Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon Offers The Very Best For Your Pets 

Paul Spalvieri and his fur babies Max and Missy invite you to check out any of the three Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon locations in our area. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

Since launching in September 2019, Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon has garnered a positive reputation — with glowing Google reviews — thanks to its exceptional customer service and expertise. 

Founder Paul Spalvieri and his wife Martina live in Watergrass in Wesley Chapel with children Matthew, Martinka and Kristinka, and fur babies Max, a Bichon Frise, and Missy, a Havanese. 

Paul opened the original Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon to create a place where Max and other pets would have the safest, vetted holistic products, foods and grooming, an antithesis of big-box corporate companies. Named after Max, each of Paul’s three locations — soon to be seven in 2024 — boast experienced staff who can help pet parents find what they need for their dogs and cats. 

“We found our first location in Wesley Chapel, and Max and I went into business together.” 

Paul ensures he is up-to-date on the newest developments in pet technology, nutrition and retail products by attending global conventions twice a year. The core philosophy underlying Max’s is centered on functional, purpose-driven foods. Whether raw or gently cooked for pets with sensitive stomachs, with Ketogenic or fermented choices, the focus is on human-grade, biologically appropriate, organic nourishment sourced from pasture-raised animals, primarily within the U.S. 

Max’s offers a wide variety of other nutrition products, like probiotic goat milk and cow kefir that help with Leaky Gut Syndrome. Their dry kibble selection is USDA-endorsed for human consumption and is free from feed-grade ingredients, aligning with Paul’s dedication to quality. 

Paul highlights the connection between a poor pet diet and the recent surge in pet diseases, often traced back to non-organic kibble laden with pesticides. He cites numerous instances where dietary changes have positively improved pets’ health. 

You can bring your pup in to choose his or her own toy at Max’s.

“Our staff is highly educated on holistic natural nutrition, how dogs and cats should eat, how to mitigate disease and how to prevent certain conditions from advancing. There have been cases where we have helped reverse pancreatitis, different stages of kidney failure and diabetes through nutritional interventions. We follow that science versus Western (veterinary) medicine and the way they treat illnesses. We take digestional health and nutritional health very seriously. If it’s in my store, I feed it to my own pups.” 

A success story from customer Amanda Medina underscores the transformative ability of the raw food diet that Max’s advocates. Paul shares the story of Medina’s dachshund, Max. Previously overweight, bloated, inactive, and battling severe pancreatitis, Max’s health changed through diligent efforts, trial and error and identifying a suitable raw protein. Amanda told Paul that Max’s progress was remarkable in terms of weight loss, restored energy and improved vet test results. 

Fast forward to last month. Paul says, “Amanda opened the passenger side door, and out jumped Max, who came running into the store.” 

Amanda confirms the transformation, “Paul ordered proteins until we found one that worked. We recently returned for his vet follow-up, and his numbers are within the normal range. I recommend Max’s. The customer service is amazing, and the people there are helpful and knowledgeable. I try to keep Max off medication, keep it natural and holistic. Paul has been great at keeping Max holistic and working in conjunction with our regular veterinarian.” 

Great Grooming & More! 

All of the Max’s locations also excel in pet grooming with award-winning groomers and Master Groomers, setting itself apart through cage- and kennel-free grooming environments. Whether it’s a standard bath, an OPAWZ brand pet-color-safe purple mohawk (photo below), a holiday-inspired color-safe fur design, or a soothing TheraClean microbubble spa treatment, the salon’s professionals ensure stress-free grooming experiences. 

The TheraClean spa add-on works wonders on pets with skin disorders and allergies. Unlike regular shampooing, this specialized process detoxifies the skin layers, removing deeply embedded dirt, yeast and bacteria allergens. A pleasant side effect of oxygenating the skin’s capillaries is that it helps relieve arthritis and joint stiffness. Paul says some customers report senior dogs behaving like puppies after treatments. Even the groomers have benefited from having their hands in the oxygenated water. 

