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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 |
