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Picks of the Week: Theatre, Dance and More...

Performing Arts

Published 12/10/21

CITY THEATRE: JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROLThrough December 19th Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol is, of course, spun off from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, only now the redemption story focuses not on mean, old Ebenezer Scrooge but on his long-dead business partner and chains-rattling ghost, Jacob Marley. Playwright Tom Mula adapted this holiday favorite from his own novella, and the show features a single actor relating the story of Marley, Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. More event details here.CITY OF SUNRISE: SUNRISE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL FEATURING WINTER WONDERLANDDecember 11th at 10:00 amBring the entire family! This holiday event features handmade arts and crafts, unique retail vendors, delicious food vendor selections, and children’s activities – all in one spot. More event details here.AREA STAGE COMPANY: ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA JRThrough December 19thThe delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up …

Area Stage Conservatory Presents Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.

Performing Arts

Published 12/5/21

ASC’s Director of Conservatory Education, Rebecca Ashton, directs and choreographs this wondrous production which will be performed by students, ages 6-17.For over 50 years, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has captivated audiences in a world of pure imagination. Featuring the enchanting songs that you know and love from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, this performance is a scrumdiddlyumptious musical guaranteed to delight every audience member's sweet tooth. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka, world-famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. This production will feature innovative, in-the-round staging, and a new, modern take on the charming tale that has been a worldwide favorite for decades. Shows will be performed at ASC’s Black Box Theatre at 5701 Sunset Dr Suite 286, South Miami, Florida …

GableStage Announces World Premiere of Joe Papp at the Ballroom

Performing Arts

Published 12/5/21

In alliance with Yiddishkayt Initiative (YI Love Jewish) and sponsored by The Sue & Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies at the University of Miami, Joe Papp at the Ballroom will run from Dec 17th through Dec 31st. Joseph Papp, referred to as the “single most creative and controversial figure in American theatre” by Newsweek, would have been 100 years old this year. The new musical is inspired by the first and only autobiographical concert series that Joseph Papp, founder of Shakespeare in the Park and New York’s Public theatre, performed at the Ballroom in SOHO in 1978. Revisiting Papp’s Brooklyn Yiddish upbringing, audiences will get a glimpse into the political and personal struggles Papp faced and his approach to the creative process.  “Joe Papp’s belief that theatre should be accessible to all, that it should be like the public library (free and open to all) continues to resonate deeply – not only to those actively engaged in the art form, but …

FTF's co-founder honored by Miami-Dade County Mayor

Performing Arts

Published 12/2/21

Mr. Allen was recognized by Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz, and the Board of County commissioners for his work in bringing the arts and culture to the children and families of MiamiDade County for over four decades, with the commission proclaiming December 20th, 2021, as Edward J. Allen Day in Miami-Dade County.The Mayor’s proclamation states in part, “Mr. Allen's achievements are vast, but today it is his passion for putting a smile on others faces that has truly impacted those who call Miami-Dade County home, therefore it is only fitting that he be applauded for bringing goodness into the lives of countless people.”"I'm so grateful to be the recipient of this award that honors service to Community over the years,” said Mr. Allen in reaction to news of this honor. He added, “It’s true, since 1977, is has been my mission, as well as Fantasy Theatre’s, to bring joy and inspiration into this world. How wonderful to be acknowledged and remembered …

"Stories for the Holidays" from Dance NOW! Miami

Performing Arts

Published 11/19/21

Join the fun Saturday, December 11th, at 8:00 pm, at the Miami Theater Center, in Miami Shores. The evening will include a suite of reconstructed iconic works from dance pioneer Isadora Duncan, along with South Florida premieres and work from the company repertory, with the South Beach Chamber Ensemble live onstage accompanying select works. Isadora Duncan was an American pioneer of concert dance at the turn of the 20th century, a self-styled revolutionary, whose innovative free-spirited style broke with the dominant rigidity of ballet and led to what is now called modern or contemporary dance. “In the era of #MeToo and the renewed struggles world-wide for women’s autonomy and freedom to control their own lives, reviving Duncan’s groundbreaking work was a perfect choice for our company,” said Hannah Baumgarten. The past Artistic Director of Miami's Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble, Andrea Mantell-Seidel, has restaged the Duncan pieces this fall. The four short works are Ave …

