Prepare to be whisked away to the cultural heart of Palm Beach as we sit down with the Kravitz Center's dynamic marketing duo, Meredyth and Dana, to explore a spectacular lineup that promises to dazzle and inspire. Their passion for the arts is palpable as they unveil the much-anticipated Broadway smashes Sixth the Musical and Hamilton's encore, alongside a ground-breaking exhibition set for summer 2024, Space Explorers: The Infinite. Imagine strapping on VR goggles to float alongside astronauts—a truly out-of-this-world experience awaits!
Our episode is peppered with the rich tapestry of life in Palm Beach County, where the Kravitz Center stands as a cornerstone of cultural vibrancy. We share laughter and insights into the daily delights of the area, from the joyous bustle of Sunfest to the charming local farmers market. Revel in the melody of our conversation about the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic's upcoming performance, and feel the pull of West Palm Beach's enchanting streets and the allure of the Brightline train. Meredith, Dana, and I extend an invitation to find your rhythm in the heart of Palm Beach's thriving arts scene—where there's always an encore waiting just for you.
Prepare to be whisked away to the cultural heart of Palm Beach as we sit down with the Kravitz Center's dynamic marketing duo, Meredyth and Dana, to explore a spectacular lineup that promises to dazzle and inspire. Their passion for the arts is palpable as they unveil the much-anticipated Broadway smashes Sixth the Musical and Hamilton's encore, alongside a ground-breaking exhibition set for summer 2024, Space Explorers: The Infinite. Imagine strapping on VR goggles to float alongside astronauts—a truly out-of-this-world experience awaits!
Our episode is peppered with the rich tapestry of life in Palm Beach County, where the Kravitz Center stands as a cornerstone of cultural vibrancy. We share laughter and insights into the daily delights of the area, from the joyous bustle of Sunfest to the charming local farmers market. Revel in the melody of our conversation about the prestigious Vienna Philharmonic's upcoming performance, and feel the pull of West Palm Beach's enchanting streets and the allure of the Brightline train. Meredith, Dana, and I extend an invitation to find your rhythm in the heart of Palm Beach's thriving arts scene—where there's always an encore waiting just for you.
Hi everybody, welcome to Isle of Palm Beach. Today, again, we have a very special show. We're gonna be talking to some people who have a very magical place. That people it's a top destination for people to go to when they're visiting West Palm Beach. It's known for music, theater, the arts, and it's known as the Kravitz Center and it is a world-class theater system. And we are very lucky today to have Meredith and Dana, who are the marketing directors, and they're here to visit with us, tell us about a very special show that's coming up the Infinite and just some history at the theater. And I wanted to show that. I have this book. You can see it, and this is a wonderful publication that if you attend a show, you get on the mailing list for the Kravitz Center and it is a beautiful magazine style book and it tells you everything about the 2023 to 2024 season and I know you've got some wonderful things planned for 2025. But I'm going to let Meredith, would you like to start?
Speaker 2:Sure. So I really focus on a lot of the commercial shows we have coming up. We have our Broadway season in the middle of the season right now, so we have Sixth the Musical and Tina Turner, which will be here in just a couple of months, and then we're really excited to have two weeks of Hamilton coming back, and the last time that show was here was 2020, so right before COVID. So we have that for two weeks in April and we're really excited about that. But the Kravitz Center in general has all sorts of programming from ballet and contemporary dance. We have magicians and improv. So if there's any sort of entertainment you want to see, we pretty much have it for everybody and for all ages too, from kids. We have Shrek and Bluey coming later this year into some of our standards, like Michael Feinstein and yeah. So anything that people want to see, we definitely can give that to them. So we're really lucky to have that kind of programming here.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely. I know I was able to see Wicked this year and it was amazing production of it.
Speaker 2:My favorite musical Absolutely.
Speaker 3:Rebecca, I was going to say that you have our Bible. That's what you held up. Was the Bible, Absolutely.
Speaker 1:I know, it's kind of funky on the.
Speaker 3:Yours looks a lot nicer than mine because mine is all torn apart and it looks very used to mind us because we have to refer to it all the time.
Speaker 2:Every day I'm glad that you got that.
Speaker 1:It is a wonderful publication. I keep it in my nightstand drawer and I look and dream about what I want to attend.
Speaker 3:You know what's interesting about that, though, when we're putting that together, all the shows that are still coming in, we're still programming. Even though that brochure was put together back in August or whatnot, there's still shows coming in constantly. So I would say to any of your viewers, if they have that book, they should also refer to Krabusorg, because that calendar is much more up to date, since we're always adding artists all the time.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's really great to know yeah.
Speaker 4:That's awesome. And then for the main event of what we're here to chat about today, dana, would you please fill us in on this amazing show that you have coming this summer summer 2024, I believe it starts June 4th, is that correct?
