not: This is an equal opportunity offender, and has something to push buttons of pretty much every faith out there. Through May 11 at the Pantages :: bookofmormonbroadway.com
MAN(I) CAVE
A manicure salon for dudes? Yep, the newly opened Hammer & Nails takes the Nagel-postered female-centric manicure spot and has converted the notion into a dude-friendly, man-cave-inspired place for guys. Leather chairs, personal flat-screen TVs, headphones, and free drinks give the no-frills Melrose shop a reassuringly masculine vibe. Services include basic manicures and pedicures, along with scrubs, massages and moisturizing treatments. Air guitars not included. 8257 Melrose Ave., LA :: hammerandnails-salon.com
WRAP ARTIST
Diane Von Furstenberg’s wrap dress — which turns the big 4-0 this year — is getting high honors at a major retrospective at the Wilshire May Company Building adjacent to Los Angeles County Museum of Art. More than 200 mannequins are clad in both vintage and contemporary iterations of the wrap dress in Diane Von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress, which tracks the evolution of the form-flattering piece that was first seen on Jerry Hall, strutting it down the runway at age 17. Photos from fashion shows as well as images from Von Furstenberg’s personal life are also included in the show, as well as images of plenty of iconic types, from Madonna to Michelle Obama, who are seen rocking the iconic frock. On display through April 1 at the Wilshire May Company Building in Los Angeles :: lacma.org
READING ON THE ROAD?
Well, here’s another version of the truck craze to enter the fast lane: a tarot card-reading ride. Called Vardo Tarot, it’s LA’s only tarot truck, presided over by Erin K. Smith. Book a reading in her gypsy caravan, complete with stained glass windows, groovy textiles and inlay wood floors, and get ready for a 3-, 5- or 10-card reading that promises to answer any questions you have about your life. The truck is bookable for parties or individual readings by tracking its path on Facebook and Twitter. Readings start from $25. :: vardotarot.com
MOD WORLD
Looking for a one-of-a-kind dose of modernism cool? This year’s Palm Springs Modernism Week promises to be bigger and better than ever. From February 13 to 23, devotees of mid-century architecture and design will descend on the desert oasis for a full menu of activities, including more than 80 presenters from Paris to New York who will flaunt their modern wares at the Palm Springs Convention Center. This year’s lineup also includes book signings, tours of the Sunnylands Annenberg Estate as well as architectural walking tours, including a pass through Golden Era Hollywood homes in Old Las Palmas. :: palmspringsmodernism.com
