Plan Ahead: Next Weekend

* Theater. Leslie Nielsen shows his serious side in his critically acclaimed performance of David W. Rintels’ one-man play “Clarence Darrow,” at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 2 at 2 and 8 p.m. $35 to $50. (800) 300-4345; (562) 916-8500.

* Art. The grand opening of the Norton Simon Museum’s $6.5-million renovation project, including completely redesigned and expanded sculpture gardens, begins with a Festival of Art, Oct. 2-3 and 6-10 featuring gallery tours, musical performances by the Southwest Chamber Music, family programs, garden tours and free admission. Norton Simon Museum of Art, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Wednesdays to Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.; Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Free. (626) 449-6840.

* Dance. Les Ballets Africains, the national dance company from Guinea, appears Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. in the Robert B. Moore Theatre at Orange Coast College, Fairview Road and Arlington Dive, Costa Mesa. $25 (seniors, students, children) to $33. (714) 432-5580. The company also appears at 2 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 2 and at 2 and 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 in Schoenberg Hall on the UCLA campus in Westwood. $15 (children at matinees) to $30. (310) 825-2101.

* Dance. Hawaii’s Halau o Kekuhi ensemble performs the historical epic “Kamehameha” on Oct. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. in the Japan America Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles. $26 to $30. (213) 680-3700.