July 07 – Thursday
COCA-COLONIZATION
The True History of Coca-Cola in Mexico is a spirited satire that follows the misadventures of Aldo and Pat, self-professed postmodern filmmakers who set out to produce a documentary about American capitalism’s subversive effect on Mexican culture. Wacky plot twists, historical reenactments and staged documentary segments ensue as the duo attempts to acquire persuasive footage of “authentic” Mexicans suffering from a steady diet of Coke, what they describe as “the perfect metaphor for corporate America’s nutritionless contributions to Mexico.” Of course, in the midst of their self-righteous crusade, Aldo and Pat become part of the problem; they’re more concerned with engineering a memorable film than documenting the truth and preserving Mexican culture. Packed with parodies of cultural stereotypes, Coca-Cola offers an exploration of the ways that capitalism has defined American culture. Stageworks opens a local production this evening. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 4 p.m. Sun., July 7-24. Admission for tonight’s preview is $10; all other shows are $18.50-$22.50 (student rush tickets are available for $11.25). Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, 813-229-7827.
July 08 – Friday
ANOTHER PHILADELPHIA STORY Beginning this evening, Gypsy Productions stages a revival of Albert Innaurato’s dramedy Gemini, at Suncoast Theatre. Innaurato was 25 years old and fresh out of Yale Drama School when he penned the unlikely Broadway hit, which ran for over four years, won an Obie Award for Best New American Play in 1977, and served as a springboard for the acting careers of celebrities like Danny Aiello and Kathleen Turner. Gemini takes place in South Philly in the early 1970s, and chronicles two days in the life of sexually confused and generally unhappy Francis Geminiani. The hapless Italian-American Harvard student is home for the summer and soon discovers that dealing with his problems is impossible while keeping company with his practical, divorced father, Fran; Fran’s not-as-dense-as-she-seems girlfriend, Lucille; their vulgar next-door neighbor Bunny; and Bunny’s heavyset, transportation-obsessed son, Herschel. Dan Khoury directs. 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 1:30 p.m. Sun., July 8-31. $16 general (two-for-one admission on Thursdays). 3400 34th St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-456-0500.
CHILD’S PLAY
Today, the Museum of Science and Industry opens Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center, a new creative learning space that’s been in the works since 2003. Based on theories of intergenerational play, learning and skill building, Kids In Charge! emphasizes not what to learn, but how. It also promises to affirm the importance of fun while learning, motivate a desire for knowledge, introduce young people to science through hands-on, “minds-on” discovery, and encourage creative thinking. When planning began for the science center, MOSI’s management team realized it was vital to gather continuous feedback from its most frequent visitors – the children. So they established an advisory board, its 26 members ranging in ages from 10 to 17. These kids performed a range of duties, from conducting audience research on different exhibits to offering guidance and planning ideas for the 40,000-square-foot space, which is divided into four separate learning/exhibit areas. The grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting occurs today at 9 a.m.; regular hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Admission is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors, $11.95 for ages 2-12, and free for children under 2. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-987-6100.
July 09 – Saturday
PRINT SECRETS EXPOSED Born and raised in New York City, master printer Erika Greenberg-Schneider picked up and moved to France after earning a master’s degree in printmaking. While in Paris, she served as the Director of Galerie Maeght’s printmaking studios while continuing to hone her craft; 20 years and one set of nuptials later, Greenberg-Schneider and her husband moved to Tampa. Bleu Acier, her gallery/workspace/living quarters, was purchased in 2002 and now serves as one of the area’s most interesting spaces to see the works of national and international artists. Greenberg-Schneider appears for a lecture at the Museum of Fine Arts today, at which she reveals the processes behind the creation of several prints, and presents examples for attendees to examine and touch. Her lecture complements Untangling Intaglios and Other Print Processes Made Plain, an exhibit featuring a variety of prints from the museum’s permanent collection that clarify the mysteries of print processes. The lecture begins at 3 p.m.; regular museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun.; Untangling Intaglios is on display through Oct. 23. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $4 for students and children 7-18. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667.
July 10 – Sunday
CYCLISTS UNITE! Approximately 40 percent of bicycle fatalities occur in just four states: California, New York, Texas and Florida. While these are some of the country’s most heavily populated states, the figure still seems astonishingly high when you consider that the same states account for only 28 percent of all traffic fatalities. You can help promote bicycle safety and education at the third annual Share the Road Ride, a jaunt hosted by the St. Petersburg Bicycle Club. Bicyclists of all skill levels are welcome to participate, and can choose from courses covering 10, 20 or 40 miles of downtown and neighborhood streets in St. Petersburg. The 10-mile family ride (8-10 mph), the 20-mile social ride (15-18 mph), and the first 20 miles of the 40-mile social ride are police escorted. Helmets are required, headphones are prohibited and festivities follow at North Shore Park. For more information, visit www.sharetheroadride.com or call 727-822-0380. Registration and packet pick-up occurs from 7 to 8 a.m., with all rides commencing at 8:30. The entry fee is a $20 donation per person; proceeds benefit the Florida Bicycle Association. Riders meet and leave from Northshore Pool Park, 901 North Shore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg.
SO YOU WANNA BE A BUDDHIST? If you’re curious about Buddhism and want to know how this world religion spiritually stimulates its 376 million practitioners, Parbawatiya Buddhist Center invites you to come and experience Shelter from the Storm, a day course and refuge ceremony presented by resident teacher, Kadam Nick Gillespie. Basically, the event is a re-examination of Parbawatiya’s teachings from the past year and is divided into two parts. During the first, Kadam Nick explains the idea of refuge, what it means (in Buddhist terms) to take refuge, and how this practice offers a wealth of spiritual rewards. After a short break, the actual refuge ceremony occurs and if you like what you’ve learned, you can make your Buddhist status official. If you like it but aren’t ready to commit, the center offers a simple but powerful blessing to carry you through your day-to-day travels. For more information, visit www.meditationinflorida.org; to pre-register, call 727-797-9770 or e-mail parbawatiya@meditationinflorida.org. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $25 suggested donation ($15 students/limited income), includes lunch. 201 Sixth Ave. S., Safety Harbor.
This article appears in Jul 6-12, 2005.
