OCTOBER BRINGS TRICKS & TREATS TO THE PARKER

Published: Sep 9, 2025

This October, The Parker’s Lillian S. Wells Hall is serving up thrills that will have audiences stirring with excitement over MasterChef face-offs, dancing to ABBA’s greatest hits, rocking out with Everclear, reliving the neon glow of the ’80s and so much more.

Audiences will embark on a culinary journey and experience the excitement of the MasterChef kitchen when MasterChef All-Stars Live! brings the heat, competition and culinary magic to The Parker on Thursday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. This brand-new, high-energy stage show delivers the ultimate MasterChef experience up close and personal with appearances from past winners such as Michael Leonard (Season 14) and Gerron Hurt (Season 9). In MasterChef All-Stars Live!, the chefs face off in head-to-head challenges, host Q&A sessions and inspire fans with tips and tricks to apply in their own kitchens. Audiences will enjoy candid conversations with the chefs about the thrill of competing in America’s famous kitchen under the scrutiny of the toughest judges. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime night of food, fun and fierce competition.

Mamma Mia! This tribute to the Swedish pop sensation will have the audience dancing in the aisles during The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA at The Parker on Friday, October 3 at 7:30 p.m. Known as "the closest thing to ABBA that you'll ever see," this band dazzles audiences with fantastic re-creations of ABBA's most iconic hits, including "Mamma Mia," "S.O.S," "Money, Money, Money," "The Winner Takes All," "Waterloo," "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" and "Dancing Queen." It's no coincidence that the official ABBA Fan Club has named this group "the best ABBA tribute band in the world."

Everclear: Sparkle and Fade Tour celebrates its 30th anniversary on Thursday, October 9 at 7 p.m. at The Parker as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. The American rock band is joined by Local H and Sponge for a crossover to wow audiences. Everclear, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Art Alexakis, gained mainstream success in the late ‘90s and early 2000s with hits including "Santa Monica," "Father of Mine" and "Wonderful" by successfully blending alternative rock and post-grunge influences. American rock duo Local H is known for their grunge-influenced sound and high-energy live performances. Led by vocalist/guitarist Scott Lucas, they gained mainstream attention with their 1996 album “As Good as Dead,” featuring the hit "Bound for the Floor." American alternative rock band Sponge gained popularity with their debut album, “Rotting Piñata,” which featured hits like "Plowed" and "Molly (16 Candles Down the Drain).” Frontman Vinnie Dombroski remains the band's core member, keeping their legacy alive in the alternative and post-grunge scenes.

Sing, dance and prepare to be Abducted by the ‘80s with Wang Chung and Men Without Hats on Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. at The Parker as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series. Each a powerhouse, Wang Chung and Men Without Hats have joined forces to create a musical extravaganza that transports audiences to the heart of the neon-soaked, synth-driven decade. Audiences will be moving, grooving and reliving the magic of the ‘80s with this unforgettable music tour, including mega-hits such as "Everybody Have Fun Tonight," "Dance Hall Days," " Don't Let's Go," "To Live and Die in L.A.," "Safety Dance" and "Pop Goes the World."

Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House, delivers a powerful and inspiring talk about his journey to save animals, inspire people and find his true purpose in life at The Parker on Saturday, October 18 at 4 p.m. A prominent figure in the animal rescue community with a massive social media following of more than 12 million people across platforms, Asher uses his influence to raise awareness about animal welfare and inspire countless individuals to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. With his infectious energy, humor and powerful storytelling, Asher continues to touch hearts and change lives, both human and animal alike. During his live show, he takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions as he recounts his struggles, failures and ultimate triumphs in building one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the United States.

Presented by the Broward Center and AEG Presents, Hokus Pokus Live! (18+) conjures up a wickedly “spoopy,” fully scripted theatrical experience at The Parker on Sunday, October 19 at 8 p.m. Starring Ginger Minj, Jujubee and Sapphira Cristál as the legendary Sisters and featuring Landon Cider as Billy, this hauntingly hilarious, live spectacle comedy with powerhouse vocals and a dash of magic brings the cult classic to the stage like never before. This event contains adult language or content and is an 18+ only show. Valid ID required.

