If you like your musical comedies to be fun, with great songs and maybe a little bit of vulgar language, you should get your tickets now to “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the laugh riot being presented tomorrow ā Thursday, February 9 ā through Saturday, February 10, by Mad Theatre of Tampa at the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa.
The show ā the first of MAD Theatre’s 25th anniversary season ā which promises some audience participation in the craziest Spelling Bee (with six mid-pubescent spellers, all played by young adults) ever, features a super-talented ensemble cast that includes two lead characters from recent New Tampa Players (NTP) productions ā Chris Cordero (who played Shrek in “Shrek The Musical”) and Dylan Fidler (who played Danny Zuko in “Grease”), as well as choreography by Evan Lomba (who played Donkey in NTP’s “Shrek”). The MAD Theatre show’s director is Casey Vaughn, with music direction by Megan Zeitler and artistic direction by Tony Gilkinson.
And, after checking out one of the show’s rehearsals ā which included at least two spelling words I’m ashamed to say I couldn’t spell ā I can assure you that “Spelling Bee” is not only fun and funny (the dialogue won both the Tony and Drama Desk awards in 2005 for Best Book of a Musical by Rachel Sheinkin), but also chock full of great, catchy songs, with the fresh and vibrant score by William Finn.
But, tickets (starting at just $20) are going fast, so to get yours, visit StrazCenter.org or MadTheatre.com.
The New Tampa Players Production of āDreamgirlsā has only three performances left ā Feb. 9-11 ā at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center. (Above, l.-r.) Caron Davis, Patty Smithey, & NaTasha McKenzie. (Rehearsal photos by Charmaine George)
Get ready, theatre enthusiasts! The vibrant and talented cast of the New Tampa Playersā production of āDreamgirlsā is in the middle of two weekends of an unforgettable experience, as the Players bring this iconic musical to the stage at the brand-new New Tampa Performing Arts Center (off Bruce B. Downs Blvd., behind the plaza that is home to Sprouts).
In what promises to be a showcase of local talent, this production is set to captivate audiences with signature songs, like āDreamgirls,ā āMoveā and āHard to Say Goodbye.āĀ
By the time this issue hits your mailbox, āDreamgirlsā will already have completed its first weekend, with only shows on February 9-11 remaining. If you havenāt seen it as youāre reading this, hurry to NewTampaPlayers.orgto get any of the very few tickets that may be left.
Since its premiere on Broadway in 1981, āDreamgirlsā has had a revival, three US tours, an international tour, and a West End run, as well as a hugely successful movie adaptation. With the New Tampa Playersā production, the musical is receiving a fresh and dynamic interpretation under the skilled direction of Clay Christopher, who brings a unique vision to this beloved classic. The excitement is palpable as the cast and crew pour their combined passions into every rehearsal, promising a show that resonates with energy and spirit.
āāDreamgirlsā is more than just a show; it is a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and the transformative power of theater,ā says New Tampa Players Producing Artistic Director Nora Paine. āThe echoes of the soulful melodies and poignant moments will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of the audience, showing once again that the magic of Broadway is alive and well in our own backyard.āĀ
Dreamgirls isnāt just a Broadway musical spectacle: the plot takes inspiration from the tumultuous rise of R&B and soul music during the 1960s and ā70s. Written by Tom Eyen with music by Henry Krieger, the show delves into the challenges faced by a female African- American singing group, the Dreams, as they navigate the cutthroat world of the music industry.
The musicalās portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the Dreams mirrors the real-life stories of several iconic R&B groups, including The Supremes and The Shirelles. The show deals with themes of ambition, betrayal and the cost of success while shedding light on the challenges faced by artists, particularly women of color, in an industry that often prioritized image over talent.
Donāt miss your chance to see the magic unfold on the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (8550 Hunters Village Rd.) stage. Whether youāre a seasoned theatergoer or a first-time attendee, this community production of Dreamgirls promises an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and incredible talent. Get your tickets now at NewTampaPlayers.org.
