Meet Jayne Trinette

Jayne Trinette is a Broadway actress and singer that has traveled throughout the US and abroad. Performing in The Lion King, Caroline Or Change and Smokey Joes Café has proven that musical theatre is a terrific fit for this soprano mezzo belter.

Jayne’s next show is right here at the Straz Center!

Jazz at the Straz: Tribute to Lena Horne is Sat., March 5 in Maestro’s Restaurant. Doors will open at 9 p.m. and the show will start at 9:30 p.m.

Come enjoy music by James Crumbly and Jayne Trinette. And, hit the dance floor.

There will be table service. Tapas, cocktails and other a la cart menu items available for purchase.

Visit http://www.jaynetrinette.com/

The melting pot of her ancestors

Israeli singer Yasmin Levy keeps Ladino tradition alive

With her haunting howls and Ladino-laced songs, Judaeo-Spanish singer Yasmin Levy brings new life to her ancestral songs.

“I grew up in Jerusalem,” she said by phone recently. “It’s a melting pot with people from all over the world listening to different music, smelling all kinds of smells, tasting foods; this mixture is who I am. I am an Israeli. I’m Turkish. I’m Spanish. I am a human being. All those traditions are inside of me.” Her new album Sentir showcases her love for large vocals, much like some of her favorite voices: Edith Piaf, Luciano Pavarotti and Tina Turner.

Sentir includes Una Pastora , an Unforgettable-style duet with her father, celebrated Israeli cantor and composer Isaac Levy, who died in the ’70s.

On March 3, Levy performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. We caught up with her to talk about her unique heritage and the culture of Ladino music.

Explain Ladino music to me.
Ladino is the songs of the Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. The song is the only thing they took with them from Spain. Everything they had in life, they sang about. The language, the song, the memories were all passed orally from generation to generation. Mothers sang secular songs to their daughters at home and men sang them to their sons in synagogues. The traditional is a cappella. Those songs were never meant to be on stage. They are pure soul songs, very beautiful and very innocent. The way I do it is not the traditional way. I mix them with flamenco, Turkish, Cuban, and Arabic sounds to make it interesting.

Do you speak Ladino?
No one in my generation speaks Ladino. It’s an endangered language. Everyone who speaks it is 70 and 80 years old. In my opinion, two generations from now, it will die and disappear. The only thing to survive will be the songs, and that’s why it’s a mission to spread it as much as I can, and also a way to love my father since he passed when I was 1.

How do you write songs, or are they all traditional?
When I sing in Ladino, all the songs are traditional, and done with great respect and responsibility. Ladino is holy and I don’t want to touch it. It’s important for me to write and compose my own songs. I do it in Spanish so I can have total freedom, get wild and express myself without thinking about responsibility and tradition.

How was it to “sing with” your father on Una Pastora ?
It was very difficult because I adore him. I had to see myself as an equal singer and I could never see that. It took me many times until I told myself, “It’s okay, he’s dead. Don’t be afraid, you’re not comparing yourself to him, you’re not disrespecting him.” It was like he was with me in the studio. We used a 50-year-old recording.

What languages do you speak?
Hebrew, English, Spanish, a little bit of French, and I write and read Arabic.

What if you couldn’t sing?
Oh, my God (gasps). I would be sad. I would be the saddest person ever. I think I would help animals.

What is your message?
I give myself totally. I commit suicide on stage. No masks, no borders, it’s as if I’m almost naked. I put myself in the in the hands of people. I want people to open their hearts so they might discover a beautiful world.


BY: Stephanie Bolling
St. Pete Times

Jersey Boys ticket give-a-way

Want to win a pair of Jersey Boys tickets for opening night, March 23rd?

You could be already eligible! One winner will be picked from all the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts friends (on Facebook) - and if you aren’t a friend yet, you have until February 28th to become one!

The contest begins now and you must be a Straz Center Facebook friend by February 28th at 4:30 p.m. The winner will be randomly selected from all the friends/'likes' we have. Tickets for the opening night performance on March 23rd will be held for the winner at Will Call and will be notified of their winning via FB. Please make sure we are available and able to contact you via FB message, etc.

