Watermark Holiday Guide 2023

- 2023 -

Remembering The Ed Sullivan Show: Rockin’ Christmas w/Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, and Marilyn Monroe Wed., Dec. 6 2 P.M. Black Box Theater

Comedian Ron Feingold Sat., Dec. 9 8 P.M. Black Box Theater

3700 S. Hwy 27 Clermont, FL 34711 (352)394-4800 www.clermontpac.com 2 Watermark's Holiday Guide

Orlando Big Band Christmas Fri., Dec. 8 7 P.M. Mainstage Theater

Florida Philharmonia: Home for the Holidays Sat., Dec. 16 7 P.M. Mainstage Theater

Happy Holidays Gift a piece that will keep on giving for generations with our expansive collection of High Jewelry.

Emily Johnson

Julie Johnson Weintraub

Makayla Johnson

“It’s Beyond Jewelry, it’s Love”™ “Make sure it’s a Gold & Diamond Source Diamond!” ~Steve Weintraub and Julie Johnson Weintraub

3800 Ulmerton Road. Clearwater, FL 33762 727-573-9351 Watermark's Holiday Guide 3

4 Watermark's Holiday Guide

watermark’s

Holiday GUIDE

Contents 7 - Re-imagined Classic: ‘The Nutcracker’ 13 - Building the Holidays with Lego 15 - In our box, in our socks and a gift that shocks 23 - Holiday Hits: Modern Music 27 - Holiday Events 29 - Business Directory

OWNER/PUBLISHER

MANAGING EDITOR

SALES DIRECTOR

Rick Todd

Ryan Williams-Jent

Danny Garcia

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DESIGNERS

ADVERTISING SALES

Jeremy Williams

Caitlin Sause Dylan Todd

Sam Callahan Daisy Chamberlin

FOUNDER AND GUIDING LIGHT

Tom Dyer

Cover photo by Dylan Todd Contents of this Holiday Guide 2023 are protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the publishers. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles, advertising, or listing is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or members or organizations. Watermark Publishing Group cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

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Watermark's Holiday Guide 5

Program 2 | Sarasota Opera House

CONFLICTED

BeAuty

Edwaard Liang’s The Art of War Sir Frederick Ashton’s Dante Sonata Paul Taylor’s Company B

NOV 17 7:30 PM

NOV 18 2:00 PM | 7:30 PM

Program Media Sponsor

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

SirGuide Frederick Ashton’s Dante Sonata| Photography by Frank Atura 6 Watermark's Holiday

Photo courtesy Orlando Ballet.

Re-Imagined Classic Orlando Ballet breathes new life into ‘The Nutcracker’ Jeremy Williams

T

here are some traditions that if not followed make the season feel incomplete. Decorating for the holidays, baking delicious treats with family, exchanging presents with loved

ones; and for many families one of those traditions is seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet every year.

“

Everyone wants to be sent on a magical journey,” says Jorden Morris, Orlando Ballet’s artistic director. “It’s that universal attraction of adventure, dreams and imagination. If I could boil this story down to three words, those would be it. When you find a story that encapsulates all of that, that is what really creates the magic.”

“The Nutcracker” is an 1892 two-act classical ballet by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and first choreographed by Marius Petipa. It is adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 story of “The Nutcracker,” which itself is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.”

The story of “The Nutcracker” can vary with each production but the basic themes and plot points are the same. A young girl plays with other children during a party on Christmas Eve when her godfather, who is a talented toymaker, enters with presents for the kids, one of which is a wooden Nutcracker. After the party ends and everyone goes to bed, the young girl returns just as the clock strikes midnight and the Nutcracker grows to full size just in time to battle, with his tin soldiers at his side, the Mouse King and all of his mice minions. After defeating the Mouse King, the Nutcracker is transformed into a prince and leads the girl to the Land of Sweets, ruled over by the Sugar Plum Fairy, where a great celebration occurs.

“The Nutcracker” is the most frequently performed ballet in the world and has been a holiday season staple in the United States since the 1960s, and for good reason. Performances each year of the timeless classic can account for as much as half of a ballet

company’s total annual revenue.

As the Orlando Ballet celebrates its 50th season this year, Morris is reimagining the classic bringing in enchanting new choreography, stunning costumes, fantastical sets and some magical stage elements. The new production has been three years in the making and is a $3.5 million investment by the organization.

“The story is really the same,” Morris says. “I didn’t want to mess with what E.T.A. Hoffmann and Alexandre Dumas started, and obviously I didn’t want to mess with anything musically that our good friend Tchaikovsky did. When I was a kid, I was fascinated by snow globes and the world you could create inside of one, so that idea was the jumping off point for this new reimagined ‘Nutcracker.’”

Snow globes are featured throughout the production, from small snow globes on stage fixed with lighting effects to one with a 9-foot diameter that each of the snowflakes enter through.

“For Act 2, we turn the stage into a huge snow globe and there are even some lighting moments where the entire theater feels like we are all sitting in a giant snow globe,” Morris says.

Morris has previously worked in children’s television and children’s theater, giving him a certain amount of insight into ways to create a magical world that will have children in awe.

