Tampa Theatre Newsroom

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.