Prize to be redeemed at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts located at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602. No purchase necessary. Participants and winner(s) must be legal U.S. residents and residents of Florida. Employees of the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, participating sponsors and their advertising agencies and members of their immediate family are not eligible to participate. Not valid where prohibited by law. Contest begins on or around February 3, 2011, at noon. The last contest deadline ends on February 28, 2011 at 4:30 p.m. One winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries received. Only one entry per e-mail address. Anybody’s who currently “liking” us now is eligible, as is anybody who adds us before deadline. Prizes will be awarded on or around March 23, 2011. The winners will be notified by social media outlets, on or around March 2, 2011. Odds of winning vary greatly depending on number of entrants from this state. The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts assumes no liability or responsibility for any prize once it is awarded, or any damage, loss or liability arising from the award, acceptance or use of the prize, and Contest winner agrees to release and hold harmless the Released Parties against any and all claims of liability arising directly or indirectly from the Contest or the prizes and the use of such Contest winner's name, voice and photo. The Released Parties assume no liability for lost, illegible, incomplete, misdirected or late entries or prize claims, or for typographical or other errors in the offer or administration of this Contest including, without limitation, errors in the printing of the offer and official rules, selection, notification and announcement of the winner, or distribution of prizes. The Contest is subject to applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, and is void where prohibited or otherwise restricted. The prizes offered in this contest have no cash value and may not be returned for cash. Tickets may not be exchanged for another date, time and/or performance.

A Star is Born

TRAINED IN TAMPA, HE’S NOW ‘BILLY ELLIOT’

Ethan Fuller got his big break on Interstate 4.

“They called us when we were driving home from Tampa to Indialantic on I-4,” says Camille Fuller , mother of Ethan, 12.

Ethan had been cast to play the leading role in Billy Elliot on tour.

“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” his mom says.

Ethan is now in New York, where he is undergoing the intensive training needed to play Billy, probably the biggest part for a child actor in musical theater since Annie . The actor is onstage for virtually the entire three-hour show.

“It’s definitely hard, because you have to do everything,” Ethan says. “You have to do ballet, tap, acro (acrobatics), sing, act, and you have to look like you’re not tired at all. And I have to pick up a British accent.”

The role of Billy is so demanding that four young actors rotate in performances on the national tour, now playing at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. The musical, with a score by Elton John , is about a boy in an English coal-mining community who has to overcome his working-class family’s objections to follow his dream of being a ballet dancer.

Dance runs in the Fuller family. Ethan’s older brother, Collin , 17, is a student at the School of American Ballet in New York. Both young Fullers received ballet training in Florida from Peter Stark , dance chair of the Patel Conservatory, part of the Straz Center.

“Ethan is a hybrid dancer,” Stark says. “He has been studying ballet, but also contemporary dance, so he’s sort of a ballet-jazz kid. Ethan loves ballet, and he is really good at it, and I think he can transition into a Broadway show and then back into ballet if he wants.”

Billy Elliot plays here in Tampa until this Sunday, Feb. 20th. For tickets, click HERE.

Meet the Billys

Four boys are in the touring company of Billy Elliot to play Billy, rotating in the role during eight shows a week. They are part of a community of children in the musical, whose cast includes 20 actors from 7 to 15 years old, along with eight child wranglers (chaperones) and three tutors, not to mention assorted parents, other family members and pets.

Billy is a demanding role that calls for a variety of dance styles — ballet, tap and "acro'' (acrobatics) — as well as acting and singing. "It's the equivalent of running a marathon and playing Hamlet,'' resident choreographer Kurt Froman says. And since Billy is 11 or 12 in the show, when an actor grows too tall or his voice changes, he is out of work.

Meet the boys:

Daniel Russell, 14
Hometown: Umina Beach, Australia
5 feet, 89 pounds
Billy's accent: "It is very different from the Australian accent. We're trained in the accent in every line that we speak. It's called the 'Geordie' accent from the Newcastle area of England, where the play is set.''
Favorite number: "I like when we get to go on the high wire and fly around in the dream ballet sequence. That's the bit where I really enjoy myself. We're in the air for about two minutes.''

Kylend Hetherington, 13
Hometown: Auburn, Mich.
4 feet 11, 85 pounds
Try, try again: "I've been working for this role for almost four years,'' says Kylend, who auditioned for Billy Elliot in Orlando, New York and Detroit. He played another character, Michael, in the Broadway company before joining the tour to play Billy.
Billy camp: "I did Billy camp, where they take kids they think have the potential to play Billy and work on their ballet, tap and acro. Tap was definitely my strength. I started tap at 4, then ballet at 9.''

Giuseppe Bausilio, 13
Hometown: Bern, Switzerland
5 feet 1, 105 pounds
Life on the road: "It's nice to have the bed made every day. My mom is traveling with me now, and we have a white Western terrier named Billy.''
Getting to know Elton John: "He is an awesome person. We met him in Chicago and went on Oprah with him.''

Lex Ishimoto, 12
Hometown: Irvine, Calif.
4 feet 9, 83 pounds
The littlest Billy: "I'm the lightest Billy and the youngest. I have a background in street dancing and hip-hop.''
Big number: "My Electricity (a solo in Act 2) is really, really different. The Electricity of the other boys is balletic, with a lot of flow. In mine, I do a lot of acro and hip-hop."

