In June, I reviewed FAU’s Festival Rep’s delightful production of Neil Simon’s rarely produced 1988 couples farce, Rumors. And now, in July, I have the privilege of reviewing Pembroke Pines Theatre of Performing Arts (PPTOPA)’sexcellent presentation of Simon’s 1968 megahit, PLAZA SUITE,whose rather recent (2022) Broadway revival was enthusiastically received by both audiences and critics. That one starred real-life superstar couple Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker. Of course, back in the day, many of us watched the 1971 film headlined by Walter Matthau with Maureen Stapleton, Barbara Harris and Lee Grant. Though Simon served as screenwriter, he wasn’t all that happy with the results.
The evening of Saturday, July 19, was cause for celebration at the Delray Beach Playhouse! The special occasion? None other than the Playhouse’s Second Annual DelLago Awards Gala. Originally known as the Actors’ Awards Gala, the theater’s annual awards ceremony, set to spotlight standout performances from this 2024-25 season, has been renamed in honor of the Playhouse’s long-time Artistic Director and Delray Beach theater legend, Randolph “Randy” DelLago. Throughout his long, illustrious career, DelLago directed hundreds of plays and musicals, becoming a beloved member not only of the Playhouse staff, but also the South Florida theater community as a whole. The DelLago Awards keep his memory alive by honoring cast members and shows from the most recent season, and by providing a place to celebrate the art form of theater, the joy that it has granted so many people, and the incredible talents who bring these shows to life.
Kutumba Theatre Project is “coming out” of hibernation! After several successful sold out shows in South Florida and NYC, Kutumba is hitting the stage again with the EAST COAST PREMIERE of Spy for Spy, by Kieron Barry, directed by Kim Ehly, Artistic Director and Founder of Kutumba Theatre Project.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes” is a maxim I’ve been hearing far too often. We live in a world that’s blasting headfirst toward what many see as a sci-fi future … yet also appears to be falling off a societal cliff into our troubling past. The “rhymes” of warning are coming at us at lightning speed – but how many of our populace care about poetry, rhyming or not? How many study history, read essays, think deeply about editorials by distinguished academics and politicos?
The acclaimed off-Broadway hit Confederates by award-winning playwright Dominique Morisseau is set to challenge and captivate audiences at New City Players with its bold exploration of racial identity, institutional power, and the persistent echoes of history across generations.
Elizabeth Gillies Was a Little Shop ‘Super Fan,’ Now She’s Starring in the Hit Revival. She has reunited with her 13 co-star, Graham Phillips, in the long-running production at the Westside Theatre.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) is proud to announce the 2025-26 JAZZ ROOTS SERIES, which returns in November 2025 with a star-studded five-show lineup featuring some of the genre’s most celebrated artists. From a high-octane tribute to MILES DAVIS by the Frost School of Music’s Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra to the silky vocals of Grammy winner SAMARA JOY (@samarajoysings), this season of Jazz Roots bridges generations of jazz mastery. Jazz icon TERENCE BLANCHARD (@terence_blanchard) revisits his seminal musical homage to the life of Malcolm X in a powerful jazz suite in February, and the electrifying Grammy winner “Queen of Percussion” SHEILA E. (@sheilae) brings her signature high-energy blend of jazz, funk and Latin flair in a show-stopping April performance. Miami-born pianist EMMET COHEN (@heyemmet) rounds out the season and brings his wildly popular web series Live from Emmet’s Place to the stage.
The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts announces that The New York Times Critics’ Pick Dog Man: The Musical,based on the best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey, makes its West Palm Beach premiere at the Kravis Center March 14. Then, from console to concert hall, PlayStation: The Concert brings the most iconic gaming soundtracks to life, live on stage in Dreyfoos Hall on March 15. Tickets are on sale now.
Ariana DeBose Hosts Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on NBC July 4. Performers include the Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood.
Ariana DeBose | Heather Gershonowitz
Broadway star, West Side Story Oscar winner, and two-time Tony Awards host Ariana DeBose hosts the 49th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, broadcasting live on NBC July 4 at 8-10 PM ET (check local listings).
The evening, featuring fireworks, musical performances, and appearances by special guests, will also be simulcast live on Peacock. Telemundo’s telecast will air from 9-10 PM. An hour-long encore presentation of the show will also air at 10 PM on NBC.
Performers include the Jonas Brothers (Nick Jonas was recently on Broadway in the Main Stem debut of The Last Five Years), Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood.
The 49th edition of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration will fire more than 80,000 shells, with 30 vibrant colors and dazzling effects, including state-of-the-art projection mapping on the Brooklyn Bridge. This year’s pyrotechnics is set to a score produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and James Poyser, accompanied by a performance from DeBose.
The telecast will also celebrate the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, as well as the NBA’s return to NBC this fall.
“Year after year, this telecast continues to inspire and awe, lighting up the New York skyline—this time with a stunning fireworks display near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president of Live Events and Specials, NBCU Entertainment, in an earlier statement. “It’s the kind of unforgettable national live event that brings us together as a country while showcasing the power and uniqueness of both our NBC and Peacock brands.”
The telecast is presented in association with Macy’s. It’s produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay as executive producers.
Visit Macys.com/Fireworks. Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
You are cordially invited to the best day of someone else’s life… but what if it’s also the worst day of yours? Follow Carlo as she navigates the highs and lows of attending her ex’s wedding while dealing with her own heartbreak in Island City Stage’s South Florida premiere of At the Wedding by Bryna Turner,running August 21 – September 21. Tickets are on sale now.
Ariana DeBose | Heather Gershonowitz 
