Starring Joan Crawford: Hollywood Historian Explores The Lasting Impact Of The Pop Culture Icon June 13, 2024 Share She started making movies in 1925 and won her sole Oscar in 1945. She died in 1977, seven years after shooting her last picture, at age 69 or possibly 70 - something. Almost half a century later, Joan Crawford keeps popping up everywhere from Ryan Murphy’s Feud: Bette and Joan to Ru-Paul’s Drag Race, from Richard Brody’s film criticism to parodies inspired by Mommie Dearest. In the new book Starring Joan Crawford: The Films, the Fantasy, and the Modern Relevance of a Silver Screen Icon, Hollywood historian Samuel Garza Bernstein draws on reams of press coverage and never-before-seen restored images from movie posters and stills, publicity shots, sheet music, and magazine covers. Starring Joan Crawford is both a celebration and a compelling exploration of how she informed ideas about wealth and class, femininity and gender roles, identity, and fulfillment. Dividing her career into five phases, Garza Bernstein looks at what Crawford meant to audiences: Influencer and It Girl—Her marriages and rise to fame. This phase marks the beginning of its end in 1928 due to two transformative events: her marriage to a Hollywood prince, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and the arrival of talkies. After escaping a harrowing childhood and dancing her way to Broadway, Lucille LeSueur is discovered by an MGM talent scout. She made her silent film debut in January 1925, and dazzled as the joyful jazz baby. Off-screen, she is unafraid of hard work, which includes getting her pictures in the papers for dancing and partying. Three months later, the studio’s publicity head launched a “Name Her” contest in Movie Weekly magazine, and Joan Crawford, the star, was born. If Social Media had existed, she would have been out there, offering upbeat advice on how to reach your goals and make yourself whatever you want to be. Queen of the Movies—How she made many and how her career was flailing. In 1930, Crawford was named the top box office draw in the world, ahead of Greta Garbo. A full-blown star, Crawford sets out to prove she can act and takes on dramatic roles—playing a bitter antihero in Paid and a suicide survivor in Laughing Sinners opposite Clark Gable, with whom she develops an enduring friendship. Rain is her first flop, and she blames herself. Rebounding, she switches to rom-coms. Then she makes a second flop. Branded “box office poison,” she is mortified. But she has a career to protect. In 1939, she sparkled in The Women, a big-budget film directed by George Cukor. In 1940, she made two films that she considers her best work: Strange Cargo opposite Gable and Susan and God opposite Frederick March. But her string of hits peters out and the quality of the scripts MGM offers is below par, so in 1943, Crawford asks to be released from her MGM contract—paying $100,000 for the privilege—and embraces her most controversial role: mother. Still, her work comes first. Mother and Martyr. By this phase, Crawford is on her third husband (after a brief second marriage to Franchot Tone). She marries Phillip Terry because he seems like a kind man who will make a good father figure. After buying her freedom from MGM, she is forced to wait two agonizing years before making her first picture for Warner Bros: Mildred Pierce. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress. With Mildred, Crawford creates a new archetype for not only herself but also American women, with suffering baked into the drive for independence and fulfillment to help ease the guilt of getting what you want. Though Crawford is in demand, unlike in the MGM years, she has time on her hands. Boredom is dangerous for a workaholic. To ease her anxiety, she depends on alcohol. And to keep busy, she micromanages her four adopted children. Dragon Lady—From actress to Pepsi spokes girl. In her mid-40s, though beautiful and with legs to die for, Crawford worries about failure. She starts trolling Marilyn Monroe, and the backlash defines the public image she develops in the 1950s—at first, seen as old and out of touch, and she self-sabotages her chance to sizzle on the beach in From Here to Eternity (the Deborah Kerr role was meant for Crawford). Then she embraces the monster and returns to MGM to make the movie that will seal her fate as a dragon icon: Torch Song. She plays the iron lady of Broadway musicals—a star who feels empty because she cannot find love in her private life—a situation that hits close to home, where she often fights, sometimes physically, with her daughter Christina. She continues to land roles as bitchy ball-busters in films, including Johnny Guitar and Queen Bee. She marries for the fourth and final time. As the wife of Alfred Steele, the President of Pepsi, Crawford embraces her role as the public face of a soft drink giant. Reinvention—What ever happened to ...? She signs a contract for her memoirs, searches for her next project, and lands on the story of two aging sisters—one a crippled former movie star, the other a demented former vaudeville star. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? happens because Crawford finds the novel, finds the director, gets Bette Davis, and convinces Director Robert Aldrich to sign on. Crawford begins her final phase devastated by the loss of Steele (who unexpectedly died of heart failure a few days shy of his 58th birthday), their larger-than-life partnership, and the financial security she thought he provided (his estate was essentially bankrupt). Determined to cement her legacy, she barrels into the 1960s leaving her humanity behind. The Author Samuel Garza Bernstein is a Stonewall Book Award-Winning Author, Screenwriter and Playwright. He splits his time between Porto, Portugal, and Los Angeles, California. < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Introduction To Computers, Centenarian Wisdom, LEGO At The Library And Much More Thu Sep 26 2024 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Animal Vintage: Specialty Shop Opens in Downtown Hollywood Thu Jan 27 2022 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Miami International Piano Festival Spectacular: Presents Ariel Lanyi (Israel) A Fascinating, Unique & Compelling Artist February 14, 2025 Share Ariel Lanyi returns to the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center for the third time. He is a pianist, intensely musical, intellectually probative, and well-focused. His authority, which belies his age, takes no prisoners as he expertly leads us on a no-nonsense artistic journey as satisfying as it is substantive. There is nothing in the least superficial about Mr. Lanyi’s always thoughtful music making, which speaks volumes for the artist he is and continues to blossom into. His playing is precise, nuanced, and virtuosic, but he is no superficial virtuoso. What sets him apart is his ability to delve deeply into the music and to establish a connection with it. He doesn’t simply play the notes, he lives the music, seeks to capture its essence, and reflects it with extraordinary intensity, sensibility, and expressive maturity. In March 2023, Ariel Lanyi was honored to receive the Prix Serdang, a Swiss prize awarded by the distinguished Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. The prize is endowed with CHF 50,000 and is not a competition, but a recognition of a young pianist’s achievements and an investment in their future. Prior to this, Ariel won 3rd prize at the 2021 Leeds International Piano Competition, performing Brahms Concerto No. 2 with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Andrew Manze in the finals. In the same year, he was a winner of the Young Classical Artists Trust International Auditions. Current highlights include returns to the Wigmore Hall and to the Miami International Piano Festival, as well as debut appearances at the Vancouver Recital Society, Nottingham International Piano Series, Frankfurt Alte Oper, and at Merkin Hall in New York. On the concerto platform Ariel has appeared with various orchestras, including the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, Israel Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Future projects include the release of Organ Reflections on Linn Records, a recording of piano music inspired by the organ by Mozart, Franck, and Reger, and a recording with the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. An avid chamber musician, Ariel has attended the Marlboro festival and has collaborated with eminent musicians such as Maria João Pires, Marina Piccinini, Charles Neidich, Alena Baeva, and Torleif Thedéen. PROGRAM February 23, 2025 ARIEL LANYI (Israel) F. SCHUBERT Sonata G-major, D.894 INTERMISSION B. BARTOK 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs, Sz. 71 F. CHOPIN Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 Mission of Patrons of Exceptional Artists Exceptionally talented pianists, with unwavering dedication, devote their entire youth to developing their skills, abiding by rigid and demanding schedules, and focusing on achieving a successful music career. During this arduous process, they often find themselves lost without the support and understanding of a benefactor. That is where the mission and purpose of Patrons of Exceptional Artists comes in, an organization that, for the last 25 years, has brought the talent of countless deserving pianists to the attention of the public, conductors, and agents. Many of our artists are now on the international circuit, represented by top management. To enrich its mission, in 1998, Patrons of Exceptional Artists branched out to create the now-celebrated Miami International Piano Festivals and Academy, where students experience the hands-on immersion of working closely with an outstanding international faculty. In the winter, the MIPFA takes place at the beautiful Cadet Hotel in Miami Beach, and in the summer at the Gustav Mahler Cultural Center in Dobbiaco, Italy, a gateway to the Dolomites, about which Mahler wrote, “Dobbiaco is extraordinary: it tempers your body and soul.” We have also expanded our outreach through an online state-of-the-art virtual platform that continues to evolve, creating an archive and visual library of all MIPF activities. The goal is to provide global exposure to our artists while allowing music lovers worldwide to enjoy our concerts, lectures, and masterclasses. The Miami International Piano Festival concerts are interactive experiences that engage our audiences and enhance their appreciation of music in its infinite prism of ideas and emotions. Giselle Brodsky, founder and artistic director of Patrons of Exceptional Artists, spends hundreds of hours listening to innumerable performances of hopeful applicants to select artists who, with their passion and commitment to the expression of music, will inspire and be inspired by our faculty, students, and audience. Patrons Of Exceptional Artists is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization. For more information, contact Giselle Brodsky, at: info@miamipianofest.com or visit our website at: www.miamipianofest.com . < Previous News Next News >

