Broadway has a hot new mama!

Brooke Shields will make her debut as Morticia tonight in the Broadway cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY!

Want to see The Addams Family now? The wait is almost over! The Addams Family will tour across North America and you can come see it October 18-23 right here in Tampa! Douglas Sills & Sara Gettelfinger will star as Gomez and Morticia in the National Tour of The Addams Family.

This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks. This is definitely not the same old song and dance.

It's every parent's nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what's worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up. It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall.

Think you want to come to the whole Broadway series? You can buy your season tickets now, and save!

The best way to get the best seats at the best prices is to buy early.

Shows scheduled on the series include the Tony Award®-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles, the macabre new Broadway smash-hit musical comedy The Addams Family, the high-energy ballroom sensation Burn the Floor, Twyla Tharp’s captivating Sinatra celebration Come Fly Away and the red-hot rock 'n' roll of Million Dollar Quartet. There will also be a new musical staging of the classic holiday film A Christmas Story and the return of Cathy Rigby in the family favorite Peter Pan. Plus, for the first time in nearly a decade, Les Misérables returns to the Straz Center in a stunning new 25th Anniversary production! In the Jaeb Theater, we will be producing the classic comedy of errors and 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Revival of a Play, Boeing Boeing.

Current Season Ticket Holders can renew their same great seats with no changes online now. Renewal invoices are in the mail. If you would like to pay by check or request changes, additions or upgrades, you'll want to wait until you receive your invoice.

SAVE more than 40% in the rear orchestra on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!

SAVE up to 75% in the Cloud Club! ACT NOW - the Cloud Club sells out every year!

New season ticket orders are now available online! Click here to get started!

Wonderland: A New Alice. A New Musical.

WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical. returns to Tampa for TWO WEEKS ONLY, Jan. 4-16!

The WONDERLAND Tampa engagement is a new musical featuring a new score.

WONDERLAND is a story about a new Alice who has lost her joy in life. Estranged from her husband, alienated from her daughter and in danger of losing her career, Alice finds herself in Wonderland where she encounters strange though familiar characters that help her rediscover the wonder in her life.

WONDERLAND is the first production of the Broadway Genesis Project, an initiative by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to develop and prepare new musical theater for Broadway. From a show’s inception to final staging, the Project provides a safe and nourishing environment in a state-of-the-art complex with artistic, technical and administrative resources.

Wonderland is opening on Broadway in the Marquis Theatre!

Don't miss your chance to see it in Tampa before it moves to Broadway!

Reviews:
"One insanely catchy pop song after another. A visual feast ... a triumph. (Janet Dacal is) a star in the making." - St. Petersburg Times

"Musical 'Wonderland' excites, delights." - The Tampa Tribune

"... pleasures from an engaging cast, top Broadway designers and a catchy score." - Variety

"Dazzling musical numbers that get audience members of all ages out of their seats and cheering." - Miami Herald

"Catchy songs by Frank Wildhorn, inventive costumes by Tony-winner Susan Hilferty, varied chroeography by Marguerite Derricks, lively performances and a clever set and video projections provide fun in this new musical." - Sarasota Herald Tribune

"Four Stars ... Inspired, dazzling ... spectacular." - Creative Loafing

$15 rush tickets to 9 to 5, The Musical!

9 to 5, The Musical is teaming up with Metropolitan Ministries to offer a $15 rush ticket to the Tuesday and Wednesday performances of 9 to 5, The Musical (Oct. 26 & 27) when you donate a non-perishable food item. All donations benefit Metropolitan Ministries.

This offer is only available 2 hours prior to show time (5:30-7:30 p.m.) and only at the Straz Center Ticket Office. Tickets are best available of those that remain. One discounted ticket per donation.

WONDERLAND cast is announced!

WONDERLAND
A New Alice. A New Musical.

