This sounds way cool.
National Geographic photographer and biologist Paul Nicklen appears in Ferguson Hall as the inaugural presentation in National Geographic Live: Polar Obsession, the new National Geographic Live! speaker series.
The presentation, suitable for ages 12 and older, includes exciting stories from under the ice and Nicklen's recounting of four days spent with a leopard seal that tried to feed him penguins.
7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.50. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. strazcenter.org.
While it might seem like we're double-pimping the Straz, we've got to let you know about this next cool freebie connected to the performing arts center.
Tampa Theatre gives us a free classic British flick — Billy Elliot — to prep us for the big premiere of the Broadway adaptation at the Straz in February.
It centers on a boy who botches up his tough-guy attempts in the boxing ring and finds himself in a ballet class, discovering a talent that inspires his family and his whole community. The theatrical production has been awarded 73 national and international awards including 10 Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.
Billy Elliot the Musical will play Carol Morsani Hall, Feb. 2-20.
According to Time, Elton John's new show is the "best musical of the decade."
7 p.m. Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8981. tampatheatre.org.
This article appears in Jan 20-26, 2011.