St. Petersburg Theatre + Broadway News

St. Petersburg Opera Presents OPERA IDOL Tonight, May 12

(5/12/2012) St. Petersburg Opera is presenting its fourth Opera Idol evening of singing tonight, May 12. The culmination of its Music in Motion series of workshops, Opera Idol will feature ten singers, all from the local area, who will vie to become the audience choice.

FST Hosts Robert Pinsky's Favorite Poem Project Today, 5/11

(5/11/2012) Florida Studio Theatre and Bookstore1Sarasota hosts Robert Pinsky, former United States Poet Laureate, and his community Favorite Poem Project today, May 11 at 2:00pm at FST’s Keating Theatre (1241 N. Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota). The event is part of FST’s Sarasota Festival of New Plays, which celebrates the continued life of emerging playwrights, writers and poets over a two-month period every spring.

St. Petersburg Opera Presents OPERA IDOL, May 12

(5/7/2012) St. Petersburg Opera is presenting its fourth Opera Idol evening of singing on Saturday, May 12. The culmination of its Music in Motion series of workshops, Opera Idol will feature ten singers, all from the local area, who will vie to become the audience choice.

Florida's The Mahaffey Welcomes SHEN YUN Today, 5/5

(5/5/2012) Shen Yun returns to the Bay area at The Mahaffey today, May 5 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. After a successful sold-out run in Tampa earlier this year, Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. More than 100 of the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, choreographers and musicians seek to revive Chinese culture while providing an experience of sublime beauty.

Voting Opens for the 2012 BroadwayWorld.com Awards - Vote Now on the Best of the New York Season!

(5/3/2012) The TONY Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 10th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

St. Petersburg Opera Announces OPERA IDOL, 5/12

(5/3/2012) St. Petersburg Opera is presenting its fourth Opera Idol evening on Saturday, May 12. The culmination of its Music in Motion series of workshops, Opera Idol will feature ten singers, all from the local area, who will vie to become the audience choice.

Bill Edwards Presents Dennis Miller Tonight, 5/3

(5/3/2012) One of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, Dennis Miller comes to the Mahaffey Theater for one night only, tonight, May 3, 2012.

Ledisi and Eric Benet Play the Mahaffey, 8/4

(4/24/2012) Coming to The Mahaffey this summer is multi-Grammy nominated singer Ledisi! Together with Eric Benet, their “Be Good To Yourself” (BGTY) headline tour begins June 24th in Philadelphia, PA before stopping in beautiful St. Petersburg at The Mahaffey on August 4th.

IN THE MOOD Returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 4/22

(4/22/2012) IN THE MOOD returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sun. Apr. 22, 2012 at 7:00 PM. More than a concert, IN THE MOOD is a Big Band Theatrical Swing Revue. It’s the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and other greats of the 1940’s. Featuring a company of In the Mood Singers and Dancers with the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, the show’s music arrangements, costumes and choreography are as authentic as it gets!

Brian Lane Green & More Lead A GRAND NIGHT FOR BROADWAY GALA at St. Petersburg College, April 21

(4/21/2012) The Palladium and St. Petersburg College will present A Grand Night for Broadway Gala on Saturday, April 21, featuring Brian Lane Green, Lee Lessack and John Boswell. Tickets for the gala event are $125 and benefit the Friends of the Palladium. To purchase tickets, contact Cory Adler-Leidersdorff, (727) 341-7918.

3 MEN AND A BABY...GRAND Opens at the Palladium Tonight

(4/21/2012) On Saturday, April 21st, Broadway’s top rated revue 3 MEN AND A BABY...GRAND comes to the Palladium. Three Broadway stars, Brian Lane Green, Lee Lessack, and John Boswell, present their signature collection of show tunes and Rat Pack favorites. The show will take place at 8 p.m.

BURN THE FLOOR Comes to the Van Wezel April 19

(4/19/2012) BURN THE FLOOR, the Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries, brings the fire and passion of their live performance to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thurs. April 19 at 8 PM.

Van Wezel Presents POP GOES THE ROCK Acrobatic Circus Show, 4/16

(4/16/2012) Dance, shout and shake your booty over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when CIRQUE DREAMS newest stage spectacle, Pop Goes The Rock makes its debut in Sarasota by presenting Cirque Dreams variety acts and acrobatic feats to popular songs and chart topping hits spanning the decades Mon. April 16 at 7:30 PM.

Alhambra After Dark Presents Improv Effect, 4/16

(4/16/2012) In this special Alhambra After Dark performance, The Improv Effect improvisational comedy troupe will be performing at the Alhambra with a full 90 minutes of improvisational comedy.

Van Wezel Presents Sergio Mendes and Guest Jon Scada, 4/15

(4/15/2012) Celebrating 50 years in music, multi-Grammy® winner and Band Leader Sergio Mendes and three-time Grammy® winner Jon Secada bring a Brazilian high-energy style of Latin Jazz featuring Mendes’ mix of light jazz, bossa nova beats and contemporary soft pop melodies, and vocal stylings of Jon Secada. Catch the performance at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sun. Apr. 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM.

