FLORIDA MEDIA NEWS©

Culturally Speaking

SMASH IS THE ONE BIG TV SHOW

THAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT

By Ron Levitt

Florida Media News / ENV Magazine

Here are a few of the items that South Floridians are talking about.

MIAMI -- The overnight success of  NBC’s  Smash, which is probably one of fhe most hyped TV show in years, and theatrically  the biggest draw since Glee. It is not for everyone but – if you are a Broadway musical fanatic, you’ll be tuned in at 10 p.m,  Mondays weekly to see the show created and mentored by Steven  Spielberg.  Smash – about the creation of a Broadway-bound musical, meets 100 percent of its great expectations.  The arrival of Smash had been much anticipated.  Emails touting the show have been burning up the Internet for days. And,   It’s one of the best things to happen to the small screen in years. It has a built-in “I love theatre”  audience that will keep it on the top of the charts at least for awhile.. And, don’t be surprised if a song from the opening show – Let Me  Be Your Star – hits the top of the music charts. It is already on the most wanted list on I-Tunes. Ultimately, whether this show clicks or not will be up to a few NY critics, the audience, the unscrupulous ratings system, and you – the viewers. Let’s hope it lasts!

Ths scoop on the financial situation at the Caldwell Theatre in Boca Raton…..

It was talked about for months but the story finally broke by theatre guru Bill Hirschman on his web page  FLORIDA THEATER ON STAGE (www.floridatheateronstage.com)  that Caldwell Theatre is considering  “Bankruptcy Reorganization,”  even though it would not affect the current season. According to Hirschman’s report,  “The board of directors at the Caldwell Theatre Company are considering seeking federal bankruptcy protection as one solution to persisting financial problems at South Florida’s longest running regional theater.”  Artistic Director Clive Cholerton reiterated that the possible action would not affect the 2012 season,    The Boca Raton-based professional company, now in its 37th season, is weighing three versions of restructuring its debt which tops $1 million, according to the report. The board is likely to decide which course to take sometime next week.   One option being considered is to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection “which would forestall but not necessarily eliminate debts owed to some creditors. Two other scenarios involve informal deals with creditors to approve structured payment plans.”   Rumors have swirled for more than a year that the company was in financial trouble, predating Cholerton becoming artistic director in May 2009. But the economy and the Boca crowd heading north to two popular, financially=sound and artistically important venues – Palm Beach Dramaworks and Maltz Jupiter theatre  --  plus the recent failure of neighboring Florida Stage all had an effect on Caldwell, supporters say. The expensive maintenance  and mortgage costs of the new Caldwell venue   plus a drop in ticket sales has been rumored to be part of the problem. The board hopes that a  restructuring plan can save the day. Caldwell Theatre Company was founded in December 1975 by Artistic Director Michael Hall and the late Frank Bennett, a scenic designer, with some initial funding by Rubbermaid Corp. founder James R. Caldwell  (thus the name!!).

U.S. screenings of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom sequel

Notwithstanding the $!8 surchage ($17 for seniors), tickets  are reportedly going at a brisk pace for the  screenings of Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, which will be broadcast in select U.S. cinemas at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7 only. Tickets can be purchased at FathomEvents.com, which details a full list of participating theatres. Following a 2010 London premiere, which was not critically embraced, Lloyd Webber enlisted director Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) and a new Australian creative team to stage a fresh production of the lavish musical, which traces the relationship of the Phantom and soprano Christine from Paris to – of all places -- Coney Island.  The new incarnation of Love Never Dies premiered in spring 2011 in Melbourne to positive notices. The staging was filmed last year,and got rave reviews in its only showing thus far – in Australia.   Ben Lewis, who appeared in the original Australian casts of Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Spamalot, stars as the Phantom, opposite Anna O'Byrne as soprano Christine Daaé. O'Byrne previously played the role in an Australian tour of  Phantom which is now celebrating its  record 25^th year on the board world-wide.

Margo Moreland in Sweet Charity

Just about everyone who loves musical theatre in South Florida is chomping at the bit to see the wonderful Margot Moreland in Sweet Charity. the Tony Award-winning musical which will be presented by the Boca Raton Theatre Guild at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park  in Boca Raton from March 2.-18, 2012. The show is already in rehearsal, with an overflow cast of 18. Including  popular actor Jeffrey Bruce. Sweet Charity is a bitttersweet musical comedy  based on Neil Simon’s sparklingly clever script, loosely adapted from Fellini’s “Nights in Cabiria. Director Keith Garsson – who  got everyone’s attention with brilliant productions  of Cabaret and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife says “Sweet Charity is one of the best musicals ever written”. The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park, is located at 300 South Military Trail in Boca , just south of Palmetto Park Road. Tickets can be purchased at the Box office: 561-347-3948.

MISCELLANEOUS MEMOS

Mosaic Theatre has done it once again – got the rights to produce a major Broadway drama.  This time it is the Florida premiere of  Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfman. It will run from  March 8 to April 1.  This play  was a big hit in London and NYC,  where its cast included   Tony Award winners Glenn Close, Richard Dreyfuss and Gene Hackman . it received rave reviews.  It  is a political thriller, set  in an unnamed country that is, like the author's native Chile, emerging from a totalitarian dictatorship…..Meanwhile, all is moving along well for a  super hit  coming to Coral Gables.  GableStage  --  which always provides great theatre --  also has a Broadway hit on its schedule --A Steady Rain   by Keith Huff. Set for March 3 - April 1, this hard-hitting Broadway smash chronicles love and rage on the streets of Chicago.  It’s web page promotion, explains the plot this way: “a  domestic disturbance call sends two cops, friends since childhood, on a harrowing journey that will test their loyalties and change their lives forever. As their lifelong friendship is put to the test, both men must deal with honor and loyalty in the face of adversity.”  Director Joe Adler has two of South Florida’s busiest and best actors now in rehearsal – Todd Allen Durkin and Gregg  Weiner……Many critics will have a field day comparing two shows which recently played in South Florida, preparing (with new casts) a couple of topnotch productions about  2 hours  geographically apart.,  Maltz Jupiter readies its production of Red (which had a successful run at GableStage  last season starring Carbonell nominees Gregg Wiener and Ryan Didato). It  will run  Feb 12-26.  And, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat  (which played at Maltz in 2011) gets its newest version at Actors’ Playhouse , March 7-April 8.  It’s a good thing that Coral Gables and Jupiter are a few hours’ drive apart so they will appeal to different audiences, but  theatres in these areas  must risk comparison from the critics and , especially Carbonell awards’ voters   who will probably see  all productions

( Ron Levitt, an entertainment/travel / political writer, served as Assistant Secretary of State, overseeing cultural affairs. The former United Press Correspondent is president of the South Florida International Press Club,  a Carbonell voter,  advisor to the South Florida Theatre League and WLRN Public Radio & Television, as well as a syndicated theatre columnist. To reach this column, contact ron@floridamedianews.com).

CULTURALLY SPEAKING

NEW  COMPANIES, NEW VENUES

ADD UP TO MORE THEATRE IN 2012

By Ron Levitt

Florida Media News / ENV M agazine

South Florida is apparently ready – or getting prepared – for a surge in new theatre companies, as well as a massive display of new venues with big seating capacity as it  gets ready to usher in 2012.

New companies are being touted, it seems, from all directions. 

