2014 South Florida Fall Theater Preview

If South Florida theater lovers only catch five shows this season, these are the performances to see. Miami and Fort Lauderdale will proudly feature shows from Broadway including the new stage production of the classic TV show, "I Love Lucy," as well as new takes on classics including "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella." New productions with the potential to become classics of their own will also be featured this fall including "Peter and the Starcatcher," an exciting, witty production based on the novel by none other than Ridley Scott and Dave Barry. Most of the featured performances are entertaining and appropriate for audience members of all ages as well, making them wonderful cultural events for the entire family to enjoy.

"Peter And The Starcatcher"
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 949-6722
www.arshtcenter.org

Date: Oct. 9-26, 2014

"Peter and the Starcatcher" is a play based on a novel by Ridley Scott and South Florida native, Dave Barry. The show has won an impressive five Tony Awards which should come as no surprise when it's considered that only 12 actors portray the over 100 characters featured in the story and much of the scenery and furniture featured in the scenes. It's a witty and exciting production sure to be remembered for years. The story is one of the power of the imagination and its lack of limitations or ends.

"Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella"
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 949-6722
www.arshtcenter.org

Date: Oct. 28 to Nov. 2, 2014 at 8 p.m.

This romantic comedy version of "Cinderella" is a Tony Award-winning sensation. The creators of "The Sound of Music" thrill audiences with a beautiful production of the classic fairytale story with the addition of exciting new plot twists. This contemporary rendition includes the well-loved songs for the show, "Impossible/It's Possible," and others with an incredible orchestra. "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" is a great pick for a family night.

"Annie"
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 S.W. 5th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 462-0222
www.browardcenter.org

Date: Oct. 7-19, 2014

"Annie" will debut this October at the Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The timelessly adored tale of the lovable orphan Annie and her adventures and misadventures in the orphanage and beyond is a must-see for guests of all ages. This version of the musical is a new version of the original including book and score from Tony Award winners Martin Charnin, Thomas Meehan and Charles Strouse. Showtimes vary.

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(Source: Broward Center for the Performing Arts)
"The Phantom Of The Opera"
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 S.W. 5th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 462-0222
www.browardcenter.org

Date: Nov. 19-30, 2014

The Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents the classic show of "The Phantom of the Opera." The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical comes as a new production by Cameron Mackintosh featuring special effects, new choreography, an orchestra and a cast of 52, and more surprises. "The Phantom of the Opera" is the story of a disfigured genius in love with his protégée at the Paris Opera House. The show's run in the U.K. was sold out for every performance. Showtimes vary.

"I Love Lucy Live On Stage"
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
1300 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 949-6722
www.arshtcenter.org

Date: Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, 2014 at 8 p.m.

The Broadway in Miami series will present the live stage show of "I Love Lucy." The new hit performance is constructed as if it is a live filming of the hit iconic television show of yesteryear. Audience members will be engaged as if they are the studio audience members watching the filming live and they'll enjoy behind-the-scenes information from the actors playing Lucy, Ricky, Ethel and Fred. The live comedy show includes live musical performances between scenes.

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Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.