JON ROBIN BAITZ

I am smiling at the thought of seeing my late friend Wendy Wasserstein’s play “Third” at the Geffen. Wendy’s clear, gorgeous voice, her understanding of comedy within misery were singular, and she is missed.

I’m also looking forward to Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company’s “Blind Date,” presented by UCLA Live. Jones’ work is vivid and tempestuous, and smart as a whip. Also from UCLA Live, my hands-down favorite cultural institution in Southern California (save for Olvera Street): Trevor Nunn’s production of Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” Ian McKellen is in this, as well as “King Lear.” The plays go together perfectly -- a young man’s story and an old man’s story.

And last, Seymour Hersh at UCLA Live, who will be discussing the trajectory from 9/11 to the current tragic quagmire in Iraq.