UNSTUCK AS F*CK opens performance season at The Studios of Key West

Performing Arts

Published 11/15/21

Part TED talk, part hilarious stand-up routine, part heartbreaking drama, over the course of 70 minutes Orlando tells the fascinating story of his life—from growing up in the concrete jungle of Flatbush, Brooklyn to his years in the ivory tower of Yale—and all the ups and downs that came after.Along his journey, Orlando honed his skills, learned some hard lessons, and managed to laugh through it all. Now he finds himself exactly where he needs to be: in a life dedicated to writing, directing, coaching, and captivating audiences all over the country with his irreverent humor and fresh perspective. “Orlando Bishop is one-of-a-kind, a true entertainer and comedian,” says Studios artistic advisor Stephen Kitsakos, “but beyond that he brings something even more special to the table, and that’s the kind of wisdom and insight that will leave audiences inspired and elevated.”Broadway veteran Anika Larsen brings an extra dose of magic to the production with her deft …

December Performances at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Performing Arts

Published 11/1/21

The City of Aventura presents Michael Londra’s Celtic Yuletide on Saturday, December 4 at 8 p.m. The Irish singer and Emmy® nominee who is best known as the voice of Riverdance on Broadway, brings “Christmas from Ireland” to South Florida. Told in song, dance and the festive stories of his youth, the show includes heartwarming Irish carols like “Winter, Fire and Snow” and Gaelic versions of Christmas songs audiences love such as "Oiche Ciuin" (“Silent Night”) and his own popular carol "Beyond the Star.” Classical Irish musicians join Londra onstage as well as dancers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Tickets are $45-$49. The Aventura International Film Series continues with the critically acclaimed film, Women at War on Tuesday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. The film tells the story of Halla, a fifty-year-old independent woman who works behind the scenes of her quiet routine, leading a double life as a passionate environmental activist who secretly wages a …

Cuento de Navidad (A Christmas Carol)

Performing Arts

Published 10/27/21

The production is a collaboration between Area Stage Company and PAFF (Primer Acto Florida Foundation) and will take place the weekend of November 19-21 at the ASC Black Box Theatre in Sunset Place. It will be a play with music presented in the Spanish language.This adaptation, which features a female Scrooge, proposes that you can stay true to the classic without interfering with the original Dickens story. Scrooge, a greedy and bitter woman, is able to reconsider and change her attitude towards the world, paying tribute to those first women who fought for their rights to be recognized as contributing members of our society. At the time that Dickens wrote his famous A Christmas Carol (1843), it was unthinkable that its protagonist, Scrooge, was a successful businesswoman. It was in 1870, that the Law of Assets of Married Women finally recognized the right of women to own the money that she earned from her work.We will see the classic Christmas Carol from a female point of view where …

Picks of the Week: Music, Food and More...

Performing Arts

Published 10/22/21

SLOW BURN THEATRE CO: SONGS FOR A NEW WORLDThrough October 24thIt's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice... or take a stand... or turn around and go back. Songs for a New World, the first musical from Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), is a moving collection of powerful songs that examine life, love and the choices that we make. More event details here.DEERING ESTATE: CHEFS TABLE ON THE BAYOctober 22nd at 6:30 pmThe Deering Estate Foundation will be hosting the inaugural and exclusive cooking and dining experience Chef’s Table on the Bay. Under the stars on the Estate’s beautiful courtyard, guests will enjoy delicious food, celebrity cooking demonstration, wine pairings, and a very special bourbon cocktail. Gather friends and family and reserve your table. More event details here.STUDIOS OF KEY WEST: THE SMALLEST PARADE IN THE UNIVERSE!October 23rd at 7:00 pmThe Smallest Parade in the Universe is an …

Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play

Performing Arts

Published 10/20/21

The show will be running November 5th - 7th 2021 at the ASC Black Box Theatre. ASC’s own Silver Palm Award-Winning Associate Artistic Director, Giancarlo Rodaz, serves as Director and designer for this action-packed production.Mirror of Most Value kicks off when a strange Terrigen Mist descends upon Jersey City and our heroine, Kamala Khan, is imbued with polymorphic powers. Her life is changed forever, as are the lives of her family and friends. Using her newfound abilities to fight evil and protect Jersey City, she becomes the all-new Ms. Marvel! Kamala attempts to boost Ms. Marvel’s fledgling superhero profile by writing her own fan fiction. But when building a fandom becomes an obsession, Kamala’s schoolwork and relationships begin to suffer. To become the Jersey City hero of her dreams, Kamala must learn to accept herself just as she is – imperfections and all. This production will be performed by a cast of talented, pre-professional ASC Conservatory students, ages 14-19. …

November Performances at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Performing Arts

