Tampa Bay Film

Tampa Goes Broadway! WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure. Will open on Broadway!!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello guys.. Julian back here with more updates around Tampa Bay and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts! WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure will open on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre on Sunday, April 17, 2011 and performances will begin Monday, March 21.

The musical will be directed by Gregory Boyd, the artistic director of the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, with a book by Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy (The Civil War –Tony nomination) and lyrics by Jack Murphy, music by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde – Grammy nomination, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War – Tony nomination, Dracula, Victor/Victoria) and choreography by Marguerite Derricks (Fame, Emmy Awards for “3rd Rock From The Sun” and “Fame LA”). WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure will play a pre-Broadway engagement at the Ferguson Hall at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO) in Tampa, Florida January 4 through January 16, 2011.

WONDERLAND is the first production of the Broadway Genesis Project, an initiative by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to develop and prepare new musical theater for Broadway. From a show’s inception to final staging, the Project provides a safe and nourishing environment in a state-of-the-art complex with artistic, technical and administrative resources.

WONDERLAND was optioned by Judy Lisi, CEO of the Straz Center, and was subsequently produced as its world premiere at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL this past December. In association with the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX, in January of 2010, the show was transferred for further development, becoming one of the highest grossing shows in that theater’s history.

In this new musical featuring a new score, WONDERLAND is a story about a new Alice who has lost her joy in life. Estranged from her husband, alienated from her daughter and in danger of losing her career, Alice finds herself in Wonderland where she encounters strange though familiar characters that help her rediscover the wonder in her life.

WONDERLAND will be produced on Broadway by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO), William Franzblau and Nederlander Presentations, Inc. The cast, design team and Broadway ticket information will be announced soon.

Tampa Ticket Information:
Tickets for WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org. For more information about the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please also visit www.strazcenter.org. The WONDERLAND Concept CD is available through ITUNES from SONY Masterworks.

There you go...! Buy some tickets for the Tampa shows or even consider a trip up to NYC! In the meanwhile, I'll make sure you stay up to date with everything that's happening here in Tampa Bay including exciting Tampa Bay area events!

Cinebistro: The Perfect Setting for Your Meetings and Events!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Convention Sales

Hello there everyone! Jerm here and I am stepping into the meetings and events side of the equation today to tell you about a great venue I visited the other day in lovely Hyde Park.

We had the opportunity to take a tour of this amazing venue the other day and get an idea of all of the different meetings and options you have if you hold your events here.

This place just oozes class, from the moment you walk into the doors you've stepped into a first class venue. Each Cinebistro is designed for comfort and that was evident from the moment I sat down in one of the lobby chairs as I almost fell asleep it was so comfy.

It got even better once we took a look inside the theaters as its just as relaxing and comfortable a setting. The theaters/auditoriums can easily accommodate small and large groups alike, so as you are thinking about a seminar for a small group, or large private screening for you and 50 or so of your best friends, you are taken care of! Here are just some of the amenities you can expect at Cinebistro:

Multiple auditoriums and meeting locations able to accommodate small and large groups alike.
Planning, scheduling, logistics management.
Comfortable, over-sized leather theatre seating with swivel tables, ideal for taking notes or savoring meals.
And much more...

And our specially outfitted cocktail bar is just the right setting to unwind, relax, meet new people and socialize with your friends. Stylishly appointed and with an ambiance all its own.

This place truly is a perfect setting for all of your private event needs. From corporate trainings, to seminars, and even cocktail parties at the end of your event, you are sure to want to have your next event there.

The team of professionals are available to help plan, coordinate and deliver an exceptional experience sure to please and impress. I could go on and on about the place, but I 'll let you further inquire with your needs by emailing of calling the amazing Josephine Ando, Sales and Event Manager to talk about all of the wonderful options you have!

That's all for now, but stay tuned in for more info on Tampa Bay meetings and events from your Tampa Bay team!

The rest of the month at MOSI

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone! Travis back with more Tampa Bay Entertainment options for you. One of my favorite places in Tampa Bay is the Museum of Science and Industry. Now, if you've never been there before, or even if you have, you need to make a trip soon. They have tons of stuff happening the rest of the month, so take a look -

Teacher Appreciation - Every Sunday in September. Teachers receive one FREE general admission to MOSI on Sundays during September. (remember that this cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts) There is a limit of one offer per household and excludes special engagement films. You must mention offer and present a valid teacher ID or pay stub to receive discount.

Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 12, 2010 - Free admission for a grandparent on Sept. 12, 2010 with the purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket (child or adult). Again, this cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts and there is a limit one offer per household. Grandparent and grandchild(ren) must be present at time of ticket purchase and this excludes special engagement films. You must mention the offer to receive discount. And as some added excitement, Motts applesauce will also be there on this day from 2–4p.m. handing out samples of applesauce and apple juice.

Dia de la Familia - Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Two free child admissions with each paid adult admission in celebration of the Day of the family for Hispanic Heritage Month. This is a perfect chance to come out and enjoy with the family.

