Cirque Dreams Holidaze, the iconic holiday stage spectacular, lights up South Florida’s holiday season in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts with eight unforgettable performances Tuesday, December 26–Saturday, December 30 as part of its 10th Anniversary National Tour.
This critically-acclaimed holiday celebration is a Broadway musical, new cirque adventure and family show wrapped in one!
Broadway Director and South Florida’s own Neil Goldberg has reimagined this season’s holiday stage spectacle of Cirque Dreams Holidaze the New York Daily News proclaimed, “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.” It’s “The perfect holiday gift and show everyone will enjoy” raved BroadwayWorld of the sold-out performances that “Dazzled…at The Kennedy Center” hailed the Washington Post.
South Florida audiences can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at this multi-million-dollar live stage production with never-before-seen performances, over 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites. Experience elaborate costumed characters celebrating Winter, Christmas, Chanukah, New Year’s and more with snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa and ornaments…flying, balancing and stretching imaginations in this groundbreaking iconic show. Exciting theatrical production numbers, illusions and gravity-defying feats will leave you on the edge of your seats at this “Las Vegas…meets family entertainment…meets musical theatre” Cirque Dreams Holidaze production raves the Boston Globe.
Diana Pombo was discovered by Cirque Dreams Founder Neil Goldberg in 2015 at age nine when he cast her in Broward County’s theatrical centennial celebration We produced by Cirque Dreams. Pombo, now 11, recently gained national recognition on NBC’s World of Dance. Jennifer Lopez proclaimed, “It wasn’t just all the flexibility and strength you had, it was the passion that you put into every move.” After her World of Dance fall tour, Diana will join the 30-performer international cast of Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
Says Creator/Director Goldberg, “Adding Diana Pombo to the 10th anniversary season of Cirque Dreams Holidaze elevates the shows already incomparable world talent and further makes this production at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts the holiday season show not to be missed. This will be our largest and most elaborate production to date that will celebrate, gratify and amaze the entire family.”
Other South Florida locals in the cast include singer/songwriter Ariel Rose, who portrays the Ice Queen, a featured lead vocalist, and actor Frank Vomero who will lead the audience in a delightful interactive bell symphony.
Another South Florida local is Company Manager, Benjamin-Michael Joseph Antipuna, who sat down for an exclusive interview.
Did you always want to be an entertainer, even as a child? When and how did it start?
I did, I started when I was 12 in Philadelphia in a local community theater. I went to college to study acting and dance, and when I graduated I went right into my professional career.
What was your first professional/paid gig?
It was at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I worked there in my junior and senior year of college during the summer time. I went back last year for a small job and it was great seeing some of the guys I started with growing into big positions there.
How did you come to work for Cirque Dreams?
Cirque Dreams asked Busch Gardens to produce a show for the summer of 2002 and I was the stage manager for that. When that was done, I was asked by Cirque Dreams to come on board, and when my contract ended with Busch Gardens I moved to Fort Lauderdale to join their team.
What has been your favorite role outside of Cirque Dreams?
There were two. The first was when I got to play Dracula at Universal Studios, it was great because the families visiting treat you like a rock star. The other was Diego in the show Diego and Drew say I Do. It was extremely special as I also got to perform right here in Fort Lauderdale, my home town for all my family and friends.
What is your fantasy role?
Angel in Rent. It was the first pro audition I did.
When did you become company manager and how is that position compared to being an entertainer?
This is my fifth year as company manager. It was a natural evolution. I think I am a good company manager, since I came from the other side and I try and treat everyone as good as I possibly can. In my opinion, one of the most important things to do as a company manager is keeping a daily routine. Having everyone know what’s going to happen gives them a comfort on the road.
Being company manager is much more comfortable than having to hustle for the next part.
What should the South Florida audiences expect from Cirque Dreams Holidaze?
It’s the traditional European circus that everyone has come to know and love over the last decade or so. We have a Broadway production slant to it and also a Holiday theme. The show really is for people 5 to 105. We have 20 acts, 30 artists and tickets are affordable.
Tickets are $29.50–$69.50 with $123 LATAM AIRLINES CLUB LEVEL tickets and $99 VIP Tickets. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center, Parker Playhouse and affiliated venues. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222 or the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Know who you are buying from when you purchase tickets.
