WEEK IN PREVIEW

MOVIES

“The X-Files” arrives on the big screen with FBI special agents Mulder and Scully drawn into a web of intrigue while investigating the mysterious bombing of a Dallas office building. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson star in the film, which opens Friday in general release.

THEATER

The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble commemorates Bertolt Brecht’s 100th birthday with its production of “The Good Woman of Setzuan,” Brecht’s classic parable of the struggle between good and evil, as three gods come to Earth in search of one good woman, who turns out to be a prostitute. The play opens Saturday.

MUSIC

Closing its spring series at the Skirball Center on Thursday night, the L.A. Mozart Orchestra Chamber Players offer music by Telemann, Bach and Marcello, plus Lester Trimble’s “Four Fragments from the Canterbury Tales” (1958) for soprano, flute, clarinet and harpsichord.

MUSIC

The touring Vatican Choir from Rome sings the Requiem by Gabriel Faure today at 2 p.m., after a mass at 10 a.m., capping a three-day celebration of the bicentennial of the Mission San Luis Rey in San Diego County. An outdoor procession at 1 p.m. will precede the Requiem.

POP MUSIC

After struggling for years to make it in the music business, Vonda Shepard struck gold this year with the TV soundtrack “Songs From ‘Ally McBeal.’ ” The singer-songwriter, a.k.a. the lounge singer on the show, plays tonight at the Ventura Theatre and Friday at the John Anson Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

JAZZ

In the 1970s, the melodic flugelhornist Chuck Mangione was one of the most popular of all jazzmen, having a big hit with “Feels So Good.” After years off the scene, he has recently reemerged--still in prime form. Mangione performs at the Jazz Bakery for six nights this week, beginning on Tuesday.

COMEDY

Jackie Mason begins a 10-night stand at the Comedy Store on Wednesday, as the inimitable comedian works out new material for a one-man show he’s taking to London this fall. We’re guessing the always-topical Mason will have something to say about Clinton/Lewinsky, among other subjects.

VIDEO

Helena Bonham Carter is a revelation in “The Wings of the Dove,” a literate adaptation of Henry James’ classic. The actress plays a manipulative woman whose machinations end in tragedy. The period drama, also starring Alison Elliott and Linus Roache, wings its way into video stores Tuesday.

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Early Warning: “Rhapsodies in Black: Art of the Harlem Renaissance” will be on display at the L.A. County Museum of Art from July 26 to Oct. 19.