Complexions on So You Think You Can Dance

In case you missed it, here is the video of Complexions Contemporary Ballet's Artistic Directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson's choreography from the season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance."

Come see Complexions Jan. 14 at the Straz Center.

Wonderland figures into the famous Bergdorf holiday windows!

Each year the windows at Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Avenue in New York City produce a fabulous Christmas display. This year's theme was Alice in Wonderland. We are proud to say that quotes from Wonderland made it into the display!

Why is a raven like a writing desk? Finding Wonderland is your first step to finding out! Wonderland runs from now until Jan. 3 and is a great way to spend the holidays with your family.

-Kari G.

All I want for Christmas...

Is a movie ticket! Yup, right on Christmas day the highly anticipated movie musical Nine comes out in theaters!

From director Rob Marshall (Memoirs of a Geisha, Chicago, and just announced Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) comes the story of Guido Contini (played by Daniel Day-Lewis), a world famous director as he confronts an epic mid-life crisis with both creative and personal problems. He must balance the many women of his life, including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the woman from his youth (Fergie) and his mother (Sophia Loren).

The original 1982 Broadway production of NINE, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston, won five Tony Awards including Best Musical.

I know I’ll be there at some point during this holiday season with my popcorn and peanut M&Ms, and who knows…even someone who doesn’t like musicals as much as I do…hint hint!

- Synopsis taken from IMDB.com

Angela P.

A Christmas Story Movie on the Lawn - CANCELLED

I have since heard of people under extreme duress speaking in strange tongues. I became conscious that a steady torrent of obscenities and swearing of all kinds was pouring out of me as I screamed.
-Ralphie (as an adult)

Sadly, the weather has us under "extreme duress." Conflicting weather reports all predict that at some point either prior to or during the time we had scheduled to screen A Christmas Story it is going to be raining.

We feel a bit like Raphie having to cancel the movie tonight. But this is a family blog, so we'll spare you the obscenities.

Movies on the Riverwalk when the weather is chilly are a magical thing. Movies on the Riverwalk when the weather is chilly and wet are a Swine Flu thing.

We chose to cancel the movie tonight to be on the safe side.

Stay warm and dry Tampa. We'll make it up to you with an additional movie in the Spring - something exciting, something cool, something that might give you a peek into next season's Broadway season.

And a special Happy Holidays to all our faithful families who bring the blankets and the kids and the fur kids to the movies on the lawn. We'll miss spending some time with you and Ralphie this year, but you can count on us screening A Christmas Story next year.

-Kari G.

Idina Menzel to appear on GLEE?

Fellow bloggers and news media are raving about Idina Menzel and her possible appearance on the new FOX hit Glee.

The show already had an appearance by fellow Wicked star, Kristen Chenoweth, and Jonathan Groff from Spring Awakening has signed up to play in five to six episodes (he costarred with Lea Michele in Spring Awakening).

The word is that Menzel is in negotiations to be on the series when it returns in April. She potentially will play the role of the choir director for New Directions’ rival, Vocal Adrenaline (the lead male vocalist of the group will be Groff).

If the negotiations become a reality, I’m sure many Glee fans will be clutching their remotes. Here’s hoping!

~ Angela P.

Vote for the Straz Center - WEDU's Be More Awards!

Will you help spread the word?

We've been nominated for the WEDU Be More Humble People's Choice Poll.

Like the People's Choice Awards for celebrities, only for non-profits and without all the vapid idiot movie stars.

It takes less than a minute -Take the WEDU Be More Humble People’s Choice Poll and cast your vote for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Click here and scroll down to "Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center" – check the box and help us celebrate!

You can vote for us once each day between now and the 18th of December!

Need some reasons why you should vote for us?

Did you know…
The Straz Center (formerly known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center) serves arts education outreach programs at no cost to more than 40 Title I schools and community partner organizations each year!

More than 60,000 children were served by our arts education programs last year; more than 70% of these are children in need!

Since our Patel Conservatory opened five years ago, we have provided more than $250,000 in scholarship opportunities to under served and overlooked children!

We are recognized as one of the best and most accessible performing arts centers in the world!

Our economic impact on Tampa Bay is more than $100 million each year!

Our Wonderland Broadway Genesis Project brought over 700 full- and part-time jobs to our community in a difficult economic times!

Go! Vote!

-Kari G.

Some Broadway with your turkey

If you've been following this blog for a couple years, you know by now that one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. What can I say. Some people like to watch football. I like to watch the parade. This year there are scheduled Broadway performances on CBS by West Side Story, Dreamgirls and Ragtime. NBC's broadcast will feature Bye, Bye Birdie with John Stamos and the cast of Shrek. I also understand there will be an appearance by the cast of HAIR and Billy Elliot. And, of course, a performance by the Radio City Rockettes (love them!).

As a side note for the opera lovers, there's also suppose to be an appearance by Renee Fleming.

The parade starts at 9 a.m. Just pick your network and enjoy.

From the staff & volunteers at the Straz Center, Happy Thanksgiving!

Elon Gold - One Night Only!

The hit of the Toronto and Montreal Comedy Festivals Elon Gold's Half Jewish, Half Very Jewish is coming for one night only to the intimate Jaeb Theater!Thurs., Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m.Regularly priced tickets start at $29.50.Buy Elon Gold tickets.Watch a video clip!

With his clever wit, his thoughtful observations and his warning that "some material may not be suitable for Gentiles," Gold tears apart cultural stereotypes while reinforcing others. Half Jewish, Half Very Jewish establishes Gold as one of the top comedians in the country, having appeared on numerous television shows, including four recent appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno . Gold's comedy takes every day life and turns it on its head. His point of view of the world is uniquely delivered through absurd observations and by mocking conventions. Beneath much of the absurdity, lies a sharp, acerbic social commentary. But wait, that's not all ... he'll also regale you with his hilarious original characters and offbeat impressions ... at no extra charge! For more information, visit elongold.com.