Paul’s commitment to pet education extends to his stores’ three-level Learn to Groom course, covering Bathing, Grooming, and Styling, as well as a five-week dog-training program for Puppies and Beginners, as well as private training sessions. 

Paul says that since opening, many of Max’s more than 10,000 customers have asked him to expand his services into daycare and pet boarding. He has now responded by adding a Luxury Pet Hotel with in-suite services and amenities and a fun Enrichment Pet Doggy Daycare. 

“They asked, ‘Why aren’t you opening a daycare, a place we can board our pets safely, where we can feel confident that they will be looked after with the same compassion and caring we see on your retail and grooming side?’ We’ve had a great response from the communities we serve, and it makes sense to have our business evolve this way because the community has been asking for it.” 

He adds, “For those parents who work or want to travel, we’re creating a luxury pet hotel where the suites are oversized and monitored by cameras. In other places, the dog is in a kennel on their own (while you’re away). Our pet parents can dial in on the internet and see their fur babies. We have services like dinner and a movie. They’re getting brushed and played with. They have physical time with their caregiver and an interactive toy. The pets have filtered water, bedding changed daily, and we have a customized meal plan available, or pet parents can bring their own food, and we’ll follow their meal plan.” 

And finally, he says, “They also have regular activities, so they’re not just sitting in a kennel while you’re on vacation. I don’t want that for Max, so I don’t want that for our customers’ dogs. We’re doing it differently and properly. Whether with us for a day or two weeks, they’ll be exercised and have a chance to play. They also can chill out and relax.” 

Animal-friendly pets enjoying the Pet Hotel can join the Enrichment Doggie Daycare area to play and socialize with other dogs. Cats aren’t forgotten, either. They’re spoiled in their Kitty Condo Suite with a climbing tree, plenty of organic catnip toys and a filtered water fountain. 

“Our main goal is for your pets’ experience to be the best it can be,” Paul says. “I want to see tails wagging coming into our doors and tails wagging when they leave. That experience is important in retail, grooming, boarding and daycare.” 

Max’s Natural Pet Market & Salon has three locations open daily from 8 a.m.–7 p.m. The Wesley Chapel Max’s is at 28838 S.R. 54 and can be reached at (813) 649-3939. The New Tampa store (6431 E. County Line Rd.) can be reached at (813) 591-5368 and the Mirada (30945 Mirada Blvd.) can be reached at (352) 437-6677. Max’s also has franchise opportunities available. For more info, visit MaxsPetMarketandSalon.com. Paul says his Fort Myers and Starkey Ranch locations will open this year. 

For Top-Notch Allergy Care, Visit Drs. Lockey, Glaum, Cho & Pepper! 

In addition to the practice’s four Board-certified allergy doctors, the office of Drs. Richard Lockey, Mark Glaum, Seong Cho & Amber Pepper on Bruce B Downs Blvd. also includes this friendly, professional staff. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

On the top floor of a busy medical office near Fletcher Ave. and Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., Drs. Richard Lockey, Mark Glaum, Seong Cho and Amber Pepper — all of whom are Board-certified allergists and immunologists — help patients find relief at the group’s flagship practice. The doctors also have a second location in South Tampa. 

In 1984, Dr. Lockey established the practice under the name Academic Associates in Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Fast forward almost 40 years, and he still remains an active practitioner, joined by a dedicated team of Board-certified professionals whose shared commitment to exceptional patient care is unwavering. 

Dr. Lockey earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the Temple University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and later became a Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine. He is a past president of the World Allergy Organization and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). 

Dr. Glaum earned his M.D. degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) in Philadelphia, and completed an allergy and clinical immunology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, also in Philadelphia. He focuses on understanding allergic responses and advancing diagnostic methods, such as rhinoscopies (examinations of the nasal passages). 

Dr. Cho, an otolaryngologist, received his M.D. degree from Kyung Hee University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. He honed his allergy and immunology expertise at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. 