See one of the Billys on stage NOW-Feb. 20. Click HERE for more information and tickets!

(Article by: John Fleming, Times Performing Arts Critic)

Billy Elliot the Musical wants you to Go Red for Women!

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 4, patrons wearing red in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women National Wear Red Day can purchase up to four tickets to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot for just $25 each.

Did you know that every minute another woman dies of heart disease? According to the St. Petersburg Times, that’s more than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.

To help raise awareness of National Wear Red Day, the nine stars on the Straz Center’s exterior will glow red on Feb. 4.

This discount applies only to the Friday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., performance and is available only in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office. The offer cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets.

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

Are YOU a Student?

We have 2 amazing Student Rush Offers we couldn't help but share!

Billy Elliot: Feb. 2-20
$25 Student Rush Tickets!
Details: Bring your student ID to the Ticket Office beginning 30 minutes before any show!
* Cash only. Limit 1 ticket per ID. Discounts do not apply to prior sales. Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply.

Forbidden Broadway: NOW - Feb. 20
50% Student Rush Tickets!
Details: Bring your student ID to the Ticket Office beginning 30 minutes before any show!
* Cash only. Limit 1 ticket per ID. Discounts do not apply to prior sales. Subject to availability. Restrictions may apply.

GLEE at the Globes

Congrats to one of our fav musical shows, GLEE!

Glee, the musical comedy-drama television series we all know and love won 3 Gloden Globes on Sunday night.

Glee focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues.

The FOX show won Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical and two of its stars, Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer won for Best Actress and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Made for Television Motion Picture.

Keep up the good work!

John Fleming writes about all-new Wonderland

The Lewis Carroll-inspired musical, which premiered in Tampa, returns after revisions.
By: John Fleming

Welcome to an all-new Wonderland.

Composer Frank Wildhorn’s musical, inspired by the Lewis Carroll classics Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, returned to Tampa this week for 14 performances at the Straz Center, where it premiered in 2009. Since then, it has been staged in Houston and is being prepped for a Broadway production in New York, which is scheduled to begin previews March 21 and open April 17.

In the year since Wonderland debuted, the musical has undergone a few revisions — so if you saw it the first time around, here are a few significant changes you’ll notice.

1. It’s all about Alice.

“Coming out of Tampa and Houston, it became very clear that the story had to be totally about Alice,’’ says Judy Lisi, president of the Straz Center, who has been intimately involved with Wonderland from the beginning. “There were too many stories before.’’ There were too many times when Alice, who is having a crisis involving her work, her husband and her daughter, made a rather vague, unconvincing impression.

The show’s creators have now tailored the part to star Janet Dacal. “She’s a wonderful comedian,” Wildhorn says. “She’s kind of kooky, like Lucy (Lucille Ball). She dances great. When she smiles, it’s a moment, a powerful thing. After Houston, we said, ‘How can we create more moments for Janet?’” Even the color of Alice’s dress has been changed.

2. A new Hatter in town.

In Tampa and Houston, Dacal’s Alice never really clicked with her nemesis, the Mad Hatter, the hardrocking, villainous aide to the Queen of Hearts. So the Mad Hatter has been refashioned into a character who represents the dark side of Alice.

Nikki Snelson, who had been with the production since its first Actors Equity reading, was replaced with Kate Shindle, who was Miss America in 1998 and who played Vivienne, the haughty law student in the musical Legally Blonde . Unlike Snelson, Shindle is a statuesque presence, standing at least 6 feet in heels, and her Hatter towers over the 5-foot-5 Dacal’s Alice. Shindle has a sleek, ice-princess vibe that contrasts with Dacal’s warm, emotive style.

3. A new daughter, too.

Also recast was Chloe, Alice’s 10 year-old daughter who runs away to Wonderland with her mother in pur­suit. In Tampa and Houston, Chloe was played by a young adult actor, Julie Brooks, mainly for practical reasons, such as finances, but Brooks looked old enough to be Alice herself.

Now the role is played by 11-yearold Carly Rose Sonenclar, and that makes a big difference in the motherdaughter dynamics onstage. “It’s very easy to be more compassionate and connected when it’s actually a child,’’ says Dacal, bonding with Sonenclar in rehearsal, giving the girl a kiss on the top of her head at the end of one number. “Having a little one really plucks at the heartstrings.’’

4. More scenes, more music!

Whole scenes have been added (a tea party in Wonderland) and subtracted (a cocktail party in New York). The Jabberwock, a character with a big second-act number, was eliminated. Wildhorn and Murphy wrote four new songs, and several were cut.