$5 Day on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Guests are invited to enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and an IMAX standard film for the special admission price of $5. What a deal!!!!!!

National Museum Day on Sept. 25, 2010 - BOGO off any ticket type. Free ticket must be of equal or lesser value and cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit of four (4) offers per household and excludes special engagement films. You must mention offer to receive discount.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration from Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, 2010 - In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, MOSI is offering $10 off general admission. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit of four (4) offers per household. Excludes special engagement films. Must mention offer to receive discount.

SkyWatch at MOSI on:
Saturday, September 25, 2010 - See Jupiter at its closest approach to Earth
Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Howl at the full moon during our Hall-o-Boo Event

See the universe up-close and personal through MOSI’s telescopes. Gaze at planets, star clusters, the Moon, and other celestial showpieces. Get your questions answered by MOSI’s astronomy staff and MARS Club members. Join us outside by MOSI's Butterfly Garden for a night of star gazing! Please Note – clear skies are required to use the telescopes. Weather conditions like rain or clouds will force the cancellation of the skywatch event. Viewing begins after sundown.

Space Shuttle Celebration Tour on Sunday, September 12 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. - For more than 30 years, the Space Shuttle program has inspired dreams, advanced the sciences, and gave us insight into the human condition as explorers.

Join the MOSI Education Team for a memorable experience that commemorates the people, technology, and missions of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Ride in style aboard a coach as your space educator prepares you for your visit to the Kennedy Space Center with a special presentation. While the space shuttle Discovery on the launch pad for the final space shuttle launch, we will explore the living history of space exploration and its future. Includes transportation, admission, and guided tour. the program fee is $105 or $79 for MOSI member.

International Observe the Moon Night, SEEING THE MOON… in a whole new light! on Saturday, September 18 from 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. YOu can take a guided tour of the moon at the first ever International Observe the Moon Night! Participate in an annual event looking at our closest astrological neighbor, the Moon.

Gaze through binocular and telescopes to see the many geological features of the lunar landscape. Hear lunar talks by local experts and participate in hands-on lunar inspired activities. Share the excitement of lunar science and exploration with other amateur sky watchers. Limited seating is available for the lunar shows in the Saunder’s Planetarium. Advance reservation recommended. The program fee is : $12 per person, MOSI member: $9 per person.

FUEL THE FUTURE DAY on Saturday, September 18 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. - This is your chance to be an automotive engineer of the future! Explore ideas for alternative ways to fuel cars. Piece together new vehicle designs using Legos®, race electric and fuel cell cars and discover this high-powered world of engineering with the help of experts and demonstrations.

Check out cars of the future and meet their local inventors. Visit the Under the Hood cart and learn about the Automotive X PRIZE, a $10 million contest to engineer the “car of the future.” Take part in hands-on activities for the entire family throughout the day.

And there you have it...everything happening at MOSI for the rest of the month. So, get out there and have some fun. And keep checking back here for more great things to do in Tampa Bay and other Tampa Bay area events.

Gaspar Ballet at Straz Center!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello guys.. Julian back with some more awesome entertainment news for those that love really good and exciting ballet! Gaspar-A Pirate Fantasy, a swashbuckling ballet, is being restaged locally after a 16 year absence from the Tampa Bay area. Creator/Choreographer Christopher Fleming will produce the original, full-length classical ballet at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on January 30, 2011 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm to coincide with Tampa’s annual Gasparilla Festivities. The original score is by Tampa Bay’s own David Goldstein, M.D. The Richard and Sharon Sanchez Family Foundation has agreed to be the presenting sponsor.

Gaspar-A Pirate Fantasy tells the tale of Tampa Bay’s most famous pirate, José Gaspar. The pirate/love story will include local dancers and performers as well as students from the Patel Conservatory. The production will feature principal dancers from New York and Philadelphia.

All proceeds from the ballet will go to local non-profits including the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Florida Chapter of Operation Homefront, as well as Drew’s Shoes, a charity dedicated to providing dance shoes for underprivileged children. Tickets on sale through the Straz Center ticket office.

This sounds really cool to me! Check back soon here often, so we can keep you up-to-date with all the exciting things to do in Tampa Bay and Tampa Bay events!

The Florida Orchestra 2010/2011 Coffee Concert Series in St. Petersburg and Clearwater!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay.. Julian here with great news for all music and concert lovers out there: The Florida Orchestra (TFO) announced programming and artists for its 2010/2011 morning Coffee Concert series under the direction of Alastair Willis, now in his third season as coffee series conductor at TFO. The orchestra will continue to offer a seven-concert series of familiar symphonic favorites at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m., as well as a new three-concert series being added at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. This new Clearwater series is presented by the Herman Forbes Charitable Trust.

Programming for the Coffee Concerts covers favorite themes and movements from such well-known works as Bernstein’s West Side Story, Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and Dvorak’s New World Symphony. Soloists on the series include TFO’s Principal Clarinetist Brian Moorhead, performing the second and third movements from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major, and the 2010 Sphinx Competition Winner, violinist Gareth Johnson, playing the second and third movements of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.

