Continuing with its thrilling “Icons & Rebels” Masterworks season, South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) will present its premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s satirical masterpiece “Candide” on Jan. 16, at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Bernstein’s acclaimed masterpiece is played out with the orchestra, minimal sets and costumes, a dynamic cast of actor-vocalists, and the South Florida Symphony Chorus performing all together on stage. Bernstein’s iconic music sets the backdrop for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and existential musings. Adding allure to the premiere evening, patrons are invited to attend the “Glitter and Be Gay Gala.” The separately-ticketed formal gala evening (held before the performance), begins at 5 p.m. and includes hors d’oeuvres, a multi-course dinner, the Candide performance, and dancing dessert with the artists post-performance. Tickets for the gala and performance can be purchased at southfloridasymphony.org.
HOLLY JOLLY LESBIANS
Get ready for a spectacular night of singing, dancing, and musical celebration as The Lesbian Thespians present “The Jolly Holiday Music Show.” The cabaret-inspired evening of entertainment, music, and a champagne toast will feature local musical talent Maxime Lemarr, and an ensemble cast of talented musicians in their own right, The Merry Makers! Festivities take place at the Richardson Manor House on Dec. 13. Holiday classics abound including “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” a medley of “Jingle Bells” and “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Santa Baby” among many others. Also, new this year, are two original songs written by South Florida composer Jamie Friend. Tickets will be available at the door.
ICONS and ALLIES
Pridelines, Miami’s premier LGBTQ+ community center, will hold its annual UnMasking celebration honoring outstanding leaders and allies in the LGBTQ community. This year’s honorees are David Archuleta and Adrianna Tender. The event will take place on Dec. 14, at One Paraiso. UnMasking celebrates resilience, authenticity, and community support. Honorees are selected based on their commitment to advocacy, impact, and dedication to the LGBTQ community. Archuleta, celebrated for his music and visibility as a member of the LGBTQ community, will receive the Courage Award for his advocacy efforts and willingness to live openly, inspiring others to embrace their true selves. Tender, a community advocate known for her work in LGBTQ youth and healthcare services, will be honored with the Community Spirit Award for her tireless commitment to creating safe spaces and opportunities for LGBTQ individuals in South Florida. Tickets are available at pridelines.org.
NAILED IT!
Hunters hosts a Masquerade In Pink Ball to benefit The Pink Nail Society on Feb. 27, hosted by the charismatic Matthew Darren. In 2014, Stephen Tendrich was working as a bartender on Fire Island, when he received a call from his father, Donald. During the call, his father expressed that surgery to remove his prostate cancer had left him feeling like less of a man. After the call ended, Tendrich decided to do something that might make his father feel better. He painted his nail pink and showed him, saying, "Hey Dad, I’m still a man with nail polish!"
Today, The Pink Nail Society is an accredited nonprofit organization that has raised over $22,000 to date. A portion of those proceeds goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation to fund prostate cancer research. Its slogan reflects this: “Give Prostate Cancer the Finger!” Pink Nail Society is dedicated to raising awareness about prostate health and prostate cancer. For more details go to pinknailsociety.org.
SQUEEZING THIS IN
This info came in just as we were going to press, but we wanted to make certain to get the word out there. Tina Burner’s “A Bitchmas Carol” comes to Wilton Manors for one night only on Dec 12, at Hunters Nightclub. Forget Scrooge, this holiday season, “RuPaul’s Drag Race’s” Tina Burner is giving Charles Dickens’ classic story a hilarious new twist!
