Scene Calendar: Shen Yun, Suwannee Lights, Sparks in the Park, more
MUSIC
Donna The Buffalo: 8 p.m. Thursday, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets: $35-$45. (pvconcerthall.com) Donna The Buffalo is not just a band, rather one might say that Donna The Buffalo has become a lifestyle for its members and audiences. Since playing their first show together in 1989, founding members Tara Nevins and Jeb Puryear have played thousands of shows. They’ve opened for The Dead and have toured with Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, Los Lobos, Little Feat, Jim Lauderdale, Rusted Root and Railroad Earth to name a few.
“A Gamecock Evening with Edwin McCain and Patrick Davis”: 8 p.m. Thursday, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville. Tickets: $43.50-$78.50. (floridatheatre.com, 904-355-5661) Featuring two of South Carolina’s favorite musicians. Called the “great American romantic” by the New York Times, Edwin McCain has built an enviable career over the past 20 years. Fans worldwide know his hits “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” two of the biggest love songs in the history of pop music. Patrick Davis has written songs recorded by Darius Rucker, Jimmy Buffett, Guy Clark, Lady Antebellum and Morgan Wallen, among others.
DANCE
Shen Yun: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $84-$184. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes and patented interactive backdrops. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, or the “Way” of the universe, and when divine beings walked upon the earth to inspire humanity.
ET CETERA
Suwannee Lights: 6-10 p.m. today-Saturday, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: $10 Friday adult tickets purchased online; $12 Friday adult tickets purchased at gate; $12 Saturday adult tickets purchased online; $15 Saturday adult tickets purchased at gate; $2 ages 4-12. (suwanneelights.com/tickets) Drive or walk through more than 10 million beautiful, colorful lights along with moving displays, Craft Village, Santa’s workshop and more.
Guided Hike on Rim Ramble: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, La Chua Trail Horse Barn, 4801 Camp Ranch Road. Cost: $4 per vehicle. (prairiefriends.org) Rangers from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park will lead adventures through the La Chua Trail. Limited space available to the first 25 people who are present at the time of each event. Heavily suggested items for the trip include hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, binoculars, camera, drinking water and field guides. Insect repellent is highly recommended in warmer weather. Future hikes planned for Jan. 7, 2023; Jan. 14, 2023; Jan, 21, 2023; Jan. 28, 2023; Feb. 4, 2023; Feb. 11, 2023; Feb. 18, 2023; Feb. 25, 2023; March 4, 2023; March 11, 2023; March 18, 2023; March 25, 2023; April 1, 2023; April 8, 2023; April 15, 2023; April 22, 2023; and April 30, 2023.
Carson Springs Wildlife New Year Walk or Ride Tour: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, 8528 E. CR 225. Tickets: $35 adults, $15 ages 3-11, free ages 2 and younger. (carsonspringswildlife.org) Guided by professional zoologists with big-cat feeding demonstrations.
Historic Haile Homestead Tour — Holiday Decorations: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays through Saturday; closed New Year’s Day, Historic Haile Homestead, 8500 Archer Road. Entrance: $5 ages 12 and older, free ages 11 and younger. (hailehomestead.org) The Historic Haile Homestead is unique in the nation for its "Talking Walls.'' This year's holiday theme is “Angels.”
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary Self-Guided Tours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, 5579 Darwood St., Melrose. Cost: Suggested $15 donation per person or $45 for a family of four. (rooterville.org) Take a map of the sanctuary at the gate to see highlights of Rooterville to help you find your way. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Horse Feeding: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses, 20307 NW CR 235A, Alachua. Entrance: Bag of carrots. (millcreekfarm.org) The Retirement Home for Horses provides lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, rescued by the SPCA or humane societies, as well as horses retired from government service such as police patrol or state and federal parks.
Sparks in the Park: 5 p.m. Saturday, Depot Park, 874 SE Fourth St. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Attendees are invited to bring chairs or blankets to watch the sun go down on 2022 for the last time while enjoying a DJ-hosted, family friendly dance party. The evening concludes with a 20-minute musically choreographed fireworks spectacular over the main pond.
