The arts scene in the 727area this week features two critically-acclaimed performances from two of the best theatre companies in the Bay Area. Freefall Theatre continues their run of "The Little Prince," and American Stage Theatre Company opens their radio play of "It's a Wonderful Life." Tarpon Arts also features two events to close the year and celebrate the holiday season. Check out the featured arts happenings in Pinellas County this week.
Staged Theatre
The Little Prince
An aviator crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert. There he meets a little prince who has left his home on Asteroid B-612 and its only other inhabitant, his beloved rose.
The Little Prince at Freefall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL , 33710. Phone (727) 498-5205
Wednesday, December 13 - Sunday, December 17 | Wednesday 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m., Thursday 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. | Tickets start at $25
by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
"All grown-ups were once children...but only few of them remember it."
An aviator crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert. There he meets a little prince who has left his home on Asteroid B-612 and its only other inhabitant, his beloved rose. The most translated book in the French language, this allegory remains a beautiful example of personal struggle manifesting itself as transcendent art. A great production for the whole family during the holidays, Eric Davis directs another classic in the Sanctuary of Freefall Theatre. Tickets are available now. This show runs through December 24th.
Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro by New Century Opera
Tarpon Arts is thrilled to welcome New Century Opera and their presentation of Mozart’s immortal romantic comedy, The Marriage of Figaro.
Presented by Tarpon Arts at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Phone (727) 938-1915
Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. | $25 General; $20 Members
Mozart's opera about one zany day is coming to the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center! This intricate plot of love, marriage and deception will be sung in English and performs this weekend only.
"Tarpon Arts is thrilled to welcome New Century Opera and their presentation of Mozart’s immortal romantic comedy, The Marriage of Figaro. Figaro and his fiancée, Susanna, are ready to marry, but their boss, Count Almaviva, has his own designs on Susanna. Based on Beaumarchais’s 18th-century farce, The Marriage of Figaro showcases some of Mozart’s greatest music and brings to life an engaging story which is simultaneously funny and deeply moving."
It's a Wonderful Life, A Radio Play directed by Stephanie Gularte
Presented by American Stage Theatre Company, 163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Saturday, December 16 - Sunday December 17 | Saturday, 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m. | Tickets start from $30
Called "a delightful experience" by the Tampa Bay Times, this beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble bringing dozens of characters to the stage, and live, on-stage sound effects, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers a world in which he’d never been born one fateful Christmas Eve. This show runs through December 24th.
Music:
Bayside String Quarter Holiday Concert
The Bayside String Quartet, consisting of four principal players of The Florida Orchestra, has been in existence for over 20 years and includes principal players: Saundra Buscemi (first violin), Lei L
Performing at the Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 2nd St N, Safety Harbor, FL 34695. Phone (727) 724-1525
Wednesday, December 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Free!
The Bayside String Quartet, featuring four principal performers from The Florida Orchestra, perform an evening of holiday music at the Safety Harbor Public Library. The performers are 1st Violinist Saundra Buscemi, 2nd Violinist Lei Liu, Violist Alison Heydt, and Cellist James Connors. The Bayside String Quartet offers the talent and musicianship of The Florida Orchestra in an intimate setting.
A Night Before Christmas Concert with Maria Zouves
Join opera luminaries Maria Zouves and Sherill Milnes, accompanied by Constantine Grame, for a special celebration with classic holiday stories and seasonal music favorites.
Presented by Tarpon Arts at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Phone (727) 938-1915
Friday, December 15 | 7:30 p.m. | General: $25; Member: $20
Opera luminaries Maria Zouves and Sherrilin Milnes, accompanied by Constantine Grame, celebrate the holidays with classic stories and seasonal musical favorites. The whole family will enjoy this musical collaboration, sure to bring everyone holiday cheer! Special guests are the men's chorus of Palm Harbor University High School.
Sara DelBeato and Michael Raabe - A VERY SWELL NOEL
“Hark the Herald Angels Swing” as American Stage brings you some “hep” holiday cheer. Crooner/jazz pianist Michael Raabe and chanteuse Sara DelBeato will shake and stir up some retro-tastic Christmas
A Cabaret presented by American Stage Theatre Company, 163 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg FL , 33701. Phone 727-823-1600
Friday, December 15 | 8:00 p.m. | $20
"Swingin' yuletide cheer!" For one night only, the American Stage Cabaret Series features an evening of retro-tastic holiday tunes performed by pianist and crooner Michael Raabe with Sara DelBeato.
The holiday season can be a fun time, but can be even better when embraced with the perfect seasonal events. Don't forget to support the thriving local arts in your area and consider giving the gift of the arts to your friends and family... whether it's a show this week or in the future! When making plans to see an event, don't forget to check out the local dining and nightlife around the theatre to make your date night into a great night!
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