Published 10/15/21

The Aventura International Film Series continues with There is No Evil on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. After being banned from filmmaking for life and sentenced to jail, Iranian director Mohammad Rosoulof returned with There is No Evil, winner of more than a dozen awards at film festivals in the U.S. and abroad including the Golden Bear Award for best film at the Berlin Film Festival. The film offers four tales of those given death penalties by the state and those ordered to carry it out. According to Variety, “‘There Is No Evil’ comes across as four films for the price of one, none of its segment’s anemic, and each contributing fresh insights to the paradoxes of capital punishment in Iran.” The Aventura International Film Series presented by the City of Aventura is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Not rated, this film is in Farsi with English subtitles and is not suitable for children under 12. Tickets are $12.The …

What I want for you, dear audience, as the curtain rises


Performing Arts

Published 10/13/21

Dear Audience,This probably isn’t the article you’re expecting in the theatre issue of CultureOwl from the Executive Director of the South Florida Theatre League.The article where I tell you about what has happened over the intermission of the COVID-19 pandemic and what shows I’m excited about seeingas audiences return to in person programing. I tried writing that article and I failed.Because the theatre industry has used our time of creating work digitally like a butterfly within a cocoon and we’re transforming. And now that youare coming back to see in-person shows, I want to share with you what I want for you, as an audience member as a result of this transformation.Here is a short list of what I want for you:I want you to feel comfortable going back into theatre spaces. If someone else coughs, I want your only worry to be about missing what was saidon stage.I want you to feel the support and comfort of seeing a show you know that you love – hearing those lines or that …

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW TO OPEN AT WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE

Performing Arts

Published 10/11/21

This production played a sold out run at the Waterfront Playhouse in 2019 and will feature most of the cast from that production. Directed and Choreographed by Tom Thayer, Set Design by Michael Boyer, and Lighting Design by Kim Hanson this production will star International Star Christopher Peterson in the role of that sweet transvestite Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Peterson, the star of La-De-Da’s Eyecon’s, most recently appeared on the Waterfront stage in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which was the last production at the Waterfront prior to the covid shut down. That lovable duo, Brad and Janet, will again be played by Key West favorites Arthur Crocker and Belle Jampol.Crocker also appeared in Priscilla Queen of the Desert while Jampol has been entertaining Key West as lead singer for Coconut Victrola. That mad three-some, Magenta, Riff-Raff and Columbia, will be played by Jillian Todd, Donovan Pavlicek and Carolyn Cooper. Ross Pipkin will dance into the role of Eddie, John McDonald will …

Actors' Playhouse 2021-22 Season

Performing Arts

Published 10/11/21

The lineup includes the new play MIDDLETOWN® written by South Florida Playwright Dan Clancy that stars a rotating cast of beloved celebrities such as Didi Conn (Grease), Loretta Swit (M*A*S*H), Donny Most (Happy Days) and Adrian Zmed (TJ Hooker) who will all be featured in the Miami production (November 17 – December 12, 2021). The South Florida regional premiere of the Broadway musical On Your Feet! tells the inspiring story of Cuban-born superstars Emilio and Gloria Estefan (January 26 – March 6, 2022). An off-the-rails stage production of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express (April 6 – 24, 2022). The spectacular musical biography of a legendary singer-songwriter Hank Williams: Lost Highway (May 18 – June 12, 2022), and the captivating romantic comedy Now and Then (July 13 – August 7, 2022).Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre's Mainstage Season:MIDDLETOWN®November 17 – December 12, 2021By Dan ClancyThrough the highs, the lows, and everything in-between, …

Arts Ballet postpones season opener

Performing Arts

Published 10/1/21

The program will keep “Viva España” as part of the announced repertoire; a beautiful choreography by Artistic Director Vladimir Issaev himself. With the exhilarating music by Massenet, based on the epic story of “El Cid”, Issaev brings back to South Florida audiences a piece of pure bravura in the Spanish style.  Included in the program audiences will enjoy Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux with a choreography by Vladimir Issaev after the original of Dolgushin, and recently performed at the International Ballet Festival of Miami by Moegi Matsuzawa and Remina Tanaka.Following, Suite of Waltzes also choreographed by Vladimir Issaev with Music of Venezuelan pianist and composer, Teresa Carreño and a recently successful contemporary piece by nouvelle choreographer Lusian Hernandez, CORPUS with music by Frederik Chopin.Issaev’s new troupe of dancers will display their capacity for the neo classical and contemporary style.The new ballet “UNBROKEN” has been postponed to April …