Spark Wonder New Year's Celebration: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Cade Museum, 811 S. Main St. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 ages 5-17, free ages 5 and younger; $18 per person for barbecue dinner. (bit.ly/sparkwonder22) Reflect, celebrate, and anticipate the new year with a view of Depot Park’s firework show from the comfort of the Cade’s galleries with a drink and snacks in hand. This family friendly event will feature games and experiments, an alternate time zone countdown, glow party, New Year’s Resolutions, a photo booth and more.
Downtown Countdown: 9 p.m. Saturday, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (gainesvillefl.gov) Annual New Year’s Eve celebration featuring live music from 24-7 Band and Jackquelyn Graham.
First Day Hike: 10-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Ravine Gardens State Park, 1600 Twigg St., Palatka. Cost: $5 per vehicle or $2 per person. (bit.ly/firstdayravine) A park ranger will talk about the history of the park then guide you through the ravine and to some of the key parts of the park. Wear appropriate clothes for hiking, and bring a water bottle and bug spray.
First Day Hike: 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy. Cost: $2 per vehicle (cash only). (prairiefriends.org) Guided hike at Bolen Bluff Trail, 2 miles round trip.
First Day Hike: 11 a.m.-noon Sunday, Manatee Springs State Park, 11650 NW 115th St., Chiefland. Cost: $6 per vehicle. (bit.ly/firstdaymanatee) A 0.6-mile guided hike around Sink Loop Trail where you can find an abundance of wildlife and beautiful views. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and bring water.
Perspectives in the Park Speaker Series: Noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Hogtown Creek Headwaters Park 1500 NW 45th Ave. Free. (bit.ly/speakers22a) Monthly event. Learn from experts in their field about nature, history and art, and hear some of their stories.
Birds and Brews: 4:15 p.m. Sunday, First Magnitude Brewing Company, 1220 SE Veitch St. Free. (facebook.com/FirstMagnitudeBrewing/events) Bird walks. Meet in front of the metal Maggie sign by the entrance to The Source. The group, led by volunteers from the Alachua Audubon Society, will identify birds at Depot Park. Some binoculars and bird guides provided, but feel free to bring any other equipment you wish.
Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks: 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays through May 31, 2023, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, 325 SW Williston Road. Admission: $5 per vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, vans and bikes. (alachuaaudubon.org) Discover the rich diversity of birds at one of north central Florida's premier birding hotspots during a two- to three-hour guided walking tour. Birders of all levels welcome. Walks are led by volunteers from Alachua Audubon Society with assistance from Sweetwater Wetlands Park rangers.
Barnyard Buddies: 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays through May 31, 2023, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 E. University Ave. Free. (bit.ly/barnbuds) Weekly program where youngsters, with an adult, can meet and greet farm animals by helping staff with afternoon feeding. Animals love donations of carrots, squash, apples, sweet potatoes and melons.
ART
Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention: “Wandering the Milky Way,” a tour of the solar system, on display through Sunday; “Voyages,” a trip through space and time, on display through Sunday; “Animationland” on display through Jan. 3, 2023. Tickets: $12.50, $10 seniors and college students, $7.50 ages 5-17, free ages 4 and younger. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 811 N. Main St. (371-8001, cademuseum.org)
Cedar Key Arts Center: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday Block of the Month Bookcase Quilt with Bunny Hand; 9 a.m. Wednesday Boat Builders. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 457 Second St., Cedar Key. (543-5801, cedarkeyartscenter.org)
Florida Museum of Natural History: Standing exhibits include the “Our Changing Climate: Past and Present,” “Butterfly Rainforest,” “Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life & Land,” “Northwest Florida: Waterways & Wildlife,” “South Florida People & Environments,” “Exploring Our World,” “Fossil Plant Garden” and “Florida Wildflower & Butterfly Garden.” All standing exhibits are free, but regular admission fees apply to enter the “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit: $14 for adults ($12 for Florida residents and seniors) and $7 for ages 3-17. Admission is free for museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3215 Hull Road. (floridamuseum.ufl.edu, 846-2000)
Harn Museum of Art: “Speechless: Text & Image in Global Culture,” a fascinating look at how words, aesthetics and materials have supported religious, political and socio-cultural agendas for millennia, on display through today. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 3259 Hull Road. (392-9826)
Hippodrome Gallery: “Hipp Holiday Art Show,” an exhibition by Hipp staff, friends and family, on display through Saturday. Gallery hours are noon-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. (thehipp.org)
Matheson History Museum: “Return to Forever: Gainesville’s Great Southern Music Hall,” showcasing dozens of John Moran‘s performance photos from his two years as the Great Southern Music Hall house photographer. Also featured is a display of Bo Diddley artifacts, including one of Bo’s signature square box guitars. Written by music journalist Bill DeYoung and designed by historian Rick Kilby, this unique exhibit celebrates a golden age in the University City’s musical history, the likes of which may never be seen again; “We're Tired of Asking: Black Thursday and Civil Rights at the University of Florida,” which follows one slice of African American history in Gainesville, currently on display online and in person; “When Johnny Came Marching Home: Some Gave All – All Gave Some,” remembering those who came home from war with both physical and mental wounds, on display outside. Gallery hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 513 E. University Ave. (378-2280, mathesonmuseum.org)
Melrose Bay Art Gallery: Gallery Special Pre-Holiday Gifts Show held through Saturday. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday or by appointment. 103 State Road 26, Melrose. (475-3866, melrosebayartgallery.com)
Santa Fe College’s Blount Hall: A large art collection from local collector Hector Puigon display. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Corner of West University Avenue and North Sixth Street.
