'tis the season: our top picks for the 2017-18 cultural season

South Florida has become a cultural beacon for arts lovers throughout the world. Each year, more and more visitors flock to the area to explore the works of talented performers and artists, as well as to experience diverse culinary fare. With the 2017-18 Cultural Season sweeping into South Florida, there’s even more to discover. Whether it’s the latest theatrical presentation, dazzling dance performance, exhilarating musical concert, fabulous festival, breathtaking art exhibit and more, this season promises to be a winner. With such a variety of events to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming planning the perfect cultural outing. We’ve highlighted some of our own most anticipated events of the season to help you decide what you might enjoy attending most. 

THEATER

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 

The King and I

November 7 – 12, 2017

Kravis Center, West Palm Beach

One of our favorites is back! Two worlds collide in the Lincoln Center Theater production of this awe-inspiring musical, directed by Bartlett Sher. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award® for Best Musical Revival, THE KING AND I has us swooning already!

www.kravis.org

If I Forget

February 3, 2018 – March 4, 2018

GableStage, Coral Gables

This powerful tale of a Jewish-American family and a culture at odds with itself is a definite must-see. Three siblings reunite to celebrate their father’s 75th birthday. As destructive secrets and long-held resentments bubble to the surface, they negotiate — with biting humor and razor-sharp insight — how much of the past they’re willing to sacrifice for a chance at a new beginning.

www.gablestage.org

Hand to God

February 22, 2018 – March 10, 2018

Waterfront Playhouse, Key West

Sesame Street meets The Exorcist in this outrageous comedy! Hand To God tells the story of an awkward Texas teen named Jason, who spends his afternoons at his local church, practicing for the Christian Puppet Ministry run by his widowed mother. Nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Play, Hand To God explores the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality, and the ties that bind.

www.waterfrontplayhouse.org

Million Dollar Quartet

May 9 – June 24, 2018

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre

This show is an absolute must. If you missed it last year, do yourself a favor, and reserve your tickets now! It’s the meeting of the Legends! Actors’ Playhouse proudly presents the return of the high voltage Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet (and the critically acclaimed cast!) for its 30th Anniversary Season. One of the longest running shows in the company’s history, Million Dollar Quartet was inspired by the famous photo and phenomenal true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time in their careers. Million Dollar Quartet brings the heart and soul of that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of excitement and passion featuring 21 timeless hits by these four legendary artists.

www.actorsplayhouse.org

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

December 26 – 30

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2017 season with its 10th Anniversary National Tour, created by South Florida Broadway Director and Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg. Over 20 of the world’s best acts, soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, and multi-million dollar stage production make this holiday show a must see. 

www.browardcenter.org

FESTIVALS

Camelot Days

Medieval Festival

November 11-12 & 18-19

T.Y. Park, Hollywood

Camelot Days Medieval Festival is bringing the days of yore back to TY Park! Relive the magic of the past and explore a kingdom full of musicians, artisans, eateries, knights and jesters. Cheer for your favorite side at the living chess game and joust! Feast like a King on hearty food and drink. Shop for fine handcrafted treasures in the Artists’ Market. Enjoy challenging games and entertaining shows for all ages! 

www.camelotdays.com

Art Week Miami

December 4-10, 2017

Once again, Miami and Miami Beach will be the epicenter of the art world as they host Art Basel and approximately 1200 art galleries from all over the world, representing thousands of artists. Experience paintings, sculptures, installations, film, photographs and more, in the epic and ever-growing event that has thrust South Florida in the international spotlight.

30th Annual Las Olas Art Fair 

Part 1 

January 6-7, 2018

Part 2

March 3-4, 2018

600 East Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale

Start the year off in style and join the show that put Howard Alan Events on the map! Now considered a South Florida tradition in its 30th Anniversary on Las Olas Boulevard, the Howard Alan Events art festival is nationally recognized as one of the top events in America. Over the years, this Las Olas Boulevard festival has become a premier & must see event in South Florida. People come out yearly to experience more than 1200 artists displaying their work in an outdoor art gallery lining the iconic Las Olas Boulevard. Meet the creators of the art on display; commission a specific piece; ask questions about techniques; learn the sources of their inspirations; and purchase fine works of art at affordable prices! Life-size sculptures, spectacular paintings, one-of-a-kind jewels, photography, ceramics, and much more make for one fabulous weekend! 