Of course, what was cut can always be restored. Don’t Wanna Fall in Love , a bouncy argument song for Alice and her husband, Jack, was in the score in Tampa, out in Houston and is back in again, but in a different place. “We wanted to make the story move more swiftly,’’ Boyd says. “It took too long to get to Wonderland. Now I think it goes like a shot.’’


In the Picture at top: Wonderland cast members rehearse at New York’s New 42nd Street Studios.

Pictured: Darren Ritchie (standing on a chair), who plays Jack, the White Knight and Lewis Carroll; Janet Dacal (fourth from left, wearing No. 5), who plays Alice; and Kate Shindle (in top hat), who plays the Mad Hatter.

More information about Wonderland at the Straz, click HERE. On Broadway, click HERE.

Wonderland Who's Who

WITH:
Four new songs
A vastly revised book (script)
Two new major cast members
And a set on steroids

See an even more wonderful Wonderland.

If you liked it before, you’ll love it now. If you didn’t see it before, catch it in Tampa before this exact show, including this cast and set, opens on Broadway in a few months.

Wonderland is a new musical about Alice, who’s lost her joy in life. She’s estranged from her husband, alienated from her daughter and in danger of losing her job. It takes a trip to Wonderland for her to discover what she’s lost and reclaim what’s most important to her.

Wonderland opens on Broadway on April 17, with previews starting March 21.

WHO'S WHO:
JANET DACAL (Alice)
DARREN RITCHIE (White Knight, Jack/Lewis Carroll)
E. CLAYTON CORNELIOUS (Caterpillar)
JOSE LLANA (El Gato)
KAREN MASON (Mrs. Everheart, Queen of Hearts)
KATE SHINDLE (Ms. Quizzle, Mad Hatter)
CARLY ROSE SONENCLAR (Chloe)
EDWARD STAUDENMAYER (Richard, Rabbit)
DANNY STILES (Morris)

WITH: APRIL BERRY, SAE LA CHIN, DAN DOMENECH, MALLAURI ESQUIBEL, DEREK FERGUSON, WILKIE FERGUSON, LAURA HALL, NATALIE HILL, LAUREN LIM JACKSON, MORGAN JAMES, RYAN LINK, KATE LOPREST, HEATHER PARCELLS, STEFAN RAULSTON, JULIUS ANTHONY RUBIO, TANAIRI SADE VAZQUEZ.

FRANK WILDHORN (Music)
JACK MURPHY (Book, Lyrics)
GREGORY BOYD (Director/Book)
MARGUERITE DERRICKS (Choreographer)

Dacal to sing Anthem for 25th Anniversary Outback Bowl

Broadway singer/actress Janet Dacal will perform the National Anthem at this years Outback Bowl. Dacal is currently playing the role of Alice in Frank Wildhorn's WONDERLAND, coming to Broadway in the Spring of 2011. WONDERLAND will hold its pre-Broadway engagement at the Straz Center Jan. 5-16, 2011.

Dacal just recently finished her run with IN THE HEIGHTS as the lead, Nina Rosario, after having originated the role of Carla in the original Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. She also performed on Broadway in Good Vibrations in addition to the off-Broadway production of Byzantium. Other productions include Señor Discretion Himself (Arena Stage); Five Course Love (Carbonell nomination); Four Guys Named Jose; Annie and others (Actors' Playhouse). Janet has also been a part of recordings and tours for various Grammy-winning artists, including Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada and Luis Enrique.

The Outback Bowl celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year and will be played on January 1st at 1:00 PM at Raymond James Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and can be purchased online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet in the state of Florida.

A limited amount of priority seating as part of a bowl membership package are still available by calling the Outback Bowl office directly at (813) 874-BOWL or go to the bowl web site at www.outbackbowl.com for details.

New Years resolution: See more theater!

Counting down to a new year of shows...

So many great shows are coming in January to the Straz Center! Let's ring in the New Year!

Aaron Lewis and Corey Taylor - Dec. 31

Wonderland A New Alice. A New Musical - Jan. 5-16

The Color Purple - Jan. 8

Christine Lavin - Jan. 10

The Improvised Shakespeare Company - Jan. 14 & 15

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake - Jan. 16

Beauty and the Beast - Jan. 18-23

Paul Nicklen, photographer -- Polar Obsession - Jan. 25

Gaspar -- A Pirate Fantasy - Jan. 30

We have a little something for everyone!

2nd Movie on the Lawn is FRIDAY!

A Christmas Story marks our second Free Movie on the Lawn this season!

This year marks our fourth anniversary of screening A Christmas Story. That's officially a holiday tradition!

This "little" 1983 film gets funnier, more heart-warming and more beloved with each passing year. All 9-year-old Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun despite the adults who tell him, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

Movie starts at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17th on the Straz Center Riverwalk.

