A maddened leader surrounded by flattering sycophants and slipping into senility. Betrayal, backstabbing, a nation under siege. No, I’m not describing King Lear, though the similarities are by no means coincidental. I’m describing The Dresser, a 1980 play by Ronald Harwood that revolves around a dysfunctional British theatre troupe’s performance of the aforementioned tragedy—in January of 1942. 

Written By Michelle F. Solomon

Originally published on artburstmiami.com.

Two stuffed chairs with a guitar leaning against one of them; a small table between with a large retro ceramic lamp with a white shade; two microphone stands; at stage right is a baby grand piano; Oriental rugs of different sizes are underneath. This is the atmosphere that sets the scene for GableStage’s “Both Sides Now: The Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen.”

Premiering the week before Christmas at the Au-Rene Theater of the Broward Center, Broadway Across America presents Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical to excited fans of the South Florida area. At a showing only available in Broward, the production is 90-minute, no intermission musical jammed pack with everything you love about the green menace, the spirit of Christmas, and classic Seussian rhymes. The story of the musical combines elements of Dr. Seuss’ book alongside visual aesthetics that stem from the Jim Carrey live-action film from 2000, and while rushed to feel at moments, I was in awe of the product unveiling before me.

Just about every ballet company performs a rendition of “The Nutcracker” ballet, and it is for good reason. Not only is it one of the most recognizable Christmas stories, drawing in crowds of the holiday and the craft at once, but it also heavily features dancers of all ages. Miami City Ballet’s version, the George Balanchine version that caught like wildfire after its New York City Ballet premiere, but with minor South Florida additions, is everything a viewer could want: happy kids, beautiful dancing, spectacular visual effects, and Christmas, of course.

As we approach the holidays in a world where families and nations are often disrupted, if not destroyed, we can all use a reminder that “God works in mysterious ways.” To get to that second chance at happiness – like the four life-scarred (aren’t we all?) characters in Jason Odell Williams’ HANDLE WITH CARE – it can’t hurt to laugh, to weep, and even to connect with a person “who doesn’t speak your language.” 

My heart is warmed (and my hot-chocolate-filled belly too), while my head is in a jolly swirl after seeing THE LAST CHRISTMAS, New City Players’ ninth season opener, last Sunday. There are so many ways to describe NCP ensemble member (and playwright and sound & Foley designer extraordinaire) Tyler Johnson Grimes’ uniquely original, world premiere play. Warm and fuzzy, hilarious, inspiring, emotional, nostalgic, surprising, magical, relatable, well-acted, exquisitely designed and… always absolutely delightful! And that’s just from my initial rush – you really need to come and discover what you love most (and I promise there will be lots!) in this pre-Y2K time capsule of a live radio play brimming with crazy characters, touching stories, and nonstop action (both silly and exciting). 

The second I walked into the Sol Theatre to take my seat for Macbeth: A Conjuration, it became immediately clear that this would be a production like no other. A greeter waited to usher me into this mystical, magical world, where a smoky fog clouded the stage and the iconic Three Witches circled ahead, huddling over their cauldron and sketching out spells on a chalkboard. A chill drifted down my spine, but it was largely one of anticipation—after all, I’d now be experiencing Macbeth like I had never experienced it before. 

For audiences who have seen the famed 1959 comedy “Some Like it Hot” starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, be prepared for a more contemporary look and a jazzier story in the new musical which is now running at the Arsht Center in downtown Miami through Sunday, December 8. 

   Actress and stand up comedienne Sheba Mason of New York captivates audiences at Empire Stage in Ft. Lauderdale as Cindy Lou Who in “Who’s Holiday”, a 60 minute one act comedy, running now through December 15. 

Happy holidays from The Wick Theatre. And thank you for the perfect holiday gift! An age-old story of family conflict, jealousies and betrayal that are ultimately forgiven  (after hard lessons learned and true remorse) remains a beacon to the power of goodness, love and hope. The Old Testament’s recital of the saga of Joseph son of Jacob, aka Israel, his experiences in Egypt, and with his brothers (destined to become the 12 tribes of Israel) is a human drama as ancient as the Bible. And as relevant as today’s news.