What's Happening: 'Rock of Ages,' 'Antarctic Dinosaurs,' Florida's Heritage Gardening

NOV. 3 THROUGH NOV. 5

“ROCK OF AGES”: Buchholz High School Drama is kicking off the season with an epic production of “Rock of Ages: High School Edition.” A small-town girl, a city boy and their band of friends save the day — and the music. “Rock of Ages” takes its audience back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features the hits of bands including Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more. It’s the 1980s in Hollywood, and Aqua Net, lycra and heavy metal flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip's last legendary venues, a place where legendary rocker Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and fans line up for their chance at an autograph. Amidst the madness, aspiring rocker Drew meets Sherrie, who is fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes. But the rock ’n’ roll fairy tale is about to end when developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherrie and the gang save the strip — and themselves — before it's too late? Only the music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more hold the answer. This full-length musical is an adaptation for high school, and was written by Chris D’Arienzo — creator of the long-running Broadway show “Rock of Ages.” Arrangements are by Ethan Popp. Some of the subject matter has been changed to be age-appropriate. Catch a show at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays plus 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 5 at the Buchholz High School Auditorium, located at 5510 NW 27th Ave. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for students and seniors, $10 for a group rate for 10 or more tickets, and free for BHS faculty. For more information visit buchholzdrama.com.

NOV. 3 THROUGH APRIL 21, 2024

“ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS”: Step back in time and discover life beneath the ice in “Antarctic Dinosaurs.” Today, Antarctica is a forbidding land of snow and ice, but 200 million years ago it was a lush, wooded habitat where dinosaurs thrived. Uncover the history of the world’s southernmost continent and the unique species that have called it home in this interactive, family friendly experience at the Florida Museum of Natural History. Rare fossils, touchable casts and interactive models bring the past to life while showcasing Antarctica’s distinctive dinosaur species. Examine a reconstructed forest, and encounter the early plants and animals that flourished in the once-green environment. Experience the extraordinary work that goes into digging for fossils with real equipment and a recreated quarry. Learn about the important research taking place in this frigid landscape and how it informs future changes to the world’s climate. This is a bilingual exhibit available in English and Spanish. Tickets are $10 for adults; $9 for Florida residents, seniors and non-UF college students; $7 for ages 3-17; and free for ages 2 and younger, UF students and museum members. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 3215 Hull Road. For more information, visit floridamuseum.ufl.edu or call 846-2000.

NOV. 4

FLORIDA’S HERITAGE GARDENING: On Nov. 4, the Matheson History Museum will host an event on fall gardening in Florida, including a lecture by Dr. Sarah Cervone of the Florida Heritage Foods program. She will talk about her work with the project, Florida’s traditional garden plants, and the importance of promoting heritage gardening methods. The event is free, but registration is required. The Matheson History Museum is located at 513 E. University Ave. To register, or for more information, visit mathesonmuseum.org.

NOV. 4

WRITERS’ TALKS AT RAWLINGS HOUSE: The Writers’ Talks at Rawlings House series is returning! Beginning at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 4, John Hemingway, author of “Strange Tribe — a Family Memoir” and Ernest Hemingway’s grandson, will tell the often-harrowing story of growing up and surviving in the legendary clan — including manic depression, drinking bouts, suicides, cross dressing and, yes, enduring love, understanding and forgiveness. A translator and magazine writer, John Hemingway also is the author of two novels, including “Bacchanalia: A Pamplona Story” and, most recently, a noir mystery, “Murder on the Florida Straits.” Meet the author at 1:30 p.m.; the talk begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free with park admission of $3 per vehicle. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is located at 18700 CR 325 in Cross Creek. Call 466-3672 or visit bit.ly/3FKqxvL for more information.

NOV. 9

RUN, WALK OR ROLL WITH THE COPS: Help support vulnerable populations in the area by running, walking or rolling along the track of Santa Fe College with law enforcement officers from local agencies. During Run Walk or Roll With the Cops — a free event set for 9:30 a.m. Nov. 9 — attendees also can get an up-close look at police and fire rescue, specialty and antique vehicles, learn important safety tips and more. SFPD Police Chief Ed Book says the event allows the community to see police as allies, not adversaries, as well as promote safety, security, health and wellness at Santa Fe College. The track is located on the college’s campus at 3000 NW 83rd St. For more information, visit sfcollege.edu.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What's Happening: Writers' Talks at Rawlings House; Run, Walk or Roll