Among those following the successful debut of Zoetic Stage in Miami-Dade are a string of companies either on the threshold of saying ‘curtain up’ or hoping that their early start with readings in 2011 will mean full-blown productions in the coming months.  Among these new theatre companies -- notably in Broward and Palm Beach counties -- are Outré Theatre Company  (producer Skye Whitcomb); the 2011 debut of the impressive Infinite Abyss Productions (producer Erynn Dalton);  Slow Burn (artistic directors Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko), which received a Silver Palm as the area’s top “emerging” theatre group;  the  Boca Raton Theatre League ( producer Keith Garsson) which unveiled a terrific production  of The Tale of the Allergists  Wife at The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park and will soon go into rehearsal with Margo Moreland in Sweet Charity.

 And, just about everyone is awaiting the initial work of  Boca Raton’s  Parade Productons (Producer Candace Caplin; Artistic Director Kim St. Leon).  Donald Margulies' 'Brooklyn Boy', will star Avi Hoffman, with Ryan Didato  and will run from January 26 to February 12 in the Studio at Mizner Park.

Insert to this overwhelming season agenda  the well-placed news that Florida Stage’s talented guiding light Lou Tyrrell has found a new home with seven-month old Arts Garage in Delray Beach (a mid March season opening)

 Add to the above West Boca Theatre Company (Myrna Lowman, producer), and a battalion-ful  of long-existing, professional groups or emerging troupes including ( take a breath!!!)  Actors Community Theatre of Davie, Actors Playhouse at The Miracle Theatre,  The Adrienne Arsht Center, The Alliance Theatre Lab, Andrews Living Arts Studio, ArtSouth. Broadway Musical Theatre, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Parker-Lauderdale, Broward Stage Door Theatre, Caldwell Theatre, City Theatre, Coral Springs Institute for the Performing Arts,  Curtain Call Playhouse, Inc., Delray Beach Playhouse, Edge Theatre,Entr'acte Theatrix, Fantasy Theatre Factory, In, Florida Atlantic University, The Florida Theatrical Association, Fourth Dimension of South Beach,  Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center,Ft. Lauderdale Children's Theatre, GableStage, Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, The Jesus Quintero Studio,  Jewish Cultural Arts Theatre - J-CAT,  Lake Worth Playhouse, Mad Cat Theatre Company,  Main Street Players,Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Miami Children's Theater,  Miami Stage Company, Mosaic Theatre, The Naked Stage, New Theatre,  New World School of the Arts-Theater, Nova Southeastern University players,  Olympia Theater at the Gusman,   Palette, Mask & Lyre Studio Theatre, Inc, Palm Beach Dramaworks,, PAN, Performing Arts Network, Pembroke Pines Theatre Of the Performing Arts, The PlayGround Theatre, The Promethean Theatre,  Red Barn Theatre,   Ring Theatre, University of Miami,Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre, Sol Children Theatre Troupe, Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts, Theatre Institute of South Florida, Thinking Cap Theatre,  The Waterfront Playhouse,  The Women's Theatre Project, and World and Eye Arts Center.

Of course, some of these are community theatre or collegiate companies but the list -- all members of the South Florida Theatre League  (which  includes professional venues) --shows just how much of a choice the public has in selecting live theatre. And, that does not include city-owned  orIndian tribe-developing venues which are either booking their own talent or relying on one of the bigger theatre venues to manage their offerings.

If that isn’t enough, there’s a re-naming, re-settling in the process. Rising Action Theatre, one of South Florida’s few companies devoted primarily to gay-themed plays, is closing mid-season; but will soon announce a new staff, new venue and new name,   Some staffers will continue with the replacement group – to be renamed Island City Stage. It will be under the guidance of veteran theatre guru  Andy Rogow,  who will be the artistic director.  The company will re-locate in the Wilton Manors area – and promises to focus on plays with LGBT issues

Coupled with the number of new or emerging companies,  a large number of tax-payer owned venues are springing up.  This should give some hope for the new companies which are seeking space for their shows.  Local governments, by the way, are building or have built technically excellent sites, despite the economic slowdown, fewer patrons and tri-county competition. Miramar, Aventura,  Miami-Dade , Hollywood and the Boca area  (the Miziner  Park amphitheatre and a Sugarland Park site)have all opened  class-A theatre venues in the past 24 months. And, now Lauderhill is building  a 1200 seat theatre. Meanwhile, the small city of Pembroke Pines in Broward has announced preliminary plans for a mammoth- seat venue. There is even talk That the affullent suburb of Weston also would like to get into the act with a major theatrical location.  A large number of theatre donors, several producers and many actors  live there.

All of these local cities view a major theatre site as a means to attract new business, an expanded tax base plus the obvious – most people want to go to a theatre locally convenient.  They all have learned the once-silent reality:  the arts produce business!

THEATRE FAMILY NOTES:   Young and talented Nicholas Richberg – who did the mandatory “I tried New York” route, is back in town for good. He and his wife  Lisa  (Katie Amadeo’s sister) is back in the Miami area permanently.  Both have large families in South Florida and they wanted to get closer to “home.”   Nicholas –a topnotch actor –  showed his versatility and  talent in  two recent productions locally:  Stuff  at Caldwell (co-starring with and authored by  the prolific Michael McKeever) and Captiva, a new work by the brilliant, award-winning  playwright Christopher Demos-Brown (at the Arsht) ….  And let’s give a hearty welcome to Antonio and Kathryn Amadeo’s second child, Max, who recently entered the world. With such a talent pedigree, don’t be surprised if Max joins his parents, sister Lara and uncle on stage one of these days.  …. Also a new father is  Matthew William Chizever, who has Facebook bragging rights as he shows  off his baby son.  Mom is Erica Bunn.

MISCELLANEOUS MEMOS:   Carbonell judges -- ten of them in 2011 – will be meeting in a few weeks to select five nominees in various categories and the ultimate winners of the coveted awards.  Look for tough competition in several categories including, best actor, best actress.  Insiders say there are no shoo-ins, although several remind us that Silver Palms (which have no categories)  went to both Tim Bennett (Stuff-Caldwell) and Sean McClelland  (August: Osage County – Actors’ Playhouse  for excellence in set design. That should be among the most competitive!  ……  The Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s ninth annual gala, “We’ve Got Elegance,”  --  inspired by the theatre’s upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Hello, Dolly!” --  is set for. Jan. 14 at The Breakers Palm Beach.  The gala includes dinner, live auction and dancing to the Powerhouse Band. and is Maltz’s  main fundraiser  Last year it raised nearly a half-million dollars.   Cost is $425 per person ($225 taxdeductible) or table of 10 for $4,250 ($2,250 )  (As I write this, I can visualize the drooling of producers at most South Florida theatre It could only happen in Palm Beach county!) …..Catch the new web site of the Silver Palm Awards. It’s a creation put together by the talent of Matt May (Verve Central Productions ) – the same guy who did such an excellent job in creating the Carbonell’s  web page – given an assist with photography by  Michael Mc Keever and editing by Silver  Palm exec / playwright/ arts supporter Tony Finstrom.

( Ron Levitt, an entertainment/travel / political writer, served as Assistant Secretary of State, overseeing cultural affairs. The former United Press Correspondent is president of the South Florida International Press Club,  a Carbonell voter,  advisor to the South Florida Theatre League and WLRN Public Radio & Television, as well as a syndicated theatre columnist. To reach this column, contact ron@floridamedianews.com)

THE AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER

ANNOUNCES EXCITING 2011-2012 SEASON

Three new series, Broadway shows and musicals take the stage

AVENTURA – For its second season, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has announced an expanded season that includes three fresh, new series; world-class dance performances; educational children’s shows and much more.  The 2011-12 season promises to bring exciting arts and culture to Aventura. 

