Celebrate The Season: Part 2 - The Broward Center Has Spectacular December Performances

It's time to 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.

Ben Brainard comes to the Abdo New River Room for two shows as part of the Truist Comedy Series on Saturday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. 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 15th at 7:00 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, December 18th through Monday, December 23rd. 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 20th at 8:00 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, December 21st through Sunday, January 5th, including an open captioned performance on Sunday, December 29th at 2:00 p.m. Inspired by beloved films, the musical transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920’s, 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 27th, Saturday, December 28th and Monday, December 30th, and at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, and at The Parker at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 2nd and Friday, January 3rd. 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 28th 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 1920’s, 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.

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.BrowardCenter.org - Or at: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information visit: www.BrowardCenter.org - Like us on Facebook at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter - And at: www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at: www.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.

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 Southwest Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org.