“Whose Line?” Stars improv it up in Broward, “Spamilton” satirizes Broadway’s hottest property, and Delray lights its magnificent faux conifer. Plus, three holiday concerts celebrate the sounds of the season.
TODAY (TUESDAY)
100-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting Event
Where: Old School Square grounds, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
When: 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Contact: downtowndelraybeach.com
The future of Old School Square may be in limbo, but this week is a good time to set aside bitterness and animus and enjoy the holidays together with one of Delray Beach’s towering assets: its 100-foot Christmas tree, branded “Best Tree in Florida” by Travel + Leisure magazine. You’ve seen the unlit tree if you’ve visited downtown Delray the past few weeks; now appreciate it in all its blazing glory, complete with immersive holiday displays set up inside it. Tonight, expect musical entertainment, carolers and a visit from Santa; Mayor Petrolia and City Manager Moore will speak at 6:45 p.m. Also, don’t miss the nearby Menorah Display, which went up Sunday, the first night of Hanukkah.
WEDNESDAY
Opening night of “Spamilton: An American Parody”
Where: Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
When: 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $49-$55
Contact: 561/832-7469, kravis.org
Parody, they say, is the highest form of flattery, and Gerard Alessandrini of “Forbidden Broadway” fame expresses his appreciation of pop-culture sensation “Hamilton” through humor, and songs such as “In the Hype,” “The Fresh Prince of Big Hair” and “The Film When It Happens.” Lin-Manuel Miranda himself said he “laughed [his] brains out” after attending a performance. The tour runs through Sunday.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
“Holiday of the Americas”
Where: Broward Center, 201 S.W. Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
When: 7:45 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $35-$75
Contact: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org
Letting its hair down a bit, so to speak, while retaining its virtuosic professionalism, Symphony of the Americas’ yuletide-themed “Holiday of the Americas” program will feature a variety of popular and classical celebrations of the season—even including an audience sing-along. Guest conductor William Garfield Walker, who has held the baton for some of the top symphonies worldwide, leads the orchestra through portions of “The Nutcracker” and Broadway Christmas tunes, plus Astor Piazzolla’s evocative tango “Winter in Buenos Aires,” part of his cycle of the four seasons for quintet. The Florida Singing Sons boys’ choir and the North Broward Preparatory School Concert Choir will add to the festive performances.
SUNDAY
The SYMPHONIA: Love in the Afternoon with Jason Vieaux
Where: Roberts Theatre at Saint Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton
When: 3 p.m.
Cost: $50 and up
Contact: 561/376-3848, thesymphonia.org
Grammy-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux’s recent collaboration with jazz legend Pat Metheny is a testament to his genre-defying adroitness on both musicians’ instrument of choice. On Metheny’s 2021 LP Road to the Sun, the composer himself takes second guitar to a number of rising stars, among them Vieaux, whose performance on album opener “Four Paths of Light” led to praise from outlets like the London Jazz News: “a well-matched playing style of meticulous clarity combined with lush romanticism.” All of which is to say that it’s a real treat that the SYMPHONIA was able to score a guest-artist slot for Vieaux on this week’s season-opening performances. Alexander Platt conducts Vieaux and the orchestra through the conductor’s own “The Quiet One,” Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” and Bizet’s “Symphony in C.”
Gingerbread Holiday Concert
Where: Wold Performing Arts Center at Lynn University
When: 3 p.m.
Cost: $35
Contact: 561/237-9000, lynn.edu
One of the beloved staples of the Christmas and Hanukkah season enters its 18th year of impeccable music and revelry. The world-class Lynn University orchestra, clad in Santa hats, performs a series of carols in a pleasing pops style, endeavoring to appeal to audiences from 9 to 90. Expect interactive fun at the on-site Santa’s Workshop, with a cameo from the big man himself, with pre-concert festivities beginning at 2 p.m. Full disclosure: Boca magazine is a sponsor of this concert, and your ticket fees will help fund scholarships for student musicians at Lynn.
“Whose Live Anyway?”
Where: The Parker, 707 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale
When: 8 p.m.
Cost: $37-$77
Contact: 954/462-0222, browardcenter.org
OK, so they may not score one for diversity, but the four middle-aged white guys from “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” are dexterous enough to inhabit countless roles and characters. In this live version of TV’s long-running benchmark for improvised comedy, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops and Joel Murray will create a completely original production every night. Intrepid audience volunteers might just become part of the show.
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