Autumn in South Florida is a special time of year. While we don’t get leaves changing color or crisp weather, we do have something to look forward to: a brand new arts season.
Art, dance, music, theater – the new season boasts a dazzling array of productions and presentations designed to appeal to a diverse audience. Do you want to see a play about LeBron James? GableStage has “King James.” Are you a fan of Bizet’s “Carmen”? There are back-to-back productions from the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet. In the mood to do “The Time Warp” again? You can when “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” celebrates its 49th anniversary at the Arsht, with Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta in the movie. Are you a classical music fan? New World Symphony has several different programs each month, while the Arsht presents concerts from major orchestras. Do you marvel at the beauty and athleticism of dance? Ballroom dance, Alvin II, and the Peter London Global Dance Company are all featured at the Arsht. And do you revel in visual art? December’s Art Miami and Art Basel, as well as exhibitions at area museums, have you covered.
“We’re inviting everyone to join us on a journey of cultural exploration that truly has something for everyone including theater, classical, jazz, dance and more,” said Johann Zietsman, Arsht Center president and CEO. “From globally renowned artists to Miami’s own creative talents, this season will be an electrifying celebration of the arts that connects our diverse community.”
(Courtesy of Florida Grand Opera)
Florida Grand Opera will open their season with Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”
THEATER
In Miami Beach, Miami New Drama’s season is comprised of a trio of world premieres, commencing with “Lincoln Blues, an immersive experience that will traverse the cafés and outdoor spaces on Lincoln Road.
In Coral Gables, Actors’ Playhouse’s season includes the regional premiere of the musical “Waitress,” as well as Jonathan Larsen’s “Tik, Tik… Boom!,” Larsen’s only show besides “Rent,” directed by “Rent” alumni Andy Senor. GableStage’s season includes two shows direct from Broadway, “Appropriate” and “Fat Ham,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning update of “Hamlet” set at a North Carolina cookout.
(Matthew Murphy MurphyMade)
Roman Banks and the ensemble cast of “MJ the Musical,” part of the Broadway Series at the Arsht.
At the Arsht Center, the centerpiece of the Broadway Series is “MJ the Musical,” the popular, Tony Award-winning show about Michael Jackson. At the Arsht’s Carnival Studio Theatre, City Theatre presents their winter show, “Bad Santa,” a Christmas comedy, not to be confused with the movie of the same name. Zoetic Stage begins its 15th season by leaning into Halloween with “The Pillowman,” and politics with “POTUS or How Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.”
According to Stuart Meltzer, artistic director of Zoetic Stage, “Our programming this year and much as always, is reflective of a cultural zeitgeist; one that digs deep into humanity during very trying times, hopefully finding heart, and hope, and humor as a result.”
ART
(Courtesy of Atilla Glatz Productions)
Music and dance combine in the Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert at the Arsht
The annual art takeover of downtown Miami and Miami Beach continues this December with Art Miami and Art Basel. Thousands of artists will present their work at these two events as well as galleries all over Wynwood and neighboring areas, and tens of thousands of both local and international art lovers will flock to the exhibitions and parties. There are also ongoing and upcoming exhibitions at the Perez Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, with more likely to be added early next year.
DANCE
(Courtesy of Arsht Center)
Patti Austin is part of the Jazz Roots “Sarah Vaughn: A Sassy Centennial” at the Arsht.
While several dance companies and festivals have not yet announced their upcoming programs, Miami City Ballet’s season is bookended by new takes on old favorites.
“We open with a unique interpretation of George Balanchine’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” in which Shakespeare’s timeless comedy is reimagined through the vibrant lens of marine life,” said Lourdes Lopez, artistic director and MCB Chair. “The fantastical woodland setting is transformed into an underwater world, brought to life with a kaleidoscope of marine colors and stunning costumes.”
The final show of the season is a reimagined version of “Carmen,” choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, in her first creation for Miami City Ballet. “This powerful rendition of the classic tale explores love, jealousy, and betrayal through the eyes of the bold and irresistible Carmen, whose fierce independence ignites this fiery narrative,” said Lopez.
