Sing it loud!
Drama, dance and music are abound in Tampa Bay and Central Florida this weekend. Choose from a smorgasbord of theater (both mainstream and alternative), see a Drag Race finalist twice if it strikes your fancy or musical tributes that sing to the heavens and keep it Real.
TAMPA BAY
Una Voce: Love, Hope, Passion
Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21, 8:00 P.M.
The Palladium, St. Petersburg and USF School of Music Concert Hall, Tampa
Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins and the men of Una Voce invite you to “Love, Hope, Passion.” The Florida Men’s Chorale’s newest concert will feature Kris Anthony’s work “When We No Longer Touch” with a chamber orchestra ensemble and professional dancers choreographed by the acclaimed Elizabeth Bergmann. This work takes you on the dramatic journey of letting go and losing a loved one through incredible lyrics and a powerful music score. Act Two includes songs from Broadway’s Newsies, Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz and a new song medley of ”I Love You” and “What A Wonderful World.” This concert series is in partnership with Metro Wellness Centers. For tickets and information visit Una-Voce.org.
If/Then
May 17- 22, 7:30 P.M.
Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa
If you are looking for a little theater this weekend, If/Then is a contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today – and all the possibilities of tomorrow and you can see it today… or tomorrow, all the way to May 22 in Tampa. Originally starring Broadway icon Idina Menzel, this unforgettable musical will be at the Straz Center and is a deeply moving story by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal. If\Then simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led. For tickets and more information visit StrazCenter.org.
Jennifer Real Sings!
Saturday, May 21, 8:00 P.M.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Tampa
Chip, chip, cheerio and all that! We are so British and if you are too (or just wish you were) then you do not want to miss spending the evening at Mad Dogs and Englishmen for a proper meal of Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers & Mash as you listen to the vocal stylings of the one and only Jennifer Real. That’s right, the soulful songstress will be Mary Poppin’ up at the classy pub to serenade you while you knock back a pint or enjoy a spot of tea. So dash out of your flat, grab your mates and give this bird a listen, Cheers!
CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando Fringe 2016
Wednesday, May 18 – Monday, May 30
Loch Haven Park, Orlando
If you’ve managed to somehow avoid hearing about this year’s Fringe festival, then don’t worry: WaterMark is here to help! Fringe is a two-week arts festival complete with 140 works of theater which perform across more than a dozen venues around Loch Haven Park and beyond. Shows include 21 Chump Street, a thrilling 15-minute musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame; James & Jamesy, an hour-long comedy hailing from London; 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, which you should probably be dying to see already based on the title alone; and Simpleton: The Legend of President Trump, a Hamilton parody focusing on a hypothetical — yet terrifyingly possible — Donald Trump presidency. For more information, visit orlandofringe.org.
Kennedy Davenport
Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21
Pulse, Orlando
Oh, oh, oh, oh, okay! Kennedy Davenport, a top four finalist on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, will be performing this weekend at the Pulse Orlando. Kennedy is known for extravagant and high-energy dance numbers and incredible lip-syncing. She will be joined by Angelica Sanchez on both nights and by Kenya Michaels, another Drag Race contestant, on Saturday. Find out more about the events on Pulse’s website.
Prince Tribute Party
Friday, May 20
The Hammered Lamb, Orlando
Hop into your Little Red Corvette and zoom over to the Hammered Lamb to sing and dance along to the tunes of a pop icon lost too soon. There will be a Prince costume contest, and the winner will receive a $100 gift card. Don’t forget your Raspberry Beret!