“With this version, the Nutcracker is a Marionette,” he says.

“We’ve actually built brand new Marionettes. I’ve got a puppet master, we’ve got a special effects Nutcracker that cuts his strings and, after first slumping over, comes CONTINUED ON PG. 9 | uu | Watermark's Holiday Guide 7

LESS COMMUTE TIME MORE HOLIDAY TIME

TIME WELL SAVED Learn more at GetEpass.com

8 Watermark's Holiday Guide

| uu | Continued from FROM PG.7

to life without strings using mechanics.”

The production is also incorporating puppetry and will feature small goose puppets and a larger one they call “the war goose puppet.” Even Mother Ginger is reimagined in this one.

“Mother Ginger is now Mother Goose, so she comes out as a very large goose and all The Polichinelles are her little goslings and they have little feathers on sticks that they dance with,” Morris says. “What child doesn’t love puppetry?

We really expanded on the puppetry elements and the idea that it’s Christmas and these are toys and dolls. I feel like that really lent itself to the magic of it.”

Something else Morris has tackled with his re-imagined “Nutcracker,” some of the more insensitive portions when it comes to the depictions of other cultures.

“I think there were choreographers who had the best intentions when celebrating certain cultures but I don’t think they always delivered with the choreography,” Morris says. “Personally I found it a little tacky and, in this day and age, it is basically insulting what North American choreographers think is celebrating a culture.”

One such depiction is the “Chinese Dancers” scene.

“I have turned that dancer now into a heron,” Morris says.

“Now she is this bird-like being with feathers under her arms and in her tutu. So rather than trying to stereotype a certain culture or a certain race of people, I’ve gone more with what was Tchaikovsky thinking

about in that part of the world? and using the energy, the flora and the fauna of the region. Like using the cherry blossoms and these beautiful Asiatic birds. So I have tried to get rid of the stereotype choreography and make it a little more diverse and inclusive, celebratory of the energy of the people rather than focus on certain stereotypes.”

To add to the spectacle of the show, Morris also brought in some acrobatic elements as well.

“The Arabian dance that Tchaikovsky wrote, I have turned it into what is called the desert princess, and several of our dancers have learned to work on a Cyr wheel,” he says.

A Cyr wheel is a 5-foot diameter metal ring that the dancers perform and spin in.

“We have had some Cirque Du Soleil performers in helping to teach the dancers how to work with them,” Morris says, and while this year’s production will feature all female performers in the Cyr wheel, Morris says he can envision this act performed by any gender in future productions.

“As I was thinking of the evolution of ‘The Nutcracker’ and the development of this reimagined version, I asked myself what that looks like, and I think that there is room for unisex roles in a production like this,” he says.

While Morris says he is feeling the pressure of taking on the task to reimagine

a beloved classic, he thinks audiences will love what they has put together.

“This show is being built to last for the next 20 years,” Morris says. “So it’s not something that we are doing a few times and if it doesn’t work out that’s great; this is going to be a financial anchor for the organization for the next 20 years, so not only do I have an immense amount of artistic pressure, I also have an immense amount of financial pressure but I believe that when audiences see this show they are going to love it as much or more than the old version.”

The world premiere of the Orlando Ballet’s re-imagined “Nutcracker” will play at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Steinmetz Hall on select nights Dec. 8-24. Tickets start at $29 with VIP packages starting at $290 per seat, and are available at OrlandoBallet.org.

‘The Nutcracker’ throughout Central Florida, Tampa Bay CENTRAL FLORIDA SPACE COAST BALLET'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF "THE NUTCRACKER"

Dec. 2 King Center, Melbourne

VOLUSIA CIVIC BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 2-3 Peabody Auditorium, Daytona Beach

STONE DANCE ACADEMY: "THE NUTCRACKER" Dec. 9-10 The Ritz Theater, Sanford

“THE NUTCRACKER”

Dec. 16 Osceola Arts Center, Kissimmee

CENTRAL FLORIDA BALLET'S "THE NUTCRACKER" Dec. 16-17 OCCC, Orlando

TAMPA BAY / SARASOTA TAMPA CITY BALLET'S "THE NUTCRACKER" Dec. 2-3 USF Theatre, Tampa

ST. PETERSBURG BALLET: “THE NUTCRACKER” Dec. 4 The Palladium, St. Petersburg

SARASOTA BALLET PRESENTS "THE NUTCRACKER"

Dec. 8-9 Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice Dec. 17-18 Sarasota Opera House, Sarasota

“THE NUTCRACKER” W/ NEXT GENERATION BALLET Dec. 21-23 Straz Center, Tampa

“NUTCRACKER! MAGICAL CHRISTMAS BALLET”

Dec. 28 Van Wezel, Sarasota Dec. 30 Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg

Watermark's Holiday Guide 9

10 Watermark's Holiday Guide 2023

2023/24 CIRCUS SEASON

TS !