TBPAC becomes the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

Celebrating the largest individual philanthropic gift made to a cultural institution in the Tampa Bay area, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center President and CEO Judith Lisi today announced a major institutional gift from the David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation.

In recognition of that gift, Lisi said that TBPAC will be renamed:

David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

The donation will be dedicated in perpetuity to benefit the performing arts center and its programs.

“My wife, Catherine, my daughter, Keebler, and I are happy to invest in the performing arts in Tampa and to help guarantee a wonderful experience for generations to come," Straz said.

As part of a confidentiality request in the donation agreement, the amount will not be disclosed.

“David is a national philanthropist, a managing director of the Metropolitan Opera, and a wonderful supporter of the arts," Lisi said. “We are ecstatic that he believes so strongly in our mission and our organization. This generous gift will change lives not only now, but also for future generations.

“This also is a significant step toward our institutional goal of a $100 million endowment.”

Mayor Pam Iorio attended the announcement at Monday’s performing arts center board of trustees meeting.

“This is a significant milestone for our community – the largest charitable contribution to a cultural institution in Tampa by one of Tampa’s most philanthropic leaders,” Mayor Iorio said. “I thank David Straz and his wife Catherine for their generosity. They are creating an outstanding legacy of a stronger performing arts center that will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.”

The David A. Straz Foundation was founded in 1993 for the primary purpose of supporting organizations in higher education, visual arts, civic advancement and performing arts.

A resident of Tampa, Straz is married to Catherine Louisa Lowry. Upon his graduation from Marquette University in 1965, he quickly moved into a leadership position in banking management. He built banking organizations in Wisconsin and Florida, which he sold to U.S. Bank, Bank of America and Fifth Third Bank.

There will be a transition to the new name for the new Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Collateral materials are being developed now and will be unveiled gradually.

Opening in 1987, the performing arts center consists of five theaters, three restaurants and the Patel Conservatory. the 335,000 square-foot TBPAC provides an environment for a wide variety of world-class events. It boasts one of the nation's leading Broadway series and is nationally respected for producing grand opera, as well as presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances and events.

Friday the 13th - MwhahahahaHappy Talk!

Nothing says Friday the 13th like washing that man right out of your hair!

We didn't pick a scary movie for the Free Movie Series - we did that last month with Coraline. Its weird, last year 2 of our movies landed on Friday the 13th. Lucky.

This month's offering is the Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic South Pacific. Written in 1949, just four years after the war ended, South Pacific is the love story of a plucky American, a passionate French plantation owner, a lot of sailors, an unfortunate local woman named Bloody Mary and all sorts of good-natured sterotypes that you could get away with in 1949.

Seriously, South Pacific is considered one of the greatest muscials of all time. You know the songs - you probably know ALL the songs. South Pacific has become a part of our popular culture.

Considere yourself A Cockeyed Optimist and share Some Enchanted Evening with us! Sorry you can't bring a Bloody Mary, but there might be someone special there and There is Nothing Like a Dame.

The weather is as good as Bali Ha'i and if you've had a bad week you can Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair, and of course because we all like a happy ending, forgive him, enjoy your night and conclude that I'm in Love With a Wonderful Guy! How's that for some Happy Talk?

(Told you you knew all the songs! You've Got to Be Carefully Taught).

Also, those who attend the movie tonight will be givne a special 20% Pre-Sale promo code for The Lincoln Center Theater Production of South Pacific coming to TBPAC Jan. 12-17!

See you tonight.

-Kari "It's too cold for my coconut bra" G.

Happy Veteran's Day!

If you follow Culture Shock from out of the area, you may not know that Tampa is the location of the MacDill AFB and the proud home of the 6th Air Mobility Wing, the Air Force Reserve Command's 927th Air Refueling Wing, CENTCOM, SOCOM, USSOCCENT, USMARCENT and USAFRICOM, MacDill also has the NOAA aircraft unit.

We share our town with heroes from all over the world. Living in Tampa we see our share of uniforms and we do our best to support and thank our fellow citizens and our protectors as much as possible.

TBPAC offers military discounts for many of our shows. Military tickets are 50% off of normal ticket price and are offered 30 - 90 minutes before curtain on the day of performance.

Thank you men and women of the armed forces, those that serve and those that have served. We are grateful for all that you do and have done to keep this Nation free.

- Kari Goetz
Born Fort Polk, LA to Capt. James L. Goetz, US Army

Mary Poppins pre-sale

Tampa's premiere engagement of Disney & Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins is coming to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, May 20-June 6, 2010. Starting today Culture Shock readers have priority access to some of the best seats before they go on sale to the public! And if you order by Nov. 5 you can save more than $15 on select performances and locations. Use promo code SHOCK when ordering. For discount details and to purchase tickets, click here http://bit.ly/ZxGH4

*Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply.

Wonderland essay contest - Winners to receive Patel Conservatory class, tickets to Wonderland and dinner at Maestro’s !

Students in grades five, six, seven and eight throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties are invited to participate in the “Find your Wonderland: what makes your family wonderful?” essay contest, held by the Patel Conservatory at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

One winner in each grade level will receive four tickets to the Broadway Family Night performance of Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure on Wednesday, Dec. 2, complimentary valet parking, dinner for four at Maestro’s Restaurant, tuition to a Patel Conservatory class (restrictions apply) and a Wonderland prize pack. Additionally, award-winning students each will pick one teacher to receive two tickets to Wonderland.

