Kravis Center Announces December Lineup, Featuring AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts continues its star-packed 25th anniversary season in December with nearly two-dozen amazing productions from Broadway Tony winners to classical music superstars, from holiday-themed productions to Catskill comedians.

As an added bonus, the Kravis Center's Holiday Gift Certificate Promotion is now running - purchase $100 or more and receive a 15 percent discount from the Kravis Center Gift Shop and Bistro Teatro Catering By The Breakers.

December 1 at 8 pm (Thursday)

Black Violin

(PEAK)

As Black Violin, classically trained artists Kevin "Kev Marcus" Sylvester (violin) and Wilner "Wil B." Baptiste (viola) blend classical, hip hop, rock, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass. The eclectic duo, who studied music together at Fort Lauderdale's historic Dillard High School, have performed with stars such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Aerosmith, and have intrigued audiences ranging from guests at President Obama's 2013 inaugural ball to unsuspecting airline passengers.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

Note: Only Orchestra and Grand Tier sections available

This PEAK performance is made possible by a grant from the MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a pre-performance musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Cohen Pavilion, featuring The Conservatory School COPA Symphony Orchestra. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 2-4

+ Friday, Sunday at 7:30 pm

+ Saturday at 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm

Absolute Brightness

Written by and starring James Lecesne

Original music by Duncan Sheik

Directed by Tony Speciale

(PEAK)

When a 14-year-old boy goes missing in a small New Jersey town, his disappearance is illuminated by memories of his brilliant spirit. This one-man show, written by and starring James Lecesne, who wrote the Academy Award-winning short film, Trevor, tells the poignant tale of Leonard Pelkey, whose richly colorful life touched the hearts of his community. Teens and adults alike will be inspired by this uplifting story about humanity and dignity. James Lecesne is a co-founder of The Trevor Project, the only nationwide 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline for LGBTQ and questioning youth, www.thetrevorproject.org.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $32

This PEAK performance is made possible by a grant from the

MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis

December 2 at 8 pm (Friday)

Kenny G

Live In Concert

From Songbird to Silhouette, saxophonist Kenny G serves up smooth jazz like no other. At the height of his 30-year recording career, the Grammy Award winner moved 15 million copies of just one album, 1992's Breathless. One of the best-selling artists of all time - with global sales of more than 75 million records - the Seattle native returns to the Kravis Center for a night of chart-topping hits and holiday fare.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $20

December 3 at 8 pm (Saturday)

Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg

Matthew Halls, Conductor

Radovan Vlatkovi?, French horn

(Regional Arts Concert Series)
+ Beethoven/Overture: The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43

+ R. Strauss/Horn Concerto No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 11

+ Mozart/Ballet Music from Idomeneo, K. 367

+ Schubert/Symphony No. 3 in D Major, D. 200

The Mozarteum can trace its origins to an ensemble founded in 1841 with support from Mozart's widow, Constanze. This season, the orchestra and Vlatkovi?, one of the world's most exceptional horn players, will make their Regional Arts debut.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $30

Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a pre-concert talk by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 pm in the Cohen Pavilion and for a free musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring Faith's Place Strings Ensemble. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 4 at 2 pm (Sunday)

Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg

Matthew Halls, Conductor

Radovan Vlatkovi?, French horn

(Regional Arts Concert Series)
+ Mozart/Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

+ Mozart/Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat, K. 447

+ Mozart/Symphony No. 41 in C, K. 551 ("Jupiter")

The Mozarteum can trace its origins to an ensemble founded in 1841 with support from Mozart's widow, Constanze. This season, the orchestra and Vlatkovi?, one of the world's most exceptional horn players, will make their Regional Arts debut.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $30

Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a pre-concert talk by Sharon McDaniel at 12:45 pm in the Cohen Pavilion. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 6 at 7:30 pm (Tuesday)

California Guitar Trio

Vintage rock, tender instrumentals and even a bit of Beethoven form the genre-crossing repertoire of the California Guitar Trio. Playing acoustic guitars augmented by pedal effects that mimic the sound of electric instruments, seasoned artists Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya and Paul Richards, who performed on King Crimson's storied comeback tour, display technical prowess and share tales of the road.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $39

December 6-11

+ Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8 pm

+ Wednesday, Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm

+ Sunday at 2 pm

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

(Kravis On Broadway)
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award® winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-15 season.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $27

Kravis On Broadway sponsored by Jim and Judy Harpel

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Steven Caras on December 6 at 6:45 pm in the Cohen Pavilion and a free musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring Equestrian Trails Elementary Thoroughbred Singers; on December 7, join us for for a free musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring The Rosarian Academy Show Choir; and on December 10, join us for a free dance performance at 1:15 pm outside by the reflecting pool and fountains, featuring Broadway Reach students. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 9-10 at 7:30 pm (Friday and Saturday)

The Other Mozart

Written and Performed by Sylvia Milo

(PEAK)

The Other Mozart is the true and untold story of Maria Anna Mozart, nicknamed Nannerl, the sister of Amadeus. She, too, was a child prodigy - a keyboard virtuoso and composer who toured Europe with her brother to equal acclaim. But then she turned 18. This poignant one-woman play, which puts Nannerl back on stage where she belongs, reveals a world of extraordinary beauty and overwhelming prejudice.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $32

This PEAK performance is made possible by a grant from the MLDauray Arts Initiative in honor of Leonard and Sophie Davis

December 12 at 7:30 pm (Monday)

Alexandre Moutouzkine, Piano

A Florida Debut of Who Stole the Mona Lisa?

