Fall Entertainment
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Fall Entertainment 2014

As we move from summer into fall, there are certain things we can count on here in Florida. The daily thunderstorms will slowly come to a halt, cooler temperatures and drier air will arrive, and performing arts centers start their new yearly event calendars. Singers, comedians, actors, and other performers are returning to Florida and we’re happy to have them. I’ve taken the time to profile 19 acts coming to Florida this fall, sorted by month.

 

October

Dixie’s Tupperware Party
Dixie Longate found a home for her show Off-Broadway, and she was so successful with it that she has toured nationwide for the past six years. Watch this fast-talking sales lady get the crowd laughing and buying the most up-to-date sets of Tupperware on offer!

When and Where? Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, October 15-19

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
This beautiful fairy tale will be told in all its splendor and glory on-stage in Florida this fall. Cinderella, the beauty slaving away under the glare of her wicked stepsisters, finds happiness and the man of her dreams, all the while losing her glass slipper!

When and Where? Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, October 21-26; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, October 28-November 2

Los Lonely Boys
This group, consisting of three brothers specializing in “Texican rock and roll,” came onto the scene ten years ago with the single “Heaven,” which rose to #1 on the adult contemporary chart. They are now on tour to promote the release of their fifth album.

When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, October 22; Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, October 23

Mary Lambert
Mary Lambert became famous for her participation in the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis song “Same Love.” This month she releases her debut album, Heart On My Sleeve, and returns to Florida for the first time since she was headlining performer at St. Pete Pride.

When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, October 25

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull
Enrique Iglesias has been on tour supporting his tenth studio album, Sex and Love, since February. His three Florida stops are the last on yet another North America tour leg; he leaves for Spain shortly after. Pitbull is the opening act for all three Florida tour dates.

When and Where? Hard Rock Live Hollywood, October 25; AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, October 26; Amway Center, Orlando, October 28

Last Comic Standing Tour
Last Comic Standing returned to television this year after a four-year hiatus. Now that a winner has been crowned, the top five finalists are going on tour together and you’ll get to see their standup routines. Featuring Nikki Carr, Rocky Laporte, Joe Machi, Lachlan Patterson and winner Rod Man.

When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, October 28; Lakeland Center, Lakeland, October 30; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, November 2

 

November

David Cook
David Cook won American Idol season seven in 2008. Since then, he has sold over 1.7 million albums in the United States, and has also made a name for himself as an ally, speaking out against Proposition 8 and participating in the NO H8 Campaign. This is his first tour in three years.

When and Where? Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, November 1; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, November 8

Susan Boyle
Who could forget viral sensation Susan Boyle, the mild-mannered Scottish lady who made it to the final rounds of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009? In the past five years, she has sold 20 million albums worldwide and is participating in her first worldwide tour, which will arrive in Florida this November.

When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, November 1; Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, November 3; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, November 5

Lisa Lampanelli
You can trust the Queen of Mean to make an audience laugh: her motto, after all, is “F— ’em if they can’t take a joke!” Her no-holds-barred humor is appreciated by scandalized and offended audiences nationwide! She comes to Central Florida for one night only.

When and Where? Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, November 8

Phillip Phillips
American Idol season eleven winner Phillip Phillips, a country boy from Albany, Georgia, exceeded expectations when his debut single, “Home,” was certified quadruple-platinum. His current tour will feature music from his most recent album, Behind the Light.

When and Where? Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, November 11; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, November 12; Hard Rock Live Orlando, November 14; Hard Rock Live Hollywood, November 15

Patti LaBelle
The “Godmother of Soul” has sold over 50 million albums worldwide over her fifty-year career, producing such unforgettable singles as “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude, “On My Own,” and “If You Asked Me To.” This unforgettable lady with an equally memorable voice will be here for two nights only.

When and Where? Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, November 15; Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, November 16

Wanda Sykes
Out lesbian comedian Wanda Sykes is well-known as a funny lady, writing for The Chris Rock Show and acting in The New Adventures of Old Christine, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and most recently Alpha House. If you haven’t seen her routine yet, do so now; this funny lady is here for one night only.

When and Where? Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, November 16

The Phantom of the Opera
This critically acclaimed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, the longest-running show on Broadway, begins its fifth nationwide touring production this fall. It’s easy to become captivated with this musical, just as the Phantom was captivated with Christine…

When and Where? Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, November 19-30; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, December 3-14; Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, December 17-January 4

So You Think You Can Dance Tour
Season eleven of the popular summer dance contest saw eighteen-year-old Ricky Ubeda, a South Florida native, take the top prize. Ricky and the other top ten finalists will be showing off their best dance routines, and they’ll also debut special choreography just for the tour.

When and Where? Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, November 21; Hard Rock Live Orlando, November 22; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, November 25; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, November 26; Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, November 28

 

December

The Book of Mormon
Audiences across Florida loved this musical so much last year that it’s coming back this year! This show, brought to you by the creators of South Park and the co-creator of Avenue Q, was the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Find out why The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century!”

When and Where? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, December 2-14; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach, December 16-21; Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, December 23-January 4

Dirty Dancing
Nobody puts Baby in a corner! This unforgettable movie has turned into a stage experience you won’t soon forget. It features the songs and dances you’ve known and loved for decades, such as “Hungry Eyes” and the timeless “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

When and Where? Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, December 2-7

Usher
It’s been nearly twenty years since Usher became a breakout sensation, and in that time he has grown into a confident solo artist and a recording mogul as well. His first headlining tour in three years, “The UR Experience,” starts in early November and will come to an end here in Florida.

When and Where? Amway Center, Orlando, December 12; AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, December 13; Amalie Arena (formerly Tampa Bay Times Forum), Tampa, December 14

Diana Krall
One of the most noteworthy jazz singers in the world today, Diana Krall has sold over 15 million albums worldwide, and can boast five Top Ten albums that have charted on the Billboard 200. This tour promotes her twelfth studio album, Wallflower, which will be released on October 21.

When and Where? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, December 12; Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, December 13; Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, December 14

The Black Keys
The Black Keys, winners of seven Grammy Awards, have been credited with the resurgence of the “garage rock” sound, and now they’re going on their second nationwide arena tour. Their first tour sold out Madison Square Garden in just 15 minutes, so I’d move fast if you want to see them in Florida this December.

When and Where? BB&T Center, Sunrise, December 15; Amalie Arena, Tampa, December 16; Amway Center, Orlando, December 17

Which performers are you going to see this fall? “Like” us on facebook at facebook.com/hotspotsmag and tell us!