Dr. Pepper earned her M.D. degree from USF in 2013 and concluded her internal medicine residency and allergy & immunology fellowship through USF’s Division of Allergy & Immunology in 2016. 

These four experts are deeply involved in education, teaching residents and medical students at USF while leading a renowned program for training upcoming allergists and immunologists. The doctors all actively engage in clinical research, significantly contributing to the continuous progress in allergy and immunology. Their extensive experience spans decades, centered at the nearby USF Division of Allergy & Immunology Clinical Research Unit. They also are all active AAAAI members. 

Dr. Glaum explains, “We continue to be instrumental in performing clinical research, which brings new products to the market to help individuals. Currently, we have ongoing studies in food allergies, chronic sinusitis, a condition called hereditary angioedema (recurrent attacks of severe swelling), and urticaria (hives). In the case of hereditary angioedema, there were no products on the market that were FDA-approved when I arrived here in 2004; now, there are almost a dozen products. Most of those have come to market due to the research done here in the division, among other places.” 

The practice manages a variety of disorders related to allergies, asthma and immunology, including food allergies, rhinitis (hay fever), chronic cough, sinusitis, venom hypersensitivity (insect stings), headaches, rashes, dermatitis, urticaria and immune deficiencies. 

The doctors are among the pioneering doctors in Florida to use the advanced food desensitization method, known as oral immunotherapy, to assist patients dealing with severe food allergies. 

“We’ve been instrumental in getting oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies approved in the U.S. and we’re continuing to work on other projects related to food allergies,” Dr. Glaum says. “We’re one of the clinical sites that looked at ways of desensitizing children and adults who were peanut-allergic to the point where they can tolerate a few peanuts and continue to ingest them on a daily basis, decrease their risk of having accidental exposure and a severe allergic reaction.” 

Dr. Glaum recommends seeking a Board-certified immunologist for anyone undiagnosed or suspecting allergies. “University-associated practices are usually the ones most up-to-date on current conditions,” he says. 

Through continuing research and university experience, the doctors also adopt a scientific approach to patient treatment. Whether a new consultation or follow-up appointment, patients will never see a physician’s assistant and always the physicians. 

Dr. Glaum (photo left) references a challenging case where his research skills and immunology expertise changed a patient’s life. “I did see a person who came in primarily for hives, an itchy skin condition. But, upon further questioning, he also had a debilitating problem where his muscles would spasm and tense up to the point where he couldn’t move or function at work. (Through) investigation and laboratory studies, he ended up having a condition called Stiff Person Syndrome. This is an autoimmune problem where antibodies activate muscles inappropriately at times, causing debilitation and sometimes even a fracture of the bone if the spasm is so strong.” 

In other words, Dr. Glaum adds, “He came in for one problem, and he ended up getting diagnosed with that (other) issue. We referred him to neurology, which has certain treatments they can do to alleviate that condition. Hives can be part of that syndrome, so it’s important as a good immunologist to know the rest of medicine to be able to make those associations.” 

Empowering patients to improve and manage their allergies and immunological disorders is always the doctors’ end goal. They also are dedicated to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions through specialized options like clinical trials. 

The practice’s patients can take part in paid clinical research trials, in addition to their medical treatments. For those who can’t afford medication for a condition or haven’t seen success with standard therapies, there might be a chance to access free treatment using products coming to the market for different conditions. 

For patients who might be uncertain about their doctor’s Board certification within the practice, Dr. Glaum aims to provide reassurance that they are in skillful hands. 

“The most common misconception is that allergists are not Board-certified doctors,” he says. “In fact, allergists have undergone training in internal medicine or pediatrics, are board-certified in that specialty, and then train in allergy and immunology. Any allergist that you see is either an internal medicine doctor or a pediatrician who’s done further specialized training.” 

Once a new patient has made an initial appointment, he or she can conveniently complete the registration paperwork online at AllergyTampa.com. 