Concessions will be available for purchase. Stadium chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers, please. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the film will be cancelled and possibly rescheduled.

Run-time: Approx. 93 minutes

About the Free Movie Series: Come to the Straz Center for FREE films and more outside on the Riverwalk! See films that will enhance your enjoyment of live performances coming to the Straz Center, in addition to other fun and funny holiday films for the whole family!

For more information click HERE.

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

Hyde Park Village Tree Lighting brings Holidaze

Each year over 4,000 people across the Bay area unite for the tree lighting ceremony that takes place in Hyde Park Village. This family-friendly celebration has become one of the most anticipated events to kick off the holiday season.

Children of all ages will enjoy a delightful evening filled with free cookies, hot cocoa, live entertainment, a special appearance by jolly Old St. Nicholas. Plus, the highlight of the evening when attendees gather around the fountain in the heart of Hyde Park Village for the magical lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree.

The Entertainment schedule includes the Gulf Coast Girl’s Choir, America’s Ballet performing The Nutcracker, Cirque Dreams Holidaze and many more holiday favorites. The enjoyable evening will end with Santa’s special appearance as he sings the last song.

Cyber Monday 2010

We have Cyber Monday Savings on Nov. 29, 2010! One-day-only ticket offers!

Happy Holidays from the Straz Center!

Enjoy these one-day-only special ticket offers on holiday performances and some of the great shows coming up in the new year!

Use promo code CYBER on Monday, Nov. 29, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. to take advantage of any of the offers noted below.

Offers are valid online, by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) (outside Tampa Bay 800.955.1045) or by visiting the Straz Center Ticket Office. All offers are limited to 4 tickets per show title per household. Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Service charges apply.

White Christmas Nov. 30 – Dec. 5 Save 25% off the Tuesday and Wednesday performances in price levels 2 and 3.

Forbidden Broadway ON STAGE NOW! 50% off all December performances.

The God of Isaac Dec. 2-19 Save 25% off all Thursday and Friday evening performances.

Fiddler on the Roof Dec 11 & 12 Save 25% off all performances in price levels 1, 2 and 3.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dec. 17-19 Save 25% off the Friday performance in price levels 2 and 3.

Straight No Chaser Christmas Cheers Dec. 21 Save 25% off all price levels.

The Nutcracker Dec. 22 & 23 $15 off all performances in price levels 2, 3 and 4.

Wonderland Jan. 4-16 Save 25% off Tuesday and Wednesday performances, excludes VIP and price level 1.

The Color Purple Jan. 8 Save 25% off all performances in price levels 1, 2 and 3.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company Jan 14 & 15 Save 25% off all performances and price levels.

Los Vivancos Jan. 26 Save 25% off all price levels.

Billy Elliot The Musical Feb. 2-20 Save 25% off Feb. 2, 3 and 6 evening performances in price levels 1, 2 and 3.

West Side Story March 1-6 Save 10% off Tuesday and Wednesday performances in price levels 2 and 3.

Jobsite Theater 30% off a mini-season ticket package ($68.60 + one $10 handling fee per order) which includes The Odd Couple, Yellowman, reasons to be pretty and The Taming of the Shrew. This ticket special is only available by phone or in person.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2010

The 84th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will kick off the holidays in New York City and on NBC on Thursday, November 25th! Every year, Macy’s exciting holiday tradition is seen by more than 3.5 million people who line the streets in New York and another 50 million people who tune into NBC to watch the giant balloons, one-of-a-kind floats, the nation’s best matching bands, hundreds of cheering clowns and a host of celebrities!

Something WE look forward to every year is the Broadway performances. Word on the street is that this year there will be performances from Billy Elliot, Memphis, American Idiot, Elf, Million Dollar Quartet and the Radio City Rockettes. Also look out for RAIN, A Tribute to the Beatles.

Other fun things include a giant balloon of Shrek, a float of Dora’s Christmas Carol Adventure from Nickelodeon, clowns and talent.
For a full list of line-up click HERE.

National TV Exposure for RAIN

The RAIN band will be performing on the following two national programs:

Thursday, November 25 – CBS Thanksgiving Day Parade (CBS)
Friday, December 3 – Today Show II with Kathy Lee and Hoda (NBC, 10 am hour ET)

Experience what beatlemania was all about. From Ed Sullivan to abbey road – RAIN looks and sounds just like the Beatles.

RAIN's Tampa engagement covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late ’60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days.

Tune in and see what is coming to the Straz Center next year, June 2, 2011!

Purchase tickets HERE.