KE Now C I T ale S On

A Brave New

Wonderland

Saturday, Nov 18 Sunday, Dec 31, 2023 HOLIDAY THEMED BIG TOP AT UTC

A magical circus tale featuring Nik Wallenda

Sailor Circus in

“Candyland”

Wednesday, Dec 27 Sunday, Dec 31, 2023 SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

Circus Sarasota

Friday, Feb 16 Sunday, March 10, 2024 UNDER THE BIG TOP AT NATHAN BENDERSON PARK

Awe-inspiring circus talent for every age under the big top

Cirque des Voix

Friday, March 22 & Saturday, March 23, 2024 SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

A holiday spectacle of talented youth performers

Circus of Voices in collaboration with Key Chorale

Circus Arts Gala

WONDERBALL

Friday, Feb 2, 2024 UNDER THE BIG TOP AT NATHAN BENDERSON PARK

Sarasota’s premier fundraiser showcasing circus artistry

DECEMBER 1–10

April 2024

SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

One-of-a-kind electronic dance music concert

Sailor Circus

Spring Show

Saturday, May 4 & Sunday, May 5, 2024 SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA

Showcasing the talent of America’s longest running youth circus Photo by: JonesInPhoto

TICKETS:

941.355.9805 • CircusArts.org

12 Watermark's Holiday Guide 2023

(813) 922-8167 • CarrollwoodCenter.org

Photo courtesy Legoland

Building the Holidays Legoland brings seasonal fun to kids of all ages Jeremy Williams

T

he holiday season is all about building family traditions and lasting memories, and who knows more about building than Lego? Lego is not only one of the most popular toys in the world but it is also one of the most recognizable names in pop culture.

“Something that is beautiful about Lego is that it understands passion points and understands Lego provides different things for different people,” says Legoland’s Kelly Hornick. “For some it’s that quiet time, putting the sets together and hearing that clicking sound. For others it’s a place for expression and creativity, and reliving some of those memories that only Lego can tap into.”

For Lego enthusiasts in the Central Florida and Tampa Bay area, there is a Legoland theme park right in our own backyard — about equal distance from Orlando and Tampa — in Winter Haven.

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to visit, there is no better time than now as Legoland Florida prepares to celebrate the season with Holidays at Legoland from Nov. 24-Dec. 31.

“This really is the most wonderful time of the year,” Hornick says. “All the things you love about Legoland are happening — the rides, the shows, the models — with a layer of holiday fun on top.”

Legoland will feature a number of holiday-themed shows, both indoors and outdoors, that are infused with that special brand of Lego humor and magic.

“We are fortunate here at Legoland in Florida that we have really great weather in December,” Hornick says. “We don’t have to worry about seasonal closures like some of our counterparts around the world do. So we try to balance the indoor and outdoor experiences knowing that a lot of people come to visit Florida during this season specifically for the weather.”

The Very Merry Mix-up show will feature Lego Gingerbread Man helping to mix up some holiday treats and Festival of Flurries in the Lego Kingdoms area where you can experience snow — or at

least Florida’s version of snow — along with singing and dancing.

One of the most anticipated holiday activities each year is getting to meet the Lego characters, all brought to life. You’ll see some of your favorite Lego Minifig characters in new holiday themes, as well as some new holiday characters for 2023 including Lego Nutcracker, Snowman and more. But there is no character that draws a bigger crowd than Lego Santa.

“Lego Santa is the rockstar every year,” Hornick says. “Everyone wants to get their picture taken with him. Families come year after year for that picture.”

At some point in-between the rides and shows, make sure to stop by the Holiday Village Postal Service, where you can write your letter to Santa and have it shipped off to the North Pole.

You’ll also want to make time for rocking around the giant 30-foot Christmas Tree made entirely of Lego bricks, show off your dance moves at the Lego City Holiday Light Spectacular and sing your heart out on the Grand Carousel as holiday tunes play from the speakers.

Legoland has gone out of their way to make sure that no matter where you’re from, how you identify or who you love, you are always welcome.

“Lego is for everyone, and Lego backs that in everything it says and does, and that approach is shared with Legoland,” Hornick says. “We want to be a place for all families across all different communities. We want to connect with every kid, with every family that comes to Legoland. We want every family to feel special when they are here but also we want them to feel safe, accepted and to have fun.”

Holidays at Legoland, presented by Hallmark Channel, happens on select days from Nov. 24-Dec. 31 and is included with your park admission. Park hours for Holidays at Legoland days are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to Legoland.com.

Watermark's Holiday Guide 2023 13

DARREN CRISS

A Very Darren Crissmas

november 29 | steinmetz hall get tickets now at drphillipscenter.org

14 Watermark's Holiday Guide

In our box, in our socks, & a gift that shocks T

he holiday season means so many things to so many different people, but most can agree that no matter how you celebrate, it’s always nice to get presents. The

tradition of gift giving during the holidays dates back thousands of years and is a part of almost all religious and nonreligious practices this season.

We here at Watermark are no different and love a good gift exchange, so each year we ask our staff to make a list of some things they hope to get as gifts for the holiday season.

We asked each person to select three gift ideas: one no more than $50 that would go nicely in a stocking hung by the chimney with care (or in our socks), one up to $500 that can be wrapped and placed under the tree (or in our box) and one that has no price limit and can be anything your heart desires (or a gift that shocks).