Patients can schedule appointments with Drs. Lockey, Glaum, Cho, or Pepper at their North Tampa office, which is located at 13801 BBD Blvd., Ste. 502, or in the South Tampa office (1906 W. Platt St.). For more info about the practice and the services provided, call (813) 971-9743. 

RealtorŸ & Military Veteran Kandice Perkins: Passion, Purpose & Legacy! 

Let RealtorŸ Kandice Perkins of Keller Williams New Tampa help you find a new home with the kitchen of your dreams, too.(Photos provided by Kandice Perkins) 

With six years of dedicated service in the real estate industry, Kandice Perkins stands out as a licensed REALTORÂź at Keller Williams New Tampa (located near the AMC movie theater on Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.) who is known for her military discipline, compassion and commitment to excellence. Kandice brings a unique perspective to her role, having spent a decade as an active duty U.S. Air Force veteran and nurse and a devoted military spouse, she focuses on helping families navigate the real estate market in New Tampa, Wesley Chapel and the entire Tampa Bay area. 

Kandice says her journey into real estate was inspired by her great-grandfather, who owned properties during her childhood. She reflects, “When I came of age, I became interested in owning property. This might have come from that seed being planted when I was younger. As clichĂ© as it sounds, I believe this is what God told me I should do.” 

She compliments the comprehensive training she has received with Keller Williams, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business side of real estate. 

“Keller Williams truly teaches you how to operate and run a business,” Kandice says. “For me, it’s about running a real estate business versus just selling houses. Training is important. You have to constantly be a learner of the craft.” 

A Texas native, Kandice began her real estate career in Virginia before settling in Florida. She shares her own experience while trying to find her current home online in the Watergrass community in Wesley Chapel during the pandemic. “We found the model home on the internet at the end of July 2020 in the middle of Covid,” she says, “and two days later, we drove down from Virginia to see it in person, wrote a contract on the home, sold our Virginia home and waited eleven months for our home to be completed before we relocated to Wesley Chapel.” 

Kandice adds that the home-buying process is an exciting — but also challenging — time for families, and research shows that families like hers spend hours on the internet before ever meeting with a real estate professional. 

Although she is active on all social media platforms, she champions old-school, traditional and personal interactions in real estate, like advertising in print publications. 

Fondly recalling her upbringing in a small Texas town, she explains, “Being from Nacogdoches, I grew up reading the newspaper. Whenever I go home to Texas, I still read the newspaper at my grandmother’s. When we relocated here, and I received the first issue of the Neighborhood News in our mailbox, it reminded me of that small-town newspaper I grew up reading. I still love traditional marketing, and when I saw the ads, I knew I wanted to run a real estate ad in this Neighborhood News.” 

Understanding The Market 

Kandice provides insight into the dynamics of the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel real estate markets, and also sheds some light on the impact of interest rates on local real estate trends. 

“It depends on whether you are buying or selling,” she says. “People are still buying and selling homes every day. With rising interest rates, you have some homes that stay on the market longer; however, this is why your representation matters, and it’s important to choose the right RealtorÂźïžwho will work with and for you and develop a customized marketing strategy specifically to meet your real estate goals.” 

She adds that there is a direct correlation between interest rates and buyers’ purchasing power, and says these fluctuations definitely do affect the housing market. 

“Interest rates directly affect most people’s buying power and have knocked some of those buyers who already had challenges out of the market,” Kandice says. “The higher the rate, the lower the home value many people are able to purchase. Increasing rates have created fear in some buyers, too. Some feel like they want to ‘wait until the market crashes,’ but they could potentially be waiting for something that might never happen.” 

At the core of Kandice’s philosophy is her commitment to educating her clients, whether buyers or sellers. During her initial consultation with you, she will try to ensure that you understand the market. 

“It’s all about educating the clients to make sure they know exactly what the home buying or selling process is about,” she says, “so they can truly make an informed decision. I can educate my clients about the market, my partners and lenders. I get to know each client. The real estate process itself is the same whether you are buying or selling a home.” 

