| Fashion News Florida |
It's beginning to look a lot like discounts everywhere you go
Mark Chediak
Sentinel Staff Writer
December 22, 2007
Hoping to avoid a blue Christmas, Central Florida stores will open early, close late and cut prices this weekend in a last-ditch attempt to spur
spending before the holiday.
Gift buyers have been holding back this year, surveys show, leaving retailers looking for a final spending rush to salvage what has been a lackluster
season up to this point.
"It has been a bit of a sluggish start," said Kevin Phillips, store director at Mayors jewelers at Altamonte Mall in Altamonte Springs. Phillips said
traffic has picked up the past few days, however, with flummoxed men rushing in to pick up something special for a significant other.
"They have that panicked look in their eye," he said. "We try to calm them down."
But will frantic shoppers cram stores this weekend, looking for that perfect gift -- at the perfect price?
Industry watchers say up to a quarter of all consumers have waited until the last minute to shop, hoping to find bigger discounts as the Christmas
deadline nears.
They might be disappointed.
"The deals are not there," said Britt Beemer, Orlando-based chairman of America's Research Group, a consumer-research firm.
Retailers -- who have slimmed down inventories in anticipation of a sluggish holiday -- are unlikely to offer the type of dramatic price drops
shoppers typically see the day after Thanksgiving, Beemer said.
Granted, some stores in the Orlando-area are advertising weekend sales with discounts as high as 70 percent off select merchandise, but many will
wait to slash prices until after the holiday -- when shoppers return with gift cards in tow.
"You could see people walk in and not buy much this weekend," said Beemer, who is predicting one of the slowest Christmas shopping seasons in
years.
Amir Taher, 42, of Oviedo, who was finishing off his gift-buying Friday at Orlando Fashion Square mall, said he is hoping for better deals after
Christmas, when he'll be able to stretch his paycheck further.
"I don't like to run up my credit card," Taher said, adding that he has less money to spend this year because of expenses related to a recent move to
the area.
Consumers -- whose spending makes up nearly 70 percent of the nation's economic activity -- have been weighed down by sky-high gas prices,
higher food costs and a not-so-merry real-estate market.
Orlando mortgage broker Mitch Gover is feeling the pain. He said the housing bust has forced him to cut back spending this Christmas.
"It's brutal out there," Gover said.
On his list this year was a lone present for his wife, which he had snagged Friday on a last-minute shopping trip with a friend.
"I was given explicit instructions on what to get," he said. "I give up when it comes to doing something creative."
Since Thanksgiving weekend, crowds have been thinner at malls and stores across the country.
Retail sales and traffic were down for each of the past three weeks compared with the same three weeks a year ago, with traffic down 9 percent
and sales down 0.4 percent for the week ended Dec. 15, according to ShopperTrak, a Chicago research firm that monitors traffic at more than
50,000 retail locations and shopping centers.
Regional mall operators note they've seen a recent pickup as the final full shopping weekend before Christmas approaches.
"We're already getting [a rush]," Amy Leznoff, marketing manager at Altamonte Mall, said Friday.
"I see a lot a lot of men with little jewelry bags and a lot of Victoria's Secret bags," she said.
At Mall at Millenia and Florida Mall, personal shopping assistants were on call at department stores and luxury shops for any last-minute
requests.
"We're expecting very large crowds," said Thearon Scurlock, marketing manager at the Florida Mall. "I think people have waited and put things off
until the last weekend," he said.
For Your Information
The For Your Information column appears daily in The Miami Herald's Broward section. You'll find classes, clubs, programs for senior citizens
and children, and community entertainment events. On Fridays, Broward's Weekend section features comprehensive listings of the coming
weekend's entertainment events and a look at what's ahead.
Listings are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you call before attending an event.
SATURDAY, DEC. 22
The Acappella Singers: The 32-voice choir performs during the annual Grand Plaza Concert Series. The choir specializes in eight-part arrangements
with close harmonies and feature eclectic, seasonal, American and patriotic selections; noon to 2 p.m., Butterfly World, Tradewinds Park, 3600 W.
Sample Rd., Coconut Creek; free with paid admission of $21.95 adults, $15.95 children 3-11, free for kids 2 and under. 954-977-4434.
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1650 Harrison St., Hollywood; $6, $3 students, seniors and children ages 4-13, free for
members and children ages 3 and under. 954-921-3274, ext. 235:
• Microwave of Mascara, exhibition features a collection of paintings by Australian artist Georges LeBar, which focus on the reality of consumer
culture of art, fashion, advertising and commerce; through Jan. 6.
• Pillowtalk, exhibition features paintings and poetry by Georges LeBar, and is based on the book by the same name, co-written by LeBar and
writer C.M. Clark: exhibition available for view through Jan. 6; 6-9 p.m. poetry reading and book signing 6-9 p.m. Jan. 3; poetry reading is $6, free
for members.
Call for Vendors: The First United Church of Christ is seeking vendors to sell antiques, furniture, plants, clothing, jewelry, household items and
giftware during its Winter Market from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 12; First United Church of Christ, 200 N. 46th Ave., Hollywood; Inside spaces are $30,
outside spaces $25. 305-951-7349.
Coral Springs Museum of Art: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2855 Coral Springs Dr.; $5 adults, $4 seniors and tours, $3 students, free for museum members.
954-340-5000:
• Ingravidos, exhibition features figurative paintings by the artist Royo; through Jan. 5.