JANET DACAL, DARREN RITCHIE,
TITUSS BURGESS, JOSE LLANA, KAREN MASON, KATE SHINDLE, EDWARD STAUDENMAYER

TO OPEN ON BROADWAY
AT THE MARQUIS THEATRE
APRIL 17, 2011
PREVIEWS BEGIN MARCH 21

The cast of WONDERLAND - A New Alice. A New Musical will star Janet Dacal (In The Heights), Darren Ritchie (Little Shop of Horrors, Thoroughly Modern Millie), Tituss Burgess (Jersey Boys, Little Mermaid), Jose Llana (Spelling Bee, Flower Drum Song), Karen Mason (Hairspray, Mamma Mia!), Kate Shindle (Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Jekyll and Hyde) and Edward Staudenmayer (Spamalot, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me).

Directed by Gregory Boyd, with a book by Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy, lyrics by Jack Murphy, music by Frank Wildhorn and choreography by Marguerite Derricks, WONDERLAND will open at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre on Sunday, April 17, 2011, and performances will begin Monday, March 21.

WONDERLAND - A New Alice. A New Musical will play a pre-Broadway engagement at the Ferguson Hall at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO) in Tampa, Florida January 4 through January 16, 2011.

The ensemble includes April Berry, Sae La Chin, Dan Domenech, Mallauri Esquibel, Derek Ferguson, Lauren Lim Jackson, Morgan James, Stefan Raulston, Julius Anthony Rubio and Danny Stiles.

The design team is comprised of Neil Patel (set), Susan Hilferty (costume), Paul Gallo (lighting) and Sven Ortel (video and projection).

WONDERLAND is the first production of the Broadway Genesis Project, an initiative by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to develop and prepare new musical theater for Broadway. From a show’s inception to final staging, the Project provides a safe and nourishing environment in a state-of-the-art complex with artistic, technical and administrative resources.

WONDERLAND was optioned by Judy Lisi, CEO of the Straz Center, and was subsequently produced as its world premiere at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL this past December. In association with the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX, in January of 2010, the show was transferred for further development, becoming one of the highest grossing shows in that theater’s history.

A new spin on the classic story of Alice and her Looking-Glass world, WONDERLAND is about a modern-day woman who goes on a life-changing adventure far below the streets of New York City, where a colorful cast of strange but familiar characters help her rediscover what’s really important. Featuring a fresh, contemporary pop score from the creator of Jekyll and Hyde, WONDERLAND arrives on Broadway this spring following two sold-out national stage premieres.

WONDERLAND will be produced on Broadway by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO), William Franzblau and Nederlander Presentations, Inc.

Broadway ticket information will be announced soon.

Tampa Ticket Information:
Tickets for WONDERLAND - A New Alice. A New Musical may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at http://www.strazcenter.org/Events/1011-Broadway/Wonderland--A-New-Alice--A-New-Musical-Adventure-.aspx

For more information about the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit http://www.strazcenter.org/

The WONDERLAND Concept CD is available through ITUNES from SONY Masterworks.

For more information, log on to http://www.wonderlandonbroadway.com/


BIOGRAPHIES:

JANET DACAL (Alice) is overjoyed and grateful to create the role of Alice in Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland. She just recently finished her run with In The Heights, playing the lead as Nina Rosario, after having originated the role of Carla in the original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. Broadway: Good Vibrations. Off-Broadway: Byzantium. Regional: Señor Discretion Himself (Arena Stage); Five Course Love (Carbonell nomination); Four Guys Named Jose; Annie and others (Actors' Playhouse). Recordings and tours for various Grammy-winning artists, including Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada and Luis Enrique.