“The next best thing to seeing The Beatles.” – Denver Post

Les Misérables In Concert - The 25th Anniversary

Les Misérables In Concert - The 25th Anniversary

One Night Only - TOMORROW, Wednesday, Nov. 17

This October, the legendary musical Les Misérables celebrated its 25th birthday with a 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena in London. Don't miss your chance to experience this historical event broadcast to local movie theaters at Woodland Square 20 with IMAX, Regency 20, Lakeside 18 Cinemas, Cobb Grand 10 Cinemas, Hyde Park Cinebistro, Grove 16 Cinemas, Hollywood Stadium 20-Sarasota, Citrus Stadium Park Mall 20 and Park Place Stadium 16!

The 25th anniversary concert event in movie theaters includes a company of more than 500 actors and musicians, including Alfie Boe as "Jean Valjean," Nick Jonas as "Marius," Norm Lewis as "Javert," Matt Lucas as "Thenardier," Lea Salonga as "Fantine," Jenny Galloway as "Madame Thenardier," Ramin Karimloo as "Enjolras," Katie Hall as "Cosette," Samantha Barks as "Eponine," the casts of the original production at the Queen's Theatre, the new 25th anniversary production at the Barbican, London and members of the original 1985 London cast.

The magnificent score includes the songs, "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and many more.

Tickets are on sale now! Enter your zip code to find your closest participating theater location and to purchase tickets online. Limited seats available. Please check back if tickets are not yet available for your selected theater.

Maestro’s Restaurant & Tours of the Great Wine Regions

A Wine Dinner in the French Countryside
The First in a Series of Tours of the Great Wine Regions of the World

Maestro’s Restaurant at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts will host A Wine Dinner in the French Countryside on Thursday, Nov. 11 starting at 5:30 p.m.

This special culinary dinner at Maestro’s Restaurant will feature a four-course meal with wines from the best French vineyards. Click HERE to see a menu!

Hors d’oeuvres reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m.

This event will be $75 per person, including tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made 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.

A Wine Dinner in the French Countryside is the first in a series of special culinary dinners at Maestro’s Restaurant that will feature scrumptious meals with wines from around the world.

Other dinners in the series include:
The Wines and Cuisine of Chile on Jan. 12
An Italian Bacchanalian Wine Dinner on March 9
The Fine Wines and Cuisine of Spain on May 18

Movies on the Lawn are back!

Friday, Nov. 5th will be the first free movie on the lawn of this new season! Come by the Straz Center Riverwalk at 8 p.m. and enjoy the free movie on the lawn, West Side Story.

West Side Story is a Romeo and Juliet-inspired love story brings star-crossed lovers Maria and Tony together on the streets of New York City while the rival Jets and Sharks fight for turf. This timeless film features Hollywood legends Natalie Wood as Maria and Rita Moreno.

The Broadway revival of West Side Story will be in Carol Morsani Hall March 1-6, 2011. We will be raffling off 2 tickets for the Tuesday, March 1, 2011 performance of the Broadway show so don’t forget to pick up raffle tickets on your way in!

Concessions will be available for purchase. Stadium chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers, please. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the film will be cancelled and possibly rescheduled.

Run-time: Approx. 152 minutes

For more information on the free movie series click HERE!

$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.

Chelsea Handler listed at #33 on Forbes Most Powerful Women of 2010

Chelsea Handler listed at #33 on Forbes Most Powerful Women of 2010!

Handler, 35, heads up the only late-night show for which half the staffers are women, and is the second woman in television history to host a late-night talk show.

Thanks to the popularity of her three New York Times bestsellers based on her raunchy adventures, she recently got her own book imprint.

Her production company, Borderline Amazing Productions, produces Chelsea Lately, and she's currently shooting a pilot about her staff's post-work antics.

Handler comes to Tampa TOMORROW, Saturday, Oct. 23rd at 8 p.m. (SOLD OUT) and 11 p.m. for her Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang Tour at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets click HERE.

To read more about Chelsea Handler read these articles:
Chelsea Handler bringing her national tour to town
Chelsea Handler dishes about sex, comedy, hating Russians and not "dating" 50 Cent

9 to 5: The Musical teams up with Moffitt Cancer Center for National Breast Cancer Awareness month!

Save 50% off select seats* to see 9 to 5: The Musical on Oct. 26-31 plus $5 of each ticket will go back to support breast cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. (Regularly priced tickets to 9 to 5: The Musical start at $38.50.)

Hurry! This offer is only available this weekend: Fri., Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. through Mon., Oct. 18, at 5 p.m.

Use promo code MOFFITT to purchase reduced price tickets and help a great cause!

Groups of 10 or more receive a discount: Contact Group Services at 813.222.1018 or groups@strazcenter.org.

*Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances in price levels 1, 2 and 3 only. Offer is restricted to online purchases Fri., Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon. Orders can also be processed via phone and window after noon on Fri., Oct. 15. Limit 4 tickets. Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability.