By popular demand, the acclaimed Melodies and Memories Series presented by Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts returns for a second year with an all new line up adding sophisticated elegance to the season.  The series contains How Lucky Can We Get? The Songs of Kander and Ebb (Dec. 14-18); The Song Is You: The Songs of Jerome Kern (Jan. 18-22); At Last: The Songs of Harry Warren (Feb. 8-12) and Thanks for the Memories: the Music of the Paramount Pictures Era (Mar. 7-11). 

Also back for a second year, the Aventura Foreign Film Series showcases the finest in international cinema and is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the films and leads post-screening discussions.   The series features Kawasaki's Rose (Jan. 31); The Piano in a Factory (Feb. 28); Revanche (Mar. 27); and My Afternoons with Margueritte (May 1).

In its inaugural year, the Aventura Comedy Series, presented by Low Brow Entertainment, presents today’s top comics Michele Balan (Dec. 3), Corey Kahaney (Jan. 7) and Sarge (Feb. 18). Additional laughs ensue with an evening of hilarious sketch comedy and improvisation with The Second City in the Laugh Out Loud Tour (Feb. 2).  The timeless comedy of George Burns is back in the Broadway hit Say Goodnight Gracie (Mar. 14 – Apr. 1). Universal humor can be found at Joni Sheram’s play Cups, a retrospective comedy that traces the milestones in a woman’s life through the bras she has worn (Oct. 12-22), and with Saturday Night Live alumna and Broadway star Ana Gasteyer in a delightful night of music and laughter (Nov. 4) . 

Dancing takes center stage with a series presented by Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida featuring Vladimir Issaev's presentations of Harlequinade (Oct. 9), The Nutcracker (Dec. 9-11), Fairy Doll (Mar. 3-4) and Spring Gala (May 6).  A colorful cross-section of traditional Latin American music and dance, Hispanico Ballet Flamenco demonstrates how musical traditions and dances have been influenced by history, politics and cultural psychology. (Dec. 15).  Additionally, the New World School of the Arts’ Dance Department will perform a free public performance as part of its 25th anniversary “Give Back to the Community” campaign (Nov. 2).

The Miami International Piano Festival returns to Aventura with memorable concerts by world-renowned musicians of all ages and nationalities.  This year’s featured pianists include George Li (Nov. 27), Francesco Libetta (Jan. 8), Stephen Beus (Feb. 19) and Kemal Gekic and Misha Dacic (Apr. 29).

From classical music to Top 40 hits, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center offers musical concerts for all with a tribute to disco in Stayin’ Alive: Reflections of the Bee Gees (Nov. 5), The Bronx Wanderers homage to Doo-Wop (Feb. 3), Jim Witter’s tribute to the Beatles: The Long and Winding Road (Mar. 1), Orchestra Miami’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration (Oct. 4) and South Florida Symphony’s Master Concert Series I (Dec. 6).

Classic entertainment gets a new life in An Evening with Lucie Arnaz (Nov. 12); Connie James - Raising The Bar: Love Songs From The Great American Songbook (Nov. 19); Freddie Roman's Monticello Memories with comedy, song and dance from the heyday of the New York mountain resorts (Jan. 25-29); 21st Century Rat Pack celebrating Las Vegas superstars (Oct. 29); West Coast Performing Arts presentation of Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back starring Michael Matone (Mar. 18); and Simply Streisand: Back to Broadway (Apr. 14). 

Families and young audiences have a variety of programming to enjoy together.  Smart Stage Matinees offer affordably-priced professional school-day performances covering themes which reinforce classroom learning and the Broward Center's 2011-12 Family Fun Series presented by Coventry Health Care of Florida pairs performances based on classic children’s literature with pre-show and post-show activities.

Information on these and other shows in the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center 2011-12 season is at AventuraCenter.org.

Subscription packages, group discounts and single tickets are available by calling (954) 462-0222 or select a seat online at www.aventuracenter.org.  All dates, times, programs and artists are subject to change.

Vi at Aventura is a proud sponsor of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.

CULTURALLY SPEAKING

Attention:
FLORIDA STAGE "ELLA" Ticket HOLDERS CAN EXCHANGE TICKETS FOR A KRAVIS PRODUCTION

KRAVIS OPENS ITS POCKETS:   Due to the closure of Florida Stage, the Kravis Center has agreed to offer a complimentary ticket for each ticket purchased through the Kravis? box office to the cancelled production of Ella. According to a posting on the  Internet, the tickets can be used at any ?Kravis Center presents? performance during the 2011-12 season, based on availability.   Kravis CEO Judith Mitchell said  ?The Kravis Center is pleased to extend this goodwill gesture to supporters of the arts who purchased Florida Stage tickets to Ella through our box office.?   For more information about refunds for Ella, check out the  Florida Stage website at http://www.floridastage.org/closingFAQ. This report should bring a wave of cheers by some local charities which had booked group tickets to Ella prior to its Chapter 7 bankruptcy announcement.

NOW EYES ARE ON SARASOTA:   Here we go again!!   Following on the heels of the financial collapse of Florida Stage, just head across the peninsula and go north.  Sarasota's commercial Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, which has been in operation since 1971, may be among the latest professional theatres in Florida to close its doors due to financial woes.   Theatre owners and artistic directors Robert Ennis Turoff and Roberta MacDonald Turoff sold the Golden Apple's downtown home for $1.7 million in February due to a decline in audience attendance and mounting debt, according to news media. The Turoffs cited the economic downturn, parking shortages and numerous construction projects in downtown Sarasota for deterring theatre audiences recently.  The sale of the Golden Apple's home to Toronto-based real-estate developers provided an initial cash infusion to pay off the theatre's debts, but the Turoffs are still left with a $250,000 mortgage on the building, which they had to take out in order to complete the sale. There are also remaining debts totaling $70,000. Doesn?t sound encouraging, does it?

NICE TRY!! ?There?s a thin line  and huge gray area between community, semi-professional and  the proficient theatre we get at most South Florida venues, but one must give credit to those who try to emulate the big time  productions.  Semi-professional productions certainly are  training  grounds for the future and a wonderful opportunity  for family and friends to see the results of those hours of acting, singing and dancing classes . Such is the case with the Entre?acte Theatrix production (and its mentor, Palm Beach Principal Players ) being  performed in rental space at the Caldwell in Boca Raton ? How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.  This ensemble gives it a good try  despite uneven casting and a much ?too-simple set, which included (on opening night)  a stuck elevator door  allowing the actors to haphazardly  improvise exits and entrances.  But such attempts at show biz excellence comes in severely short when one (unfairly)  compares the current Broadway revival hit with John Larroquette  and Daniel Radcliffe or earlier productions with Robert Morse or Matthew Broderick. The acting of many of those on the Theatrix bill simply needed additional knowhow or stage experience and,  unfortunately, the simple scenic design and gaffs on stage (even a telephone got ripped apart)  are  too static to watch for nearly three hours.  On the plus side, credit must go to the star Shane Blanford who ? in special moments ? fulfills his role as J. Pierrepont Finch, especially in numbers like ?I Believe In You.? and  the closing number ?Brotherhod  of Men.? Blanford  seemed to come into his own in Act II and literally saves this show.  He and his co-stars ? Leah Sessions and John Costanzo ? plus the choreography by Chorus Line alum /Director  Kimberly Dawn Smith ? are the redeeming values of this production. It is difficult to put on an expensive production such as this one with a limited budget.  It Is the kind of show which needs a huge ensemble cast and many  changes of scenery.   In this case, the producers may have aimed too high!   Family and pals, though,  can see this show through June 26.

