Season preview: Get set for some holi-dazzle to finish out 2022

Janis Fountaine
·15 min read
Ballet Palm Beach will present its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 3 and 4 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Ballet Palm Beach will present its annual performance of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 3 and 4 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

The 2022-23 season is bursting with entertainment from Boca Raton to Tequesta. Here we offer a plethora of reasons to turn off Netflix and take in a live show. It's time to get out and enjoy everything the county's venues have to offer.

ART  

Armory Art Center

One of a dozen masks that comprise the "Radiant Nation" exhibit at the Armory Art Center.
One of a dozen masks that comprise the "Radiant Nation" exhibit at the Armory Art Center.

The center, just a stone’s throw from the Kravis Center and The Square, offers classes and workshops for children and adults as well as exhibitions by local artists in its galleries.

The breathtaking “Radiant Nation” by David Charlowe opens Nov. 4, in the East Gallery. Charlowe, who survived a battle with cancer in 2019, asked artists to repurpose masks used by cancer patients to protect their faces and heads from radiation during cancer treatments into art. The two dozen inspiring mask pieces symbolize “the fortitude needed to survive radiation and cancer treatments.”

If you go: Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. On display through Dec. 16. Also on display: Armory’s Faculty Show Nov. 28 through Dec. 16. 561-832-1776; armoryart.org.

Norton Museum of Art

Twiggy, for US Vogue, 1967, by Bert Stern, is on display as part of the "A Personal View on High Fashion & Street Style: Photographs from the Nicola Erni Collection, 1930s to Now," exhibit at the Norton Museums of Art in West Palm Beach.
Twiggy, for US Vogue, 1967, by Bert Stern, is on display as part of the "A Personal View on High Fashion & Street Style: Photographs from the Nicola Erni Collection, 1930s to Now," exhibit at the Norton Museums of Art in West Palm Beach.

Ghislain d’Humières, director and CEO of the Norton Museum of Art, recently praised two new exhibitions, saying, “Together, these exhibitions provide insight into major artistic movements of the 20th century.” He was talking about “A Personal View on High Fashion & Street Style: Photographs from the Nicola Erni Collection, 1930s to Now” which runs through Feb. 12, and “Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature,” on display until Jan. 15.

The highlights from the Nicola Erni Collection, trace the origins of fashion and street photography and how the collision of the two divergent forms have shaped and defined both and influenced artists in other genres, d’Humieres said. Stella’s exhibition focuses on an underexamined facet of Stella’s career: the artist’s fascination with the nature-based subjects and the natural world.

If you go: 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Free parking at 1501 S. Dixie Highway. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 561-832-5196; norton.org.

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FILM  

A digital-age fairy tale from celebrated Japanese animator Mamoru Hosoda, "Belle" is playing at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach on Dec. 11.
A digital-age fairy tale from celebrated Japanese animator Mamoru Hosoda, "Belle" is playing at the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach on Dec. 11.

Morikami Museum

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, known for its Zen gardens, serene walking paths, refreshing water features, and dozens of classes in Japanese culture, is bringing outstanding, timely Japanese films to the big screen. On Dec. 11, “Belle,” an animated feature by Academy Award-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda, tells the heartfelt story of Suzu, who is growing up in the age of social media.

If you go: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 11, at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Blvd., Delray Beach. “Belle” (122 min., 2021, Rated PG, animation). The 11 a.m. show is dubbed in English; the 2 p.m. show is in Japanese, subtitled in English. $5 with paid museum admission, free for members and children ages 3 and younger. morikami.org or 561-495-0233.

The Society of the Four Arts

A scene from the 2019 film "1917," which will be screened Nov. 18 at The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach.
A scene from the 2019 film "1917," which will be screened Nov. 18 at The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach.

The cultural center hosts a film series at 2 and 5:30 p.m. Fridays in the Walter S. Gubelmann Auditorium, 102 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. $10; free for members. Reservations required. www.fourarts.org or customerservice@fourarts.org or 561-655-7226.

  • “1917”: Nov. 18

  • “Genius”: Dec. 9

  • “The Black Stallion”: Dec. 16 (family friendly)

  • “The Keeper”: Jan. 6

  • “Burnt”: Jan. 13

  • “Memoirs of a Geisha”: Jan. 20

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THEATER

Kravis Center for the Performing Art

This theater at the corner of Okeechobee Boulevard and Parker Avenue is a showcase for what the best theater can offer both in setting and in substance. Don’t miss these shows:

Organist Cameron Carpenter will accompany a special screening of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Kavis Center on Oct. 29.
Organist Cameron Carpenter will accompany a special screening of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Kavis Center on Oct. 29.