Kandice adds, however, that “What will be different will be the client’s understanding of that process. I find out the client’s needs and expectations and tailor my services. I ensure they are informed every step of the way so they can make the right decision for themselves. It always goes back to the education piece.” 

With her exemplary track record as a multi-million-dollar real estate producer, Kandice’s work ethic is an extension of the dedication she had to have during her military and nursing careers. She aims to create a seamless real estate experience for clients and has cultivated a nationwide network of reliable referral partners who share her values. 

And, unlike Realtors who confine themselves to rigid 9-to-5 schedules, Kandice embraces flexibility and multifaceted involvement. She teases, “I’m a Realtor, but I’m also a counselor, a therapist and a financial advisor. I wear many hats throughout the process. I’m truly here in a support role for whatever level of support my clients need. I care about the client as a whole person, not just as a transaction.” 

Still In Service To Others 

Kandice’s dedication to her clients extends to the elderly, as she recounts helping an 83-year-old transition to a new chapter in her life — selling the family home and moving in with her child. 

“I felt like I gave her the same service and care I would have if I was helping my own grandmother,” she says. “I felt proud because, especially in this day and age where you hear about elderly people getting taken advantage of, I know she had a great experience.” 

And, thanks to her client-centered approach, Kandice says, “She wasn’t overwhelmed and felt like she was working with a family member. She trusted me in one of the most vulnerable stages of her life. I was able to provide that service for her with true care and compassion.” 

As a senior Air Force veteran, empowering fellow veterans to achieve home ownership is another source of pride for Perkins. “To help a veteran who never thought they could own a home and build a legacy for their family,” she says, “those are really proud moments as well.” 

Monique Wyche, a fellow retired Air Force vet, says she is happy to discuss the outstanding service she experienced with Kandice during the purchase of her family’s dream home in Wesley Chapel and the sale of their former residence. 

“Kandice’s exceptional dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment as our family’s Realtor truly set her apart,” Monique says. “Not only did she skillfully guide us through the process of purchasing our home, but she also orchestrated the sale of our previous house seamlessly. Her deep knowledge of the market, strategic insights, and excellent communication made every step smooth and stress-free. Kandice went above and beyond by even arranging stunning drone photos that showcased our properties in the most captivating way. Her professionalism, warmth, and genuine care for her clients make her an invaluable partner in any real estate journey
..” 

In her personal life, Kandice enjoys reading, traveling, working out and spending quality time with her husband of twenty years, Nor Bryant, their college freshman son at A&M University, and their daughter, who is a junior at Wesley Chapel High. 

Kandice maintains an unshakable belief in real estate as a sound investment, rooted in her commitment to empowering clients through education. 

“No matter what changes are happening, real estate is always a great investment,” she says. “People will always need somewhere to live. The most important thing I do is educate the people to make sure that they make an informed decision about the investment. This is their experience and one of the most significant purchases that most people will make in their lives. It’s about serving the people selflessly. It’s never about me. It’s all about them and their experience. It’s about integrity, doing right when no one is around. As it’s changed my life, I love changing other people’s lives through real estate.” 

RealtorÂź Kandice Perkins is based at Keller Williams Realty New Tampa (18302 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., Suite 110). The office number is (813) 991-1044, but the best way to reach Kandice is by calling (813) 560-5104 or visiting KandicePerkins.kw/com.

Visiting Angels Spreads Its Compassionate Wings Of Care In New Tampa

(L.-r.) Client care coordinator Lea O’Gara, CNA Samira El Maanaoui, director Christal Becton, office assistant Yesenia Diaz and billing assistant Kimberly Fair of the Visiting Angels office in Temple Terrace help clients get the care and help they need at home. (Photo by Charmaine George)

When Christal Becton faced the challenge of finding a caregiver for her elderly aunt in a different state, she realized she wasn’t alone in this struggle. Balancing her location in Florida with her aunt’s residence in South Carolina made it nearly impossible for Christal to provide her aunt’s care by traveling back and forth.