The City of Aventura Kicks Off its Movie Night Season Mon Oct 17 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Building Portico Failure Hallandale By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Apr 9, 2026 Hope Everyone Is Enjoying Passover And Had A Blessed Easter. Last Week, Our City Was In The News Due To A Structural Building Collapse. I Reassured Residents And Businesses That The Incident At 1250 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard Only Impacted The Portico That Covers A Walkway Between The Building And Garage. Both The Building And The Garage Structures Remain Safe. Fortunately, No Injuries Occurred, Though Two Empty Cars Were Trapped Under The Debris. I have not yet received the complete report about the cause of the collapse. The building successfully passed its 40- and 50-year inspections, but factors like age, maintenance, heavy rain, roof drain issues, and nearby construction may have contributed. An engineering firm has been hired, and the building department inspected the site on Monday. Following the incident, I want to clarify the city's role in the Building Safety Inspection Program. The BSIP is not new, it has been law for years. Since the Surfside collapse there have been changes made. Inspection now begins at 25-year with milestone re-inspections every ten years have been introduced. BSIP covers both commercial and residential buildings based on their size. Champlain Towers needed repairs, but the condominium board and residents chose not to fund them in a timely manner due to cost. This prompted the change in law that requires reserve study and the funding of reserves. City building departments oversee the BSIP but do not conduct inspections. Each property must hire a licensed engineer or architect to inspect and report on structural and operational components. Required repairs are identified in these reports, which are then submitted to the city for review. If the report identifies a deficiency at risk of imminent failure, our staff will contact the building to confirm that repairs are underway. They will also inspect the condition to determine if it’s necessary to red tag the building. Not all cases of imminent failure require evacuation. If the affected component is not part of the main building footprint—such as a parking structure—the garage may be red-tagged until a certified engineer addresses the issue by stabilizing the components at risk. Balconies are another good example. If remedial work is recommended in the report, the condominium should initiate corrective action. Our staff will monitor compliance with the report, and if the building fails to address the deficiencies, the case will be escalated to code enforcement. This situation presents significant challenges. While many buildings comply with the BSIP, others do not. Some attempt to delay repairs by changing board members or canceling contracts to secure better pricing. Contract regulation does not fall within our purview. Provided that permits have been issued and work is progressing, we refrain from referring to the magistrate hearing. However, lack of progress will result in referral to the magistrate, where additional time may be granted or fines imposed until repairs are completed. In some cases these items can take years. Olympus Condominium finally completed their work after being the first and only building that was red tagged for their garage. I encourage very unit owners to understand that these projects do take time and plenty of money. The worst thing to do is delay the work. I have seen many voting boards disrupt progress in hope of stopping the costs. In case after case overall, it ends up being more costly and buildings are put at risk. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

"Priceless" Takeaways: TikTok Phenom Urges Gen Zers To Make Bold Money Moves in 2023 By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura February 3, 2023 Share A 22-year-old visionary TikTok creator is trending on the platform to the tune of 1.1 million followers. Taylor Price, a witty, self-taught financial activist, is focused on empowering her fellow Gen Z followers through @Pricelesstay, a personal finance platform aimed to teach her peers to prioritize financial literacy and increase their “FIQ,” or Financial IQ. Now that tax season is upon us, Price is reframing the way in which her generation views money. “Sharing the financial literacy tips I learned over time has always been the focus for me,” said Price. “In my videos, I always want to be myself and represent what feels right and real to me. I tell my followers that along with purple, green has always been my favorite color. I speak to many “young” people who have no idea of where to begin the journey– how to get on the road to financial independence– so I always bring them back to the color green and why it represents such a powerful theme not only when it comes to money, but also in each and every one of our lives. No matter where you stand financially, know that through education and investment in yourself, there can be greener pastures– literally like greener as in more money.” In an age characterized by The Great Resignation and “Quiet Quitting,” Price acknowledges the hopeless sensibilities that many Gen Z professionals maintain regarding making money and pursuing their current careers. However, she shares three takeaways that have alleviated her doubts on her personal financial journey, and hopes that her peers apply the advice to their own lives. 