Performing Arts Highlights — Feb. 11-23

 

 

by VIVIAN TAYLOR

The middle of February brings is exactly what you might expect, performance-wise. A couple of love stories — oddball, lusty, and political — as well as community-based explorations of shows covered in the last installment. Enjoy!

Funny Valentines

Sunday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m., Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg

A Raisin in the Sun asks us to reflect on the history of integration in our country, the progress of our communities, and the state of the American Dream. What does integration look like today in the Tampa Bay area? Delve into the themes of the play with a panel of experts. Hear from local leaders who will present their respective visions and efforts toward diversity and progress. For more information about the show, visit the last installment of this column.

$10 for nonmembers, free for members

The Glass Menagerie: freeFall Foreward

Sunday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m., freeFall Theatre Company’s Auditorium, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Join freeFall Theatre Company’s resident dramaturg Timothy Saunders for an in-depth look at freeFall’s smash hit The Glass Menagerie, which runs through Feb. 25. This informative session will include an inside look at the process of bringing this work of art to the freeFall stage, as well as an in-depth look at the source material and the continuing relevance of this beloved classic. Refer to last month’s post for thorough details about the play.

Free and open to the public

Radio Theatre Project LIVE

Monday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m., Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg

This month’s Radio Theatre Project will get you in the mood with original new plays. Blind Date by Rollin Jewett is a charming tale of mistaken identity. Roy Proctor returns twists on O. Henry and Chekhov, While the Auto Waits and Slaphappy. Continuing in the O. Henry tradition is Peter Zachary Cohen’s Valentine’s Incident or The Gifted Proprietor. James Rayfield’s wry humor shines in Grip Top, and Rage Against the Machine by Jack Gilhooley is an oddball romance featuring a sex worker, a robot, and an attorney.

$10

Keesha/Carpenter: Previews and Opening Night

Previews: Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 21 and 22, 7 p.m.

Opening Night: Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.

Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg

The Studio@620 presents the premiere of Keesha/Carpenter by longtime, local theatre critic, award-winning playwright, and English instructor Mark E. Leib. Bob Devin Jones directs. The play focuses on brilliant African American student Keesha and her acclaimed white teacher of political philosophy, Professor Carpenter. As Keesha and Carpenter develop a relationship – and as Keesha becomes romantically involved with Carpenter’s graduate assistant Andrew – the element of race becomes more and more troubling and important. The cast is full of local talent, including Jai Shanae, Chris Rutherford, and Bob Heitman. Runs through March 4.

Preview performances: $15; Opening night: $25 nonmembers, $20 members