FRI 12/17
What happens when 4 tired, cranky, randy strangers meet up at a lingerie sale? They commiserate on menopause before breaking into song in Menopause The Musical, which runs through January 29 at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University (3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie). The popular show intermittently flows through relyricized baby boomer hits mixed with topical humor that no man dare call dry. Tickets cost $39.50 except New Year's Eve which is $60 and includes champagne. Showtimes vary. Call 954-462-0222 or visit www.browardevents.com. -- Margaret Griffis
The Wild Bunch
Winterfest bike week is ready to roar
THU 12/16
When most people think of bikers, they visualize grizzled men with frightening countenances, straddling growling machines that take over the highway like a pack of wild dogs. But not all chopper-holics are über macho menaces to society. Discover the true nature of the motorcycling man at the Winterfest Bike Week. This open-air event will include a custom motorcycle giveaway, amateur contest, stunts, and a calendar girl search. Griz and his band Damage Kontrol will bring hardcore hip- hop-infused rock to the stage. Despite the high-octane shenanigans, this event is intended to be fun family entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to leave their gang colors, violence, attitudes, and drugs far behind, exchanging them for the sweet pleasures of charity fundraising and meeting stunt legend Evel Knievel. Get your motor running and head out on the highway to Pro Player Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami Gardens. Call 305-262-9986 or visit www.winterfestbikeweek.com. -- Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
Nut Job
SAT 12/18
Admit it: You haven't been to see The Nutcracker since you were 4-and-a-half years old. We think it's time you revisited the original scene of your trauma, to kick that phobia of dancing life-sized dolls, to deal with your dread of the Mouse King. They're not real, you know? Sometimes a nutcracker is just a nutcracker. Coincidentally, there happens to be a show coming up in your neighborhood, performed by Ballet Etudes and starring Maria Kowroski as the Sugar Plum Fairy/Snow Queen, and Charles Askegard as her partner. Both are principal dancers with the New York City Ballet. The performance at the newly revamped Jackie Gleason Theater (1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) goes on with a full orchestra. Tickets cost $18 to $55 for the 2 p.m. matinee on December 18 and $20 to $60 for the evening performances. Call Ballet Etudes at 305-827-1345 or the Gleason at 305-673-7300. -- Gail Shepherd