Light up the holiday season with a festive lineup of unforgettable shows and performances that are sure to bring joy and cheer to audiences of all ages at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this December. From theatrical productions that include Broadway in Fort Lauderdale’s presentation of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” “Anastasia,” and “Narnia” to comedy from Pinky Patel, Ben Brainard and Ryan Sickler, all genres of music from The Outlaws, Levi Kreis, Whiskey Myers and tribute bands bringing the music of Queen and the Beatles, there is something for everyone this December.
In a show that was rescheduled due the hurricane, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico brings its Latin music sounds to the Au-Rene Theater on Sunday, December 1 at 8 p.m. as part of the Mosaic Series. Decades after its inception, the 13-piece salsa group continues to inspire dancers with its horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies. Officially named “Ambassadors of Our Music” by the Puerto Rican Senate, El Gran Combo’s many hits include such classics as “El Menu” and “Timablero.” Their 1978 album, “En Las Vegas,” sold more than one million copies, while its follow-up, “In Alaska: Breaking the Ice,” was nominated for a Grammy® Award. A longtime member of popular Latin band Cortijo y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo in 1962 with eight of his bandmates, including percussionist, dancer, chorus singer, and salsa bandleader Roberto Roena. This legendary Puerto Rican salsa orchestra is now over six decades old, and they are showing no signs of slowing down. These revered salsa gods will be pumping out their unrivaled and florid arrangements of colorful, horn-driven music all night long.
Students who take classes in the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center take the Amaturo Theater stage for the Broward Center Education 10th Anniversary Student Spectacular on Tuesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. Celebrating 10 years of classes and the 10-year anniversary of the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center, this fun-filled and family-friendly performance features students of all ages, who will showcase song and dance from favorite Broadway shows. Audiences can expect spectacular performances from the top-level vocal ensemble The Broward Center Spotlights, the Advanced Musical Theater Workshop and Adult Musical Theater Singing class. The Broward Center Spotlights are supported by Funding Arts Broward, supporting innovative local visual and performing arts in Broward County.
AEG and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present The Outlaws as they return to celebrate their 10th annual homecoming concert, “Green Grass and Yuletide Jam,” with special guest John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band, part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock series, on Wednesday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater. Formed in Tampa in 1972, The Outlaws, known for their triple-guitar rock attack and three-part country harmonies, became one of the first acts signed by Clive Davis at the urging of Ronnie Van Zant. The band’s first three albums, “The Outlaws,” “Lady In Waiting” and “Hurry Sundown,” featuring such rock radio favorites as “There Goes Another Love Song,” “Green Grass & High Tides,” “Knoxville Girl” and “Freeborn Man,” would become worldwide gold and platinum landmarks of the Southern rock era. Known as The Florida Guitar Army by their fans, The Outlaws earned a formidable reputation as an incendiary live act while touring with friends The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Charlie Daniels Band, as well as The Doobie Brothers, The Who, Eagles and The Rolling Stones.
Tony® Award winner Levi Kreis brings his Home for The Holidays Tour to the Amaturo Theater as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series on Thursday, December 5 at 8 p.m. With a seamless blend of jazz, gospel, country and rockabilly, Kreis delivers a fresh and unique perspective to a flawless collection of Christmas classics and holiday favorites. From uproarious storytelling to soul-stirring renditions, Kreis will leave audiences laughing, crying and filled with the spirit of the season.
Comedian and podcaster Ryan Sickler brings his Live and Alive tour to the Amaturo Theater on Friday, December 6 at 8 p.m. as part of the Truist Comedy Series. After creating three thriving podcasts (“The HoneyDew,” “The HoneyDew with Y’all” and “The CrabFeast”), Sickler launched “The Wayback” in 2024 and immediately claimed the number one spot on the charts among comedy interview podcasts in the U.S., the UK and Canada. His comedic credentials include skillfully guiding stand-up comics and storytellers through humorous explorations of life’s lowlights on “The HoneyDew.” Sickler secured the number one spot on the Billboard and iTunes comedy charts with his album “Get a Hold of Yourself.” In 2023, he starred in, directed and produced the standup special “Lefty’s Son.” This event contains adult language or content.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Emery Entertainment present Christmas with C.S. Lewis starring David Payne in the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, December 7 at 2 and 7 p.m. The year is 1962, and C.S. Lewis, the famous British author who gave the world “The Chronicles of Narnia”
and a Christian legacy that few can match, is hosting a group of American writers at his home just outside of Oxford during the twilight years of his life. They have come to hear him speak about significant events and people that shaped his life. As it is Christmas time, Lewis also reflects on how he views this festive season in a display of oratory and humor that made Lewis one of England’s most famous public speakers.
