Anyone who likes Austin Powers (and admit it; you’re out there) owes a big fat “thank you” to Joe Orton, the writer of What the Butler Saw. Beginning this week, Jobsite Theater puts on the "swingin' 60s British sex farce," full of lewd humor and lascivious acts — so it should be right up your alley. Don't let the comedic tropes fool you; the trite and true plot doesn't make the kooky cast of characters anything less than hilarious. When psychiatrist Dr. Prentice tries to seduce a secretary, his less-than-smooth efforts leads to hubbub involving "his insatiable wife, a randy bellhop, a befuddled police officer, and ultimately, the formidable manhood of Sir Winston Churchill." I guess what they say is true: there ain’t no party like a Churchill party. (Pictured: David Jenkins and Katie Castonguay in What the Butler Saw) Jan. 6-24, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, $24.50; $10 student rush tickets 30 minutes prior to curtain and for the Jan.6 preview, tbpac.org. – Franki Weddington
This is all a dream … just kidding. The Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance Inc. demonstrates its passionate love for the arts at its third annual Cirque du Surreal, a fantastical event that includes a weeklong art show and one-night-only multi-media gallery. The affair is dedicated to the late Tom Reese and the original Beaux Arts gallery – a performance space once frequented by the great and unpredictable Jack Kerouac and Jim Morrison. This year’s lively entertainment includes a peep show of all nude
This article appears in Jan 6-12, 2010.