DARREN RITCHIE (White Knight, Jack/Lewis Carroll) is thrilled to continue down the rabbit hole in Wonderland, his sixth Broadway show. Other credits: Bells Are Ringing, Les Miserables, Dracula, Little Shop of Horrors and Thoroughly Modern Millie. National Tours: Fame The Musical and Little Shop of Horrors. Original workshops: The 60's Project, Altar Boyz, Me and Mrs. Jones and Ghost the Musical, opening on the West End this Spring. Television: Law& Order SVU, Fox News Half -Hour News Hour, Days of Our Lives, Guiding Light, and starred in the CBS pilot Stroller Wars, opposite Tiffani Amber Thiessan. Numerous regional theatre credits, TV commercials and voiceovers. Vocal recordings for award-winning composers Glen Ballard, Dave Stewart and Alan Silvestri. He is represented by Barry McPhearson of APA and Danielle Dell of D2 Management.

TITUSS BURGESS (Caterpillar) recently starred as Nicely-Nicely in the Broadway revival of Guys & Dolls. Original Broadway casts: Sebastian in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Hal Miller in Jersey Boys, Eddie in Good Vibrations. Regional: The Wiz (La Jolla), Songs for a New World (Music Center at Strathmore), Jesus Christ Superstar (Kansas City Starlight). Television: “The View,” “The Today Show,” “Late Night With David Letterman.” BA in music from the University of Georgia. Solo CD: Here’s to You available on iTunes.

JOSE LLANA (El Gato) most recently appeared as Adam in the World Premiere of Joe diPietro's Falling For Eve at the York. Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, original Chip Tolentino (Drama Desk Award); Wang Ta in Flower Drum Song; Angel in RENT; Jessie-Lee in Streetcorner Symphony; and Lun Tha in The King and I. Off-Broadway: Gabey in On the Town and Adam Guettel’s Saturn Returns, both at The Public Theater. Regional: Martin Guerre (Guillaume, Guthrie Theater), Ballad of Little Jo (Steppenwolf Theater, Jefferson Nom.), Candide (Prince Theater, Barrymore Nom.) and as El Gato in the World Premiere of Wonderland (Straz & Alley Theater). Workshops: Frank Wildhorn’s Havana, Melchior in Spring Awakening (Sundance Lab) and Honor (Prospect), among others. TV/film: Sex and the City and Hitch. Cast albums and solo album, VIVA Philippines label. http://www.josellana.com/

KAREN MASON (Queen of Hearts). Broadway: Hairspray, Mamma Mia!(Drama Desk nom), Sunset Boulevard (NY, LA),Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Torch Song Trilogy. Off-Broadway: Kander and Ebb’s And the World Goes Round, Carnival (Drama Desk nom), Karen Mason Sings Broadway, Beatles and Brian. Regional: Wonderland (David A.Straz PAC, The Alley-Houston), White Christmas (St. Louis Muni Opera, world premiere), Side by Side… (Coconut Grove Playhouse), Gypsy (Sundance Theatre). Awards: 10 MACs, 3 Bistros, 1 Nightlife Award. CDs: Right Here, Right Now (MAC 2009 CD of the Year), Sweetest of Nights, When The Sun Comes Out, Better Days (1998 Emmy Award), Not So Simply Broadway, Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!. TV: L&O, L&O SVU

KATE SHINDLE (Mad Hatter) Broadway: Legally Blonde (Vivienne), Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Jekyll and Hyde (Lucy). Elsewhere: After the Fall (Maggie) at The Alley, Restoration at La Jolla, Himself and Nora at The Old Globe, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), First Lady Suite (Amelia Earhart), The Last Five Years, Gypsy, Into the Woods, The Mousetrap. She has sung everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Birdland to a dive bar in Portland, Oregon. Film/TV: Gossip Girl, White Collar, Capote, The Stepford Wives. Her writing has been published by Newsweek, salon.com, and The Advocate, and she has three different books in the works. http://www.kateshindle.com/

