SUMMER ON STAGE AT THE BROWARD CENTER DELIVERS BIG HITS, BOLD LAUGHS AND FAMILY MAGIC

Published: Jun 18, 2025

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is turning up the heat this summer with a blockbuster blend of nostalgia, music, magic and mischief. From singing with the Mighty Pups to dancing to the sounds of music icons and time-hopping with a DeLorean, the July and August lineup promises unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

The talented Young Professionals student group of performers ages 13 to 18 bring Disney’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” to life on stage in this summer theater camp production in the Amaturo Theater, presented by the Broward Center and The Performance Project Wednesday, July 2 – Sunday, July 12, including a sensory-inclusive performance on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's Mary Poppins captures hearts in a whole new way, as a practically perfect Broadway Junior musical. Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and the Broadway musical that received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations during its 2,500-performance run, Disney's “Mary Poppins Jr.” is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers. Lap seats are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Office. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket.

A modified Sensory-Inclusive “Mary Poppins Jr.” summer theater camp production takes place on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. in the Amaturo Theater. Intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum as well as individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities, this sensory-inclusive production features slight adjustments, including reduced sound levels, no flashing or strobe lights and minimal special effects. An area adjacent to the theater has been designated as a quiet room with specially trained volunteers to provide audience support. Pre-show activities and a post-show character meet-and-greet are included. The Broward Center's sensory-inclusive programming is made possible through the generous support of ABA Centers of Florida, The Batchelor Foundation, The Gore Family Memorial Foundation Trust, Nicklaus Children's and The Taft Foundation. Special thanks to UM-NSU CARD for their in-kind support. Lap seats are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at the Broward Center's AutoNation Box Office. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket.

Marty McFly, Doc Brown and a time-traveling DeLorean come together for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present and future when the Broward Center and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra present “Back to the Future” in Concert, a celebration of the iconic film’s 40th anniversary, on Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series. The 1.21-gigawatt blockbuster topped the 1985 box office chart, spawned two wildly successful sequels and stamped an enduring imprint on pop culture. Fans old and new will experience the thrill of “Back to the Future” like never before, this time on a hi-def screen, accompanied by the South Florida Symphony Orchestra performing award-winning composer Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live in sync with the film. Audiences will enjoy an exclusive treat with nearly 20 minutes of brand-new music added by Silvestri to the film's score. Guests are encouraged to arrive at the venue early to party like it’s 1985, with a real DeLorean photo op, classic ‘80s arcade games and a rad soundtrack of the decade’s greatest hits before the orchestra takes the stage. It’s a pre-show blast from the past that audiences won’t want to miss.

It's time to enter the multi-verse during “Ninja Kidz Live: Infinite Possibilities” in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center on Sunday, July 6 at 3 p.m. as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Imagination Series. The Ninja Kidz are leaping out of the screen and into Fort Lauderdale with their first ever Ninja Kidz live action adventure, filled with audience participation, physical challenges, games and epic battles. What happens when two worlds collide? The audience holds the key to shape how each adventure unfolds with an infinite number of possible outcomes. The audience will laugh, cheer and determine destiny, one choice at a time. A VIP package may be added to any ticket, which includes a pre-show Q&A session with the Ninja Kidz.

The Broward Center and AEG Presents bring Ben Schwartz and Friends to the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center on Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m. as part of the Truist Comedy Series. In sold-out shows from Radio City Music Hall to the Eventim Apollo in London, Schwartz brings some of his friends on stage for a totally improvised show where nothing is prepared beforehand, and every word is made up on the spot. Schwartz stars in Universal Pictures’ horror comedy “Renfield” and can be heard as the voice of Sonic alongside Jim Carrey in “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” adapted from the classic Sega video game. He has appeared in the AppleTV+ miniseries “The Afterparty” and the Netflix series “Space Force,” starring opposite Steve Carell and John Malkovich. Fans can also catch him in Roku’s hit action comedy opposite Kevin Hart and John Cena in “Die Hart 2: Die Harter.”