To enter, students must submit a written essay answering the question “What makes your family wonderful?” in 500 words or less to the Patel Conservatory between Monday, Oct. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6. An impartial panel of judges will select the winners.

“The topic of our contest, ‘What makes your family wonderful,’ explores the tendency for each of us to drift in our own wonderland—unaware of those around us. We need to take the time to appreciate the wonderful people and joyful experiences in our lives, and share them with others,” said Wendy Leigh, TBPAC’s vice-president of education.

Performances of Wonderland will begin Nov. 24 in TBPAC’s Ferguson Hall and run through Jan. 3, 2010. “Wonderland will be a tremendous Broadway-quality show and for these contest winners to study the performing arts right here at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, where Wonderland will premiere, will be an incredible and unprecedented opportunity,” Leigh said.

The story of Wonderland, set in modern Manhattan, tells the story of author Alice Cornwinkle, a descendent of Lewis Carroll’s muse Alice Liddell, who is struggling with her career, her husband and her daughter. Audiences will journey with Alice to Wonderland and the Looking-Glass World, strange-yet-familiar places where she must reclaim her daughter, defeat the Queen and learn to follow her own heart.

Essays must be typed or printed clearly on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper and include contestant’s name, age, school, grade level, name of parent/guardian, mailing address and phone number. Essays must be mailed to Patel Conservatory, Attn: Essay Contest, P.O. Box 518, Tampa, Fl 33601-0518 or delivered to Patel Conservatory, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Pl., Tampa, FL 33602-3720.

As part of the non-profit Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, the Patel Conservatory offers classes for children and adults of all experience levels in all kinds of dance, music and theater. More information is available by calling 813.222.1002, and by visiting www.patelconservatory.org.

The Broadway Season Begins! (And a public service announcement).

Last night we celebrated the beginning of the Bank of America America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series and the premiere of the touring company of In the Heights.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who conceived In the Heights and wrote the music and lyrics, said a few words before a packed house in Carol Morsani Hall.

I googled "In The Heights Tampa" today to see if any of the papers wrote about opening night.

I found what I was looking for, but I also found several ticket brokers selling In The Heights tickets. As we begin the Broadway season, we cannot be more clear about this: Purchasing tickets from a third party vendor not only ensures that you will pay too much for your ticket, but also puts you at risk for a bogus ticket.

Under Florida Statutes 817.36 Resale of Tickets, which took effect July 1, 2009, it is illegal for any person or entity to offer or resell a ticket to any performance at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for more than $1 over this nonprofit institution’s originally assigned price. Substantial penalties are in place for violators. All TBPAC tickets are covered by the statute and contain a notice that they cannot be resold for more than their originally assigned face value. To keep our tickets affordable and accessible, violators will be prosecuted.

Call 813.229.STAR to purchase safe, affordable and accessible tickets from TBPAC, or visit our website 24/7 at www.tbpac.org to purchase tickets online, or stop by and see our new ticket office and meet our friendly staff and maybe even take a tour of the facility.

Keep reading Culture Shock and following us on twitter and friend us on facebook and myspace. We promise to always keep you informed and give you plenty of notice when tickets go on sale, so you'll never be left out and you'll always pay a fair price.

Congratulations to In The Heights! Don't miss this great show! Ticket brokers - knock it off!

- Kari G.

Janet Dacal on WMNF tomorrow!

The lovely and talented Janet Dacal will be on WMNF's Latino 54 at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning! Don't miss her talking about her career and the upcoming Wonderland!

Student Rush for IN THE HEIGHTS

Students can save 50% off tickets to In the Heights, Oct. 27 (tonight) through Nov. 1. Simply come to the TBPAC Ticket Office no sooner than 90 minutes to the scheduled curtain time with a valid student ID. This discount is valid for all remaining seats for that scheduled performance. One discounted ticket per ID.

Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Service charge applies.

Please note: Photo shown is the Original Broadway Cast and not the performers in the National Tour.

R. Kelly coming to TBPAC

On November 29th R. Kelly will be performing at TBPAC with his Ladies Make Some Noise Tour.

The New York Times recently reviewed his concert.

Just a little background:
R. Kelly, the three-time Grammy winning king of R&B, makes music of epic proportions. After 18 years of stardom, the multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist continues to forge an artistic path that caters to fantasy and captures the hearts of adoring fans, which is in essence, how an artist sells more than 34 million records, and wears the crown of a king.From the tantalizing eight-times platinum R., to the Grammy-award winning anthem “I Believe I Can Fly,” to his recent hit single “I’m a Flirt” with Bow Wow that garnered a 2008 ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Award, R. Kelly is the essence of true R&B. As a skilled collaborator, he pairs vocals with countless artists – Snoop Dogg, T.I. and Usher among them. With Usher, he performed “Same Girl,” which was a Rolling Stone Best Song of the Year in 2007.It is this uncanny ability to compose classics and deliver electrifying live performances that define everything that is essential R. Kelly. It’s why he is the recipient of multiple Billboard, BMI and American Music Awards. A prolific artist, he churns out albums on a yearly basis from his Chocolate Factory studios in the heart of Chicago, drawing from the spirit of his musical forefathers Curtis Mayfield and Donnie Hathaway. While, R. Kelly proudly hails from the so-called Second City, with his boundless talent, he is second to none.

For more information on R. Kelly
For Tickets

-AP

Intern AP got to go on a cool vacation!

I just got back from vacation in New York and while I was there I loaded up on all the Broadway and Off Broadway shows my mom and I wanted to see. Think I’m joking? 8 days, 7 shows! It was heaven.

Among the big titles were Next to Normal; Jersey Boys; Hair; Bye, Bye Birdie and South Pacific.

