Paul Bilyeu
Senior Director of
Communications
813.222.1050
Salwa Mansour
Media Relations Manager
813.222.1059
Leslie Farrell
Patel Conservatory Publicist
813.493.1805
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602
P.O. Box 518, Tampa, FL 33601-0518
April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Tampa along the east bank of the Hillsborough River adjacent to the
Tampa/Hillsborough County Public Library. As the largest performing arts complex south of the Kennedy Center, the 300,000-square-foot facility provides an
environment for a wide variety of world-class events. The five-theater entertainment complex consists of Morsani Hall (2,600 seats), Ferguson Hall (1,100 seats),
the Jaeb Theater (300 seats), the Shimberg Playhouse (130 seats) and the TECO Energy Foundation Theater (250 seats).
Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.
(¥) This event is a venue rental. For more information about rental events, please contact the presenters at the contact info provided.
APRIL 2015
First Date, Feb. 3-April 19, Jaeb Theater Tues.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 and 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $40. First Date is a
hysterical and hopeful new Broadway musical about the chances we all take to find love. When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with
serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time,
the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. In a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s
inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and
protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn
what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?
**JUST ADDED** String Theory's Fin Harp, April 1-May 3, Straz Riverwalk: FREE. Fin Harp, a brand new sonic sculpture created
by Luke Rothschild, has been designed to harness 14 brass wires that will extend more than 100 feet from a spot near the Riverwalk to the
roof of the Straz Center. More than 1,000 feet of musical brass wire will adorn the performing arts center, and literally transform the
building into a gigantic interactive musical instrument. Docents will be available to play and discuss the harp during the annual Best of
Tampa Bay (April 11) and prior to performances of Pippin (April 13-19), MythBusters: Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED! (April 23), Celtic
Woman (April 25) and the Florida Orchestra (April 10, 17 and 24). During these docent-attended sessions, the public will have the
opportunity to interact with and play the harp. String Theory’s Fin Harp will also be part of the 2015 RiverFest on May 2 and 3 – docents
will be available.
Easter Brunch, April 5, Maestro’s Restaurant, Sun. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $38.95 per person; $16.95 for
children under 12, free for children under 4; beverage included, or a mimosa for adults. Tax and gratuity not included. This special Easter
Brunch at Maestro’s Restaurant will feature a breakfast station, chef-attended omelet station, chef-attended carving station, salad display,
hot buffet, dessert station, kids’ corner and, of course, a visit from the Easter Bunny!
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents A Gershwin Celebration: Porgy and Bess in Concert, April 10, Morsani Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly
priced tickets are $17.50-$47.50. It’s a salute to the genius of George and Ira Gershwin that begins with such favorites as the overture to
Funny Face, Lullaby, Rialto Ripples Rag, Cuban Overture and more ... with the second half showcasing the best-loved highlights from
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April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
Porgy and Bess ... I Loves You Porgy, Summertime and It Ain’t Necessarily So, among others. Jeff Tyzik conducts. Visit
floridaorchestra.org.
The Sandi Sylver Puppet Show, April 11, Rehearsal Hall, Sat. 11 a.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $7.50. Part of the Wee Folk series for
ages 2-4. Children and adults alike marvel at the master storytelling of ventriloquist and singer Sandi Sylver, whose shows blend puppets,
stories and songs into an enchanting program that educates and entertains. Her energy and ever-changing dynamics have her touring
library storytimes and theaters over and over. All around the country, audiences love Sandi Sylver!
Spirited Dinner, April 9, Maestro’s Restaurant, Thurs. 6:30p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $150. Tampa’s top chefs meet master
mixologists in the exclusive epicurean precursor to the Best of Tampa Bay. This exquisite seated dinner features five courses paired with a
unique cocktails created especially for the dish.
Best of Tampa Bay, April 11, Morsani Hall and Riverwalk, Sat. 7 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $65. Located along the Straz Center’s
spectacular riverfront, this event features food samplings from many of the Tampa Bay area’s finest restaurants and caterers, along with
full open bar, specialty wine and beer tastings and live music. Since its inception, Best of Tampa Bay, one of the Straz Center’s signature
fundraising events and Tampa’s longest running culinary fundraiser, has generated more than $2 million to benefit the Straz Center’s
programs.