EDWARD STAUDENMAYER (White Rabbit) starred in Monty Python’s Spamalot in Las Vegas and played opposite Martin Short for many performances in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me on Broadway. He's had an over 17 year association with Forbidden Broadway taking him Off-Broadway, around the world, and onto three cast recordings. He has toured in Beauty and the Beast (National Theater Award Nomination) Joseph..., and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Other credits: Cats Hamburg, The Great Ostrovsky (Barrymore Nomination), Newsical, On The Twentieth Century, and Noises Off. He was a Soloist with the Baltimore, Syracuse, Bartlesville, and Adelaide, Australia Symphonies, and provided voices for MTV’s Celebrity Deathmatch.

http://www.wonderlandonbroadway.com/

Follow WONDERLAND
On Twitter: http://Twitter.com@WonderlandBway
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderland-A-New-Alice-A-New-Musical

9 to 5: The Musical Sneak Peak!

The National Tour of 9 to 5: The Musical opened last night in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center! Check out what's been going on since the cast and creatives have been in Nashville!

SNEAK PEAK - Music City Beat WZTV FOX17 NashvilleIn just a few days the curtain will open here in Nashville for 9 to 5 the musical featuring American Idol's Diana DeGarmo. WZTV FOX 17's entertainment reporter Stacy McCloud was at rehearsals and talked to the lady behind it all .. Dolly Parton!

Dolly Parton "Thrilled" About Nashville Premiere of 9 to 5: The Musical - CMTDecked out in sky-high stilettos and a sequined blazer complemented by form-fitting black leather capris, Dolly Parton took center stage Friday afternoon (Sept. 17) at Nashville's Tennessee Performing Arts Center -- but not to perform. Instead, she was saving this task for the dozens of Broadway actresses and actors fervently practicing their lines and dance steps on an elaborately decorated set.

Dolly Parton In Town For '9 To 5, The Musical' - Nashville News Channel 5"9 to 5, The Musical" is finishing-up rehearsals at TPAC in Nashville. The film that made Dolly Parton a movie star is now transforming her into a Broadway music composer. Dolly wrote every song in "9 to 5, The Musical," which opened on Broadway about a one and a half years ago. The cast will play in Nashville for 8 days, and then hit the road as a touring group. Dolly's been very hands-on with her creation. On Friday, she talked about hearing the cast bring her songs to life. Playing the part of "Doralee," the role Dolly made famous, is former American Idol standout Diana DeGarmo.

Parton right at home writing musical, just as '9 to 5' is at home at TPAC

When Dolly Parton refers to her experience writing the score for 9 to 5: The Musical as "liberating," she means more than just putting herself in the role of a lying womanizer.

9 to 5 Gets a New Director-Choreographer for National Tour

When Dolly Parton's Broadway musical 9 to 5 is launched Sept. 21 on its national tour, the work of the original director and choreographer won't be seen. Jeff Calhoun (seen above) has been enlisted to direct and choreograph.

Joe Mantello directed the Broadway staging in 2009, and Andy Blankenbuehler was Tony-nominated for the choreography.

The tour will star DEE HOTY, MAMIE PARRIS, JOSEPH MAHOWALD, KRISTINE ZBORNIK and DIANA DEGARMO. Rounding out the cast is Jane Blass, Patrick Boyd, Paul Castree, Holly Davis, Janet Dickinson Madeleine Doherty, Marjorie Failoni, Gregg Goodbrod, K.J. Hippensteel, Jesse J.P. Johnson, Michelle Marmolejo, April Nixon, Ryah Nixon, Rick Pessagno, Wayne Schroder, Micah Shepard and Travis Waldschmidt.

Need more information? 9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's nothing they can't do -- even in a man's world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 to 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it's about getting credit and getting even.

This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton's original hit title song along with her new Tony Award® and Grammy-nominated score.

9 to 5 is kicking off the Broadway Season at the Straz October 26-31 with a talkback with the artists on Wednesday, October 27.

Save on The Sound of Music!

The Sound of Music is extending a special 50% off* discount for remaining seats to the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening shows. Simply use promo code SOCIAL when purchasing your tickets.