The season also features work by Pam Tanowitz and Alexei Ratmansky, two of today’s most daring choreographers.
MUSIC
(Courtesy Actors’ Playhouse)
Actors’ Playhouse will present the regional premiere of the musical “Waitress”
While New World Symphony officially opens its season in October with artistic director Stephane Deneve conducting Shostakovich, there are several concerts each month featuring soloists and the symphony performing a variety of composers and genres. The Florida Grand Opera season features three operas, “The Magic Flute,” “The Elixer of Love,” and “Carmen.” The Miami Beach Bandshell has concerts and dance programs across a variety of genres. And the Arsht will once again present the Jazz Roots Series, opening with a salute to Sarah Vaughn to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth, as well as Arturo Sandoval, Chucho Valdes, and a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington. “There is a special show for all jazz lovers,” said Liz Wallace, Arsht Center vice president of programming.
SEPTEMBER
Dread Mar 1, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 5
Micro TDH, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 7
St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 13
(Nir Arieli)
Ailey II’s C. Moulterie, A. Jordan, and K. Moore. The dance company will perform at the Arsht in February.
“Fighting Fascism in the Factory: The Revolutionary Lives of Women Cigar Workers,” Wolfsonian Museum, Sept.14
Klezmer Fantasy, New World Symphony, Sept. 14
Los Amigos Invisibles, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 14
MTT, Beethoven, and Beyond, New World Symphony, Sept. 15
Paperwater, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 19
The Expendables, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 20
Percussion Consort: A Journey Beyond Time, New World Symphony, Sept. 21
Zest Fest, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 21
La Santa Grifa, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 25
Juan Fernando Velasquez, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept. 26
(Courtesy of Cleveland Symphony Orchestra)
Sayaka Shoji will perform at New World Symphony
Curator’s Choice, The New Deal, Wolfsonian Museum Sept. 27
Barber and Mendelssohn, New World Symphony, Sept. 28
Miami Beach Salsa Fest, Miami Beach Bandshell, Sept.28
OCTOBER
Festival de Bomba y Pena, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 4
Silents Synced: “Nosferatu” Soundtracked to Radiohead, O Cinema, Oct. 4-6
Deneve Conducts MTT and Shostakokich, New World Symphony, Oct. 5-6
Nu Deco Ensemble, Colony Theatre Oct. 5-6,
(Matthew Murphy MurphyMade)
Isabella Esler and Justin Coulette in “Beetlejuice,” part of the Broadway Series at the Arsht.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” 49th Anniversary Spectacular Tour with Patricia Quinn, Arsht, Oct. 6
STRFKR, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 6
KARD, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 11
Chamber Music: Haydn and Borodin, New World Symphony, Oct. 13
Zun Zun Children’s Fest: Luis Pescetti, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct.13
Museum and a Movie: “The Great Leap,” Wolfsonian Museum, Oct. 17
Jason Joshua, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 17
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Miami City Ballet, Arsht, Oct. 18 to Nov. 3
Jesus Aguaje and his Buena Vista Orchestra, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 19