Patel Conservatory presents Rock School Blowout, April 12, Skipper’s Smokehouse, Sun. 3 p.m.: FREE. Multiple bands from the Rock
School courses and jazz program will perform both classic and new rock ‘n’ roll tunes and jazz pieces, making this a must-see event.
Pippin, April 14-19, Morsani Hall, Tues.-Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 and 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are
$61.50-$85.50. Join us … for this magical, unforgettable production of Pippin! Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Full of
extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, Pippin will lift you up and leave you
smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as “an eyepopping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1), it’s unlike anything Broadway has ever seen! Come experience Pippin, one young man’s
journey to be extraordinary.
Patel Conservatory Theater presents Fiddler on the Roof, April 17-25, TECO Theater, Thurs.-Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7 p.m.: Regularly
priced tickets are $20. As the play begins, Tevye, a Jewish milkman, tells of the customs in the little Russian town of Anatevka. It is 1905,
and life here is as precarious as a fiddler on the roof, yet, through their traditions, the villagers endure.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents Scheherazade, April 17, Ferguson Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $17.50-$47.50.
Jennifer Higdon’s lovely and mystical blue cathedral invites one to simply be with her music. Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 offers
sparkling dance rhythms and forceful fugal passages as a frame around the meditative centerpiece of this concerto. The gorgeous violin
theme of Scheherazade weaves in and out of this orchestral tale of a thousand and one nights. Mei-Ann Chen conducts. Visit
floridaorchestra.org.
LIVE & LOCAL – Mike Tozier, April 18, Straz Riverwalk, Sat. 5:45-7:45 p.m.: FREE. This pre-show performance series features local
musicians and drink specials – a perfect pairing for unwinding and preparing to enjoy a show. Mike Tozier is a long-time acoustic
musician in the Tampa Bay area, with a barrelhouse style reminiscent of John Hammond, and guitar prowess on his dobro or acoustic
guitar to spare. A Best of the Bay award-winning artist, Tozier remains a down to earth, salt of the earth fellow, and puts on a heck of a
show, merging country, folk, delta slide blues and Americana.
Patel Conservatory presents On the Edge, April 18, Ferguson Hall, Sat. 7 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $15-$23. Next Generation
Ballet and Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet dancers will demonstrate their technical and emotional versatility in this showcase of
contemporary dance. Dancers will perform a variety of modern dance styles, including ensemble pieces, solos and duets.
John Gorka, April 20, Jaeb Theater, Mon. 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $28.50. Part of the Club Jaeb series. This New Jersey
native pens tender and piercing songs of shrewd observation, and his keen and offbeat sense of humor makes an evening with John Gorka
a true treat for music lovers and fans of a good story well told. He appears at Club Jaeb after the release of his 12th studio album last
spring, Bright Side of Down. “Wry, slice-of-life observations reminiscent of Lyle Lovett and John Prine” (Associated Press).
MythBusters - Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED!, April 23, Morsani Hall, Thurs. 7:30p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $45-$85. The allnew, live stage show, starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, co-hosts of the Emmy-nominated Discovery series MythBusters,
promises to be an unexpected evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video and behind-the-scenes stories. Fans
will join Jamie and Adam onstage and assist in their mind-twisting and not always orthodox approach to science. MythBusters Jamie &
Adam Unleashed brings you face to face with the curious world of Jamie and Adam as the duo matches wits on stage with each other and
members of the audience.
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April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
Latin Nights, April 23, Maestro’s Restaurant, Thurs. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Cover fee - $15. One night a month, Maestro’s Restaurant transforms
into a supper club with food, drink specials, live music and dancing.
