February Performances at The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Published: Jan 2, 2020

AVENTURA, Fla. (January 2, 2020) – The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s season continues with feature concerts, international film, ballet, classical music, comedy, lectures and more this February.

Feb. 1              Latrice Royale: Here’s To Life
Feb. 4              Cyrano, My Love- International Film Series
Feb. 6              The Diary of Anne Frank
Feb. 7              The Diary of Anne Frank -Smart Stage Matinee
Feb. 7              As You Like It By William Shakespeare
Feb. 8              An Evening with The Edwards Twins: Cher, Frankie Valli, Streisand & More
Feb. 9              Lillias White Presented by Vi at Aventura – Broadway Concert Series
Feb. 13            Forever Tina
Feb. 14            America’s Sweethearts
Feb. 15            Mutts Gone Nuts
Feb. 15            Lynn Koplitz “Hormonal Beast” Tour – Stand Up Comedy Series
Feb. 16            Misha Dacic - Miami International Piano Festival
Feb. 19            Betty Buckley Presented by Vi at Aventura – Broadway Concert Series
Feb. 20            NY Rockabilly Rockets: Shake Rattle Roll
Feb. 21            Tammy Pescatelli – Stand Up Comedy Series
Feb. 22-23       Steve Solomon’s From Brooklyn to Broadway in Only 50 Years!
Feb. 25            Marlisa Santos, Ph.D.: Hitchcock’s Complicated Women - NSU Speaker Series
Feb. 27            Did Somebody Say Broadway?
Feb. 28-29       Andrew Dice Clay – Stand Up Comedy Series

Born Timothy Wilcots in Compton, California, Latrice Royale is large and in charge, chunky yet funky, bold and beautiful! Latrice Royale: Here’s to Life is one woman show which combines her love of story-telling and music on Saturday, February 1 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. After 20 years in the business of female impersonation, Latrice’s unique talent came to the attention of the world on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 as well as her return to RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2019. Accompanied by her husband Christopher Hamblin, they take the audience on an incredible journey through her life story of growing up gay in Compton, the circumstances surrounding her “unfortunate incarceration” and how her positive perspective helped her get through it all. Tickets are $40 - $45 with $70 VIP tickets that include a meet and greet and photo opportunity.

The Aventura International Film Series continues with Cyrano, My Love on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Set in December 1897, Paris, the film follows Edmond Rostand, who is not yet thirty, but already has two children and too much anxiety. He has not written anything for two years. In desperation, he offers the great Constant Coquelin a new play, a heroic comedy, in verse, for the holidays. There’s one problem: it is not yet written. Ignoring the whims of actresses, the demands of his producers, the jealousy of his wife, the stories of his best friend’s heart and the lack of enthusiasm of all those around him, Edmond must focus and put pen to paper. For now, he has only the title: “Cyrano de Bergerac”. Not rated, this film is from France and has English subtitles. The Aventura International Film Series presented by the City of Aventura is hosted by Shelly Isaacs who introduces the film and leads a post-screening discussion. Tickets are $12.

 

In The Diary of Anne Frank on Thursday, February 6 at 8 p.m., the Olney Theatre Center's National Players touring production tells the story of 13-year-old Anne Frank who, in 1941, goes into hiding with her family from the Nazis. For the next two years, she never leaves the attic where her family is concealed. With fear of discovery ever-present, Anne finds solace writing in her diary, capturing the daily lives of the secret annex’s inhabitants—from the horrors of war to the excitement of first love—with wit, determination, and idealism. With a multicultural cast, National Players brings the true story of this incredibly insightful young girl, that is often read in school, to the stage in hopes of inspiring the next generation to stand up for justice rather than sit back in apathy. Tickets are $45-$49.

 

The City of Aventura presents a Smart Stage Matinee performance of The Diary of Anne Frank on Friday, February 7 at 10:30 a.m. In 1941 Amsterdam, 13-year-old Anne Frank goes into hiding with her family from the Nazis. For the next two years, she never leaves the attic where her family is concealed. With fear of discovery ever-present, she finds solace writing in her diary, capturing the daily lives of the secret annex's inhabitants – from the horrors of war to the excitement of first love – with wit, determination, and idealism. With a multicultural cast, National Players brings the true story of this incredibly insightful young girl, that is often read in school, to the stage in hopes of inspiring the next generation to stand up for justice rather than sit back in apathy. Recommended grade levels: 7-10. For group sales, please call 954.660.6307 or email groups@BrowardCenter.org.  Tickets are $10.