1. Start right where you are. Price shares that many of her followers have reached out to her for advice on smart investing, credit scores, and personal savings. “I always tell anyone in this predicament to simply start where you are. Some of my followers are working with less than $100 in the bank. This doesn’t disqualify them from exploring a game plan– with solid dates and deadlines– for alleviating a debt snowball. In fact, even $5 can go a long way in terms of starting a savings account or making a commitment to pay off a bill.” 2. Seek a holistic balance between your work life and personal life. Price has coined her personal philosophy to managing personal finance as Fin/Esse, which speaks to designating financial essentials in a holistic way that factors in all aspects of life pertaining to money or other personal goals. She hopes that her network of followers adapts the same balanced approach to their financial goals. “Unbeknownst to many, I suffer Scoliosis and Lupus, which prevents me from working during traditional 9-5 hours each day. My schedule must not only allow for flexibility and balance within my schedule, but in my bank account as well. Maintaining a robust emergency fund is paramount for me, along with documenting all of my savings and investment goals while weighing the pros and cons for each one. Writing everything down and then seeing what works and what doesn’t has been vital in balancing my budget, and identifying areas that need more attention and improvement.” 3. Recognize the infinite possibilities that await you on your financial journey. Though Price’s TikTok career - which was launched in 2019 - brought about widespread notoriety, her recognition as an influencer has also been accompanied by harsh critiques and ridicule from veterans in the personal finance industry. Nevertheless, she persevered and branched out into new lanes, such as creating her own podcast and establishing a weekly newsletter community. “In this instance, I use my real-world knowledge and youthful perspective to my advantage because I know that I can express myself, and the tenets of finance, in a way in which my generation would both understand and relate to. Once an individual is equipped with the knowledge to obtain financial freedom and self-sufficiency, the opportunities to make more money become endless.” Learn more about Taylor Price and her Gen Z brand of personal finance advocacy on her vibrant TikTok platform, and her most recent media segments can also be found on her Instagram and YouTube and Twitter profiles. For more information, Price encourages you to visit: www.pricelesstay.com LOVE, AVENTURA. A column celebrating the heart, soul and culture of our community. < Previous News Next News >

Thanksgiving Is A Time To Give And Help By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper November 23, 2023 Share As we are celebrating Thanksgiving we need to remember those that are in need. Over the past year there seems to be continued issues for many of our neighbors that simply cannot make ends meet. Our City is one of the few that has its own Human Services Department with Social Workers on hand to help get much-needed assistance for those struggling. Our Hepburn Center aids residents from 16 to 59 years of age. They can provide Emergency Assistance to help keep residents in their apartments and homes. They have Case Management Services and Referral Services for Rental Assistance, Emergency Utility Funding, Emergency Food Service and other needs. There is also Assistance for Healthcare through ACCESS Florida. They will help guide you through the Application Process Online for Food Stamps Medicare/Medicaid. The Center also has a Pantry that provides registered participants twice a month service. Residents 60 and over are required to participate in an Intake Assessment Process. They need to provide Identity and Address, Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency Status, Income Verification and other documents for the requested services. This is due to the fact that our Taxpayer Dollars pay for Senior Services and other County Services through the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center. The Hepburn Center offers for those over 60 programmed activities from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There is FREE Transportation to and from the center. Seniors can receive Breakfast and participate in many Classes, Trips, Arts and Crafts, Exercises and other Community Holiday Events. One of the top events is our Annual Thanksgiving Dinner where seniors share a served Thanksgiving Dinner and entertainment. I often get asked questions about Homelessness in our City. While we have the Hepburn Center this issue is far more complex and involves our Police Department. The past year we have hired a Community Service Officer who has been going around documenting the Homeless. He