One-Man Star Wars™ Trilogy, April 24-26, Jaeb Theater, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 and 7 p.m.: Regularly priced
tickets are $35. Writer/performer Charles Ross spent too much of his childhood in a galaxy far, far away – and adulthood has been no
different. In the high-energy One-Man Star Wars™ Trilogy, Ross plays all the characters, recreates the effects, sings the music, flies the
ships and fights both sides of the battles from the original Star Wars trilogy. “Performed by the surprising Charles Ross ... it’s patently
campy, ridiculously unbelievable, sorta mesmerizing – in other words, real ‘Star Wars’.” (The Washington Post)
Patel Conservatory presents Jazz Jam, April 24, TECO Theater, Fri. 6:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $10. The Patel Conservatory
jazz program is educating the next generation of great artists. This concert will bring together jazz students with professional artisteducators for a smokin’ hot Jazz Jam.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents Hilary Kole Pays Tribute to Judy Garland, April 24, Morsani Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced
tickets are $17.50-$47.50. Hilary Kole will take audiences “Over the Rainbow” and beyond in a night of Judy Garland’s favorite songs
from such classic films as Meet Me in St. Louis, Broadway Melody, A Star is Born and The Wizard of Oz. TFO Principal Guest Conductor
Stuart Malina directs this unforgettable tribute to the actress and singer Fred Astaire described as “the greatest entertainer who ever lived.”
Visit floridaorchestra.org.
Celtic Woman, April 25, Morsani Hall, Sat. 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $43.50-$103.50. Global music sensation Celtic
Woman brings their 10th Anniversary Celebration to the Straz Center. The enchanting musical experience features Celtic Woman
performing a treasure chest of traditional Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary pop songs, with an unforgettable signature
style. The 10th Anniversary Tour features four sublimely gifted Irish women, along with a full band, The Anotas Choir, bagpipers, Irish
dancers with bewitching choreography all under the direction of Emmy®-nominated music producer David Downes.
(¥) Isha Foundation - Sadhguru in Tampa April 26, Morsani Hall, Sun. 2 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $25. A rare occasion to be in
Sadhguru’s presence and explore life’s deepest questions. Enlivened with engaging discourses, guided meditations and vibrant music by
Sounds of Isha, this one-time event is an oasis for those thirsty for a life of exuberance and clarity.
Jobsite Theater presents Annapurna, April 29-May 24, Shimberg Playhouse, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets
are $28. By Sharr White. After 20 years apart, Emma tracks her ex-husband, the cantankerous poet Ulysses, to a trailer park in the middle
of nowhere for a final reckoning. What unfolds is a visceral and profound meditation on love and loss with the simplest of theatrical
elements: two people in one room. Jobsite is proud to offer the southeastern U.S. premiere of this funny, focused, and insightful work. This
show is intended for mature audiences.
MAY 2015
Jobsite Theater presents Annapurna, April 29-May 24, Shimberg Playhouse, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets
are $28. By Sharr White. After 20 years apart, Emma tracks her ex-husband, the cantankerous poet Ulysses, to a trailer park in the middle
of nowhere for a final reckoning. What unfolds is a visceral and profound meditation on love and loss with the simplest of theatrical
elements: two people in one room. Jobsite is proud to offer the southeastern U.S. premiere of this funny, focused, and insightful work. This
show is intended for mature audiences.
Next Generation Ballet presents Coppélia, May 1-2, Ferguson Hall, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $15-$40.
Ballet’s greatest comedy comes alive when Next Generation Ballet performs Coppélia, with music by Leo Delibes and choreography
staged by NGB’s Artistic Director Peter Stark. Funny and romantic, Coppélia tells the story of Swanhilde and her fiancé Franz, whom she
catches flirting with a beautiful woman who sits on a balcony all day and reads. When Swanhilde discovers the woman is only a doll —
the invention of mad scientist Dr. Coppelius — she trades places with the fake and convinces the Doctor and her beloved that the beautiful
invention has come to life. Her trickery triggers a madcap domino effect of mistaken desires and identity, all played out in delightful
dances, beautiful pas de deux and stunning solos for the principal dancers.
Italian Wine Dinner, May 1, Maestro’s Restaurant, Fri. 7 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $100, including tax and gratuity. This tasteful
evening pairs a five-course meal with some of the best wines Italy has to offer. A local sommelier will take attendees on an unforgettable
culinary tour through the country renowned for its passion for fine food and wine.