(Martin Espino Garcia)
Chucho Valdes will perform with the Royal Quartet. Part of the Jazz Roots Series at the Arsht
“The Witches of Eastwick” Slow Burn, Broward Center, Oct. 19 to Nov. 3
“The Seven Deadly Sins,” New World Symphony, Oct. 19-20
“The Pillowman,” Zoetic Stage, Arsht, Oct. 24 to Nov. 10
OUTshine Film Fest, Regal Cinema South Beach, Oct. 25-27
La Lom, Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 26
“The Planets” and Rachmanioff, New World Symphony, Oct. 26
“Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Miami Beach Bandshell, Oct. 27
NOVEMBER
Jazz Roots: Sarah Vaughn: “A Sassy Centennial,” featuring Patti Austin, Randy Brecker, Lisa Fischer, and Tyreek McDole, Arsht, Nov. 1
“King James,” GableStage, Nov. 1-24
Nanpa Basico, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 2
Afro Blue by Zest Collective, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 3
Concert for Kids: “Dia de los Muertos,” New World Symphony, Nov. 3
Andrea Chung: Between Too Late and Too Early, Museum of Contemporary Art, Nov. 6 to April 6
Smita Sen: Embodied, Museum of Contemporary Art, Nov. 6 to April 6
Laura Laune – Glory Alleluia, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 7
Carlos Baute De Mi Puno Y Letra, 30 Anos Tour, Arsht, Nov. 8
Ana Barbara, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 9
Veterans’ Day Concert: “A WWII Journey,” New World Symphony, Nov. 9-10
Dance Now, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 10
“Tik, Tik… Boom!” Actors’ Playhouse, Nov. 15 to Dec. 8
“The Magic Flute,” Florida Grand Opera: Arsht, Nov. 16-Dec. 7
Jose Parla: Homecoming, Perez Art Museum, Nov. 16 to July 6
Chamber Music: Crider Sings Ravel and Copland, New World Symphony, Nov. 17
Miami Book Fair, Miami-Dade College Wolfson Campus, Nov. 17-24
Musician’s Forum, New World Symphony, Nov. 18
Los Auntenticos Decadentes, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 20
Badfish – A Tribute to Sublime, Miami Beach Bandshell, Nov. 22
Mozart and Bach, New World Symphony, Nov. 23-24
DECEMBER
Barclay Crenshaw, Miami Beach Bandshell, Dec. 1
“Some Like It Hot,” Broadway Series, Arsht, Dec. 3-8,
Art Miami: Dec. 3-8
“The Great Yes and the Great No,” Arsht, Dec. 5-7
“Black Santa,” City Theatre, Arsht, Dec. 5 to 22
Art Basel, Dec. 6-8
“Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen,” GableStage, Dec. 13 to Jan. 5
“The Nutcracker,” Miami City Ballet, Arsht, Dec. 13-24
“Avatar: The Last Airbender,” in Concert, Arsht, Dec. 14
Kavakos: Mozart and Brahms, New World Symphony, Dec. 14-15
“Lincoln Road Blues,” Miami New Drama, Dec. 14 to Feb. 16
Inside the Music, New World Symphony, Dec. 16
“Anastasia,” Slow Burn, Broward Center, Dec. 21 to Jan. 5
Caramelos de Cianuro, Miami Beach Bandshell, Dec. 21
Sounds of the Season, New World Symphony, Dec. 21
Big Soto, Miami Beach Bandshell, Dec. 22
Chamber Music: McDermott, Messiaen, and Mozart, New World Symphony, Dec. 22
Peter London Global Dance Company: “After Landing,” Arsht, Dec. 27-29
“Salute to Vienna” New Year’s Concert, Arsht, Dec. 28
JANUARY
Alexander Calder in the Sculpture Garden, Perez Art Museum, through March 11
“Every Sound is a Shape of Time: Selections from PAMM’s Collection,” Perez Art Museum, through March 16
“Xican-a.o.x. Body,” Perez Art Museum, through March 30
“POTUS or How Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive,” Zoetic Stage, Arsht, Jan. 9-2,
Piazzolla’s “Tango,” New World Symphony, Jan. 11
Solo Spotlight, New World Center, Jan. 13