Rick Todd Publisher/Owner Dear Santa Claus: This year has flown by and I am not sure if I’ve been naughty or nice. If you find it in your gift giving heart to bless me with these simple items, I would greatly appreciate it.

In my stocking I would love a pair of Crocs.

That’s right, those hard to look at but extremely comfortable slide-in shoes. I prefer the white ones that look like tennis shoes, but I could go for a purple pair in a pinch. Size Women 10/ Men 8. They are roughly $30 on Amazon.

If you can spare the extra expense, I’d like a Whirlpool Convection Oven. I know it’s a little out of the price limit, but my cookies would taste so much better for it. Let’s be honest, that benefits you the most. You can find one at Home Depot for $1,079.

I am sure you want me sound asleep when you arrive with my presents, and the best way to ensure that is to bring me a Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress. A Queen size should do it. You can find this on the Purple mattress website for just around $3,500.

Jeremy Williams Editor-in-Chief Hi-De-Ho Santa,

More than anyone else, you know how obsessed I have become with Lego over the past few years. I’ve gone a bit overboard with the large, expensive sets and am running out of places to put them. So at first I thought about asking you to bring me the new Lego Disney Castle, a set that is 4,837 pieces and comes with eight Minifigures, but at 32” high, 24” wide and at a cost of $400, it is too big and too expensive for me this year. Lucky for me, Lego has a miniature version available. At 567 pieces and with the most adorable Mickey Mouse Minifigure, the Lego Mini Disney Castle, at a cost of $40 at Lego.com, is much more affordable and will fit easily on my Lego Disney shelf.

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We provide care and services to all, regardless of you 16 Watermark's Holiday Guide

cancommunityhealth.org

ur insurance status or financial circumstances.

Watermark's Holiday Guide 17

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Since you see everything Old Saint Nick, you obviously saw that I had an issue with my home air conditioner last summer. While the a/c got fixed after a week, not having it in Florida’s sweltering summer for that long has done a number on my TV. Since that incident the sound goes in and out and the screen has a permanent blue tint to it. So I guess that means it is time for a new TV. I am not an extravagant man, so the VIZIO V-Series 65" Class 4K UHD HDR LED Smart TV will do me just fine. That set will run you about $400 and is available at Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Now if I was an extravagant man and money was no object, I think I would like you to buy me an Academy Award. Now this is something that is hard to find but not impossible. All you need to do is look at the case of Orson Welles' 1941 Oscar for Original Screenplay for the film “Citizen Kane.” I won’t go into great detail Santa since I know you have Google and can look the story up when you have time, but his original Oscar went missing and the Academy sent a replacement, meaning there are two of those Oscars. The original, which resurfaced, was sold at auction in 2011 for $871,542.

Just this year, the replacement Oscar sold at auction for $645,000, and that buyer turned around and is offering to sell it for $967,000.

Ryan Williams-Jent Managing Editor Dear Santa, In my socks this year I’d love to find a code for the “Marvel's Midnight Suns” season pass for PlayStation 5. It expands on one of my favorite video games of the year by adding Deadpool, Morbius, Venom and Storm to the story. It will cost you $49.99 at PlayStation.com.

18 Watermark's Holiday Guide

It’s a great year to be a “Spider-Man” fan, which is why I’d love to see Hasbro’s Marvel Legends VHS Collection swing into my life.

These action figure two packs contain Smythe & Peter Parker, MJ Watson & Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus & Aunt May and SpiderMan & Carnage, all based on “Spider-Man: The Animated Series” from the ‘90s, my fave.

The four sets will run you $52.99 each at HasbroPulse.com.

This won’t come as a surprise to you, Santa, but this holiday season I’d love to spend some time watching the new Disney Legacy Animated Film Collection. It celebrates 100 years of Disney magic with 100 Disney and Pixar animated films on Blu-ray and other extras like digital codes, lithographs and a set of crystal Mickey ears. Oh boy! It’s available for $1,499.96 at WalMart.com.

Lastly, if the sky was the limit — and I was really good this year — I would be so happy to get a new Tesla Model 3 in the driveway this year. I know it seems a bit ridiculous, but I drive a lot and I'd love to know that I'm doing just a little bit to help the environment along the way. The price for a new Tesla Model 3 starts at $38,990 and goes up from there based on what bells and whistles you want to add. You can check them out at Tesla.com/Model3.

Caitlin Sause Creative Designer

Dylan Todd Creative Designer/Photographer If you know me, you know that I love everything photography. One of the most used, under realized items every photographer has is a quality camera strap. This year, I'd be delighted to find the Altura Photo Camera Strap with Quick release in my stocking. It can be found at Amazon.com for $24.99.

Santa has to be pretty organized and to stop by all the homes in one night. Having notifications at your wrist seems like a no brainer. I'm sure he has the new Apple Watch Series 9 to monitor his appointments, respond to messages and not having to stop to get his phone out (and it tells time). This year, I'd like to be a little more like Santa and a little more organized with the new Apple Watch Series 9 under the tree this year. I'm thinking the black one but would be happy with any of their colorful options. They start at $399.99 and go up to $699 at Apple.com.