DANIEL LEWIS DANCE SAMPLER RETURNS TO LIVE PERFORMANCES FOR 2021

Performing Arts

Published 10/1/21

Named for the Founding Dean of the Dance Department of New World School of the Arts (NWSA), the program of short works and excerpts launches the season of dance as Florida returns, carefully, to in-person performances and theaters reopen. This year, for the first time, the Sampler will be presented in two counties, with Friday, October 29 at Lake Worth's Duncan Theater, and Saturday and Sunday October 30 and 31 at Miami's NWSA Dance Theater.“How wonderful for all of us to being get back in front of live audiences again" says Hannah Baumgarten, Co-Artistic Director of Dance NOW!, one of the producers and performing companies this year. "This wonderful line-up is a testament to the fact that artists survive, and thrive, in tough times." The Miami Dance Sampler is produced by Miami Dance Futures, an organization founded by Lewis, which facilitates and supports dance artists and organizations. The Sampler is produced in collaboration with Dance NOW! Miami, New World School of the Arts, …

CARBONELL AWARDS Introduces New Team of Judges for 2021-2022 Theater Season

Performing Arts

Published 9/23/21

“Over the last year, the Carbonell Awards has revised our entire judging process, changing the way judges are assigned, while maintaining our historic focus on recognizing and celebrating theatrical excellence on a regional basis,” says Kiltie. “In addition, we have redefined the required qualifications for being a Carbonell judge, while strengthening our commitment to creating diverse judging panels, including diversity in age, gender, race, sexual orientation and ethnicity.”“We have an outstanding panel of 30 experienced judges, many of whom have been working with the Carbonell Awards for years, but also eight new volunteer judges**, all very highly qualified, who have a passion for and openness to all kinds of theater, including plays, musicals, new works, classics, immersive and multidisciplinary theater,” he says. “This may be the most impressive and diverse roster of Carbonell judges in our 45-year history.”Carbonell Awards Judges 2021-2022Broward County+ R. Kent …

PPTOPA BRINGS CURTAIN UP ON “PLACES: THE 2021-2022 SEASON” WITH MUSICAL FAVORITE “CABARET”

Performing Arts

Published 9/22/21

Cabaret is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood with a book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. In a Berlin nightclub, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Musical numbers include "Willkommen," "Cabaret," "Don't Tell Mama" and "Two Ladies." The PPTOPA production is directed by Jeffrey Bruce, with music direction by Jesse Veliz, and choreography by Del Marrero. The creative team includes costume design by Samantha Palomino, lighting design by Michael Graham and set design by John Blessed.The PPTOPA cast features Gaby Tortoledo as Sally Bowles, Geoffrey Mergele as Cliff Bradshaw, Pablo Pernia as Emcee, Christopher Dreeson as Herr Schultz, Colleen Pagano as …

Area Stage Company 21-22 Season

Performing Arts

Published 9/10/21

Beauty and the Beast will run for only one weekend in the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater from August 5th - 7th. This will be a lavish, full scale, enchanting production, featuring a full cast of exquisitely talented Conservatory students, perfect for the whole family to attend. It will be directed and choreographed by ASC Director of Conservatory Education, Rebecca Ashton, with music direction by Katie Duerr. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman with a book by Linda Woolverton, is based on the 1991 animated classic film. This “tale as old as time” tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all …

Season Kickoff!

Performing Arts

Published 9/10/21

We have lived through the unimaginable. No one can see every show or performance they want to, but who could’ve imagined having zero options to attend? As someone who looks to CultureOwl for cultural things to do, it’s extremely likely that you are someone who craves live performances. And after last year’s crushing cancellations, chances are you—and performers—are happier about this season’s arrival than any other before!We haven’t forgotten that being part of an audience is it’s own experience, in addition to the performance. The virtual world allows us to experience things on our own schedule—a live performance waits for no one! The anticipation, wearing that special something, being part of a crowd, dining out; these are activities that spark a unique joy for most of us, one that’s been sorely missed. But this season is giving us plenty to get excited about. The arts in 2021-22 are off to a slower start. After all, we’re still navigating through …

ARTS BALLET THEATRE OF FLORIDA ANNOUNCES 2021-2022 SEASON

Performing Arts

Published 8/12/21

The season includes the cherished holiday favorite, "The Nutcracker," at the newly renovated Parker Playhouse of Fort Lauderdale and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. There will 10 performances (Dec. 9-19) including 3 performances for the public schools of Miami Dade and Broward Counties and a Sensory Friendly performance for children and adults within the Autistic Spectrum and other disabilities. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida was able to offer live performances during the pandemic at the Broward Center with live audiences, thanks to the generosity of donors, ticket buyers, and the community at large.They are extremely grateful to the audiences who joined them during the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to the theatre in the fall, to enjoy world-class performances this upcoming season.Led by Artistic Director Master Vladimir Issaev, new ballet dancers coming from the US, United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil and Venezuela, have …

Intermission is Over. Live is Back!