Cameron Carpenter and the “Phantom of the Opera”: The world’s only Grammy-nominated organist returns to the Kravis Center to improvise a score on the Kravis’ organ (which he designed) during a live screening of the 1925 classic horror film. Come in costume to win prizes, cocktails and treats. 8 p.m. Saturday, Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. $15. Shows continue Nov. 1-6. 561-832-7469 or www.kravis.org.

“Here You Come Again – How Dolly Parton Saved My Life in 12 Easy Songs”: Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre and Tricia Paoluccio use Dolly Parton tunes to tell the story of an unsuccessful comedian who is devoted to Dolly. This celebration of Dolly Parton’s music captures her hilarious persona, her quick wit, her indelible character and profound wisdom, and her creative genius. Dec. 28-31; $45 and up. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org

Palm Beach Dramaworks

The courtroom classic of the small stage, "12 Angry Men" boasts trampoline-taut dialogue that is designed to reveal the complexity of the American judicial system and how it is influenced by the character of the men who are tasked with exercising this serious duty. A teenager is accused of killing his father. One juror stands against the others, who are ready to convict and go home to eat dinner and watch TV. It’s a microcosm of the public’s prejudices and convictions.

"Twelve Angry Men": Dec. 9-24 at the Don and Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. A Palm Beach Dramaworks presentation. 561-414-4042 or  palmbeachdramaworks.org

Bonus programming: "Dramawise," Dec. 8. Guests can immerse themselves in the theatre production through a “multifaceted course investigates the play’s big ideas, and examines the characters, themes, social relevance, and viewpoints expressed by the playwright.” It begins with a discussion led by Gary Cadwallader, director of education and community engagement, at 10 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., the group breaks for an hour for lunch, and resumes from 1-2 p.m. for a discussion with the cast and artistic team. Tickets are $35 for the morning session (Act 1) and $25 for the afternoon (Act 2) or both for $75 including lunch.

Maltz Jupiter Theatre

"Jersey Boys" runs through Nov. 13 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.
"Jersey Boys" runs through Nov. 13 at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

“Jersey Boys”: Through Nov. 13. at Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter. 561-575-2233.  jupitertheatre.org.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre officially opened for two weeks in April, but its true reopening and grand reveal is taking place now. Fans of theater can barely contain their excitement. The season kicked off Oct. 25 with a three-week run of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys.” The biography of the Four Seasons is onstage through Nov. 13 and uses the new 216-screen LED wall, one of the most astounding renovations, along with the new sound system.

Also onstage:  

  • “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”: Nov. 29-Dec. 18

  • “Sweet Charity”: Jan. 10-29

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MUSIC  

Kravis Center

Black Violin performs Dec. 12 at the Kravis Center.
Black Violin performs Dec. 12 at the Kravis Center.

A rich roster of musical acts is also scheduled at the venue, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Here are some of the standouts:

Germán López presents: ALMA: The only musician from the Canary Islands ever signed to a major label. His program features original music, rich melodies and toe-tapping rhythms that reflect his “Canary Island soul.” 6 and 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19; $39 and up. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.

Black Violin: This Miami-born hiphop-meets-classical duo features violinist Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester and violist Wilner "Wil B." Baptiste. Their “Give Thanks Tour” uses lighthearted storytelling, ethereal melodies and solid, heart-pounding beats to give back and show their grateful hearts to the world. They also performed at President Barack Obama's second inauguration, played Broadway twice, toured with Aerosmith and Alicia Keys and scored the soundtrack to the Fox baseball drama "Pitch." 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.

Soweto Gospel Choir: The Grammy-winning musical group will bring a big dose of "HOPE – It’s Been A Long Time Coming," during its celebration of the freedom and civil-rights movements in Africa and the U.S. Songs by greats such as Billie Holiday, James Brown, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin will be performed in this rousing and uplifting program. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21; $35 and up. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.

Arts Garage  

Tito Puente Jr. brings "An Evening of Mambo Music" to Delray Beach's Arts Garage on Nov. 11-12.
Tito Puente Jr. brings "An Evening of Mambo Music" to Delray Beach's Arts Garage on Nov. 11-12.

Delray Beach’s venue continues to bring the best stylists to the stage, and this year is no different! At 180 NE First St., Delray Beach. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org.  Highlights include:

  • Garage Queens – Fierce, Fabulous and Fascinating: Oct. 28 and Nov. 25

  • The Motowners: Ultimate Motown Tribute Show Experience: Oct. 29

  • Hurricane Ruth: Oct. 30

  • Skyla Burrell Band Returns: Nov. 4

  • Svetlana & The New York Collective – Swing Makes You Sing!: Nov. 5

  • Jill Switzer – The Contemporary Singer’s Blueprint: From Amateur to Professional and Beyond: Nov. 10