AT THE CALDWELL: Caldwell Theatre  is not cooling down much this summer. It has scheduled two plays during the  hot months. First, there is a comedy called Stuff,  written by South Florida?s  favorite playwright  Michael McKeever. So, you know it is going to be humorous.  It  is the  story of two real  brothers  --the Collyers --  who become New York?s  notorious hermits It seems the  twisted brothers had cut themselves off from the outside world. Homer, born in 1881  and Langley Collyer,  four years younger, became famous because of their upper crust snobbery, filthy home, and compulsive hoarding. For decades rumors swirled around the rarely seen, unemployed men and their home at 2078 Fifth Avenue (at the corner of 128th Street), in Manhattan. It is there that they obsessively collected newspapers, books, furniture, musical instruments, and many other items. There were booby traps set up in corridors and doorways to protect against intruders. Both were eventually found dead in the Harlem brownstone on March 21, 1947 where they had lived surrounded by tons 30 tons of waste that they had amassed over several decades.  McKeever?s play ? a world premiere ? is set for July 6-31. It will be followed  August 10^th  to -September 4 by  a drama ? Six Years ? by Sharrr White, a play hailed as one of the most compelling dramas  to come out of the Humana Festival of New American Plays.  It follows a family every six years from the end of World War II through the Viet Nam war era.

 MISCELLLANEOUS MEMOS:  Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre closes the 2010-2011 season with the world premiere of See Jane Run!, July 13 through August 14. This new musical is the creation of Maribeth Graham and Dana P. Rowe. A multiple nominee and three-time recipient of the Carbonell Award, Graham has appeared Off-Broadway and  many times at Actors' Playhouse. Rowe, whose musical works include Zombie Prom, The Fix, and The Witches of Eastwick, has received Olivier Award nominations.   See Jane Run! takes a look at the 21st century woman. Its pre-opening publicity says that ?from secret desires to manic disorders, nothing is sacred in this truly funny and moving glimpse of the female sex.? Actors' Playhouse Artistic Director David Arisco worked closely with the playwrights during  the past year developing this new work through a series of public and private readings. Graham set to perform in See Jane Run! and Rowe  is acting as Musical Director. Actresses Irene Adjan and Jeni Hacker will join Graham onstage while familiar names surround this production --  Set Designer Gene Seyffer, Costume Designer Ellis Tillman, Lighting Designer Patrick Tennent and Sound Designer Alexander Herrin.  ?..   Actors? Playhouse also  has announced its 2011-2012 season, which will include the South Florida regional premiere of Broadway's musical-comedy Hairspray, featuring Actors' Playhouse Artistic Director David Arisco as Edna Turnblad (October 12 - November 13, 2011). One would have to wear blinders not to visualize at the thought of Arisco in this role.  Hairspray will be followed by  a holiday treat - Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol (December 7 - January 1, 2011), the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical Next to Normal (January 18 - February 12, 2012);  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (March 7 - April 8, 2012), and  a new comedy Becky's New Car (May 9 - June 3, 2012), as well as one more show to be announced later ?..  There is one young, talented actor who has a pack of fans in South Florida and will  welcome his return here from NYC when he will appear at GableStage  in Masked July 9th thru August 7^th.  Not only that, but it is a play which will probably enflame some South Floridians.  Masked  will star South Florida?s savvy, popular  actor Nick Duckhart, who will team with Carlos Orizondo and Abdiel Gabriel  in the Southeastern premiere of the play by Ilan Hatsor which was ranslated from Hebrew by Michael Taub and  is being directed by Joseph Adler. It?s an explosive play by an Israeli about three Palestinian brothers locked in a life-and-death struggle over issues of deception and betrayal.  Set in a village on the West Bank in 1990, with the Israeli-Arab struggle as its backdrop, the play depicts the tragedy of one family ?torn between duty, kinship, principles and survival. ? It should be a knockout hit!!!  ?..   It may have been in South Florida earlier several times, but tickets for Mama Mia ?opening July 19 at the Broward Center are selling like hotcakes. The popular musical runs through  July 24, a limited run  ?.. Rising Action Theatre, under the guidance of David Goldyn since its founding, will have new management shortly.

(Ron Levitt, a freelance writer, is a former United Press Staff Correspondent and served as Florida?s Assistant Secretary of State. He is president of the South Florida International Press Club, a theatre critic, a Carbonell judge and serves on the Board of WLRN Public radio/TV in Miami. He is founder-emeritus of a public relations firm.   He can be reached at ron@floridamedianews.com)

CULTURALLY SPEAKING

FLORIDA STAGE BANKRUPTCY AFFECTS EVERYONE
AS THE CULTURAL COMMUNITY MOURNS A LOSS

It’s  news that has now spread throughout the South Florida cultural community:  Florida Stage –a 24 year-old theatrical institution --  has filed for bankruptcy.

It is news for the general public, of course. We understand that.  It is also news which affects the many staff members who now will get their pink slips. And, it affects an audience which loved being able to see new works long before they were on Broadway or making the regional US circuit. And, what about those who know how hard Florida Stage  founders and their  staff labored to become one of South Florida’s most beloved theatrical venues and a nationally-respected institution?

But, this loss goes well beyond the walls of Florida Stage or Palm Beach.  Anyone connected to  theatre around these parts of the Florida peninsula  feels this failure.   Carpenters, actors, technical workers, playwrights,  designers,  students, anyone who loves live theatre    – even hard-nosed critics – respected the efforts made by Lou Tyrell, Nan Barnett and their Florida Stage co-workers. Thanks  to both of them for creating a beacon which provided so many new playwrights the opportunity to let their voices be heard.

Throughout  the tri-county area, those connected in even the most simple way with theatre, consider themselves part of a larger group. There is a closeness among theatre folk locally that goes well beyond stage lighting, sound, scenic design, writing, directing and performing.   

In its most simplistic terms, those connected to theatre, are “family.” And, what happened this week to Florida Stage, is a loss to that family.

We can only hope for better news in the days ahead.

MISCELLANEOUS MEMOS:

Mosaic’s Artistic Director Richard Jay Simon has once again scored something of a coup  in getting the rights to produce Lombardi, the recently closed Broadway hit play about the coach of the Green Bay Packers.  Lombardi will be produced here as one of five plays (two still in negotiation) for Mosaic’s 2011-12 season. The  others include   Jeffrey Hatcher’s Ten Chimneys,  a play about the writer’s version of the relationship of husband/wife acting legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine and another Broadway super-star Uta Hagen. Then, there is The Edge of our Bodies, a popular play getting an early run at a regional theatre.  The other two plays  will be announced later but theatre insiders locally now are wondering who Simon will cast in  Lombardi as well as the Lunt/Fontaine/Hagen parts   (all the kind of roles which get prize-winning attention).  Call Mosaic 954-577-8243 for subscription  tickets to  what looks like a sellout season!  …..  Booksellers locally report a surge in sales of the fictional story Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris, a mystery, and a non-fiction  portrait of pre-war Berlin – The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.  Both books are also big sellers on Kindle.. Always nice to know people are reading  …..  Still time to see several outstanding productions on stage in South Florida:  The Beauty Queen of Leenane with  Barbara Bradshaw and Kati Brazda, at Palm Beach Dramaworks until June 19^th  ; also In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play – with an all star cast including Jim Ballard, Julie Kleiner, Irene Adjan, Sally Bondi,  Stephen G. Anthony, Renata Eastlick and Ricky Waugh  at GableStage (through June 12); Ages of the  Moon with Dennis Creaghan and Gordon McConnell at Mosaic through June 26, as well as the perennial favorite Summer Shorts at both Arsht  (through June 26 and at the Broward Center (through July 3. Suggest you call either the Arsht (305-949-6722 )  or Broward Center  ( 954- 462-0222 ) for tickets now  ….. In addition to the regular Shorts program of seven plays, there is a special late night show with Queer Eye and Rent headliner  Jai  Rodriguez called  Dirty Little Secrets  -- a completely separate program. It runs late night  June 10-17-19,24  at Arsht and July 2 at the Broward Center  ….. Sam Shepard’s play  Fool For Love  starring Jehane Serrales and Arturo Fernandez has a June  9-26 run at The Alliance Theatre Lab at its Main Stage location in Miami Lakes.  Lab founder and artistic chief Adalberto J. Acevedo directs. For tickets call 305-786-587-0372.    …..  It’s too late to see Three Days of Rain at Promethean but theatre aficianados  are still yacking about the excellent performances in the Richard Greenberg play –--  a time travelling journey, beginning in Manhattan  in  1995, and then doing a flashback in the same apartment in 1960.   Terry Hardcastle,  Deborah  L.  Sherman  and Matthew William Chizever gave socko performances .   The next Promethean show will be in August, a summer musical similar to last year’s smash, Cannibal.   No name yet.  It is still in negotiation…..  Not to be missed is the performance of Angie Radosh in Tennessee Williams’ classic masterpiece, A Streetcar Named Desire at New Theatre in Coral Gables—and you now have the chance to see her amazing rendition of Blanche.  New Theatre  has extended its excellent  production  through June 19  -- and we quote  --“due to sold out houses and audience demand!”  For tickets, call (305) 443-5909  ….. it was a fun reading of a new play the other night at GableStage – actually a fund-raiser for the new Zoetic Stage  company – and  it had a dream cast presenting Better Than Damn Good, a funny new play by Stuart Meltzer. Who knew that Meltzer – a highly regarded teacher, administrator and director, also was a humorous playwright?  Looking forward to Zoetic’s upcoming season with plays (we think) by two other founders, playwrights   Christopher Demos-Brown and Michael McKeever.  Doing the reading before an appreciative crowd (together with several critics and Carbonell judges, including   myself)  were this star-studded team,  Amy London, Stephanie White,  Erin Joy Schmidt, Elena Maris Garcia, David Kwiat, Angie Radosh, as well as the  Zoetic trio of Meltzer, Demos-Brown and McKeever.  Directing this impressive cast: Margery Lowe, one of South Florida’s most in-demand/talented  actresses. In the audience were a number of actors who are part of the South Florida acting family and who were besieged by fans --   particularly Avi  Hoffman and Barbara Bradshaw. ….. Up next at Actors’ Playhouse in Coral Gables is a musical (and world premiere, by the way) of a piece by singer-writer Maribeth Graham  and composer Dana P. Rowe.   The title is See Jane Run and its on tap for  July 13 –through August 14. The press releases say this musical is a look at the 21st Century woman, from her  secret desires to manic disorders.    Three women take the audience through a series of revealing songs and scenes, where the contemporary every-woman “Jane” tries to decide “what makes her run, who she’s running from and where she’s running to.” The pre-show buzz material is quick to point out this  edgy musical is filled with “aha!  moments” for every woman and for “every man who is trying to figure her out.”  …..  GableStage artistic chief Joe Adler thrives on controversy so he is well prepared to take on critics when his new show on Middle-East politics which runs  July 9 - August 7. It is called  Masked and is written  by an Israeli,  Ilan Hatsor. It’s a powerful and remarkable drama about three Palestinian brothers locked in a life-and-death struggle over issues of deception and betrayal. Set in a village on the West Bank in 1990, it depicts the tragedy of one family torn between duty, kinship, principles and survival. Looking forward to audience reaction!  …..  Maltz Jupiter Theatre has announced its 2011-12season which will open in November with The 39 Steps, a play which has been done by a road show and only a few weeks ago at Actors Playhouse with a regional cast.  But the season looks better later in the schedule  with performances of several all-time favorites: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,  Cabaret, 2010  Tony winner Red, and Hello Dolly.  ….  And, while we are discussing musicals, look at the 2011-12 season at Broward Stage Door in Coral  Springs:  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Little Shop of Horrors My Fair Lady, I Love a Piano,  Guys and Dolls and The All-night Strut plus a comedy,  Neil  Simon’s, Last of the Red Hot Lovers.(All of this, by the way, follows its summer shows – Crossing  Delancey  and  Song Man/Dance Man.  Call 954-344-7765 for dates and ticket information   …..  Women’s Theatre Project –busy this week with Girl Play , the third annual lesbian play festival (which runs through June 26), has a Southeastern premiere coming up August 4-28: Chitterling Heights by Ann Morriset Davidson  (which  we are told will include a cast with men, usually a no-no at WTP). But its October 13-November  6 world premiere  of Women Drivers by Terry Lawrence  will be back in fine female form!  … Lots of good new coming from Boca Raton’s Caldwell  Theatre regarding their summer schedule.  There will be two shows in the offing -- Stuff (a world premiere comedy by Michael McKeever, will run July 6 -  31,  while Six Years, by Sharr White,  is scheduled for  August 10 - September 4.  There is a “Two Show Package” with a  25% Discount  only available through the  Box Office 561-241-7432.   This fare is a far cry from usual summer musicals but the two shows are the kind of comedy and drama which will pull in audiences.  Stuff – in typical McKeever fashion – is a laugh-fest about  the Collyer Brothers  (born into wealth) who are unable to cope with the realities of the Twentieth Century. McKeever charts the comically twisted decline of these notorious hermits, from the height of their fortune in 1929 to their garbage laden deaths two decades later.  The other Caldwell presentation --Six Years – is just the opposite in subject matter—a riveting drama covering a family’s highlights over several generations. This play came out of the Humana Festival where it was hailed as a compelling.

(Ron Levitt, a freelance writer, is a former United Press Staff Correspondent and served as Florida’s Assistant Secretary of State. He is president of the South Florida International Press Club, a theatre critic, a Carbonell judge and serves on the Board of WLRN Public radio/TV in Miami. He is founder-emeritus of a public relations firm.   He can be reached at ron@floridamedianews.com

Spring is Popping Up this March with Music, Comedy and Dance at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
 
AVENTURA – Audiences will enjoy the Japanese cinema, tap their toes to American Songbook favorites, fall in love with the tango and laugh with the trials and tribulations of one man’s hilarious spiritual journey at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. 
 
The Aventura Foreign Film Series continues with beloved director Kore-Eda Hirokazu’s critically acclaimed film Still Walking, which will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. A family reunites for the 15th anniversary of the death of the youngest child, sharing stories, eating sizzling tempura and performing an elegant graveside ritual to commemorate the loss of their loved one.  Tickets are $10.
 
Tango Productions presents Amor de Tango: The Love Increases on Saturday, March 5 at 3 and 8 p.m. Created by Eddy and Veronica Hernandez Trill, Amor de Tango’s dancers demonstrate why tango is the “dance of love” through their passionate, seductive, sensual and musical performance. Tickets are $32 and $42 for the 3 p.m. performance and $32, $42 and $52 for the 8 p.m. performance.
 
More than 120 dancers showcase their cultural background when the best folk dance troupes in South Florida perform together for one night only during the Michael-Ann Russell JCC presentation of Dancing with the World International Folk Dance Festival on Sunday, March 6 at 6 p.m.  Participating troupes include Brazarte, Grupo Folclorico Puro Chile, Ballet Folclorico Aires Panamenos, Baila Flamenco, Live-in-color, Kulanu Israeli Dance Troupe, Geeta Bollywood Dance Company, Rancho Coracoesde Portugal Dance Company, Dreams of Belly Dance and many more. Tickets are $15, $30 and $45. 

Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present A Grand Tour: The Songs of Jerry Herman from Wednesday, March 9 through Sunday, March 13.  The creator of such legendary shows such as Hello, Dolly, Mame and La Cage Aux Folles, Herman has the distinction of being the only composer-lyricist in history to have had three musicals that ran more than 1,500 consecutive performances on Broadway.  Guest star Sal Viviano and some of the area's best entertainers perform a score filled with gold standards of the American Songbook including "Hello Dolly," "Mame," "The Best Of Times Is Now," "Before The Parade Passes By," " If He Walked Into My Life" and "Time Heals Everything."  Showtimes are Wednesday, March 9 through March 11 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 12 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 13 at 2 and 7 p.m.  This is a presentation in the Melodies and Memories Series, which is sponsored by Vi Living at Aventura, and was conceived and directed by Barry Levitt, former Artistic Director of New York's 92nd Street Y’s smash Lyrics and Lyricists Series. Tickets are $32.
 
Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present Circumcise Me from Wednesday, March 16 through Sunday, March 27 at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.  This poignant, provocative, and powerfully witty spiritual journey stretches across four decades, two continents and three circumcisions to tell the true story of Yisrael Campbell, your average Irish, Italian Catholic kid from Philly, comic actor, sober alcoholic, recovering drug addict, husband, father, reform, conservative, unorthodox, Orthodox Jew who was born to be funny.  This is a presentation of the Double Chai Theatrical Series.  Showtimes are Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 8:15 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.  Tickets are $36.
 
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 324-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura and can be found on Twitter @aventuracenter.
 
Tickets, group discounts and scheduling information for all performances are available through the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center's box office at 954-462-0222 or online at www.AventuraCenter.org.
 

LOCAL POWER OUTAGE CAUSES RESCHEDULING OF
AVENTURA FOREIGN FILM SERIES' PRESENTATION OF STILL WALKING
TO TUESDAY, MARCH 15 AT 7 P.M.
 
The Aventura Foreign Film Series' presentation of Kore-Eda Hirokazu’s critically acclaimed film Still Walking has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center following a local power outage that caused the cancellation of the previously announced screening on March 1.
Tickets for the postponed screening will be honored at the door on March 15 or ticket holders may receive a full refund.  Any ticket holder with questions can call the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office at 305-466-8002, ext. 1.
 
The film Still Walking will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles as a presentation by foreign film expert Shelly Isaacs and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. This exquisitely detailed drama shines with warmth and understanding when a family reunites for the 15th anniversary of the death of the youngest child, sharing stories, eating sizzling tempura and performing an elegant graveside ritual to commemorate the loss of their loved one.  The film offers striking photography and a script incorporating elements of Hirokazu’s personal experiences.
 
Tickets for the film are still available at are $10. Tickets and group discounts are available by calling (954) 462-0222 or select a seat online at www.aventuracenter.org.
 
The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, which is managed by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, is a 14,864 square-foot, 324-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura and on twitter@aventuracenter. 
 
All dates, programs and artists are subject to change.

Kravis Center Announces May 28 Performance by

BILL MAHER, Host of HBO’s ‘Real Time’

Tickets Go On Sale to Public on Saturday, February 26

(West Palm Beach, FL – February 23, 2011)  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts today announced the following addition to its 2011 performance schedule:

May 28 – 8 p.m.   (Saturday)

BILL MAHER

For the last 17 years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on Politically Incorrect (Comedy Central, ABC, 1992-2002), and for the last seven years on HBO’s Real Time, Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 22 Emmy nominations.  In recent years, this same combination was on display in Maher’s uproarious and unprecedented swipe at organized religion, Religulous, the 7th highest grossing documentary ever.  In addition to his popular TV series, best-selling books, HBO stand-up comedy specials and concert appearances, Maher is a frequent guest on MSNBC, CNN and late night talk shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $30

How to Purchase Tickets:

Tickets to Bill Maher go on sale to the public this Saturday, February 26, at 10 a.m., and can be purchased at the Kravis Center box office, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, by calling 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471, or by visiting www.kravis.org.  Kravis Center Members should identify themselves when making a reservation to receive special priority donor seating. Tickets also are available for purchase through Ticketmaster.

WLRN Channel 17 Presents “DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: Footprints Through Florida”

A TELEVISION DOCUMENTARY ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S JOURNEY THROUGH FLORIDA, TOLD BY THE PEOPLE WHO KNEW HIM AND WERE IMPACTED BY HIM

Premiering on South Florida’s Station WLRN Channel 17

.

Miami, FL During the Civil Rights Movement, many people and organizations fought for equality, respect and freedom for people of all races. At the forefront of this movement was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What many people don’t know is the significance of Dr King’s footprints through the State of Florida. This film documents those historical moments in Tallahassee, St. Augustine and Miami, including a highlight on The Hampton House Motel, where Dr. King penned his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Our latest production, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: Footprints Through Florida is a film featuring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and those who knew him best in Florida. We remember his tireless efforts and passionate teachings of courage, truth and justice, and the freedom he helped bring to America. He successfully inspired a nation through his powerful speeches, non-violent protests and his world renowned March on Washington. He brought hope to all people and healing to America.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: Footprints Through Florida is a half-hour television documentary that tracks Dr. King’s influence in the African-American community in Florida. Those who knew him recall major milestones of the Civil Rights Movement and personal moments with Dr. King.

Those who were at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in Florida recall their experiences with Dr. King. Featured interviews include; A.D. Moore, former Chair of C.O.R.E.; Dr. Enid Pinkney, longtime community activist; Garth C. Reeves, Sr., The Miami Times; Dr. Marvin Dunn, author Black Miami in the Twentieth Century; Shirley Bailey Johnson, Miami-Dade NAACP; John Due, Civil Rights Attorney; and Patricia S. Due, Freedom Fighter.

Sunday, January 30^th at 8:00 p.m.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sue Reddy 954-236-8283 or sue@staceyschrager.com

Edna La Roche at 954-602-4514, 954-854-8036 or elaroche@miramarculturalcenter.org.

Art and Entertainment Events December through April

MIRAMAR, FL – The exciting season continues at the beautiful Miramar Cultural Center with Holiday shows, Family Shows, Ballet, Opera, Chinese Acrobats and a Broadway Revival, plus Pop Art: an exhibition at the Ansin Family Art Gallery.

An Enchanted Christmas Presented by Ballet Ouvert     

Christmas Eve at the Andersons’ house, Maya, her cousins and sisters attend the eldest sister Anna's Christmas ballet recital. Following the performance, Anna receives a special gift that unfolds during the night. The family’s dreams begin to come to life, creating an enchanted Holiday of music and laughter. Christmas Day is now a magical holiday that the family will cherish for years to come.

Sunday, December 5, 2010
Time: 7 p.m.
*Tickets: $40, $30, $20, $15

El Mono Sabe En Que Palo Trepa
Alina Lozano and Julio Cesar Herrera, now known as Margarita y Reynaldo, are the new sexy couple in town who will take the audience to a new level of laughter. This passionate and dynamic duo will set the tone for all spectators in their new conference/seminar where they combine new age and adult experiences. *This show will be entirely in spanish. **This show is not suitable for anyone 12 and under.

Date: Friday, December 10, 2010

Time: 8 p.m.

*Tickets:

Paul Campbell: The Life and Times of a Jamaican Movie Star

Known for his powerful performances in Dancehall Queen, The Lunatic, First Sunday, and many more, Actor Paul Campbell comes to the stage with his story in a theatrical presentation of a Jamaican actor who struggles to fulfill his life’s dream of becoming the best at his craft. It is not your typical Hollywood movie rags-to-riches tale but a Jamaican telling of a gripping story with a universal theme.