Performing Arts

Published 8/6/21

Always responsive to audience requests for “more Broadway, more comedy, more music superstars from Bach to rock,” Palm Beach County’s largest and most popular entertainment venue promises a dynamic line-up of award-winning shows, world-class talents and powerful performances that will generate enthusiastic standing ovations from discerning audience members of every age and demographic.In addition to performances in the 2,195-seat Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall, the Kravis Center will present a diverse array of drama, music and dance in the intimate 285-seat Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse, and the flexible 300-seat Helen K. Persson Hall. Kravis Center SeriesAmong the popular Kravis Center series that are returning for the 2021- 2022 season are: Kravis On Broadway Hosting hit shows since 2008, Kravis On Broadway celebrates its 14th season with a spectacular line-up:COME FROM AWAY - November 16-21
DEAR EVAN HANSEN - December 15-19
SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER …

SMDCAC Announces 2021-2022 Season Line Up

Performing Arts

Published 7/22/21

SMDCAC is proud to present a diverse selection of performances that appeal to all patrons. Music fans will enjoy tributes to huge stars with performances like The Queen of Soul: A Tribute to Aretha Franklin featuring Damien Sneed and ABBA The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA. For young audiences, SMDCAC offers a variety of family-friendly performances including story dance-pop sensation Grimmz and tap dancing, rhythmic juggling duo Collision of Rhythm. For dance lovers, the Center will present Pilobolus, Doug Varone and Dancers, Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami and more.Subscription packages are available this season. When arts and culture enthusiasts build their own subscription package, they have access to the best seats and can save up to 20 percent. Dance fans can also subscribe to the dance package, which includes four dance shows and a 25 percent discount. Eligible performances are noted below.“We are so excited to be back presenting artists and engaging with our community,” said …

GableStage Theatre Returns to the Stage for 23​rd​ Season

Performing Arts

Published 7/22/21

GableStage, the beloved theatre company located in the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, has announced an ambitious reopening season with a planned return to in-person performances in November. The new season includes challenging and gripping dramas, music, comedy and world-premiere productions. “While I certainly bring my own sensibilities to season programming,” says Producing Artistic Director Bari Newport, “the mission of the company is deliberate and strong: to challenge South Florida audiences with productions of artistic excellence that confront today’s issues and ideas. It is with that clear directive in mind that I proudly unveil GableStage’s ambitious 23rd Season and invite audiences to join us for GableStage’s next chapter.” To kick-off, GableStage invites audiences to save-the-date for SPLASH! a season opening event at the Biltmore pool at 7 p.m. on October 28. SPLASH! celebrates 1940’s movie mermaid Esther Williams with a one-night only …

Picks of the Week: Fourth of July Weekend

Performing Arts

Published 7/2/21

SANDRELL RIVERS THEATER: INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT- SONGS OF UNITY WITH LAUREN CARTERJuly 2nd @ 8 pmJoin SRT for an Independence Day Unity Concert with vocalist Lauren Carter featuring classic songs such as What the World Needs Now, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, With a Little Help from my Friends, This Land is Your Land, Ain’t That America and more- Lauren Carter's soulful and versatile voice lights up the Sandrell Rivers Theater in this In-Person Concert! More event details here.THE RED CURTAIN: THE ART OF FACING FEAR - THE WORLD UNITED - SHOW 2July 4th @ 10 am Live theatre performed by 25 actors from 5 continents written by Ivam Cabral and Rodolfo Garcia Valquez and Directed by Rodolfo Garcia Valquez. More event details here.DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD: DREAM CAR CLASSICJuly 4th @ 10 amThe Dream Car Classic presented by Cobra Joe Productions has made a great come-back to the Downtown Hollywood area. Held on the first Sunday of the month, the Dream Car Classic gives gearheads and …

