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Tampa Theatre Newsroom

The latest news on live theatre in Tampa from Broadway shows on tour to regional theatre.

WEIRD IN ST. PETE Will Premiere in the FloridaRAMA Experience
by Stephi Wild - September 16, 2024


This October, step into the heart of St. Pete's strangest myths and legends with Weird in St. Pete, an immersive new play that will take audiences on a journey through the city's most eccentric folklore.

Photos: In Rehearsal for THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN At Straz Center
by A.A. Cristi - September 13, 2024


Rehearsals for the world premiere of The Boy Who Loved Batman began last week in New York City. See photos from inside the rehearsal room!

Puppy Hamlet and FloridaRAMA Venture Among 2024/2025 Beyond the Stage Lineup
by Stephi Wild - September 10, 2024


American Stage has announced its 2024/2025 Beyond the Stage season, a lineup of programming that focuses on immersive storytelling in bold, local settings.

Review: POTUS at Jobsite Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - September 07, 2024


Alice Paul...remember her? In 1920, she was THE WOMAN, THE SUFFRAGIST, who secured the right to vote for women, and wrote the unratified Equal Rights Amendment. Further explanation of her movement can be found in the recent musical Suffs, Shaina Taub’s musical which more recently won Best Book of a Musical at this years Tonys Ceremony. However, this is not Suffs, nor is this a musical. Instead, this is the blistering, hilarious, farcical take on women in the White House behind every dumb ass that could’ve ever held power. Its borderline lumbering subtitle says it all, “Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” Selina Fillinger’s hilarious play proves just that. Women are in power, and behind every great man is a woman trying to save the day. Feminism at its finest, and proving that this is the moment to be alive.

Review: The Carrollwood Players Production of ANNIE
by Peter Nason - September 07, 2024


It has a lot going for it, but it's a hit and miss affair, with moments that make us soar and moments that make us cringe.

Previews: PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR at Straz Center
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - September 06, 2024


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

Review: A BLISTERING “BLACKBIRD,” WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS at THE OFF-CENTRAL PLAYERS
by Drew Eberhard - September 06, 2024


In researching and marinating the events that played out in my head following the opening night performance of the Off-Central Player’s production of David Harrower’s Blackbird, I ran across this quote. The quote in which I will speak about is actually fitting to the play itself. I’m going to post it now as a way to reflect and then continue with my thoughts on the show itself. The quote states, “The best theater teaches again and again that before one can truly love another, one has to find justice and connection with oneself.”

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME Comes to Tampa's Stageworks Theatre
by Stephi Wild - September 06, 2024


'What the Constitution Means to Me' will be performed September 27 through October 13, 2024, at Stageworks Theatre located at 1120 E Kennedy Blvd in Tampa's Channel District.

Interview: Michael Uslan of THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN at Straz Center
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - September 05, 2024


Michael Uslan's memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman, captures this journey from a comic book-obsessed boy to the producer who brought a darker, grittier version of Batman to the big screen. Adapted for the stage, The Boy Who Loves Batman makes its world debut at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts from October 1 to November 10.

Nominations Open For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Tampa Awards
by BWW Awards - September 03, 2024


Nominations are now open for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Tampa Awards. The 2024 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

Review: The Tampa Bay Theatre Festival's 2024 Short Play Competition
by Peter Nason - August 28, 2024


It's a hit and miss affair, showcasing some of the best playwrights in Tampa Bay.

St Petersburg City Theatre to Open 100th Season With PLAY ON!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 22, 2024


St Petersburg City Theatre will open its 100th season with PLAY ON!, a comedy about a theater company struggling to produce a chaotic murder mystery play. Learn how to purchase tickets.

RING OF FIRE Comes to American Stage
by Stephi Wild - August 21, 2024


American Stage kicks off its 47th season with a tribute to an American icon. The season opener promises to captivate audiences with a powerful performance celebrating a legendary figure in American culture.

Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont Named to Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business Advisory Board
by Stephi Wild - August 19, 2024


 Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont has been named to the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business (RSB) Advisory Board at Palm Beach Atlantic University, a private, Christian university in West Palm Beach.

Francis Wilson Playhouse to Kick Off 95th Season With WONDERFUL TOWN in September
by Blair Ingenthron - August 18, 2024


Francis Wilson Playhouse will kick off their 95th Season with Wonderful Town, a 1953 musical comedy based on My Sister Eileen.

Review: A Thrilling Take on a Life We Never Knew With THRICE TO MINE at Jobsite Theater
by Drew Eberhard - August 17, 2024


Though Shakespeare’s Tragedy is often regaled as one of the “Greatest Tragedies ever written,” it does little if any true accounts behind the people these characters actually were. Regarded as being steeped in its history, one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays is actually founded in lore, and ghost story.