Speaker 3:Yeah, it starts June 4th and goes through September 2nd, which is Labor Day. It's called Space Explores the Infinite, and what this is? It's the immersive experience featuring 360 degree video of space and basically what astronauts do on their daily jobs right in this on the space station. And so what will happen is people will come in, they'll put on a VR headset and then they'll be transported into space without ever leaving the ground, and they'll be able to have a day in the life of an astronaut and they'll be able to, you know, interact with the different astronauts, interact with things on the space station, like a computer or some sort of a widget that they that they're doing with during this exhibition. So it's less of a show and more of an exhibition and an experience is what I would say is really what it is.
Speaker 4:That's mind blowing kind of revolutionary for the Kravitz right.
Speaker 3:Yeah, this is the first that we are entering into something immersive like this, but it is something that is, you know, sweeping across the country as well, and we were lucky enough to actually land pun intended the infinite here at the Kravitz Center. You know there was a lot of other larger organizations that did want this, but we were the ones to get it, and what's really special is that we're only one of three cities that will be hosting this, and so currently it's in Denver, we have it, and then it goes to Charlotte right after we're done hosting it here. So really it's an important. It's an important not only is it important event, but I think it's also a learning event, and it's also something that's completely out of the box that people are not going to. They're going to. Their mind will be blown when they come and see this, this exhibition.
Speaker 4:I bet. And who's it for? Who's the target audience? And then how do this show? I mean, you said it's not a show, so how does it work time wise for people to come in? How long is it? That kind of thing.
Speaker 3:Yep, so it lasts up to an hour, I would say. So people get to roam freely. Every experience is different. So literally, there are these what I'm calling spheres that are inside of the space station that people will click on. There's about 66 of them, each of them with different information, interacting with different astronauts. All of it right. So every journey is different for each individual. So if you come with a group, they can have a completely different experience and journey while they're walking through and roaming free. All that then happens and culminates with a spacewalk at the very end before you exit the whole exhibition. So I would say this is a great family friendly event that family should attend. But side note is that it's not recommended for kids under the age of eight, and that's per oculus. It's an oculus headset. It's per their recommendation that under the age of eight it would not. It's not recommended for.
Speaker 1:Well, it sounds amazing, I want to go to it.
Speaker 3:I want you to come do it, rebecca. Really bad, I really do. I'm not going to buy tickets. Well, we're going to have a press night too, rebecca, and then you can talk all about it on your show here. What about that?
Speaker 1:That would be wonderful. Please let us know.
Speaker 3:We would love to do that, yeah, yeah, I mean like I said it's it's it's never before seen video of different space and space aspects as well. So definitely, definitely, you're going to want to check it out. My phone is ringing.
Speaker 1:I apologize, that's okay, not a problem.
Speaker 4:And then how many people can enjoy the experience at the time. So if you have larger groups, I mean, what is your bandwidth for people to be able to do this in those groups?
Speaker 3:Yep, so we have slots, right. So every 15 minutes, about 30 people will be able to pulse through that's what they call it, that's what they call it in the biz pulsing through, I guess, I don't know. So every 15 minutes you can pulse through 30 people, and then that would be up to that hour, right? So Tuesday through Thursday, the hours would be from like four to eight and that'll be 17 slots. So 17 times 30, I'm not a math musician, but I don't know. Anyways, and then Fridays there'll be 24 slots or 25 slots, excuse me.
Speaker 3:Saturdays and Sundays up to 42 slots for 30 people every 15 minutes. So all that information, like I said, can be found on cravisorg and also to our single tickets, for this will go on sale March 13th, but before that, because we think this is gonna be the hottest ticket in town for people to get, we're giving people the opportunity to sign up ahead of time so they can get on the presale list right Before it goes on sale to the public. So I encourage people to go online, sign up, give us it's just your email, that's all we're looking for, and then you'll get the notification when the time comes to be able to purchase a ticket.
Speaker 1:Well, I hear the before and after experience is something also. Could you tell us, like how the before goes and then how it finishes up?
Speaker 3:Well, rebecca, it's a work in progress. We're trying to work that out a little bit. I can tell you this that there will be a space bar and you will be able to get some cosmos. How about that? Sounds good to me, my favorite.
Speaker 4:Sounds like a full family experience. I love that.
Speaker 3:I'm saying so. I'm recommending you drink the cosmos after, not before, though. Okay, okay, got it.
Speaker 4:Well, I was I think it's a little bit more of a 3D experience. Who knows?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I mean maybe, but I was reading an article about this and I guess nine out of 10 people have never actually put on a VR headset, right? So the first time that you put one of those on, it can be a bit of a, your equilibrium might be a little bit off, or whatever. You kind of got to get used to the fact that then, all of a sudden, you're this blue avatar right, and then you have all these blue avatars around you at the same time, right, and then you're doing this space walk. So you know your legs are coming from underneath you. So I suggest the space bar after and not before, for sure you do too.
Speaker 4:We're just doing it, by the way, yeah, like more of those G4s soon as well.
Speaker 3:Absolutely, and we've taken into consideration too. We've taken into consideration as well people that have mobility issues. So this is for everyone. I wear glasses and so I know that question comes up about like, well, if I'm putting on this Oculus headset, how's that gonna work? And we do have some recommendations for that if you don't wear contacts, cause, like, I don't wear contacts, but I actually have an Oculus headset at home, so, and I use it all the time, and I use it with my glasses. So we're taking all of that into consideration, cause we want this experience to be for everyone.
