Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has a new holiday musical, Another Night Before Christmas, written by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto, the creators of Married ALIVE. This production will make you laugh and leave you inspired with the meaning for the season.
Two audience favorites complete the cast, Ken Clement and Irene Adian. Clement, who played Ben Franklin in 1776 and was one of the costars of Big Bang, can always guarantee hilarity. Adian was perfect in the role of a social worker who, on Christmas Eve, gives leftover food from her office party, to a man she believes to be homeless on the street.
The fun begins when he breaks into her home later that night and claims to be Santa. Clement and Adian have both the voices and acting skills that, combined with a beautifully written play, make this production one you will not want to miss.
Another Night Before Christmas, runs through December 27. For ticket purchase and other information, call 305-444-9293 or go online to <www.actorsplayhouse.org>. Coral Gables Rotarians were fortunate to get a preview of the show at Actor’s new show at their Thursday meeting before opening night when Barbara Stein, Executive Producing Director, addressed the Club and brought with her Clement and Adian to perform a few of the songs accompanied by Musical Director, David Nagy, on piano.
In other holiday happenings, for the third consecutive season, SERAPHIC FIRE AND THE FIREBIRD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA will perform Handel’s masterwork, Messiah on December 19 at 8:00 p.m. on the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets range from $15 to $75, and can be purchased now through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305-949-6722 or online at <www.arshtcenter.org>.
By the way, check out the beautiful holiday wreathes on display at the Arsht Center generously donate to the Center by Rick and Margarita Tonkinson. This couple, whose financial planning firm is located in Coral Gables, also made a substantial contribution to the J r. Orange Bowl Caroling Competition that drew the best school choirs from all over Miami-Dade County to compete for prize money and entertain the public as crowds gathered at the 550 Biltmore Building around the large poinsettia tree the first week of December.
Merrick Festival’s Sally Baumgartner is the master mind behind this event which she has chaired for more than a decade. It continues to be a highlight of the holiday season for many visitors and residents while providing a way to showcase many talented young people in our community. Of course, this is but one of many ongoing events that make up the Junior Orange Bowl Festival. Look for news on many upcoming events including tennis, golf, basketball and, of course, the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade on January 2. For more information, go online to www.jrorangebowl. com or call 305-662-1210.
Finally, Annette Taddeo –Goldstein opened her Pinecrest home for a brunch on November 22 to help raise funds for the campaign of South Miami resident Lisa Lesperance, running for State Seat District 117. Lots of movers and shakers were in the crowd including Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Hon.Annie Betancourt, Hon. Betsy Kaplan, Gail Serota, Esq., Kritin Wipior, Diana Shinaberry, Cristy McClelland, Lorette Spalding (Grandma), Gabrielle D’Alemberte, Esquire, Dr. Shirley Merlin West, Karen Mashburn, Peggy Gaines, Dr. June Gentle, Myra Perez Damera, Esquire, Bonnie Askowitz, and Adriana Verdeja. Until next week, keep making each day count.
Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.