Coincidentally - South Pacific is coming right here to TBPAC! If you have not seen the show or have and just love the music, you have to come see this! Not only is the Broadway tour coming, the movie is being featured as one of the free movies on the lawn - Nov. 13!

Synopsis for those who don’t know: South Pacific concerns the lives of U.S. military men, nurses and the residents of the Polynesian island they occupy during World War II. Nurse Nellie Forbush is "In Love With a Wonderful Guy," a French planter with small children. Clean-cut Lt. Cable has fallen hard for Bloody Mary's daughter Liat. And the seabees, sailors and marines will tell you that there is "Nothing Like a Dame."

The show's gorgeous score also includes "Cockeyed Optimist," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," "Some Enchanted Evening," "Younger Than Springtime," "Honey Bun" and "This Nearly Was Mine."
This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic also won Best Musical Revival at the Tony Awards a couple years back.

You will have the best time watching this moving story.

For more information and tickets go .

- AP

So much to do at TBPAC tonight!

We love it when the fall season starts rolling, there is always so much to do! Here's a recap of a fun (and mostly free or greatly reduced!) Friday night at TBPAC!

6:30 - Come and be a part of the social media movement! TBPAC will host St. Pete Tweet and Tampabloggers.com in a TWEET UP! You have to RSVP for the event so sign up here or here! If you're signed up - you can take the haunted tour of TBPAC through our tunnel and under our stages!

8 p.m. - Okay here's where it gets really good! Take your pick!

Jobsite Theater's And Baby Makes 7 in their final weekend! You don't want to miss this awesome show and tickets are 50% off with the promo code CECIL! You can't beat that!

Florida Orchestra's Rhythms on Fire opening night! Caliente! And you can get $20 tickets with the promo code MYTFO. Woah!

(Service charges aren't included).

Still can't drop any dough this weekend? We feel ya! So how about a FREE movie on the lawn? We'll open up the Riverwalk tonight for a screening of Coraline!

See you tonight!

In The Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams

If you missed it a few months ago, the PBS special “In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams” will re-air tonight on WEDU-PBS at 9 p.m. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the show and how this amazing musical found its way to Broadway and will soon be launching it’s first National Tour right here at the TBPAC. If you saw it the first time, watch it again. It will continue to inspire!

-Angela L.

Coraline Fun!

Get in the spirit of tomorrow night's FREE movie Coraline! Button your eyes! We'll see you tomorrow night at 8 p.m. and we have four big cans of OFF! Active (sweat resistant) to ward off any unwanted guests! Also if you're interested in being a part of the St. Pete Tweets and TampaBloggers.com Tweet up - don't forget to RSVP. You can take a "haunted tour" of TBPAC starting at 6:30 and meet some groovy social media gurus in our area.

-Kari G.

Movies on the Lawn are BACK!

Last year we launched our free movie series in Sept. with The Wizard of Oz. We knew we had a great event on our hands. We also knew that a movie in Sept. in Tampa was a little too humid for our tastes.

This year we waited until Oct. to start our series. We're kicking it off with Coraline. All of our movies reflect some aspect of our Broadway season. Coraline is a lot like our new musical Wonderland. Both involve girls finding their way back home from a strange universe.

Movies on the Lawn always occur on the second Fri. of the month and begin at 8 p.m. You can bring lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray and even come in costume! Sorry, you can't bring coolers. If you have any questions you can always email me and I'll be happy to help you out.

This is one of my favorite events all year, we'll have such a good time. Will I see you there?

-Kari G.

Tweet up! Both sides of the Bay!

As you know, TBPAC loves social media! We've been on board since the beginning. Social media is the fastest growing segment of our marketing strategies and our fans/friends/followers are the best around!

We've partnered with St. Pete Tweets and the TampaBloggers to do a very special networking event this Friday! Beginning at 6:30 on October 9, we will be doing "haunted tours" of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. This is the underground stuff you never get to see - evacuation tunnels, views under the stages, and some stories that you won't believe!

Then our bloggers and tweeters have a couple of options at 8 p.m. You can either see the always red-hot Florida Orchestra's Rhythms on Fire, Jobsite Theater's hilarious comedy And Baby Makes 7 (and get 1/2 off your ticket price with the promo code CECIL), or you can save your pennies and see the free movie on the lawn Coraline.

If you're staying for the movie, lawn chairs and blankets are wonderful, coolers and dogs that like to bark at the move are not wonderful. Bug spray is recommended for this first movie of the season and of course extra points if you come in your Halloween costume.

RSVP for the Tweet Up and we'll see you on Friday!

-Kari G.

Show your love for the dinosaur!

Love dinosaurs? We have two great ways for you to experience these prehistoric creatures! You can register to win a family 4-pack of tickets to see Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular at the St. Pete Times Forum, Oct 14-18 when you email Dinosaur World at dinosaurworld@scrtc.com. Make sure your email has a subject line of “register to win” and be sure to include your name, phone number, email and address. Contest ends Oct. 11 with the winner being drawn Oct. 12

And, just for reading Culture Shock, Dinosaur World is giving you $2 off admission when you print this blog entry and present it at Dinosaur World. The offer is good for up to 6 people and up to a $12 discount (reg. admission is $12.75 for adults and $9.75 for ages 3-12). This offer is not valid with other offers. For more info visit http://www.dinoworld.net/.

Photo is from Walking with Dinosaurs: The Arena Spectacular.

Meet Jack Murhpy

Walt Belcher of the Tampa Tribune has done a wonderful write up on Jack Murphy, the lyricist for Wonderland. Murphy is collaborating with Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn and director Gregory Boyd on an updated fantasy sequel to Carroll's novels.

