(L-R) Nicole Masterson, Michael Burgess and Massiel Evans in ‘Odd Couple’ at American Stage in St. Petersburg, Florida. Credit: Jarrett Hass

(L-R) Nicole Masterson, Michael Burgess and Massiel Evans in ‘Odd Couple’ at American Stage in St. Petersburg, Florida. Credit: Jarrett Hass

It’s a good time to be a fan of Tampa Bay’s local theater scene, and here are five local productions you can get on your showgoing calendar right now. Click through each production to read more.

  • “Skin Hungry” at Lab Theater Written by New York City’s Erin Mallon, the play was originally set to go live in April of 2020—acting as the first production in the new digs—but since the world shut down, so did the theater. Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Sunday, through Nov. 14. $28. 812 E. Henderson Ave., Ybor City. labtheaterproject.com
  • “Dames at Sea” at freeFall Theatre Who doesn’t love a tap-dancing story about a Broadway bound girl just off the bus that falls for a Broadway bound guy just off a boat? Think “Anything Goes,” cute sailor outfits and all. Wednesday-Saturday through Sunday, Nov. 21. (There are no performances Thursday, Nov. 4 and Friday, Nov. 12). $45-$55. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. freefalltheatre.com
  • Odd Couple” at American Stage American Stage sets the play in 2021 New York City, pandemic and all. The comedy directed by Adam Mace stars Damon Dennin and Michael Burgess as Oscar and Felix, the BFF but polar opposite roommates providing a “contemporary fresh interpretation of this beloved American classic with a modern, multicultural cast,” said a press release. Through Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. $32 & up. 163 3rd St N, St. Petersburg. americanstage.org
  • “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” at Urbanite Theatre Terry Guest’s “At the Wake” follows two drag queens, played by Donovan Session and Shea Peterson; one of which has recently died due to AIDS complications. But just like the lives of the performers, the newly deceased insists the funeral be a colorful celebration, no black clothes allowed. Plus, Atlanta’s Damian Lockhart makes his Urbanite directing debut. Through Dec. 5. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday. $5-$36. 1487 2nd St, Sarasota. urbanitetheatre.com
  • “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde” at Jobsite Theater Shawn Paonessa directs Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novella, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Through Nov. 14. Thursday-Saturday (8 p.m.) and Sunday (4 p.m.). $29.50 & up. 1010 N Macinnes Pl., Tampa. 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.

Freelance contributor Stephanie Powers started her media career as an Editorial Assistant long ago when the Tampa Bay Times was still called the St. Petersburg Times. After stints in Chicago and Los Angeles,...