Greetings {name},

Wednesday, December 15 is Bill Of Rights Day. The Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791. Understanding the Bill of Rights is an important part of the naturalization test and something every American should know and understand.

Friday, December 17 is Wright Brothers Day, commemorating their seminal first flight event on December 17, 1903 and subsequent achievements in the launch of modern aviation. It's also Pan American Aviation Day, focusing on developing more rapid communications and a cultural development between the countries in the western hemisphere.

Tuesday, December 21 is the Winter Solstice, the moment the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the southernmost latitude it reaches during the year.

As always, make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, experience the live theatre and the best movies, browse the book stores, look into the art galleries and meet up with friends at the restaurants. Visit the parks and public spaces to appreciate the bounties of nature. 

Enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

Waterfalls over the caves at Venetian Pool

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Now Through January 2

Holiday Park with Santa

Across from City Hall, Holiday Park is open seven days a week featuring pictures with Santa Claus. Photos are available for $8 each, in full color, and framed in a postcard. https://www.coralgables.com/events/63548/

Last Weekend

GabeStage - Arthur Miller's The Price

The legacy theatre program at GableStage begins their new season with a classic American drama -- Arthur Miller's The Price, a two-act play exploring family dynamics, the price of furniture, and the price of one's own decisions. After the Great Depression, Victor Franz gave up going to college to support his father. His brother did not. After 30 years, they return to sell their parents’ estate. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Wednesdays at 2 and 7pm. Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm. Saturdays at 2 and 8pm. Sundays at 2pm. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.gablestage.org

Last Weekend

Middletown at Miracle Theatre

Actors’ Playhouse, together with GFour Productions presents Middletown from November 17 to December 12, 2021 at the Miracle Theatre featuing a star-studded lineup of great talent. An exhilarating and universal depiction of love and friendship, Middletown follows the story of two couples who endure the roller coaster of life together, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Staged without a set or props, the stars read directly from scripts, as if reading from the book of their own lives -- and ours. Tickets start at $55 and may be purchased at the theatre or in advance online. Call 305-444-9293 x1. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Starts Friday

Being the Ricardos

During one production week of I Love Lucy -- from Monday table read through Friday audience taping -- Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) face a series of crises that threaten their show, their careers, and their marriage. In this compelling drama based on true events, writer and director Aaron Sorkin (A Few Good Men, The West Wing, The Social Network) explores the behind-the-scenes personal and professional tumult of this celebrity couple during the 1950s when artists were subjected to intense government scrutiny for their beliefs and perceived political affiliations. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/being-the-ricardos/

Seraphic Fire - New Release

I Wonder as I Wander

John Jacob Niles composition I Wonder as I Wander is a lasting testament to Niles’ dedication to the preservation and dissemination of Appalachian folk music. On a 1933 trip to Appalachia, Niles encountered a young girl in Murphy, North Carolina, who sang musical and textual fragments which Niles would later use as the inspiration for this original composition. "For poor ornery people like you and like I: I wonder as I wander, Out under the sky." https://vimeo.com/574612564

Thursday, December 9 at 10:30am

Growing Orchids in South Florida

Dr. Sandy Schultz will share her tips and techniques to successfully purchase, grow, and enjoy orchids. Cultural requirements for common orchids will be addressed, with demonstrations of dividing and repotting orchids, how to choose potting materials, and types of orchid pots and mounts. Sandra Schultz Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus Miami Dade College, past president of Orchid Society of Coral Gables and South Florida Orchid Society, and native Miamian. She has grown and exhibited orchids for more than 30 years. Members $35; Non-members $45. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/growing-orchids-in-south-florida-2/

December 10 to 19

Area Stage Company - Willy Wonka

The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical following enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory -- or suffer the consequences. General Audience $30; Students $15. https://www.simpletix.com/e/roald-dahls-willy-wonka-jr-tickets-91703

Friday, December 10 at 8pm

Annie Leibovitz - Wonderland

Fashion has been both the subject of, and the vehicle for, many of Leibovitz’s images, which have graced the covers and interiors of countless publications and magazines around the world. In conversation with her longtime editor at Phaidon, Deb Aaronson, Leibovitz will share stories from her ambitious fashion shoots -- including looks by designers such Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and Rei Kawakubo -- alongside tales of her encounters with a wide and diverse range of icons: from fashion designers such as Stella McCartney and Karl Lagerfeld to Kate Moss, Serena Williams, politicians Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi, and cultural figures -- Queen Elizabeth II, Lady Gaga, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie -- to name a few. Get details online.

Saturday, December 11 at noon

Tropical Audubon Society - Miami Exotics Tour

Joe Barros (bilingual) and Brian Rapoza will lead birders in search of parrots, bulbuls, mynas, swamphens and other introduced species in this all-day van trip. Fee: $95 (includes van/gas and lunch at a local restaurant). Reservations are required. This trip is limited to 20 participants. Get details online.

Saturday, December 11 at 4pm

Saturnalia Holiday Concert

You are cordially invited to Saturnalia, A New Holiday Tradition, a special holiday concert and a wonderful way to get into the joyous spirit of the season, at the UM Otto G. Richter Library, 1300 Memorial Drive. Tickets are $10-15. Get details online.