has met the Chronic Homeless. Our Staff has been offering to take them to shelters so they can get off the street and get help. We cannot force people to get help. We can however remind them they cannot Trespass on Private Property, cannot Block Sidewalks or Camp. Cities around that country have been grappling with the Homeless issues. They are beginning to change how they address the three groups of Homeless since the housing first model does not fit every person. They also are cracking down on simply allowing the homeless to camp out by arresting those that simply refused to get help. After attending a day-long summit with mayors around the country it was truly eye opening. We all are realizing that what cities like San Francisco have done by giving out Needles, Food Stamps, and Providing Camp Sites is not working. While everyone is empathic they have found not forcing people to get help or simply leaving them alone is inhumane. The goal is to offer and if refused move along the next tool is arrest. The main reason is two of the groups are those that need Medical and Substance Abuse Treatment and the other Mental Health Treatment. These individuals will not be able to maintain a house until they get treatment. Some Mental Health Conditions will require Long Term Treatment. The system of revolving doors needs to end. Orlando was the first to pass a Law to Arrest Homeless people that refuse to get help and the Law was upheld in an Appeals Court. Arrest seems pretty drastic but in Broward there is actually a Homeless Court. This is where the individuals do not get an Arrest Record, but the Judge can compel them to enter services which they need or end up in Jail. Currently the closest Homeless Court is in Fort Lauderdale, but a new court is opening at the Hollywood CourtHouse. This is a welcome addition since it takes hours for officers to travel and process these individuals. Mental Health Patience can be taken to Memorial but those with addiction must be taken to BARC. The goal will be to have all the wrap around services in one place. Homelessness is not a new Social Condition. It has been recorded over thousands of years and even noted in both the Old and New Testaments. Dade has been Providing Services and Leveraging Federal Grants and assistance through the Homeless Trust. The Trust is funded through a 1 % Sales Tax on all Food and Beverage Sales at businesses that serve Alcohol and have Gross Receipts of over $400,000 Annually. Years ago, a Gas Tax idea was floated in Broward but to date there has not been one dedicated Revenue to address the issues in Broward. Broward County has been addressing Homelessness through their Budget and Broward County Homeless Continuum of Care. They coordinate with a Network Of Service Providers in the County. This issue is not for each City to tackle individually. This does not mean that we should not work with the county and do our part. I, along with Vice Mayor Anabelle Lima-Taub and Commissioner Michele Lazarow have been keenly following this issue. We know our residents and business owners have shared their frustrations. We will continue to work with our Staff and Commissioner Beam Furr to ensure we have Expanded Services in South Broward and Enforce Quality of Life Laws and Codes. Wishing You A Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday! As always please feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place. I am available at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . On my Office number at: (954) 457-1318. Or my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. You can always visit my Facebook and follow me at Mayor Joy Cooper. < Previous News Next News >

Open Call To Artists: Business For The Arts Of Broward Announces Paid Public Art Mentorship Opportunity July 25, 2024 Share Business For The Arts Of Broward (BFA) in partnership with Broward Health is offering five South Florida-based emerging muralists the opportunity to work with Professional Lead Artist Lori Pratico in the commission of a highly visible mural at Broward Health Medical Center. Funding for the mural is provided by The Wayne and Lucretia Weiner Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward and the Cathy and James Donnelly Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward and Crown Residential. All entries must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, July 31st, via Call for Entries (CaFÉ). Applicants are required to fill out the submission form to be considered: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=13734. Artists must submit 8 to 10 images of any previous work and provide a written one-page letter of interest that informs the committee about themselves and their art practice to date and include any themes noticed in their work and the materials used, as well as explaining why they are interested in this opportunity or pursuing a career in creating murals. Business For The Arts Of Broward requests applicants to be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission, be based in South Florida and possess reliable transportation to the job site. Artists should have previously completed one to five murals or large artworks. “This is an incredible opportunity for these artists to be part of a signature mural at Broward Health Medical Center,” said Broward Health President & CEO Shane Strum. “We look forward to sharing their