MIAMI – Jazz stalwart Wynton Marsalis, R&B legend Smokey Robinson, the Soweto Gospel Choir and a War Horse are among the stars who will shine among the blistering comedy and Broadway extravaganzas in the scintillating 2013-14 season at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
The renown center at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami can be reached through its box office at 305-949-6722 and website, arshtcenter.org
In the Arsht Center season spotlight:
WYNTON MARSALIS AND CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT — The world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and its esteemed Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis will perform a glorious program of holiday big band favorites, with special guest vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant – the sensational 23-year-old Miami native who won the 2010 Thelonious Monk Competition with his ability to refract the styles of such iconic performers as Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and Valaida Snow with 21st century freshness, expressivity, and soulfulness, giving new meaning to Marsalis’ mantra, “all jazz is modern.” It happens Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, Part of the 2013-2014 Jazz Roots Season presented by Wells Fargo. Tickets start at $25.
SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR — The international sensation launches Black History Month at the Arsht Center with a rousing celebration showcasing the 24-member choir’s signature mix of African gospel, reggae and original arrangements of American pop music. Based in South Africa and led by director Beverly Bryer, the Soweto Gospel Choir has performed all over the world, sharing the stage with global powerhouses including Aretha Franklin, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Queen and many more, while earning two Grammy Awards and serving as ambassadors for Nelson Mandela. Catch them Feb. 5 at 8:30 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall. Tickets start at $35.
WAR HORSE — Part of the 2013-2014 Broadway in Miami Season, a heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, and winner of five 2011 Tony Awards, tells the story of young Albert and his beloved horse Joey. When Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France, he is soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. March 4 – 9 in the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Six-show season subscription packages start at $150.
SMOKEY ROBINSON — R&B doesn’t get any more timeless. The chart-topping singer-songwriter and Motown icon has a career that spans more than four decades of hits, including The Tears of a Clown, I Second That Emotion, My Girl and more. A Grammy Living Legend Award recipient and member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, the legendary singer, songwriter and producer makes his Arsht Center debut in what promises to be “a master class in pop vocal performance!” (The Guardian). It happens March 16 at 8 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall. Tickets start at $35.
A few of myriad other Arsht season highlights:
ASSASSINS — The Miami premiere of the show that gives new meaning to the phrase “killer musical.” With a stylish Stephen Sondheim score and a provocative book by John Weidman, this winner of five 2004 Tony Awards, including “Best Revival of a Musical,” brings to the stage a (shooting) gallery of some of history’s most notorious players — the men and women who have attempted to kill American presidents. Jan. 30 – Feb. 23. Tickets $45.
AYIKODANS — Haiti’s premiere dance troupe returns to Miami to thrill audiences with a world premiere (Tribulations) and an expanded version of Danse de l’arraignée (Dance of the Spider), performed by the company’s incredibly fierce dancers accompanied by an ensemble of drummers and vocalists, in the Carnival Studio Theater, Dec. 20-22. Tickets: $35
ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER — In his third season as artistic director, Miami’s own Robert Battle continues to expand the diverse repertory of one of the world’s most popular and beloved dance companies, with premieres from a wide range of important choreographers that give Ailey’s extraordinary dancers new ways to inspire audiences. Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, an American masterpiece acclaimed as a must-see for everyone, will be the stirring finale for all five performances (full program schedule to be announced at a later date). Feb. 20-23. Tickets start at $25.
RHAW — Experience the energy and power of award-winning hip-hop street dancing at its “RHAW-est” – from Campbell Locking, Popping & Boogaloo to B-boy/girl, House and Hip Hop dance – in Love American Style, a musical performed by R.H.A.W. (Rennie Harris Awe-Inspiring Works), Feb. 28 – March 1, part of the 2013-2014 Dance at the Arsht Series. Tickets $35
WHOOPI GOLDBERG — One of a very few extraordinary artists honored with Oscar, Tony, Grammy, Golden Globe, and Emmy Awards, an undisputed queen of comedy and entertainment will return with a new, wickedly funny stand-up show poised to deliver an unforgettable evening bursting with hilarity, March 1. Tickets start at $50.
A TWIST OF JOBIM — In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month in April, the grand finale concert of the Jazz Roots season will celebrate the phenomenal artistry of one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, the prolific Brazilian composer/musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, with Lee Ritenour, Daniel Jobim, Luiza Jobim, Dave Grusin and special guest Joao Bosco, April 11. Tickets start at $25. For much, much, much more, visit arshtcenter.org
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