Late Nite Catechism with Sister Mary Z, May 1-3, Jaeb Theater, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 and 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $33.50.
Late Nite Catechism is an uproariously funny play that takes the audience back to their youth. The irrepressible Sister teaches class to a
roomful of “students.” Throughout the course of the class the benevolent instructor rewards the students for correct answers with glow-inthe-dark rosaries and other nifty prizes. Naughty students may well find themselves on stage sitting in a corner reflecting their actions.
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April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
However, even the most reluctant students will be clamoring to get into this Sister’s class. Now in its 20 th year, Late Nite Catechism has
brought its nostalgic kick to every state in the United States, as well as to Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents The Planets, May 1, Morsani Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $17.50-$47.50. The
concert opens with Barber’s The School for Scandal Overture, full of wit, spirit, brilliance and bravura. Mozart showcases the bassoon’s
lyrical and playful qualities in his Bassoon Concerto, awash with sunny melodies. Holst’s popular The Planets is a powerful cosmic
kaleidoscope of symphonic sounds portraying the many “moods” of the planets. Marcelo Lehninger conducts. Visit floridaorchestra.org.
Silly Sam The Music Man in Silly Sam’s Music Box, May 2, Rehearsal Hall, Sat. 11 a.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $7.50. Part of the
Wee Folk series for ages 2-4. Silly Sam’s Music Box is a magical treasure of wind instruments, strings, percussion and electronics where
the riches of sound come alive! Children explore the many layers of musicality while singing, dancing and having fun learning where all
the instruments originate. Silly Sam’s interactive show sparks the imagination and encourages kids to connect with the wonders of sound
that may start a lifelong enjoyment of music.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, May 5-10, Morsani Hall, Tues.-Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 1 and 6:30 p.m.:
Regularly priced tickets are $46-$75. Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won
the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and
costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and
enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!
**JUST ADDED** Rob Bell & Pete Holmes: Together At Last, May 7, Ferguson Hall, Thu. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $25$30. There are billions of us featherless bipeds stumbling around on this blue and green ball while it hurtles through space at 67,000 mile
per hour, wondering how we got here and what it all means and whether or not these pants fit. It’s all a heartbreaking mess, isn’t it? But
then there are those moments when it’s something else, something good, something that matters, something … beautiful. We’re made of
soul and bone, dust and spirit, and we can’t help talk about all of it ─ the mess, the questions, the haunting sense that we’re all alone in a
cold, dark universe, the drumming in our hearts insisting that there’s a point to all this madness. Join comedian Pete Holmes and
bestselling author Rob Bell on their Together at Last tour as they explore all this and more - because “once you’re laughing in the face of
the infinite, everything else is just way more interesting …”
LIVE & LOCAL – Francesca, May 9, Straz Riverwalk, Sat. 5:45-7:45 p.m.: FREE. This pre-show performance series features local
musicians and drink specials – a perfect pairing for unwinding and preparing to enjoy a show. Francesca started playing and studying
classical piano when she was 6-years old, and her passion for music was born. Audiences at talent shows, festivals, local venues, and
charitable events around the Tampa Bay area, have been won over by her impressive vocals, guitar and piano skills, heartfelt
performances, and authentic persona.
2Cellos, May 9, Ferguson Hall, Sat. 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $49.50. Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and
Stjepan Hauser, known as 2Cellos, achieved sensational success by taking the cello to a new level and breaking the boundaries between
different genres of music. Their unique cello version of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the world by storm. Within only a
week, this YouTube video became a huge viral sensation leading to a record deal with Sony Masterworks and an invitation to join Elton
John on his worldwide tour.
Mother’s Day Brunch, May 10, Maestro’s Restaurant, Sun. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $38.95 per person;
$16.95 for children under 12, free for children under 4, beverage included, or a mimosa for adults. Tax and gratuity not included. This
special Mother’s Day Brunch at Maestro’s Restaurant will feature a breakfast station, chef-attended omelet station, chef-attended carving
station, salad display, hot buffet, dessert station and a kid’s corner.
