Monster Mash: New Jeff Koons works; ‘Oleanna’ to Broadway; new job for MOCA curator; eagle returns to museum perch

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--New work: In his first solo show in Britain, artist Jeff Koons unveils latest subject: Popeye. In an interview, he calls Michael Jackson ‘a contemporary Christ figure.’

--New job: Veteran MOCA curator Ann Goldstein is tapped to lead Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum.

--Broadway move, Part 1: ‘Oleanna,’ starring Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles, will transfer to Broadway. The David Mamet play runs at the Mark Taper Forum through July 17.

--Broadway move, Parts 2 and 3: Laura Linney returns to Broadway to star in Donald Margulies’ ’Time Stands Still,’ which had its start at the Geffen Playhouse. Jude Law heads back to Broadway, too, in Donmar Warehouse production of ‘Hamlet.’

--Soaring high once more: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County returns its eagle statue to its rooftop perch after 89-year absence.

--Speaking of birds: ‘Ledge’ at Sears Tower opens Thursday, offering bird’s-eye view of Chicago.

--End of the line: Broadway’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ to close at the end of August, but a tour of the Disney musical is planned for 2010.

--Experience out the door: A look at the veteran curators and employees leaving the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

--First-timer: Stanley Tucci to direct ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ on Broadway.

--Let’s make a deal: New York’s Metropolitan Opera hammers out agreement with stagehands union.

--Another type of deal: Linked to Madoff scandal, New York financier Ezra Merkin sells collection of Rothko paintings and Giacometti sculptures for $310 million.

--Early look at Old Master: Painting is said to depict Rembrandt at age 16.

--Lending a hand: Kennedy Center offers help to cash-strapped arts organizations.

-- Lisa Fung

Photo (top): Jeff Koons with ‘Triple Popeye’ at Serpentine Gallery in London. Credit: Andy Rains / EPA

Photo (bottom): Eagle at the Natural History Museum. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times