Dear Santa, This is the first time in a very long time that I have written you a letter! Better late than never again though, right?

I am a Disney girl through and through so it wouldn’t be the holiday season if I didn’t ask for something Disney related, so this year for my socks gift I would like the Walt Disney World Stainless Steel Starbucks Water Bottle, it is $34.99 at ShopDisney.com. I have been holding out and hoping to see it in the parks but it’s a popular design that I keep missing. Hopefully I can keep hydrated through the new year with it!

For my box, I would feel so lucky to receive the Novel Cuff Bracelet, in 14k solid gold and size medium — only $486 at GLDN.com — with the personalization, in their modern font, saying “chanceuse.” I have quite a few pieces from GLDN, and I am still looking to add a few more pieces to my collection. I love being able to personalize my pieces, making them such a special gift that I know will last.

Lastly, for shocks (although this will be no shock to my friends and family) I would like an all-inclusive trip to Disneyland Paris. That should only run you about $15,000. This is my ideal trip because it includes two of my favorite

things — French and Disney. I’ll need time to get my passport, but it would be a dream come true for me while I diligently continue to learn French.

I'm dreaming of a moment to unplug and immerse myself in the food, art and culture! Not to mention, I may have some time to get started on that knitting project.

Sam Callahan Senior Account Manager

Danny Garcia Sales Director So nondenominational holiday entity, I’ve sort of behaved well this year, so for the fact that I wasn’t fully bad, I’d like to request the following.

To fill my socks, a starter knitting set, I’d love to learn to pick up a skill and perhaps make my own socks.

Any starter kit will do, and there is a wonderful beginners kit at Amazon.com for $27.97.

For my box, I love theme parks, and with the construction of Epic Universe moving so swiftly, there’s a rumor that annual passengers may get a preview as early as sometime next year. So, that’s what I want a 2-Park Premier Annual Pass for $905, I will skip Volcano Bay because I’m in no shape for water parks — I told you I wasn’t fully good!

But the gift that would be a shock would be an Iberian Pennisula vacation, let's only do 16 days as I wouldn't want to overdo it.

Via JacadaTravel.com, I found an all-inclusive trip: Portugal Treasures, Madrid & Barcelona, starting at $12,970 per person, surely I'd have to take my partner.

In this trip I would get to visit Madrid, Granada, Seville, Algarve, Alentejo, Lisbon and Porto. Aside from guided historical city tours, this package will also include cooking classes.

The all-inclusive trip also includes travel by plane, trains and even a riverboat!

Instead of a stocking hanging by the chimney with care, I would love to see a CLUCI Hobo Designer Tote bucket bag hanging there instead.

The large shoulder bag is made of highquality vegan leather with tear-resistant polyester lining and durable hardware. The bag is spacious and has several pockets making organizing a breeze. It comes in many colors but I think the black one would suit me fine. You can get it at Amazon.com for $49.99.

For my next gift, I’m going to need you to put a few holes in the box, because I would like a new Sheepadoodle puppy. They are a cross between a Poodle and an Old English Sheepdog and are absolutely adorable. A newborn puppy can cost as much as a couple thousand dollars.

What a shocker it would be if I got a new motor home for Christmas! A Holiday Rambler with 3 sliding out sections for traveling would be amazing. Prices vary depending on what you want but you can start piecing it together for me Santa at HolidayRambler.com.

I promise I have been nice to everyone this year, but I have felt guilty lately. You see, I have been a bit jealous of my partner’s brand-new Ray Ban Aviator Classics. Maybe you can fix the problem by delivering a pair for me under our tree this year? They are $221 and available at Ray-Ban.com.

However, if you really want to shock me, I will absolutely gasp at the sight of a SaluSpa Ventura EnergySense Smart Air Jet 6-8 Person Inflatable Hot Tub Spa this holiday season. You can pick one up at Costco for $649.99.

Thanks for bringing joy to folks around the world as you do every year.

Daisy Chamberlin Account Manager Dear Santa, I know you have one heck of a commute, and to be honest I just don’t know how you do it.

I find myself needing an energy drink before I get to work, so in my sock I would appreciate a 4-pack of Red Bull. They are only $6.48 each at Amazon.com.

Watermark's Holiday Guide 19

Dramatic Gifts, Make the Perfect Gifts.

Save with Flex Passes. world class theatre • made in sarasota

20 Watermark's Holiday Guide

941.351.8000 | asolorep.org

’s n o s a Se ason’s dr. seuss’ Dramatic Gifts, Make the Perfect Gifts.

Se dr. seuss’ how the grinch how the grinch stole christmas stole christmas Film With Live Orchestra

Film With Live Orchestra

Discover the Magic of the Mean One this holiday season.

Sat, Decthe 2, Magic 7:30 pm, Theater Discover of the Mahaffey Mean One this holiday season.

Sat, Dec 2, 7:30 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Handel’s Handel’s

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Ultimate celebration of holiday joy, with the famed Hallelujah Chorus. Michael Francis conducts.

Ultimate The celebration of holiday joy, with the famed Featuring Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Hallelujah Chorus. Michael Francis conducts.