Taking place in a relaxed setting with a casual format, the conductor talks to the audience about the music and the composers during the performances. Prior to all concerts, complimentary coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are served in the lobby of the hall, and pre-concert conversations by the conductor and various orchestra musicians are offered in the concert hall one hour before curtain time. The 7-concert series in St. Petersburg starts at $134, and the 3-concert series in Clearwater starts at $58. For more information or to purchase a series package, call The Florida Orchestra Ticket Center at 727.892.3337 or toll free at 1.800.662.7286, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.floridaorchestra.org.

All of the Coffee Concerts will be led by Grammy-nominated conductor Alastair Willis, whose talents regularly place him in front of such orchestras as the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Houston Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Oregon Symphony and San Diego Symphony, among others. He has also occupied a variety of conducting posts, including resident conductor of the Seattle Symphony, assistant conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops orchestras and music director of the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Seven Concerts – October through May
Progress Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Thursday Mornings at 11 a.m. in St. Petersburg

Three Concerts – January, March & April
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Wednesday Mornings at 10 a.m. in Clearwater

For programming, schedule, and tickets click HERE! So treat youself to some really good music for breakfast! I'll be back with more news and updates around Tampa Bay area events and fun stuff to do in Tampa Bay!

Help Tampa Bay Reach 75,000 Petition Votes for World Cup Soccer... #GoUSABid #Tampa #WorldCup

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello there soccer fans! Jerm with some important FIFA World Cup News for ya!

In less than one week, FIFA is sending a six-person inspection team to the U.S. to evaluate our World Cup Bid up close and personal. I don't have to remind you about how huge of an opportunity to make our best possible impression, so we need to go all out to show them just how much we want to host the FIFA World Cup.

Right now, we have over 62,600 votes for Tampa Bay. We want to make a big impression before the FIFA Delegation arrives in the United States, and we need your support to make it happen.

With your help, we would like to reach 75,000 votes before FIFA arrives. If everyone texts as many times as they can, and visits the website (www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay) to vote, we know we can make this a reality. All you have to do is:

1)Text "TampaBay" to 22442 as many times as you can. Every text counts as a vote, so keep voting! (Standard messaging rates apply)
2) Sign the online petition at www.GoUSABid.com/TampaBay
3) Forward this email to all of your contacts.

And don't forget to forward this message along to everyone you know, as we need the all community support! With FIFA coming in less than one week, now is the most important moment to take action and show them what we're made of.

That's it for now, but be sure to check back for FIFA World Cup News from your Tampa Bay team!

Also, be sure to check out our latest World Cup Tampa Bay video...

Buy One Get One at MOSI!

Monday, August 30, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey everyone. Travis back with some great things to do in Tampa Bay, and at a great price. We are heading over to the largest science center in the Southeast US for a great deal!

Celebrate Labor Day this weekend at MOSI with Buy-One Get-One FREE admission to MOSI’s exhibit galleries, CSI: The Experience, one IMAX® Dome Theatre film, and much more!

Don’t miss your chance to see the limited-engagement exhibition, CSI: The Experience, at MOSI until Monday, September 6. This is the last weekend to view this exhibit, and it would be a crime to miss it! Get it...crime!!!!

It's from September 4 - 6, so don't miss your opportunity. The offer is valid with the purchase of a full-priced general admission ticket (child, adult or senior). Must mention offer at box office in order to redeem.

Have fun and let us know how it was. And of course, keep checking back here for more Tampa Bay Events and Tampa Bay Entertainment options.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts establishes Next Generation Ballet!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello folks... Julian back here with more interesting news from Tampa Bay! I am happy to announce that Tampa's cultural landscape will get a great new addition!

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) has established an exciting new ballet company in Tampa - Next Generation Ballet (NGB).

Peter Stark, chair of the dance department at the Patel Conservatory, will become artistic director of NGB. He plans to prepare outstanding young talent for professional employment through high levels of instruction, coaching and performing opportunities. Stark is an international coach of ballet wunderkinds and is bringing former student Jeffrey Cirio, (Princess Grace Award recipient), to Tampa to dance in the inaugural production of The Nutcracker.

In NGB, apprentice company members can participate for two to four years and will dance in two annual productions. Dancers in this first season will dance in The Nutcracker in December, along with guest artists from New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet, and in A Midsummer Night’s Dream on May 14, 2011. Additionally, NGB dancers will be utilized in Opera Tampa productions, including the season opener, The Merry Widow.

Since Stark joined the Patel Conservatory, after directing Orlando Ballet School for a decade, five families have relocated to Tampa from Orlando to train with him and the other instructors at the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet.

“Peter and I wanted to find a way to produce local dance of international quality that would also be financially sustainable. The idea of a company that is geared toward young performers on the cusp of their career made sense and supported the Patel Conservatory’s mission of educating young dancers, allowing them to gain valuable stage experience in a fully professional setting,” said Wendy Leigh, vice president of education at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

NGB is modeled after the successful New World Symphony in Miami, Fla., which brings together professionals with students in the area of classical music. In the 2010-2011 season, NGB will feature eight apprentice dancers, 12 trainee dancers and the finest students from the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet’s 250-member student body. Guest artists from New York City Ballet and Boston Ballet will also perform with NGB.