“As difficult as it was for me to try to find services for my aunt,” Christal says, “I determined that there’s got to be a better solution. I did some homework and researched and loved the name Visiting Angels. There was a perfect marriage right there. It all stemmed from needing in-home support for my elderly aunt. I’d always worked in nursing home environments with seniors, so it was a perfect fit for me.”

With a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and drawing from her expertise in rehab therapy and her role as Chief of Recreation Therapy in a nursing home, Christal recognized the potential alignment between her experience and the nationally renowned Visiting Angels. With more than 700 locations both in the U.S. and internationally, Visiting Angels seemed tailor-made to capitalize on her wealth of knowledge.

Back in 2004, Christal established her own branch of Visiting Angels on N. 56th St. in Temple Terrace, which conveniently serves New Tampa and neighboring areas of Hillsborough County. She says the primary objective is to offer an alternative to nursing homes, retirement centers and assisted living facilities, enabling elderly parents or disabled individuals to maintain their independence within their familiar home environments. The approach is highly personalized, matching each client with an independent caregiver based on a thorough assessment process. This ensures the individual is perfectly matched with the right independent professional caregiver. 

“We talk to the senior, ask their preferences, what type of person they are looking for, and we do a self-assessment as well,” Christal says. “We note if they are bubbly or quiet and don’t want a person who talks a lot. We collect a lot of information regarding the client from the assessment. Once we gather the information, we have a care plan meeting about who will be best suited and who has the skill set for the type of care they need. If someone is bedridden or in hospice, we’d need a skill set more in hospice, so we will call those contractors with that particular skill set, find out if they’re available during those times, and match them up. The caregiver will then call the client to introduce themselves and talk to the client, as well.”

Visiting Angels, licensed and bonded in Florida, is known for its flexibility. The company provides assistance ranging from a few hours per week to around-the-clock care seven days a week. Governed by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the caregivers, a mix of Certified Nursing Assistants and certified Home Health Aides (HHAs), undergo a rigorous “Level Two” background screening that covers the entire country and have completed specific courses and certificates. 

To stay current in their field, the owners of Visiting Angels franchises, including Christal, actively participate in conferences, seminars, Florida meetings and virtual gatherings on Zoom to share best practices and stay abreast of industry trends. Christal also is a member of the Private Care Association, which offers insights for in-home care agencies, ensuring that their individual vetting processes adhere to state regulations.

“We do the vetting in accordance with what AHCA is requiring,” she says. “Our caregivers have to meet the state requirements, as well as ours.”

Care services provided by Visiting Angels encompass a broad spectrum, including home care, companionship, personal care and respite care. This range accommodates various needs, from temporary post-illness or surgery recovery support to ongoing companionship for lonely seniors. Caregivers cater to individual requirements, including providing transportation and companionship for medical appointments, running errands, grocery shopping, meal preparation, personal care, and light housekeeping. While some clients just need help to get their day started, some require assistance with shaving or bathing, and others may need their clothing washed and linens changed.

Over time, the relationship between the caregivers and their clients evolves into a deep friendship, making caregivers an integral part of their patients’ daily lives. The team at the local Visiting Angels office includes bilingual and sign language speakers, and Christal says she consistently signs experienced caregivers to her registry.

She recalls a heartbreaking incident during the early days of the pandemic. An elderly client struggled to access food due to lockdown restrictions and a family illness. Christal swiftly responded by personally purchasing groceries and essentials to ensure her client’s well-being. She was proud to turn this sad tale into a happy ending.

“During Covid, I got a call from a client that we only serviced a few hours a week,” Christal recalls. “She said she couldn’t get out, that her son was ill, she was elderly and couldn’t get groceries. She had nothing to eat. My heart just dropped. She was in tears with me on the phone, discussing with me her current situation. I dropped everything on my agenda, headed to the nearest grocery store, and purchased groceries and essentials (for her).”