*Offer valid on all price levels. Limit 4 tickets. Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability.

WONDERLAND Broadway Opening April 17

WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure will open on Broadway Sunday, April 17, 2011 and performances will begin Monday, March 21, at a Nederlander theatre to be announced. The musical will be directed by Gregory Boyd, the artistic director of the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas, with a book by Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy (The Civil War –Tony nomination) and lyrics by Jack Murphy, music by Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde – Grammy nomination, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Civil War – Tony nomination, Dracula, Victor/Victoria) and choreography by Marguerite Derricks (Fame, Emmy Awards for “3rd Rock From The Sun” and “Fame LA”).

WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure will play a pre-Broadway engagement at the Ferguson Hall at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO) in Tampa, Florida January 4 through January 16, 2011.

WONDERLAND is the first production of the Broadway Genesis Project, an initiative by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to develop and prepare new musical theater for Broadway. From a show’s inception to final staging, the Project provides a safe and nourishing environment in a state-of-the-art complex with artistic, technical and administrative resources.

After Frank Wildhorn conceived WONDERLAND, it was optioned by the Judy Lisi, CEO of the Straz Center, and was subsequently produced as its world premiere at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL this past December. In association with the Alley Theatre in Houston, TX, in January of 2010, the show was transferred for further development, becoming one of the highest grossing shows in that theater’s history.

In this new musical featuring a new score, WONDERLAND is a story about a new Alice who has lost her joy in life. Estranged from her husband, alienated from her daughter and in danger of losing her career, Alice finds herself in Wonderland where she encounters strange though familiar characters that help her rediscover the wonder in her life while searching for her daughter.

WONDERLAND will be produced on Broadway by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts (Judy Lisi, President and CEO), William Franzblau and Nederlander Presentations, Inc.

“I am at a point in my life where I want to stay in love with the things I fell in love with. The process of creating WONDERLAND with my extraordinary producers and collaborators has shown me the magic of fun is not just for the young. Being part of the Straz Center’s invaluable Broadway Genesis Project was an exciting and rewarding experience,” said composer Frank Wildhorn.

Producers Judy Lisi, President and CEO of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center and William Franzblau said “Alice’s story is one that has always resonated with us - whether reading it when we were children or now as adults. With WONDERLAND, our creative team has developed a Broadway musical that tells the story of a contemporary woman attempting to maintain her career as well as keeping her family together and not doing well with either. At her breaking point she escapes into the world of Wonderland where she finds out who she really is and what's important in life."

The cast, design team and Broadway ticket information will be announced soon.

Tampa Ticket Information:
Tickets for WONDERLAND: A New Alice. A New Musical Adventure may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online at www.strazcenter.org

For more information about the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts and its upcoming events, please visit www.strazcenter.org

The WONDERLAND Concept CD is available through ITUNES from SONY Masterworks.

For more information, log on to www.WonderlandOnBroadway.com

London/Broadway, 'Red'/Pink

NYC – Two shows that seemingly had little in common joined forces at one of the Broadway League’s Creative Conversations during a recent conference.

Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne from “Red” (the story of artist Mark Rothko) sat with Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge from “La Cage aux Folles” (a revival of the musical that resulted in the movie, “The Birdcage”).

One common element – and the one that prompted the joint setting – is that they both started as smaller London productions before moving to Broadway. Grammer joined the cast in NYC, co-starring with Hodge, who had been in the London production.

“Red” began at the Donmar Warehouse and “La Cage” at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Here’s what the stars said about their shows, and about differences between London and NYC.