Gulfport's 23rd Annual GECKOFEST to Feature Live Music, Performances and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 14, 2024


Gulfport's 23rd annual GECKOFEST will feature live music, food, art vendors, kids' activities, and street theater performances. This year's theme, 'Saturday Night Geckos,' celebrates sketch comedy and humor. Learn how to attend.

Feature: From Tampa to Broadway: Jacob Pham's Journey to the Lion King
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - August 13, 2024


'As a former performer of national tours and Europe, it's a subtle hope in every mentor and teacher that one of their students makes their dream come true. It's surreal and in perfect timing for Jacob. Jacob is my fourth Broadway soon-to-be alum, and he also deserves it,” said Pena.

Feature: TheatreFor Has Grand Opening and Debut of ACADEMIA NUTS
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - August 13, 2024


Co-founded by Mike Cote, Susan Dearden, Stephen Bell, Graham Jones, and Dee O'Brien, TheatreFor aims to be more than just a venue; it aspires to be a cultural hub where the community can gather to experience the magic of live theatre. The founders have meticulously designed the space to offer an intimate yet versatile setting, perfect for a wide range of performances. The theatre in the Sunset Square Shopping Center is easily accessible and designed to welcome everyone.

Review: A WORLD PREMIERE ABOUT THE MOTHER OF ALL MUSICALS WITH FABLE: A FABLE ABOUT A MUSICAL FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - August 11, 2024


Doug Devita’s Fable makes its World Premiere as it anchors center stage right in the heart of St. Petersburg, to tackle the story of the Mother of all musicals. Fable tells the story about the creative differences and feuds that arise following the mounting of yet another revival of Gypsy. In the story Gypsy Rose Lee, June Havoc, and their mother June Hovic are seen at different points in their lives, and how they come to terms with the mounting of Gypsy. Featuring original music & lyrics by freeFall’s Resident Music Director Michael Raabe, and featuring the talent of an incredible Company of performers, Devita’s Fable is a beautiful masterclass in sisterhood, family, and truth above all else.

Previews: FABLE at FreeFall Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - August 09, 2024


'FABLE' offers a fresh perspective on Ethel Merman, focusing on her most exaggerated and stereotypical personality traits. 'We get to see how she may have engaged in the creative process knowing full well that she's walking into this project already a bankable star.'

Previews: [TITLE OF SHOW] at Eight O'Clock Theatre
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - August 09, 2024


Director James Grenelle and actor Nathan Daugherty emphasized the themes of friendship, trust, and uncompromised freedom of expression as central to the story. Grenelle believes the biggest message is to 'CREATE NO MATTER WHAT.' He hopes the show inspires people to pursue their creative passions despite any doubts or discouragements.

Previews: SHOWSTOPPERS at Patel Conservatory
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - August 01, 2024


Director Jessica Rhodes reveals the inspiration for this year's theme: 'I have always loved the Broadway Cares event that has done a show like this, and I thought it would be interesting to give the kids an opportunity to play their 'dream role' that they would never be cast in.'

Previews: CATS, YOUNG ACTORS EDITION at Ovations Dance Repertory Company
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - July 26, 2024


Grace Hafer who plays the iconic Grizabella hopes the audience will appreciate every aspect of the musical. 'I want them to talk about the hard work from the dancers, the vocals we provide, and the acting skills; all of the above!'

Previews: Powerstories 'CELEBRATION OF THE POWER OF THE ARTS' features Stan Zimmerman
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - July 24, 2024


On September 20 and 21, Powerstories presents Celebration of the Power of the Arts with 'Right Before I Go,' narrated by playwright Stan Zimmerman renowned for his work on The Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls, and more. The theatrical fundraising event features the reading by Zimmerman and local celebrities like Denis Philips, Wendy Ryan, and more.


Videos


2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz Season in Tampa 2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway at The Straz Season
Straz Center for the Performing Arts (10/1 - 6/8) Tracker
Deathtrap in Tampa Deathtrap
Carrollwood Cultural Center (10/18 - 10/27) Tracker
Shrek The Musical in Tampa Shrek The Musical
Ruth Eckerd Hall (9/26 - 9/26) Tracker
Mamma Mia! in Tampa Mamma Mia!
Straz Center [Carol Morsani Hall] (1/28 - 2/2)
Steel Magnolias in Tampa Steel Magnolias
Carrollwood Cultural Center (3/14 - 3/23)
The Pillowman in Tampa The Pillowman
Jobsite Theater (3/12 - 4/6)
Baskerville in Tampa Baskerville
Carrollwood Players Theatre (10/18 - 11/3)
PLAY ON! by Rick Abbot in Tampa PLAY ON! by Rick Abbot
St Petersburg City Theatre (9/20 - 9/29)
Life Amplified SPECTACULAR Prom in Tampa Life Amplified SPECTACULAR Prom
The Studio at Carrollwood Cultural Center (9/28 - 9/28)
Mean Girls The Musical in Tampa Mean Girls The Musical
Ruth Eckerd Hall (3/27 - 3/27)
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