Christal bought the client’s favorite meals and pre-cooked foods to make food preparation easier for her client. She arrived with two boxes overflowing with food and essentials like toilet paper. Christal says the client broke down in tears; she was so grateful for the compassion she received.

“That is a success story like none other,” Christal says, “to be able to respond to the community’s needs immediately.”

She even introduced “No Contact Fridays” during the pandemic, where food was delivered to the community without direct contact long before the advent of Instacart. This service proved invaluable to those in need during those challenging times.

“It takes a special type of person to be a caregiver,” she says.

The dedication required to be a Visiting Angels caregiver is indeed exceptional. Christal’s location stands ready to provide care at any time, whether it’s daytime, nighttime, weekends, or holidays. In a world where care often becomes a transaction, Visiting Angels’ story is one of heartfelt connections, empathy and a genuine commitment to improving lives. Becton’s legacy continues to weave a tapestry of care, understanding, and comfort for families in New Tampa and beyond.

The Visiting Angels office serving New Tampa is located at 9812 N. 56th St. For more information, call (813) 929-7067, visit VisitingAngels.com/Tampa, search “VisitingAngelsTampaFL” on Facebook. Independent caregivers with CNA or HHA licenses are invited join the team.

Meet The Unsung Heroes Behind The New Tampa Players’ “Grease!”

The members of the crew behind the scenes of “Grease” were just as important as the cast members. Pictured are (l.-r) Shelley Giles, Mark Weisenmiller, Amogha Kuppaa, Emma Hosking, Jannah Nager, Emily Buonaquisiti, Bella Otte, Kristin Nelson,Tami Carr, Katie Carr, James Cass, Nora Paine, Heather Cleveland & Ereka Morton.  (Photo courtesy of Picture This of Palma Ceia).

Nearly everyone knows “Grease,” the iconic musical with toe-tapping tunes, incredible dance moves, and romance and drama at Rydell High. Behind all of the show’s glitz and glamour lies tremendous hard work from a dedicated team making the cast look (and sound) as good as possible.

As the first official New Tampa Players (NTP) performance at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, “Grease” is no ordinary musical — it’s a high-energy ride through the fabulous ‘50s, complete with a 1957 Chrysler that has to be dollied on and off stage. A hidden army of talented workers ensures the show’s success, working diligently behind the scenes. They don’t often get the spotlight, but the show could not go on without them.

NTP producing artistic director Nora Paine, a homeschool mom of four and the producing artistic director, also manages the stage, with the help of assistant stage managers Kristin Nelson, Emily Buonaquisiti and aspiring playwright Mark Weisenmiller. With her headset on and monitor in place, the company feels secure as Paine calls out cues from a barely lit space backstage. Her techy husband Joshua, “her theatre saint,” and son Sebastian also play vital roles, helping with support and lights (while Keith Eisenstadt designed the lighting).

Paine jokes that her favorite part of being a stage manager is “going to sound very stage managery, but it’s when a set change goes well. The stage lights go down at the right time. The set pieces move in the choreography that you need them to. Everything slides in. The next set piece comes in. The lights go up, and the orchestra syncs all together.”

Nelson, a medical scribe and first-time assistant stage manager who has performed in some previous NTP productions, says, “My favorite thing has been watching the cast grow. I enjoy getting to be part of the magic behind the scenes. Creating this world was super cool.”

A recent high school graduate, Buonaquisiti adds, “I love working with the actors, especially during set changes making sure everything goes smoothly and safely.”

While the performers spend months perfecting their lines, vocals and choreography, the director and music director are the masterminds behind the magic. In this musical, those roles are handled by the same person.

A computer programmer by day, director and musical director G. Frank Meekins says his favorite moment was when, “we actually got our stage, and the production came to life. We finally had the space to spread our wings.” 

Meekins says that wearing both hats for “Grease” required more effort, as his attention was split between the two different roles; however, having true directorial control allowed him the creativity to make the dialogue and music gel. “It’s rewarding when it all comes together,” he says.