Read all about the article here.

-Kari G.

Baby T-rex at MOSI's Dino Day!

Always wanted to meet a dinosaur? Well... we can't make that happen but we can give you the next best thing. Tomorrow (9/30) MOSI is hosting Dino Day - a fun-filled day of dinosaur-themed activities and the Baby T-rex from WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: The Arena Spectacular (coming to the St. Pete Times Forum Oct 14-18) will be at MOSI making special appearances at 3, 4 & 4:45 p.m. Note that the museum closes at 5 p.m.

MOSI is extending a discounted admission of $10 when you mention the promo code REX at the MOSI Ticket Office. This admission price includes access to MOSI exhibit galleries, Kids In Charge! (the nation’s largest children’s science center) and admission to an IMAX® Dome Theatre film. Offer is only good for September 30, 2009. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Excludes special engagement exhibitions and films.

Can't make it to MOSI but still want to see a little taste of the Baby T-rex? Check out FOX's Good Day, Tampa Bay tomorrow morning around 8:40 a.m. I hear there might be a special guest!

"In the Heights" tour cast annouced

Have you been waiting to see who will be cast in the 1st National Tour of IN THE HEIGHTS opening in Tampa on Oct. 27? The wait is over. Check out the cast list and learn more at playbill.com.

Paleontologists introduce the mini T-rex

Over the past couple months I have learned quite a bit about dinosaurs in preparation for our presentation of WALKING WITH DINOSAURS - The Arena Spectacular at the St. Pete Times Forum, Oct. 14-18.

Apparently Paleontologists in China are learning something new too. A recent dig has unearthed a tiny ancestor to the Tyrannosurus rex. It is believed this new tiny T-rex, named the Raptorex, lived 125 million years ago which would be approximately 35 million years before the T-rex we all know and love.

*** Photo is from WALKING WITH DINOSAURS- The Arena Spectacular.

Interview with the director of SOUTH PACIFIC

The Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC is coming to the TBPAC in January. If you'd like an inside look at the new tour, then check out an interview with the director, Bartlett Sher, on KQED's (NPR) "Forum" with Michael Krasney this afternoon at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT). You can listen to the interview online or if you miss it you can pick-up the podcast.

Who's Marguerite Derricks? Watch GMA tomorrow, and you'll know.

Tune in to Good Morning America tomorrow morning (Friday, 9/18) to see Marguerite Derricks, choreographer for Wonderland!

She recently choreographed the remake of Fame, coming out in theaters next week.

A little trivia for you, too -- Marguerite is also behind the slick moves in these diverse film favorites: all of the Austin Powers films (you remember Mike Myers' go-go, right?), Striptease (I always envied that sexy, buff Demi.), Showgirls (I see a pattern here.), the cult classic Donnie Darko, Little Miss Sunshine (awesome!), and even Spider Man 3.

That's pretty big stuff, huh? And to think she's coming to Tampa to choreograph our little ol' world premiere.

Wicked Pre-Sale for Culture Shock Readers!

So Much Happened Before Dorothy Dropped In.

Get the best seats to WICKED before tickets go on sale to the general public on September 19.

Limited engagement begins February 3. And you, gentle readers have the unique chance to order your WICKED tickets NOW to get the best choice of dates and locations before seats go on sale to the general public on Saturday, September 19, at noon. Valid for performances February 3 - 28, 2010.

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One -- born with emerald-green skin -- is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes WICKED the most spellbinding new musical in years.

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2006 and 2007, Broadway's biggest blockbuster returns to Tampa for a strictly limited four-week engagement in February.

Click here and enter promotion code: SHOCK

-Kari G.

And Baby Makes 7

The best thing about the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is that our five theaters allow for live performance in all shapes and sizes. Whether you are getting excited for the spectacle that is Wicked in the 2600 seat Carol Morsani Hall (tickets go on sale Sept. 19th!), or you can’t wait for Spanish Lyric Theater's Anything Goes in the Ferguson Hall (Oct. 10) or the kick off of Club Jaeb with Anne McCue on Sept. 28 - you'll find there is something for everyone! It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears – some theaters might be too big for you, some might be too small, but I guarantee you’ll find one that is juuuuuuust right.

I’m biased, as a board member, performer and director of the Jobsite Theater, my favorite space is the Shimberg Playhouse. This black box space is the smallest at TBPAC with around 100 seats. In my mind, it’s the biggest stage in town. So much happens on the Shimberg Stage and so many local actors have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in the space. In addition to the Jobsite Theater, Stageworks has been a regular company that has performed in the space. Of course, Stageworks is getting ready for their big move to their brand spanking new theater in the Channel District, but I bet if you asked Anna Brennan, she’d have some fond stories of the Shimberg. (If you want to see Stageworks in action – don’t miss the acclaimed My Children! My Africa! in its closing performances this weekend).

The Shimberg is a busy little space. With not a week off in between productions, Jobsite Theater will mount And Baby Makes 7 on Sept. 24. Anna, Ruth and Peter await the arrival of their newborn child, but first they must rid the crowded apartment of their three imaginary children. Hilariously startling and brilliantly funny, Paula Vogel (The Mineola Twins, How I Learned to Drive) redefines the meaning of family and completely blurs the lines between illusion and reality, power and subjection, friendship and love, female and male.

Come out and try the little theater with the big heart and support local theater!

-Kari G.

Spoiler Alert: Lin-Manuel Miranda on "House"

IN THE HEIGHTS' Lin-Manuel Miranda will appear on Monday's season premiere of "House." Check it out Sept. 21 on FOX. If you'd like to read more, follow this link.

Pet Shop Boys Haiku Winner!

