When thinking of Shakespearean drama, animated characters don't spring to mind. But who better to tell Shakespeare's bloody "Tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" than the ultimate American idiot himself? In MacHomer, Rick Miller channels the Bard's tragedy through spot-on impersonations of 50 characters from The Simpsons. Homer is Macbeth, Marge is his murderous lady, Mr. Burns is Duncan, and Apu, Hans Moleman, Troy McClure, and the Bumblebee Man all make uproarious appearances. And being Springfield's only resident Scotsman, Groundskeeper Willie can be expected to show up along the way. Miller keeps the script 85 percent Shakespearean, but his creative flourishes will leave Simpsons fans HA-ha-ing in the aisles. Alas, you can't see this irreverent tribute to the Bard "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow," because this one-man show is here only tonight. This eve at 7:00 get thyself to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $27. Call 954-462-0222, or visit www.browardcenter.org. --Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
Synchro Swim
SAT 4/2
Esther Williams may have been the Million Dollar Mermaid back in the Fifties, but did she have the chance to play in such luxury as that of the restored Ritz-Carlton South Beach (1 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach)? The faithful update and restoration of the 1953 Morris Lapidus hotel cost more than 200 times the amount Williams's moniker implied she was worth (not adjusted for inflation), so it's no surprise the hotel's pool can hold several of the pricey creatures. Every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. five lovely mermaids will lead guests from the lobby to the pool for a water ballet under the setting sun. Immediately following in the Lapidus Lounge, the hosts promise everyone the VIP treatment any mermaid aficionado deserves without the attitude some of the local sirens dish out. Elaine Lancaster spins modern pop tunes from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Free and open to the public. Call 786-276-4000. -- Margaret Griffis
Spoken Words
Floats like a Butterfly
SAT 4/2
Rebecca "Butterfly" Vaughns is one of the pioneers of Miami's now-flourishing spoken-word scene. Tonight she proudly releases her latest CD, My Voice, Your Ears, a unique, vibrant blend of song and poetry. At her release parties Butterfly pays tribute to those who inspire her, and soul legend Marvin Gaye will be remembered tonight. Patrons are asked to eschew the typical Miami garb of shorts and flip-flops for classier attire. Come for music, food, and poetry tonight at 7:00 at the Country Club, 6801 Miami Gardens Dr., Miami. Admission is free. Call 305-836-3572. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