inspiring work with the community as part of the beautification of our downtown medical campus.” Pratico will design the mural's overall look and have the final say in its design and execution, and the final design will be pre-approved by Broward Health. Selected artists will have the opportunity to add their style to designated sections of the mural at Pratico's sole discretion. A professional artist with more than 35 years of experience, Pratico started her arts career in Philadelphia as a billboard painter and has executed over 100 murals in 16 states. Her specialties include community engagement, hand lettering and surface design. Through this mentorship with Pratico, each of the five selected emerging artists will receive hands-on experience in designing and scaling and working on large scale murals; up to a $5,000 Stipend with a maximum of 100 painting hours at $50 Per Hour; $30 Per Day Lunch Stipend; General Liability Insurance Coverage for $200-$300 Value; name included on the mural; appropriate ownership of the project; visibility through a documentary style presentation of the mural creation and process that educates and promotes future artists; team Zoom meetings to review creating a proposal, applying for insurance, best practices, pricing, creating a budget, selecting materials and anti-graffiti coatings; and continued career support available after the completion of this project. “Mural artists require training and experience to transition from small paintings to large scale work and often struggle with applying for public art commissions and building their portfolio, so we are thrilled to give them this opportunity with such a high profile location,” Business For The Arts Executive Director Robyn Vegas said. If selected, artists must be able to work outside on site for at least 70 hours and maximum 100 hours painting. Artists will work consecutively for five to seven days per week and anywhere from seven to 7.5 hours per day given weather conditions. Start date TBD. The program is broken up between two phases: Phase 1 – Artist Selection Timeline: June 28th, 2024: *Virtual Information Session; July 31st, 2024: Deadline for submissions; August 8th, 2024: Artist notifications. Phase 2 – Mentorship Timeline: August 12th, 2024: Selected artists will meet via Zoom to review the project, requirements and answer questions; August 26th, 2024: Meet via Zoom for information session about beginning the mural process. Date TBD For additional information, visit: https://bfabroward.org/programs/public-art/. Artists must submit through the CaFE website, here is how: https://www.callforentry.org/artist-help-cafe/how-to-apply-artists/. BFA offers its public art program to curate and facilitate interior and exterior murals and sculptures. Arts improve the image and identity of communities, attract new visitors and integrate the vision of both community and business leaders. The program supports local artists and creatives and reinforces the culture of community, connectivity, unity and engagement across diverse populations. Business For The Arts Of Broward’s Public Art Committee’s mural program is modeled after Wynwood Walls in Miami, Yorkville Murals in Toronto, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Baltimore Mural Program, among others. Business For The Arts Of Broward is a Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more, visit: www.facebook.com/BFABroward - Or: https://bfabroward.org/. For more information about BFA and its programs, contact Robyn Vegas at: (954) 940-4933. Or email: rvegas@bfabroward.org . < Previous News Next News >

The Carousel Club: Gulfstream Park’s Newest Dining Destination May 6, 2022 Share Gulfstream Park’s newest dining destination, The Carousel Club opened April 1st and it has been a huge success. Named for the Antique Carousel Bar at its center, this highly anticipated arrival offers an experience like no other. A full bar with imaginative cocktails, chic décor and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere promise to make The Carousel Club one of South Florida’s favorite gathering spots. The indoor/outdoor trackside venue includes foodie pop-ups: Spris Artisan Pizza, Ms. Cheezious and Los Altos Taqueria. Designed by Studio Collective, Carousel Club is a collaboration between 1/ST Experience, the brand that owns and operates Gulfstream Park and Breakwater Hospitality Group, which created the outdoor event venues The Wharf Miami and The Wharf Fort Lauderdale. “When Gulfstream Park approached us with this opportunity, it was a no-brainer,” said Emi Guerra, Co-Owner of Breakwater Hospitality Group. “We love the tradition behind the sport but also appreciate that this concept is more than just about Thoroughbred horse racing. It allows us to showcase our form of hospitality in such a chic and unique setting.” The Carousel Club provides memorable moments for guests with 14,000 square feet of tented and open-air areas, featuring a huge deck, covered Carousel Bar with abundant seating and a grassy garden for lounging and lawn games, enhanced by unique day-to-night entertainment. Carousel Club patrons enjoy live entertainment, exciting programming, enormous television screens, and an unrivaled racetrack view thanks to its large antique carousel as its focal point and roomy, lounge-style seating. The Carousel Club is the perfect spot for watching a race or taking in the sounds of a live DJ Fridays-Sundays. Make this part of your weekend plans and prepare for an experience that delights all of the senses. Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafés, art galleries, fashion retailers, a state-of-the-art bowling alley and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park was voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, it is located at 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 and is just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Or: https://carouselclub.com/ for more information. < Previous News Next News >