The Broward Center and the Art Prevails Project presents “The Bard in Bars,” a theatrical experience blending Hip Hop with a bevy of Shakespearean classics, in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25 and in two showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Written and directed by Darius V. Daughtry, “The Bard in Bars” is a rhythmic, energetic journey that takes audience members beyond 11th grade English class as they find themselves grooving to the sounds of violins, cellos and more. Art Prevails Project's talented ensemble of actors brings new and exciting energy to the classic words of one of history's most prolific writers set to a new beat. From literary scholars to Hip Hop enthusiast, “The Bard in Bars” has something for everyone in the audience to enjoy. A post-show chat back and reception will be held after each performance in the Abdo New River Room. Presented by Baptist Health and JM Family Enterprises, Inc. with support from TD Charitable Foundation, Arts for Action: Black Voices is designed to elevate the voices of Black artists with a focus on how the arts and artists can be a force for change.

The Truist Comedy Series continues with An Evening with Masood Boomgaard and Self-Help Singh on Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater. Boomgaard is a comedian, actor, content creator, filmmaker and emcee with more than a decade in entertainment. He has performed to packed theaters across South Africa and toured globally in London, Dubai, Australia and the U.S. His solo shows include “African Indian” (West End), “Indians from Africa” (New Y ork, Hollywood), “Joker” and “Funny Country.” In 2020, he recorded “My Father’s House,” South Africa’s first lockdown comedy special. Masood has appeared on Comedy Central, is a sought-after corporate entertainer and has worked with top brands like FNB and Mercedes-Benz. As a content creator, his comedy skits often reach millions. He has also written, directed and starred in films such as “Attack of the Indian Werewolf,” “Curry and Vice” and “The Golden Cock: Revenge of Manu.” This event contains adult language or content.

The podcaster, popstar and people’s princess Jackie Schimmel comes to the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater with her Dim the Lights Tour on Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 p.m. Schimmel’s Dim the Lights tour is a “problematic trauma bonding experience” featuring ribbon twirling, uncensored Q&As, and her classified childhood home videos that should’ve never seen the light of day. It’s the live event equivalent of throwing on a favorite pair of pajamas, whipping up a gorgeous cocktail, curling up in the fetal position and questioning all one’s life decisions. Audiences are encouraged to “Come as you are, greased up in your favorite non-FDA approved stem cells,” to enjoy a night of slinging cocktails and talking sh#t. This show is recommended for ages 18 and older.

In a powerhouse night of pop, freestyle and dance hits, Taylor Dayne & Lisa Lisa appear live in concert in the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center on Saturday, August 2 at 8 p.m. as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series. An American pop icon with a career spanning three decades, Dayne’s groundbreaking debut single, “Tell It To My Heart,” turned her into an overnight international star in 1987. She followed the smash hit with 17 Top 20 singles, including “Love Will Lead You Back,” “Prove Your Love” and “I’ll Always Love You.” Dayne has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide, earned three Grammy® nominations, an American Music Award, multiple New York Music Awards, received New York Music Hall of Fame honors and ranked as the number 18 female dance artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. Lisa Lisa's wide-ranging body of work, highlighted by freestyle, dance-pop and salsa floor fillers along with impassioned adult contemporary ballads, paved the way for fellow Latina American stars such as Selena and Jennifer Lopez. She broke through with partners Cult Jam and the production team Full Force in 1985. Their effervescent "I Wonder if I Take You Home," the first of five gold hits they scored together, led to the platinum success of “Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force,” their full-length debut. Having cracked the pop Top 40, Lisa Lisa scaled higher with that album's Top Ten final single, "All Cried Out," and topped the chart in 1987 with "Head to Toe" and "Lost in Emotion" from her second album, “Spanish Fly.” A pre-concert party in the Horvitz Lobby invites audiences to dress up and have some fun, with DJ Johnny Quest playing legendary classics.