• One Voice, exhibition features paintings, photography and mixed media by the artists Scherer & Ouporov.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Society New River Inn: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 231 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale; general admission is $10. 954-463-
4431:
• Gators and Gardenias: The Flora & Fauna of South Florida, exhibition features works from Fort Lauderdale Historical Society collection: through
Dec. 30.
• Florida . . . Then & Now, exhibition of works by artists from the Bonnet House Museum and Garden: through Jan. 6.
Guest Artist: Jeff Daniels' play about a young playwright and the older playwright he idolizes; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Mosaic Theatre, (American
Heritage Center For The Arts), 12200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; $32, $27 for seniors 65 and older and $15 for students. 954-577-8243 or
mosaictheatre.com.
Haven Economic Development: Homebuyer workshop includes discussion on government grants and subsidies, low interest rate home mortgages,
budgeting, rebuilding credit, insurance, inspections and avoiding foreclosure; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastside Community Hall, 4300 SW 55th St., Davie;
free. 954-423-1637 or haveneconomic.org.
Holidays at Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary: Visit the historic Wray Home decked out for the holidays. Guided tours of the botanical
garden and wildlife sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. View 70 species of Florida native birds in the Free-Flight Aviary and Bird of Prey Center; 9:
30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Dec. 25; Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie; $17 adults, $8.50 children 4-11; discounts available for
seniors, AAA members, students and military personnel; narrated tram tour: $4 adults, $3 ages 4-11. 954-473-2955.
IMAX Theater: Five-story high screen and 42-speaker surround sound; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily including holidays; Museum of Discovery &
Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 kids 2-12, free kids 1 and under; museum and film: $15 adults, $14 seniors,
$12 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under; special engagement films: $12 adults and seniors, $10 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under; museum and
special engagement film: $16 adults and seniors, $13 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under. 954-467-6637:
• Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience, epic tale about legendary heroes stars Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins: through Jan. 17.
• Sharks 3D, documentary narrated by Jean-Michel Cousteau features 500 hours worth of dive footage: through Dec. 31.
• Dinosaurs Alive! 3D, viewers can discover some of the great dinosaur finds in history, including exotic, trackless expanse and sand dunes in
Mongolia's Gobi Desert: through Dec. 31.
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris: New Vista Theater performs in the musical that blends ballads, boleros, tangos and rock music;
2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie; $37-$40. 954-462-0222.
Joys of Modern Grandparenting: An enjoyable perspective on prenatal care, birth options and baby care for grandparents-to-be; classes are by
request; Broward General Medical Center, 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; $10 per family. 800-528-4888.
Karaoke in the Park: Choose from more than 750 songs and sing a tune; 1 to 3 p.m., Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania
Beach; free. 954-791-1030.
Kayak Rentals on the Middle River: Single and double kayaks available; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Island City Park Preserve, 823 NE 28th St., Wilton
Manors; $12 per hour for single kayaks, $20 per hour for double kayaks. 954-781-0073.
Leche-Vitrines Art Alliance: noon to 6 p.m., 3038 N. Federal Hwy., Bldg. G, second floor, Fort Lauderdale. 954-563-2993:
• Exhibition features more than 100 mixed media paintings, watercolor originals and limited-edition Iris Giclée reproductions; through Dec. 21.
• Delicate Nuances, exhibition features paintings by Boynton Beach artist Jerome T. Glickman and Miami artist Hans Feyerabend: through Jan. 12.
Legends and Lore of the Landscape Hike: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the nature center and discuss the historical importance and folklore of the
flora; 11 a.m. to noon, Anne Kolb Nature Center, West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood; $3. 954-926-2480.
Light Up Fort Lauderdale: View holiday lights and displays along Riverwalk at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk Park,
Esplanade Park and Huizenga Plaza. Takes place between Andrews and 16th avenues along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale; through Jan. 8.
954-468-1541.
Museum of Discovery & Science: Hands-on science museum; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7
children 12 and under. 954-467-6637:
• Aviation Station, permanent, interactive exhibition for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
• ROBOBugs! Invasion of the Giant Insects, traveling exhibit features robotic insects 40 to 600 times their actual size, plus interactive displays
and magnified heads of a honeybee, dragonfly and mosquito: exhibition available to view through Jan. 6.
Nature Explorers: Students ages 6-8 can join a park naturalist for a hands-on exploration of the nature center with various themed walks, crafts and
games; 9 to 11 a.m., Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek; $6. 954-970-0150.
Rockin' Around the Gingerbread Village: A centerpiece that features a three-foot-tall guitar, surrounded by 140 pounds of gingerbread, 120 pounds
of royal icing and 100 pounds of holiday candy created by John Gilbert, pastry chef at the Hard Rock Hotel; 24-hours daily through Jan. 2; Hard
Rock Live Arena at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, (exit Stirling Road), Hollywood; free. 800-937-0010.
Safari Isle: The more traditional swimming venue is open for all ages; participants can bring food and coolers (no glass containers/alcohol/grills) into
the aquatics facilities; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise; $3.50, plus $1.50 park entrance fee. 954-389-2000.
Simply Barbra: Steven Brinberg's musical tribute to Barbra Streisand; 8:30 p.m., Rising Action Theatre Company, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd.,
Oakland Park; $30. 954-815-8826.
Sweet Dreams Ronald McDonald House of Fort Lauderdale: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek's Nectar lounge has transformed into a giant candy
house filled with gingerbread and candy-themed decorations including a village of gingerbread houses, plus gourmet foods, a chocolate fountain and
dipping station, desserts and a special drink menu; 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut
Creek; $20 or a new, unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $10. 954-977-6700 or go to seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.