North Miami BrewFest: Turning Double Digits and Celebrating Its 10th Anniversary Tue Nov 08 2022 17:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

James Ijames’ Pulitzer Prize-Winning Fat Ham: Historic Theatre Collaboration Brings The Modern, Comedic Twist On Shakespeare’s Hamlet South Florida Sun Times Mar 13, 2025 Top Row: Toddra Brunson (Rabby), Henry Cadet (Juicy), Melvin Huffnagle (Rev/Papa) and Cassidy Joseph (Opal) Bottom Row: Denzel McCausland (Larry), Mikhael Mendoza (Tio) and April Nixon (Tedra) Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, Brévo Theatre in Pompano Beach and GableStage in Coral Gables will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. This first-time historic partnership among three of South Florida's leading theatre companies, made possible by a generous $250,000 Grant from The Warten Foundation, will bring this imaginative and witty reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that tackles identity, belonging and generational issues, to both Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Fat Ham will premiere at Island City Stage from April 3rd – May 4th and will move to GableStage from May 16th - June 15th. "This collaboration represents the best of what South Florida’s theatre community can achieve when we come together," said Martin Childers, Managing Director of Island City Stage. "With Fat Ham, we have an extraordinary opportunity to engage diverse audiences, push artistic boundaries and create an experience that will resonate deeply with our communities." Fat Ham transforms Shakespeare's Hamlet into an over-the-top tale set in a North Carolina BBQ pit. With a twist, the Danish castle becomes a Southern backyard barbecue, and Juicy, a Black, gay southern kid, navigates familial legacies and a ghostly demand for vengeance. The clash of generations unfolds in this award-winning adaptation, exploring the complexities of identity and violence. Jesse Green, Theater Critic for The New York Times wrote, “That Fat Ham achieves its happy, even joyful, ending honestly, without denying the weight of forces that make Hamlet feel just as honest, is a sign of how capacious and original the writing is, growing the skin of its own necessity instead of merely burrowing into Shakespeare’s.” T.M. Pride, Producing Artistic Director for Brévo Theatre and Director of this Fat Ham effort, shared, "This production is a testament to the power of reimagining stories through fresh cultural lenses. Fat Ham brings a dynamic and relevant perspective to a classic work, making it accessible and resonant for today’s audiences. Fat Ham is an opportunity to celebrate Black culture within a powerful storytelling, yet classical framework. It’s an honor to direct James Ijames’ reimagining of this classic tale and bring it to the vibrant communities throughout South Florida." Once Fat Ham completes its Broward run, it will move to the prestigious GableStage Theatre Company. "By collaborating on Fat Ham, we’re not only expanding the reach of this incredible work but also creating an opportunity for audiences to experience a Shakespearean adaptation that feels deeply modern and relevant,” said Rosalyn Stuzin, GableStage Board President. “This is the kind of production that sparks conversation long after the curtain falls. It’s particularly exciting for us to connect this contemporary adaptation of Hamlet with our ongoing Shakespeare in Schools program, allowing the Miami-Dade County community to experience both the classic and its modern reimagining." Fat Ham, stars Toddra Brunson (Rabby), Henry Cadet (Juicy), Melvin Huffnagle (Rev/Papa), Cassidy Joseph (Opal), Denzel McCausland (Larry), Mikhael Mendoza (Tio) and April Nixon (Tedra). Toddra Brunson (Rabby) is a seasoned actress with over 12 years of experience in theater and film. She was most recently seen as Cedella Marley in Bob Marley's Three Little Birds (City Theater). She’s also performed a wide range of roles including Villager in Black Nativity, Samuel Langley in Kitty Hawk, The Washing Machine from Caroline or Change (Actors Playhouse) and Martha Faye in Girls of Summer, Mama Euralie in Once On This Island, Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, Kunto in Dahomey Warriors and the principal role as Aida. She also performed as Director in the Carbonell nominee debut musical One More Yesterday (The Foundry) and Summer Shorts Homegrown Edition. Brunson is also featured in a Film Web series To Each His Own for 3 Seasons and in Single, Taken, Other as well as the short film Black and Blue. Haitian-born, South Florida-based actor Henry Cadet (Juicy) was last seen in Why Mosquitoes Buzz (Florida Children’s Theatre) and Heroes in My House (Fantasy Theatre Factory). He has also performed as Larry from Company, Akosua from Oskuneru (Maroon Isle