By GERRY BARKER North Palm Beach Life WEST PALM BEACH_"The Play That Goes Wrong," which had its opening at the Kravis CenterTuesday night, finally answers that age old question, "What else could possibly go wrong?" The answer: Everything. This British import from the Mischief Theatre Company, which debuted in 2012 and has had successful runs in both London's West End and Broadway, takes slapstick, pratfalls and physical humor to a whole new level as an ill-fated troupe of actors attempt to perform a murder mystery. It's almost nonstop mayhem as scenery comes apart, a dead man moves, lines are forgotten, stage hands are pressed into service and the set collapses on itself. By the time this theatrical apocalypse concludes, you have lost interest in solving the whodunit of "The Murder at Haversham Manor." No matter -- the real star of the show is the dexterity of the actors, who stretch to hold up falling scenery, take numerous falls and hold on for dear life as a second story floor collapses. The production itself is pretty amazing. As devoted fans of British humor, "The Play That Goes Wrong" evokes flashbacks to "Benny Hill" and "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" by the Reduced Shakespeare Company -- 37 plays in 90 minutes. The gags come so fast and furious you almost wish it could "go right" for a stretch here and there so you can catch your breath. While its brand of humor isn't for everyone (a fair number of people left early), if you appreciate British humor and non-traditional Broadway productions, you'll have fun watching these accomplished actors attempting to make lemonade out of lemons. "The Play That Goes Wrong" is at the Kravis through Dec. 15. I'm ENDing this HeRe befotre this becomes ther REVIEW that goes WrONG. The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches performed their Holiday Festival concert to an enthusiastic audience Monday night, Dec. 9, at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens. Composed of area volunteer musicians, the nonprofit community band offered a wide variety of holiday-focused arrangements, from the opening "Festival Fanfare for Christmas" to "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "An Irving Berlin Christmas." For the latter, we enjoyed hearing the classic songs from "White Christmas" and "Holiday Inn" live. The group's next performance will be "Commander of Swing" in February. You can get more information at their WEBSITE. CLUBHOUSE POOL IS OPEN!_ Today, Dec. 10, marks the opening of the new North Palm Beach Clubhouse pool and "kid zone" Splash Park. Lifeguard Jane Lowinski is on duty. Daily rates to use the pool are $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents, with annual memberships available. -- Photo by North Palm Beach Life
LIBRARY BAKE SALE_ The Friends of the North Palm Beach Library are holding their annual bake sale at the library today, Dec. 10, with lots of baked goodies and other interesting items. From left: Shawn Woods, vice-president, Mary Phillips, secretary, Cathy Graham, president, and Patty Sullivan, treasurer. Get by there before it's all gone! -- Photo by Pamela Barker, North Palm Beach Life.
(PRESS RELEASE)_(Lake Worth Beach, FL – December 4, 2019) Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County today announced that the 15th season of the popular series CULTURE & COCKTAILS continues next month with another fascinating conversation at The Colony Hotel Coral Ballroom, located at 155 Hammon Avenue in Palm Beach. January 13 Hey, Madam Producer A Conversation with Theatrical Impresarios + Marcie Gorman, Executive Producer & Artistic Director of MNM Theatre Company, which presents musicals at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse, including recent productions of Man of La Mancha and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, with Cabaret scheduled for next May. + Vicki Halmos, Founder/Producer of Entr’Acte Theatrix, which stages musicals at Old School Square’s Crest Theatre, including the recent productions of The Addams Family and Monty Python’s Spamalot. + Jan McArt, Producer & Director of Theatre Arts Program Development at Lynn University, where she created and oversees four popular theatrical series: Libby Dodson’s Live at Lynn Theatre Series, Live at Lynn American Songbook series, Jan McArt’s New Play Readings, and the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret at Lincoln Center Comes to Live at Lynn, plus the upcoming production of the musical Gigi in which philanthropist Lois Pope “returns to the stage.” + Marilynn Wick, Executive Managing Producer of The Wick Theater & Costume Museum, which this season is presenting major productions of The Music Man, Evita, A Chorus Line and more. Interviewed by Suzanne L. Niedland, award-winning filmmaker, actor, and Broadway Producer Coming up next: February 3 Preserving Precious Treasures A Conversation with sisters Barbara Stella & Sandra Stella, Co-founders of Stella Art Conservation + President & Chief Conservator Barbara Stella has performed treatments on artworks by prestigious artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Salvador Dalí, Kenneth Noland, Joan Miró, Gerhard Richter, and more. + Executive Manager Sandra Stella has a 20-year professional career working with ambassadors, government ministers and policymakers in Africa (UK Consulate, Italian Embassy), Italy, Canada and the United States. Interviewed by Sarah Wetenhall, President & CEO of The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach CULTURE & COCKTAILS is generously sponsored by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder; The Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation; The Gardens Mall; Clo & Charles S. Cohen; The Fine Arts Conservancy; First Republic Bank; Scott Teich, Teich Wealth Management of Raymond James; Woolems Luxury Home Builders; and The International Society of Palm