Coral Springs Center for the Arts Just a Hop and a Skip Away

Walking into the Coral Springs Center for the Arts (also known as “The Center”), the first two things you notice are the smiles that greet you and the openness of the courtyard that stands between the box office and the stairs to the lobby. If you go during one of their many shows, you hear the muffled sounds of excited attendees and see people taking pictures in front of the banner wall showcasing various shows, appealing to just about every demographic and generation. Their season lineup is as diverse as the community they serve. It has been a busy season for The Center coming out of the pandemic, having already had Broadway shows such as The Simon and Garfunkel Story and Stomp play to the community. Their comedy this season has been stellar, with Steven Wright and Kathleen Madigan already gracing the stage. And though their 2023 season is nearing an end, there is still music to hear and comedy to enjoy.

On Friday, March 17, 2023, Michael Carbonaro will return to the stage for the first time since the pandemic presenting his newest show Michael Carbonaro: Lies on Stage. Bringing all his usual charisma, wit, and charm with him to delight audiences with his humor and magic, Michael last performed at The Center to a sold-out audience of all ages in December 2017, leaving them mesmerized and elated. Outclique had an opportunity to ask Michael Carbonaro how he felt about returning to The Center to entertain his many fans from the region, "I am excited to finally get to bring my new Lies on Stage tour to Florida fans, friends, and families. The show is loaded with brand new magic and surprises, including two people from the audience disappearing on stage every night! It could be YOU!"

Carbonaro's live show attracts more of a younger crowd, however his audience consists of families, groups of friends, and couples on a date night. Bill Haggett, the General Manager of The Coral Springs Center for the Arts, was asked why Magic Shows always have such a big turnout. "Nothing brings out the little kid excitement and the intrigue in adults like magic. Whether you spend the show trying to figure out the magical secrets or sit back and let your mind be blown, it's a great time for everyone!"

Following the excitement and thrill of Carbonaro just five days later, the "Voice of Romance" legend Johnny Mathis will bring his timeless classics to The Coral Springs Center for The Arts on March 23, 2023. The Center will conclude its dynamite season with beloved Comedian Brian Regan on May 11, 2023.

Coral Springs Center for the Arts sits in Northern Broward County outside the high-traffic areas of other venues in the county. It is a medium-sized theatre with 1400 seats. Still, part of its beauty is its location and size, for it misses none of the more tantalizing elements of a larger theatre with some added bonuses and conveniences. Sitting just minutes from the Sawgrass Expressway Exit, traveling to see a show is an easy adventure. Parking is free and a breeze being only a short walk to the entrance. Guests who may be meeting friends or a date can meet in the open-air courtyard among its welcoming trees and warm lights. If they are in a VIP kind of mood, head up to the newly renovated Level3 Lounge for cocktails and complimentary bites away from the hustle and bustle of the busier downstairs lobby. Level3 is an exciting addition to the Center, leveling up the show experience, allowing frequent showgoers to purchase a membership or someone attending a show for the first time a one-night upgrade to have a more luxurious and intimate theatre experience. Outclique was able to visit with Meera Paul, The Center's Marketing Director, and ask her about the new Level3 Lounge. "I love showing our patrons our new Level3 Lounge at the Center. The ambiance is fantastic, the bar bites and the drink of the day are a nice surprise, and the best part to me is you can escape the lines! "

The Level3 Lounge is also available to rent for private events, parties, and business meetings. Its comfortable seating and open space are a welcome versatile benefit. Though suited best for an evening party, The Center houses several different rental spaces aside from the theater itself and Level3. In total, there are six spaces of varying size and capacity, allowing outside promoters to rent the facility and put shows on the stage or businesses to conduct seminars and multi-day conferences. Just in the last year, The Center has housed rentals of all sizes, from small committee meetings to the multi-day televised Ms. Florida and Ms. Florida Teen competition that uses every room the Center has available.

The Center’s diversity of shows is made possible by its incredible versatility and staff's can-do spirit, which brought in the MMA fighting Championship and set up an entire octagon on the performance stage.

In the off-summer months, the Center is home to Next Stop Broadway, the leading performing arts youth training center in the area. Next Stop Broadway has not only produced stars such as Ariana Grande, Carlos PenaVega, Broadway stars like Leanne Antonio, Dash Perry, and so many more. Its hallmark is the confidence and inclusivity it brings to its students. Allowing children of all sociological and economic backgrounds, races, religions, and sexual orientations to express themselves and cheer one another on and celebrate their uniqueness.

Under its many roofs, The Coral Springs Center for the Arts is a worthwhile visit. Whether you are visiting for a fun night out to see some of the biggest names in show business or attending one of the Next Stop Broadways performances to see the future biggest name in showbiz being nurtured with love and encouragement, it is a place to smile, let one's troubles go and enjoy life.

Baran-Bookman Productions in association with Empire Stage presents T R U

A play by Jay Presson Allen

From the Words and Works of Truman Capote

Featuring Charles Baran as Truman Capote

Directed by Andy Rogow

April 14 – May 7, 2023

Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 5pm