Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Every princess delivers powerful notes that could shatter glass, making each number a thrilling experience. Playwrights Dennis Giacino and Fiely Matias' were in the audience, and it was as much fun watching them react to the actors as it was for this reviewer to watch the show and introduce her besties to their magic. Under brilliant direction, Disenchanted! delivers a pitch-perfect balance of satire, storytelling, and stunning performances.

Ashley Rubin (Cinderella) explains, 'When we meet most of the princesses in this show, they've already reckoned with what needed to change about their lives. When we come upon Cinderella, she is still living in the Princess Complex, under the spell of trying to be the perfect princess. I think it's such an incredible journey to watch her throw off her rose-colored glasses and realize that the way she's been living has not necessarily served her in the way she hoped it would.'

Powerstories Founder Fran Powers says, 'Our yearly festival showcasing incredible women playwrights takes on the age-old problem of not hearing enough women's voices in playwriting. Offering these writers their own stage sends a powerful message: 'Hey, you and your stories matter.' And it's not just about plays; it's a game-changer, encouraging more women to explore playwriting. Let's ensure their voices are heard, celebrated, and cherished in theatre.'

​​​​​​​Rhodes has worked with 18 young actors, aged 13 to 18, to bring the beloved characters of 'Little Women' to life. 'We did a lot of trust exercises allowing the kids to feel comfortable with each other so that we could achieve the desired vulnerability that this show requires,' she explains. 'We also had an excellent dramaturgy team that did extensive research for our production.'

Coming to Carrollwood Cultural Center on February 8-9, 2025, Jordan Monsell's Shakespeare's Oz: A Parody Play in Five Acts is a unique staged reading that promises to delight audiences of all ages. It offers a fresh and comedic take on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz through the lens of Shakespearean verse.

'Letterhead' follows the protagonist's adventures through a distorted alternate reality of military letter-writing, careless judicial trials, and a government-sponsored cult community.

​​​​​​​On January 30, The Off-Central Players present '2 Across.'  Running through February 9, the play features two strangers, a man and a woman, who meet on a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. Both are married and engrossed in completing the New York Times crossword. She is an organized psychologist, while he is a free-spirited, unemployed ad executive. Their initial banter over the crossword puzzles soon evolves into a deeper connection, revealing their values and vulnerabilities.

On stage, February 7-23, at Stagework Theatre is Natalie Symons's 'The People Downstairs.' Symons, an avid actor since childhood, recalls, 'Even as a kid, I demanded my little friends be actors in my fully staged backyard productions... I was a nightmare.' Despite her early retirement from acting to concentrate on writing, she found playwriting to be a natural evolution of storytelling.

On stage from January 23 – February 9 is 'Venus in Fur.'  Directed by Stephen Bell, it promises a fresh and engaging interpretation, enriched with subtle humor and dynamic power plays. Bell shares his inspiration for directing this intense yet comedic masterpiece: 'I liked the intensity of the characters and the subtle but specific humor.'

Matt & Ben promises a mix of delusions and dreams that rest on a foundation of female talent to bring this quirky play to life.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to Cher's legacy, The Cher Show, currently running at the Straz Center through this Sunday, is a musical that doesn't just celebrate her life—it captures the enduring spirit and resilience of one of the greatest icons of our time, making it an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Elona Krasavtseva dedicates her upcoming tribute concert to one of her greatest inspirations. 'Sarah Brightman is probably the brightest female representative of the classical crossover genre. She is the best-selling classical female artist of all time. Although critics give her different reviews, the audience loves her. She created amazing shows and works with astonishing musicians.'

'It is crucial that we performed this play even though the hurricane delayed it. I remember as a college student fighting for the issue of women's rights, and here I am again, fighting this important battle to give women's rights over their own bodies,” says Fran Powers. “We must keep marching.'

Director Karla Hartley hopes the audience will have a great time. 'I hope that they can overcome any holiday blues and laugh together with the Stageworks Family.'

Set during the War of Cyprus, the play highlights the restricted roles of women in Venetian society, where they were either property or sex workers with limited agency. 'Today, women are, in theory, as free as men to do what they will, but in practice in American society, their lives are often circumscribed as their Venetian forbears. Many are still entirely dependent on a patriarchal structure, and despite the progress of the past 150 years, true agency is still a dream for many. It is sad but inescapable: In many ways, old white men still run the show....'

​​​​​​​Through 'Soul Picnic,' playwright Barry Silber aims to elevate Nyro's legacy and showcase the depth of her artistry. 'It's about helping audiences discover why she never became a superstar despite her incredible talent.'

Joining Mikhail Roberts (guitar) on Stage is a talented ensemble that includes Morgan Tapp (fiddle), Kara Arena (guitar, dulcimer), Troy Brooks (bass, percussion), Tristan Braboy (guitar), and Max Dalton (swing). Each musician brings their unique flair, creating a rich, authentic sound that honors Cash's legacy without imitating it, and they also play multiple roles in the performance.

The themes of What The Constitution Means to Me, such as women's rights and immigration, resonate strongly with the current political climate. 'The plays' themes are so relevant to what's going on today, and it's not sugar-coating anything, which I think is so powerful and eye-opening,' says 15-year-old Raleigh Lockett, who plays Thursday Williams, a teen debater.

Whether you missed it, dissed it, or want to reminisce it, Life Amplified SPECTACULAR offers the perfect opportunity to create or recreate those special moments. The prom's theme is a throwback to the 70s, voted on by social media, inviting attendees to dust off their bell bottoms and tease their hair for a night of Saturday Night Fever.

Hosted by the Patel Conservatory, this free event provides representatives from educational institutions nationwide who will share invaluable insights and answer questions.