Actor, comedian kicks off new series
Rob Schneider set to perform outdoors at Broward Center
In its continuing effort to reach out in ways audiences feel comfortable with, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale will unveil a new series of four socially distanced outdoor performances called Backlot Live tonight, with two shows by Emmy-winning actor-comedian Rob Schneider.
The series will take place on the Lillian S. Wells Backstage Plaza, a gussied-up space that you may remember as an oak-lined parking lot on the west side of the Broward Center. There will be table seating for groups of four or six, and standard seats sold in pairs.
Light snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at each performance, including premium spirits, wine, beer and soft drinks.
Tickets for Schneider’s shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. start at $40 at BrowardCenter.org.
Other performances in the Backlot Live series include comedian Benji Brown, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 13 ($35+); In the Light of Led Zeppelin, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Feb. 20 ($25+); and Best of the Eagles, 5 and 8 p.m. Feb. 27 ($25+). Backlot Live shows on March 13 by the classical-pop quartet Well-Strung were canceled.
Another outdoor performance in a different setting at the Broward Center happens 8:30 p.m. Saturday, as the production “AnniFLÓetry” animates the venue’s relaxing Peck Courtyard.
Hosted by prolific Fort Lauder
dale wordsmith Jerris “QUICKThePoet” Evans, “AnniFLÓetry” is a showcase of local and national spoken-word performers — an art form especially resonant after young poet Amanda Gorman’s dynamic reading at the presidential inaugural on Wednesday. Tickets cost $39 at BrowardCenter.org.
Beginning on March 16, the Broward Center will host the interactive outdoor theater production “Art Heist,” a true-crime walking show in which socially distanced groups of audience members inspect five locations near the venue for clues. “Art Heist” will take place Tuesday-Sunday through April 4. Tickets cost $39.50-$44.50 at BrowardCenter.org.