Tropical Sport Shooting Association: Ages 10 and up can participate in the group; 6 to 9 p.m., Markham Park Gun Range, 16001 W. State Road
84, Sunrise; $15. 954-389-2005.
Young at Art Children's Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11584 W. State Road 84, Davie; $8 general admission, $7.50 seniors, free for kids 1 and
under. 954-424-0085, ext. 17 or youngatartmuseum.org:
• Blue Man Group-Making Waves, interactive traveling exhibition unites science and art. Participants can see, feel, hear and create sound using
Blue Man Group instruments: through Jan. 6.
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
City of Fort Lauderdale Winter Break Camps: Children in grades one through six can enjoy fitness, games and field trips during their winter
vacation; 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 4, excluding Dec. 31 and Jan. 1; Fees vary:
• Bass Park, 2750 NW 19th St. 945-828-8498.
• Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd. 954-828-5411.
• Croissant Park Community Center, 245 West Park Dr. 954-468-1487.
• Lauderdale Manors Park, 1340 Chateau Park Dr. 954-828-5412.
• Osswald Park, 2220 NW 21st Ave. 954-497-1636.
• Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave. 954-321-1234.
• Warfield Park Recreation Center, 1000 N. Andrews Ave. 954-759-6896.
Museum of Discovery and Science Winter Camps: 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-713-0930:
• Children 6-12 can spend their week off studying global warming by creating their own greenhouse, experimenting with extreme weather and
creating projects with recycled materials; camp is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., before-care program is 8 to 9 a.m. and after-care program is 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 24-
28; $160 for four-day program, $140 for members.
• Features winter-themed events and programs about snowflakes, cold temperatures and sound waves, plus screenings of The Polar Express: An
IMAX 3D Experience: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Dec. 29-30 and Jan. 5-6; activities and screenings are part of the regular museum and IMAX screening
costs; a combination ticket which includes museum activities and film screenings is $16 adults, $13 children.
Young at Art Children's Museum: Daily camps with special themes focusing on a variety of art mediums for children; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for kids 5-
13, 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for kids 3-4 Dec. 24, Dec. 26, Dec. 27-28 and Dec. 31; 11584 W. State Road 84, Davie; $50 a day for
children 5-13, $45 members, $35 a day for children 3-4, $30 members. 954-424-0085, ext. 27.
Items contributed must be received at least two weeks in advance at Calendar Desk, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Fifth Floor Newsroom,
Miami, FL 33132-1693. Or e-mail your items to newscalendar@MiamiHerald.com. No faxes, please. For questions or corrections, call 954-764-
7026, ext. 3355. For complete listings of events throughout South Florida, go to MiamiHerald.com and click on Calendar on the left side of the
screen.
'High School' gets cool
On-ice version of film hit is skating its way into fans' hearts
By Steve Siegel
Special to The Morning Call
December 22, 2007
Can a hotshot high school basketball star find true love and happiness with a brainy member of the scholastic decathlon squad? Will they both
qualify for the leads in the big high school musical production? Can they go through all of this while ice skating on a huge arena in front of
thousands of spectators?
They sure can -- and do. Starting with the Emmy Award-winning 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie ''High School Musical,'' then in its sequel
''High School Musical 2'' which premiered in August, and now in the Disney production ''High School Musical: The Ice Tour,'' heartthrobs Troy
Bolton and Gabriella Montez resist peer pressure and clique rivalry while inspiring others along the way not to ''stick with the status quo.''
The ice show version of ''High School Musical'' had its world premiere at Madison Square Garden in September, and comes to the Wachovia
Complex in Philadelphia for 15 performances Dec. 28-Jan. 6. The global tour is expected to play in more than 100 cities the first year alone.
So popular have the two movies become with teens and 'tweens -- many who have all the songs and dance moves memorized -- that the ice
production has already become something akin to a class reunion.
For the uninformed, here's ''High School Musical'' 101. Two high school juniors from rival cliques -- basketball team captain Troy Bolton (Zac
Efron) and brainiac Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) -- meet at a New Year's party and perform a karaoke duet, ''Start of Something New,'' and
it's love at first sight. They both try out for the leads in the East High School musical. Problem is, by convention, basketball stars are playmakers,
not singers, and neither are shy, intelligent scholastic award winners. Peer pressure tries to keep this Romeo and Juliet apart and divides the school.
Substitute a country club for the school, golf and baseball for basketball, and you've pretty much got ''High School Musical 2.'' Other lead
characters in both movies include Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), an egocentric but lovable spoiled brat, her obnoxious brother Ryan (Lucas
Grabeel), Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu), Troy's best friend and fellow member of the Wildcats basketball team, and Taylor McKesson (Monique
Coleman), the leader of East High's science club.
''High School Musical'' was the No. 1 TV movie on DVD for 2006 and had an unprecedented nine original songs make the ''Hot 100'' list. One of
the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies ever produced, it has spawned DVD games, fashion accessories, a stage version, and even a
New York Times bestseller -- ''High School Musical: The Junior Novel.''
Its latest incarnation as an ice show was a tall order to pull off. The dynamic singing, acting and dance moves of the young actors in the film
versions would have to be repeated by an international team of world-class skaters from six countries on a huge expanse of ice. They had to look
like, act like and sing like the original leads to preserve the iconic look of the original shows.