Florida's The Mahaffey Welcomes SHEN YUN, 5/5

(4/14/2012) Shen Yun returns to the Bay area at The Mahaffey on Saturday, May 5 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. After a successful sold-out run in Tampa earlier this year, Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical Chinese dance and music in a gloriously colorful and exhilarating show. More than 100 of the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, choreographers and musicians seek to revive Chinese culture while providing an experience of sublime beauty.

Comedian Bobby Collins Coming to The Mahaffey, 6/2

(4/12/2012) Bobby Collins is an award-winning comedian, who has starred in his own Showtime Special, was the host of VH1's “Stand Up Spotlight,” and most recently was seen on the “Joy Behar Show.” He has toured with Cher, Julio Iglesias, Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett, among others. In addition, he’s released three DVDs and six CDs, with his second CD, “Out of Bounds,” earning him a Grammy nomination. His latest CD, “I'm on the Boat, Woman and Children First,” is on its way to becoming a number one best seller.

Alhambra After Dark Presents Improv Effect, 4/16

(4/12/2012) In this special Alhambra After Dark performance, The Improv Effect improvisational comedy troupe will be performing at the Alhambra with a full 90 minutes of improvisational comedy.

Asolo Repertory Announces Programming and Events for HAMLET, PRINCE OF CUBA

(4/11/2012) Asolo Repertory is presents events leading up the Spanish performances of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba. Set in late 19th century Cuba, the show is currently enjoying a run in English at Asolo Rep and will have two performances in Spanish with English supertitles on May 3 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m. After concluding its run in Sarasota, the show will move to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center in Miami where there will be both English and supertitled Spanish performances May 11-13. Hamlet, Prince of Cuba features guest artist Frankie J. Alvarez as Hamlet, Gisela Chípe (of Asolo Rep’s Yentl) as Ophelia, Emilio Delgado as Claudius (known for his role as Luis on Sesame Street), Mercedes Herrero as Gertrude and Andhy Mendez as Laertes. The following programming will be offered in conjunction with the production.

IN THE MOOD Returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 4/22

(4/10/2012) IN THE MOOD returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sun. Apr. 22, 2012 at 7:00 PM. More than a concert, IN THE MOOD is a Big Band Theatrical Swing Revue. It’s the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and other greats of the 1940’s. Featuring a company of In the Mood Singers and Dancers with the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, the show’s music arrangements, costumes and choreography are as authentic as it gets!

Photo Flash: First Look at Florida Studio Theatre's JERICHO;Opening Tonight, 4/6

(4/6/2012) Florida Studio Theatre opens Jericho by Jack Canfora, a National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere, tonight, Friday, April 6, 2012, in the Keating Theatre (1241 N. Palm Avenue). Part of the Sarasota Festival of New Plays, Jericho makes its final stop of it’s “rolling” world premiere, after opening at Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis and New Jersey Repertory Company early this season. Tickets for the world premiere play are on sale through June 9 and can be purchased online at www.FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.

Photo Flash: Thomas Mothershed & Co. in OVER THE TAVERN at The Herb Strauss Theatre, Sanibel

(4/6/2012) Check out these production shots of Over the Tavern, featuring Thomas Mothershed (Chet), Jenny Smith (Ellen), Tommy Short (Rudy), Jake Mann (Georgie), Justen Montgomery (Eddie), Angelina Torre (Annie) and Nancy Antonio (Sister Clarissa). The show runs through Saturday, April 21, Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Herb Strauss Theater. Over The Tavern is Directed by Marc Tumminelli.

SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL Extends Run Until 4/7

(4/6/2012) Florida State Theatre will be moving "Shake Rattle & Roll" into the Gompertz theatre to allow it a 2-week extension. It ends performances in the Cabaret on March 25, 2012, and will continue from March 27 - April 7 in the Gompertz.

Svich's THE WAY OF THE WATER to be Read Across the US & Abroad

(4/4/2012) An initial line-up of organizations that will present 2011 American Theatre Critics Association Francesca Primus Prize winning playwright Caridad Svich’s new play THE WAY OF THE WATER has been announced. This work, which is about the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill and its effects on human health and the environment in the US Gulf region, is being made available for local presentations during the month of April (and selected venues in May) to mark the two-year anniversary of the spill and to raise increased awareness toward health and environmental concerns, by NoPassport theatre alliance & press, an unincorporated collective dedicated to the advocacy, production and publication of works expressive of cross-cultural and aesthetic diversity in the arts.

NBC's America's Got Talent Tapes at the Mahaffey in April

(4/3/2012) NBC’s America’s Got Talent is taping live at The Mahaffey and you can join host Nick Cannonand celebrity judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, and Sharon Osbourne in the live television audience!

3 MEN AND A BABY...GRAND Set for the Palladium, 4/21

(4/2/2012) On Saturday, April 21st, Broadway’s top rated revue 3 MEN AND A BABY...GRAND comes to the Palladium. Three Broadway stars, Brian Lane Green, Lee Lessack, and John Boswell, present their signature collection of show tunes and Rat Pack favorites. The show will take place at 8 p.m.