Sweetwater Print Cooperative: "Holiday Art Market," an annual holiday show and sale, on display through Jan. 25, 2023. Gallery hours: By appointment. 117 S. Main St. (514-3838)
UPCOMING CONCERTS
Live and Local Concert Series: 7-9 p.m. Jan. 6, Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. Free. (bit.ly/3XAGCvF) Folk and country showcase with Clay Dixon and the Piccadillies, The Front Porch Backsteppers and Kris Lane.
Concerto Budapest Symphony Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Concerto Budapest is one of the most progressive and versatile symphonic orchestras in the world. The young musicians are characterized by the passion, energy and commitment they bring to the stage. Their repertoire traverses well-loved masterpieces to newly composed works of the 21st century.
Mike Block Trio: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at door. (bit.ly/mbtrio23) The trio features Joe K. Walsh on mandolin and vocals, Zachariah Hickman on bass and vocals, and is led by cello player, singer and composer Mike Block.
International Guitar Night XXIII: 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 20, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The intercontinental super-group of four acoustic guitarists has returned for its 23rd year of touring with Stephanie Jones (Australia), Olli Soikkeli (Finland), Jocelyn Gould (Canada) and Jesús Guerrero (Spain). The guitar greats take the stage displaying their individual diverse styles and then perform together, mesmerizing audiences with an evening of grandeur.
Bobby Rush: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) With special guest Jontavious Willis. Thanks to Bobby Rush’s long memory and quick wit, he’s hailed as one of the blues’ best storytellers, which shines through during his live shows. The two-time Grammy-winning legend and Blues Hall of Famer incorporates humor, prolific guitar and harmonica playing into his stunning performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $51.75-$131.75. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The rock ’n’ roll big band is touring in support of their new album, “I Am The Moon.”
Interpreti Veneziani: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) When Interpreti Veneziani takes center stage, prepare for remarkable interpretations of Vivaldi, Bach and other Baroque composers. The ensemble has gained a reputation for its exuberance and Italian brio characterizing their performances.
Isaiah Sharkey: 7 and 9 p.m. Jan. 28, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Isaiah Sharkey and his band fuse their background in rock, gospel, jazz, R&B, blues and funk to create an original sound with an unmistakable dose of soul. Sharkey toured as lead guitarist with D’Angelo and John Mayer.
Viano String Quartet: 2 p.m. Feb. 5, 2023, Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Viano String Quartet performs chamber with a lust for life that few can rival. Formed in 2015 at the prestigious Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, the quartet has built a career on touring the globe and winning top prizes at international competitions, including the coveted First Prize at the 2019 Banff International String Quartet Competition.
Delfeayo Marsalis: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 9, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) For Delfeayo Marsalis, music runs in his family, and it’s in his blood! Marsalis is a Grammy award-winning trombonist, composer and producer who has toured internationally with jazz icons such as Ray Charles, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Elvin Jones and Slide Hampton, as well as leading his own group.
