Here some things to do this week —
12/11
Kenny G – Fort Lauderdale
Kenny G is a grand cultural icon. Even if he has been the butt of many jokes over the years, his fourth album Duotones launched his astonishing career. He has become one of the best-selling artists of all time with global sales totaling more than 75 million records. The best thing about Kenny G is that he has a sense of humor, as was evidenced by his appearance in Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” video and his appearance in a mocking Snickers television commercial. He is now on tour to promote his new album Brazilian Nights. Check him out at 8:00 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse. 707 NE Eighth St. Fort Lauderdale. 33304.
12/12
A Christmas Carol – Orlando
One of the most popular traditions of the holiday season is a reenactment of Charles Dickens’ classic story A Christmas Carol. In the story, a miserly business man named Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. As a result, his feelings begin to change and his embittered heart blossoms. A finale in which Scrooge’s money finally does some good for the community mirrors hopes surrounding the super-rich 1% of America today. The show starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Theatre Downtown. 2113 N. Orange Ave. Orlando. 32804.
Peter Pan – Jacksonville
If the NBC live version of Peter Pan wasn’t quite enough, the Amelia Musical Playhouse is putting on its own production of the popular musical. Peter Pan tells the timeless tale of Wendy, a young girl who goes on a journey with the eponymous character to Neverland. Here, Peter Pan introduces Wendy to the lost boys; they engage in conflict with Captain Hook while escaping a ticking crocodile. This modern version promises an adventure of fantasy and freedom in a land where childhood and imagination are infinite. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Amelia Musical Playhouse. 1955 Island Walkway. Fernandina Beach. 32034.
12/13
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Tampa
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has made a name for themselves by crafting orchestral versions of Christmas carols in a theatrical rock-opera style. The 60-piece group combines elements of both classical orchestra and a hard-rock band. Traditional Christmas music adapted into contemporary complements a host of original compositions. The New York City-based orchestra has been releasing albums since 1996, including Christmas Eve & Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, and Beethoven’s Last Night. Here, they’ll play the entirety of their rock opera The Christmas Attic. Curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. at the Amalie Arena. 401 Channelside Dr. Tampa. 33602.
Usher – Miami
Usher’s 2004 album Confessions was one of the best-selling albums of the 90s. Hit singles from that album include “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II,” and “My Boo.” Usher is actually considered one of the best-selling artists in American music history, having sold over 23 million copies in the United States and 65 million records worldwide. When not creating popular music, Usher serves as a mentor to Justin Bieber and a coach on the TV show The Voice. The vegan has had a tumultuous amount of affairs, as evidenced by the personal lyrics in many of his albums. Tonight he sings songs from his repertoire along with new music from his forthcoming album. He takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.
12/14
Nutcracker Key West – Key West
The colorful environment of the Keys is the inspiration for this bi-annual Key West show. Clara and her young prince encounter enchanting landscapes complete with snowy egrets on shimmering salt ponds, a wicked Rooster King, an exquisite Sea-Star Fairy, and underwater sequences of transcendent beauty. It is the largest community production brought to the stage in Key West, produced by the Paradise Ballet Theatre Presenters. This year, 60 of the community’s children and adults and 15 professional dancers from around the world will join together for the sixth production of this interesting and imaginative local tradition. Show starts at 2:00 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. 5901 College Rd. Key West. 33040.
12/15
Kresge Mega Lights Display – Tampa
St. Pete’s Kresge Mega Christmas Lights Display is one of the most unique holiday events in Florida. It has been named one of the top three Christmas light displays in the USA by NBC’s Today Show. The display takes up ½ acre with over 609,751 fiber optic lights. There are around 700 moving and animated objects. The electricity bill alone is $5,000. Children and adults are invited to play in the presentation, which includes a fun bubble machine. The best part: a talking and dancing life-size snowman and an animated-talking teddy bear. Join the fun at 6:00 p.m. at South St. Petersburg MegaLight Display. 2719 Oakdale St. S. St. Petersburg. 33705.
12/16
Black Keys – Fort Lauderdale
The indie duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have steadily risen in popularity thanks, in large part, to a rise in popularity of garage rock music. Their career rose significantly in 2004 with their critically acclaimed third album Rubber Factory. This led to a better record deal and a subsequent commercial breakthrough in 2010 when the album Brothers and its accompanying popular single “Tighten Up” won three Grammy Awards. Follow-up album El Camino peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, leading to the El Camino Tour concert tour. Earlier this year Turn Blue became their first number-one record. Concert begins at 8:00 p.m. at the BB&T Center. 2555 NW 136th Ave. Sunrise. 33323.
Phantom of the Opera – Tampa
In this smash broadway musical by award-winning composer Andrew Lloyd Weber, a young chorus girl begins her ascent up the opera world’s ladder while battling her own attraction to a handsome young man and her aversion to a diabolical (albeit seductive) disfigured villain. The musical began its run on Broadway in 1986 and has since become its longest running musical. The soundtrack has also had a life of its own—songs like the title track, “Music of the Night,” “Masquerade,” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” are staples for any aspiring singer. Earning $845 million in revenue, it is one of the most financially successful entertainment events in history. The show begins its stay in Tampa tonight at 7:30 p.m. at inside the Carol Morsani Hall of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. 1010 N. Macinnes Place. Tampa. 33602.
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