To do that, ice show producer Kenny Ortega, the choreographer of ''Dirty Dancing'' and the two ''High School Musical'' film versions, brought on
board Charles ''Chucky'' Klapow as choreographer. Klapow had worked with Ortega on the film productions, was one of the Wildcat basketball
players in both movies, and had done choreography for ''Cheetah Girls 2'' and the Austin Powers movies.
''Kenny called on me to choreograph the show because it was important it look just like the movies and be authentic,'' says Klapow. ''I know the
kids and their characters so well from doing the films for 21/2 years now. So when a skater would maybe not act that much like Troy, I would go
up and say I think Troy would have done it like this, or say that Sharpay would smile more here and not look so mean.''
When Klapow started working on the show early in the summer, he had never skated.
''I told Kenny I didn't skate, and he said I didn't have to, that I'd be working with our ice choreographer Cindy Stuart on the floor,'' he says.
''I said, 'OK, cool.' But as soon as work started, I felt I needed to put on skates and figure it out. I was always a fan of figure skating, and we had a
month of preproduction choreography in L.A., so I had a month to figure it out in the middle of the process of choreographing it and translating it
to the ice.
''By the time we went to Florida to work with the skaters, I already knew what I was doing.''
But the process of adapting the show to ice was daunting, says Klapow.
''It was like solving a puzzle. On TV, you're watching it from only one direction, but with the show we have an audience on three sides, so we have
to keep changing direction and focus. Also, because the ice is so big, we want to skate and cover ground. For example, in the film the basketball
stuff in 'Get'cha Head in the Game' is all done in one place. Now in the ice show we do all that -- bouncing the ball through our legs and over our
heads -- but we're moving and skating while doing all that choreography.''
''A lot of footwork you can do on the floor doesn't work well on the blade,'' Klapow continues. ''So we had to change a lot of that, but still keep it
as close as possible to the films. But the upper body stuff -- there's a lot of that in my work -- we could keep intact.''
Luckily, the collaboration of Ortega and Klapow really clicked.
''He's an amazing teacher and motivator,'' Klapow says of Ortega. ''You know, Gene Kelly was his mentor. He'd say to me, I'm going to teach you
what Gene Kelly showed me. He was also the choreographer for Madonna's 'Material Girl' video. I'm so lucky to have been hooked up with him
for these jobs -- I've learned so much as a choreographer.''
Although Klapow does not travel with the tour (in January he'll start working on the third ''High School Musical'' sequel to be released in the fall),
performance director Cory Obst does.
Obst has worked with the Disney ice shows for more than 12 years as a performer, and the last 10 as a performance director. His job is to oversee
that everything happening on ice -- the skating, lighting cues, spot cues, stage and set movement -- does so with the consistency and precision of
the first performance. Obst was also a part of the team that worked on adapting the films to ice.
''We started the process by identifying the highlights and audience favorites from the movies,'' he says. ''That, of course, includes all the big
production scenes and musical numbers. Obviously, we can't include the entire films in two 45-minute acts.''
The first act consists of all the main production numbers from the first movie, and the second covers all the highlights from the sequel.
''Chucky [Klapow] gave us the exact movements from the stage and floor, and Cindy [Stuart] added the skating vocabulary to fill it out in an arena
with a 360-degree setting,'' he says.
''The talent of the performers and the awesome music and choreography really carry it,'' says Obst. ''The baseball skit is amazing on ice. We not
only do some of the great swing dancing from the movie but the entire baseball diamond and all the bases are lit up under the ice. The audience gets
really excited as soon as they hear the lead-up to the 'I Don't Dance' sequence.''
Equally critical to preserving the integrity of the original characters are the costumes. Says Obst, ''The costumes really do translate from the
movies, with a little artistic variation to allow the skaters to skate. The iconic look of the characters really comes across -- people will see Sharpay
looking like on on-ice diva. She's blinged-out to the hilt, and has at least a dozen costume changes. And we have an entire basketball team out there
in uniforms.''
The skaters even have to look like the actors the TV audiences know and love.
''I think we've captured that by the audience's response everywhere we've played. But people fell in love with the moral story and the characters
themselves before they fell in love with the stars,'' says Obst. ''They didn't know Zac or Ashley, but came to know their characters before they
knew the physical actors. That's what's happening with the ice show. People see this talented skater playing Gabrielle or Troy, they see the
resemblance, so by the end of the show they're in love with that skater.''
There's a lot to more to fall in love with in the ''High School Musical'' series than its endearing characters. It's not by coincidence that Vanessa
Hudgens looks a lot like Annette Funicello and conveys the wholesomeness of Sandra Dee -- her natural beauty and young innocence underline a
healthy message rarely seen in productions for teens and 'tweens since the days of ''Gidget.''
Says Obst, ''There's not much entertainment in today's society for this age group with a message they can look up to. Then here comes this little
gem that pops up with all those back-to-basics morals that I don't think are out there enough. It rings true to the heart and soul and I think these
kids are relating to it.''
The cast seems to be relating to it as much as anyone. Says Klapow, ''They're so passionate about what they do, just like their characters in the
films. There's a great, positive energy. All the messages of the films carry over into real life -- we're all those same, happy people.''
Klapow feels all this energy has carried over onto the ice. ''I really think the ice show has the look and spirit of the films. Hopefully, people who
see the show will feel like they've gone to East High for a day and experience what it's like to be a Wildcat live,'' he says.
Mark Chediak
Sentinel Staff Writer
December 22, 2007
Hoping to avoid a blue Christmas, Central Florida stores will open early, close late and cut prices this weekend in a last-ditch attempt to spur
spending before the holiday.