Kings Return: 7 and 9 p.m. Feb. 24, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Kings Return’s tagline is simple: “We sing in stairwells.” The unique, harmonizing group turned Internet sensation captures the essence of an old-school a cappella quartet with sounds inspired by gospel and R&B, and has a reputation for performing diverse arrangements from “Ave Maria” to “How Deep is Your Love” and “God Bless America.” Kings Return has been featured on NPR and has performed on stages (and stairwells) nationwide.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the greatest orchestral music, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields has gained an enviable reputation for its distinctive, polished and refined sound. Combine this world-class orchestra with Johannes Moser, who is a passionate and fiercely graceful artist, and you’ll experience a performance like never before.
Jessica Vosk: 7 and 9 p.m. March 2, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Jessica Vosk is a celebrated singer and actress known for her starring role on Broadway and in the national tour of “Wicked.” Her strengths are in her stage presence and in her natural humor. She draws audiences in with her unique voice and by sharing real-life stories about her pandemic experience, journey to Broadway, her love life and her formative years.
Itzhak Perlman and Rohan De Silva: 7:30 p.m. March 6, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Beyond his technical mastery, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman is known for his musical eloquence. Performing with Perlman is grandmaster pianist Rohan De Silva.
Stacey Kent: 7 and 9 p.m. March 9, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) When talking about Stacey Kent, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the accolades she’s earned during her 20-plus years as a jazz vocalist. The Gold, Double Gold and Platinum-selling artist has released hit records on legendary jazz label Blue Note, garnered a global following of diehard fans and received endless praise from critics along the way.
“Celebrating Elvis Presley’s Records from Sun Studio”: 7 and 9 p.m. March 10, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Tyler Hilton with the Hot Club of Cowtown. Known for its legendary music collection, including the early albums of Elvis Presley, Sun Studio left an indelible mark on the history of rock ’n’ roll. In 2005, Hilton was cast to play the legendary rock star in the blockbuster biopic “Walk the Line” (starring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash). Now, he has teamed up with hot jazz and Western swing trio Hot Club of Cowtown to bring Elvis’ greatest hits from the Sun Studio years to life on the stage.
The Kingdom Choir: 7:30 p.m. March 20, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) London’s The Kingdom Choir were catapulted to worldwide fame after their show-stopping performance of “Stand By Me” at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since that day, the choir’s infectious joy and spirit, matched only by their raw gospel spiritual style, has taken them around the world performing soulful renditions of traditional gospel classics and popular contemporary hits.
Suwannee Spring Reunion: All day March 23-26, 2023, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, 3076 95th Drive, Live Oak. Tickets: TBA. (suwanneespringreunion.com) Annual music festival featuring country, bluegrass and Americana music.
San Salvador: 7 and 9 p.m. April 13, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) The members of San Salvador have made it their mission to search for what they call “universal folklore,” rooted in their region’s deep troubadour traditions yet oscillating between cultures and musical genres. Singing in Occitan — a language that is spoken primarily in southern France — this group of six singers composes hypnotic vocal harmonies cascading over shifting patterns of compelling polyrhythmic percussion.
Love Canon: 7 and 9 p.m. April 14, 2023, UpStage at the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $50 for 7 p.m. showing, $35 for 9 p.m. showing, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Love Canon takes you back in time. The group’s performances reimagine pop hits of the ’80s and ’90s. Additionally, they deliver a fresh take on classics, crossing genres to recount music from the likes of Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, Depeche Mode and Paul Simon.
Risa Hokamura: 2 p.m. April 16, 2023, Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) At just 22 years old, Risa Hokamura is on the short-list of the world’s great violinists. She picked up the instrument at the age of 3 and by 10, Hokamura was already capturing top prizes at competitions in her native Japan.
Angélique Kidjo: 2:30 p.m. April 18, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today — a creative force with 16 albums to her name. Her striking voice, stage presence, and fluency have cross-pollinated West African traditions of her childhood in Benin, with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stargazing at Paynes Prairie: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2023, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Hickory Ranch, 9300 SE CR 234, Micanopy. Tickets: $10. (bit.ly/stargazingjan23) Learn more about the stars and planets with music and food. Bring chairs, blankets and beverages.