Thanks to everybody who participated in the Pet Shop Boys Haiku contest. We had lots of great entries! Finally, we decided that Audra Dunn won on the merits of “authenticity and awesome.”

Growing up with Lowe
In coastal North Shields England
True West End girl here

We had to know more about this "True West End girl" and so Audra was kind enough to answer a few random questions:

The TBPAC marketing department loved your haiku – but we want to know: Did you grow up with Chris Lowe literally or metaphorically?

I grew up with Lowe and Tennant metaphorically and lyrically.

Favorite Pet Shop Boys song:

I’m old school, you can’t beat “Girls and Boys”.

As a “true West End girl” did you ever date an East End boy?

Occasionally, when I felt the need to go clubbing with the dodgy types from Hackney, I would venture to the East End… but I’m truly a West End girl at heart.

Finally, America is forever in debt to North Shields England for the gift of Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. Out of curiosity, do you have trouble watching Hugh Laurie without thinking of A Bit of Fry and Laurie?

When I’m watching Hugh Laurie, I think of nothing else. But I prefer him mature and grey, rather than young and spry as in the Fry and Laurie days. Handsome any decade though.

And there you have it - West End Girl, Hugh Laurie Lover and Haiku Genius Audra Dunn! Enjoy the show tonight Audra!

You can still get tickets if you move quick! And if you want to know just how awesome PSB were a few days ago - check out this review!

Kari "You can't hide, run with the dogs tonight" G.

In the Heights goes on sale Sunday!

The TBPAC's 2009-2010 season is getting ready to kick off in a big way... with the launch of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning IN THE HEIGHTS. Not only does IN THE HEIGHTS open the TBPAC's season, but Tampa is the opening city for the first national tour. That means we're double excited!

Single tickets go on sale this Sunday, Sept. 13, at the TBPAC Ticket Office. Season tickets are also still available.

To learn more about IN THE HEIGHTS, visit the TBPAC website or you can check out the show's website for videos, downloads, widgets, e-cards and more!

Pet Shop Boys Haiku Contest is ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!

That's right - we're giving away 2 tix to Sept. 10 Pet Shop Boys concert at TBPAC. Here's how to play:

Twitter - post your 5/7/5 with #petshopboys or direct it to @TBPAC http://twitter.com/tbpac

Facebook - the contest is in full gear in the comments under the contest status update. Just visit http://www.facebook.com/tbpac

MySpace - same as facebook. http://www.facebook.com/tbpac

And now here on the blog - feel free to post your most inspired haiku. We'll announce the winner 09/09/09. Woo-hoo!

- Kari "I've got the brains" G.

Pet Shop Boys on Jimmy Fallon

Listening to Pet Shop Boys is as close to youthful euphoria as I will get, figuring I will never fit into my side zip Guess jeans ever again...

Pet Shop Boys, Pandemonium tour, Sept. 10 @ TBPAC. Be there.

-Kari "West End Girl" G.

Lea Michele heads to FOX

Lea Michele, best known as "Wendla" in Broadway's hit musical "Spring Awakening," is getting ready to try her hand at TV. This fall you can catch her on the new FOX show "Glee." Read an interview with Lea about her new role at washingtonpost.com.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Labor Day is supposedly a last hurrah for summer. A chance to say good-bye to white shoes and embrace the turning of leaves and the arrival of football.

Labor Day is a little different here.

Here in Florida, we find that summer finally exits stage left sometimes after Halloween. In our tropical climate, people wear shorts 12 months out of the year, and Hurricane Season doesn't end until the Thanksgiving turkey is completely consumed. However, we do get very excited about football.

All that said, we still celebrate the three day weekend and heck, we house a Union organization (Yay Local #321!), so of course we believe in Labor Day.

So special thanks to all our IATSE men and women, who keep us safe, efficient, effective and professional.

Our box office will be closed on Monday in observation of the holiday. But you can always buy tickets online and you only have until Sept. 19 to take advantage of our Early Bird Special!

Have a very safe and happy holiday everyone.

-Kari G.

Spike Lee didn't pass on "Passing Strange"

A couple years ago I was in NYC for an annual Broadway conference and the buzz of the week was a new show called "Passing Strange." Wow... that's definitely not a "traditional" Broadway show! Really unique staging with the musician playing in sunken boxes on the stage while all the action happened around them. It was theater mixed with rock concert.

Apparently Spike Lee thought it was pretty nifty because it's now a movie. It has been released nationwide via On Demand so check your local cable listings. To learn more, check out a movie review on NPR.com.

Jamie Foxx TONIGHT!!!

This is for the ladies: --------->



And you're welcome.


Now see him live tonight!


You know he'll be singing just to you....

:)


-Kari G.

O.A.R. = B.N.E. (Best Night Ever)

For all of you that keep up with this blog, you might know that O.A.R. was at TBPAC last night. Furthermore, you may know that I attended the concert with my boyfriend and a group of friends (one of which turned 24 yesterday!).

Did you go? If not, shame on you!

Let me start by saying this was one of the best concerts I have been to! I have been to my fair share of concerts, but there was either rain, sweaty people, drinks spilled on me, etc. to always make me think, “Hmm maybe you shouldn’t do this anymore.” BUT this experience was perfect! Carol Morsani Hall has air conditioning! There were cool people jamming around me and not a raincloud in sight! O.A.R., of course, made the night the most memorable, and the fact my boyfriend and his friends were singing in my ear the whole time was an added bonus. No really, I have pictures! That’s right! Wahahaha (that’s my evil laugh), blackmail! =)

Bottom line, if O.A.R. comes to your town please go, you won’t be disappointed. They have a different set list every night and really know how to play their music. Their heading to Orlando for a concert tonight (Aug 27), totally tempted to call into work just to drive there, but last night can not be topped!