Productions), Mr. Bennet from Pride & Prejudice, The Three Messketeers (Fantasy Theatre Factory) and Stephen’s: A Love Story (Abre Camino Collective). Melvin Huffnagle (Rev/Papa) is happy to return to GableStage where he was last seen as Shawn in King James and as August Wilson in last season's How I Learned What I Learned. For over 20 years, he has worked professionally as an actor in New York City and is a 10-year member of The Layon Gray American Theatre where he originated numerous roles in the company's many Off-Broadway productions including Gus in Cowboy, Ben Coffey III in The Kings of Harlem Coach, and as Harlen Davis in Searching for Willie Lynch. Huffnagle also appeared as Jeremiah Jones in the company's long-running and award-winning Black Angels Over Tuskegee. He has also appeared as Memphis in Two Trains Running (The M Ensemble). His film and television credits include Strip Search (directed by Sidney Lumet), Law and Order SVU, The Family Business, and the award-winning short film Brooklyn In July. Huffnagle is a member of SAG and Actors Equity, a member of the National Michael Chekhov Association and currently serves as an assistant professor of acting in FIU's theatre department. South Florida native Cassidy Joseph (Opal) was most recently seen as Lula from Violet, Joanne from Rent, and Camille from DreamCatcher. She has also performed as Emmie in Caroline or Change (Actors’ Playhouse). Miami native Denzel McCausland’s (Larry) most recent credits include Happiness in Thoughts of a Colored Man (The Roxy Regional Theatre), Edwin in Cry Old Kingdom (New City Players), Shepard Mallory in Ben Butler (Boca Stage), Bass in Merchants of Venice (Victory Black Box Theatre), Lincoln in Topdog/Underdog (Main Street Players) and as M in Lungs (New City Players). Mikhael Mendoza (Tio) has provided the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (Loxen Productions) and has worked with Fantasy Theatre Factory in many shows including Little Monster Tales, as King Compost/The Dirty Duke in The Three Messketeers and Heroes in My House. He also performed as Victor in Jealousy and as the titular Don Juan in Don Juan: Pride and Paradise (Maroon Isle Productions). Olivier, Elliot Norton, Audelco and Ovation award nominee April Nixon (Tedra) returns to perform in Fat Ham. Her Broadway and national tour credits include Damn Yankees (opposite Jerry Lewis), The Dancer's Life (opposite Chita Rivera), Smokey Joe's Cafe, 9 to 5, FOSSE, The Wiz, Cats, Tommy, Mamma Mia, Sistas, Crowns, Sweet Charity, Caroline or Change, and Dreamgirls. Her television credits include Law & Order SVU/Criminal Intent, The Dave Chappelle Show and The Wire and film credits include Malcolm X, Man On The Moon, The Perfect Find and Two Degrees. Nixon has worked with numerous show business legends including Anna Deveare Smith, Spike Lee, Regina Taylor, Gwen Verdon, Walter Bobbie, Sheldon Epps, Des McAnuff, Ann Reinking, George Faison and Michael Peters. “The Warten Foundation is pleased to fund this historic collaboration that offers a rare opportunity for three highly lauded theater groups to authentically address their respective missions and use the unique powers of live theater to continue the discussion regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion within the context of a brilliant and funny theatrical production,” said Clifford J. Cideko, Chairman of the Warten Foundation. As part of this unique presentation, the theatre companies will offer a series of fun cookouts and community conversations to engage audiences. “Who’s Invited to the Cookout?” will take place on April 19th at Island City Stage. In this talkback, learn more about what it truly means to support Black and Brown organizations unapologetically and consistently. Discussions will focus on legacy, wealth-building and long- term sustainability. “Ham It Up” with catering by Sunni Speaks will take place on April 20th and May 4th at Island City Stage and on June 15th at GableStage. Patrons will enjoy a delicious Southern BBQ with all the fixins, great company, and lively conversation about this bold, reimagined take on Hamlet. “Who Made the Potato Salad?” will take place on April 27th at Island City Stage and on May 25th at GableStage. Participate in a lively community gathering where we dish out good vibes, great conversations and, of course, a little friendly debate over who really makes the best potato salad! Come hungry for connection, stay for the laughs, and let’s break bread (and maybe settle some family recipes once and for all). “Can We Talk? A Ham-plified Conversation” will take place on May 23rd at GableStage. Moderated by Matt Anderson, Executive Director of Mosaic Miami, this post-show conversation will address navigating generational differences and LGBTQ+ acceptance within the Black family structure. Fat Ham is presented by an arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. The play runs for one hour and 35 minutes with no intermission. Individual show tickets at Island City Stage start at $43. A Mimosa Sunday Brunch sponsored by Misty Daniels will take place on April 13 with tickets at $55. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org - Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Individual show tickets at GableStage start at $40. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.gablestage.org - Or call: (305) 445-1119. Previous Next