La Cage

"Certain lines in London that got enormous laughs there that get nothing here. Certain lines here that get enormous laughs got nothing here." – Douglas

"I knew George Hearn years ago. We used to get drunk together after the show, but I never saw it." – Kelsey

“People seem surprised that I’m English. I must have slowly shifted into ‘American.’ ” – Douglas

"There was a traffic pattern that had been laid out [in London]. There was a luxury to having it blocked already … freedom to find the heart, to find the laughs. The piece resonates so much on an emotional level." – Kelsey

"I secretly play the first scene a little bit slower to give people a chance to dip in …" – Douglas

"There's no greater place in the world than Broadway. It is the pinnacle in my own life. It's a great place to do the work." – Kelsey

"The musical is sort of the hallmark of what you think of as Broadway … I've never been in any situation in the theater where there's so much light and joy and love … I'm not sure I'm ever leaving. It is an amazing experience for me. I couldn't be happier." – Kelsey

Red

"It's the most exciting and rewarding and fulfilling experience I've ever had working as a stage actor – working on Broadway." – Alfred

“It was one step removed in London because of all the cultural, geographical references. … it is a quintessentially New York play.” – Alfred

"He [Alfred] was talking about the Broadway community – not so much a club … a grouping of people. The way he was describing it sounded almost too good to be true … just a sense of being a part of a very specific and welcoming and supportive tribe. … It means a great deal." – Eddie

“Everyone you meet seems to know what you're in and what you're up to. … they feel a common ownership, very positive sense of pride." – Alfred

"When it's good, it's great. When it's not so great, it can be awful. Some of those who didn't like me before now are so far up my bum they could have a weekend place …” –- Alfred

"In England, if you're enjoying the work it's almost unseemly to celebrate that." – Eddie

Answering “What is that red paint made of”:
"Blood, mad desire and passion …” – Eddie
“Broken marriages, phone calls you never get replies to." – Alfred

“Red” is at the Golden Theatre on 45th Street. “La Cage” is at the Longacre Theatre on 48th Street. – MKilgore

Save on tickets to see Godspell next week

GODSPELL is currently playing in the Jaeb Theater through May but we have a special discount for you to see the show next week.

Save $5 off tickets to see the show March 3 or 4 at 7:30 p.m. You can also receive the discount on tickets to the March 6 matinee performance at 2 p.m. Just use promo code SOCIAL when ordering tickets.

Limit 4 tickets. Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability.

One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, this modern and newly updated GODSPELL, based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, is ultimately a story of coming together to create a loving community embraced by all. Featuring a sparkling score by Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), GODSPELL boasts a string of popular songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day.”

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Special deal on Grease

OK all you "hopelessly devoted" followers, here is a deal on GREASE 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!

Photo by Joan Marcus

Great deals on RENT tickets

Want to see RENT next week with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original Broadway cast members, but need a little help in the money department? No problem. We've got a couple great offers!

- Save 25% off the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday performances. Use promo code ROGER. This offer is valid on price level 1 & 2 and limited to 4 discounted tickets.

- We've also partnered with Tinatapa's in Channelside for a special dinner & a show package. For $165 you receive two price level 1 tickets to RENT (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday only), plus dinner for two at Tinatapa's (which you can use anytime between now and Nov. 1). We've even thrown in free valet parking at Channelside. Call the TBPAC Ticket Office, 813.229.STAR (7827), for more details and to purchase.

Both offers are not applicable to prior sales. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Service charges apply.

Photo by Joan Marcus.

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "Q"

Sadly, all things must come to an end and this is no exception for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q. After 2,534 performances and 22 previews the show will play its last performance on Broadway Sept. 13. Even though Avenue Q will be sadly missed, we all have learned many valuable lessons...

We now know what the Internet is for.

We're working on finding our purpose.

We've learned that the mix tape isn't dead.

There is life outside our apartment.

and...

Everyone's a little bit racist, sometimes.

Come meet Annie & Sandy

If you're looking for something to do with the kids tomorrow afternoon, 6/12, head over to WestShore Plaza's Center Court. There will be Annie themed activities from 1-3 p.m. and Annie will make an appearance with her dog Sandy from 1:30-2 p.m. You can also register to win tickets to the show!