Miami Entertainment
With such a diverse and colorful mix of people, it is no wonder that
Miami has become such a cultural mecca. From theatre to music to dance,
Miami delivers world-class entertainment. Beyond the stage and screen,
the streets of South Beach offer some of the best nightclubs in the
world. At night, in any given hotspot you can let loose to the sounds of
salsa, jazz, hip-hop, and techno. The different cultures that revolve
around the arts and entertainment scenes blend to form the unique flavor
of Miami.
Cinema
Even with all the Blockbuster Video Stores (the chains billionaire
founder lives in the Miami area), locals and visitors continue to flock
to the closest cinema for the big screen experience. Catch mainstream
films at multiplex theatres such as Mayfair Cinemas in Coconut Grove or
the General Cinema 10 at the Miracle Center. For state-of-the-art
facilities, visit the luxurious Regal Cinemas 18 in South Beach, or the
spacious AMC Theatres 24 in the Aventura Mall. There are also several
smaller theatres with a bit more history and an interesting selection of
features. The Alliance Cinema on Lincoln Road features foreign flicks
and independent films. But if you believe bigger is better, try the
six-story-high screen at the IMAX Theatre at Sunset Place.
Comedy
Good humor comes naturally in a city blessed with beautiful weather
year-round. A few local clubs feature comedians that keep the visitors
and locals laughing into the wee hours. One of the most popular laugh
factories is the Improv Comedy Club in Coconut Grove. The club hosts a
variety of acts, including the Def Comedy Jam. The annual "Come Out
Laughing" series, presented by the Miami Light Project, features a
talented line-up of comics from all over the country.
Dance
From classical to modern to ethnic, Miami has a rich array of dance
theatre. Even the most classical repertoire is infused with a certain
innovative quality. The Miami City Ballet is recognized as one of the
top 10 companies in the nation. The companys impressive repertoire (over
80 productions and counting) delicately blends the classical and the
contemporary. For the more traditionally bent, Ballet Etudes of South
Florida performs classical masterpieces. The thrilling performances by
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa capture the passion and spirit of pure flamenco.
Museums
Whatever your interest, Miami offers a museum to match it. Celebrate the
intriguing past of the 100-year old city at the Historical Museum of
Southern Florida. Explore the new showcase of the Smithsonian
Expeditions at the Miami Museum of Science & Space. Take a stroll
through the exquisite 16th-century Italian Villa Vizcaya and gardens.
For those who enjoy the visual arts, there are outstanding collections
at the Miami Art Museum, the Bass Museum of Art, the Wolfsonian, the
Lowe Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Ziff Jewish
Museum of Florida.
Music
Miami attracts a medley of sounds and talents. Whether its a jazz
festival, a symphony orchestra concert, or the Latin beats of Miamis own
Gloria Estefan, the citys musical offerings are never at a loss. The
innovative New World Symphony showcases fresh talent at the Lincoln
Theatre. The Florida Philharmonic gives nationally acclaimed
performances. Also of interest is the talented Miami Symphony Orchestra.
The Florida Grand Opera presents five productions annually.
Nightclubs
Some of the best nightclubs in the nation can be found in South Beach.
For the ultimate dancing experience, be sure to visit the new Level
nightclub with its impressive interior and an eccentric crowd of
dancers. The ever-popular Liquid continues to reign over the nightclub
scene, offering a variety of theme nights, rooms, and music. Other
stylish dance clubs around the Beach include Groove Jet, Bar Room,
Chaos, and the Living Room. Salsa dancing can be found all over the
city, but the most popular of the salsa clubs are Starfish and Alcazaba.
For a mellow alternative, spend the night listening to live jazz at the
trendy Martini Bar or at lively Jazid. South Beach generally carries the
bulk of the dance clubs while Coconut Grove offers a variety of live
music venues. Miamis nightlife, however, is much too diverse and
extensive for such generalizations. You can always find something going
on somewhere on any night of the week.
Theatre
No matter what the season, the stage is always set in Miami. Whether its
a Broadway road show or a local production, the audience is sure to be
dazzled. The nationally acclaimed Coconut Grove Playhouse is famous for
premiering shows that go on to successful runs in New York. In the
elegant Biltmore Hotel, GableStage offers an exciting season of Florida
premieres and New York hits. The Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
also offers quality productions by a talented residential troupe. The
Miami Light Project - a non-profit organization that produces music,
dance, and theatre - has the freshest talent in town. The Bridge Theatre
focuses on the Hispanic experience. Teatro Avante produces the annual
International Festival of Hispanic Theatre and presents regular
performances in Spanish. Miamis cultural venues are as intriguing for
their appearance as for the performances on their stages. From the
sophisticated setting of the Jackie Gleason Theatre to the charming Art
Deco design of the Colony Theatre, the audience has much to admire
during intermission.
Madeline Perez
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