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion, May 11, Jaeb Theater, Mon. 7:30p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $28.50. Heir to the folk dynasty
created by Woody and Arlo Guthrie, grand-daughter/daughter Sarah Lee and her husband Johnny Irion established themselves as powerful,
lush folk duo before wowing audiences with the edgy, pop Jeff Tweedy-produced hit record Wassiac Way (2014). Their iconic Americana
Guthrie sound mixes with Wilco-influenced alt country for an exciting evening of extraordinary music.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents Singin’ In The Rain, May 15, Morsani Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $22.50-$52.50.
This film masterpiece comes to life with live orchestral accompaniment and award-winning on-screen performances by Gene Kelly,
Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds. Constantine Kitsopoulos conducts. Visit floridaorchestra.org.
Dinosaur Train – LIVE! Buddy’s Big Adventure, May 16, Ferguson Hall, Sat. 1 and 4 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $25-$35. Based
on the PBS Kids television show, Dinosaur Train – LIVE! Buddy’s Big Adventure embraces and celebrates the fascination that
preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. Buddy, Tiny, King, Don and more star in this fun-filled, interactive and immersive live
trip back in time to an age when dinosaurs roamed the earth ... and rode in trains!
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April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
Latin Nights, May 21, Maestro’s Restaurant, Thurs. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Cover fee - $15. One night a month, Maestro’s Restaurant transforms
into a supper club with food, drink specials, live music and dancing.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents Let Freedom Ring: An American Salute, May 22, Morsani Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced
tickets are $17.50-$47.50. It’s a Memorial Day weekend celebration of the American spirit through such favorites as Colonel Bogey
March, Stars and Stripes Forever, National Emblem March, Liberty Bell March and St. Louis Blues March. Jeff Tyzik conducts. Visit
floridaorchestra.org.
The Illusionists - Witness The Impossible™, May 26-31, Morsani Hall, Tues.-Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 2 and
7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $56-$82. Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show is coming to Tampa. This
mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has
shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing
acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.
(¥) The Florida Orchestra presents Beethoven & Sibelius, May 29, Ferguson Hall, Fri. 8 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $17.50$47.50. Rossini’s Overture to Semiramide kicks off the concert with lively melodies, bursts of boundless energy and raucous rhythms prior
to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 8, brimming with infectious joy and sprightly themes. The evening closes with an intriguing, evolving sonic
soundscape reflecting Sibelius’ reverence for and love of nature in his Symphony No. 5. Larry Rachleff conducts. Visit
floridaorchestra.org.
LIVE & LOCAL – Greg West, May 30, Straz Riverwalk, Sat. 5:45-7:45 p.m.: FREE. This pre-show performance series features local
musicians and drink specials – a perfect pairing for unwinding and preparing to enjoy a show. Greg West blends country, pop and
Americana music. He received his first guitar at age 15 and has been playing ever since. His newest album, 7th Avenue, is a mixture of
songs both old and new that tell stories anyone can relate to and contain melodies everyone will want to sing along to.
JUNE 2015
Menopause The Musical, June 2-7, Ferguson Hall, Tues.-Thurs. 8 p.m., Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.: Regularly priced
tickets are $48.50-$68.50. Four women at a lingerie sale with nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes,
night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will
have audiences cheering and dancing in the aisles! See what millions of women worldwide have been laughing about for over 10 years!
It's the Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change!® This show is intended for mature audiences.
CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure, June 17, Morsani Hall, Wed. 6:30p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $19.50$35.50. Join Wilson, Koko and Brewster on the most traintastic day ever in CHUGGINGTON LIVE! The Great Rescue Adventure. The
trainees have started their Advanced Training, and are eager to master their new roles that test courage, speed and determination. When
Koko finds herself in trouble at Rocky Ridge Mine, it’s up to her friends to help her. Do the trainees have what it takes to put their newly
learnt skills into practice? Can Wilson come to Koko’s rescue and fulfill his dream of becoming Chug Patrol hero?
Latin Nights, June 18, Maestro’s Restaurant, Thurs. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Cover fee - $15. One night a month, Maestro’s Restaurant transforms
into a supper club with food, drink specials, live music and dancing.
