Shining City. Stageworks Theatre brings Conor McPherson's Tony-nominated drama Shining City to Tampa. This modern “ghost story” is an intimate portrayal of the fight against inner demons that follows a guilt-ridden husband who is haunted by the ghost of his wife, and a former priest who has lost his calling. May 7-24, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., Shimberg Playhouse at TBPAC, Tampa, $24.50 general, 813-229-7827.
Goddesses in the Garden Enjoy lunch by Pepin, a wine tasting, palm reading, spa services, a silent auction and a fashion show — and put a tiara on top, because the Sunken Gardens folks are providing crowns to make mom queen for a day. Proceeds from this day of decadence benefit Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf in Clearwater. 11 a.m. Thurs., May 7, Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, $65, 727-551-3100.
Tom Lowe The journalist and author reads from and signs his thrilling debut crime novel, A False Dawn, which takes readers on a chilling jaunt across Florida. 7 p.m., Thurs., May 7, Inkwood Books, Tampa, 813-253-2638.
This article appears in May 6-12, 2009.