Check out their website at www.ofarevolution.com for tour dates, merchandise, photos and video…I know I will!

- Intern A.P.

OAR and more!

OAR (Of A Revolution) is here and they brought their super groovy and uber green tour bus. It's not just green in color but in concept. There are still tickets available to see this amazing jam band. Intern A.P. is beside herself. Seriously. The girl literally vibrates about our shows. It's great. Oh and follow OAR on Twitter @ofarevolution.

Let's see, what else is going on? Oh Jamie Foxx is bringing his music (and a little funny from what we've been told) to Carol Morsani Hall on Aug. 31. His Blame It Tour is making one stop with us on a 50 city tour. Have you seen his video with Jake Gyllenhall Forest Whitaker Ron Howard & Sam Jackson? Watch it here.

And for my traditional theater fans - RESPECT is in her final days! If you still haven't seen this amazing musical - you have from now until Aug. 30!

-Kari G.

Early Bird Discounts!

As a thank you to the community, TBPAC is giving patrons the opportunity to shop smart and save money. Through Sept. 19, many of the performances in our 2009-2010 season have tickets available at a 25% Early Bird discount.

Shows like the Tony Award-winners In the Heights, Mary Poppins and South Pacific are part of this spectacular deal. So are performances by Duncan Sheik, the Moscow Festival Ballet and David Copperfield. Plus, these discounted seats are offered for all the performances in our Club Jaeb and Off-Center series – so people can afford to take a chance on something new and unexpected.

Many other shows qualify for the Early Bird discount – for more information, restrictions and full list of eligible performances go to www.tbpac.org/earlybird. Or you can call 813.229.STAR and mention “Early Bird” or visit the TBPAC Ticket Office in person.

Some restrictions apply and discounts may not be combined with other offers and do not apply to prior sales.

Offer ends Sept. 19, 2009.

Go! Now! Be an early birdie!!!!!

-Kari G.

The 2009-2010 Season Announcement

The big announcement is here! The full 2009-2010 season at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is official! You already know about Broadway, Opera, Kid Time/Wee Folk, The Play Series and Club Jaeb. You can see and hear many of these great artists through our interactive brochure.

Music

The new season will also feature classical tabla virtusoso Zakir Hussain (March 18, 2010) as part of TBPAC’s Culture Quest World music and dance series and rocker Duncan Sheik (March 26, 2010) performing hits from his new release Whisper Horse and his Tony® Award-winning Broadway hit Spring Awakening. Performing what founder Chip Davis calls “18th century classical rock,” Mannheim Steamroller returns to TBPAC on Dec. 13, 2009, for a Yuletide concert of its signature new-age Christmas music.


Lectures, comedy and illusion

The funniest, cleverest and most insightful shows are on TBPAC’s stages in 2009-2010. Comedy acts including Sinbad (Oct. 24, 2009), Elon Gold (Nov. 19, 2009), Gabriel Iglesias (March 13, 2010) and the Second City 50th Anniversary Tour (March 27, 2010) will entertain and captivate audiences throughout the season. Greg Behrendt and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt, co-authors of the New York Times best-sellers He’s Just Not That Into You and It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken, talk candidly about relationships in So You Think You Want To Be in Love? (Feb. 20, 2010). Plus, TBPAC favorites Garrison Keillor (Nov. 24, 2009) and David Copperfield (Jan. 22, 2010) return to Tampa to enlighten and enchant audiences.

Cabaret

The Jaeb Theater will have a joyous season of cabaret shows including the TBPAC produced production of Godspell (Feb. 9-May 16, 2010). Featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Godspell boasts a string of popular songs, led by the international hit “Day by Day.” The cabaret season will also feature An Evening with Lucille Ball: Thank You For Asking (Jan. 5-17, 2010). Directed by Ball’s daughter Lucie Arnaz, this one-woman play performed by Suzanne LaRusch guides the audience though a lifetime of memories and recreates the comic genius of the “Queen of Comedy.” Plus, TBPAC will host the return of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (June 10-July 18, 2010), the musical comedy celebration of the modern-day mating game.

Dance

The 2009-2010 season is filled with exciting dance performances including the return of The Orlando Ballet in its production of The Nutcracker (Dec. 22 and 23, 2009) featuring students from the Orlando Ballet School at the Patel Conservatory and in an evening of mixed reparatory, Complexions Contemporary Ballet (Jan. 14, 2010), a company that explores the full range of human emotions with its cutting-edge choreography and original music grounded in the tradition of classical dance. And as part of TBPAC’s Culture Quest World music and dance series, the season will feature both the highly regarded, award-winning Ballet Folklórico de México (Feb. 13, 2010) and Moscow Festival Ballet (Feb. 27, 2010) in the most famous and loved story ballet of all time, Swan Lake.

Off-Center

TBPAC continues to challenge audiences to “expect the unexpected” with a mission to bring new and unusual works to the Tampa Bay area in the Off-Center series including the Puppet State Theatre Company of Scotland’s adaptation of Jean Giono’s ecologically oriented tale The Man Who Planted Trees (April 15, 2010). The series also includes Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps (April 22-25, 2010), as performer and audience together decide the sequence of events at each performance, choosing just a few of the 127 stories that a guy who was born a girl has to tell.

Free Events at TBPAC

TBPAC will host a series of FREE events in 2009-2010 including Rock School Blowout (Nov. 14, 2009 and March 27, 2010), and the annual community event Eggstravaganza (April 3, 2010), as well as a host of master classes, performance talk backs and educational and family-friendly events.