Asolo Repertory Theatre Offers Take the Rep Challenge, 4/1-26

(4/1/2012) Throughout the month of April, the Asolo Repertory Theatre is promoting its TAKE THE REP CHALLENGE. Participants are able to see three or four different shows, all in one week, all in the same theatre, in reperetory fashion.

Venue Ensemble Theatre's OUTRAGIOUS ADVENTURES Closes

(4/1/2012) Venue Ensemble Theatre presents THE OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURES OF SHELDON & MRS. LEVINE by Sam Bobrick and Julie Stein through April 1, 2012.

Asolo Repertory Theatre Offers Take the Rep Challenge, 4/1-26

(3/30/2012) Throughout the month of April, the Asolo Repertory Theatre is promoting its TAKE THE REP CHALLENGE. Participants are able to see three or four different shows, all in one week, all in the same theatre, in reperetory fashion.

'A Grand Night for Broadway' Gala and More Comes to the Palladium in April

(3/30/2012) It will be a “Grand Night for Broadway” at the historic Palladium Theater on Saturday, April 21st. when Three Men and a Baby…Grand! comes to our stage. Brian Lane Green, Lee Lessack, and John Boswell present their signature collection of show tunes and Rat Pack favorites in a spirited performance.

BURN THE FLOOR Comes to the Van Wezel April 19

(3/28/2012) BURN THE FLOOR, the Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries, brings the fire and passion of their live performance to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thurs. April 19 at 8 PM.

Van Wezel Presents POP GOES THE ROCK Acrobatic Circus Show, 4/16

(3/27/2012) Dance, shout and shake your booty over to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when CIRQUE DREAMS newest stage spectacle, Pop Goes The Rock makes its debut in Sarasota by presenting Cirque Dreams variety acts and acrobatic feats to popular songs and chart topping hits spanning the decades Mon. April 16 at 7:30 PM.

Van Wezel Presents Sergio Mendes and Guest Jon Scada, 4/15

(3/26/2012) Celebrating 50 years in music, multi-Grammy® winner and Band Leader Sergio Mendes and three-time Grammy® winner Jon Secada bring a Brazilian high-energy style of Latin Jazz featuring Mendes’ mix of light jazz, bossa nova beats and contemporary soft pop melodies, and vocal stylings of Jon Secada. Catch the performance at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sun. Apr. 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM.

Brian Lane Green & More Lead A GRAND NIGHT FOR BROADWAY GALA at St. Petersburg College, April 21

(3/26/2012) The Palladium and St. Petersburg College will present A Grand Night for Broadway Gala on Saturday, April 21, featuring Brian Lane Green, Lee Lessack and John Boswell. Tickets for the gala event are $125 and benefit the Friends of the Palladium. To purchase tickets, contact Cory Adler-Leidersdorff, (727) 341-7918.

Photo Flash: OVER THE TAVERN Opens Tonight for Big Arts

(3/23/2012) Over the Tavern, a family dramedy opens tonight, March 23, at Big Arts Herb Strauss Theater and below, BroadwayWorld brings you a look at the prodution photos!

Asolo Repertory Theatre Presents HAMLET, PRINCE OF CUBA, 3/23-5/6

(3/23/2012) Asolo Repertory Theatre announces its final 2012 repertory production, Hamlet, Prince of Cuba, adapted and directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and featuring a Spanish translation by Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz. Hamlet, Prince of Cuba will run March 23 through May 6 in the Mertz Theatre. Previews (in English) will begin March 21. Set in late 19th century Cuba, the show will have two performances in Spanish with English supertitles. Spanish performances will be May 3 at 8 p.m. and May 5 at 2 p.m. After concluding its run at Asolo Rep, the show will move to the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center where it will perform May 11-13. Hamlet, Prince of Cuba will feature guest artist Frankie J. Alvarez as Hamlet, Gisela Chípe (of Asolo Rep’s Yentl) as Ophelia, Emilio Delgado as Claudius (known for his performance as Luis on Sesame Street), Mercedes Herrero as Gertrude and Andhy Mendez as Laertes.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Makes Sarasota Premiere at the Van Wezel, 3/22-23

(3/22/2012) With book by three-time Tony Award winner MEL BROOKS and three-time Tony Award winner THOMAS MEEHAN, Music & Lyrics by BROOKS, and Direction and Choreography by five-time Tony Award winner SUSAN STROMAN, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN makes its Sarasota Premiere Thurs. and Fri. March 22 & 23, 2012 @ 8 PM at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Venue Ensemble Theatre Announces OUTRAGIOUS ADVENTURES for 3/22

(3/22/2012) Venue Ensemble Theatre will present THE OUTRAGEOUS ADVENTURES OF SHELDON & MRS. LEVINE by Sam Bobrick and Julie Stein from Mar 22 to April 1, 2012.

Lake Worth Playhouse to Offer Summer Camps

(3/20/2012) The Lake Worth Playhouse will be kicking summer into high gear as the focus of programming turns to center on children with summer camps.

BOWFIRE Plays the Van Wezel, 3/20

(3/20/2012) The string performance ensemble BOWFIRE will perform at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tues. Mar. 20, 2012 @ 8:00 PM.