Gift buyers have been holding back this year, surveys show, leaving retailers looking for a final spending rush to salvage what has been a lackluster
season up to this point.
"It has been a bit of a sluggish start," said Kevin Phillips, store director at Mayors jewelers at Altamonte Mall in Altamonte Springs. Phillips said
traffic has picked up the past few days, however, with flummoxed men rushing in to pick up something special for a significant other.
"They have that panicked look in their eye," he said. "We try to calm them down."
But will frantic shoppers cram stores this weekend, looking for that perfect gift -- at the perfect price?
Industry watchers say up to a quarter of all consumers have waited until the last minute to shop, hoping to find bigger discounts as the Christmas
deadline nears.
They might be disappointed.
"The deals are not there," said Britt Beemer, Orlando-based chairman of America's Research Group, a consumer-research firm.
Retailers -- who have slimmed down inventories in anticipation of a sluggish holiday -- are unlikely to offer the type of dramatic price drops
shoppers typically see the day after Thanksgiving, Beemer said.
Granted, some stores in the Orlando-area are advertising weekend sales with discounts as high as 70 percent off select merchandise, but many will
wait to slash prices until after the holiday -- when shoppers return with gift cards in tow.
"You could see people walk in and not buy much this weekend," said Beemer, who is predicting one of the slowest Christmas shopping seasons in
years.
Amir Taher, 42, of Oviedo, who was finishing off his gift-buying Friday at Orlando Fashion Square mall, said he is hoping for better deals after
Christmas, when he'll be able to stretch his paycheck further.
"I don't like to run up my credit card," Taher said, adding that he has less money to spend this year because of expenses related to a recent move to
the area.
Consumers -- whose spending makes up nearly 70 percent of the nation's economic activity -- have been weighed down by sky-high gas prices,
higher food costs and a not-so-merry real-estate market.
Orlando mortgage broker Mitch Gover is feeling the pain. He said the housing bust has forced him to cut back spending this Christmas.
"It's brutal out there," Gover said.
On his list this year was a lone present for his wife, which he had snagged Friday on a last-minute shopping trip with a friend.
"I was given explicit instructions on what to get," he said. "I give up when it comes to doing something creative."
Since Thanksgiving weekend, crowds have been thinner at malls and stores across the country.
Retail sales and traffic were down for each of the past three weeks compared with the same three weeks a year ago, with traffic down 9 percent
and sales down 0.4 percent for the week ended Dec. 15, according to ShopperTrak, a Chicago research firm that monitors traffic at more than
50,000 retail locations and shopping centers.
Regional mall operators note they've seen a recent pickup as the final full shopping weekend before Christmas approaches.
"We're already getting [a rush]," Amy Leznoff, marketing manager at Altamonte Mall, said Friday.
"I see a lot a lot of men with little jewelry bags and a lot of Victoria's Secret bags," she said.
At Mall at Millenia and Florida Mall, personal shopping assistants were on call at department stores and luxury shops for any last-minute
requests.
"We're expecting very large crowds," said Thearon Scurlock, marketing manager at the Florida Mall. "I think people have waited and put things off
until the last weekend," he said.
For Your Information
The For Your Information column appears daily in The Miami Herald's Broward section. You'll find classes, clubs, programs for senior citizens
and children, and community entertainment events. On Fridays, Broward's Weekend section features comprehensive listings of the coming
weekend's entertainment events and a look at what's ahead.
Listings are subject to change without notice. It is recommended that you call before attending an event.
SATURDAY, DEC. 22
The Acappella Singers: The 32-voice choir performs during the annual Grand Plaza Concert Series. The choir specializes in eight-part arrangements
with close harmonies and feature eclectic, seasonal, American and patriotic selections; noon to 2 p.m., Butterfly World, Tradewinds Park, 3600 W.
Sample Rd., Coconut Creek; free with paid admission of $21.95 adults, $15.95 children 3-11, free for kids 2 and under. 954-977-4434.
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1650 Harrison St., Hollywood; $6, $3 students, seniors and children ages 4-13, free for
members and children ages 3 and under. 954-921-3274, ext. 235:
• Microwave of Mascara, exhibition features a collection of paintings by Australian artist Georges LeBar, which focus on the reality of consumer
culture of art, fashion, advertising and commerce; through Jan. 6.
• Pillowtalk, exhibition features paintings and poetry by Georges LeBar, and is based on the book by the same name, co-written by LeBar and
writer C.M. Clark: exhibition available for view through Jan. 6; 6-9 p.m. poetry reading and book signing 6-9 p.m. Jan. 3; poetry reading is $6, free
for members.
Call for Vendors: The First United Church of Christ is seeking vendors to sell antiques, furniture, plants, clothing, jewelry, household items and
giftware during its Winter Market from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 12; First United Church of Christ, 200 N. 46th Ave., Hollywood; Inside spaces are $30,
outside spaces $25. 305-951-7349.
Coral Springs Museum of Art: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2855 Coral Springs Dr.; $5 adults, $4 seniors and tours, $3 students, free for museum members.
954-340-5000:
• Ingravidos, exhibition features figurative paintings by the artist Royo; through Jan. 5.
• One Voice, exhibition features paintings, photography and mixed media by the artists Scherer & Ouporov.
Fort Lauderdale Historical Society New River Inn: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 231 SW Second Ave., Fort Lauderdale; general admission is $10. 954-463-
4431:
• Gators and Gardenias: The Flora & Fauna of South Florida, exhibition features works from Fort Lauderdale Historical Society collection: through
Dec. 30.
