Calendar

Talking Tradition

Drama fuels discussion

A A A Comments By Nina Korman and Patti Roth and John Anderson Thursday, Jan 29 2004

SUN 2/1

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Christians, Jews, and Muslims are finally getting together, not around the world but at the Coconut Grove Playhouse (3500 Main Hwy.). This afternoon at 4:30 following a 2:00 p.m. performance of Chaim Potok and Aaron Posner's drama The Chosen, a panel discussion will ensue exploring how religions can stay the course in this chaotic world. Potok's play centering on two young Jewish men struggling with identity and friendship stars renowned veteran actor Theodore Bikel (above), who will participate in the discussion, as will representatives from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Miami Gardens Mosque, and the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Henry Green, director of Sephardic studies at the University of Miami, will moderate. Tickets to the show cost $40; the chat is free. Call 305-442-4000. -- By Nina Korman

Botanical Notes

Pianist plays among plants

SUN 2/1 When Luciano Pavarotti came to town, Paul Posnak was selected as his rehearsal pianist. Other accomplishments by the Juilliard-educated keyboardist include releasing 12 CDs, winning several awards, performing for the United States Supreme Court, and transcribing unpublished improvisational tunes from American musical icons such as George Gershwin and "Fats" Waller. Posnak, a professor of keyboard performance at the University of Miami, will bring his talent and enthusiasm to the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (2000 Convention Center Dr.) from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a concert of American and South American music that spans a century. Some lively tunes, he says, require nimble fingers that can move like a race car. Tickets cost $10. Call 305-673-7256, ext. 206. -- By Patti Roth

Gumbo Limbo

FRI 1/30 Over 100,000 fans served. That's what Bill Wharton, the Sauce Boss, could write on his golden arches, if he had any. Instead the master of the down-home jambalaya blues takes his show on the road, cooking up wicked guitar music while stirring up a big ol' pot of gumbo right onstage. But the Sauce Boss is no flash in the pan: Performing more than 30 years, he's been featured in the pages of Vintage Guitar, Gourmet, and GQ. Music is at 10:00 p.m., grub follows at Tobacco Road, 626 S. Miami Ave. Admission is $5. Call 305-374-1198. -- By John Anderson

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