One of the world’s most spectacular Queen tribute bands comes to the Au-Rene Theater with One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel, part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Sunday, December 8 at 7 p.m. “We Will Rock You,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We are the Champions” and the legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody” are songs that just scratch the surface of Queen’s legacy. The one and only Freddie Mercury’s unique vocals have made it nearly impossible to perform his music as he did. Finally, Marc Martel and One Vision of Queen perform Mercury’s music the way it is meant to be performed. Legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor remarked to the Daily Record, “That voice. You listen, close your eyes and you think it’s Freddie. It’s really uncanny.” Martel performs vocals on the Oscar®-winning Queen biopic film, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” With unique theatrical performance style and eye-popping production, One Vision of Queen gives audiences a front row seat to one of the greatest bands of all time. Generously underwritten by Richard Herter & Dennis Baney and by Rachel & Ron Antevy.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation present the Whiskey Myers Acoustic Tour 2024 with special guests Cody Canada and Wade Bowen on Tuesday, December 10 at 8 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater. Described by USA Today as “a riff-heavy blend of Southern rock and gritty country that has earned comparisons to the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin,” genre-bending band Whiskey Myers has played more than 2,500 live shows to ever-increasing crowd sizes since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows from coast to coast at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater and Ryman Auditorium and performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach, Download and more, the six-piece opened for The Rolling Stones’ 2019 Chicago stadium show. Their self-produced album “Tornillo,” available via the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, features the number 17 most-played Americana song of 2022 “John Wayne,” and follows their fifth studio album, “Whiskey Myers,” which debuted at number one on the country and Americana/folk sales charts, at number two on the rock chart and number six on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. Whiskey Myers has sold more than 1.65 million albums and amassed more than 2.25 billion streams while earning six RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications as an independent band. Known for their high-energy live show and unique sound, the band, praised by Esquire as “the real damn deal,” has also earned sync success with features and an on-screen appearance in Paramount’s hit show “Yellowstone” as well as the Netflix series “What/If,” Angelina Jolie film “Those Who Wish Me Dead” and CBS series “SEAL Team.” As Rolling Stone noted of Whiskey Myers, “it’s the seminal combination of twang and crunchy rock & roll guitars that hits a perfect sweet spot.”
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, AEG Presents and Emporium Presents bring The Fab Four: U.S.A. Meets the Beatles to the Au-Rene Theater as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. Acknowledged as the ultimate tribute to The Beatles, The Fab Four delivers uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of Beatles classics such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Twist And Shout,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude.” Their stage performance combined with three costume changes representing every era of The Beatles has amazed audiences in countries around the world including in Japan, Australia, France, Hong Kong, the UK, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Performance Project present “Narnia,” a musical adaptation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 at 11 a.m. and 1 and 5 p.m. The first and most famous novel of acclaimed British author C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” series, the musical follows four English schoolchildren, brothers and sisters, sent away from London during World War II to stay in the manor house of their uncle. They stumble upon the magical kingdom of Narnia held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.” In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world. Featuring the Performance Project students and the professional actors who mentor them, the musical soars from the excitement of the opening number, “Doors and Windows,” to the poetry of “Narnia (You Can’t Imagine)” to the stirring “To Make the World Right Again.”
Ben Brainard comes to the Abdo New River Room for two shows as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Saturday, December 14 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. The comic has always said yes to opportunities, and his “I’ll try anything once” attitude has ultimately led to some hilarious stories and an astonishing 26 different jobs since he turned 16. Now, he takes the stage to share uproarious tales about everything he’s done from working a fast-food drive-thru to driving a bus for the YMCA after-school program. Originally from Daytona Beach, he dropped out of school to join the U.S. Army Reserve and has since produced several shows for Army Reserve units. He also found viral success producing the sketch comedy series “The Table” during quarantine when the comedy clubs were closed. This show is not appropriate for children under 12.
America’s top psychic medium Matt Fraser comes to the Au-Rene Theater in an event presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Sunday, December 15 at 7 p.m. In this live show, the star of the hit television series on E! Entertainment connects those who have passed with the loved ones they have left behind. The messages he is asked to deliver frequently include names, dates and locations, which he couldn’t possibly know, and which add to his long-established credibility as one of the most sincere and unpretentious mediums working to bridge the spiritual gap between the living and the deceased. Fraser’s vibrant personality and humorous interaction with the audience combine to deliver an uplifting evening. This event is for those 18 years of age and older.