As part of the non-profit David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the Patel Conservatory offers dance classes for children and adults in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, modern, Flamenco, Latin ballroom and tap, as well as camps and classes in music and theater. More information is available by calling 813.222.1002 and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.

That's it for now but check back for more updates and news around cultural events, institutions and fun arts and culture in Tampa Bay related stuff!!

Cracker Country DVD Giveaway Contest!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hey Tampa Bay.. Julian here with a great way to start the school year! Enter this exciting giveaway contest and learn about rural Florida's past...

With the school year beginning, Cracker Country offers you a gift! Cracker Country, a living history museum located on the Florida State Fairgrounds, is giving away 5 copies of their Electronic Field Trip film “School Days.” The film follows the life of Kate and Levi Moore as they go to school, complete their lessons, and interact with their family. Join them on their journey and find out what it was like to live in a rural Florida community in 1898!

To enter, send an email to beckerj@doacs.state.fl.us

o    Include your full name
o    Address
o    And description of how you plan on using the film

The first five individuals to send this email will win!

To find out more information about Cracker Country or their Electronic Field Trips program please visit www.crackercountry.org or call 813-627-4225.

So this is it for now, but come back soon for more great contests, events and things to do in Tampa Bay! I'll keep you posted!

What a Great Line-Up of Shows this Weekend at the Straz Center for Performing Arts @StrazCenter...

Thursday, August 19, 2010 by jeremy fairley

The Sound of Music at the Straz Center for Performing Arts

Hello all! Jerm here with a reminder about this weekend at the Straz Center for Performing Arts where they are will have a plethora of shows going on!

Some of you were lucky enough to have won tickets to see The Sound of Music via Twitter yesterday, so congrats to Maria Mertens, Judy Conn and Lori Laquerre on winning tickets for opening night this Friday at 8pm at the Straz Center!

In addition to The Sound of Music, there is plenty going on this weekend at the Straz Center so I have taken the liberty of listing some of these for you guys! If you haven't been to see a show here, this weekend is a perfect time to get into the habit! Its a perfect example of the wide range of arts and culture in Tampa Bay is!

St. Peter Claver Catholic School Benefit - St. Peter Claver Catholic School Benefit concert features Gospel singing by various local artists and headliner Belinda Womack.

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead - Good Grief! Teens struggling with sex, death and identity By Bert Royal Directed by David M. Jenkins

Respect: A Musical Journey of Women - From "Someone To Watch Over Me" to "I Will Survive," it's the journey of women, told through Top-40 music in the new musical production RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women.

The Sound of Music - A heartwarming musical with a charming cast of characters, The Sound of Music will be one of your favorite things, too! Maria, a novitiate (“nun in training”), is sent from a nearby convent to act as governess to the seven children of widowed Austrian aristocrat, Captain von Trapp.

Demetri Martin - Called the “Voice of Generation Y,” Demetri Martin, is at the forefront of a new breed of young comics who get laughs with acerbic, relaxed observational humor. Voted one of the “25 Funniest People in America” by Entertainment Weekly, Martin left NYU Law School to pursue his career as a writer/comedian/artist/musician.

Einstein's Dreams - This adaptation by Ralf Remshardt and David Gardiner plays up the theatricality of dream imagery using a versatile ensemble with imagination to spare.

Jazz at the Straz Opening Night: Jazz Cellar Underground Orchestra and featured guests - Legendary local group returns from a 10-year hiatus to play Jazz Cellar favorites along with some smokin' new charts.

That's all I got for now folks, but be sure to check these shows out and get your tickets for these shows, or any upcoming shows! Until then, stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay area events!

Ticket Giveaway for The Sound of Music This Friday at The Straz Center for Performing Arts!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello there to all my lovers of arts and culture in Tampa Bay! Jerm here with yet another exciting event going on over at the David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, as the Sound of Music will be in town this weekend only!!

This heartwarming musical with a charming cast of characters,about the inspiring story of the Trapp Family Singers will be playing this weekend only at the Straz Center! Residents of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas will have the chance to experience this magnificent show!

And yes of course, guess who is giving away two pairs of tickets! You guessed it, its Jerm! Same rules as always in our giveaways, but in case your memory is mush, check out the rules below.

Here is a refresher on the way the giveaway will work. Instead of re-tweeting, just answer the question(s) on Twitter. Once you do that you will be entered in to win, as we will randomly draw two names. For those of you playing on Twitter and who choose to re-tweet, it does indeed increase your chances of winning.

I draw 2 names from the first 10 correct answers, so make sure you get the correct answer to play! Around 6pm, I will announce the winners!