Speaker 4:That's awesome, and then is there any other sneak peaks of things happening around that we should know about for your patrons?
Speaker 3:Hmm, other sneak peaks happening around that we should know about. Well, you know, I think Meredith touched a little bit on Hamilton that's coming up. I also would say a good sneak peak is Vienna. The Vienna Philharmonic is coming and they are considered probably the best orchestra in the world. And I do know with Vienna as well. The waitlist to be a subscriber in Vienna is about 10 years, and so that waitlist is not happening here. It's not a thing here. So I would say it's a great opportunity to see one of the best orchestras, if not the best orchestra in the world. That's on March 8th and 9th. I would highly recommend you come and check that out.
Speaker 4:All of this is just such a great testament to the Kravis and the level and the caliber that you guys represent. I mean just for you guys to be chosen for this Oculus experience, for you to have such wonderful productions, I mean it's just I've seen shows off Broadway shows at the Kravis and just regular shows at the Kravis that have been better than when I've seen them perform on Broadway. So you guys do an incredible job. Thank you so much for taking your time to go through all of this with us. I know you have a very busy time this season and just on your hands, I mean, we are here smack dab in the middle of season in Palm Beach, right when we have, from Thanksgiving to Mother's Day, basically your Memorial Day, where we're just slams full of everything because of the beautiful weather and everything that we enjoy.
Speaker 3:We appreciate this time to be able to tell you about this too, you know. I mean I hope that people don't take the Kravis for granted. You know we are at the crossroads of the arts and culture scene here in Palm Beach County, I would say. And so what we're trying to do is we're trying to bring a whole different type of, I would say, arts and culture to this community. As we see things shipped here too, right, and populations shipped and demographics shipped, and we're trying to be, you know, cognizant of that and making sure that we're bringing just a smorgasbord of different types of culture here. We think that's important and it also enriches everyone's life. You know there's some bragging that can be said about having an arts center like this here in our community and that's so well attended as well.
Speaker 4:Absolutely. And then you are on the podcast. I love Palm Beach, so we wrap up every show with the same question for you guys. I've got a feeling I might know some of the answer. But what is your favorite thing about living in Palm Beach County? Ah, or a favorite experience attraction thing that you love to do around here?
Speaker 3:So I moved down here. I don't want to make a long story on this, but I moved down here about seven years ago from Minnesota, where it was nice and cold and snowy and all that fun stuff, right, and I didn't actually know what to expect. I moved down here with no family, no friends, no, nothing, just starting over right and paradise. And I guess one of the things that I really love because I live downtown Palm Beach as well West Palm Beach, I live right downtown One of the things I really love is the walkability of this city. I love to be able to literally walk out my door down the block. It's my bakery Over here. There are 15 restaurants that I can choose from.
Speaker 3:Sunfest is happening three blocks away. The boat show is going on over here, palm Beach Modern Contemporary is happening. There's so many things that are happening in this city and I think for me the best thing about living here is the variety of things. You just don't get bored. I mean the fact that we have the bright line you know this this high capacity train that's going zipping from here to Miami. It's just amazing that it just opens up so many more borders for us as well. So I guess short answer. Short, long answer is I love the variety here in Palm Beach and my favorite thing to do probably, is go to the farmers market on a Saturday and buy stuff and then have brunch on a have brunch on Sunday. When anybody ever comes and visits me, I always say, stay over Sunday, because you got to see a South Florida Climatis brunch. It's like nothing else, right? So I always, I always, love that piece of it. I think that's my favorite part.
Speaker 4:It's awesome and.
Speaker 2:Meredith, what about you? So I technically don't live here. I live outside of Orlando and I work here and I've been coming here for I guess four or five months now and honestly, I just love learning about this area and the people. I obviously love working at the Cravis Center. It's really an honor to be part of this team and, yeah, I mean it's really beautiful just to be able to walk out here and go to the square and see all the neat restaurants and shops and just the people walking their dogs. I it's a very interesting and diverse vibe compared to where I live in Northern Florida. So it's really beautiful and I look forward to spending a lot more time here in the future.
Speaker 4:Well, the Cravis is lucky to have all three of you. I know Charlotte's kind of with us in spirit right now, not visually. Rebecca, is there anything else you wanted to touch on?
Speaker 1:No, but I had such a great time with you guys today and we love to have you back on when you're not so busy. We will definitely be coming to that show and would love to attend Press Night. That would be amazing.
Speaker 3:I want to see you here, rebecca, you and I will find you. The Oculus is come on, absolutely, I'm ready.
Speaker 1:Let's do it.
Speaker 4:Thanks for having us.
Speaker 1:Yes, thanks for being on our Love Palm Beach and we will hope to speak with you guys soon.
Speaker 3:Thank you, thanks Bye bye, thank you.
Speaker 2:Bye, bye.