BEST BETS / JANUARY 23-29, 2000

ART

“El Alma de Pueblo, Spanish Folk Art and Its Transformation in the Americas,” the first major exhibition to explore the folk art of Spain and its impact on Latin America and the United States, opens Thursday at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. The survey will feature more than 200 objects, including pottery, votive offerings, household saints, religious sculpture, portrait paintings and furniture.

MOVIES

Craig Ferguson stars in the comedy “The Big Tease” as Glasgow’s top hairstylist, who descends on L.A. under the false impression that he’s been invited to compete in the World Freestyle Hairdressing Championship. With Veronica Webb, Frances Fisher and Mary McCormack. Opens wide Friday.

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Khyentse Norbu’s “The Cup,” inspired by true events, chronicles the impact of World Cup soccer fever on the lively young boys residing in a remote Tibetan monastery-in-exile. Opening Friday at selected theaters.

THEATER

The moon plays the violin and a cat dances with a coyote in award-winning playwright Jose Rivera’s provocatively titled play “References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot,” about a career soldier’s wife whose surreal fantasies help her cope with her husband’s long absences. The world premiere opens Friday at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa.

MUSIC

A most unusual ensemble, a quartet of viols--predecessor of the string quartet--with singer, makes its West Coast debut this week, when Phantasm appears in a Chamber Music in Historic Sites event at the Ebell Club of Los Angeles in Hancock Park, midtown. English soprano Geraldine McGreevy is the featured soloist; the repertory encompasses music by Byrd, Purcell and others, Tuesday night.

VIDEO

Last summer’s romantic comedy “Runaway Bride” failed to seduce critics, but audiences came out in force to see Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in their first pairing since the 1990 hit “Pretty Woman.” Garry Marshall, who also directed the earlier “Woman,” returned to helm this lightweight froth. The blockbuster walks down video store aisles Tuesday.

Pop Music

Van Morrison, the gruff guru of all things soulful, takes a detour with his new album, dipping into the ‘50s skiffle music that helped introduce his generation to folk and blues rudiments. Morrison marks the Tuesday release of “The Skiffle Sessions” by opening a two-night stand at the Wiltern Theatre. His special guest: original skiffle star (and album participant) Lonnie Donegan.