The European circus troupe Cirque Italia debuts its new production “Cirque Alcatraz” under its signature orange-striped big top tent at 1111 Congress Ave. in West Palm Beach, July 8 – 18.

The adults-only “R rated” production will transport audiences to the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay and presents the story of one man’s nightmare: a wrongful conviction and subsequent confinement after being sentenced to life.

Founded in 2012, Cirque Italia has received international accolades for their unique ability to fuse traditional circus acts with new and unexpected mediums, resulting in unique cirque experiences. 

Due to the adult themes, simulated violence and suggestive situations, children will under the age of 18 will not be admitted without an adult. The production also complies with CDC and local health restrictions, including limited seating capacity, social distancing and masks while inside the tent.

Tickets start at $10 at CirqueItalia.com.

Miami Cinema Showcases French Art Films

Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables, was among 12 arthouse theaters recently awarded grants from UniFrance, the French international film promotion agency. The grant was established to enable U.S. independent cinemas and distributors affected by the pandemic to showcase French films. 

With the support of the UniFrance grant, the theater will offer two new releases: 

François Ozon’s “Summer of ‘85,” a sexy, nostalgic reverie of first love and its consequences, will open July 16. The bittersweet teen romance was adapted by Ozon from Aidan Chambers’ groundbreaking LGBT young adult novel “Dance on My Grave” and has been a fan favorite at queer film festivals.

“Slalom” will open July 30. The riveting #MeToo drama by debut filmmaker Charlène Favier explores the relationship between Lyz, a teenage ski prodigy, and her predatory instructor, played by Jérémie Renier.

In a breakthrough role, Noée Abita stars as the 15-year-old student who has been accepted to an elite ski club and quickly realizes she will have to endure more than the physical and emotional pressure of her training.

For showtimes and tickets, go to GablesCinema.com.

Who Says Pride Month Had to End?

The Broward Center and its partner, the renovated and rebranded “Parker” (Playhouse) in downtown Fort Lauderdale, have always showcased plenty of LGBT-themed programming. 

Both venues announced several upcoming queer performances as they ramp operations back up following long pandemic shutdowns. 

At the Broward Center: Randy Rainbow, “The Pink Glasses Tour,” Aug. 29; “An Evening with Antoni” (Porowski) from Netflix’s “Queer Eye,” Sept. 11; and Nurse Blake, “The PTO Comedy Tour,” Sept. 25. 

Also, Bianca Del Rio, “Unsanitized,” Oct. 18; Village People 40th Anniversary Tour, Dec. 11; and “The Life and Music of George Michael,” Feb. 6, 2022; “Alan Cummings is Not Acting His Age,” April 1, 2022; and Todrick Hall, “The Femuline Tour,” April 13; all in Wells Hall at the Parker.

For tickets and more information, go to BrowardCenter.org and ParkerPlayhouse.com.