"American Idol Season 6" star LaKisha Jones stars in two concert performances of "Dreamgirls" as part of the inaugural Broward County-funded Broadway Festival of South Florida.
The festival, at the Miramar Cultural Center, is designed to celebrate musical theater and provide aspiring performers exclusive access to professional Broadway insiders, while promoting tourism in Broward County through the arts.
"We want to introduce Miramar to Broward County as a place for culture and arts, and to provide something different. Whether you’re destined for a career on Broadway, or you simply like to enjoy a night out at the theater, we want to make those opportunities more and more accessible. We’re bringing Broadway to Miramar to open a door for local talent, because that type of talent is right here in our backyard,” said Tamika Bickham, Miramar Cultural Center’s Communications and Audience Development Manager.
LaKisha Jones
The Broadway Festival of South Florida events include, Broadway on the Plaza, a free outdoor celebration spotlighting South Florida theaters and performing arts groups, which opens the festival on Friday; Master Classes and Audition Workshops with Broadway Director/Choreographer Baayork Lee (2017 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award recipient, and an original cast member of "A Chorus Line") and Writer/Director Gerard Alessandrini (2006 Tony Honor of Excellence in the Theater, "Forbidden Broadway," "Spamilton").
There will also be a live singing competition, Broadway Idol, and two concert performances of "Dreamgirls: In Concert" starring Jones, who will sing, as the character Effie White, the show’s signature song “And I Am Telling You.” It won’t be the first time for Jones to perform the song in public. She made her rendition memorable, bringing the house down during her run as a contestant on the Fox network’s "American Idol" in 2007.
Don’t be fooled by Miramar’s promotion of the production. Although the show has been billed as "Dreamgirls: In Concert, "Bickham said audiences will see the full show. “We don’t have sets or costumes, but it’s fully staged and choreographed from beginning to end.”
For tickets and more information on Broadway Festival of South Florida, visit www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org or call 954.602.4500.
The full list of Broadway Festival events:
Friday, July 21
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Broadway Show Posters
Free
Ansin Family Art Gallery is open all weekend long, showcasing selected Broadway posters including those prized for their beauty and effectiveness and those treasured for their failure.
6 to 8 p.m.
Broadway on the Plaza
Free
Join the Miramar Cultural Center and 20 other performing arts organizations on the Miramar Town Center plaza for family-friendly live entertainment, giveaways, face painting and food trucks.
Saturday, July 22
9 a.m. – noon
Broadway Dance Master Class with Baayork Lee
$20 – Class, $5 – Observe
Starting with her renowned one-hour warm-up, Broadway Director/Choreographer Baayork Lee (2017 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award recipient, "A Chorus Line") will lead participants through the rigorous paces of a true Broadway dance class, giving participants valuable feedback to improve technique and performance.
Baayork Lee
10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Broadway Show Posters
Free
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
“I Hope I Get It” Audition Workshop with Baayork Lee
$20 – Class
Refine your approach to a Broadway audition. Show yourself at your best and impress Casting Director Baayork Lee in all aspects of audition; singing, dance call and sides.
8 p.m.
Dreamgirls starring LaKisha Jones
$35, $45
$65 – VIP seats & post-show party
"American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones stars alongside local rising artists in a concert-style presentation of Broadway’s smash hit musical, Dreamgirls. Guest Stars are David LaMarr, Richard E. Waits and Khalifa White.
Sunday, July 23
noon – 2 p.m.
Audition Song Master Class with Gerard Alessandrini
$20
Writer/Director Gerard Alessandrini (2006 Tony Honor of Excellence in the Theater, "Forbidden Broadway," "Spamilton") leads this Master Class on choosing and performing a Broadway Song for audition.
noon – 9 p.m.
Broadway Show Posters
Free
2 p.m.
Dreamgirls starring LaKisha Jones
$35, $45
$65 – VIP seats & post-show reception
7 p.m.
Broadway Idol
$15
Performers, chosen through an audition, belt out their best Broadway showtune in front of a live audience and three celebrity Theater Directors; Director/Choreographer Ron Hutchins (2017 Carbonell Award winner), Baayork Lee and Gerard Alessandrini. Hosted by "American Idol" finalist LaKisha Jones.
This program is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Funding for this event is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Conventions & Visitors Bureau. Additional support provided by Rubenstein Law.
About Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark
The Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark was created to celebrate creativity and diversity within the city. This landmark is a vibrant destination located in the heart of the Miramar Town Center, situated adjacent to City Hall. The Miramar Cultural Center | ArtsPark is a collaborative effort of many who share a fundamental commitment to the arts as essential to building a strong and vibrant community.
The project was funded in part by Broward County through the Broward County Board of Commissioners with proceeds from 2000 Safe Parks & Land Preservation Bond. The Center also acknowledges the support of the State of Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