Soul Crooners, June 18-21, Jaeb Theater, Thurs.-Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickters are $27.50. Soul
Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul during the ‘70s. The music was known for combining lush
orchestrations with great vocalists who could sing unforgettable melodies and heavenly harmonies. Nate Jacobs, founding artistic director
of Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, has written and adapted the show that takes on classics such as Stevie Wonder’s
“Superstition,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by the Temptations, “I Want You Back” by the Jackson 5 and James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”
In all, there are more than 40 soul songs in the show.
Patel Conservatory presents Junior Intensive, June 19, Ferguson Hall, Fri. 4:30 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are $10. The Junior
Intensive culminates in this exciting and exhilarating performance where students will show off their training in ballet, tap, jazz, and
musical theater.
**JUST ADDED** MAMMA MIA!, June 23-28, Morsani Hall, Tues.-Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 and 8 p.m., Sun. 1 and 7:30
p.m. Regularly priced tickets are $37.50-$65.50. MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and
again to relive the thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits,
including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale
of love, laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, see the show that has the whole world coming back for
more, because every time feels like the first time at MAMMA MIA!.
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April-July 2015 Calendar of Events
Patel Conservatory presents Disney’s Aladdin, Jr., June 25-28, TECO Theater, Thurs.-Fri. 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.:
Regularly priced tickets are $20. Journey to the mystical land of Agrabah, where a resourceful young Aladdin and the wise cracking Genie
come to life on stage in this adaptation of one of the most popular Disney animated movies of all time.
JULY 2015
Jobsite Theater presents Occupation, July 8-Aug. 2, Shimberg Playhouse, Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 4 p.m.: Regularly priced tickets are
$28. By Ken Ferrigni. In 2017, a crushing national debt, skyrocketing inflation and crippling unemployment have frozen the United States’
access to global credit. Against the backdrop of economic catastrophe, the U.S. government finds an unexpected savior when China agrees
to purchase Florida for $5 trillion. This doesn’t rest well with a radical, violent insurgency holed up in the Everglades who will stop at
nothing to oust the Chinese proconsul and his army. How far will this militia go to keep the States united? Hailed as one of the most daring
and ingenious plays off-Broadway last year, Jobsite is honored to offer the U.S. regional premiere of Occupation. This show is intended
for mature audiences.
Latin Nights, July 16, Maestro’s Restaurant, Thurs. 9 p.m.-1 a.m.: Cover fee - $15. One night a month, Maestro’s Restaurant transforms
into a supper club with food, drink specials, live music and dancing.
Patel Conservatory presents Shrek The Musical, July 16-19, 23-26, TECO Theater, Thurs. and Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. and 7
p.m.: Regularly priced tickets start at $20. Everyone’s favorite ogre and his storybook pals come to life in Dreamworks’ Tony Award ®winning show. Students in grade seven through college will perform in the musical after spending four intensive weeks advancing their
acting, music and movement skills preparing for this full-length fully-produced production.
Patel Conservatory presents Summer Fantasy, July 24, Ferguson Hall, Fri. time TBA: Regularly priced tickets start at $20. More than
200 pre-professional ballet students from around the globe will perform. Each level will perform both a classical work and contemporary
piece.
Patel Conservatory presents Jazz Intensive concert, July 31, TECO Theater, Fri. time TBA: Regularly priced tickets start at $5 Students
in grade seven through college will play in this concert after five full days of intense instruction in ear training, sight reading and
improvisation. Their instruction will also include playing in small combo and big bands with some of the area’s best teaching artists.
Unless otherwise indicated, tickets for all shows may be purchased at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Sales Office, open Monday
through Saturday noon to 8 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.; and 90 minutes prior to most performances. For tickets and information call
813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay. For Group Services call 813.222.1016 or 813.222.1018. Tickets are also available
through the Straz Center’s website at www.strazcenter.org. Handling fees will apply. Discounts are offered for students, seniors and groups for
selected Straz Center-produced shows. Discounts are available only at the ticket office. Some restrictions apply. Not applicable to prior sales.
Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.