Sunday, December 12 from 1 to 4pm

Coral Gables Holiday Celebration at Merrick House

Embrace the nostalgia and traditional of caroling, hand-crafted gifts, vintage wares, and holiday confections. Stroll though the house, all decked out by the Coral Gables Garden Club. Games, crafts, warm apple cider and a visit from Santa Claus for the wee folk will make a charming holiday memory. The historic Coral Gables Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. https://www.coralgables.com/coral-gables-merrick-house

Sunday, December 12 from 5 to 7pm

Junior Orange Bowl Parade

Bring the family out for the 73rd annual Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration sponsored by the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, featuring floats, bands, performers, and more than 2,000 youth community group participants. https://juniororangebowl.org/what-we-do/community-events/

Sunday, December 12 at 4pm

Free Family Holiday Concert - Greater Miami Symphonic Band

The public is invited to this open-air free family fun Holiday Concert at Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl featuring vocalist Susie Blank Wolfe and an audience sing-along of popular holiday selections. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road. Call 305-273-7687 for details. http://gmsb.org/season-schedule/

Sunday, December 12 at 4pm

Free Holiday Concert - Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Join the Community Arts Program (CAP) Conservatory and Jazz Institute Performing Ensembles in a free holiday concert titled Welcome Back To The Most Wonderful Time of the Year with CAP teaching artists, students, and special guests bringing jazz, contemporary, and holiday favorites. Tracy Fields, NPR’s voice of Evenin’ Jazz, is the mistress of ceremonies for a festive hour to share with family and friends. No tickets or reservations needed. Mask and proof of vaccination (or a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result within 72-hours) are required at the door for everyone. Call 305-448-7421, x120. https://communityartsprogram.org

Sunday, December 12 at 7:30pm

Mel Brooks - All About Me!

At 95, the legendary Mel Brooks continues to set the standard for comedy across television, film, and the stage. Now, for the first time, this EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner shares his story in his own words. Tickets include a copy of the book shipped to your door. Enjoy an evening on Zoom with Mel, discussing his new book, All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business, from his meteoric rise from a Depression-era kid in Brooklyn to the recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Links will be sent 24 hours and again one hour before the program starts. Your ticket includes book shipping. Get details online.

Monday, December 13 at 7pm

Sharon Gless - Apparently There Were Complaints

Emmy Award­–winning actress Sharon Gless tells all in this laugh-out-loud, juicy, and touching memoir about her five decades in Hollywood, where she took on some of the most groundbreaking roles of her time. Anyone who has seen Sharon Gless act in Cagney and Lacey, Queer as Folk, Burn Notice, and countless other shows and movies, knows that she’s someone who gives every role her all. She holds nothing back in Apparently There Were Complaints, a hilarious, deeply personal memoir that spills all about Gless’s five decades in Hollywood. Apparently There Were Complaints delves into Gless’s remarkable career and explores Gless’s complicated family, her struggles with alcoholism, and her fear of romantic commitment as well as her encounters with some of the Hollywood’s biggest names. Brutally honest and incredibly relatable, Gless puts it all out on the page in the same way she has lived -- never with moderation. This event takes place at the Congregational Church. Get details online. 

Wednesday, December 15 at noon

Villagers' Lunch & Learn - Historic Windows

"Replacement Windows for Historic Buildings: Managing Compromise When Perfection is Out of Reach" will be the next topic in The Villagers' free monthly Preserving Our Community webinar series. The webinar will feature guest speaker John Medina, president, John Richard Medina Architects and Associates. Medina will cover different levels of replacement when historic windows no longer exist or cost is an issue, sharing what aspects are most critical for preserving historic character. The one-hour Zoom program will be held at noon, on Wednesday, December 15. Participants must register in advance online. https://thevillagersinc.org/villagers-lunch-and-learn/

Friday, Saturday & Sunday - Dec 17–19

Frankenstein - Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller 

Nation Theatre Live at Gables Cinema. Directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The production was a sell-out hit at the National Theatre in 2011, and the broadcast has since become an international sensation, experienced by almost half a million people in cinemas around the world. Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal. Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/frankenstein-ntl/

Friday, December 17 at 8pm

GableStage World Premiere of Joe Papp at the Ballroom

The second production of the GableStage season, Joe Papp at the Ballroom, features world-famous actor Avi Hoffman and Tony-nominated Director Eleanor Reissa in a limited-engagement production that honors New York theatre visionary Joseph Papp, who would have been 100 years old this year. The new musical is inspired by the first and only autobiographical concert series that Joseph Papp, founder of Shakespeare in the Park and New York’s Public theatre, performed at the Ballroom in SOHO in 1978. Tickets can be purchased by phone or online. Call 305-445-1119. https://www.gablestage.org/tickets-3/

Saturday, January 15 at 10am

Redland Riot Road Rally

Every third Saturday in January, since 1994, this fruity, tropical history tour through the Redland agricultural region has delighted hundreds of families, history buffs, foodies and nature lovers with a whimsical adventure through the countryside. Dozens of car teams go searching for clues and enjoying the bounty of the Redland, stopping at wonderful places along the way. Meet at Cauley Square between 10 and 11am to get started. The big finale is at Schnebly Redland's Winery in the Miami Brewing Company Tap Room at 5pm. This event is sponsored by Dade Heritage Trust, now celebrating 50 years of preservation, education and advocacy. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site. https://www.redlandriot.com/Rallye.html

The Season Is Here

Everglades Swamp Tours

Reserve space with Everglades Swamp Tours for an amazing adventure in the wild Everglades -- with your own custom tour of these vast open spaces. Experience the natural wildlife up close and appreciate the serene nature of this pristine environment. https://www.evergladesswamptours.com

Many of our favorite eateries in the Gables are offering curbside takeout, as well as delivery services. Here's a handy list of choices for Gables residents and friends.

http://www.greatgables.com/CoralGables/ToGo.html