(Young Artists Series)

As a special part of his recital, the Russian-born pianist is featured in his transcription of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, performed live alongside a specially commissioned video animation entitled Who Stole the Mona Lisa? The multimedia Mona Lisa was a hit at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center, leading to its New York premiere (92nd Street Y and Merkin

Concert Hall), and now a Florida premiere for the Kravis Center's 25th anniversary. With playing admired as both "technically dazzling" and "heart-stopping [in its] intimacy and elegance" (Dallas Morning News), Moutouzkine (say moo-TOOZ-kin) is an artist to remember.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets: $30

Young Artists Series sponsored by Harriett M. Eckstein New Art Fund

This concert is presented with support from The Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation

December 12 at 8 pm (Monday)

The Hot Sardines

Holiday Stomp

The Hot Sardines, a sizzling ensemble led by pianist Evan Palazzo and singer Elizabeth Bougerol, spice up festive fare with their own unique flavor of jazz and swing from the Prohibition era and beyond. Although influenced by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and the Andrews Sisters, the smoldering combo cleverly reinvents yuletide classics as well as lesser-known gems, such as Ella Fitzgerald'sSanta Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $25

Note: Only Orchestra and Grand Tier sections available.

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring The Dolphin Traveling Chorus from SeaWind Elementary School. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 14 at 7:30 pm (Wednesday)

A Seraphic Fire Christmas:

On Winter's Night

James K. Bass, Associate Conductor

Revel in the rich sounds of Gregorian chant and glorious carols amid the glow of candlelight as the angelic voices of South Florida's Grammy-nominated ensemble, Seraphic Fire, present a traditional Christmas concert, On Winter's Night. The internationally renowned choir, praised for its perfect tone and musical panache, will mix centuries-old devotional works with contemporary festive fare, and also will unwrap three world-premiere carol settings by Susan LaBarr.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $45

Sponsored by Karin and John Strasswimmer

December 14 at 8 pm (Wednesday)

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

Joseph Kalichstein, Piano

Jaime Laredo, Violin

Sharon Robinson, Cello

(Regional Arts Concert Series)
"40th Anniversary Program: White House 1977 Redux"

+ Ellen Taaffe Zwilich/Pas de Trois for piano trio

+ Mendelssohn/Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

+ Schubert/Piano Trio in E-flat, D. 929 (Op. 100)

For its 40th season, the renowned ensemble looks back to the first program the threesome performed together - the concert for Jimmy Carter's inauguration.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $29

Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a pre-concert talk by Sharon McDaniel at 6:45 pm in the Cohen Pavilion, and for a free musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring the Jupiter Academy of Music, Sounds of the Season. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 15 at 2 pm (Thursday)

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio

(Regional Arts Concert Series)
+ Beethoven/Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat, Op. 11 ("Gassenhauer")

+ Shostakovich/Piano Trio No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67

+ Brahms/Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8

For its 40th season, the renowned ensemble performs great works from three centuries that it has recorded, earning award-winning acclaim.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $29

Series sponsored by Leonard and Sophie Davis

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a pre-concert talk by Sharon McDaniel at 12:45 pm in the Cohen Pavilion. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 16 at 7:30 pm (Friday)

This Wonderful Life

Brilliantly acted by Jeremy Kendall, this poignant and uplifting one-man play, based on the iconic 1946 holiday film, It's a Wonderful Life, revisits more than 32 memorable characters in a compelling demonstration of physical and verbal virtuosity. Kendall portrays the Jimmy Stewart-inspired George Bailey; his guardian angel, Clarence; and the lovable Bedford Falls townsfolk who rely on Bailey to save them from the greedy Mr. Potter.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $39

December 16 at 8 pm (Friday)

Beach Boys Christmas

Little Saint Nick has a big surprise in his sled - The Beach Boys Christmas! Wouldn't It Be Nice to join the iconic group that has been grooving for more than 50 years as theyDo It Again, this time adding festive favorites to an already Fun, Fun, Fun repertoire? Founding Beach Boy Mike Love and group veteran Bruce Johnston lead a high-spirited show that ensures you'll have a Merry Christmas, Baby.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $30

Sponsored by Nina and Edgar Otto

With support from WPEC CBS12

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby featuring Boca Elementary School's Eaglet Singers, Eagle Singers and Chime Ringers. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 17 at 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm (Saturday)