www.artfestival.com

Original Miami Beach Antique Show

February 9-12, 2018

Miami Fair Expo Center 

Love Antiques? This event definitely isn’t old news! As America’s largest indoor antique show, The Original Miami Antique Show presents more than 600 recognized dealers from 28 countries for four days only. In addition more than 18,000 attendees with a serious interest in antiques and jewelry will grace the venue. At the show, attendees can explore collections from Renaissance to Art Deco eras including fine art, American and European silver, antique jewelry, 17th-19th century furniture, porcelain and more.

www.originalmiamibeachantiqueshow.com

Chili Cook-Off

March 11, 2018

Pinecrest Gardens

While the South Beach Wine Festival is a renowned and outstanding event, this is a more accessible, yet just as delicious, alternative featuring awesome food! It's a country hoedown Pinecrest-style at this Annual Chili Cook-Off, featuring live country music bands, line-dancing, mechanical bull riding, Heat Dancers, a delicious selection of food, chili sampling and so much more! Enter an old fashioned hands-tied-behind- your-back, pie-eating contest. Don’t miss this lip-smackin’, thigh-slappin’, cookin’-up-a-batch-of-fun event for the whole family. Though this event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, and the primary competition is for professional chili cooks, there will also be an amateur cook-off, as well as a local Firehouse Challenge. So if you happen to be a homegrown chili master with a family recipe, dust off that apron and grab your cast iron pot, it’s not too later to enter! 

www.pinecrestgardens.org

MUSIC

Nestor Torres

November 18, 2017

Pinecrest Gardens, Pinecrest

Experience an evening of great music with Latin Grammy Award Winner and Grammy Award Nominee Nestor Torres! Torres is definitely a maestro, infusing each solo performance with a perfect technique, passion, and unique flair.

www.pinecrestgardens.org

DANCE

The Nutcracker

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a perennial favorite for the holidays, and this season is no exception. There are many incarnations of a little girl’s dreamlike journey to the magical Land of Sweets with the Sugarplum Fairy being presented this year, and we’ve selected a few that really hit that sweet spot!

Miami City Ballet

December 15 – 14, 2017

Adrienne Arsht Center for the

Performing Arts 

December 28-30, 2017

Kravis Center

The holiday tradition you love is even more magical this year, featuring all new enchanting sets and costumes by artistic power couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Balanchine’s iconic choreography and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score -- performed by the Opus One Orchestra at every show.

www.miamicityballet.org

Ballet Etudes

December 16-17, 2017

Miramar Cultural Center / Arts Park

The enchanting holiday ballet that has enthralled audiences of all ages for over a century returns! With international guest stars and a cast of 100+ dancers, this magical production features lavish sets and scenery, colorful costuming, exquisite lighting, and superb choreography.

www.balletetudesfla.com

ArtsBallet Theatre of Florida

December 8-10, 2017 

Aventural Arts & Cultural Center

This sumptuous version maintains the traditional Russian ballet while implementing its own unique choreographic style, and featuring principal dancer, Venezuelan Mary Carmen Catoya!

www.artsballettheatre.org

BalletBoyz

February 10, 2018

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center

Direct from England, BalletBoyz, an all-male dance company, is hailed as one of the most cheekily original and innovative forces in modern dance, that’s humorous, witty, and touching. Sponsored by Culture Shock Miami! 

www.smdcac.org

Flamenco Festival Miami

March 4 -11, 2018

Adrienne Arsht Center

This festival features three all-star shows: Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Ballet Nacional de Espana, and Andalusian Voices. Experience some of the leading voices and dancers in Spain today, in a virtuosic display ranging from the gypsy roots of flamenco to modern innovations. 

www.arshtcenter.org

OPERA

Lucia di Lammermoor

November 11-18, 2017

Adrienne Arsht Center

November 30, 2017 -

December 2, 2017

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Experience this haunting, atmospheric opera, complete with crumbling castles and ghostly apparitions, plus a breathtaking mad scene that will have you pinned to your seat. Anna Christy, acclaimed star at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, brings her brilliant interpretation to South Florida audiences.

www.fgo.org

These highlights are only the tip of the iceberg. With so many fantastic shows to see this season, we encourage everyone to take advantage of South Florida’s rich cultural landscape, explore as many different shows as possible, and discover new favorites to treasure. For all the latest events of the season, visit cultureowl.com and download the app to make sure you

#ExperienceCultureYourWay!