Fri, Dec 8, pm, Straz Center Featuring The8Master Chorale of Tampa Bay.

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Messiah Messiah

Sat, Theater Fri, Dec Dec 9, 8, 88 pm, pm, Mahaffey Straz Center Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Raymond James Pops

Holiday Pops Holiday Pops Raymond James Pops

The annual tradition with family, friends and very merry music at its very best. Bruce Hangen conducts. Featuring Tampa Oratorio Singers The annual tradition with family, friends and very merry music at its and Lumina Youth Choir. very best. Bruce Hangen conducts. Featuring Tampa Oratorio Singers and Lumina Choir.

Fri, Dec 15,Youth 8 pm, Straz Center

Sat, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee Fri, Dec Dec 16, 15, 28 pm pm,&Straz Center Sun, Dec 17, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall––Matinee Matinee Sat, Dec 16, 2 pm & 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Sun, Dec 17, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall – Matinee

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FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 941.351.8000 | asolorep.org

world class theatre • made in sarasota

Watermark's Holiday Guide 21

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Stay in the Heart of Arts Easy walking distance to the Dali Museum, Mahaffey Theater, Museum of Fine Arts, the Pier and more!

Stay with us

727-892-9900 80 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Scan Here

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22 Watermark's Holiday Guide

Photos courtesy (L-R) Motown Records,

Warner Records, Ruth Eckerd Hall

Holiday Hits Modern music to enjoy this year Ryan Williams-Jent

Every holiday music fan knows Dasher and Dancer — and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, and Donder and Blitzen — and they can certainly recall the most famous reindeer of all.

But as timeless as “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” may be, holiday hits have come a long way since the 1939 staple. Just look at Billboard’s list of 100 “Greatest of All Time Holiday Songs,” which is topped by Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Whether it brings out your inner Grinch or makes you want to do the Jingle Bell Rock, you’ve probably already heard the 1994 hit this season, or will soon. But it doesn’t have to be the only piece of modern music on your playlist.

This year some new hits are heading your way from other fan favorite artists — including Cher, who has released the first holiday album of her seven-decade career. The aptly titled “Christmas” is also her first studio album in five years and was produced by “Believe” collaborator Mark Taylor.

The album’s first single, “DJ Play A Christmas Song,” was written by Sarah Hudson, known for her work with Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan.

Industry experts have said it serves as “a rebel’s anthem for anyone whose parents told them Santa Claus would skip their house if they didn’t go to sleep.”

The Warner Records release is 13 tracks of reimagined classics and original hits. Cher is joined by Michael Bublé for “a haunting version of ‘Home’” written by the crooner, and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" with Darlene Love. The performers first recorded the song together 60 years ago for “A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector,” one of Rolling Stone's Top 25 greatest holiday albums ever.

Stevie Wonder also features on “What Christmas Means to Me,” a personal highlight for Cher. “Every time I hear that harmonica, I’m a teenager again,” she said. “It’s a personal dream come true for me to record this song with Stevie.”

The singer is also joined by Cyndi Lauper for “Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart” and for “Drop Top Sleigh Ride,” she’s paired with rapper Tyga. As a holiday promise, the album ends with “This Will Be Our Year.”

“I never say this about my own records but I’m really proud of this one,” Cher said. “It is one of the most amazing highlights of my career.”

The music veteran isn’t the only artist with a holiday debut this year. R&B and pop superstar Brandy — who also stars in Netflix’s film “BEST. CHRISTMAS. EVER!” — is out with “Christmas with Brandy” from Motown Records.

The company calls it “a beautiful journey through the ups, downs and surprising twists that accompany the holiday season.” Brandy said the release is “for all of my beautiful fans.”

“I feel so blessed to be able to create an album surrounding joy, family, love and quality divine time with the ones you love,” she announced.

That’s clear on “Christmas Gift,” her duet with daughter Sy’Rai. “‘Christmas with Brandy’ sees the genredefining vocalist delivering classic covers and original holiday material that’s sure to be listened to for years to come," Motown notes. The album’s 12 tracks also include Brandy’s renditions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “The Christmas Song” and “Jingle Bells.”

For those looking for live entertainment, Darren Criss is also helping modern music fans get into the spirit this year. "A Very Darren

Crissmas” is on tour now with stops in Central Florida and Tampa Bay. “Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape from Fox’s hit show ‘Glee’ over a decade ago, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that’s entirely uninhibited by form or genre,” the tour is officially billed. “The multihyphenates illustrious career spans television, film, music and stage.

“Kicking off the Christmas season Criss will perform songs from his recent holiday album, ‘A Very Darren Crissmas,’” the synopsis continues.

“His first ever full-length project includes a wildly eclectic collection of songs from big band Christmas classics to novelty tunes to modernday folk-pop ballads.”

Criss worked with producer Ron Fair on the album, which includes 12 tracks on its original release and two others on a deluxe version, each from UMG Recordings. The performer has said that “I always knew that if I ever made a Christmas album, it would have to be much more than just a collection of songs you already knew.

