Last week we looked at the various “Broadway In..” seasons as well as some Broadway shows being staged by local companies. This week we look at the offerings of some of the smaller regional theaters and one-off events with a Broadway connection.
The Delray Beach Playhouse has a trio of musical favorites coming this season. “Hairspray the Musical” runs from Nov. 13-Dec. 6, followed by “Groundhog Day the Musical” from Jan. 29-Feb. 21. Then it welcomes Andrea McArdle’s Broadway Jukebox from Apr. 5-7, DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.
“Gutenberg! The Musical!” will be presented by Pompano Players Nov. 6-15, followed by “Never Can Say Goodbye: The ’70s Beehive Musical,” Jan. 15-25, PompanoBeachArts.org.
At Lynn University, World Performing Arts Center produces “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Dec. 4-6. That is followed by “The Secret Garden,” Feb. 19-21, Lynn.edu/Events.
Entr’acte Theatrix stages “Mary Poppins the Broadway Musical” at the Skaff Center in West Palm Beach from Nov. 6-22, linktr.ee/EntracteTheatrix.
“The Light in the Piazza” will be staged by Palm Beach Dramaworks, Feb. 5-21, PalmBeachDramaworks.org.
The rarely revived “The Most Happy Fella” will be presented by FAU’s Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at the Forkas Studio 1 Theatre from Feb. 19-28, FAUEvents.universitytickets.com.
In addition to these shows, there are some one-night-only events with a Broadway bent:
The Parker has three events coming up: John Cameron Mitchell: Hedwig 25th Anniversary (Nov. 9), South Florida Pride Concert Band’s “In Her Own Words” (May 8), and Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida brings back its popular “Disney Pride in Concert” (June 26), ParkerPlayhouse.com.
At Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, two evenings with Broadway icons are scheduled; on Nov. 22, it’s “An Evening with Victoria Clark” followed by “An Evening with Norm Lewis” on Jan. 8, aventuracenter.org.
Matthew Morrison will headline the gala at Maltz Jupiter Theater on Nov. 14, JupiterTheatre.org.
Cheyenne Jackson brings his new show, “That Guy From That Thing” to Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on Nov. 5 and Glazer Hall in Palm Beach on Nov. 6.
BITES
Nothing common about Common Room
Common Room is tucked along a quiet stretch of Harrison Street in Hollywood, one block south of Hollywood Blvd. It looks like an area that is about to burst with activity, and Common Room will be the leader in the area. The classy restaurant offers elevated service, and a higher end take on comfort food. On the night of our visit, we were lucky enough to have Dani as our server as she guided us through the menu and the bar offerings.
Appetizers are designed for sharing and include tuna tartare, chicken nuggets topped with caviar, cavatappi and cheese, short rib tacos, and the two we ordered; crispy Brussels sprouts with a garlic soy glaze and chili crisps was not only delicious (the best version of Brussels sprouts I’ve ever had), it was reasonably priced at $15 for a large bowl that could have been a meal unto itself. Our other “sharing” item was not as successful. The lobster rolls were very small (four bites finished the entire dish), and the lobster filling was flavorless and lacked any discernible chunks of lobster. Certainly not worth the $35 price tag, even with a dollop of salmon roe on top. There are also three salads from which to choose as a starter.
That shortcoming was more than redeemed by our entrées. The tamarind braised short rib melted in my mouth and the mascarpone mash underneath soaked up all the juicy goodness from the tender beef. Spicy rigatoni delivered as promised, with Calabrian chilies providing the creamy red sauce a kick, tempered by fresh burrata. We finished the meal with carrot cake with cream cheese icing and a chocolate bouchon with vanilla ice cream. We’d already sampled some of the wonderful mocktails and cocktails, but we couldn’t resist taking a peek at the Brooklyn-themed Speakeasy next door, which you can enter from the restaurant via a secret door. It’s a great place to gather with friends.
Common Room
2032 Harrison St., Hollywood
754-239-4276
CommonRoomFL.com