Let's hop right into it! All I need you to do is answer three questions:

The Sound of Music was the final musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein? True or False
The Real Von Trapp actually fled to this country, not Switzerland as the play depicts?
The Sound of Music opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 16, 1959, and closed on June 15, 1963 after how many performances?

That's all for now, but stay tuned later this afternoon as I announce the winner.

Stay tuned in for more updates on Tampa Bay area events from Jerm and the rest of the crew!

My Latest Theater Adventure: Cats at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts...

Saturday, August 14, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, It’s Jodi to tell you about my latest theater adventure. I saw Cats at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

Cats has always been one of my favorite musicals; I drove my family crazy playing and replaying the DVD. However, there is nothing like seeing it live. Cats has a sort of magic to it that many musicals don’t. For one, you really feel like you’ve entered another world, the cats seem hesitant at first to let you in on their Jellicle ball but they warm up to the audience as they tell you about the many kinds of cats and about the secrets all cats ponder.

The choreography and the movements of the actors play into the ways of the cat. Every movement is feline, graceful, and nimble. Munkustrap, a large grey Tabby, has this twitchy playfulness when he introduces Jennyanydots that makes you believe you are watching an overgrown, bipedal cat instead of a human. Every time the actors, turn their head or move across the stage you see how much influence cats have had on the production, Feline mannerisms are in every aspect of the play. Cats plays off the secretive ways of the cat, their playful energy, and their contemplative, aloof manner.

The songs are mostly fun and upbeat, along the lines of other Andrew Lloyd Webber shows like Starlight Express and Jesus Christ Superstar. However, the moving song “Memory” has a melancholy tone and powerful delivery that is reminiscent of The Phantom of the Opera.
The characters are fun and different, from a Rock and Roll feline to a pair of thieves, a railway cat to a member of the aristocracy. My favorite has always been Mr. Mistofeelees, the original conjuring cat, who has a playful self-assured personality and a fun song. Everyone can find a favorite cat among the ensemble or one that is just like their cat.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to a cat-person to enjoy Cats. Personally, I don’t like the animal, whenever I’m around one I tend to get scratched or bitten, but the costumes, songs, and choreography of Cats let’s me overlook the fact that I am a dog-person and allows me to enter the world of Cats. Every member of the family will enjoy Cats and it is a good play to make a child’s first foray into Broadway.

Cats will run at the Straz Center between until August 15, 2010 with tickets starting at $43.50. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.

Hope you guys enjoyed the show as much as I did, and be sure to check back soon for my latest arts and culture in Tampa Bay related theatre visit! MOre news on things to do in Tampa Bay coming up shortly!

Cats Tonight at the Straz Center for Performing Arts! Get Your Tickets Now!

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hello Tampa Bay, It’s Jodi to announce the arrival of the Broadway Sensation Cats to the Straz Center. This theatrical gem from the inspired mind of Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera, Evita) was the longest running show in both London and New York (where it closed its doors on September 10, 2000). As far as Tampa Bay area events go, it doesn't get much better than this!

Cats tells the story of a group of Jellicle Cats that have gathered together for their yearly ball, a celebration full of joy and mystery where one Cat is chosen to journey to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. As the Cats gather, they speculate on who will be chosen.

Sure the story is bizarre but that’s part of the magic (the musical was based entirely on a collection of poems by T.S. Eliot, entitled Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats). Cats will transport you to the mysterious, secretive world of our feline friends. The way the cast picks up on the movements and subtle mannerisms of cats is astounding. The songs are memorable and catchy, generally upbeat. Grizabella, the Glamour cat, has the most memorable and famous of the tunes from Cats, the sad but powerful “Memory”. For any theater lover, whether they like felines or not will enjoy Cats, the longest continuously running touring show in U.S. history.

Cats will run at the Straz Center between August 13 and 15, 2010 with tickets starting at $43.50. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org.
Cats Fun Facts:

Since its opening, Cats has been presented in 26 countries and over 300 cities
Cats has been translated into 10 languages
Cats is the largest single generator of jobs in Broadway history
Cats had a total economic impact of $3.12 billion on the city of New York
For the Broadway opening, the Winter Garden Theatre was gutted and the roof replacedto accommodate Grizabella's trip to the Heaviside Layer
The set of Cats consists of 2,500 oversized props
T.S. Eliot’s widow, Valerie, contributed the unpublished material about Grizabella that was the basis for Cats’ most famous song, “Memory”
Three writers tried to set words to the music for “Memory” before Trevor Nunn (the show's director) wrote the lyrics himself
“Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists, from Barbra Streisand to Johnny
Mathis to Liberace. Barry Manilow’s rendition was a Top 40 hit in the U.S.

That's all for now guys, I'll have a post show wrap-up blog tomorrow morning so tay tuned for that and more arts and culture in Tampa Bay updates!

September 2010 at The David A. Straz Jr. Center

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know what will be taking place at The David A. Straz Jr. Center throughout the month of September.

Einstein’s Dreams- September 15- October 3, 2010
This adaptation by Ralf Remshardt and David Gardiner plays up the theatricality of dream imagery using a versatile ensemble with imagination to spare. Sleight of hand? Roller skates? The seeds of the Theory of Relativity? Check! "Suppose time is a circle, bending back on itself. The world repeats itself, precisely, endlessly."