“I’d want it to be a journey through songs that not only had a personal significance in my life, but also a unique introduction to songs folks had never heard before,” he continued. “Every eclectic choice led this album to feel astutely true to its namesake. A very, indisputably, ‘me’ Christmas.”

“A Very Darren Crissmas” visits Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Nov. 25 and the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando Nov. 29. Learn more about the performances — and other ways to experience modern music and more this holiday season — on our event listing on pg. 27.

Watermark's Holiday Guide 23

www.DylanToddPhotography.com | 727-310-1212 24 Watermark's Holiday Guide

During the holidays, may you find peace in the present, joy in the simple moments, and strength in your inner resilience.

For more informaaon about me and my praccce, visit AZupkaCounseling.com or call 407-986-2888

Book your

holiday party with d&B!

Orlando, FL Watermark's Holiday Guide 25

23/24 Season

now on sale

single tickets

upcoming concerts Latin Explorations by Magos Hererra First United Methodist Church of Orlando Nov 13 Home for the Holidays Steinmetz Hall Nov 25 Holiday Pops Della Phillips Pavilion | Dec 2 Central Park in Winter Park | Dec 3 The Apopka Amphitheater | Dec 9

Holly Jolly Sounds of the Season The Plaza Live Dec 9 & 10 Holly Jolly Storytime Bok Tower Gardens Dec 17

for tickets, visit or call

orlandophil.org | 407.770.0071 26 Watermark's Holiday Guide

I

Holiday Events

s it just us or did the holiday season pop up faster than usual this year? The holiday season should be a time of fun, friends and family but too many of us become stressed out over everything that needs to be

done this time of year.

We here at Watermark think you should take a little time for yourself and enjoy a good show, take in a fun concert or visit a winter wonderland in your area. That’s why we have compiled a list of some fantastic events coming to the Central Florida and Tampa Bay area this holiday season.

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select days through Dec. 22,

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World.

407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.Disney.

Go.com

Holidays at Universal Orlando,

through Dec. 31, Universal Resort, Orlando. 407-224-4233; UniversalOrlando.com

SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, select days through

Jan. 2, SeaWorld, Orlando. 407-5455550; SeaWorld.com/Orlando

Festival of Trees, Nov. 10-19,

Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando.

407-896-4231; OMArt.org

“A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett,” Nov. 10-Dec. 16, Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park. 407-6450145; WinterParkPlayHouse.org

Straight No Chasers: Sleighin’ It Tour, Nov. 14, Dr. Phillips

Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

“A Christmas Carol The Musical,” Nov. 17-Dec. 10, The Heneger Center, Melbourne. 321-723-8698; Heneger.org

ICE! featuring “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Nov. 17-Jan. 3, Gaylord

Home for the Holidays, Nov. 25, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407770-0071; OrlandoPhil.org

“A Very Darren Crissmas,” Nov. 29, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando. 407358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 29-Dec. 24, Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407447-1700; OrlandoShakes.org

2023 Tree Lighting Celebration, Dec. 1, Lake Eola Park, Orlando.

407-246-2121; Orlando.gov 71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade, Dec. 2, Park

Ave., Winter Park. 407-644-8281; WinterPark.org

Christmas Town, Nov. 11-Jan. 7, Busch Gardens, Tampa. 813-8844386; Busch Gardens.com/Tampa Ybor City Tree Lighting, Nov. 13, Ybor City. 813-248-3712; Ybor.org

“Mannheim Steamroller Christmas,” Nov. 16, The Sound at Coachmark Park, Clearwater.

TheSoundFLA.com

Winter Village, Nov. 17-Jan. 1, Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa.

WinterVillageTampa.com Tampa Bay Holiday Market,

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,”

Nov. 18-19, The Coliseum, St. Petersburg. 727-893-8523; TampaBayHolidayMarket.com

Sarah Brightman: A Christmas Symphony, Dec. 13, Dr. Phillips

Holiday Lights 2023, Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Florida Botanical Gardens, Largo.

727-5822117; FLBGFoundation. org/HolidayLights

Dec. 10, King Center, Melbourne.

321-242-2219; KingCenter.com

Center, Orlando. 407-358-6603; DrPhillipsCenter.org

6 String Christmas starring Chase Padgett, Dec. 14-23,

Orlando Shakes, Orlando. 407-4471700; OrlandoShakes.org

Orlando Gay Chorus Holiday Concert, Dec. 16, The Ritz Theater,

Sanford. 407-321-8111; WDPAC.com

Palms Resort, Kissimmee. 407-5860000; ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.

Marriott.com

Milk Mart: Holiday Market,

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional,

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve, Dec. 22,

Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Epcot, Walt Disney World. 407-939-5277; DisneyWorld.

Disney.Go.com

TAMPA BAY

Dec. 17, The Milk District, Orlando.

MilkMartOrlando.com

Amway Center, Orlando. 844-8541450; AmwayCenter.com

Enchant Christmas, Nov. 24-Dec. 31, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg.

EnchantChristmas.com

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting,

Nov. 25, Downtown St. Petersburg.