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” Broadway Series, Arsht, Jan. 14-19
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Arsht, Jan. 16
Rachmaninoff’s “Symphonic Dances,” New World Symphony, Jan. 18-19
“A Beautiful Noise” Broadway Series, Broward Center, Jan. 21 to Feb. 22
Cleveland Orchestra in Miami: Beethoven “Violin Concerto,” Arsht, Jan. 24-25
“Jersey Boys,” Actors’ Playhouse, Jan. 24 to Feb. 23
“Gallerina,” Miami New Drama, Jan. 25 to Feb. 16
Chamber Music: The Chamber Cello, New World Symphony, Jan. 26
Musician’s Forum, New World Symphony, Jan. 27
“Appropriate” GableStage, Jan. 31 to Feb. 23
Cleveland Orchestra in Miami: Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 8,” Arsht, Jan. 31 to Feb.1
FEBRUARY
“The Elixir of Love,” Florida Grand Opera, Arsht, Feb. 1-15
Inside the Music, New World Symphony, Feb. 3
Jazz Roots Series: Chucho Valdes with the Royal Quartet, Arsht, Feb. 7, Arsht
“I Dream a World: Transitions and Trailblazers,” New World Symphony, Feb. 8-9
“Parade,” Slow Burn, Broward Center, Feb. 8-9
Solo Spotlight, New World Symphony, Feb. 10
“Winter Mix,” Miami City Ballet, Arsht, Feb. 14 to March 9
Miami City Ballet: Ballet for Young People, Arsht, Feb. 15
Chamber Music: Dvorak and Ravel, New World Symphony, Feb. 16
“Mamma Mia!” Broadway Series, Arsht, Feb. 18-23
Musician’s Forum, New World Symphony, Feb. 24
Slimane, Miami Beach Bandshell, Feb. 26
Ailey II – The Next Generation of Dance, Arsht, Feb. 28
MARCH
Deneve: “Music in (Techni)Color,” New World Symphony, March 1-2
London Symphony Orchestra, Arsht, March 2
“The Lion King,” Broadway Series, Broward Center, March 6-30
Deveve: Davone Michael Tiness’ “Mass,” New World Symphony, March 8-9
“Fiddler on the Roof,” Zoetic Stage. Arsht, March 13 to April 6
Deneve: Britten’s “War Requiem,” New World Symphony, March 15
The Peking Acrobats, Arsht, March 16
Solo Spotlight, New World Symphony, March 17
“MJ the Musical” Arsht, March 18-23
Israel Philharmonic, Arsht, March 19
Jazz Roots: Jason Moran Performs the Music of Duke Ellington: “My Heart Sings,” Arsht, March 21
National Symphony Orchestra, Arsht, March 22
Concert for Kids: “Nature Walk,” New World Symphony, March 23
Inside the Music, New World Symphony, March 24
“Waitress,” Actors’ Playhouse, Arsht, March 26 to April 20
“Spring Mix,” Miami City Ballet, Arsht, March 28 to April 13
“Summer, 1776,” GableStage, March 28 to April 20
MTT, Bronfman, and Beethoven, New World Symphony, March 29-30
“Something Rotten,” Slow Burn, Broward Center, March 29 to April 13
APRIL
Miami International Film Festival, April 4-13
“Birthright,” Miami New Drama, April 5-27
Solo Spotlight, New World Symphony, April 7
“MJ the Musical,” Broadway Series, Broward Center, April 8-20
Jazz Roots: Arturo Sandoval, Arsht, April 11,
“Carmen,” Florida Grand Opera, Arsht, April 12-26
Family Fest: 123 Andres, Arsht, April 12
“A Sibelius Journey,” New World Symphony, April 12-13
Deneve: “Symphonie Fantastique,” New World Symphony, April 19
Musician’s Forum, New World Symphony, April 24
“Carmen,” Miami City Ballet, Arsht, April 25 to May 4
Inside the Music, New World Symphony, April 28
“Beetlejuice,” Broadway Series, Arsht April 29-May 4
MAY
Cleveland Orchestra in Miami: Holst’s “The Planets,” Arsht, May 2-3
Season Finale with Gil Shaham, New World Symphony, May 3-4
“Peter Pan,” Broadway Series, Broward Center, May 6-18
“Comeuppance,” Zoetic Stage, Arsht, May 8-25
“The Girl on the Train,” Actors’ Playhouse, May 14 to June 8
“Fat Ham” GableStage, May 16 to June 15