Saturday, December 11^th, 2010

Time: 8 p.m.

*Tickets $32

Ballet Etudes: The Nutcracker

Ballet Etudes of South Florida proudly presents its 36th anniversary performance of "The Nutcracker" with international guest stars and a cast of over 100 dancers. The magical production features lavish sets and scenery, colorful costuming, exquisite lighting, superb choreography, and delightful theatrical effects. Ballet Etudes' Nutcracker production is under the direction of Artistic Director Susana Prieto.
Friday - Sunday December 17, 18 and 19, 2010 at 3 p.m. except for additional performance Saturday at 8 p.m.

*Ticket prices for all performances are $40 and $50 with Gala patron VIP seating available for the Saturday performance at 8 p.m. for $75.

 Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble

A celebration of their 42nd anniversary.

Friday, February 11, 2011

8 p.m.

*Tickets: $25, $30 $35

The Music Man

Five-time Tony Award Winner, including BEST MUSICAL

THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a boy's band he vows to organize - despite the fact he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef! His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the town librarian, with chaos ensuing as the townsfolk get wind of his scheme. Filled with classical musical fun, tender romance and favorites, including "Ya Got Trouble," "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Goodnight My Someone," "Gary, Indiana" and "Till There Was You," THE MUSIC MAN is the perfect All-American Musical!

Saturday February 12, 2011
8 p.m.
*Tickets $25, $30, $35

Opera International accompanied by the Russian National Symphony

Lucia Di Lammermoor 

In a feud between the Scottish families of Ravenswood and Lammermoor, Enrico (Lord Henry Ashton of Lammermoor) has gained the upper hand over Edgardo (Edgar of Ravenswood), killing his kinsmen and taking over the estate. By the time of the opera’s action, however, Enrico’s fortunes have begun to wane. In political disfavor, he stakes all on uniting his family with that of Arturo (Lord Arthur Bucklaw), whom he means to force his sister, Lucia (Lucy Ashton), to marry.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

8 p.m.

*Tickets $40 and $45

Turandot

The story of the conversion of an ice princess through the power of love, placed in ancient Peking, provides the essential elements for grand opera – passion, dramatic tension, an exotic locale. Puccini gifts us with one glorious aria and ensemble after another.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

8 p.m.

*Tickets $40 and $45

Madama Butterfly

Japan, early 20^th Century. On a flowering terrace above Nagasaki harbor, U.S. Navy Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton inspects the house he has leased from a marriage broker, Goro, who has just procured him three geishas and a wife, Cio-Cio-San, known as Madama Butterfly.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

8 p.m.

*Tickets $40 and $45

New Shanghai Circus

Astonishing athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in the spellbinding New Shanghai Circus. CBS News calls the show "fantastic," and sold-out audiences marvel as they watch this talented troupe of fearless performers with boundless energy bring to life more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. If it's humanly possible -- and even if it's not! - Shanghai's acrobats, jugglers and contortionists defy gravity and delight adults and children alike with spectacular flair and limitless imagination. Dazzling costumes, awe-inspiring sets and incredible choreography make Shanghai Circus an amazing experience for the whole family. So, sit back and enjoy the super-human displays of power and extraordinary grace when the New Shanghai Circus comes to town. Sponsored by the United Chinese Association of Florida, OCA-South Florida Chapter and the Florida Chinese Federation.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

3 p.m.

(There will be an educational morning performance on Monday March 21, 2011. Details to follow.)

 *Tickets $15, $25, $35

Family Fun Series

If You Give A Cat A Cupcake

First there was the Mouse - then the Pig - now, here comes the Cat! Based on the newest installment in the zany "If You Give A . . ." book series, Omaha Theater brings this madcap world premiere production with music to the stage.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

11 a.m.

*Tickets: $14

Jungle Book

Come along on an extraordinary musical adventure with Mowgli, the boy raised by wolves in the jungle. With the help of his friends--the bear Baloo, the panther Bagheera and the python Kaa--Mowgli learns to survive as they teach him about "Jungle Law." This wonderful adaptation of the Rudyard Kipling story will delight and amuse audiences of all ages!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

11 a.m.

*Tickets: $14

Nancy Nancy and other Storybooks

Six delightful stories come to life in Theatreworks USA's musical revue performed by a five-member cast who portray dozens of characters throughout the show. The books featured are:

FANCY NANCY - Nancy just doesn't understand why she's the only one who appreciated the value of frilly accessories and a prodigious vocabulary. It's time to teach her family how to be fancy!

BABYMOUSE, THE MUSICAL - Curtain up, light the lights! Will the irresistible, irrepressible Babymouse win the lead in the school musical or will Felicia Furrypaws steal the show?

DUCK FOR PRESIDENT - The winds of change are blowing, and a politically ambitious Duck is leading the revolution! But can he bring a new bill to Capitol Hill?

I HAVE TO GO! - Andrew insists that he doesn't need to use the restroom, but once he's zipped, snapped, buttoned, and buckled in the backseat, he hears the call of nature.

LEONARDO, THE TERRIBLE MONSTER - Though he isn't big and he can't seem to frighten anyone, Leonardo just knows he can scare the tuna salad out of the biggest scaredy-cat.

PIRATES DON'T CHANGE DIAPERS - When Jeremy Jacob's old seafaring mateys show up to claim a buried treasure, they wake up his little sister, and the whole piratical crew must go on.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

11 a.m.

*Tickets: $14

All Family Fun Performances Presented by The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.                                                                                                                                  

ART Exhibition at the Ansin Family Art Gallery

Inside the Miramar Cultural Center

Also open is Pop Art in America:  From the collection of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University. This exhibition samples the work of the best known of American Pop artists. Pop art originated in the mid-20th century, and was rooted in the imagery of pop culture and advertising. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist and Roy Lichtenstein embraced mass media, and often employed mechanical processes to create their work rather than those traditionally associated with fine art.

The Ansin Family Art Gallery is open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.  Donations are suggested.

The Miramar Cultural Center/ArtsPark is located at 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar, FL 33025, on Red Road north of Miramar Parkway. If purchasing tickets in person at the Box Office, please note new Box Office hours:  Tuesday - Saturday,  Noon - 5 p.m. & two hours prior to showtime. Call 954-602-4500 or visit www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org. Group Sales 954-462-0222. *Box Office fees apply.

The Miramar Cultural Center ArtsPark, in partnership with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, is a collaborative effort of many who share a fundamental commitment to the arts as essential to building a strong and vibrant community. The project is funded in part by Broward County through the Broward County Board of Commissioners with proceeds from 2000 Safe Parks & Land Preservation Bond. The Center also acknowledges the support of the State of Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

###

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Makes Music and Memories This November
 
AVENTURA – Music lovers of all ages, from kids to seniors, will delight in the November lineup at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center.
 
Doreen Cronin’s bestselling barnyard books return to the theater in the Family Fun production of Giggle, Giggle, Quack on Saturday, November 6 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mayhem ensues when Farmer Brown leaves town and puts his city-slicker brother in charge.  The farm animals enjoy treats such as pizza for the hen, bubble baths for the pig and movie night for the cow. Children will enjoy pre-show arts and crafts presented by Young At Art Museum, complimentary face painting and a post-show snack provided by Whole Foods Market and Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Tickets are $14 with $3 lap tickets available for infants 12 months and under.  Tickets are $15 when bought the day of the performance. 
 
The City of Aventura presents The Piano Men starring Jim Witter in a musical journey through the 70s featuring the songs of Billy Joel and Elton John on Friday, November 12 at 8 p.m. Hits including "My Life," "Candle in the Wind," Rocket Man" and "Just the Way You Are" are accompanied by rear-screen projection of the newspaper headlines, automobiles, people, events, toys and even the TV shows that shaped a decade. Tickets are $40 and $45.
 