Opening Night of Jazz @ The Straz - September 18, 2010
The start to Jazz @ The Straz, a new concert series featuring local professional bands in support of jazz education at the Patel Conservatory. The Opening Night (Sept. 18, 2010) will feature the Jazz Cellar Underground Orchestra and featured guests

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts has scheduled an extraordinary line-up of touring Broadway blockbusters, an astounding opera series, a dramatic and stimulating play series and an incredible collection of dance, comedy, music and educational events for the 2010-2011 season

Tickets for most 2010-2011 events will go on sale on Aug. 15 at the Straz Center Ticket Office and online at www.strazcenter.org. See attached schedule for a full listing of events.

Check back in a few weeks for arts and culture in Tampa Bay related events and another Straz Center monthly update!

This Weekend in Tampa Bay!

Thursday, August 12, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, Alex here to let you know what is going on around the area this weekend. If you are looking for something fun to do, you have come to the right place!

Carnival Couture - August 14, 2010
The Ritz Ybor presents a captivating collection of Tampa Bay's most provocative, show-stopping performers from the wild and sexy to the graceful and powerful.
Venue: The Ritz Ybor, Tampa, FL
Time: 7:00p

Thai One On For the Tigers- August 14, 2010
Come spend a wonderful evening and support the tigers and other animals at Elmira's Wildlife Sanctuary while we celebrate the birthdays of our two youngest tigers, Cort and Lexi! Admission includes:* Authentic Thai Dinner* One year membership to Elmira's* Live music from Code Blues Band* A twilight tour of the animal's sanctuaryTickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Check out http://www.elmiraswildlife.org/ for more info!
Address: 13910 Seminole Trail, Wimauma, FL 33598
Times: 4-8 pm
Admission: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Dance World's Back-To-School Health, Fun and Fitness Expo- August 14, 2010
Dance World Announces Health, Fun & Fitness EXPO Tampa, FL – August 5, 2010. Dance World will hold a FREE back-to-school Health, Fun and Fitness Expo on Saturday, August 14 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the University Mall, 2200 East Fowler Avenue (located on 2nd level, parking garage food court entrance, near movie theaters). Free health screenings will be given including BMI, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Additionally, there will be give-aways, entertainment and healthy food samples. This event will feature interactive demonstrations on “How to Eliminate Pain, Stress and the Effects of Aging” by internationally-renowned expert Dr. Ramon Nunez. Entertainment will include a salsa show, free dance lessons and performances by professional competitive dancers. A special musical performance will be given by singer-model-actress-TV host Ann Poonkasem aka Ann P. www.annponline.com. Sponsorships and vendor tables are available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Faces of Courage Foundation, Inc., a charity that helps children with cancer. www.facesofcourage.org Come join in the fun and dance for a better world. About Dance World Dance World is a full service dance fitness studio featuring a large selection of popular dances from Salsa to Hip Hop with professional instructors. A fun and hip alternative to the gym, dance fitness combines the benefits of exercise with the fun of dance and music. Dance world offers a full array of dance fitness programs, including weekly classes, children’s lessons, corporate events, work-life programs, special events and health-wellness programs. No contracts, no monthly fees, student discounts. HABLAMOS ESPANOL. For more information, visit www.DanceWorldTampa.com.
Address: 2200 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612
Times: 12pm - 5pm
Admission: FREE

Tampa Bay Storm Playoffs vs. Orlando Predators – August 14, 2010
The number three (#3) seed Tampa Bay Storm will host the number four (#4) seed Orlando Predators in the American Conference Championship Game Saturday, August 14 at the St. Pete Times Forum with kickoff at 7:30pm. The winner goes on to the ArenaBowl!

Don’t miss the American Conference Final with individual game tickets starting at $15.

PREGAME FESTIVITIES BEGIN AT 4:30 PM!
Storm players walk the red carpet & greet fans!
Kids Activities, games, arts and crafts & Live Music!
$3 Draft Specials at Shots & Free Hot Dogs on Plaza (4:30pm – 5:30pm)
Venue: St. Pete Times Forum
Time: 4:30pm

Rocky Horror Picture Show Live – August 14-15, 2010
"Rocky Horror Picture Show" will be performed by a local live cast of The Cheap Little Punks at the Tampa Pitcher Show. The show is preformed every other weekend on Friday and Saturday nights. The theater offers a full liquor bar and a full menu.
Time: Sat- 11:30pm, Sun- 2:30p
Venue: Tampa Pitcher Show

"Strolling In A Perfect Paradise" – August 14, 2010
The Henry B. Plant Museum presents "Strolling In A Perfect Paradise." The gardens of the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel were touted as the most exotic in the country. This exhibit will showcase the splendor of the gardens within the context of landscape design in the 19th century. Oversized projected images will give guests the sense of truly experiencing the once-magnificent grounds. It will also feature historic images from brochures, newspapers, negative slides, and photographs, along with original decorative pieces and, in the current garden, historic garden markers.
Time: 10:00a to 5:00p
Venue: Henry B. Plant Museum
Price: adults $10, seniors 65 and older and students $7, children 4-12 $5

"Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida" – August 14, 2010
Tampa Bay History Center presents the exhibition "Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida," featuring the art of Hermann Trappman. The exhibit details the natural history of Florida through Trappman's compelling paintings, artifact replicas, fossils, and examples of the resources utilized by ancient Native Americans.
Time: 5:00p
Venue: Tampa Bay History Center

"Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead" – August 14, 2010
Jobsite Theater presents "Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead" in Tampa. Teens struggling with sex, death and identity. A play by Bert Royal and directed by David M. Jenkins.
When CB's dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation. His sister has gone goth. His ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group's bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that's both haunting and hopeful.
Time: 8:00p
Venue: David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
Price: $24.50

CATS: At the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts – August 14-15, 2010
There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory."
Venue: David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (formerly TBPAC)
Times: Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Turn up the Volumn - Curtis and Kocab Benefit Concert- August 15, 2010
Benefit concert for the memorial funds for Officer Curtis and Officer Kocab. Live entertainment, balloon artists, face painters, palm readers, hand writing analysis’s and so much more. Come down and support the cause!
Address: 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33602
Times: 3pm-9pm
Admission: FREE

Goo Goo Dolls – August 15, 2010
Time: 8:00p
Venue: Florida State Fairgrounds: 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater (formerly Ford Amphitheatre)

Ongoing Events:
August Double Dino Days
MOSI Presents- CSI: The Experience
Summer Nights at Busch Gardens- Ending August 15, 2010
Island Nights at Adventure Island- Ending August 15, 2010
Play & Dine All Day at Busch Gardens- Ticket sales end on September 6, 2010

Check back next week for another weekend events update!

Cats Trivia Giveaway #2 for @StrazCenter...

Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello there all, Jerm here and I think you guys know what time it is..., once again IT'S TRIVIA TIME!!! Just like yesterday, i am in the mod to giveaway some free tickets to awesome Tampa Bay area events this week!

Once again today you will be playing for two tickets to Cats this Friday at the David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts!

Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory." And now residents of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas will have the chance to experience this magnificent show!

Here is a refresher on the way the giveaway will work. Instead of re-tweeting, just answer the question(s) on Twitter. Once you do that you will be entered in to win, as we will randomly draw two names. For those of you playing on Twitter and who choose to re-tweet, it does indeed increase your chances of winning.

I draw names from the first 10 correct answers, so make sure you get the correct answer to play! Around 6pm, I will announce the winners!

Let's hop right into it! All I need you to do is answer three questions about the Cats. I promise I won't try and stump you today so don't worry:

Cats is the 2nd longest continuously running touring show in U.S. history? True or False
T.S. Eliot’s widow, Valerie, contributed the unpublished material about Grizabella that was the basis for Cats’ most famous song, “Memory”? True or False
“Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists, from Barbra Streisand to Johnny Mathis to Liberace. Barry Manilow’s rendition was a Top 40 hit in the U.S. True or False

That's all for now, but stay tuned later this afternoon as I announce the winner.

Stay tuned in for more updates on arts and culture in Tampa Bay from Jerm and the rest of the crew!

It's a Trivia Giveaway for Cats this Friday at @StrazCenter!!! Who Will Win...

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 by jeremy fairley

Hello there all, Jerm here and I think you guys know what time it is... IT'S TRIVIA TIME!!! Yup you heard that right and I am in the mood to giveaway some free tickets to some awesome Tampa Bay area events this week!

What events you ask? Oh well let me tell you! If you haven't already heard, this Friday - Sunday, "Cats" will be playing at the David A Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts this weekend!

I can't think of a better way to introduce your loved ones to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless melodies, including the hit song, "Memory." And now residents of Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas will have the chance to experience this magnificent show!

Here is a refresher on the way the giveaway will work. Instead of re-tweeting, just answer the question(s) on Twitter. Once you do that you will be entered in to win, as we will randomly draw two names. For those of you playing on Twitter and who choose to re-tweet, it does indeed increase your chances of winning.

I draw names from the first 10 correct answers, so make sure you get the correct answer to play! Around 6pm, I will announce the winners!

Let's hop right into it! All I need you to do is answer three questions about the Cats. I promise I won't try and stump you today so don't worry:

Cats is the largest single generator of ___________ in Broadway History?
Cats has been translated into how many languages?
Since its opening, Cats has been presented in how many countries?

Okay guys, I think I am going to stump most of you with these questions, but I invite you to prove me wrong! That's all for now, but stay tuned later this afternoon as I announce the winner.

Stay tuned in for more updates on arts and culture in Tampa Bay from Jerm and the rest of the crew!

Wonderland Heads to Broadway!!!

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Bay Bloggers

Hey Tampa Bay, It’s Jodi with big news from the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Their show WONDERLAND: A New Alice, A New Musical Adventure is heading to the Great White Way.