‘BOYS WILL BE BOYS’: CHOREOGRAPHER RANDOLPH WARD’S WORK CONFRONTS TOXIC MASCULINITY

Performing Arts

Published 6/30/21

“Don’t cry. Be tough. Don’t show weakness. Be strong.”Miami choreographer Randolph Ward’s latest work, “Boys Will Be Boys” — debuting July 10 at the Sandrell Rivers Theater — confronts the emotional landscape masked by such bromides as it examines the complexities of growing up male in America.Where intellectuals and academics talk about toxic masculinity, Ward lived it as a ballet dancer with the San Francisco Ballet.“When I was a professional ballet dancer, I always had to put on a mask,” Ward says. “In classical ballet, the men are strong and the women need saving.”For Ward, the issue was one of body type. “The image of maleness classical ballet projects didn’t really fit me because I’m tall, long and thin. I would meet people after a performance and they would be surprised and say, ‘But you are so masculine on stage.’”He recalls a moment in San Francisco when “a very famous ballet dancer” took him to task.“During rehearsals one day, I was …

Actors’ Playhouse to reopen its Mainstage series

Performing Arts

Published 6/30/21

Originally produced by Zoetic Stage in 2017, ¡FUÁCATA! brings more than 20 Latina women to glorious life on stage by weaving together tales of love, marriage, immigration, and identity through eccentric stories and whimsical song. A collaboration between Zoetic Stage artistic director Stuart Meltzer and highly celebrated, three-time Carbonell Award-winning Cuban-American actress Elena María García, ¡FUÁCATA! finds endless humor in what it means to be Latina in today’s America, where politicians speak of building walls while tourism booms in Havana.“Elena María García is one of the funniest actors that I’ve ever seen on stage, and I couldn’t have asked for a more resonant and hilarious show to reopen our Mainstage with,” said Actors’ Playhouse Artistic Director David Arisco. “We absolutely can’t wait to welcome guests back to the Miracle Theatre for our Mainstage productions after being shut down for more than a year due to the pandemic.”The creative team for …

PALM BEACH INSTITUTE FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT ARTS PRESENTS TONGUES A’WAGGING STORYTELLING

Performing Arts

Published 6/25/21

This production will shine a spotlight on stories written and read by people whose lives were changed by a singular event which happened on an otherwise normal day. The event could be something wonderful or something not so wonderful but which taught the storyteller a lesson that they want to share with the audience.Tongues a’Wagging was held successfully every eight weeks prior to COVID. The event in July will provide an opportunity for south Florida residents to tell their personal stories to an eager audience after a year of isolation.Donna Carbone, the Managing Director of PBIEA, is the creator and host of these events. Her goal is to shine a spotlight on people who feel their experiences could help someone else. The Institute provides the platform by which people come together to talk and learn from one another.The participants in these events submit a 1200 word essay on a particular topic. The essays are then read by a selection committee, which chooses eight to 10 stories for …

REVIEW: AREA STAGE DEBUTS A LEANER, IMAGINATIVELY IMMERSIVE ‘ANNIE’

Performing Arts

Published 6/16/21

After its popular outdoor production of “Shrek the Musical” in January – and after lengthy downtime during the pandemic – Area Stage is inviting audiences to its indoor space at South Miami’s Shops at Sunset Place to experience a smashing new production of “Annie.”The brainchild of associate artistic director Giancarlo Rodaz, this production of the long-running 1977 Broadway hit is like no other you may have seen before, even if “Annie” happens to be your favorite musical.For one thing, as its poster cheekily notes, this time “Annie” is being performed by just eight actors, with nary a scene-stealing kid in sight. Rodaz’s “Annie” casting decisions would seem to satisfy even late actor-comedian W.C. Fields, the curmudgeon who famously advised against working with animals or children: Annie’s stray dog pal, Sandy, is played by a puppet crafted from weathered footwear.For another, Area’s “Annie” stands out because Rodaz – who directed, choreographed …

CITY THEATREʼS SILVER ANNIVERSARY SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL Postponed until 2022

Performing Arts

Published 4/23/21

The Summer Shorts Festival in June 2022 will be a long-awaited milestone celebration for City Theatre, the short plays and musicals the company is nationally known for producing, and the artists who collaborate and contribute to the eventʼs enormous appeal.A unique annual regional event that kicks off the South Florida summer theater season, the Summer Shorts Festival, will be produced in the two-program format the company inaugurated in 1996, with a twist. Program A will feature “All New Works” culled from submissions of the City Theatre National Short Playwriting Contest, special commissions, and discoveries among arts partners, including Concord/Samuel Frenchʼs celebrated Off-Off Broadway Festival. Program B is planned as a “Best of the Fest” collection of favorite short plays and musicals curated from 24 seasons past. A limited schedule of the Summer Shorts marathon is the opportunity for theatre-goers to see Program A and Program B back to back on one day.City Theatreʼs …

Picks of the Week: Theatre, Music and More...

