Theater, dance and powerful performances from some formidable musicians are coming to South Florida in March. Fans of musicals can choose from two rollicking, raunchy Broadway shows, as well as a twist on a classic, controversial Shakespeare comedy. Soul singers new and old will take control at various venues around town.
Wilkommen, Bienvenue …
Two major musicals will be coming to South Florida’s biggest performing arts centers – and yes, "Hamilton" is back in Miami too. But it’s two risqué shows, set within two European capitals, that should really be on your radar. Winner of 10 Tony awards and inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s high-flying film, "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" whisks the audience to the glamorous world of Paris in the belle epoque. Relive the romantic tale of novice composer Christian and cabaret actress Satine as the two make their way through the bohemian demi-monde of Montmartre’s most infamous nightclub. And just as in the film, original songs coexist with jukebox hits: the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Adele, the White Stripes, the Police, OutKast, and others are featured. See this Broadway touring production from March 14 – April 7 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at BrowardCenter.org.
(Morgan Sophia Photograhy)
Zoetic Stage presents "Cabaret."
If you like your classic nightlife tales a bit darker, then perhaps local company Zoetic Stage’s production of the iconic musical "Cabaret" will be more your style. Swapping France for the seedier setting of Weimar Berlin, the musical based on Christopher Isherwood’s short stories explores an era where transgressive hedonists party on the precipice of Germany’s slide into fascism. Romance abounds as a young American writer falls for a captivating English singer and a boarding house landlady begins a dalliance with a Jewish fruit peddler. But as Naziism takes hold, will they and the world they live in survive? See the show from March 14 – April 7 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Buy tickets at ArshtCenter.org.
Can’t Be Tamed
(Thinking Cap Theatre)
Thinking Cap Theatre presents "The Taming of the Shrew."
Musicals not your thing? How about a classic Shakespeare play with a twist? Dania Beach-based Thinking Cap Theatre’s recent reimagining of "King Lear" in a modern setting was one of Boca Magazine’s top 10 plays of 2018. Now, they’re returning to the Bard with an equally transgressive take on "The Taming of the Shrew." One of Shakespeare’s most controversial plays, the comedy about a messy couple in Renaissance Italy has been described as sexist by some and protofeminist by others. It’s been the subject of plenty of adaptations, from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1967 film starring turbulent real-life couple Liz Taylor and Richard Burton to the 1999 teen movie "10 Things I Hate About You." See how the Thinking Cap folks handle this one when it runs from March 22 – April 3 at the Broward Center. Purchase tickets at BrowardCenter.org.
Dancing Feet
(Photo by Lorenzo Carnero)
Manuel Linan and Alfonso Losa in "Stars of Flamenco."
For dance fans, the Arsht Center is hosting a worldly selection this month. For a mini trip to Andalucia, catch the "Stars of Flamenco" March 14. Featuring some of Spain’s most celebrated dancers, including El Yiyo, Alfonso Losa and Paula Comitre, the show is a grande finale for the 25th edition of Flamenco Festival Miami. Tickets are available at ArshtCenter.org.
From March 8-10, Miami City Ballet is tossing out the conventional with its "Spring Mix," presenting a wide array of dance. The company will premiere its take on "Following the Subtle Current Upstream," an uplifting piece with choreography from Alonzo King and music drawn from Indian and African sources. Meanwhile, Brazilian choreographer Ricardo Amarante takes on Bach in "Amarante." Traditionalists fear not: there’s also a performance of Balanchine’s setting of Stravinsky’s "Agon" in the offing. Purchase tickets at MiamiCityBallet.org.
(Alexander Iziliaev.jpg)
Miami City Ballet dancers Dawn Atkins and Chase Swatosh in George Balanchine's "Agon."
Soul to Soul
Legendary musicians will also be in town in March. Bob Dylan, who requires little in the way of introduction, will launch his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center March 1 and 2. Limited tickets to see the Nobel Prize winning singer-songwriter are still available via Ticketmaster.com.
Meanwhile, Mavis Staples, the celebrated soul singer and sole surviving member of the Staple Singers, will return to the Adrienne Arsht Center March 8. Best known as the voice behind instantly recognizable 1970s Chicago soul classics like “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself,” Staples has been brought on as a collaborator by the likes of David Byrne, Arcade Fire, Hozier, Jeff Tweedy, Ry Cooder, Aretha Franklin and Prince over the years. She’s also had a second wind as of late, winning three Grammys in the last decade, including best Americana album for "You Are Not Alone" and album of the year with Jon Batiste for his record "We Are." Tickets for her upcoming show in Miami, where the audience can expect her original tunes as well as rollicking covers of "Talking Heads" and "Funkadelic" are available at ArshtCenter.org.
For a younger dose of soul, British R&B singer Sampha will be at the Miami Beach Bandshell March 26. While he’s best known in America for collaborations with Travis Scott, Solange and others, the crooner, generally seen as the UK’s answer to Frank Ocean, has a formidable artistic voice all his own, penning romantic ballads with production informed by British electronic music such as the broken beat-influenced “Spirit 2.0.” Tickets for the show are available at Dice.fm.
Finally, there is a collaboration between Nu Deco Ensemble and folk singer-songwriter Andrew Bird. The Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist is most famous for his violin-flecked tunes and lilting vocals, with songs featured in the likes of "Fargo and The Young Pope." He’ll join Nu Deco for a guest performance alongside the ensemble’s creative reimagining of songs by Leonard Bernstein and the Grateful Dead. The show is set for March 2 at the Arsht, with tickets available at ArshtCenter.org.
1 of 3
(Photo by Daniel Azoulay)
Mavis Staples
2 of 3
(Wearetheguard.com)
British R&B Singer Sampha
3 of 3
(Alex Markow)
The Nu Deco Ensemble