Best Bets

Movies

Web-master “Spider-Man” spins his way onto the big screen Friday in the guise of Tobey Maguire. Sam Raimi directs as Peter Parker’s alter ego squares off against the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe). Kirsten Dunst, above right with Maguire, co-stars.

Also: Woody Allen’s “Hollywood Ending” is about a washed-up director who suffers psychosomatic blindness during the shooting of his comeback movie. With Tea Leoni, George Hamilton and Treat Williams. Opens Friday.

Theater

Two philosophers become fools for love as a feisty princess schemes to seduce their young student in “Triumph of Love.” Pierre Marivaux’s 18th century comedy is turned into a musical romp by translator James Magruder, composer Jeffrey Stock and lyricist Susan Birkenhead. Directed by Jules Aaron, the International City Theatre production features Teri Ralston, Misty Cotton and other Broadway stage and screen veterans. Opens Friday at the Center Theater in Long Beach.

Music

Always near the cutting edge, the California EAR Unit titles its latest LACMA program “Brownout.” On Wednesday night, it offers electrifying innovations from the Art Noise scene, including Mark Trayle’s new work for radio-controlled chamber ensemble and Nick Chase’s “Opus” for double turntable and amplified performers. In addition, performance artist Laetitia Sonami will present a world premiere; composers Anna Rubin, Karen Tanaka and Barney Childs also are represented.

Art

“Zero to Infinity: Arte Povera, 1962-1972,” a much-anticipated historic survey opening today at MOCA at the Geffen Contemporary in downtown L.A., focuses on the Italian sculpture of the late 1960s and ‘70s that embraced humble materials, found objects and the commonplace. Adopting a non-hierarchical attitude toward traditional and mundane materials, the artists initiated a metaphysical and iconoclastic aesthetic concerned with real life. Above: “Piero Gilardi, model for L’uomo vogue” (1968).

Dance

Flamenco dancer and choreographer Laila del Monte does double duty on Saturday at the Alex Theatre in Glendale. In the afternoon, she and her guitarist husband, Adam del Monte, present an “All Flamenco” family program. At night, her company joins Middle Eastern artists for the premiere of “Azahar,” evoking a time when Moors ruled Spain and Christian, Jewish and Islamic influences created a rich culture. Guest artists include flamenco vocalist Antonio de Jerez, woodwind virtuoso Pedro Eustache and dancer Kristy “Lailah” Ibarra-Armas

Pop Music

When it comes to Paul McCartney, below left, it might be just as appropriate to quote the rival Stones--”This could be the last time”--as paraphrase his old band--”Why don’t we do it on the road?” Nostalgia is certainly part of the brew the ex-Beatle is serving on his U.S. tour, as is the thought that he might not pass this way again. But from all reports, the singer’s bond with his audience yields some powerful moments. At L.A.’s Staples Center on Saturday and Anaheim’s Arrowhead Pond next Sunday.

Video

Will Smith became one of the few African American performers to receive an Academy Award nomination for best actor as Muhammad Ali in Michael Mann’s sprawling biopic “Ali.” The film also stars Jon Voight (nominated for his turn as Howard Cosell), Jamie Foxx, Mario Van Peebles and Ron Silver. “Ali” climbs into the DVD and VHS ring on Tuesday.