WONDERLAND is the first production of the Straz Center’s Broadway Genesis Project, an initiative to develop and prepare new musical theater for Broadway. The show debuted at the Straz Center this past December and transferred to the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX for further development, later becoming one of their highest grossing shows in the Theatre’s history. Now it is off to New York where it will open on Broadway on Sunday, April 17th, 2011 with performances starting March 21, 2011.

WONDERLAND is a story about a new Alice who has lost the joy in her life. She is estranged from her husband, alienated from her daughter, and in danger of losing her career. Alice ends up in Wonderland where she rediscovers the wonder and joy in life with the help of familiar yet odd characters, who help her find herself and her daughter.

WONDERLAND takes the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and shows that “the magic of fun is not just for the young”. With dedicated and talented people involved with WONDERLAND from beginning to end, you can bet its re-imagining will take it to a whole new level of adventure, imagination and wonder. Directed by Gregory Boyd, artistic director of the Alley Theatre in Houston, lyrics by Tony nominated Jack Murphy, music by Tony and Emmy nominated Frank Wildhorn, and choreography by Emmy Award winner Marguerite Derricks, WONDERLAND will return to Tampa, with a new score, for a pre-Broadway engagement at Ferguson Hall at the David A Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts from January 4 through January 16, 2011.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or on-line at www.strazcenter.org.

Make sure you catch the new WONDERLAND before it heads to New York City for your chance to see Broadway and Tampa history in making.

For more information about arts and culture in Tampa Bay and the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit www.strazcenter.org, and stay tuned in for more things to do in Tampa Bay updates!

Carrollwood Cultural Center to present Charles Smith’s LUSTFUL TEMPTATIONS.

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hi guys... Julian back again with a nice event for all musical lovers. The Carrollwood Cultural Center in association with Charles Smiths is pleased to present:
Charles Smith’s Lustful Temptations on

-    Friday, August 27 at 8 pm
-    Saturday, August 28 at 7 pm
-    Sunday, August 29 at 3 pm

At the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa, FL 33618; Tel.: (813) 269-1310; www.CarrollwoodCenter.org. Ticket prices are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and $25 for seniors (ages 65+). Tickets can be purchased online at CarrollwoodCenter.org or by calling (813) 269-1310.

Charles Smith’s Lustful Temptations is a musical stage play packed with action and suspense: a story filled with family conflicts, deceitful relationships with a special focus on breast cancer. Come see life in the real world and witness pain and joy, tears and laughter, suffering and hope!

LUSTFUL TEMPTATIONS is a drama about a magazine company that offers hard-hitting, action-packed, innovation and suspense-filled articles to its clientele. The magazine challenges its readers to answer the age-old question: is it love or lust? LUSTFUL TEMPTATIONS centers around the trials and temptations of a young man who has returned from college to start working for one of the nation's top Christian magazines: Lustful Temptations. Meanwhile, the wife of the CEO of the magazine is dealing with cancer and serious bouts of depression. Emotionally drained and left with a need to feel needed, she contemplates exploring the territory of martial unfaithfulness. Witness how our hero and this family battles these conflicts and ultimately how their faith provides strength. Witness the pain, joy, tears, laughter, suffering and hope in this complex, powerful gospel play. LUSTFUL TEMPTATIONS is written, directed and produced by actor Charles E. Smith, Jr., who portrays attorney Carmichael Harris in the production.

A portion of the proceed will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Christian Brothers Film Academy. Check it out! I'll be back with more updates around Tampa Bay area events soon!

Patel Conservatory to offer classes at Tampa Preparatory School!

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Tampa Bay & Company

Hello folks, Julian back here with more great news: Due to the rapid expansion and success of the Patel Conservatory’s educational programs and success of Tampa Preparatory School, the two institutions have joined forces to offer more performing arts classes and opportunities to the Tampa Bay community.

Beginning in August, 2010, the Patel Conservatory will offer select performing arts classes for the public at the beautiful facilities of Tampa Preparatory School. The school is just across the Hillsborough River, in buildings designed by the same firm that created the award-winning Patel Conservatory, J.O. Delotto & Sons.

During the school day, Patel Conservatory instructors will teach dance to Tampa Preparatory students as part of their curriculum. Tampa Preparatory students will also get the opportunity to participate in Patel Conservatory outreach experiences such as workshops and master classes. On weekday afternoons and evenings, and on Saturdays, classes will be taught to the public in jazz dance, hip-hop dance, modern, tap, ballet and contemporary dance. Also beginning this fall, Tampa Preparatory School students will showcase their artwork on the walls of the Patel Conservatory’s hallways and lobby.

For a complete list of classes to be offered at the Patel Conservatory at Tampa Preparatory, visit www.patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1001. As part of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the Patel Conservatory offers classes in all aspects of music, dance and theater for children and adults of all ages and experience levels.

That's all for now, but be sure to stay tuned in for updates on Tampa Bay area events and and things to do in Tampa Bay!