ORLANDO
12/26
The Book of Mormon
The popular touring production of The Book of Mormon continues its trek across Florida, having been previously been performed in Miami and then West Palm Beach. Tonight it begins a one-week stay in Orlando. Lampooning both the Mormon religion and traditional Broadway musicals, The Book of Mormon has received unanimous critical adoration for its plot, choreography, and score. 8:00 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts. 455 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.
12/28
A Christmas Story: The Musical
One of the quirkiest holiday traditions is a viewing of the hysterical 1983 film A Christmas Story. In 2010, a musical version of the film premiered on Broadway and was nominated for a slew of Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The story traces the travails of Ralphie Parker as he deals with his taciturn and grumpy father while hopelessly desiring a bee bee gun for Christmas. The musical version tones down the adult asides but does include a song version of the immortal threat “You’ll shoot your eye out.” 2:00 p.m. Orlando Repertory Theatre. 1001 E. Princeton St. Orlando. 32803.
12/31
Billy Joel
The consummate singer/songwriter takes the stage at the Amway Center to ring in the New Year in style. Billy Joel is by far one of the most accomplished singers in the world. Like most accomplished entertainers, though, Billy Joel has seen his fair share of trouble. He has battled both depression and alcoholism, and remains a committed proponent of teen suicide prevention. The song “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” is a message to help prevent teen suicide. 9:30 p.m. Amway Center. 400 W Church St. #200. Orlando. 32801.
TAMPA
12/26
The Santaland Diaries
David Sedaris is sort of a literary superhero. His books become national bestsellers without a hitch, populating the shelves of every airport bookstore in the U.S. Sedaris’ career began with one singular broadcasting on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition—a reading of his famous essay The SantaLand Diaries about his job as a Christmas elf at a Macy’s department store. The stage adaptation of the essay deals with drunken Santas and frantic sales clerks—a tour-de-force showcase of Sedaris’ great wit. 8:00 p.m. American Stage Theatre Co. at Raymond James Theater. 163 Third St. N. St. Petersburg. 33701.
12/27
Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown
Thanks to the beloved holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas time brings renewed attention to the Peanuts. This traveling exhibit from the Charles M. Schulz Museum includes reproduction comic strips, quotes by Schulz, photos from his boyhood, and a behind-the-scenes history of the making of the classic Christmas special. The gallery also includes a Santa letter writing station and photo opportunities for kids. 10:00 a.m. Tampa Bay History Center. 801 Old Water St. Tampa. 33602.
12/31
First Night
St. Petersburg’s annual arts celebration takes place at over twenty downtown St. Petersburg venues. The event includes a range of interesting ways to ring in the New Year, including musical groups, puppet shows, history tours, ice skating, bubble stomping, dance performances, and first time outdoor art installations. The alcohol-free event culminates with a fireworks display at midnight. 4:00 p.m. Straub Park. Beach Dr. and Fifth Ave NE. St. Petersburg. 33701.
MIAMI
12/26
Life in Color Festival
“The World’s Largest Paint Party” began in 2006 on college campuses in Florida. The event quickly transformed from a small college event to a world-renowned live concert. This year’s concert includes performances by Kaskade, Diplo, Adventure Club, Bingo Players, Borgeous, Juicy J, Madeon, Nervo, and the Chainsmokers. 4:00 p.m. Sun Life Stadium. 2269 NW 199th St. Miami Gardens. 33056.
12/30
Boys Noize
Electronic music producer and DJ, Boys Noize is known for his popular remixed work. He has had success with remixes of such diverse artists as David Lynch, Depeche Mode, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers. He has also been involved in a side project called Dog Blood with notorious, world famous DJ Skrillex. 11:00 p.m. Grand Central. 697 N. Miami Ave. Miami. 33136.
12/31
Phish
A contemporary version of The Grateful Dead, Phish—known for their acclaimed touring acts and rabid fan-base—will be performing their eclectic style melding rock ‘n’ roll with bluegrass and folk. The band was formed in 1983 at the University of Vermont with members Trey Anastasio, Mike Gordon, Page McConnell, and Jon Fishman. On this New Year’s Eve performance expect heavily improvised extended jam sessions. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.
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