From Broadway to Hollywood

with Richard Glazier

Pianist and historian Richard Glazier weaves interviews, performances and commentary into a multimedia tapestry of tunes written for Broadway musicals, Hollywood film and television. Some selections include Medley from My Fair Lady; The Man I Love from Lady Be Good and So in Love from Kiss Me Kate as the affable artist - an accomplished host, narrator and performer - shares his lifetime love of each song and its origin.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets $39

December 18 at 8 pm (Sunday)

Itzhak Perlman, Violin

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences who respond not only to his remarkable artistry but also to his irrepressible joy. Having performed with every major orchestra and at venerable concert halls worldwide, the 16-time Grammy Award winner received a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $35

Sponsored by:

* Stacey and Mark Levy

* Vicki and Arthur Loring

Beyond The Stage: Join us for a free musical presentation at 7:15 pm in the Dreyfoos Hall lobby, featuring Palm Beach Atlantic University Preparatory Department. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

December 19 at 11 am & 2 pm (Monday)

The Battle of the Broadway Comedians

Starring Steve Solomon

& Dick Capri

(Adults at Leisure Series)

In one corner, weighing in at 165 pounds, the current middleweight comedy champion, a Catskills on Broadway slugger Dick Capri. And in the other corner, weighing in at, well, a bit more, the current heavyweight comedy contender, Steve Solomon, of My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy! You'll want a ringside seat as this riotous duo pulls no punchlines in a two-round bout of belly-laugh

hilarity.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets: $99 for the six-show package. Starting November 19, individual tickets are $29 each.

December 21-22

+ Wednesday at 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm

+ Thursday at 7:30 pm

Eric Yves Garcia and Carole J. Bufford in

Bing & Rosie

Bing Crosby revealed the seductive promise of the microphone and would garner more hits than The Beatles and Elvis combined. Rosemary Clooney emerged from obscurity to become one of the greatest "girl singers" of the Big Band Era and forge a six-decade love affair with the public. Join two of New York's top performers, Eric Yves Garcia and Carole J. Bufford, as they salute one of America's most beloved musical partnerships.

Helen K. Persson Hall

Tickets $35

December 23 at 2 pm & 7 pm (Friday)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:

The Musical

(Family Fare)

The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. See all of your favorite characters as they come to life in this show. It's an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $20

December 26 at 8 pm (Monday)

The All-New Catskills On Broadway

Featuring Freddie Roman, Elayne Boosler and Sarge

One-liner wonder Freddie Roman brought Borscht Belt belly laughs to the Great White Way when he created Catskills on Broadway, which has toured North America for 25 years. In this all-new show, Roman is joined by feisty Brooklyn native Elayne Boosler, who has starred in five Showtime specials; and Sarge, a pianist, singer and funnyman whose adoptive parents raised him in a Jewish home. These three deliver their shtick in trade like no other.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $15

Sponsored by Carolyne and Ed Levy

December 27-31

+ Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7:30 pm

+ Wednesday at 1:30 pm & 7:30 pm

+ Saturday at 7 pm & 10 pm* (New Year's Eve)

Forbidden Broadway

35th Anniversary Tour

Just when musical theater thought it was immune from the Cats' meow of writer Gerard Alessandrini, Forbidden Broadway marks another parody milestone with a 35th Anniversary Tour that taunts the Great White Way in Wicked fashion. The long-running roast features outrageous costumes, riotous rewrites of familiar songs and sidesplittingimpressions, from The Phantom of the Opera to The Book of Mormon and beyond.

Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse

Tickets start at $39

* Includes New Year's Eve champagne toast

December 31 at 8 pm (Saturday)

42ND STREET

Come and meet those dancing feet once again in a glistening production of the musical comedy classic that taps (literally) into the nostalgia of the 1930s and tells the American Dream story of a starry-eyed Broadway hopeful. Called "old-fashioned, lavish showmanship" by Variety magazine, 42nd Street is a glamorous extravaganza that features such memorable songs as We're in the Money, Lullaby of Broadway and I Only Have Eyes for You.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Tickets start at $30

With support from WPBT South Florida PBS

Beyond the Stage: Join us for a free pre-performance talk by Steven Caras at 6:45 pmin the Cohen Pavilion. Beyond the Stage sponsored by Nancy and Jay Parker.

Celebrating 25 Seasons of Success, Thanks To The Community:

This season, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts celebrates a Quarter-Century on Stage. And while we celebrate our silver anniversary, we renew our commitment to the community to present the gold standard of excellence in the performing arts.

Today, the Kravis Center is a thriving cultural complex, serving as the gateway to downtown West Palm Beach. Thanks to so many who have and continue to support the Center; it has become one of the premier performing arts centers with a renowned national and international reputation.

The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and International Artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit the official website at http://www.kravis.org/.

Photo Credit: LeAnn Mueller

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