Renowned magician Bill Blagg takes audiences on a thrilling journey where physics and magic collide, using cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring tricks to defy the laws of nature in an electrifying stage show that blends mind-blowing illusions with the principles of science when Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic comes to The Parker for two shows on Tuesday, October 20 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. as part of Nicklaus Children's Smart Stage Matinee Series. Designed to excite, educate, intrigue and promote students to think “outside the box” and spawn their curiosity about how science and the Scientific Method are used by magicians to create the impossible, Blagg takes audiences on a thrilling journey where physics and magic collide, using cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring tricks to defy the laws of nature. With captivating storytelling, humor and jaw-dropping feats, Blagg demonstrates how science plays a crucial role in the art of magic, leaving viewers in disbelief and wonder. These school-day performances are ideal for charter, private, public and parochial school students and home-school networks and are recommended for grades 3-7. These educational performances are curriculum-driven and align with Florida’s B.E.S.T. Standards. Free study guides called “Curriculum Connections” are available to download on the Broward Center’s website. Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket; lap tickets are available for purchase for children 12 months and under at The Parker Box Office.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Macy Gray brings her one-of-a-kind voice to The Parker with her “On How Life Is 25th Anniversary Tour” on Thursday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Baptist Health Red Carpet Series. Gray first turned heads with her debut album, “On How Life Is,” where her raspy, soulful, and instantly recognizable voice became her signature. Once teased as a child for her distinctive sound, Gray nearly gave up speaking altogether, only later discovering her gift when she stepped to a microphone and stunned a studio into silence. Her vocals defy comparison: playful yet gritty, tender yet raw, drawing parallels to icons from Tina Turner to Billie Holiday, while remaining uniquely her own. Paired with sharp, witty songwriting and a vibrant blend of old-school soul, funk and modern hip-hop, Gray carved out a space in music that is both timeless and fresh. With undeniable charisma and originality, she continues to prove her artistry is as distinctive as her unforgettable voice.

Audiences are in for an awesome night of rock-and-roll when Orianthi brings her undeniable talent to The Parker on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. Australian-born Orianthi Panagaris is a virtuoso performer whose sound is steeped in hard rock traditions. The rock, blues and pop guitarist and singer is known for "According to You" and her role as Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist. Previously, she’s worked with the likes of Santana, Steve Vai and Alice Cooper. Throughout her career she’s released four studio albums and an EP as a solo artist.

Award-winning performer, charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling brings her touring variety show “You’re Welcome” to The Parker on Thursday, October 30 at 8 p.m. as part of the Truist Comedy Series. Featuring Darling’s razor-sharp wit, unquestionable advice, skillful magic and delightful friends, “You're Welcome” is more than just a tour. It's a reunion of people who have not yet met, a party for every member of the Darling family tree. Darling is accompanied on piano, ukulele and a cornucopia of other instruments by the delightfully eccentric Mark Ettinger (musician, composer and renowned globe-trotting juggler with the legendary Flying Karamazov Brothers). This charming duo’s playful banter and effortless chemistry dazzles and enchants audiences everywhere they go, resulting in sold-out appearances and a growing legion of devoted “Darlings.”

Los Angeles-based Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience delivers a career-spanning, pitch-perfect “best of” concert that transports listeners through time and touches on key moments from Depeche Mode’s more than 40-year career. The Broward Center and REG Presents bring this incredible mash-up with Strangelove and Ordinary Boys to The Parker on Friday, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. Songs from across the Depeche canon are lovingly recreated — from favorites on the band’s debut, “Speak & Spell,” to tracks from its latest album, “Spirit,” released in 2017. No detail of Strangelove’s presentation is overlooked. The visual production, complete with stage set pieces and in-show costume changes, reflects the different eras of Depeche Mode’s history. Special guest Ordinary Boys, formed in 2010, is a tribute band dedicated to the music of Morrissey and The Smiths. Named after a track from Morrissey's “Viva Hate,” the band quickly gained a loyal following with energetic performances across Florida. With evolving lineups and a focus on authenticity, the group delivers a powerful live experience featuring hits such as “How Soon Is Now?,” “This Charming Man” and “Irish Blood, English Heart.”

Also at The Parker this month: South Florida Symphony Orchestra: Brahms & Saint-Saëns (Nov. 5).

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at ParkerPlayhouse.com and Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; and 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. Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 N.E. Eighth St. in Fort Lauderdale. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility.

The Parker 2025/2026 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.

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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.

About The Parker

The Parker is Fort Lauderdale’s iconic, heritage theater presenting concerts, comedy, dance, family fare and more. Beautifully renovated in 2021, The Parker offers audiences enhanced entertainment and hospitality experiences. The neo-classical Lillian S. Wells Hall features outstanding acoustics, unobstructed sightlines, wide rows and continental seating. The grand S. Donald Sussman Lobby, Bernie Peck’s Bar, the intimate Haller Club, and the private members’ lounge, The Place To Be, provide ample opportunities for audiences to enjoy culture, cocktails and conversation with every visit to the theater. For more information, visit ParkerPlayhouse.com.

Complete October/November Schedule at The Parker

Oct. 2 MasterChef All-Stars Live!

Oct. 3 The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA

Oct. 9 Everclear: Sparkle and Fade 30^th Anniversary Tour

Oct. 16 Abducted by the ‘80s: Wang Chung and Men Without Hats

Oct. 18 Lee Asher

Oct. 19 Hokus Pokus Live! Starring Ginger Minj, Jujubee, Sapphira Cristal (18+)

Oct. 21 Smart Stage Matinee: Bill Blagg’s the Science of Magic

Oct. 23 Macy Gray

Oct. 24 Orianthi

Oct. 30 Lucy Darling – Truist Comedy Series

Oct. 31 Strangelove with Special Guest Ordinary Boys