Tampa Theatre Newsroom Page 2

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.

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

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.

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

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 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.

'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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

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.'

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!'

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.

The king that rules the magical, ludicrous, kingdom of The Figs is quite actually addicted to figs, mah lord. His more publicly well-received daughter is in love with an inn-keeper in a sort of star-crossed lovers situation. A set of friends - human and swan - are on a journey thrown into existence by the royal family's insanity. All the while, our wily and multiple identity-sporting storyteller keeps us on a track that feels like the “Shrek” universe on an acid trip. But really, this is a story of kindness and what we’ll sacrifice for love. Sometimes stories exist just for the sake of telling stories.

For the 35th consecutive year, Creative Loafing will celebrate the Tampa Bay area's best during the annual Best of the Bay where locals can nominate and vote on their favorite Tampa Bay area people, places, businesses, events, and more.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is now on stage through Aug. 9 at the Straz Center, where Jobsite is resident theater company. Joining 2pm performances added last week for Sat. July 27 and Aug. 3, the resident theater company of the Straz Center has just added two final dates: Thu., Aug. 8, and Fri., Aug. 9, both at 7:30pm.

It will put a smile on your face!

What did our critic think of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at the Carrollwood Cultural Center?

'We held auditions at the Center, and I was so nervous we wouldn't get anyone to come out. We had an amazing turnout! Between the open auditions and video submissions, we had 150 people try out. Casting just came to us. And this cast is solid and perfect for their roles,' said director Andi Garner.

Starring Analisa Martin, Sofie Acosta, Lily Oquendo, Rey Chavez, Jake Despenas, Tyson Branstetter, Natalie Bornstein, and Jinx Lopes, the show consists of four distinct plays, each with its unique flavor.

The Off-Central and Outcast Theatre Collective will join forces for the regional premier of Orange, a play by Aditi Kapil. Learn how to purchase tickets.

A heartbreaking and moving real-life story, performed at the Stageworks Theatre, with a brilliant turn by Roxanne Fay!