Meekins also notes that, “While this show follows the movie that many are familiar with, it’s also a little more gritty and deals with adult situations differently than the movie did. We are actually performing the original Broadway version from 1972. We maintained (most of) the items that would now be considered taboo in keeping the style of society back then.”

Professional dancer, Atlas Modern Ballet founder and HCC professor Sarah Walston provided the choreography for the show’s memorable dance routines. She taught the cast the hand jives, jitterbugs and other energetic dance routines — a new experience for the ballet and contemporary dance choreographer.

“As a dancer, I love ‘Grease,’” Walston says. “The community feel has made a project like this less stressful with all these moving parts. It’s really been a team effort and a great experience for me to learn what can happen in a musical with a great community.”

You can’t have “Grease” without the iconic T-Birds leather and Pink Ladies jackets and authentic ‘50s attire. Retired engineer and current NTP Board of Directors chair Michell “Shelley” Giles and engineer/teacher Heather Cleveland meticulously assembled more than 100 different costumes for the show, going as far as to research if each fabric and pattern would be appropriate for the period. Both women say working with costumes is like solving a satisfying puzzle, especially with an extremely limited budget to purchase the costumes and the materials to make them.

“My favorite part of the job was being able to make some of the dresses,” says Giles, who is a self-taught seamstress. “As a costumer, I enjoy seeing the actors come to life on stage. My hobby is sewing. I sew everything.”

Cleveland adds, “You want everybody on stage to feel fantastic. I enjoy the creativity, starting from nothing and having it blossom into something.” As an example, Cleveland says, “We took Frenchy’s prom dress apart three or four times — a new bodice was made, and we hand-pleated the skirt. I’m pleased with the results of the work that went into that one.”

Behind the curtain, a small army of costume, prop assistants, stagehands and costume “dressers,” including college senior and aerial acrobat Emma Hosking, assist by waiting in the wings to help the actors with quick costume changes and to make sure they all have the props they need for each scene.

“During Freddy My Love,” Hosking said, “we made a tradition of dramatically lip-syncing along to the song. I looked forward to that every performance.”

Among the costume and stage crew, all coordinated by Giles, Cleveland and prop master Tami Carr (the mom of Olivia, who played Sandy, and Sean Carr, who played bass in the orchestra) were Amogha Kuppaa, Ereka Morton, Ryan Pettaway, Bella Otte, Tracy Stemm, Katie Guerra, Jannah Nager and Katie Carr.

Tami Carr, a retired children’s orthotist and prosthetist, is the woman behind all the props. From sourcing authentic ‘50s items to crafting realistic-looking food, this creative wizard turns trash into treasure
 literally. She says she created Sonny’s “zipgun” from items she found in the trash.

Tami explains how excited she is for NTP to have a new home, “They do everything with such integrity and excellence. Over the years, it made me sad that people didn’t always see the shows because they didn’t have a consistent place. To have all these sold-out shows, I feel not just happy for the cast of Grease but for everyone. Finally, people can experience and appreciate what they do.”

Assisted by most members of the cast, the set stagehands, led by Paul McColgan, work swiftly and silently, changing scenes with precision and coordination, like ninjas in black. Scenic artists Leiann Klein, Kyle Billington, Tami and Olivia Carr, Olivia’s fellow cast member Dakota Henry, Alex DeJoseph and Joshua Paine gave each piece of built-for-the-show set “furniture” its distinctive ‘50s look. 

In addition, sound man John Camacho made sure all 24 of the performers’ microphones not only worked but also had compatible levels of volume before every performance. Stagehand James Cass of Picture This of Palma Ceia also served as the show’s official photgrapher. The orchestra included Meekins, rehearsal pianist Rick Barclay, Stan Martindale (guitar), Todd DuPriest (drums), Josh Hollenbeck and Elliott Domagola (sax) and Sean Carr. Diana Diaz designed the “Grease” program.