 

The City of Aventura presents “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare on Friday, February 7 at 8 p.m. Banished from the only home she’s ever known, Rosalind escapes to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia and their fool, Touchstone. While disguised as a man, Rosalind meets fellow outcasts in the forest, including the dashing and lovesick Orlando. Determined to woo him, Rosalind persuades Orlando in her male disguise to win her heart, for as one character proclaims, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” With a ten-person ensemble, National Players melds classic language with a contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s imaginative tale about city folk venturing into the woods. It’s a romantic comedy about girls, boys, losing oneself, and finding oneself again. Tickets are $40-$45.

 

Legendary superstars come alive with An Evening with The Edwards Twins: Cher, Frankie Valli, Streisand & More on Saturday, February 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The Edwards Twins, Las Vegas' number one impersonators, re-create everyone’s favorite singers from the variety shows of the ‘70s and ‘80s. With each vocal sung live, the crowd will enjoy hits by Sonny & Cher, Billy Joel, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Tom Jones and more. NBC’s TODAY Show reported, "It's one of the most extraordinary shows we have ever seen." Tickets are $50-$70.

 

The Broadway Concert Series continues with Lillias White Presented by Vi at Aventura on Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. Winner of the Tony Award^®, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for The Life and the Tony Award nominee for Fela!, White’s Broadway credits also include Cats, Carrie, Dreamgirls, Once On This Island, How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Chicago. Tickets are $50-$55, $75 VIP tickets include a post-show meet and greet.

 

Suzette Dorsey’s Forever Tina on Thursday, February 13 at 8 p.m. is a total re-creation of Tina Turner’s exciting, high-energy live concerts featuring all the classic favorites including “River Deep - Mountain High,” “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary” and many more. Her incredible likeness to Turner, both visually and vocally, enhances the magic that makes Dorsey “Simply the Best.” The 12-member cast includes backing vocalists, dancers and a great band. Tickets are $50-$55.

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with America’s Sweethearts on Friday, February 14 at 8 p.m. as they take the stage in this fresh and vibrant show, performing the swinging sounds of female close-harmony groups. These New York City-based ladies have performed across the country getting crowds tapping their feet to hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” as they celebrate history through their crystal-clear harmony and colorful costumes. With selections from the Great American Songbook, classic Broadway, pop tunes from the ‘50s and jazz, America’s Sweethearts charm audiences of all ages with a variety of trios, duets and solos. Tickets are $45-$50 with a $140 “Sweetheart” package which includes a pair of premium seats, two splits of champagne, chocolates and two roses.

 

In Mutts Gone Nuts on Saturday, February 15 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance, that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers. Deemed ‘A Must See’ by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart, and then your socks! Tickets are $35, $60 VIP tickets includes a complimentary beverage and a meet-and-greet with a photo opportunity with the “Mutts” after the show.

 

Black Box Productions’ Stand Up Comedy Series presents Lynne Koplitz “Hormonal Beast” Tour on Saturday, February 15 at 8 p.m. Born in New York, but raised in Florida, Lynne Koplitz never lost her Long Island bite. Koplitz became the first woman since Roseanne Barr to sign a development deal with legendary producer Tom Werner at Warner Brothers. On television, she was a regular on Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best. Koplitz also starred on the IFC cult favorite Z Rock and has appeared on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, Comedy Knockout and had her own special; Comedy Central Presents Lynne Koplitz. Koplitz can be heard co-hosting the radio show Star Talk with legendary astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and was a panelist on the History Channel’s History of the Joke hosted by Lewis Black. She is one of the most respected comedians in New York and has opened for both Chris Rock and Louie CK. Tickets are $35.50-$42.50.

 

The Miami International Piano Festival continues with Misha Dacic on Sunday, February 16 at 5 p.m. Jed Distler writes "Misha Dacic's formidable Lisztian reputation is completely borne out by the stunning virtuosity and passionate, fearless embrace of the composer's idiom that he performs." After his stunning American debut at the Discovery Series of the Miami International Piano Festival in 2003, Dacic quickly became a sought-after soloist throughout the U.S. and was featured at Ravinia's Rising Stars Series in Chicago, followed by Gilmore Keyboard Festival Rising Stars Recital Series in Kalamazoo, Xavier University Classical Piano Series in Cincinnati, The Golandsky Institute International Piano Festival at Princeton University, and Frederic Chopin Society's Concert Series in Minneapolis, among numerous others. Dacic toured Europe, Israel and Japan in collaboration with celebrated violinist Ida Haendel. Their concert at the National Gallery in London during the legendary Myra Hess Tribute of the War Concerts was a highlight. Tickets are $35-$50.