Beach. With additional support from Legends Radio 100.3 FM, The Palm Beach Daily News, and PR-BS, a Boca-based public relations firm. Please Note: Admission to each CULTURE & COCKTAILS event is $75 per person in advance; $85 at the door, $125 for VIP Seating, and FREE for Supporter, Contributor, Patron and Business Arts Partner level members of the Cultural Council. All proceeds go to support the nonprofit Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. For membership information, please contact Debbie Calabria at 561.472.3330. Each event runs from 5 to 7 pm, with registration and cocktails from 5 to 5:45 pm, and the “Conversation” from 5:45 to 7 pm, including audience Q&A. The Colony will serve complimentary beverages and an array of specially prepared hors d'oeuvres before each CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversation. People interested in attending CULTURE & COCKTAILS can RSVP before each event by calling the Cultural Council at (561) 472-3330. Also: Topics and speakers are subject to change depending upon the availability of scheduled participants. The Cultural Council is open to the public from 10 am – 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, including a complete calendar of cultural activities in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach – City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill opened in West Palm Beach’s CityPlace (now Rosemary Square) on Christmas Eve 1999 and quickly captured and maintained a loyal following of locals and travelers with its inspired wine list, vibrant happy hours, farm-to-table menu, and soignée setting. Starting Friday, December 6 through Thursday, December 12, City Cellar and executive chef Rolando Anoceto will bring back some of its most beloved menu items from 1999 for a weeklong 20th anniversary celebration. 20th Anniversary menu: Farfalle Pasta with grilled chicken roma and sundried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and pesto cream Long Island Duck Breast with butternut squash puree, haricot verts, and tart cherry sauce Seared Scallops and Shrimp with mushroom risotto and yuzu vinaigrette Tuna Mee Grob with crispy vermicelli noodles, scallions, cilantro, yuzu and ginger vinaigrette Marc's Rocket Lettuce with beef carpaccio, arugula, and horseradish cream Throughout the transitions at CityPlace and now Rosemary Square, City Cellar has remained a cornerstone of success with a packed lunch, happy hour, dinner business, and weekend brunch throughout the year. “City Cellar was one of our original flagship restaurants and we are so proud to celebrate 20 years,” reflects Todd Herbst, co-owner of Big Time Restaurant Group. “We attribute our success to many factors, including the terrific management by Michael “Iggy” Igantowicz, the incredible culinary team led by executive chef Rolando Anoceto and Big Time’s culinary director Lisabet Summa, our award-winning wine list, which features 500 bottles and 70 by the glass, and the attention to detail and service delivered by the team each day.” “Having served as the general manager from the time City Cellar opened its doors, it’s gratifying to see so many of our original guests continue to frequent the restaurant as well as a new and loyal following among discerning diners,” says Michael “Iggy” Igantowicz. “I am proud to call City Cellar my home away from home for 20 years, to oversee our team, as well as our award-winning wine program.” City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill is located at 700 S. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach. For more information or reservations, call (561) 366-0071 or visit citycellarwpb.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, Fla. – From toddlers to teens, seniors and in-betweens, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches is dedicated to providing its community with programming that fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development for all ages in a safe and nurturing environment throughout the year. YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located in the heart of Palm Beach County and has served the community since 1917. Highlighted below are just some of the December programs-at-a-glance. Monday, December 2 – Saturday, December 28 Drills & Skills Youth Basketball focuses on developing a strong skill foundation in all players with age-specific instructions. The program incorporates technique development, exercise drills, communication skills and sportsmanship. Practice is Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00–5:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00–12:45 p.m. for kids ages 7–13; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00–5:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:00–1:45 p.m. for teens ages 14-18. December Session: December 2–28. Cost is $50 for members and $70 for nonmembers. Friday, December 6 1 pm FoundCare Lunch & Learn This program is designed to be fun and insightful and brings new insight to pertinent topics surrounding our community. Guests will enjoy good times, good food, and good discussion. Friday, December 6 6 pm – 9 pm Holiday ‘Drop & Shop’ Parent’s Night Out Parents are invited to drop their children ages 4-12 off at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches during its Holiday 'Drop and Shop' Parent's Night Out. Kids will enjoy a fun-filled 'Holiday at Sea' pizza and pool party adventure while parents take care of their holiday shopping. Members: $15; Community: $20. RSVP by December 4. Saturdays, December 7 and 21 Salsa Dancing – 3 pm – 4 pm Bachata Dancing – 4 pm – 5 pm Feel the Latin rhythm during the Y’s Salsa and Bachata dance classes. Participants will lace-up their dancing shoes and hit the floor with champion ballroom dancer, Grigol Kranz. Learn basic steps, turn patterns, and partnering techniques, in a fun and interactive environment. All levels