Top 2014-2015 College Productions In South Florida

South Florida is a place that has many entertainment options for many income levels. The traffic and the search for parking are worth going to some events that are reasonably priced and treat the viewer to local talent and quality production value. The colleges in the South Florida area (Miami-Dade, New World, Broward College, University of Miami, Florida International) all have thriving theater programs that produce theatrical plays and musical events on their individual campuses that are fantastic. The actors and actresses will draw you into the story and make you feel as if you are being spoken to directly.

'Dracula'
Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus
11011 S.W. 104th St.
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 237-2282
www.mdc.edu

Date: Now through Oct. 26, 2014

The timeless tale of the doomed prince Dracula takes the stage in suburban Miami-Dade throughout the end of October. Attendees can prepare for Halloween early by listening to the story be told live on stage where they can feel the cold, emptiness of the eternal life of a vampire from their seats in the audience.

Juanita's Statue'
Florida International University, Black Box Theater
10910 S.W. 17th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-0495
www.wpac.fiu.edu

Date: Nov. 7-16, 2014

A twist on the tale of Don Juan, "Juanita's Statue" tells the story from a woman's point of view. The twist is better than any rom-com story or drama currently in the movie theaters and at a more affordable price. Current FIU students only pay $10, while general admission is $15 at the beautiful Wertheim Performing Arts Center.

Carmen
University of Miami, Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
1312 Miller Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-3355
www.as.miami.edu

Date: Nov. 12-23, 2014

In conjunction with the Tectonic Theater project from New York, this version of "Carmen" takes place in Cuba, 1958. The music of Georges Bizet is set to an Afro-Cuban rhythm with changes in vocabulary to reflect the change in time from Spain, 1810. Other than some independent films that highlight Hispanic, specifically Cuban stories, the production of "Carmen" is worth seeing. Regular admission is $25 into the classic Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, with students paying a reduced rate of $10.

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Opera Scenes by the Opera Theatre Ensemble
New World School of the Arts, Colony Theater
1040 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 237-7855
www.nwsa.mdc.edu

Date: Nov. 20, 2014

Take a walk up the magnificent, world famous Lincoln Road at sunset and prepare for operatic performances in the Colony Theater by local, talented students. The experience will be eye opening as they present scenes from their favorite operas. There will not be subtitles but they will do a fantastic job of communicating to the audience their feelings and emotions that will tell the story. It will make anyone who attends the free production want to purchase the operas in their entirety and see them from start to finish.

A Jazz Holiday featuring Metta Quintet
Bailey Hall, Broward College Central Campus
3501 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314
(954) 201-6884
www.baileyhall.org

Date: Dec. 6, 2014

Directly on the campus of Broward College, the Jazz Combo of the school comes together with the Metta Quintet, who will be finishing a three-day residency at the school. Metta Quintet is part of the Jazz Reach organization, a non-profit in New York that is dedicated to the performance, creation and teaching of jazz music. Tickets are between $20 and $25 and it will start the holiday season off on the right foot by hearing time-honored songs told in a warm, sultry way that only jazz music can communicate.

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Eric L Labrador is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. His work can be found on Examiner.com.