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Palm Beach County offers robust season of arts & entertainment. Don’t miss these top shows

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Palm Beach County offers robust season of arts & entertainment. Don’t miss these top shows

Janis Fontaine
 |  Special to the Palm Beach Post

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Welcome back, live performances! 

We find respite from the crazy world in the arts. Reading bestsellers, subscribing to music apps and streaming video are great escapes, but it does not compare to a live performance. 

The arts save us in so many ways. The arts teach us, touch us and expand our minds and hearts. The arts refill and reboot us and distract us from the angst-filled world. 

The arts both magnify and clarify our social problems, and sometimes even offer solutions. The arts introduce us to our neighbors across the street and across the world. 

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The arts answer questions we didn’t know we had. And at the end of the day, spending time appreciating art just makes us feel better. In the arts, we find renewal, restoration and rebirth. 

Whether it’s classical music or rock ‘n’ roll, theater or dance, comedy or fine art, you’ll find plenty to refill you between now and New Year’s Eve.  

Don’t miss these art exhibits this season in Palm Beach County

ART

Boxing as an art form: “Strike Fast, Dance Lightly”  

The human form at work and play is captured anew in this exhibit opening Oct. 26 at the Norton Museum of Art.  

“Strike Fast, Dance Lightly: Artists on Boxing” looks at the sport of boxing in 100 artworks in different media spanning from the late 19th century to present day. Among the largest comprehensive surveys of boxing artwork to capture the artistry of the sport, “Strike Fast” is on display through March 9. In conjunction with the exhibit, a panel discussion about the intersection of boxing and art is planned from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26. Arden Sherman, senior curator of Contemporary Art at the Norton, Jon Rider, the director of New York’s FLAG Art Foundation, Caroline Cassidy, the director of exhibitions at The Church at Sag Harbor, New York, and artist and curator Eric Fischl make up the panel. Online registration required.  

Also on display: “Surroundings: Video Encounters of Nature” features the work of Carolina Caycedo through Nov. 24 and Nadia Huggins from Nov. 30-Jan. 26.  

The Norton Museum of Art is at 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Admission is free for members; $18 adults, $15 age 60+, $5 students, free for younger than age 12. 561-832-5196 or norton.org. 

Ann Norton Sculpture Garden’s 8th Annual Sculpture In Motion takes place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 16 at the garden, 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. This annual event features the Art of Pre- and Post-War Automobiles on display in the garden. This year’s event honors Palm Beach County Gold Star Families, Veterans & Friends of Fisher House. The popular Grand Parade of Cars takes place at 4:15 p.m. ansg.org; 561-832-5328.  

Two new exhibitions open Nov. 7 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park, Boca Raton. “Félix de la Concha” and “Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and Its Empire” are on view through March 30. bocamuseum.org or 561-392-2500.  

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County hosts the ArtsPaper Culture Talk at 2 p.m. Nov. 16 at 601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. The Symphonia’s Alastair Willis joins Greg Stepanich, the ArtsPaper founder and editor-in-chief, in conversation. Free but register at 561-471-2901 or palmbeachculture.com.

On display in the Main Gallery, opening Nov. 22, find “Quintessentially We,” a celebration of quintessentially “we” experiences and cultural connections. In the Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery, “Portraits of Community,” in collaboration with the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, is on display beginning Nov. 8 through Jan. 18.

The Flagler Museum’s fall exhibition is “In the Golden Dreamland of Winter: Henry Flagler’s FEC Hotel Company,” on display through Dec. 29, which explores Henry Flagler’s transformative impact on the Floridian economy through the development of his Florida East Coast Hotel Company. At 1 Whitehall Way. Palm Beach. 561-655-2833; flaglermuseum.us.

The Fine Arts Galleries at the Society of the Four Arts in the Esther B. O’Keeffe Building opens two exhibitions on Nov. 23: “Past Forward: Native American Art from Gilcrease Museum” looks at American art history through 76 works, and an exhibition lecture is planned at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11. The second exhibit salutes Gil Maurer’s leadership and commitment to the arts. “The Four Arts Celebrates Gil Maurer” is on display through March 30. At 100 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. $10; free for members and age 14 and younger. Reservations required. fourarts.org, customerservice@fourarts.org, or 561-655-7226.