• Florida . . . Then & Now, exhibition of works by artists from the Bonnet House Museum and Garden: through Jan. 6.
Guest Artist: Jeff Daniels' play about a young playwright and the older playwright he idolizes; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Mosaic Theatre, (American
Heritage Center For The Arts), 12200 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation; $32, $27 for seniors 65 and older and $15 for students. 954-577-8243 or
mosaictheatre.com.
Haven Economic Development: Homebuyer workshop includes discussion on government grants and subsidies, low interest rate home mortgages,
budgeting, rebuilding credit, insurance, inspections and avoiding foreclosure; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastside Community Hall, 4300 SW 55th St., Davie;
free. 954-423-1637 or haveneconomic.org.
Holidays at Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary: Visit the historic Wray Home decked out for the holidays. Guided tours of the botanical
garden and wildlife sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. View 70 species of Florida native birds in the Free-Flight Aviary and Bird of Prey Center; 9:
30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily except Dec. 25; Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie; $17 adults, $8.50 children 4-11; discounts available for
seniors, AAA members, students and military personnel; narrated tram tour: $4 adults, $3 ages 4-11. 954-473-2955.
IMAX Theater: Five-story high screen and 42-speaker surround sound; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open daily including holidays; Museum of Discovery &
Science, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7 kids 2-12, free kids 1 and under; museum and film: $15 adults, $14 seniors,
$12 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under; special engagement films: $12 adults and seniors, $10 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under; museum and
special engagement film: $16 adults and seniors, $13 kids 2-12, free for kids 1 and under. 954-467-6637:
• Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience, epic tale about legendary heroes stars Ray Winstone and Anthony Hopkins: through Jan. 17.
• Sharks 3D, documentary narrated by Jean-Michel Cousteau features 500 hours worth of dive footage: through Dec. 31.
• Dinosaurs Alive! 3D, viewers can discover some of the great dinosaur finds in history, including exotic, trackless expanse and sand dunes in
Mongolia's Gobi Desert: through Dec. 31.
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris: New Vista Theater performs in the musical that blends ballads, boleros, tangos and rock music;
2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie; $37-$40. 954-462-0222.
Joys of Modern Grandparenting: An enjoyable perspective on prenatal care, birth options and baby care for grandparents-to-be; classes are by
request; Broward General Medical Center, 1600 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale; $10 per family. 800-528-4888.
Karaoke in the Park: Choose from more than 750 songs and sing a tune; 1 to 3 p.m., Secret Woods Nature Center, 2701 W. State Road 84, Dania
Beach; free. 954-791-1030.
Kayak Rentals on the Middle River: Single and double kayaks available; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Island City Park Preserve, 823 NE 28th St., Wilton
Manors; $12 per hour for single kayaks, $20 per hour for double kayaks. 954-781-0073.
Leche-Vitrines Art Alliance: noon to 6 p.m., 3038 N. Federal Hwy., Bldg. G, second floor, Fort Lauderdale. 954-563-2993:
• Exhibition features more than 100 mixed media paintings, watercolor originals and limited-edition Iris Giclée reproductions; through Dec. 21.
• Delicate Nuances, exhibition features paintings by Boynton Beach artist Jerome T. Glickman and Miami artist Hans Feyerabend: through Jan. 12.
Legends and Lore of the Landscape Hike: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the nature center and discuss the historical importance and folklore of the
flora; 11 a.m. to noon, Anne Kolb Nature Center, West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood; $3. 954-926-2480.
Light Up Fort Lauderdale: View holiday lights and displays along Riverwalk at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk Park,
Esplanade Park and Huizenga Plaza. Takes place between Andrews and 16th avenues along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale; through Jan. 8.
954-468-1541.
Museum of Discovery & Science: Hands-on science museum; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; $9 adults, $8 seniors, $7
children 12 and under. 954-467-6637:
• Aviation Station, permanent, interactive exhibition for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.
• ROBOBugs! Invasion of the Giant Insects, traveling exhibit features robotic insects 40 to 600 times their actual size, plus interactive displays
and magnified heads of a honeybee, dragonfly and mosquito: exhibition available to view through Jan. 6.
Nature Explorers: Students ages 6-8 can join a park naturalist for a hands-on exploration of the nature center with various themed walks, crafts and
games; 9 to 11 a.m., Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek; $6. 954-970-0150.
Rockin' Around the Gingerbread Village: A centerpiece that features a three-foot-tall guitar, surrounded by 140 pounds of gingerbread, 120 pounds
of royal icing and 100 pounds of holiday candy created by John Gilbert, pastry chef at the Hard Rock Hotel; 24-hours daily through Jan. 2; Hard
Rock Live Arena at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, (exit Stirling Road), Hollywood; free. 800-937-0010.
Safari Isle: The more traditional swimming venue is open for all ages; participants can bring food and coolers (no glass containers/alcohol/grills) into
the aquatics facilities; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Markham Park, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise; $3.50, plus $1.50 park entrance fee. 954-389-2000.
Simply Barbra: Steven Brinberg's musical tribute to Barbra Streisand; 8:30 p.m., Rising Action Theatre Company, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd.,
Oakland Park; $30. 954-815-8826.
Sweet Dreams Ronald McDonald House of Fort Lauderdale: Seminole Casino Coconut Creek's Nectar lounge has transformed into a giant candy
house filled with gingerbread and candy-themed decorations including a village of gingerbread houses, plus gourmet foods, a chocolate fountain and
dipping station, desserts and a special drink menu; 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m., Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, 5550 NW 40th St., Coconut
Creek; $20 or a new, unwrapped toy with a minimum value of $10. 954-977-6700 or go to seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.