Next Step Dance makes its debut in Miami-Dade with An Invitation to Dance on Saturday, November 13 at 8 p.m.  The contemporary dance company, showcasing entertaining and provocative works, will present audience favorites from the repertory: “Summer Time,” “Silenzio,” “Photograph,” “The Other Side,” “Surrender,” “Woodblock Study” and “One For My Baby.” The event is part of the Aventura Cultural & Arts Center’s Arts Access Program, which provides technical and marketing support to local community groups enabling them to develop and build their audiences. Admission is $26.50.
 
Relive the magic of the best time in musical history with A.B.B.A. International Entertainment’s presentation of Remember Then on Friday, November 19 at 8 p.m.  Reminiscent of old school sock hops and listening to the juke box over a malt and a burger at the neighborhood drive-in, the show is a memorable tribute to the 50's and 60's featuring the Marvelettes Revue and special guests The Temptations Revue. Tickets are $35 and $60 for preferred VIP seating which includes a Meet and Greet Celebration.
 
The City of Aventura presents María Rivas on Saturday, November 20 at 8 p.m. Rivas is Venezuela's premier contemporary vocalist and composer. A native of Caracas, her style truly represents the "new Americas." Drawing on the cultural richness of her homeland, her unique popular sound is an intoxicating blend of indigenous, European and African strains with just the right splash of Brazilian and Latin Jazz. Rivas is a remarkably gifted and versatile artist and an international star in the making. Tickets are $30.
 
Patrons of Exceptional Artists presents the Miami International Piano Festival, known for bringing the world's best pianists and rising stars to South Florida, on Sunday, November 28 at 4 p.m. in the debut of the Aventura Cultural Series. The first concert of the Series will open the Festival's 2011 Season with a fascinating program by Italian keyboard master Francesco Libetta. This unique program will feature compositions by Chopin and others that specifically pay tribute to Italian Theatre, sopranos and ballerinas, as well as an enlightening pre-concert discussion by "Miami's Music Maven" Professor Frank Cooper. Tickets are $30.
 
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 324-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura.
 
Tickets, group discounts and scheduling information for all performances are available through the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center's box office at 954-462-0222 or online at www.AventuraCenter.org.

CULTURALLY  SPEAKING CSI MIAMI ACTUALLY FILMS  IN LONG BEACH,
CALIFORNIA ... AND OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST

By Ron Levitt
Florida Media News

Who would have thought that CSI Miami is actually being filmed in Long Beach, California?  Well, Florida’s own Mad Cat genius Paul Tei confirms he is on that other coastal city taping several episodes.  Is there something wrong with Miami’s skyline? ….. Still a few days left to see a magnificent performance by Margery Lowe as Nora in Ibsen’s A Doll’s House at Palm Beach Dramaworks.  She knocks this role out of the park, along with a topnotch cast including Michael St. Pierre, Greg Weiner, Nanique Gheridian and Colin Lane. This production – not to be missed – is directed with perfection by Bill Hayes and will be around until November 29.  It is a grueling play for the actors and – at one performance – there was a near “fainting” episode by one of the stars.   Michael Amico’s set (as usual) is perfect 1890s and his couch was a reliable spot for the actor to recover ….. One embarrassed South Florida writer had to turn down an assignment to name the 10 best local actors/actresses for an article. Can you imagine limiting such a list to 10?  He or she would not have been able to show their faces at any of the local theatres if he had agreed.  Now, when we name the “best performances of the year,”  a journalist or awards group can get away with it, without fear of alienating the entire theatre community. We hear the rejected assignment didn’t pay that well, anyhow ….. You can expect to see several new “nominators” named within a few days to the Carbonell awards panel. It is a two-tiered awards system in which nominators see shows on opening weekends and then judges (about ten) must see the production if it is “recommended.”  Thanks to  Executive Director Savannah Whaley’s leadership and Mary Damiano’s communication skills, the Carbonells is one of the best-run  theatrical awards groups in the nation.  Before you know it, it will be time to make the 2009 nominations public. The actual Carbonell Awards should be early in 2010 ….. Don’t be surprised if the next president of the American Theatre Critics Association is from South Florida.  The rumor has been circulating for weeks that a Sunshine State writer is a favorite to win the national post …..  Big events coming up at New Theatre in the Gables --- opening of 26 Miles  by Quiara Alegria Hudes on Nov. 20 (a one-month run)  and its fun-fundraiser – Miami Stories 2009 – at the Westview Country Club on Dec, 13. Three local ‘celebrity playwrights” (attorney Richard Milstein, Marlins’  prexy David Samson and Herald columnist Ana Veciano-Suarez) have written (or are still writing ) one-act plays for the event. It’ll be a brunch and silent auction to benefit New Theatre. Call 305 443-5909 for an invitation. ….. Here’s a free reading at Gablestage sure to draw a packed audience, even if no reservations are necessary. It’s at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23 – a reading of a Christopher Demos-Brown play, Tropical Depression – and just look at this cast: Barbara Bradshaw,  Todd Allen Durkin,  Amy McKenna,  Bill Schwartz,   Deborah Sherman, David Sirois, Ivette Vinas-- a dream septet directed by Stuart Meltzer …..  Mosaic Theatre opens a humdinger of a satire Nov.  21 with a name to intrigue theatre-goers and those who like politically sensitive-sounding material, “Why Torture Is Wrong and the People Who Love Them,” by Christopher Durang.  Wonder what this play is about? Certainly, if nothing else, it’s the best title for a play to come along in many a day.    Richard Jay Simon directs and the publicity for this production lures us on with statements about “national insecurity.”  Its cast includes Barbara Bradshaw, Dave Corey Nick Duckhart, Erik Fabraget, Sharon Kremer, Christian Rockwell and Pamela Roza ….. Incidentally, Nick Duckhart has become a hot item for local casting directors. After the Mosaic run, he joins a crowd of talented performers in Farragut North this December. Its run begins Dec. 26.   Also in Farragut – an off-Broadway smash – are a couple of more younger stars-in-the-making, David Hemphill and Betsy Garvey (who just happen to be a boyfriend-girlfriend twosome) ….. In Boca, one can getr to see a dozen of South Florida’s top actors and actresses, some of whom took minor roles to be in the Clive Cholerton-directed Ponzi-themed The Voesey   Inheritance. Just consider this cast:  Terry Hardcastle,  Peter Haig, Lourlene Snedeker, Cliff Buergess, Stephen Anthony, Kathryn Lee Johnson, Jim Ballard, Katherine Amadeo,  Dennis Creaghan,  John Felix, Marta Reiman and Dan Leonard – a director’s dream (How can Caldwell afford so much talent in one show? )  …...  And, here’s another one to look forward to –this time at Florida Stage in Manalapan --The Storytelling Ability of a Boy  --an adult kind of play with strong language and X (or at least PG) themes, It’s a world premiere of the play by Carter W.  Lewis and runs   December 9 - January 17.  The  plot description  is stimulating:  “Love gets dangerous when a young English teacher gets involved in the personal lives of two of her students, a strange boy with a gift for writing and a brooding young girl with a nail gun.”  Should be a big draw with that explanation!

 (Ron Levitt, a travel/ entertainment/travel writer, served as Assistant Secretary of State,
overseeing cultural affairs. The former United Press Correspondent is president of the South Florida International Press Club, a Carbondll voter,  and a past Vice President of the Theatre League of South Florida. Read his reviews at ron@floridamedianews.com.)