Performing Arts

Published 4/16/21

NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: IN THE RED AND BROWN WATERApril 16th at 7:00 pmNWSA presents the award-winning play In the Red and Brown Water, written by Tarell Alvin McCraney (NWSA 1999 alumnus) winner of an Academy Award for the 2016 film Moonlight. Directed by NWSA theater faculty member James Randolph the play will be presented online as a one-time Premiere, performed by juniors and seniors enrolled in the NWSA college theater program.More event details here.SOUTH FLORIDA THEATRE LEAGUE: GRACEApril 19th at 7:00 pmCatherine is searching for something authentic as she embarks on a "Lewis-and-Clark-esque" trip across America sponsored by Monteverde Moonshine. But as she travels, she comes to more questions than answers about "the real America," her own identity, and about what authenticity even means anymore. More event details here. HISTORYMIAMI: KIDS ASK A QUESTIONApril 17th at 10:00 amDid you know that blue whales are the largest animals in the world? Or that sea otters wash their …

KAREN PETERSON AND DANCERS REFLECTS ON PANDEMIC, LOSS IN NEW SHOW

Performing Arts

Published 4/5/21

Choreographer Karen Peterson talks about wheelchairs like some people talk about horses.As artistic director of Florida’s leading physically integrated dance company – Karen Peterson and Dancers (KPD) – Peterson finds that the greatest challenge to choreographing wheelchair-bound dance is not the physical limitations of her performers but rather the “personalities” of their chairs.“One of the most difficult things in dance practice or performance is to get wheelchairs to move in unison. The chairs have a mind of their own,” she says. “One has a battery that reacts this way, one’s wheels stick a little bit. The wheelchairs engage my imagination – from the speed of the chairs to their unique features to how fast they go.”Peterson’s sensitivity for the intricate motions of wheelchairs as a building block for artistic meaning will be on full display when KPD presents “Lost and Found” at 4 p.m. April 11 in the Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl, 11000 SW 57th Ave., …

ZOETIC STAGE TURNS TO THINK-FAST IMPROV AS THEATER STARTS TO REGROUP

Performing Arts

Published 3/16/21

While a widespread return to indoor theater won’t happen yet, some companies and venues have figured out creative ways to come back sooner.Hence the presence of the fast-paced improv show, “Zoetic Schmoetic,” on the outdoor Thomson Plaza at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts over the weekend.Zoetic Stage, based in the Arsht’s Carnival Studio Theater since it launched in late 2010, has built its reputation on impeccably intimate productions of Stephen Sondheim musicals, challenging dramatic fare such as “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” and world premieres by founder-playwrights Michael McKeever and Christopher Demos-Brown.But its return to monthly performances after a year of pandemic isolation is strictly for some much-needed laughs.Through several weeks of rehearsals and theater games, artistic director Stuart Meltzer and improv coordinator/assistant director Elena María García have fashioned a company of actors better known for …

Picks of the Week: Black History Month

Performing Arts

Published 2/4/21

VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK: BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOURSThrough February 28th - Tues., Thurs. and Sat. at 10am and 2pmLearn the iconic story of the only beach where Black Miami could recreate during the segregation period. A fun, safe socially distant tour experience showcasing Miami's best kept secret. Can't do the physical tour? They have a virtual experience too! More event details here.FANTASY THEATRE FACTORY AT SANDRELL RIVER THEATER: ISABEL TUCEN'S SOUL BY SOULFebruary 6th at 8:00 pmA Stage-to-Screen show based on Harriet Tubman - one of the most famous conductors of the Underground Railroad. More event details here.SOUTH BEACH CHAMBER ENSEMBLE: COLERIDGE-TAYLOR AND BRAHMSFebruary 7th 6:00 pmCelebrating Black History Month with guest host Nicole Henry and guest musicians Chauncey Patterson, viola, and Andres Candamil, clarinet. Coleridge-Taylor Clarinet Quintet in F# minor, Op. 10 and Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op.115. More event details here.FANTASY THEATRE FACTORY AT …

Intersection of Lincoln and Parks

Performing Arts

Published 2/1/21

Black History Month is here! The Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts will be celebrating Black History Month, by bringing the original play, Intersection of Lincoln and Parks - - to the Institute’s stage. Directed by Avery Somers and written/produced by Donna Carbone, INTERSECTION asks the audience to imagine what would have happened the night Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus had the last living relative of Abraham Lincoln also been a passenger. February is the anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birthday.Carbone, who is a published author and playwright, serves as managing director at PBIEA. Under her leadership, productions have grown in size and number. During the shutdown caused by covid, she contacted friend and colleague Broadway star Avery Sommers and asked her to help achieve the goals she had set for the Institute.Carbone and Sommers had been friends for a few years. They had worked together on Carbone’s play, Shell of a Man, which Sommers directed. …

