Often recognized as Shakespeares bloodiest play, the Secret Theatre Company puts a new spin on the old ultraviolence with their production of Richard III. Quick to point out that this hybrid of theater and rock n roll is not to be confused with a rock musical (were not talking Andrew Lloyd Webber here), the performance fuses a live show by local rock band Sobriety with stylized period design and graphic deaths, all in a smoky, sinister setting thats sure to mold the mood for Richards epic rise to power. Witness Richards evolution from the oily antihero to a prey of gloom, self-doubt and paranoia after his coronation, gained through murder, betrayal and foul play. The ever-popular State Theatre is an ideal venue to host the bevy of bands that open the show with original music and a score of six songs written just for Richard. (Pictured: Giles Davies in Richard III) Aug. 8, Sat., 8 p.m., State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $20, $15 students, 727-895-3045, statetheatreconcerts.com. Franki Weddington
Theres no doubt that Texas comedian Ron White gets filed under redneck humor in most folks minds, and with good reason. He shot to national attention as part of the four-person Blue Collar Comedy Tour a few years back, yukking it up alongside double-wide staples Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy. But White, who brings his Behavioral Problems Tour 2009 to Tampa Bay, was the least redneck of the quartet, opting instead for a more subversive brand of self-deprecating humor centered on his overindulgences. Sure, you can focus on his Tater Salad bit and persona, but we prefer the wickedly funny side that saunters onstage with a half-smoked cigar and a tumbler full of scotch. Not exactly a sophisticate but not quite ready to be consigned full-time to Branson, Mo. Consider this: He early on did a bit about a friend of his who was a homophobe. Is that the most useless thing you can possibly be is afraid of gay people? Were all gay. Its just to what extent are you gay, the joke began. And for those parents who loooooved Blue Collar Comedy on Comedy Central, just forget about taking your kids to see the in-concert White; he works blue. Real blue. Fri., Aug. 7, 7:30 pm, Progress Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S. St. Petersburg. $44.75. 800-745-3000. www.mahaffeytheater.com. — Wayne Garcia
This article appears in Jul 29 – Aug 4, 2009.