Chelsea gets another comedy show on E

E! is hoping you can handle more Chelsea Handler, and so are we! The network has given the late-night talk show host her very own comedy series.

Variety reports that Handler will star in "After Lately," a 30-minute program that will focus on the backstage goings-on at her popular talk show, "Chelsea Lately."

Storylines will be outlined rather than completely scripted, which will give Handler and crew – including Guy Branum, Sarah Colonna, Heather McDonald, Chris Franjola and Brad Wollack – plenty of room to play around and improv.

"The show is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens at our office when the cameras are off… A perfect platform for people who have no business being on camera," comedienne Handler, who is currently filming "This Means War" with Reese Witherspoon, told Variety.

Production on "After Lately" – which will run for eight episodes - is expected to begin in a few weeks, though no premiere date has been set as of yet.

Want to see Chelsea Handler LIVE? You can! She comes to the Straz Center on her "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" tour this month on October 23. Click HERE for tickets and more information.

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

White Christmas Tour

John Scherer will croon to Amy Bodnar, and Denis Lambert will dance with Shannon M. O'Bryan, in the new regional touring production of Irving Berlin's White Christmas, launching Nov. 2-7 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

Theater of the Stars in Atlanta is producing this new production of the popular title inspired by the movie musical. Scherer (Broadway's By Jeeves and Lovemusik) and Lambert (Off-Broadway's Yank! and Broadway's A Chorus Line) play Bob and Phil, respectively, a showbiz partnership that meets the sister act of Betty (Bodnar, of Broadway's Oklahoma! and Ragtime) and Judy (O'Bryan, who appeared in the Walter Bobbie-directed White Christmas on Broadway). The four work to create a show that honors Bob and Phil's retired commanding officer at the New England inn that he runs.

The show (seen on Broadway for two seasons in 2009 and 2008, but not returning in 2010) features classic Irving Berlin hits such as "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Happy Holiday," "Count Your Blessings," "I Love a Piano" and the title tune.

The company also includes Broadway's Ruth Williamson as the nosy inn manager Martha; Erick Devine as Gen. Waverly; Tony Lawson as producer Ralph Sheldrake; and 11-year-old actress Mary Peeples as granddaughter Susan Waverly; Don Rey as the neurotic stage manager, Mike Nulty; and James Young as the delightful Ezekiel Foster.Ensemble members are Adinah Alexander, Andrew Black, Scott Brateng, Melinda Cowan, Con O'Shea-Creal, Brandon Davidson, Jenny Florkowski, Megan Jimenz, Matthew Kirk, Janelle Neal, Amanda Paulson, Ashley Peacock, Kristyn Pope, Kelly Sheehan, Haley Swindal, Merrill West and Richard Riaz Yoder.
The creative team includes director Norb Joerder; choreographer Randy Skinner; scenic designer Anna Louizos; scenic supervisor and adaptor Kenneth Foy; lighting designer Ken Billington; and sound designers Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel.

White Christmas features music and lyrics by Irving Berlin, with book by David Ives and Paul Blake.

The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

The tour is coming to the Straz Center Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, 2010. Click HERE for tickets. For more information visit the tour website.

Hair National Tour Cast Announced

Hair National Tour Will Welcome Broadway Revival Cast Members and Fresh Faces...

Members from the Broadway revival cast of Hair, some of whom began with the production in a 2007 concert in Central Park, will reunite for the national tour of the 1967 musical, which will debut in New Haven, CT, Oct. 22.

Tony Award-nominated director Diane Paulus will re-create her work on the tour, which will also feature the work of the Broadway revival creative team. The tour will play New Haven through Oct. 24, prior to officially launching at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 26.

Broadway standbys Steel Burkhardt and Paris Remillard will lead the cast as Berger and Claude, respectively. The company will also feature London cast member Phyre Hawkins as Dionne and Caren Lyn Tackett as Sheila.

Original revival cast member Darius Nichols will play Hud and Kacie Sheik will be Jeanie.

The cast will also feature Matt DeAngelis as Woof, Kaitlin Kiyan as Crissy, Nicholas Belton, Larkin Bogan, Allison Guinn, Josh Lamon, John Moauro, Kate Rockwell, Cailan Rose, Jen Sese, Lawrence Stallings, Lee Zarrett, Shaleah Adkisson, Emily Afton, Corey Bradley, Marshal Kennedy Carolan, Laura Dreyfuss, Mike Evariste, Lulu Fall, Tripp Fountain, Nkrumah Gatling, Christine Nolan, Emmy Raver-Lampman and Tanesha Ross.

Hair has book and lyrics by the late Gerome Ragni and James Rado and music by Galt MacDermot. The Hair creative team includes set designer Scott Pask, costume designer Michael McDonald, lighting designer Kevin Adams, sound designer Acme Sound Partners and choreographer Karole Armitage.