Tropical Sport Shooting Association: Ages 10 and up can participate in the group; 6 to 9 p.m., Markham Park Gun Range, 16001 W. State Road
84, Sunrise; $15. 954-389-2005.
Young at Art Children's Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11584 W. State Road 84, Davie; $8 general admission, $7.50 seniors, free for kids 1 and
under. 954-424-0085, ext. 17 or youngatartmuseum.org:
• Blue Man Group-Making Waves, interactive traveling exhibition unites science and art. Participants can see, feel, hear and create sound using
Blue Man Group instruments: through Jan. 6.
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
City of Fort Lauderdale Winter Break Camps: Children in grades one through six can enjoy fitness, games and field trips during their winter
vacation; 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Dec. 26-Jan. 4, excluding Dec. 31 and Jan. 1; Fees vary:
• Bass Park, 2750 NW 19th St. 945-828-8498.
• Joseph C. Carter Park, 1450 W. Sunrise Blvd. 954-828-5411.
• Croissant Park Community Center, 245 West Park Dr. 954-468-1487.
• Lauderdale Manors Park, 1340 Chateau Park Dr. 954-828-5412.
• Osswald Park, 2220 NW 21st Ave. 954-497-1636.
• Riverland Park, 950 SW 27th Ave. 954-321-1234.
• Warfield Park Recreation Center, 1000 N. Andrews Ave. 954-759-6896.
Museum of Discovery and Science Winter Camps: 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-713-0930:
• Children 6-12 can spend their week off studying global warming by creating their own greenhouse, experimenting with extreme weather and
creating projects with recycled materials; camp is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., before-care program is 8 to 9 a.m. and after-care program is 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 24-
28; $160 for four-day program, $140 for members.
• Features winter-themed events and programs about snowflakes, cold temperatures and sound waves, plus screenings of The Polar Express: An
IMAX 3D Experience: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 22-23, Dec. 29-30 and Jan. 5-6; activities and screenings are part of the regular museum and IMAX screening
costs; a combination ticket which includes museum activities and film screenings is $16 adults, $13 children.
Young at Art Children's Museum: Daily camps with special themes focusing on a variety of art mediums for children; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for kids 5-
13, 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for kids 3-4 Dec. 24, Dec. 26, Dec. 27-28 and Dec. 31; 11584 W. State Road 84, Davie; $50 a day for
children 5-13, $45 members, $35 a day for children 3-4, $30 members. 954-424-0085, ext. 27.
Items contributed must be received at least two weeks in advance at Calendar Desk, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Fifth Floor Newsroom,
Miami, FL 33132-1693. Or e-mail your items to newscalendar@MiamiHerald.com. No faxes, please. For questions or corrections, call 954-764-
7026, ext. 3355. For complete listings of events throughout South Florida, go to MiamiHerald.com and click on Calendar on the left side of the
screen.
'High School' gets cool
On-ice version of film hit is skating its way into fans' hearts
By Steve Siegel
Special to The Morning Call
December 22, 2007
Can a hotshot high school basketball star find true love and happiness with a brainy member of the scholastic decathlon squad? Will they both
qualify for the leads in the big high school musical production? Can they go through all of this while ice skating on a huge arena in front of
thousands of spectators?
They sure can -- and do. Starting with the Emmy Award-winning 2006 Disney Channel Original Movie ''High School Musical,'' then in its sequel
''High School Musical 2'' which premiered in August, and now in the Disney production ''High School Musical: The Ice Tour,'' heartthrobs Troy
Bolton and Gabriella Montez resist peer pressure and clique rivalry while inspiring others along the way not to ''stick with the status quo.''
The ice show version of ''High School Musical'' had its world premiere at Madison Square Garden in September, and comes to the Wachovia
Complex in Philadelphia for 15 performances Dec. 28-Jan. 6. The global tour is expected to play in more than 100 cities the first year alone.
So popular have the two movies become with teens and 'tweens -- many who have all the songs and dance moves memorized -- that the ice
production has already become something akin to a class reunion.
For the uninformed, here's ''High School Musical'' 101. Two high school juniors from rival cliques -- basketball team captain Troy Bolton (Zac
Efron) and brainiac Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) -- meet at a New Year's party and perform a karaoke duet, ''Start of Something New,'' and
it's love at first sight. They both try out for the leads in the East High School musical. Problem is, by convention, basketball stars are playmakers,
not singers, and neither are shy, intelligent scholastic award winners. Peer pressure tries to keep this Romeo and Juliet apart and divides the school.
Substitute a country club for the school, golf and baseball for basketball, and you've pretty much got ''High School Musical 2.'' Other lead
characters in both movies include Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), an egocentric but lovable spoiled brat, her obnoxious brother Ryan (Lucas
Grabeel), Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu), Troy's best friend and fellow member of the Wildcats basketball team, and Taylor McKesson (Monique
Coleman), the leader of East High's science club.
''High School Musical'' was the No. 1 TV movie on DVD for 2006 and had an unprecedented nine original songs make the ''Hot 100'' list. One of
the most successful Disney Channel Original Movies ever produced, it has spawned DVD games, fashion accessories, a stage version, and even a
New York Times bestseller -- ''High School Musical: The Junior Novel.''
Its latest incarnation as an ice show was a tall order to pull off. The dynamic singing, acting and dance moves of the young actors in the film
versions would have to be repeated by an international team of world-class skaters from six countries on a huge expanse of ice. They had to look
like, act like and sing like the original leads to preserve the iconic look of the original shows.