Head to Broadway and never leave Palm Beach County this season

THEATER  

“Mrs. Doubtfire” at the Kravis!  

The Kravis Center kicks off its 16th season with a family friendly comedy in what the Chicago Tribune called a “lovable, big-hearted musical comedy.” Through Nov. 3, see Rob McClure as Euphegenia Doubtfire, a father separated from his children who impersonates a classically trained, well-bred Scottish nanny to spend time with them. As deceits go, its motive is pure and its outcome hilarious. Tickets start at $39.  

There’s also plenty of family fare this year at the Kravis. These family-oriented shows for audiences of all ages are a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of live theater. Check out “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play” on Nov. 13 or “Talking Birds and Golden Fish” on Nov. 23. Fans of “Encanto” will love “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” on Nov. 26. The Kravis is at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.  

Lake Worth Playhouse presents the Neil Simon classic “Brighton Beach Memoirs” from Nov. 15 through Dec. 1. The Playhouse also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the theater with two presentations. The 100th Birthday History Talk at 11 a.m. Nov. 2 is a free community event that tells the 100-year history of the Oakley Theatre. (There will be cake!) The Centennial Celebration from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13 commemorates the 100-Year Anniversary of the theater in 1920s’ fashion with a speakeasy-themed night of food, drink and 1920s silent films and entertainment. A silent auction and cake are also planned. $60 or $100 per couple. At 713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach. 561-586-6410 or lakeworthplayhouse.org

Palm Beach Dramaworks offers two plays, one comedy and one drama, this fall at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre, 201 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. “Lost In Yonkers” is on stage Nov. 1-17 and “The Dresser” opens Dec. 20 through Jan. 5. 561-514-4042. Ext. 1; palmbeachdramaworks.org. 

The freshly remodeled Maltz Jupiter Theatre is staging “Deceived” through Nov. 10 at the theater at 1001 E. Indiantown Road. Jupiter. “Once” opens Dec. 3-15 on the main stage. At the Island Theatre, the very unusual show “Aire: Antigravity” is on stage from Nov. 14-17. This aerial extravaganza features powerful acrobatics with mesmerizing style and grace. Tickets are $60-$90. 561-575-2223. jupitertheatre.org.  

“The Producers” opens Nov. 22 through Dec. 15 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St., Delray Beach. In December, two trio concerts are planned. “The Story and Songs of Peter, Paul & Mary” is on stage Dec. 3 and a trio of dashing men perform “Bachelors Of Broadway” on Dec. 16. In the Cabaret Theatre, the Edwards Twins perform “The Ultimate Vegas Holiday Variety Show” Nov. 11. Don’t miss the popular Lunchbox Matinees: “The Victory Dolls” is on tap at noon-2:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and “Her Name Is Barbra — A Tribute Show starring Joy Altman” takes the stage at noon Nov. 25. Tickets: 561-272-1281 or delraybeachplayhouse.com

The Wick presents the classic “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Nov. 21 through Dec 22 at the theater at 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. “Groucho” is now onstage through Nov. 3. www.thewick.org; 561-995-2333.  

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CLASSICAL MUSIC  

Jennifer Frautschi, a two-time Grammy nominee known for her deeply expressive playing and refined technique, is a featured performer at the first concert of the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach. On Nov. 21, “Violin Legends: Ysaÿe’s Legacy,” performed at the acoustically and aesthetically beautiful Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea, 141 S. County Road, Palm Beach, features violinists Frautschi, Benjamin Beilman and Arnaud Sussmann with Beth Guterman on viola, Nick Canellakis on cello, and Michael Stephen Brown on piano.  

Next is “The Enchanting Clarinet: Brahms and Beethoven” at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, which features clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester performing an homage to his favorite instrument. The show also features Edward Arron, cello, and Wu Qian, piano. Get tickets for all seven concerts for $475. For single tickets, call 561- 379-6773 or cmspb.org 

The Kravis Center’s Classical Concert Series celebrates 50 years of remarkable music. Subscriptions start at $165 for matinee, and $255 for evening shows, which include The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19. For over 130 years, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has been counted among the very best orchestras in the world. A pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. Klaus Mäkelä, chief conductor, Lisa Batiashvili, violin. On Dec. 15 at 2 p.m., Curtis Symphony Orchestra performs. Conductor Teddy Abrams is joined by the globe-trotting star violinist Ray Chen. A pre-concert talk begins at 1 p.m.  

