THE BROWARD CENTER SHOWERS AUDIENCES WITH HITS THIS APRIL

Published: Mar 21, 2024

The Broward Center presents Broadway blockbusters, acclaimed comics and musicians, childhood heroes plus three events for the neurodiverse community during Autism Acceptance Month in April.

Thinking Cap Theatre’s production of The Taming of the Shrew in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center, which opened on March 22, continues through April 3. This comedy epitomizes the age-old battle of the sexes in the tumultuous courtship of the characters Katherina and Petruchio and has become one of Shakespeare's most controversial works dividing audiences on whether the playwright was a misogynist or a proto-feminist. Thinking Cap's innovative new revival allows performers and audiences alike to experience and judge different casting and directorial choices in real time to explore our shifting perceptions of what’s playable, offensive or funny. This production is part of The People vs. Shakespeare’s Shrew, a multifaceted project that invites audiences to engage deeply with this problem play through complementary programming that includes staged readings of Shakespeare's first folio script and John Fletcher’s 1611 response play entitled The Woman’s Prize or the Tamer Tamed. The production also features Sunday talkbacks with the cast and creative team and Shakespeare Was Here, a six-episode podcast series with Shakespeare practitioners and scholars. The Taming of the Shrew is presented as part of the Broward Center’s Arts Access Program, which assists community-based organizations in presenting arts and cultural performances at the Broward Center. Support has also been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: John O. and Victoria C. Kirby Fund, Frederick W. Jaqua Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts, a grant from Our Fund Foundation, an LGBTQ community foundation, The Rezeppa Family Foundation and The Warten Foundation. Showtimes vary.

Slow Burn Theatre Company’s production of The Prom, the musical about which Variety raved, “It’s so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst,” continues from its opening on March 23 through Sunday, April 7 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center with an open captioned performance on Sunday, March 31 at 2 p.m. generously underwritten by the Amaturo Family Foundation. Winner of The Drama Desk Award for Best New Musical, The Prom follows four eccentric Broadway stars who are on a mission to transform lives when they discover the plight of a student who just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom and soon her entire town has a date with destiny. Expertly capturing all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever, The Prom features a book by Tony^® Award-winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony Award-nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), music by Tony Award-nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Beguelin. The 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Company Season is presented by American National Bank. This production is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Performance times vary.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Innovation Arts & Entertainment present Harry Potter in Concert in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center as part of the Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m. Fans can relive the film that started it all as they watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high definition while South Florida Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams' iconic score. Harry, Ron, Hermione and all the beloved characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again. Wizarding World and all related trademarks, characters, names and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23).

No experience is necessary to enjoy the interactive and engaging Theater Games & Dancing All Abilities event on Sunday, April 7 at 11 a.m. in the JM Family Studio and the David & I. Lorraine Thomas Creative Learning Suites. The class will be divided into one for ages 4-14 and another for those 15 and older. The event is followed by refreshments. All Abilities classes are made possible with support from the Taft Foundation.

For generations, the music of Disney’s princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, these beloved songs come alive on stage with a host of Broadway and television stars as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Imagination Series in Disney Princess - The Concert! in the Au-Rene Theater on Sunday, April 7 at 2 p.m. Be our guest as Broadway favorite Alyssa Fox (‘Elsa’ in Frozen, Wicked), BroadwayWorld® Award-winner Syndee Winters ('Nala’ in The Lion King, Hamilton), and West End star Hiba Elchikhe (‘Jasmine’ in Aladdin, Time Traveler’s Wife), combine forces in this concert of a lifetime, joined by their magical Music Director, Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the Roof, The Secret Life of Bees) and enchanting Prince, Adam J. Levy (Moulin Rouge, Waitress). Your every dream will come true as larger than life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these powerhouse stars sing your favorite princess, hero and (yes!) villain songs, and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen. This production features Broadway performers appearing as themselves. Costumed Disney characters do not appear at this event. The cast is subject to change.