727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

Christmas in the Wild, Select Nights Dec. 1-30, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, Tampa. 813-395-8552; ZooTampa.org St Pete Pride Red & Green, Dec. 2, Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg. 727-342-0084; StPetePride.org Snowfest, Dec. 2, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-8937441; StPeteParksRec.org Holiday Village, Dec. 2, Carrollwood Village Park, Tampa. 813-922-8167; CarrollwoodCenter.org Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s “Let There Be Beach,” Dec. 8-9, Allendale UMC and MCC Tampa, Tampa Bay. GMCTB.org "Haunted Holidays,” Dec. 8-10, The Jack Kerouac House, St. Petersburg. 516-906-2140; WordierThanThou.com.

Santa in the Park, Dec. 9-10, 15-23, North Straub Park, St. Petersburg. 727-893-7441; StPeteParksRec.org

“A Very Darren Crissmas,” Nov.

2023 Tampa Bay Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Dec. 10, George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa. 800283-7800; Arthritis.org

River of Lights Holiday Cruises,

Holiday Pops, Dec. 15-17, Multiple locations, Tampa Bay. 727-892-3337; FloridaOrchestra. org

St. Petersburg Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 1-3, The

New Years Eve Cruises, Dec. 31, Convention Center, Tampa. 813223-7999; PirateWaterTaxi.com

25, Nancy and David Billheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater. 727791-7400; RuthEckerdHall.com

Nov. 26; Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 18-22, 24, Pirate Water Taxi Stop, Tampa.

813-223-7999; PirateWaterTaxi.com

Palladium, St. Petersburg. 727-8223590; MyPalladium.org

Watermark's Holiday Guide 27

28 Watermark's Holiday Guide

Business Directory ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE 800-361-8388 AsoloRep.org CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER 813-922-8167 CarrollwoodCenter.org CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS - CFC ARTS 407-937-1800 CFCArts.com CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 352-394-4800 ClermontPerformingArts.com DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 407-358-6603 DrPhillipsCenter.org

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY – SARASOTA 941-355-9805 CircusArts.org THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA 727-892-3331 FloridaOrchestra.org WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE 407-645-0145 WinterParkPlayhouse.org COUNSELOR + THERAPISTS

A ZUPKA COUNSELING 407-986-2888 AZupkaCounseling.com FOOD + DRINK

DAVE AND BUSTER’S ORLANDO 407-541-3300 DaveAndBusters.com

DUKE ENERGY CENTER FOR THE ARTS – MAHAFFEY THEATER 727-892-5767 TheMahaffey.com

CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CANCommunityHealth.org

FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE 941-366-9000 FloridaStudioTheatre.org

NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Nemours.org

ORLANDO BALLET 407-426-1733 OrlandoBallet.org

TOBACCO FREE FLORIDA TobaccoFreeFlorida.com/ QuitYourWay

ORLANDO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA 407-770-0071 OrlandoPhil.org

HOTEL + LODGING

ORLANDO SHAKES 407-447-1700 OrlandoShakes.org SARASOTA BALLET 941-359-0099 SarasotaBallet.org

HEALTH & BEAUTY

HAMPTON INN & SUITES – ST. PETERSBURG/ DOWNTOWN 727-892-9900 HamptonInn.Hilton.com MUSEUMS

TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART 813-274-8130 TampaMuseum.org

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH ORLANDO 407-425-2555 FirstOrlando.com FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 407- 849-6080 FirstChurchOrlando.org ST. LUKES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 407-876-4981 St.Lukes.org SHOPPING & RETAIL

ATOMIC HOLIDAY BAZAAR 941-539-9044 AtomicHolidayBazaar.com FAIRVILLA MEGASTORE 407-826-1627 Fairvilla.com GOLD AND DIAMOND SOURCE 727-573-9351 GoldAndDiamond.com GOLD DUST HOME 407-731-2010 GoldDustHome.com RAD POWER BIKES ST. PETE 727-201-2610 RadPowerBikes.com TRAVEL & TOURISM

CENTRAL FLORIDA EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY CFXWay.com DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD DowntownOrlando.com/Holidays WEDDING & PARTY VENUE

THE CAPEN HOUSE AT THE POLASEK 407-636-9317 CapenHouse.com Watermark's Holiday Guide 29

This Holiday Season Enjoy the Best Views of Tampa’s Riverwalk and Fantastic Art!

GIVE THE GIFT OF ART Find unique gifts at the Museum Store!

TampaMuseum.org Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm Thursday: 10am – 8pm

30 Watermark's Holiday Guide

Exhibitions supported in part by:

SNAP Benefit Recipients get free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art! Presenting Sponsor: Also sponsored by:

Watermark's Holiday Guide 31

Olivia DiLeonardo (right) Medical Librarian, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida Max DiLeonardo, 15-year-old LGBTQ+ son (center) Ernest DiLeonardo, husband and dad (left)

We’re on a journey to discover better ways of approaching children’s health.

It all begins with our culture of inclusion, where diversity of thought reflects the world we live in and supports our ability to positively impact communities.

A new age of health has dawned—one without limits, beyond the expected, which we believe will lead to the healthiest generations of children.

Go well beyond at Nemours.org/OHEI 32 Watermark's Holiday Guide