By Daniel Hart & Derrick Hart For the Theater Community and its legends of fans, the arrival of Fall means a brand new selection of plays, concerts and performances. They are sure to bring out the tears, the laughter, and our appreciation for the variety of unique talents brought into our lives as the curtain […]
The post 2016-2017 Theater Season Preview: 24 South Florida Must See Shows appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>By Daniel Hart & Derrick Hart
For the Theater Community and its legends of fans, the arrival of Fall means a brand new selection of plays, concerts and performances. They are sure to bring out the tears, the laughter, and our appreciation for the variety of unique talents brought into our lives as the curtain rises on area stages in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.
From mysteries, to comedies, to tragedies and more, we’ve scanned the schedules from local theaters, both big and small, to bring you those shows which hold a special interest to the LGBT community—and those who love them.
As with all things excellent, tickets to these performances tend to sell out early. Check out FloridaAgenda.com for information about attending these shows, including how you can get some tickets for free.
Pompano/Aventura/West Palm Beach
TangObsession
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, FL 33180
TANGObsession is back in the United States for one night only at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday October 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm. TANGObsession is a Multimedia Avant-Garde Musical, filled with Tangos, Music, Dance, Love and Passion created by HumSa Productions. A show that is perfect for everyone. Featuring Tangos sung in Spanish but translated into English. Enjoy a fusion of photographs, paintings, movies and animation, all allowing the audience to follow the storyline. For the first time, enjoy Argentinean Tango dance, poetry and music under the direction of Humberto Fortuna and Creative Director, Laura Sapir. Starring, international singer, Humberto Fortuna, a full Tango orchestra with Miguel Arrabal at the bandoneón with a special guest, international violinist, Crismary Garcia. Come experience these live instruments and singing, price per tickets range from $37.50- $70.09. For more details, head over to TANGObsessions official website http://www.tangobsession.com/home-1.html
Boyz II Men & AL B. Sure
Pompano Beach Amphitheatre and Grounds
1806 NE 6th St (Amphitheatre) Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
R&B group Boyz II Men will be performing live Friday December 2, 2016 at 7:30 pm with special guest Al B. Sure. Boyz II Men remains one of music’s respected iconic groups in history. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group of all-time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. The reason is absolutely clear: for the past two decades Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalogue of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. Hits such as “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly” and many others. Al B. Sure will open the show. His history in the entertainment industry spans over two decades. Al released a historic compilation of his #1 R&B hits, as well as the “fan favorite” tunes from years past with “The Very Best of Al B Sure!” Tickets range from $33-$128. For more information, head over to the groups official website http://www.boyziimen.com/ as well as http://theamppompano.org/events-calendar/boyz-ii-men/
Jay Leno
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
Want to get your laugh on? Kravis Center presents Jay Leno live Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 8:00 pm. The former host of NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno now revs up fans with Jay Leno’s Garage, an Emmy-winning series about his passion for all things automotive. But the stand-up comic is best known for dominating late-night TV for more than 20 years. The likeable Leno often pops in to comedy clubs to test out new material, which remains relevant, family friendly and full-throttle funny. Tickets starting at $29.00. Head over to Kravis Center official website for more details. http://www.kravis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=performances.detail&performance_id=2376
Black Violin
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
On Thursday December 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm, Krave Center brings you Black Violin, classically trained artists Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester (violin) and Wilner “Wil B.” Baptiste (viola) blend classical, hip hop, rock, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass. The eclectic duo, who studied music together at Fort Lauderdale’s historic Dillard High School, have performed with artists such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Aerosmith, and have intrigued audiences ranging from guests at President Obama’s 2013 inaugural ball to unsuspecting airline passengers. Through the message of Black Violin’s music, they’ve spent the last 10 years working to encourage and empower people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to find what connects us, rather than shine a light on what divides us. Tickets start at $25.00. For more information, head to Kravis Center website http://www.kravis.org/blackviolin and Black Violin’s website http://blackviolin.net/
Annie
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
On March 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm, Kravis Center presents one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, Annie returns in time-honored form. Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, this brand new incarnation of the Broadway smash is directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro. Featuring such favorites as “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You”, this curly-haired classic also reminds us that there’s always “Tomorrow”. Tickets are starting at $30.00. For more info, visit Annie the musical official website http://anniethemusical.com/index.php as well as Kravis Center website http://www.kravis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=performances.detail&performance_id=2321&
THE BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS UPCOMING EVENTS
Opera Fusion: Not In My Town
Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
From September 30th till October 1st 2016 at 8:00 pm, Opera Fusion will debut the world premiere of Not In My Town. Not In My Town is an original musical drama based on the life of Matthew Shepard, a young gay college student who was senselessly bullied, beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die. His friends and his community worked to make a better world, by standing up to bigotry and campaigning for passage of the national Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Not In My Town is a profound and compelling work that also sheds light on the senseless tragedies and hate crimes that are so prevalent today. Tickets range from $35-$55. For more information on this event, visit their official website http://www.operafusion.org/world-premiere-not-town-press-release-laramie-project-musical-drama/ and more information on tickets at https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/opera-fusion-not-in-my-town
AHF Presents: My Big Funny Peter in Stuff Me for the Holidays!
Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Want to laugh your butt off? Bring a friend with you at 7:00 pm to the Amaturo Theater to see the internationally known comedian, Peter Bisuito. Due to the success of his sold out show at The Broward Center last April, Peter Bisuito is performing a ‘Back by Popular Demand’ Holiday Concert on December 28th 2016. Peter is the world’s ONLY Gay Muscle-Bear Comedian. Peter is not just a comic, but a theatrical entertainer including funny video presentations and Broadway style musical numbers during his show. Give the gift of laughter this holiday season and stuff your stockings with tickets to the most talked about comedian in the country. This event contains adult language or content. Tickets range from $25-$38. For more information on this event, visit https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/my-big-funny-peter-holidays
Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
Abdo New River Room at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Let’s talk about sex, honey! From March 23rd till April 9th 2017, naughty and educational, this Off-Broadway hit comedy—based on the international best-selling book of the same title. This show will take the audience on a hilarious and wild ride where no topic is taboo and the insider “tips” come from the perfect source: a gay man. “Sex Tips is breathlessly entertaining! Uproariously funny! Hysterically titillating!” raves Theatermania.com. Great for couples, date night, bachelorette parties or girls’ night out. You might even be invited on stage to demonstrate some R-rated techniques! This event contains adult language or content. Tickets are $45. To learn more about this event, visit their official website http://sextipsplay.com/about-the-show and to purchase your tickets, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/107373/2073330?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web
South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble: Celebration
Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Want to enjoy some music that will make your body move to the beat? Purchase your tickets now and save the date for a night of celebration on June 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm. The Pride Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Steel Drum Band will take the stage in the Amaturo Theater as they celebrate the contribution of gay and lesbian composers and the gay and lesbian band movement. Guest vocalists and dancers will be invited to join forces with the band. To learn more about this event, visit their official website at http://www.pridewindensemble.org/pride_jazz_ensemble and to purchase your tickets, head over to http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D0051038B677624?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web
Slow Burn Theatre Company: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
On October 20th till November 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm relive your childhood memories and get your life again when watching The Hunchback of Notre Dame show that is based on the animated Disney film. From the Oscar Award-winning team Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero. For more information on this show, head over to Broward Performing Arts Center at https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/the-hunchback-of-notre-dame and purchase your tickets at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/106505/2246253?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Cinderella will be making her way to South Florida from December 13th till the 25th of 2016. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love including the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more. Also there will be some surprising new twists! For more information about this event, visit their official website at http://www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/. Tickets starting at $35 and will be available for purchase on October 10, 2016 at 10:00 pm.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Who’s ready to go under the sea? From February 22nd till March 5th of 2017, Disney’s The Little Mermaid will showcase its musical here in South Florida for everyone to see their favorite love story. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her Ariel is her crabby sidekick, Sebastian; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film, this beloved family classic is now on stage with all the songs you love. For more information on this event, head over to https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-the-little-mermaid/. Tickets starting at $35 and will be on sale November 18, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Theatre Under the Stars – Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at TUTS, September 2015.