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Fort Lauderdale as Broadway in Fort Lauderdale presents Mrs. Doubtfire in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center Tuesday, April 9 - Sunday April 21. Don’t miss the internationally acclaimed new hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time TonyAward-winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together. The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale 2023/2024 season is made possible with the generous support of title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale is presented by Florida Theatrical Association in partnership with Broadway Across America and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Performance times vary.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents bring Justin Hayward to the Amaturo Theater as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. The driving force behind the music and success of The Moody Blues, the guitarist penned such timeless tunes as "Tuesday Afternoon," "The Voice," "Your Wildest Dreams" and "Nights In White Satin," which regularly ranks in the lists of all-time favorite songs, including a place in the top ten songs of the millennium. He is joined by special guest Mike Dawes.

Comic Jonnie W. comes to the Abdo New River Room as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m. Using off-beat standup, hilarious stories, and even music, he crafts a comedy experience that audiences will be quoting in the car on the way home. His first one-hour special, Live At The Franklin Theatre, was featured on Amazon Prime Video, and his two Dry Bar comedy specials are viral hits, garnering millions of views. He has also been featured on the Grand Ole Opry's Circle Network and is heard daily on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra bring their richly textured and sensuous musical style described

as "poetic sunshine at midnight" to the Amaturo Theater as part of the Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series on Friday, April 19 at 8 p.m. Twice named "New Ave Artist of the Year" by Billboard magazine, the five-time Grammy^® Award nominee and nouveau flamenco guitarist is known for his

innovative contemporary style that incorporates rock, jazz and pop music influences. Considered

one of the most successful instrumental artists of the past two decades, Liebert has released 25 albums and earned 38 Gold and Platinum certifications in his remarkable career. The guitar master performs his classical yet futurist and evocative music with his dynamic band Luna Negra.

JM Family Enterprises presents the Smart Stage Matinee Series performances of Junie B. Jones in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center on Friday, April 19 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. A Family Fun performance will take place Saturday, April 20 at 1:00 p.m. Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade, angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal." This musical is based on four volumes in Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones series of books that encourage students to read … and write. These performances are recommended for grades K-3 and support the ELA, SEL, music and dance curricula.

Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a sensory-inclusive performance offered on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center. This colorful, funny, fast-paced musical includes new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and other various first-grade, angst-ridden situations. This musical is based on four volumes in Barbara Park's Junie B. Jones series of books. This performance creates a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room with a specially trained therapist to provide audience support. The Broward Center's sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, Florida Support Autism Programs License Plate, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support.

Jennifer Welch and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan are bringing I’ve Had It Podcast to the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. Presented as part of the Truist Comedy Series, this comedic and feel-good show exposes all the things you didn’t know you HAD IT with. This hilarious duo offers their extensive list of Had It's for a night of world-class trash talking. This event contains adult language or content.

The Sensory-Inclusive Series presents The Magic of Kevin Spencer in the Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center on Saturday, April 27 at 11 a.m. Featuring award-winning magician Kevin Spencer, this fun-filled show that combines storytelling, stage magic and audience participation. Audiences enjoy a post-show meet and greet with Spencer. This performance creates a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as the ABA Centers of Florida Sensory Quiet Room with a specially trained therapist to provide audience support. The Broward Center's sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, Florida Support Autism Programs License Plate, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's Hospital and The Taft Foundation with special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support.

The Broward Center hosts South Florida’s acclaimed regional companies in April with Symphony of the Americas: The Showstoppers! (April 8 and 9); Gold Coast Jazz Society presents Grace Kelly Quartet (April 10); South Florida Ballet Theater: Sleeping Beauty (April 11); Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida Program IV - Spring Gala (April 14); Ukrainian Dancers of Miami presents Ukrainian Montage (April 21) and Miami City Ballet Presents Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake (Apr. 26 – 28).

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter.

The Broward Center 2023/2024 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and UHealth University of Miami Health System. Programs are also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level and UHealth-University of Miami Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.

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Complete April Schedule at the Broward Center

March 22 - April 3 Thinking Cap Theatre: The Taming of the Shrew

March 23 – April 7 Slow Burn Theatre: The Prom

April 5 & 6 Harry Potter in Concert with South Florida Symphony Orchestra

April 7 Theater Games & Dancing All Abilities event

April 7 Disney Princess – The Concert!

April 8 & 9 Symphony of the Americas: The Showstoppers!

April 9 – 21 Broadway in Fort Lauderdale: Mrs. Doubtfire

April 10 Gold Coast Jazz Society presents Grace Kelly Quartet

April 11 South Florida Ballet Theater: Sleeping Beauty

April 12 Justin Hayward