Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Page 7

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.

Every princess delivers powerful notes that could shatter glass, making each number a thrilling experience. Playwrights Dennis Giacino and Fiely Matias' were in the audience, and it was as much fun watching them react to the actors as it was for this reviewer to watch the show and introduce her besties to their magic. Under brilliant direction, Disenchanted! delivers a pitch-perfect balance of satire, storytelling, and stunning performances.

Ashley Rubin (Cinderella) explains, 'When we meet most of the princesses in this show, they've already reckoned with what needed to change about their lives. When we come upon Cinderella, she is still living in the Princess Complex, under the spell of trying to be the perfect princess. I think it's such an incredible journey to watch her throw off her rose-colored glasses and realize that the way she's been living has not necessarily served her in the way she hoped it would.'

Powerstories Founder Fran Powers says, 'Our yearly festival showcasing incredible women playwrights takes on the age-old problem of not hearing enough women's voices in playwriting. Offering these writers their own stage sends a powerful message: 'Hey, you and your stories matter.' And it's not just about plays; it's a game-changer, encouraging more women to explore playwriting. Let's ensure their voices are heard, celebrated, and cherished in theatre.'

​​​​​​​Rhodes has worked with 18 young actors, aged 13 to 18, to bring the beloved characters of 'Little Women' to life. 'We did a lot of trust exercises allowing the kids to feel comfortable with each other so that we could achieve the desired vulnerability that this show requires,' she explains. 'We also had an excellent dramaturgy team that did extensive research for our production.'

Coming to Carrollwood Cultural Center on February 8-9, 2025, Jordan Monsell's Shakespeare's Oz: A Parody Play in Five Acts is a unique staged reading that promises to delight audiences of all ages. It offers a fresh and comedic take on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz through the lens of Shakespearean verse.

'Letterhead' follows the protagonist's adventures through a distorted alternate reality of military letter-writing, careless judicial trials, and a government-sponsored cult community.

​​​​​​​On January 30, The Off-Central Players present '2 Across.'  Running through February 9, the play features two strangers, a man and a woman, who meet on a San Francisco BART train at 4:30 a.m. Both are married and engrossed in completing the New York Times crossword. She is an organized psychologist, while he is a free-spirited, unemployed ad executive. Their initial banter over the crossword puzzles soon evolves into a deeper connection, revealing their values and vulnerabilities.

On stage, February 7-23, at Stagework Theatre is Natalie Symons's 'The People Downstairs.' Symons, an avid actor since childhood, recalls, 'Even as a kid, I demanded my little friends be actors in my fully staged backyard productions... I was a nightmare.' Despite her early retirement from acting to concentrate on writing, she found playwriting to be a natural evolution of storytelling.

On stage from January 23 – February 9 is 'Venus in Fur.'  Directed by Stephen Bell, it promises a fresh and engaging interpretation, enriched with subtle humor and dynamic power plays. Bell shares his inspiration for directing this intense yet comedic masterpiece: 'I liked the intensity of the characters and the subtle but specific humor.'

Matt & Ben promises a mix of delusions and dreams that rest on a foundation of female talent to bring this quirky play to life.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to Cher's legacy, The Cher Show, currently running at the Straz Center through this Sunday, is a musical that doesn't just celebrate her life—it captures the enduring spirit and resilience of one of the greatest icons of our time, making it an unforgettable theatrical experience.