by Jan Davisson
December is “the most wonderful time of the year” for theater goers. All the Palm Beach County professional theaters have fantastic productions for holiday enjoyment, and I’ve even included a couple of outstanding Dade County productions as well.
MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE…Broadway comes to Jupiter!
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the holiday production at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre starring Danella Brown as Belle and Zach Nadolski as the Beast. Photo credits: Zak Bennett
An amazing production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is now on stage at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. It’s truly a holiday gift to the community. This enchanting show opened on November 27 and runs through December 16. The magic starts with Director John Tarlaglia, a master puppeteer who has created puppets for the inanimate objects such as Lumiere, the candelabra. The unique concept takes the production on a completely new path of entertainment—one that the entire family will adore. The main real-life characters are portrayed by real actors, including Daniella Brown (Belle), Zack Nadolski (beast), Kevin Hack (Gaston), Ray DeMattis (Maurice) and Daniel Schwab (Prince). The puppeteers include Brendan Malafronte (Lumiere), Paul Louis (Cogsworth), Anna McNeely (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Laura Turnball (Mrs. Potts) and Reese Lores (Chip). The entire ensemble are puppeteers in the “over the top” production number, “Be Our Guest.”
The makeup for the Beast is unbelievable. Makeup designer Jennifer Tober and makeup artist Larissa Baransky transform a very handsome young man, Zack Nadolski, into an amazing beast…no mask, just use of prosthetic application, wigs and make up.
Photo credits: Jason Nuttle
You might have seen Beauty and the Beast before…but never like this. It’s worthy of Broadway, and we have it right here in Jupiter. Tickets are available for the third week. Once the word gets out, they’ll be gone.
Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter. Tickets: (561) 575-2223; www.jupitertheatre.org
KRAVIS THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Hello Dolly! starring Betty Buckley (center) with Lewis J. Stadlen in the national touring company. December 11-16 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach Photo credit. (Julieta Cervantes / Courtesy)
As part of the Kravis on Broadway series, everyone’s favorite “meddler,” Dolly Levi is back in town. Well, Hello Dolly! Betty Buckley brings a new life to the 1964 Tony winner, Hello Dolly, the wonderful classic of the widowed woman who decides to use her matchmaking skills to get a husband for herself. Her subject is a grouchy businessman, Horace Vandergelder. The twist and turns are hilarious. The original show starred Carol Channing who belted out many of the memorable tunes by Jerry Herman. Songs include “Before the Parade Passes You By,” “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Dancing” and my favorite scene, “The Waiter’s Gallop” followed by the huge production number, “Hello Dolly.” Remember it in the movie with Barbra Streisand and Louie Armstrong? Hard to forget. This turn-of-the-century story line takes place in New York City with lots of wonderful costumes and hats, energetic dancing, glorious singing and a storyline filled with unforgettable characters created by Michael Stewart. The entire production fills the theater with charisma, fun and joy. Tickets to Hello Dolly make a great gift for a loved one or just to treat yourself.
Other December offerings at the Kravis include a brand-new production of an old favorite, The Sound of Music. It’s a one-night-only production on Friday, December 21 at 8 pm. The music has won Tony, Grammy and Academy awards for best score. The songs are all My Favorite Things.
Kravis Holiday Show for the kids, Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer comes to life at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
The beloved TV classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. See all the favorite characters as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Recommended for ages 4 to 10. December 23 with two performances at 1pm and 4 pm. Best news, tickets are only $20!
Meredith Pughe, Caiti Marlowe, Laura Plyler, Ashley Rubin, Alexandra Amadeo Frost and Cara Harpest, part of the cast in Grease at the Rinker Playhouse, Kravis Center.
A special treat, Forbidden Broadway, at the Rinker Playhouse is slated for December 27-31 with show times at 7:30 pm. Thursday through Sunday and 1:30 pm. and 7:30 pm. on Saturday. Two special New Year’s Eve performances will be held on Monday, December 31 at 7 pm and 10 pm. Get ready to end 2018 with lots of laughter as the Great White Way is spoofed with crazy costumes and rewrites of lots of your favorite songs.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach Tickets (561) 832-7469 or (800) 572-8471; www.kravis.org
PALM BEACH DRAMAWORKS
Palm Beach Dramaworks: Taylor Anthony Miller, Rob Donohoe, Hamish Allan-Headley headline the world premiere of House on Fire at the Don and Ann Brown Theatre in West Palm Beach.
“Theater to Think About” is what Palm Beach Dramaworks (PBD) is all about. Whether it’s a classic such as John Guare’s House of Blue Leaves (May 17-June 7, 2019) at the end of the season or a contemporary script such as Fences by August Wilson, you’ll leave the Don & Ann Brown Theatre on Clematis Street discussing the superb play that you’ve just seen.
House on Fire, December 7-December 30, is the world premiere of the Lyle Kessler production. The show features Hamish Allan-Headley, Rob Donohoe, Christopher Kelly, Taylor Anthony Miller and Georgia Warner. Directed by Producing Artistic Director, William Hayes, this amazing production will take you through vast emotions from love and resentment to redemption.
Lots of activities going on all through December from acting classes with professional actor and teacher Ken Kay to classes on character development with Elizabeth Dimon, to play readings and in-depth looks behind the scene as part of the Dramalogue series. PBD is definitely “Theater to Think About.” Information on all events available online at palmbeachdramaworks.org or by calling the box office.
Upcoming shows include Spitfire Grill opening February 1-24. A delightful musical guaranteed to get you tapping your toes. A few reviews from the off-Broadway production: “a complete work of theatrical resourcefulness. It is penetrated by honesty and it glows!” (The New York Times)… “Hosannas to the heartland! …Soaring melodies!” (Wall Street Journal)… “Rich and satisfying! Tender and touching!”… An abundance of warmth, spirit, and goodwill!” (Billboard)
Reviews just don’t get any better than that!
Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach FL 33401 Tickets: (561) 514–4042 Ext. 2; www.palmbeachdramaworks.org
WICK THEATRE BOCA RATON
Sally Struthers stars as Miss Hannigan in Annie at the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton
Don’t miss Sally Struthers as Miss Hannigan in the Wick’s production of Annie. It opened on November 29 and runs through December 23. The January production is Funny Girl, January 17, 2019-February 24. Want an extra special treat at the Wick? Make Reservations at The Tavern on the Wick for a delightful lunch or dinner. The Wick goes all out with holiday decorations.
The Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Hwy., Boca Raton 33487. www.TheWick.org (561) 995-2333
Gables Theatre at the Biltmore
The Gables Theatre at the Biltmore December production is Actually by Anna Ziegler located in the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Need I say more? An evening enjoying theater at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Now through December 23, Actually, a delightful contemporary comedy by Anna Ziegler and directed by Gail Garrisan. If you haven’t been to a Gables production, give yourself a treat for the holidays. Make a night of it by either staying at the Biltmore or at one of the many hotels located in Coral Gables. Lots of great dining.
Gables Stage Tickets: 1200 Anastasia Ave. Coral Gables (east side of Biltmore Hotel) (305) 445-1119
Actor’s Playhouse, Miracle Theatre, Coral Gables
If you want to make an entire weekend visiting Coral Gables, the Actor’s Playhouse located in the Miracle Theatre on Miracle Mile has a special musical production of A Christmas Carol every Saturday at 2 pm December 3-23.
The Actors’ Playhouse is located in the old Miracle Theater, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Tickets: (305) 444-9293