Get your tickets now! Hair is coming to the Straz Center May 24-29, 2011. Click HERE for tickets. For more information visit HairOnTour.

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.

Test Drive Your Seats

COME VISIT US. TOUR OUR 5-THEATER COMPLEX.

Take some seats for a spin and find the perfect one to enjoy all of the magic live theater has to offer.

WHILE YOU'RE HERE, SUBSCRIBE to the Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay Series, Opera Tampa's season, Club Jaeb Series presented by Merchants Association of Florida or to the Jobsite Theater Play Series. Introduce your family to live theater through our Kid Time or Wee Folk series.

From Billy Elliot or The Merry Widow, from Mindgame or singer/songwriter Jeffrey Foucault – there's a season ticket package, and a price point, that will fit your budget and your busy schedule.

Use your season tickets as a family outing, or that much needed date night! Come to the theater to be swept away to another world – worlds of imagination, intrigue, laughter, learning and passion.

Jersey Boys Celebrates Fifth Anniversary By Saving the Music

The Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical Jersey Boys will celebrate its fifth anniversary on Broadway with a month-long benefit supporting the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

The production will donate one dollar for every ticket sold to performances in the month of October to the foundation, which advocates instrumental music education programs for children.
The story of the rise of the acclaimed pop singing group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The production is directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

Jersey Boys is currently playing on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre. The Jersey Boys tour will be coming to the Straz Center in March! Tickets are already on sale at www.strazcenter.org.

For more information on the Save the Music Foundation, visit vh1savethemusic.com.

Straz gets $5,000 grant for education

The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is one of 10 arts organizations nationwide to receive a $5,000 grant to be used toward education, it was announced today.

The Broadway League's grants support programs that enable students to experience touring Broadway shows as a form of artistic expression and as an educational tool.

At the Straz Center, the money will fund the "Shrek Broadway Education Project," that will allow 75 kindergarten through eighth-grade students to learn how a book evolves into a movie and then into a Broadway production. As part of the curriculum, students will create an original character that will be used in a final classroom project.

The group also will see "Shrek, The Musical" when it is performed at the Straz Center in May.

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.

Chelsea Handler To Host MTV Video Music Awards

Sassy tell-it-like-it-is comedian Chelsea Handler and MTV has announced that Handler is going to host the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards — airing live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET — and judging from her late-night show, "Chelsea Lately", things are probably gonna get crazy.

Handler is best known for her show and her three best-selling, brutally honest (and brutally funny) books. She'll also be making a little history, becoming only the second woman to fly solo as VMA host and the first since 1994, back when Roseanne Barr hosted for the night.

Performers for the VMAs include Kanye West, Florence and the Machine, B.o.B and Justin Bieber and presenters include Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj, Ashley Greene and Ne-Yo. And more names are being added daily.

The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on September 12 at 9 p.m. ET. Be there!

You can also catch Chealsea Handler in her wildly successful comedy tour, "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang Tour" coming to the Straz Center Saturday, October 23, 2010 - Tickets are available for the 11 p.m. show!

For more information - CLICK

Hamburger Mary's Bingo Night Supports the Straz!

We hope you will join us for Hamburger Mary’s Bingo Night on Aug. 25th!

Join the Straz Center's Producers Group for a fantastic evening of everybody's favorite game of chance!

Every Wednesday, Hamburger Mary’s raises money for a local non-profit organization. Next weeks Bingo Night proceeds will go to the Straz Center. The more people we invite, the more money we will raise!

Some highlights for the evening:
* Bingo players can win tickets to several of our upcoming shows
* The cast of Respect will be performing
* One of the Straz Center employees, Rick Criswell, will be dressing up as Edna from Hairspray and will help call the bingo games
* Hamburger Mary’s will have $5 Texas sized Margaritas
* Games begin at 7:30ish, get there early to get a good spot!

Check out the event on Facebook!

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.

Donate to Backpacks for Hope and save!

Cats and The Sound of Music are delighted to partner with Metropolitan Ministries to help with the Backpacks for Hope drive. Simply stop by the Straz Center Ticket Office during regular hours between now and Aug. 18 and donate a new backpack. When you do, you'll receive $20 off tickets to either Cats (Aug. 13-15) or The Sound of Music (Aug. 20-22) for select performances*. If you already have your tickets, you're still welcome to donate a new backpack or any other back-to-school supplies that you'd like.

*Offers are valid on the Friday and Sunday evening performances only in price levels 1 and 2. Limit 4 tickets per donation. Not applicable to prior sales. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to availability. Offer valid at the ticket office window only during regular hours (Mon-Sat. noon-8 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.).

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