Don’t miss…
Seven Guitars. When the play begins, we are at the funeral of Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton, an African-American blues musician living in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, PA. Then we’re taken back to discover Barton’s past, and the events that led to his murder. Along the way we meet six other characters all trying to live with the institutionalized racism of 1948 America, and we’re treated to poetic dialogue, earthy humor, mysticism, music, recipes, and the difference between Georgia and Alabama roosters. American Stage continues its presentation of all of August Wilson’s Century Cycle, and Bay area theatergoers are the beneficiaries. Through Feb. 26 at American Stage, St.Petersburg, $29-$47, 727-823-PLAY.
Becky Shaw. When Becky Shaw goes on a blind date with a difficult man who takes her to bed and then tries to dissociate himself from her, the floodgates of neediness are opened and a series of darkly comic scenes play out. Everyone in this witty, surprising comedy of errors is complicated and contradictory, and the puzzles just keep coming until the finale. Written by Gina Gionfriddo, Becky Shaw’s most shocking character may be Max, the cynical, savagely honest hedgehog with a secret self. Expect slashing comedy, mystery, and lots of one-liners from this Off-Broadway hit. Feb. 2-19 at freeFall Theatre, St. Petersburg, $37, 727-498-5205.
To Kill A Mockingbird. The novel was a mammoth bestseller, the movie was unforgettable, and now Stageworks brings us a theatrical version of the story that’s become an essential part of the American narrative. In case you needed reminding: Atticus Finch is the white attorney who defends a black man unjustly accused of rape in 1930s Alabama. Atticus’ daughter Scout is just old enough to recognize that her father is a true hero — and that true heroes sometimes have implacable enemies. Everyone’s education ought to include some version of To Kill A Mockingbird — book, film, or play. Or all three! March 8-25 at Stageworks, Tampa, $24.50, 813-251-8984.
Also on the radar…
‘Night, Mother. Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is about a woman who has decided to kill herself — and who must face her mother’s opposition as she prepares to do the deed. Through Feb. 5 at Stageworks, Tampa, 813-251-8984.
Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci. These two verismo operas are about adultery, lust, jealousy and revenge. Each is a small masterpiece, and the “Vesti la giubba” aria in the latter is one of the most famous of all time. Jan. 27 & 29, Straz Center, Tampa, 813-229-STAR.
Memphis. White deejay discovers black music and rock and roll is born in this Tony Award-winning musical based loosely on real events. There’s rhythm-and-blues, gospel, rock, and a lot of 1950s atmosphere. Feb. 7-12, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, 727-791-7400.
La Cage Aux Folles. One of the most beloved of Broadway musicals returns with George Hamilton (yes!) and Christopher Sieber as lovers in St. Tropez trying to cover up for family’s sake. Feb. 21-26, Straz Center, Tampa, 813-229-STAR.
Hot Nights for the War Wives of Ithaka. Christopher Buehlman is one of the most imaginative writers in the Bay area, and his mythological romp promises lots of wine, goats and laughter. March 8-25, Jobsite Theater, Tampa, 813-229-STAR.
2.5 Minute Ride. In her one-woman show, Lisa Kron offers not only comedy but a serious look at her father, a German-born Jew who escaped the Nazis only to return as a soldier. Mar. 16-May 6, American Stage, St. Petersburg, 727-823-PLAY.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2012.