Spring is such a beautiful time to be in Florida, and as the weather and flowers are in full bloom, some very entertaining musical, theater and comedy acts are coming to our state to ensure springtime is a time that will leave you with great memories. We’ve profiled 18 acts who will be performing either in south Florida, central Florida, or both, during the spring season.
APRIL
American Idiot
This musical, adapted from Green Day’s rock opera, is currently touring Florida; you may have read about a few tour dates in our March 20 issue. There are still two dates coming up in April…you still have a chance to see why the Toronto Star called it “one of the most exciting musicals you’ll ever see!”
When and Where? Van Wezel Performing Arts Centre, Sarasota, April 7; Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, April 8
Evita
Don’t cry for her, Argentina. The story of tragic heroine Eva Peron, her rise and her eventual death, is all chronicled in this beautiful musical composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber. You may know how the story ends but Evita will always regale you with her dulcet tones and beautiful costumes.
When and Where? Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, April 8-13; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, May 27-June 1
Jersey Boys
The musical adaptation of the real-life rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is an experience you won’t soon forget. This musical features live renditions of their biggest hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Let’s Hang On! (To What We’ve Got)”.
When and Where? Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, April 8-13; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando, April 15-27
Chess
This musical revolves around the game of chess, and two grandmasters, one from the U.S. and one from the U.S.S.R., as one woman manages one and romances the other. The music is provided by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, the men from ABBA. See for yourself why the Providence Journal calls this musical “a match of wit and passion.”
When and Where? Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, Aventura, April 10-13
Karmin
Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan make up the pop duo Karmin, who have already made their mark on the Billboard dance charts with two #1 hits: “Brokenhearted” and “Hello.” They are releasing their new album “Pulses” and touring to promote it. We can’t wait to hear the next potential single that we’ll all be dancing to in the clubs!
When and Where? House of Blues, Lake Buena Vista, April 13; Revolution Live, Fort Lauderdale, April 15
Shen Yun
The essence of 5000 years of culture was almost completely demolished by Mao’s regime. With this in mind, the people behind Shen Yun moved to America, and they produce a show that showcases authentic Chinese dance and song. Three groups tour the world simultaneously, and one is making stops here in Florida.
When and Where? Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, April 15-16; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, April 18-20; Van Wezel Performing Arts Centre, Sarasota, April 22-23
The Wizard of Oz
We couldn’t let this concerts and shows guide pass without referencing the musical that’s practically made for gays! Dorothy and Toto travel down the yellow brick road with their newfound friends in a limited engagement of this fan favorite that’s dropping into Florida for one week only.
When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, April 15-19
Becoming Dr. Ruth
Dr. Ruth Westheimer was everyone’s favorite grandmotherly sex therapist. Now we get to see a play about her life and her rise to stardom. Debra Jo Rupp (Friends, That ’70s Show, Better with You) steps into the title role as she lets people know that people of all ages can have great sex.
When and Where? Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale, April 16-20
Godspell
A musical by Stephen Schwartz (who would also pen the music to Pippin and Wicked), Godspell tells the story of the Gospel of Saint Matthew in the form of parables. The fusion of the traditional story of the Bible set to 1970s music caused a stir when it was first performed, and still enthralls audiences today.
When and Where? Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg, April 17-19
John Legend
An R&B and dance hit-maker for many years, John Legend finally broke through to the mainstream with the #3 pop hit “All of Me” this year. His most recent album, “Love in the Future,” peaked at #4. On the heels of the best success of his career, he’s touring the country and making multiple stops in south and central Florida
When and Where? Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, April 22; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, April 23; Van Wezel Performing Arts Centre, Sarasota, April 27
Ghost: The Musical
“Molly, you in danger, girl!” Based on the hit 1990 movie starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, this musical is the touring production that succeeded the 2012 Broadway run. This yearlong production stops three different times in Florida, giving us ample chance to fall in love with the musical like we did with the film.
When and Where? Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, April 22-27; Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, April 29-May 11; Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando, May 13-18
Bruce Springsteen
Born in the U.S.A., this hardworking man, straight outta Jersey, always sells out when he comes to south Florida. There was so much demand, in fact, that he created one special tour date just for audiences down here. Buy your tickets while you still can, because he’s eager to show south Florida why he’s still “the Boss” after all these years.
When and Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise, April 29
MAY
Thaïs
Thaïs, the lyrical comedy by Jules Massenet, has entertained audiences throughout the world for over a century. The story revolves around a monk trying to convert an Alexandrian courtesan to Christianity, but the purity of one and the base desires of the other immediately clash…which feelings belong to whom?
When and Where? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, May 3-10; Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, May 15 and 17
Lady Gaga
Whether you love her or hate her, whether you roll your eyes or scream “YAAAAAASSS,” one thing is for sure…she will descend on south Florida for one night only this spring. For her ARTPOP Tour, she will no doubt pull out ALL the stops as she picks from her rich repertoire, which includes 13 Top 10 hits.
When and Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise, May 4
Chelsea Handler
You got to see her in South Beach this year…now the take-no-prisoners comedienne and host of Chelsea Lately on E! will be performing a show in central Florida. Opinionated with a dirty mouth to match, her mix of humor and truth wouldn’t exactly be something you’d want to see with your mother!
When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, May 9
Cher
After a long-running “farewell” tour ten years ago, Cher is kicking off an all-new tour for her album Closer to the Truth. This time she makes sure not to call it a “farewell,” as she takes advice from her hit from Burlesque, “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.” Even at 67, she proves that she is timeless and a musical treat to be enjoyed by multiple generations.
When and Where? Amway Center, Orlando, May 16; BB&T Center, Sunrise, May 17
I Love Lucy On Stage
Who doesn’t love Lucy? The 1950s sitcom starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz has become iconic in American pop culture and reruns of the series still air on TV today. This production takes you back to 1952, as if you were an audience member attending an I Love Lucy taping. Everything is authentic, down to the commercial spots and set design!
When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, May 16-18
Morrissey
An indie music legend and sexual chameleon, Morrissey has been a formidable force in alternative music for three decades. His nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Modern Rock charts speak to his influence and success. He’s currently busy writing a novel and recording an album, but he’s finding time to perform for us in Florida on two separate dates.
When and Where? Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, May 30; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, May 31