The Palm Beach Symphony’s 2024-25 Masterworks Series features two shows on stage at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. Julian Schwarz, cello, is featured on Nov. 10 and Leonidas Kavakos, violin, is featured Dec. 10. Get tickets at www.palmbeachsymphony.org.  

The musical hits keep coming to Palm Beach County this season

POP, ROCK, JAZZ, LATIN   

Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Just Like That’ tour   

Radiant Bonnie Raitt, the 13-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter and guitarist, brings her blues-infused rock ‘n’ roll tour “Just Like That … 2024” to the Kravis Center on Nov. 25. Her Grammy winning albums “Nick of Time” and “Luck of the Draw” earned her millions of loyal fans and critical acclaim for her impressive strength and vulnerability and kick-butt guitar playing. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and Rolling Stone clocked her in at #54 on their updated list of the “250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Raitt is joined on stage by James Hunter. Called Britain’s Greatest Soul Singer by MOJO Magazine, Hunter performs a blend of blues and Americana with his six-piece band.  

Other significant concerts include “Shadows of The 60s – A Tribute To Motown” on Dec. 16 and Patti Labelle: The 80/65 Tour on Dec. 17, all at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.  

Music at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach

The Arts Garage always has a schedule packed with an eclectic mix of entertainment included the best Latin, jazz, blues, rock and comedy performers. 94 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. Call 561-450-6357 or go to artsgarage.org for tickets to any of these shows:  

  • Jonathan Karrant performers a tribute to the music of one of our most beloved singers. “The Tony Bennett Songbook,” onstage Nov. 2, features the acclaimed singer’s homage to the legendary figure.  
  • Halie Loren‘s 11th album, “Dreams Lost and Found,” released in April, is a blend of songs from the American Songbook, favorites from iconic singer-songwriters, and her original material. She performs Nov. 10. 
  • The Grammy Award-winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet, Ranky Tanky, performs music “born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands” at the Arts Garage on Nov. 16. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross. In collaboration with the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. 

At Abacoa Amphitheater, do not miss Tyler Hubbard with guest Alana Springstein Live in Concert on Nov. 15. The Florida half of FGL (that’s Florida Georgia Line), who were gamechangers in country music’s shift toward “bro country,” performs in Jupiter. Folks who follow country music realize that there were a lot of acts that tried to imitate FGL, without success. The authenticity and unmatched talent of the two men was often copied but rarely successfully. At 1267 Main St, Jupiter. abacoa.com/events. 

Five or more tribute acts are coming to the stage at The Studio at Mizner Park. Things kick off quite literally with “Simply Tina Tribute to Tina Turner” on Nov. 16. “The Wildflowers: A Tom Petty Tribute” is onstage on Nov. 22 and “The Boss Project: A Bruce Springsteen Tribute” takes the stage a month later on Dec. 20. Then, on Dec. 14, it’s “Listen To The Music – A Tribute to The Doobie Brothers.” Finally, the tributes wrap for the year with “Turnstiles Tribute to Billy Joel” on Dec. 21, all at 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 561-203-3742 or thestudioatmiznerpark.com

Keep on your toes with Palm Beach County’s dance scene this season

DANCE

The highlight of dance at the Kravis Center is Ballet Palm Beach performing “Carmen” Nov. 1-3. The name Carmen has become synonymous with a certain type of rapturous woman since Prosper Mérimée’s Carmen was first performed. Ballet Palm Beach’s reimagined work is a dark, haunting work. “Sensual and spirited, the alluring Carmen attracts the eye of Don José who is plunged into an abyss of jealousy and rage,” Ballet Palm Beach says. The program also features the contemporary piece “Fractured,” and an original work, “Mozart Intermezzo.” Tickets are $49 and up.  

Other important dance performances include The Dance Ensemble Fall Concert on Nov. 11-12 and the Dance Theatre of Harlem on Nov. 23 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.  