Sunday Assembly: 11 a.m. Jan. 15, Pride Center located in the Liberty Center, 3131 NW 13th St. Free. (SundayAssembly32601@gmail.com, sagainesville.weebly.com) Sunday Assembly will host guest speaker Veronica Robleto, who is the program director and legal navigator of the Community ID Program of the Human Rights Coalition. The title of her talk will be “The Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County’s work in the community and why it’s important.” Music will be provided by Sunday Assembly musicians with the opportunity to sing along. Vaccinations, boosters and face masks are recommended and encouraged. It also is possible to attend via Zoom.
“Romeo And Juliet”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 22-Feb. 12, 2023, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) An age-old vendetta between two powerful families erupts into bloodshed. A group of masked Montagues risk further conflict by gatecrashing a Capulet party. A young, lovesick Romeo Montague falls instantly in love with Juliet Capulet, who is due to marry her father’s choice, the County Paris.
“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity”: 7 p.m. previews Jan. 25-26; then 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: $25 previews, $20-$50 regular showings. (thehipp.org) Mace is a professional wrestler. When he teams up with a young Indian man from Brooklyn, he sees his shot at the big time. But will he be allowed to take it? This smart, comic look at pro-wrestling and geopolitics is a theatrical smackdown of dazzling hip-hop language presented with a fresh, funny, high-octane flair raising pertinent questions about racial identity and pop culture in society.
“Stomp”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) “Stomp” is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique — an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
“You Can’t Take It With You”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 3-26, 2023, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before we realize that if they are mad, the rest of the world is madder. In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony, attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by the Kirbys, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores, however, though sympathetic to Alice, find it hard to realize her point of view. Meantime, Tony, who knows the Sycamores are right and his own people wrong, will not give her up, and in the end Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores, particularly since he happens in during a visit by an ex-Grand Duchess earning her living as a waitress. No mention has as yet been made of the strange activities of certain members of the household engaged in the manufacture of fireworks; nor of the printing press set up in the parlor; nor of Rheba the maid and her friend Donald; nor of Grandpa’s interview with the tax collector when he tells him he doesn’t believe in the income tax.
“Hipp Unplugged: A Staged Reading Series”: 6 p.m. Feb. 6, Hippodrome Theatre, 25 SE Second Place. Tickets: TBA. (thehipp.org) A finalist for the 2014-15 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, “Dry Land” by Ruby Rae Spiegel is an unexpected coming-of-age story. Set in Florida, the play is about Amy and Ester, two teens on the high school swim team whose aspirations can’t overcome their circumstances. A beautiful and brutal examination of abortion, female friendship and resiliency, and what happens in one high school locker room after everybody’s left.
“Alice”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $25-$45 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Travel down the rabbit hole MOMIX-style with their newest creation, “Alice,” inspired by the classic story “Alice in Wonderland.” As Alice’s body grows and shrinks and grows again, dancers extend themselves by means of props, ropes and other dancers.
Demetri Martin: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Demetri Martin is one of the most recognizable comedic voices in a generation. Blending cerebral and fanciful jokes with hilarious songs and inventive illustrations, Martin has toured the world and released four one hour-long standup comedy specials, including his latest for Netflix, “The Overthinker.”
“Women Playing Hamlet”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 17-March 5, 2023, Actors’ Warehouse, 2512 NE First Blvd. Tickets: $25 general admission, $20 students and ages 65 and older. (actorswarehouse.org) Show description TBA.
“Horse of a Different Color”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $27-$49. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Dance Alive National Ballet. A contemporary performance showcasing the thrill and excitement of change set to music by Stella Sung.
“Disney’s Winnie the Pooh”: 2 p.m. Feb. 19, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$75 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, Owl and Tigger come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this beautifully fresh stage variation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood.
“Dreamgirls”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays March 24-April 16, 2023, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) A young female singing trio from Chicago get their big break at an amateur competition and begin singing backup vocals for James “Thunder” Early. However, things begin to spin out of control when their agent, Curtis Taylor Jr., makes Deena, and not Effie, the star of what will become known as “The Dreams.” Through gospel, R&B, smooth pop, disco and more,”Dreamgirls” explores themes of ambition, hope and betrayal, all set in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry.
“Swan Lake”: 7:30 p.m. March 25, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $35-$70. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by Dance Alive National Ballet. “Swan Lake” is the story of a prince whose fiancee has been transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer. With guest artists Oksana Maslova and Sterling Baca from Philadelphia Ballet, this performance transforms the stage into a world of beauty and artistry.