  • An Evening of Mambo Music with Tito Puente, Jr.: Nov. 11-12

  • Nicole Henry – One Voice, Six Strings: Nov. 13

  • Crystal Shawanda: Nov. 19

  • John Daversa & Tal Cohen: The Art of the Duo: Nov. 20

  • Ann Hampton Callaway – Let’s Fall in Love: Dec. 2-3

  • Kat Riggins & Her Blues Revival: Dec. 4

  • Dick Lowenthal’s Big Band Featuring Lisanne Lyons – Broadway, Blues & Beyond: Dec. 16

  • Anthony Geraci & The Boston Blues All-Stars: Dec. 17

  • GOT The Holiday Soul (Gianni Organ Trio): Dec. 18

Eissey Theatre

Palm Beach State College’s Palm Beach Gardens campus is home to this popular theater which is the go-to venue for manypopular acts. At 11051 Campus Dr. Get tickets in person at the box office or call 561-207-5900.

  • The Gospel Stage Play "Who Knew?": 6 p.m. Oct. 29. $40-$50. 561-494-4289

  • The PBSC Chorus Concert: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16. The Palm Beach State College Music Department. Free

  • An Evening of 60's Greatest Hits & Holiday Classics: 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Features The Duprees & The Crystals and a special guest performance by Peter Lemongello Jr. $49.50-$79.50

  • The PBSC Concert Band Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Free

  • Holiday Favorites: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The Palm Beach Gardens Concert Band performs. $22

  • A Traditional Holiday: 3 p.m. Dec. 11. Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches performs. $21. 561-832-3115

  • Forever Elvis '73: 7 p.m. Jan. 12. An Elvis Presley Tribute featuring Dwight Icenhower. $25-$39

  • John Pizzarelli Trio & Jessica Molaskey: "Sondheim & Friends": 8 p.m. Jan. 14. $59.50-$79.50

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CLASSICAL MUSIC  

The Symphonia

Andrés Cardenes will be a guest conductor during The Symphonia's 2022-23 season.
Andrés Cardenes will be a guest conductor during The Symphonia's 2022-23 season.

The chamber orchestra's 22-23 concert season ignites Nov. 13 with “Fire,” followed by “Earth” on Dec. 4. The theme of the season is “Inspired Naturally,” and spring will bring “Wind” (March 26) and “Water” (April 30). The Symphonia's performances feature award-winning guest conductors and soloists, including Andrés Cardenes and clarinet soloist Kinman Azmeh. Concerts are at 3 p.m. at Roberts Theater at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton. A pre-concert "Conversation with the Conductor" from 2 to 2:30 p.m. is included. Season subscriptions start at $175. Get single tickets at www.thesymphonia.org or 561-376-3848 or email tickets@thesymphonia.org.

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra

Don’t miss the leading orchestra in Israel under the direction of Lahav Shani, a hot young talent at 33. This is part of the Kravis’ Regional Arts Classical Series. The program includes Ben Haim, Symphony No. 1, Mahler and Symphony No. 1 in D Major. At 8 p.m. Nov. 9, at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets start at $39. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org

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COMEDY  

Palm Beach Improv

Comedian Jon Lovitz will perform Nov. 4-6 at the Palm Beach Improv at The Square.
Comedian Jon Lovitz will perform Nov. 4-6 at the Palm Beach Improv at The Square.

This venue is the place to seeconsistent top-shelf comedy. In The Square in downtown West Palm Beach, this staple of the standup scene doesn’t disappoint. At 550 S. Rosemary Ave., No. 250, West Palm Beach. Two-drink minimum per person. 561-833-1812 or palmbeachimprov.com.

Highlights for fall:  

  • Jon Lovitz: Nov. 4-6. This mainstay on the comedy scene needs no intro.

  • Heather Mcmahan: Nov. 11-13. In July 2019, McMahan debuted her podcast, “Absolutely Not with Heather McMahan,” and embarked on her first tour, the Farewell Tour, just in case, and now she’s here.

  • Connor King: Nov. 17. Instagram and TikTok are King’s domains, but you saw him on “America's Got Talent” too. He’s called “quick-witted” and “inappropriate.” Sounds laughable!

  • Katherine Blanford: Nov. 25-26. She shares true confessions and war stories and maybe that’s why she started a podcast called “Cheaties,” full of personal stories of cheating and being cheated on. Funny? You bet.

  • Che Durena Live: Nov. 17. The Haitian Canadian comedian raised in British Columbia and based in Toronto performed standup in Mexico. He is known for his work as a host and writer for "My Most Amazing Top 10" has a social media following to die for. Truly one of a kind.

  • Mike E. Winfield: Dec. 3. Mike wowed the judges on “America’s Got Talent” with his contagious smile and good humor. Now he has one-hour comedy specials airing on Amazon Prime and YouTube.

  • Jeremy Piven: Dec. 15. The Golden Globe winner (who also holds three Emmys) for playing the fast-talking, acerbic Hollywood agent ‘Ari Gold’ in the HBO’s “Entourage,” returns to West Palm Beach.