Where to get a few laughs in Palm Beach County

COMEDY  

Top-shelf comedy continues to be limited since the closing of the Palm Beach Improv at CityPlace, but the Kravis Center offers Palm Beach Improv at the Kravis Center, which brings six standout standup comedians to West Palm Beach between Nov. 15 and Dec. 21. Jay Mohr performs Nov. 15-16; René Vaca on Nov. 23; Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop The Ride on Nov. 29-30; Nurse Blake: Shock Advised Tour on Dec. 4; Eddie B Teachers Only Comedy Tour on Dec. 13 and Big Jay Oakerson on Dec. 20-21. Get tickets at 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.  

The Arts Garage is doing its part to keep comedy alive with The Art of Laughter featuring handsome Ryan Niemiller on Nov. 1 and the witty Mike E. Winfield on Dec. 6 at 94 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org 

Palm Beach County is the perfect home for holiday performances

DON’T MISS FOR CHRISTMAS

This season promises some delightful musical performances plus a Christmas magic show and the ever-popular and ever-lovely ballet, “The Nutcracker.” Mark your calendar for these events:  

The Illusionists perform “The Magic of The Holidays” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.

The Lopez Music Lab performs Jingle Bell Jam Nov. 30 and “A Seraphic Fire Christmas” is onstage Dec. 11 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org. 

Mizner Park Amphitheater’s holiday concerts feature musicians from FAU whose talent brings fans back every year. The FAU Band-O-Rama concert takes place Nov. 24, and FAU Tuba Christmas is onstage Dec. 1. Hosted by the city of Boca Raton and conducted by Florida Atlantic University’s Marc Decker. You can also catch the 2024 Holiday Pops concert Dec. 7. At 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. 561-393-7984; www.myboca.us/2021/Mizner-Park-Amphitheater 

Country music’s dashing David Nail performs “A David Nail Christmas” on Dec. 6 at The Studio at Mizner Park, 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton. This country crooner has one of the best natural voices for any kind of music. Known for “Red Light,” “Let It Rain” and “Whatever She’s Got,” Nail’s voice lends itself to a country ballad or a Christmas song with emotive power and perfect pitch. Not to mention, he’s seriously handsome. 561-203-3742 or thestudioatmiznerpark.com

Ballet Palm Beach presents “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 6-8 at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org. 

The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches presents “Coming Home for Christmas” on Dec. 7 at the Duncan Theatre, 4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth Beach, and Dec. 8 at the Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. Tickets are $25 at 561-832-3115 or email tickets@symphonicband.org. 

The Palm Beach Gardens Concert Band, a volunteer band made up of your friends and neighbors, all professional-level musicians, has been entertaining audiences in this area for over 30 years. Their concerts at PBSC Eissey Campus Theatre, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, sell out as the 80-member band, with members from high-school age to their 80s, have tons of fans, but their most popular concert is the “Let It Snow Holiday Concert” at Dec. 11. Tickets are $22, free for students younger than 18. 561-207-5900 or pbgconcertband.org.  

Toes will be tapping in Jupiter when the Jingle Jams Holiday Series hits the stage at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. “Dueling Yule-ing Pianos” on Dec. 18-19 is followed by a “Classic Christmas by Candlelight” on Dec. 20, and a Jazzy Christmas Concert on Dec. 21. At 1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter, features these three shows. 561-575-2223 or jupitertheatre.org. 

“The Dean Martin Story: A Christmas Special” starring Las Vegas headliner Drew Anthony takes place Dec. 19 at the Delray Beach Playhouse, 950 NW Ninth St., Delray Beach. $69 and $59. 561-272-1281 or delraybeachplayhouse.com

Anthony Nunziata performs “My Italian Christmas!” on Dec. 21 at the Arts Garage. This charming tenor, dubbed “the next great pop crossover star” by the Indianapolis Star, known as a romantic balladeer, brings his Christmas show to the stage. The celebrated Italian American from Staten Island has been singing Christmas songs with his twin brother since they were old enough to hold a mic. Features Bobby Peaco on piano. Tickets are $50-$55. 94 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach. 561-450-6357; artsgarage.org.  

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