To do that, ice show producer Kenny Ortega, the choreographer of ''Dirty Dancing'' and the two ''High School Musical'' film versions, brought on
board Charles ''Chucky'' Klapow as choreographer. Klapow had worked with Ortega on the film productions, was one of the Wildcat basketball
players in both movies, and had done choreography for ''Cheetah Girls 2'' and the Austin Powers movies.
''Kenny called on me to choreograph the show because it was important it look just like the movies and be authentic,'' says Klapow. ''I know the
kids and their characters so well from doing the films for 21/2 years now. So when a skater would maybe not act that much like Troy, I would go
up and say I think Troy would have done it like this, or say that Sharpay would smile more here and not look so mean.''
When Klapow started working on the show early in the summer, he had never skated.
''I told Kenny I didn't skate, and he said I didn't have to, that I'd be working with our ice choreographer Cindy Stuart on the floor,'' he says.
''I said, 'OK, cool.' But as soon as work started, I felt I needed to put on skates and figure it out. I was always a fan of figure skating, and we had a
month of preproduction choreography in L.A., so I had a month to figure it out in the middle of the process of choreographing it and translating it
to the ice.
''By the time we went to Florida to work with the skaters, I already knew what I was doing.''
But the process of adapting the show to ice was daunting, says Klapow.
''It was like solving a puzzle. On TV, you're watching it from only one direction, but with the show we have an audience on three sides, so we have
to keep changing direction and focus. Also, because the ice is so big, we want to skate and cover ground. For example, in the film the basketball
stuff in 'Get'cha Head in the Game' is all done in one place. Now in the ice show we do all that -- bouncing the ball through our legs and over our
heads -- but we're moving and skating while doing all that choreography.''
''A lot of footwork you can do on the floor doesn't work well on the blade,'' Klapow continues. ''So we had to change a lot of that, but still keep it
as close as possible to the films. But the upper body stuff -- there's a lot of that in my work -- we could keep intact.''
Luckily, the collaboration of Ortega and Klapow really clicked.
''He's an amazing teacher and motivator,'' Klapow says of Ortega. ''You know, Gene Kelly was his mentor. He'd say to me, I'm going to teach you
what Gene Kelly showed me. He was also the choreographer for Madonna's 'Material Girl' video. I'm so lucky to have been hooked up with him
for these jobs -- I've learned so much as a choreographer.''
Although Klapow does not travel with the tour (in January he'll start working on the third ''High School Musical'' sequel to be released in the fall),
performance director Cory Obst does.
Obst has worked with the Disney ice shows for more than 12 years as a performer, and the last 10 as a performance director. His job is to oversee
that everything happening on ice -- the skating, lighting cues, spot cues, stage and set movement -- does so with the consistency and precision of
the first performance. Obst was also a part of the team that worked on adapting the films to ice.
''We started the process by identifying the highlights and audience favorites from the movies,'' he says. ''That, of course, includes all the big
production scenes and musical numbers. Obviously, we can't include the entire films in two 45-minute acts.''
The first act consists of all the main production numbers from the first movie, and the second covers all the highlights from the sequel.
''Chucky [Klapow] gave us the exact movements from the stage and floor, and Cindy [Stuart] added the skating vocabulary to fill it out in an arena
with a 360-degree setting,'' he says.
''The talent of the performers and the awesome music and choreography really carry it,'' says Obst. ''The baseball skit is amazing on ice. We not
only do some of the great swing dancing from the movie but the entire baseball diamond and all the bases are lit up under the ice. The audience gets
really excited as soon as they hear the lead-up to the 'I Don't Dance' sequence.''
Equally critical to preserving the integrity of the original characters are the costumes. Says Obst, ''The costumes really do translate from the
movies, with a little artistic variation to allow the skaters to skate. The iconic look of the characters really comes across -- people will see Sharpay
looking like on on-ice diva. She's blinged-out to the hilt, and has at least a dozen costume changes. And we have an entire basketball team out there
in uniforms.''
The skaters even have to look like the actors the TV audiences know and love.
''I think we've captured that by the audience's response everywhere we've played. But people fell in love with the moral story and the characters
themselves before they fell in love with the stars,'' says Obst. ''They didn't know Zac or Ashley, but came to know their characters before they
knew the physical actors. That's what's happening with the ice show. People see this talented skater playing Gabrielle or Troy, they see the
resemblance, so by the end of the show they're in love with that skater.''
There's a lot to more to fall in love with in the ''High School Musical'' series than its endearing characters. It's not by coincidence that Vanessa
Hudgens looks a lot like Annette Funicello and conveys the wholesomeness of Sandra Dee -- her natural beauty and young innocence underline a
healthy message rarely seen in productions for teens and 'tweens since the days of ''Gidget.''
Says Obst, ''There's not much entertainment in today's society for this age group with a message they can look up to. Then here comes this little
gem that pops up with all those back-to-basics morals that I don't think are out there enough. It rings true to the heart and soul and I think these
kids are relating to it.''
The cast seems to be relating to it as much as anyone. Says Klapow, ''They're so passionate about what they do, just like their characters in the
films. There's a great, positive energy. All the messages of the films carry over into real life -- we're all those same, happy people.''
Klapow feels all this energy has carried over onto the ice. ''I really think the ice show has the look and spirit of the films. Hopefully, people who
see the show will feel like they've gone to East High for a day and experience what it's like to be a Wildcat live,'' he says.
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