Additionally, the FREE TBPAC Movie Series continues in 2009-2010 outside on the Riverwalk. The series will show films that will enhance the enjoyment of live stage performances coming to TBPAC, in addition to other fun and entertaining films. Films to be screened include Coraline (Oct. 9, 2009), South Pacific (Nov. 13, 2009), It’s a Wonderful Life (Dec. 11, 2009), Godspell (Jan. 8, 2010) and Nanny McPhee (Feb. 12, 2010). Films will be shown on a giant inflatable screen – stadium chairs and blankets welcome. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Sculpture

In partnership with the New York-based National Sculpture Society, the pre-eminent organization for sculptors, TBPAC will present a multi-piece art exhibit as part of the 2009-2010 season. Eleven pieces, including works by John Leon, Barry Woods Johnston and Tuck Langland, will be displayed in the Ruth Silbiger lobby of Carol Morsani Hall at TBPAC beginning in October of 2009. The exhibit will be open during shows in Carol Morsani Hall and during regularly scheduled TBPAC tours. Special tours may also be available. This project is funded in part by the National Sculpture Society and Sabal Trust Company and will remain on display throughout the season.

Special Events

The Board of Trustees of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center will host the Wonderland World Premiere Benefit on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. In addition to seats to the world premiere performance, this black-tie event features a pre-performance cocktail dinner and a post-performance reception with the opportunity to mingle with the cast and creative team of Wonderland. And, no season would be complete without Taste the Best of Tampa Bay. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the area’s premier food event – a benefit for TBPAC’s education and mission-based programming and organized by the Producers volunteer group – is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2010.

-Kari G.

Taylor Hicks Tweets About Tampa!

Behold! The inside of the ice cream cone Taylor Hicks emerges from in Grease!

How did we get this insider's view? From the insider himself! Taylor Hicks uses Twitter to share his experiences in Grease and other thoughts. He also gave a nice shout out to Bern's Steakhouse. Glad he's doing Tampa right! We've loved having him here, he's been a great sport doing a lot of press to promote the show. He's a talented professional and we'll be sad to see him go. Don't worry there are still seats available for the final 5 shows!

-Kari G.

Intern AP Meets Taylor Hicks!

Grease is the Word!

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Taylor Hicks!

While most of you know him as the winner of the fifth season of “American Idol” - here at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center know him by a different name - Teen Angel. He is currently in the touring company of Grease that is visiting the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center now through August 23rd.

Taylor first appeared on the Grease scene during the summer where he performed the role on Broadway, now he happily reprises the role for the national tour that travels for the next 6 months.

I must say, not only is he one of the nicest guys but he is also very talented!

He played guitar and harmonica to his new single, “Seven Mile Breakdown” for Fox 13’s morning show and also sang “Beauty School Dropout” for Bay News 9. Now he is off to all the other Tampa Bay stations for interviews, performances, and good times. Be sure to tune in to local stations to hopefully catch one this week!

Meanwhile here are some great pictures of him in our Morsani Hall lobby! Also, get your tickets for Grease now to see him in action!

For more information on Taylor visit his website at www.taylorhicks.com
For more information on Grease the Musical Tour visit www.greaseonbroadway.com

-AP

Special Deal on Grease - Tomorrow and Wed. ONLY!

GREASE is coming to the TBPAC, Aug. 18-23. You can save 50% off tickets to the Tuesday & Wednesday night shows in the Balcony and Gallery (price level 2 & 3 only) with promo code SANDY. Offer is limited to 4 tickets and you know the drill... Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Service charges apply.

Now go. Buy your tickets b/c the seats are definitely subject to availability!

The Producers host something Wicked

Last night I attended the All Access Backstage Event here at the TBPAC hosted by The Producers with my boyfriend. It was a nice intimate gathering of young professionals in the Tampa Bay area to explore backstage, mingle, and have some fabulous appetizers catered by Bone Fish Grill.

The toughest decision of the night was whether to go with ‘The White Rabbit’ or ‘Wicked-tini’ cocktail (hey – I’m of age!). Of course, I had to try the ‘Wicked-tini’ (because it was pink) and explore.

Many of the upcoming show banners were hung around the space: In the Heights, Wonderland, Wicked, Mary Poppins to remind guests of our 2009-2010 Broadway season kicking off in October. There were also cast members from Respect and South Pacific walking around with guests to promote the shows. Guests also got to go on the stages of the Carol Morsani and Ferguson. How cool is that?

As I stood center stage of Carol Morsani (a dream come true for anyone who calls themselves a performer) and looked out into the 2,610 empty seats I had to catch my breath. Sure, I’ve been in the audience plenty of times, we will actually be there again in two week for the O.A.R. concert, but who else can say they have done that?

Overall, great event, great experience, great company, and I was in a great dress! Not bad for a Thursday night!

For more information on The Producers or to become a member, visit theproducers@tbpac.org.

- AP Intern

Dame Kiri Retires - Again

Back in the 2007-2008 season, Opera Tampa was blessed to have Dame Kiri Te Kanawa in concert at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. It was a sold-out concert that was promoted as a "farewell performance."

I joked that Dame Kiri was saying farewell to her audiences in much the same way Cher says farewell. Meaning of course, mark your retirement from performing, by coming out of retirement and performing, thereby symbolically stating that you will be retiring from performing.

Clear as mud. It seems that is exactly what Dame Kiri is doing - again.

I don't blame her. When you've had a career like Dame Kiri's, leaving the stage must be a difficult process.

We wish her the very best and know that she will be incredible in her upcoming performances, just like she was here at TBPAC.

Meanwhile, speaking of divas (lousy segue, I know) - Renee Fleming tickets go on sale on Aug. 23. Her concert is Jan.26 and is sure to be incredible!

-Kari G.