“Carmen”: 7:30 p.m. March 31-April 1, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by UF Opera Theatre and UF Symphony Orchestra. Set in 1830 Spain, “Carmen” is a roller-coaster ride of desire, passion and the relentless hand of fate.
“My Fair Lady”: 7:30 p.m. April 3, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $45-$75 general admission, $20 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” “My Fair Lady” tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But, who is really being transformed?
“Death by Chocolate”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, April 7-30, 2023, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the best advertisement. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Delightfully sarcastic and cynical, Stone finds himself teaming up with Ed Parlor, mystery writer and amateur sleuth, in a wacky race against time. The clues point to a sinister box of chocolates, and the suspects include all the outlandish characters working for the resort. Could it be Lady Riverdale, owner of the resort and a woman with dark secrets? Or Ralph Deadwood, gym instructor and all around cad? Dick Simmering, the aerobics instructor? Anne, the panic-stricken nurse? Or could it be “Sweet Pea” Meadowbrook, overweight and grieving daughter of the recently deceased founder of the resort? Death by Chocolate combines all of the elements of classic murder mysteries with a scathing satire of today’s health crazes.
“Āhuti”: 7:30 p.m. April 22, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $20-$40 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Performed by The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble in collaboration with The Chitrasena Dance Company. Nrityagram is a thriving community of artists dedicated to the practice of Odissi, a 2,000-year-old classical dance of India. The village is home to a school inspired by the Gurukula, an ancient teaching paradigm, and an internationally renowned dance ensemble. The mission is to nurture dance professionals through the gurukula system, perform on a global stage, and forge a community through outreach.
Alan Cumming: 7:30 p.m. April 23, 2023, Phillips Center, 3201 Hull Road. Tickets: $30-$60 general admission, $10 UF students. (performingarts.ufl.edu) Alan Cumming is not acting his age. Hailed by Time Magazine as one of the three most fun people in show business, the Tony and Olivier award-winning theatre actor equally enjoys the stage and the big screen. However, he prefers center stage, which allows him to connect with audiences. Join Cumming for a hilarious night of storytelling, music and hijinks. This performance includes adult content.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. April 26, 2023, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, 250 Gale Lemerand Drive. Tickets: Prices vary; see website for details. (bit.ly/globetrotters23) The trick-performing basketball team will go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team.
“Clue”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays May 26-June 11, 2023, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie that was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party with murder and blackmail on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by the butler, Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. “Clue” is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out … who did it, where and with what!
“Nunsense: The Musical”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, June 2-25, 2023, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) The show is a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money to bury sisters accidently poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Updated with new jokes, additional lyrics, two new arrangements and a brand new song, this madcap musical was recorded for television starring Rue McClanahan as the Mother Superior.
“Kinky Boots”: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays July 21-Aug. 13, 2023, Gainesville Community Playhouse, 4039 NW 16th Blvd. Tickets: $23 general admission, $19 seniors, $12 students. (gcplayhouse.org) Based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair find that they have more in common than they realized … and discover that, when you change your mind, you can change your whole world. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and creates a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen! But in the end, their most sensational achievement is their friendship.
“The Wind in The Willows”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 27-Aug. 7, 2023, High Springs Playhouse, 130 NE First Ave, High Springs. Tickets: $15 general admission, $10 students and ages 65 and older. (highspringsplayhouse.com) The famous English gentlemen, Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, sees his first motor car and promptly falls uncontrollably in love with motoring, so he buys a car that he then crashes. Another car is bought, followed by another crash and another — and another! For once at the throttle, Toad in his goggles and duster is a man possessed. Soon he is ruled off the road. Then he steals a car. For this he’s sent to jail for 20 years. While there, he learns that weasels have taken over his old family home and all of his friends have been thrown out. But the jailor’s daughter adores Toad for his charm and dash, and she helps him escape. In an exciting climax, Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole retake Toad Hall by storm.
“Lungs”: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 28-Aug. 13, 2023, Actors’ Warehouse, 2512 NE First Blvd. Tickets: $25 general admission, $20 students and ages 65 and older. (actorswarehouse.org) Show description TBA.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Scene Calendar: Spark Wonder, Downtown Countdown, First Day Hike