Review: ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ explores conflict, demons and the joy of live performance

Performing Arts

Published 12/8/20

In the early days of the pandemic, when theater came to a sudden halt and artists turned to digital alternatives, Miami New Drama artistic director Michel Hausmann began dreaming of a way to get actors and audiences together again for a safe, live dramatic experience.“Seven Deadly Sins” is the months-in-the-making fruition of that dream. Performed mainly in storefronts along the 1100 block of Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road, the production has twin objectives: to offer provocative new short plays from seven nationally notable playwrights, and to provide a safety-conscious evening unlike anything available in the virtual arts world.Miami New Drama has succeeded on both counts.“Seven Deadly Sins” is neither immersive nor interactive, strictly speaking. Call it experiential event theater.After undergoing a temperature check and picking up wristbands at the Colony Theatre box office, theatergoers head west across Lenox Avenue to a pop-up, open-air bar called Purgatory, at the center …

VIRTUAL SHORTS

Performing Arts

Published 5/20/20

City Theatre postponed the 25th Anniversary Season of its popular annual SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL scheduled to perform June 4-July 3, 2020 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. It’s now scheduled for June 3-July 3 2021.However, always nimble and eager for innovative opportunities, City Theatre has welcomed its inclusion as an arts partner of the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Arsht@Home programming where it’s begun experimenting with the creation of digital content. Plays from City Theatre’s SHORT CUTS school tour and more original offerings are currently on rotation on that site.Expanding on this, City Theatre Artistic Director Margaret M. Ledford said, In 24 seasons of producing hundreds of short plays and now musicals on stages throughout South Florida, City Theatre is excited to explore creative alternatives for ways to present aspects of our work, alongside some of the artists and theatre makers we have collaborated with who help make SUMMER SHORTS so much fun”. …

Online Original Monologue Festival

Performing Arts

Published 4/6/20

In an effort to help local theatre artists affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the Theatre Lab launched the Online Original Monologue Festival March 29th.The festival featured original monologues and stories, written by community members and performed by South Florida actors and artists, all to support local artists.“The idea is to engage the community through acts of art in an effort to support South Florida’s performing artists who need help right now,” said Matt Stabile, Theatre Lab producing artistic director.Experience hope with South Florida’s actors and artists here. To support the South Florida Theatre League's Benefit Fund, visit: www.southfloridatheatre.org.

ZOETIC STAGE’S ‘AMERICAN SON’ REPRESENTS S. FLORIDA THEATER AT ITS FINEST

Performing Arts

Published 1/15/20

Demos-Brown’s finest play to date was created in Miami and is set here, though its world premiere was in 2016 in Massachusetts, followed by a high-profile Broadway run in 2018 and a Netflix debut in 2019.But those who take in the new Zoetic Stage production of “American Son” at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts – and anyone who loves intensely engaging theater should seek it out – will understand that the wait for the play’s homecoming was worth it.The work on the stage at the Arsht’s Carnival Studio Theater represents South Florida theater at its finest.Demos-Brown, a lawyer/playwright whose excellent work has made him a key part of the region’s growing playwriting scene, and Zoetic Artistic Director Stuart Meltzer, who has staged four Demos-Brown world premieres, are superb creative collaborators.Actors Karen Stephens, Clive Cholerton, Ryan Didato (all of whom worked on developmental readings of the play) and Zoetic newcomer James Samuel Randolph …

SUMMER SHORTS SQUEEZES BIG IDEAS INTO LITTLE PLAYS AT THE ARSHT CENTER

Performing Arts

Published 5/29/19

A police trainee has to make a split-second decision about shooting a black man with a briefcase that may or may not hold a gun. A housewife has an existential crisis in her supermarket’s frozen food aisle. A woman from HR has her most challenging assignment to date: giving sexual harassment training to a trio of Vikings. As climate change is doing its worst, a regular guy is building an ark, per the Big Man Upstairs.“This year, we have a lot of things on our minds,” says Margaret M. Ledford, the company’s artistic director. “If nothing else, we should have the difficult conversations.”The festival, which previews Thursday-Friday, May 30-31, before its official opening at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in the Carnival Studio Theater at Miami’s Arsht Center, was the brainchild of Susan Westfall, Stephanie Norman and Elena Wohl. Then, they were three theater professionals with young children. Now, both their real kids and their artistic baby are all grown-up, and Westfall …