You don’t get many second chances in life, but lucky for you, Jobsite Theater’s Best of the Bay-winning production of “Shockheaded Peter” is back for an encore starting with preview performances that run from tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Dec. 4.
Based on a 19th-century German children’s book, “Shockheaded Peter” was first performed in West Yorkshire, England. The play has one main story, and it’s about parents—played by Jobsite’s wonderful Amy E. Gray and Jonathan Harrison—who wish for a child and get instead a little creature puppet delivered by an amazingly garish stork puppet. Intertwined throughout the parents’ journey are musical tales of bad children and the consequences they bring to the family. The production is not a play or a musical, but more of a marvelous mixtape cabaret of morbid hilarity.
Producing Artistic Director David Jenkins directs the production which sold out most performances the first time around. Due to COVID-19 precautions, Jobsite has moved up and over from the usual home base of the 99-seat Shimberg Playhouse into the bigger Jaeb Theater—still at the Straz Center, located on the Tampa Riverwalk at 1010 N Macinnes Pl. Negative COVID-19 tests or proof of vaccination is required for entry. Masks are required.
“Shockheaded” runs through Dec. 4, with shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, Wednesday, Nov. 24, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 26-28 and Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 2-Dec.4. Tickets are $28-$34.50.
For more information, go to jobsitetheater.org.
Theater is expensive, and Creative Loafing Tampa Bay devotes editorial budget to writing about it because it’s essential to cover local playwrights, actors and the venues that support them. Support arts journalism in these crazy days and consider making a one time or monthly donation to help support our staff. Every little bit helps.