Deborah Bostock-Kelley

​​​​​​​St. Petersburg is set to host a singular artistic event this fall as American Stage, The Florida Orchestra, and projectALCHEMY present their first-ever collaboration: The Good Peaches. Premiering for one day only at the Mahaffey Theatre on September 20, with both matinee and evening performances, this multidisciplinary production seeks to push the boundaries of live performance and storytelling through a seamless synthesis of theater, music, and dance.

Says actor Kelly Bashar says, “This Dracula is so campy and fun and fluid. I truly think there is something or someone for everyone in this show. I think the way we play with gender and sexuality and romance is perfect for our times.”

Oscar Wilde’s scandalous novel gets a razor-edged revival at TheatreFor, where director Michael Cote and actor Juan Toro pull back the velvet curtain on The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Experience the emotional highs and lows of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'Tell Me On a Sunday' as Julia Rifino stars in a stunning solo performance, backed by a talented cast and live band. This rarely produced musical promises a journey of hope, heartbreak, and self-discovery, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York.

Studio@620 launches its bold new play development series, NuWorks, with a staged reading of Tight by acclaimed playwright Tina Esper. This daring and darkly funny work-in-progress explores aging, desire, and the pursuit of transformation through the eyes of a 78-year-old widow who refuses to fade quietly. NuWorks invites audiences to engage with fresh, provocative theatre and be part of the creative process through live feedback and conversation.

Powerstories Theatre invites middle & high school students to experience Ada and the Engine — the inspiring story of Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer and a pioneer for women in STEM. Think Bridgerton meets Steve Jobs. Free youth tickets - RSVP required: bit.ly/ADAYOUTH ✨ Dream Big. Change the World. Meet the spark that ignited generations of innovation.

Last night, I stepped into a world where brushstrokes seemed to breathe and masterpieces moved—Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience at Tampa’s Straz Center. This wasn’t merely an exhibition; it was a transformative journey through light, color, and emotion that blurred the boundary between viewer and art.

The beloved story of Elle Woods comes alive, powered by a cast of young performers ranging in age from 7 to 17—54 young actors and 11 technical students, all ready to deliver a fresh spin on the iconic tale.

Kick off Tampa Bay’s newest arts movement with Mamma Mia! Karaoke Night, hosted by Arts Passport founder Avery Anderson. Happening July 25 at 7 PM at The Studio@620, this glittery launch party invites everyone to sing, connect, and celebrate the joy of creative freedom—no theater experience required.

Owen Robertson, Executive Producer says, '... Coming to our event, supporting LAB is saying that you believe that Tampa can be a place for new works to be nurtured and grown, that new artists are welcome in our community and be given a safe place to explore their work and step into the spotlight as professional theater artists.”

Whether you're after laughter, music, history, or discovery, Tampa Bay’s summer theatre delivers. This July and August, stages of all kinds showcase standout productions full of passion and a whole lot of talent.

Tampa Metropolitan Improv*'s debut was a sharp, high-energy triumph filled with quick wit, strong ensemble chemistry, and nonstop laughs. The cast delivered a tightly paced, joyfully unpredictable show that left the audience thoroughly entertained and eager for more—a bold and confident start for Tampa’s newest comedy staple.

Let’s talk about the name—TMI. Yes, it stands for exactly what you’re thinking: 'too much information.' But there’s more to it than meets the eye. Erica confesses, “Yes, the typo in our logo is purposeful. As the man says, the best jokes are the ones that need to be explained!” If that’s any indication, audiences can expect comedy with a clever twist that will keep them laughing long after the punchline.

One-woman triumph. I was completely captivated by Samantha Marti Parisi’s beautiful portrayal of Molly Ivins in Red Hot Patriot. She didn’t just perform the role—she embodied it, delivering every line with razor-sharp wit and unmistakable heart.

The Straz Center’s Fifth Annual Juneteenth Commemoration on June 16 offers an evening of powerful storytelling, original performances, and historical reflection. Storyteller Jennifer Samuel Chance honors the resilience of the Black community and underscores the importance of remembering the past to shape a better future. “Juneteenth needs to be embraced even more than it has been,” she says. “We don’t realize how precious freedom is until it is taken away.”

TheatreFor’s Red Hot Patriot – The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins is a fiery, funny, and fearless tribute to one of journalism’s boldest truth-tellers. Starring Samantha Marti-Parisi, the one-woman show brings Ivins’ wit, grit, and deep love of democracy to the stage in a smart, sharp celebration of free speech and civic responsibility.

Experience the pulse of tap dance reimagined. This June, dancer and visionary Ashlyn Bolton brings two thrilling events to the Straz Center: The Copasetic Show (June 7), a high-energy celebration of tap culture and live jazz, and What If? (June 15), a bold, original production blending rhythm, storytelling, and imagination.

I had no idea what to expect, but Shucked was a golden ear of comedy, wrapped in clever writing, helmed by powerhouse vocals, and buttered with some of the funniest deadpanned quips you’ll hear on stage this season.

Desiree Montes returns to Stageworks Theatre in *Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill*, channeling the spirit and sound of Billie Holiday in a powerful, intimate performance set during one of the icon’s final concerts. With deep emotional resonance and a voice shaped by years of connection to Holiday’s music, Montes brings new layers to the legendary singer’s story—blending art, history, and activism in a tribute that’s both haunting and deeply human.