Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Page 5

On May 18, 2025, Broadway Star of the Future will shine a light on the dedication and passion of high school musical theatre performers, transforming their dreams into reality.

James Ijames’ 'Fat Ham' has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and it's easy to see why. The play’s innovative approach breathes new life into Shakespeare’s tale, intertwining themes of identity, queerness, and familial pressure with a unique blend of comedy and drama. With such a balance of humor and pathos, audiences can expect to be both entertained and deeply moved.

Whether you're in Tampa or Tacoma, the accessible Zoom format ensures that any woman, local or national, can log in and participate in Seek and Speak Your Powerstory from wherever they are, building a vibrant, supportive community of storytellers without borders.

Morningside is a smart, funny, and unexpectedly impactful piece, brought to vivid life by an incredible cast and direction that understands the delicate balance between laughter and truth.

The play Witch Hunt illuminates how patriarchal structures have manipulated and marginalized women's voices throughout history. Through clever dialogue and powerful performances, the audience is encouraged to question societal assumptions and engage in a deeper conversation about gender and power dynamics.

Jamie Allan made me believe magic is real. For two hours on a Friday night, I escaped this crazy, hectic life, left adult reality behind and stepped back into the world of childhood make believe at Amaze at Straz with magician extraordinare Jamie Allan. 

Back to the Future at the Straz wasn’t just a performance but a phenomenon. It was a collision of story, skill, and science fiction that made the impossible feel intimate.

Director Jamie Lynn Gilliam discussed how the play, based on a beloved book series, influences the children and her direction: 'It has been fun seeing how many of the performers have read the books and know Jack and Annie well. They know lots of details that I had to read up on.'

In an era where digital 'reveals' and skepticism are rampant, Jamie Allan remains unfazed. 'I couldn't matter less the reveals of the people online, the people pushing out secrets. It just does not matter, and it's been going on for so many years and I think it actually brings more people interested in the magic to come to the shows.'

'Morningside' is more than just a comedy; it's a play that explores themes of family and motherhood with a heartfelt touch. Director Scott Cooper describes the play as 'heartfelt, hilarious, and homey.' He hopes the audience will leave the theatre thinking about the connections between the characters and reflecting on their own relationships.

The Straz Center’s new Kaleidoscope Performance Series highlights the powerful intersection between creative expression and personal well-being. This series, part of the Straz Center’s ongoing Arts and Health programming, brings together innovative performance artists who specialize in 'knowingness' — an understanding of the transformative potential of the arts in both individual and community health.

Love Bird follows Nigel, the sole inhabitant of a small island, who has fallen in love with someone they made out of trash. As storms and trash increase, a strange visitor forces Nigel to choose between who they were and who they could be.

Visually stunning, vocally flawless, and emotionally resonant, it reminds us why this story continues to capture hearts across generations.

Returning to Straz Center from April 2-20 is the Broadway sensation The Lion King, winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Directed by the Tony Award-winning Julie Taymor, the production is a visual feast filled with hope and adventure. The musical also boasts some of Broadway's most iconic songs, composed by the legendary Elton John and Tim Rice.

Hector Melendez, author of The Pride of Puerto Rico, and Fahnlohnee Reeves, writer of On The Banks of My Distant Shore: A Journey Home, are set to bring their powerful stories to the stage on March 9.