  • Drew Lynch: Dec. 16-18. Fans fell in love with the self-deprecating sweetheart on “America’s Got Talent,” where he finished second.

  • Michael Blackson: Dec. 21-23. Called the "African King of Comedy," Blackstone has been seen on BET’s "ComicView" series, HBO’s "Def Comedy Jam" and "Showtime at Harlem," but it was his performance in the comedy "Next Friday" that was his golden ticket.

Kravis Center

If comedy is your jam, don’t miss Lewis Black’s “Off the Rails” tour on Dec. 9. The two-time Grammy Award winner, best-selling author and star of Pixar’s “Inside Out” (He voiced Anger.) brings his bone-dry delivery and outrageous perspective to the stage for one show only.  8 p.m. Dec. 9, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; $35 and up. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org

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BALLET  

It wouldn’t be Christmas without “The Nutcracker.”

It’s no surprise this timeless story is the most performed ballet ever written, and it’s a rare dancer who doesn’t dream of someday being cast as Clara or the Mouse King.

Paris Ballet and Dance of Jupiter

The 2022-2023 calendar of performances includes “The Nutcracker” Nov. 19 and 20. Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, the full-length production features choreography by the school’s founder and director, Jean-Hugues Feray, and showcases dozens of talented young dancers ages 3 to 18.  2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20, at the PBSC Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. $35. 561-207-5900.

Bonus programming: “The Nutcracker," 3 and 5:15 p.m. Dec. 11, at the Gardens Mall, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens. Two free abbreviated performances for the community featuring a smaller cast in a more intimate setting. parisballetdance.com or 561-308-8377

Ballet Palm Beach

The company brings the dance set to beloved music by Tchaikovsky to the stage at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3 and 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Tickets are $20-$95. 561-832-7469 or  kravis.org 

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BOOKS AND AUTHORS  

Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach

Florida native Mac Stone, a National Geographic photographer, willl discuss "Chasing Wild" with fellow photographer Luca Martinez on Nov. 14 at The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach.
Florida native Mac Stone, a National Geographic photographer, willl discuss "Chasing Wild" with fellow photographer Luca Martinez on Nov. 14 at The Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach.

Book clubs abound at the Society of the Four Arts. Here’s a sampling of what folks will be reading and discussing:

Talk of Kings book discussions — Discuss tales of history and culture at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the King Library, 101 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Free, but reservations are required. fourarts.org, kinglibrary@fourarts.org, or 561-655-2766.

  • “The Mountbattens: The Lives and Loves of Dickie and Edwina Mountbatten by Andrew Lownie”: Nov. 8. Facilitator: Dr. Richard D’Elia

  • “The Bookseller of Florence: The Story of the Manuscripts That Illuminated the Renaissance” by Ross King: Dec. 6.  Facilitator: Ed Lamont.

  • “The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future” by Chris Whipple: Jan. 10. Facilitator: Billy David.

Biography Book Club — Meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the King Library, 101 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. Free, but reservations are required. www.fourarts.org, kinglibrary@fourarts.org, or 561-655-2766.

  • Mary Shelley: Oct. 26. Moderator: Amanda Kiernan

  • Daphne du Maurier: Nov. 2. Moderator: Amanda Kiernan

  • Gloria Vanderbilt: Nov. 30. Moderator: Dr. Rachel Schipper, Director of Libraries

  • Isamu Noguchi: Jan. 4. Moderator: Rebecca A. Dunham, Head of Fine Arts

“Campus on the Lake” lectures featuring books and authors are offered. Some have book signings to follow. All lectures take place in the Dixon Education Building (240 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach). Tickets or reservations are required at www.fourarts.com, customerservice@fourarts.org, or 561-805-8562 or via The Four Arts app.

  • Mac Stone with Luca Martinez, “Chasing Wild” : 3 p.m. Nov. 14. Free. Book signing to follow.

  • Victoria Hagan, “Live Now: Creative Process in Interior Design”: 3 p.m. Nov. 17. $20, free for members. Book signing to follow.

  • Lee Pollock, “Churchill at the Movies”: 3 p.m. Nov. 30. $20, free for members.

  • Amy Stanley, Ph.D., “A Stranger in the Shogun’s City: A Japanese Woman and her World”: 11 a.m. Dec. 12. $20, free for members. Book signing to follow.

  • René Silvan, “Frank Lloyd Wright: The Dramatic Life of America’s Most Controversial and Creative Architect”: 3 p.m. Dec. 19. $20, free for members

  • Jeffrey Spier, Ph.D., “Nubia: Jewels of Ancient Sudan”: 3 p.m. Jan. 9. $20, free for members.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: From Morikami to the Kravis, a full season of arts events is ahead