Matilda The Musical
Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Matilda will be coming to South Florida on April 25th till May 7th of 2017. Winner of 50 international awards, including the Tony Award® and one of the biggest hits on Broadway, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. For more information on this event, visit their official website at http://us.matildathemusical.com/tour/about/the-story/. Tickets starting at $33 and will be on sale March 10, 2017 at 10:00 am at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/106543/2019437?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web/.
OTHER BROWARD AREA PERFORMANCES
Dolly Parton’s Pure & Simple
BB&T Center
1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323
On November 27, 2016 at 7:30 pm, Dolly Parton will debut her Pure & Simple tour to audiences here in South Florida at the BB&T Center. Dolly will perform her hit songs all while weaving in a few new songs from her new double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits. She will delight fans by playing songs they have not heard live for decades. She will bring energy and endless personalities that will make you want to get up out your seat and keep you for wanting more. Tickets are starting at $45.25-125.25. For more information, head over to Dolly Parton’s official website http://dollyparton.com/tour-schedule-upcoming-events as well as ticket purchasing/seating at http://bbt.centersunrise.com/Tickets-Active.php?eventID=2097607&venueID=1171
Cocktales: Shame On Me
Empire Stage
1140 N Flagler Drive,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Get ready for some juicy tea! Cocktales: Shame On Me, is an 80-minute show that runs from October 6-30, 2016 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show, based on true events, will have the audiences at the edge of their seats as Debra Ehrhardt’s discusses her encounters with the men who came in her life, and the men who were not so gentle. Raised in a religious home, she will take the audience with her on this journey of how her sexual awakening began as a young adult. Hold on tight because Debra will lead us into a rocky road full of excitement, hilarity, and plenty emotions. Tickets are $20.00 – $35.00. For more information visit http://www.empirestage.com/ and for ticket information visit http://tix.smarttix.com/Modules/Sales/SalesMainTabsPage.aspx?ControlState=1&SalesEventId=6023&DC=/
The First Step – Diary Of A Sex Addict
Island City Stage
2304 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305
Who’s ready for some comedy mixed with a little bit of sex? From January 12-February 12, 2017, The First Step – Diary Of A Sex Addict looks at sexual obsession that will leave your heart beating fast. This show depicts the story of a gay guy named Joe who takes the audience on his journey from his sex addict to recovery. This show is funny, steamy, and full of temptations that will have your fantasies going through the roof. Maybe your body as well. Tickets are $35.00 per seat. For more information, visit https://boxoffice.islandcitystage.org/Home/Shows/TheFirstStep/
Perfect Arrangement
Island City Stage
2304 N Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, Florida 33305
Topher Payne’s cutting comedy Perfect Arrangement runs November 10-December 11, 2016. Its classic theme and vibrant new colors mix with Communism as two US State Department employees, Bob and Norma, are assigned to identify sexual deviants within their ranks. What no one knows is that both Bob and Norma are themselves gay. Let the sipping of the tea begin. Inspired by a true story about how the origins of the gay movement took place. Get your tickets now to see this “All-American” couple’s drama unfold. Tickets are $35.00 per seat. For more information, visit http://islandcitystage.org/boxoffice/perfect-arrangement/
ADRIENNE ARSHT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS
Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
KNIGHT CONCERT HALL
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
Who wants to catch a Pokémon, or maybe even battle? So why not head over to the Adrienne Arsht Center and get your game on at 8:00 pm on December 3rd, 2016. Brought to life by a full orchestra, Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is the must-see video game concert of the year, giving fans and newcomers of all ages the chance to experience the evolution of the Pokémon franchise like never before! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to meet up with friends of all ages to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon from your favorite games! All-new orchestral arrangements and carefully timed visuals draw from recent and classic Pokémon video games. For more information on this event, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Pokemon/. Tickets range from $46-126.
Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing
Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE hits the floor in Miami, Florida on Nov 29, 2016 – Dec 4, 2016. You don’t want to miss this unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Tickets range from $29.00 – $107.00 based on seating. For more information, visit http://us.dirtydancingontour.com/ and http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Broadway-in-Miami/Dirty-Dancing/
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing
Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring outstanding performances in Miami, Florida on Thursday, February 23rd – Sunday, February 26th, 2017. Alvin Ailey once declared, “I want to hold up a mirror to my audience that says, ‘this is the way people can be; this is how open people can be.’” Now more than ever, we need the power of dance to bring us together, connected by our common humanity. It’s why people say: You don’t just see an Ailey performance, you feel it. This February, engage your emotions at an Ailey performance that includes their latest acclaimed premieres and Mr. Ailey’s Revelations, an enduring masterpiece that transcends color and creed to unite us in hope. Tickets range from $29.00 – $125.00 based on seating. For more information, visit https://www.alvinailey.org/ and https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules
Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing
Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Knight Concert Hall
Who’s ready to get their sappy on come Friday, February 10 at 8:00 pm in Miami, Florida? Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs is the name of the hugely acclaimed cabaret show actor and activist Alan Cumming premiered in 2015 at New York’s legendary Café Carlyle to ecstatic reviews, and has since wowed, and continues to wow audiences all across America, Canada and Australia. Alan’s diverse career has found him performing at venues around the globe including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the London Palladium and the Sydney Opera House, and recording an award-winning album of songs (plus a dance remix), among his many accomplishments. Tickets range from $49.00 – $89.00. For more details, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Alan-Cumming/
Chaka Khan in Concert
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing
Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Knight Concert Hall
Chaka Khan A.K.A. “The Queen of Funk” will be performing live in Miami, Florida on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 8:00 pm. Chaka Khan is the epitome of her 1978 hit song “I’m Every Woman”. Chaka is a true Renaissance Woman. A singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist and mother, Chaka is an international music icon who has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to do so. Chaka is a ten-time GRamMY® Award-winner who has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. Come out and support and enjoy this musical icon. Tickets range from $45.00 – $125.00. For more information, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Chaka-Khan/
Before Night Falls
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing
Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.
1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132
Ziff Ballet Opera House/Presented by Florida Grand Opera
Based on the famous memoir of Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas, Before Night Falls follows Arenas’s life from childhood poverty in the Cuban countryside to his emigration to the United States in the 1980 Mariel boatlift and his last decade suffering from AIDS in New York City. Before Night Falls is a full-length opera in two acts scored for a full orchestra. The music is by Cuban-born composer Jorge Martín with a libretto by Mr. Martín and Dolores M. Koch. The musical style is melodic and richly textured, full of contrasts with some Cuban inflections along with a chorus of almost Verdian grandeur. Catch this amazing opera on Saturday, March 18 – Saturday, March 25, 2017. Tickets range from $16.00 – $229.00. For more information, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Florida-Grand-Opera/Before-Night-Falls/ and http://www.aopopera.org/beforenightfalls/
OTHER MIAMI AREA PERFORMANCES
Andrea Bocelli
American Airlines Arena
601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
World-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli will be coming to Miami, Florida on Sunday February 12, 2017 at 8:00 pm. Bocelli has completely redefined the genre of classical vocal music, having played a key role in bridging the gap between the highbrow listeners and the mainstream. Bocelli’s music has not only appealed to people across different social strata, but across generations and cultures. Bocelli has sung in French, Spanish, English and German besides his native Italian and has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. Bocelli has recorded over twenty pop and classical albums in addition to seven complete operas. Tickets range from $75.00 – $375.00. Presale begins Monday September 19, 2016 at 10:00 am. Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit Andrea Bocelli official website at http://www.andreabocelli.com/ as well as ticket information http://www.ticketmaster.com/andrea-bocelli-miami-florida-02-12-2017/event/0D0050FCDD21B089?artistid=773296&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=203
The post 2016-2017 Theater Season Preview: 24 South Florida Must See Shows appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
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