The Broward Center and AEG Presents bring Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Magic & Moonlight Tour to the Au-Rene Theater at the Broward Center on Thursday, August 14 at 8 p.m. as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series. Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox is preparing the world for a new decade by bringing back jazz music, a timeless American art form. Returning to a style that embodies the music of past generations, the famed musicians pair the right talent with the right material to create the most sensational ‘20s party this side of “The Great Gatsby” with jazz covers of pop hits from artists like Sia, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and more. The group features an ensemble of multi-talented singers and musicians bringing Bradlee’s generation-spanning arrangements alive night after night. Surprise guests often join the core ensemble, making a thrilling live music experience. MusicInsight.com put it quite simply, “Go see Postmodern Jukebox. Stop whatever you’re doing, right now, and go see them!"

Get ready to PAW-ty like never before during the fantastic new “PAW Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure” presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and VSTAR on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Au-Rene Theater as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Imagination Series. After Chase, Marshall, Skye and the gang save Adventure City with their Mighty Pup Powers, it's time for the pawsome-est street party ever during this all-new stage production. When supervillain scientist Victoria Vance feels left out of the festivities, she unleashes her latest invention to crash the party and steal the spotlight for herself. Can the Mighty Pups, armed with their super-charged powers, outsmart Victoria to ensure Adventure City's biggest bash goes off without a hitch? It'll take the power of paw-sitivity and mighty teamwork to foil her plans and keep the party pumping. With heroic action, catchy tunes and barkloads of interactive fun, PAW Patrol's electrifying new adventure is sure to leave tails wagging and the audience cheering. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket; lap tickets are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Very Important Pup V.I.P. package includes a premium seat, access to meet and take a photo with PAW Patrol characters after the show and an exclusive souvenir item.

In his Forever Giving Thanks Tour, Jamaican reggae superstar and undisputed king of lovers rock Beres Hammond returns to the Broward Center’s Au-Rene Theater for another two-night stand on Saturday, August 30 and Sunday, August 31 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series. Famous for his soulful vibe and smoky-sweet, bourbon-on-the-rocks vocals, this Grammy® Award–nominated singer-songwriter, known as the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” has a hit list that stretches for miles and includes the songs “Tempted to Touch,” “I Feel Good,” “Putting Up Resistance,” “Rockaway,” “No Disturb Sign” and many more. Primarily influenced by Alton Ellis, the Jamaican-born Hammond grew up listening to his father's collection of American R&B (Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye) and jazz, and fell in love with native Jamaican music during the ska and rocksteady eras, also listening to the likes of Peter Tosh, the Heptones and Ken Boothe.

Also at the Broward Center in July and August: Summer Theater Camp productions of “Madagascar Jr.” (June 30 – July 16), “Footloose Youth Edition” (July 1-17), “Cinderella Youth Edition” (July 29 – Aug. 11), Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” One-Act Version (July 30 – Aug. 12), and “Into the Woods” (July 31 – Aug. 8); Flo'pocalypse (July 12); People Profile Awards (July 13); and International Ballet Festival of Miami: Contemporary Performance (Aug. 10).

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org, or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to our channel at YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter.

The Broward Center 2024/2025 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, AutoNation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.

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Complete July/August Schedule at the Broward Center

June 30 – July 16 “Madagascar Jr.” Summer Theater Camp

July 1 - 17 “Footloose Youth Edition” Summer Theater Camp

July 2-12 Disney’s “Mary Poppins Jr.” Young Professionals Summer Theater Camp

July 3 “Back to the Future” in Concert with South Florida Symphony Orchestra

July 6 “Ninja Kidz Live”

July 12 Flo’pocalypse

July 12 Ben Schwartz & Friends

July 12 Sensory-Inclusive “Mary Poppins Jr.” Young Professionals Summer Theater Camp

July 13 People Profile Awards 2025

July 26 Art Prevails Project: “The Bard in Bars”