The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale series with presenting sponsor Nicklaus Children’s Hospital presents “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” from Wednesday, Dec 18 through Monday, December 23. Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” the Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!” Performance times vary. The Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale 2024/2025 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 the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Pinky Patel: #isaidwhatisaid Tour arrives in the Abdo New River Room as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Friday, December 20 at 8 p.m. Best known for her hilarious commentary and viral videos from her glam cave that have garnered more than 64.5 million likes on TikTok, Patel is a PTA mom turned creator, comedian and personality with a fan base of more than five million. This event contains adult language or content. A VIP package is available.
Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2024/2025 Season in the Amaturo Theater supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale unwraps Anastasia The Musical during the holidays from Saturday, Dec. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 5, including an open captioned performance on Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m. Inspired by beloved films, the musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. With a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, this spectacular musical, about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be, has a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” Performance times vary.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Live Nation present Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros featuring the Wolfpack at the Broward Center’s Au-Rene Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 27, Saturday, December 28 and Monday, December 30, and at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, and at The Parker at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3. Bobby Weir is one of the founding members of the legendary Grateful Dead. Since establishing the band in 1965, Weir has become one of rock’s finest and most distinctive rhythm guitarists. The band has received a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award and appeared on Forbes’ list of top-grossing entertainers. The Grateful Dead is still one of the highest-grossing concert attractions in the U.S. and their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record. Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros formed in 2018 by Weir along with Don Was and Jay Lane. The band set out performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Weir’s solo albums and more and has toured extensively throughout the U.S. In 2020, Jeff Chimenti joined the Wolf Bros around the same time the band started featuring The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet that brings an orchestral, symphonic element to the music of Grateful Dead and features Alex Kelly, Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, Mads Tolling and Sheldon Brown. The band is also now joined by Barry Sless on pedal steel. VIP packages are available.
Slow Burn Theater Company performs Anastasia The Musical: A Sensory-Inclusive Performance in the Amaturo Theater with a post-show meet and greet on Saturday, December 28 at 1:30 p.m. Intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities, this performance features slight adjustments including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights and minimal special effects. With a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, the musical is inspired by beloved films and transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family. This spectacular musical, about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be, has a soaring score including the song favorites from the hit animated film, “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” Admission includes complimentary pre-show arts and crafts activities provided by Young at Art Museum. 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. Patrons may bring their own headphones, fidgets and other calming items into the theater or borrow these items at the theater. The Broward Center’s sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, 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. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2024/2025 Season in the Amaturo Theater supported by American National Bank and Visit Lauderdale.
Also at the Broward Center in December: Men Who Dance (Nov. 30 – Dec. 1), Florida Grand Opera: The Magic Flute (Dec. 5), Symphony of the Americas: Holiday POPS! (Dec. 8 & 10) and Gold Coast Jazz: Bobby Watson Quartet, Post Motown Bop (Dec. 11).
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 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and Spirit.
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 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s 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 also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County, The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
Complete December Schedule at the Broward Center
Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 Men Who Dance
Dec. 1 El Gran Combo – Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series
Dec. 3 Broward Center Education 10th Anniversary Student Spectacular
Dec. 4 The Outlaws – Cleveland Clinic Rock Series
Dec. 5 Levi Kreis: 10th Annual Home for the Holidays Tour
Dec. 4 The Outlaws – Cleveland Clinic Rock Series
Dec. 5 Florida Grand Opera: The Magic Flute
Dec. 6 Ryan Sickler – Truist Comedy Series
Dec. 7 Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Dec. 8 One Vision of Queen featuring Marc Martel – Cleveland Clinic Rock Series
Dec. 8 & 10 Symphony of the Americas: Holiday POPS!
Dec. 10 Whiskey Myers
Dec. 11 Gold Coast Jazz: Bobby Watson Quartet, Post Motown Bop
Dec. 13 The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute – Cleveland Clinic Rock Series
Dec. 13 – 15 Performance Project – Narnia – Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series
Dec. 14 Ben Brainard – Truist Comedy Series
Dec. 15 Matt Fraser
Dec. 18 – 23 Broadway in Fort Lauderdale: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Dec. 20 Pinky Patel – Truist Comedy Series
Dec. 21 – Jan. 5 Anastasia the Musical – Slow Burn Theatre Company
Dec. 27-31 Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros ft. Wolfpack
Dec. 28 Anastasia the Musical – Slow Burn Theatre Company – Sensory Inclusive