 

The Broadway Concert Series continues with Betty Buckley Presented by Vi at Aventura on Wednesday, February 19 at 8 p.m. Legendary, multi-award-winning actress and singer, Betty Buckley’s global career spans theater, film, television and concert halls. She recently headlined the national tour of the new Broadway production of Hello, Dolly! Buckley won a Tony Award® originating the role of Grizabella in Cats and earned a Tony nomination for Triumph of Love. Other Broadway credits include 1776, Pippin, Song and Dance and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Tickets are $50-$55, $75 VIP tickets include a post-show meet and greet.

 

The NY Rockabilly Rockets: Shake Rattle Roll on Thursday, February 20 at 8 p.m. is a dynamic, Vegas-style show which takes audiences a nostalgic journey back in time to sock hops, malt shops and hot rods with the top swing, rockabilly, country, and rock and roll hits from the ‘50s. This high-energy production features spectacular lights, sound, stage props, backdrops, dancers, vintage guitars, wailing sax and a stand-up bass. Hits include songs by Elvis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Bill Haley & His Comets, Eddie Cochran, The Stray Cats, The Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry and many other greats. Tickets are $40-$50.

 

Black Box Productions’ Stand Up Comedy Series presents Tammy Pescatelli on Friday, February 21 at 8 p.m. She brings brassy sexiness with a female voice of witty sarcasm to her audiences and holds her own on the topics of sports, television, dating and family life using tongue-in-cheek humor. Her most recent one-hour special, Finding the Funny is just one of her new and noteworthy endeavors. She’s appeared on The View, Red Eye, Guy’s Grocery Games, The Howard Stern Show, was featured in the documentary I Am Battle Comic and was chosen by Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg to be a part of their Dirty, Sexy, Funny franchise. Tickets are $35.50-$42.50.

 

Steve Solomon’s From Brooklyn To Broadway In Only 50 Years! will delight audiences with three performances on Saturday, February 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. From the author and star of one of the longest-running one-man comedies in Broadway history, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy, Steve Solomon delivers a night of enjoyment using his gift for acting, dialects and voices. The comedy brings to life more than 20 oddball people in hysterical situations, from family to friends, from TSA officers to his doctors and from Brooklyn to Broadway. Tickets are $45-$49.

 

The City of Aventura and the Nova Southeastern University Lifelong Learning Institute present Marlisa Santos, Ph.D.: Hitchcock’s Complicated Women on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Santos will discuss “Objects of Desire, Subjects of Fear: Hitchcock’s Complicated Women,” from Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman to Janet Leigh and Tippi Hedren. These blonde bombshells all help tell the tales of some of movie’s most famous horror stories, and in the meantime, give us a quick peek inside the mind of Hitchcock himself. The author of The Dark Mirror: Psychiatry and Film Noir by Lexington Books in 2010, Santos is an associate professor and Chair of the Department of Literature and Modern Languages at NSU.  She has a Ph.D. from the University of Miami, M.A. from University of Miami and B.A. from Florida Atlantic University. Some of the courses she teaches at NSU include: Introduction to Film, Literature and Film, Film Noir, Major Directors and Myth and Fairy Tale in Modern Culture. Tickets are $20.

 

In Did Somebody Say Broadway? on Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. renowned husband and wife, song and dance duo Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson ("M&M") perform a funny, optimistic, uplifting, poignant and romantic love story. They portray a couple in their ‘90s who travel through time to sing and dance their way through a history of classic numbers from hit Broadway shows while revealing personal backstage stories of their work with some of the giants of musical theatre. Produced by M&M American Dance Theatre, the duo has 30 years producing, directing, writing, composing, choreographing and performing internationally from ballet to Broadway to Radio City Music Hall to the Las Vegas Strip, to theatres and opera houses worldwide. Jackson is proud to be the great-granddaughter of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and Kessler is proud to be the great-grandson of Russian Cantor Yakov Sanzofsky. Tickets are $35-$55.

 

One of America’s most controversial and outrageous comics in history, Andrew Dice Clay performs on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 at 8 p.m. Presented by Black Box Productions’ Stand Up Comedy Series, Clay gained notoriety in 1990 when he became the first comedian to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. That same year he played the lead role in the comedy-mystery film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane and has starred in numerous classic ‘80s films such as Pretty In Pink, Casual Sex and many more.  He received critical praise for his role alongside Cate Blanchett and Alec Baldwin in Woody Allen’s Blue Jasmine and has had recurring roles on HBO’s hit show Entourage, Martin Scorsese’s Vinyl. He also played Lady Gaga’s father in A Star Is Born, written and directed by Bradley Cooper. This show may include adult language and subject matter. Tickets are $77.50-$87.50.

 

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at aventuracenter.org, by phone at 877.311.7469 or 954.462.0222, or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call 954.660.6307.

 

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages.

 

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