are welcome. Comfortable shoes and clothing required. Classes are $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers. Saturday, December 14 11 am – 12 pm Health and Fitness ‘101’ with Tom Rivera Tom Rivera, South Florida Regional Director of Xcel Mentoring, offers teens and young adults an introduction to health and fitness including the proper way to train. Formerly named Mr. Puerto Rico, Rivera has been passionate about helping young people overcome their obstacles for over 30 years. Teens under 18 may join but require parental consent. This program will run on the second Saturday of each month. December program: Saturday, December 14. Monday, December 23 – Monday, January 6 Mondays – Fridays, 7 am – 6 pm Winter Camp Keep your kids active and involved all winter-break long at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Winter Camp. Days will be filled with fun as the children take part in themed events, swimming, art, sports, field trips and more! $250 for all 8 days. Ages 5-12. For more information on memberships and programming, please contact Robert Alexander at (561) 968-9622 or email ralexander@ymcapalmbeaches.org. YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 2085 South Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach. (BRIGHTLINE NEWS)_Today, Dec. 2, Brightline, in partnership with Miami’s Rubell Museum, debuted a special Keith Haring-wrapped train just in time to kick off Art Week Miami. Connecting West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale to Miami, Brightline offers a stress-free, car-free alternative to get to the center of the action, steps away from Downtown Miami’s museums and satellite art fairs, all while avoiding the infamous traffic of Art Week. Additional Haring imagery is on display in its West Palm Beach station. To celebrate the museum’s opening on Dec. 4, Brightline will offer special Haring-illustrated tickets and free admission to the museum with proof of ridership.
For more information on the partnership, GO HERE. (PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH (December 2, 2019) The Play That Goes Wrong, the hilarious Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy, will make its West Palm Beach debut at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on December 10 - 15. Tickets are on sale now. Co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong is a riotous comedy about the theatre. The play introduces The ‘Cornley University Drama Society’ who are attempting to put on a 1920s’ murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does, as the accident-prone thespians battle on against all odds to get to their final curtain call. Entertainment Weekly calls The Play That Goes Wrong “Hilarious! Non-stop pandemonium.” The Huffington Post calls it “The funniest play Broadway has ever seen!” And the New York Post says it’s “Broadway’s funniest and longest-running play! Nothing is as fall down funny. GO.” The Broadway production of The Play That Goes Wrong opened at the Lyceum Theatre on April 2, 2017and by its closing on January 6, 2019 the Broadway production played 27 previews and 745 performances, making it the 2nd longest running show in the history of the Lyceum Theatre. Not yet done with New York, The Play That Goes Wrong officially opened Off-Broadway on February 20 at New World Stages – Stage 4. The Play That Goes Wrong received a Tony Award for Best Set Design, Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Play, and the Theater Fans Choice Award for Best Play. Awarded the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, 2014 WhatsOnStage Best New Comedy and 2015 UK BroadwayWorld Best New Play Awards, The Play That Goes Wrong is now in its fourth year in the West End, is currently on a 30 week UK tour and playing on six continents. The producers have avoided Antarctica for fear of a frosty reception. It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance, and has gone on to play to an audience of over 2 million people around the world. Mischief Theatre, the Olivier Award-winning theatre company led by Artistic Director Henry Lewis and Company Director Jonathan Sayer, was founded in 2008 by a group of graduates of The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and began as an improvised comedy group. Mischief Theatre performs across the UK and internationally with improvised and original scripted work. The Play That Goes Wrong tour is directed by Matt DiCarlo with original Broadway direction by Mark Bell, featuring set design by Nigel Hook, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Andy Johnson and costume design by Roberto Surace. The Play That Goes Wrong is produced on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, J.J. Abrams, Kenny Wax, Stage Presence Ltd., Catherine Schreiber, Ken Davenport, Double Gemini Productions / deRoy-Brunish, Damian Arnold / TC Beech, Greenleaf Productions / Bard-Roth, Martian Entertainment / Jack Lane / John Yonover, and Lucas McMahon. For more information, visit www.BroadwayGoesWrong.com or follow The Play That Goes Wrong on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @BwayGoesWrong The Play That Goes Wrong crashes down on stage at the Kravis Center December 10 – 15. Tuesday, December 10 at 8 pm; Wednesday, December 11 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Thursday, December 12 at 8 pm; Friday, December 13 at 8 pm; Saturday, December 14 at 2 pm and 9 pm; and Sunday, December 15 at 2 pm. Tickets start at $36 and may be purchased online through the Kravis Center’s official website at kravis.org; in person at the Box Office, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; or by phone at 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471. Group orders of 10 or more please call 561.651.4438 or 561.651.4304. |
ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
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