Plus, the Bulls aren't heading to the tournament.
 
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🎭 The curtain calls

Get ready for the 2024-25 theater season at the Straz
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Take us back to Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy at the Straz. | Photo via @k_kristen_m
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts has been entertaining Tampa Bay theater-lovers since 1987. The downtown Tampa venue has released its lineup for the 2024-25 season, and we’re here to help you plan ahead for some thespian delights:

“The Boy Who Loved Batman” — Tuesday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Nov. 10

The world premiere of this new play is taking place in the Big Guava, based on Michael E. Uslan’s memoir. Uslan turned a love for the character into a Hollywood career during which he produced several Batman flicks.

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical” — Tuesday, Nov. 12-Sunday, Nov. 17

Head to Whoville for this musical adaptation of the classic book and iconic movie. It’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit early. But what would I wear?

Actors perform Hamilton onstage. They are lit up and wearing costumes, facing the audience.

“Hamilton” graced the Cigar City stage during the 2022-2023 season.

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Photo via the Straz Center for the Performing Arts

“The Cher Show” — Tuesday, Jan. 14-Sunday, Jan. 19

I got you babe. Watch the theatrical retelling of Cher’s life. The show about the iconic musician is hitting 50+ US cities.

“A Beautiful Noise” — Tuesday, Feb. 11-Sunday, Feb. 16

Speaking of iconic musicians, this musical centers around the life of Neil Diamond. Caroline will be present, and she will be sweet.

“MJ: The Musical” — Tuesday, Feb. 25-Sunday, March 2

Make that three in a row. This time, the award-winning show is about the King of Pop and his 1992 world tour. It’s going to be a thriller.

“The Lion King” — Wednesday, April 2-Sunday, April 20

Hakuna Matata. Here’s your chance to see the iconic show based on Disney’s 1994 movie. It’s been on Broadway since 1997 and has wowed millions of theater-lovers across the globe since then.
4 more shows
 
Events
Monday, March 18
  • Fit4Mom Mondays | Monday, March 18 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Midtown Tampa, 3659 Midtown Dr., Tampa | Free | Meet in the middle for Stroller Strides, a total-body workout melding strength, cardio, and core training, all while keeping the kiddos active.
  • “Pineapple Street” | Jenny Jackson Author Talk | Monday, March 18 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | $5+ | Listen to Jenny Jackson discuss her bestselling novel, featuring a peek at the life of the Big Apple’s one-percenters.
Tuesday, March 19
Wednesday, March 20
  • Historic Allendale Walking Tour | Wednesday, March 20 | 5:30-7 p.m. | 3803 Haines Rd. N., St. Petersburg | $10+ | Roam the red-brick streets with a guide + learn the history behind Allendale’s large stone-veneer homes.
Thursday, March 21
  • 4th Annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival | Thursday, March 21-Sunday, March 24 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Powerstories Theatre, 3837 USF Holly Dr., Tampa | $15+ | The festival features 11 works by women playwrights of different backgrounds and genres honoring Women’s History Month.
  • Comedy Nights featuring Jarri Knows | Thursday, March 21 | 8-9 p.m. | Tampa EDITION, 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa | $25 | Giggle and sip on swanky cocktails beneath a constellation of mirror balls.
Events calendar here
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Try This

Unleash your child’s inner explorer
A large wooden playscape in the shape of an alligator, with white cones for teeth and climbing tubes for arms.
Blinky, the 100-ft climbable alligator, lives in the enclosed outdoor space. | Photo provided by Florida Children’s Museum
Looking for an easy way for your little ones to have an adventure-filled day? Dive into discovery at Florida Children’s Museum, Lakeland’s interactive wonderland of hands-on activities + exhibits.

With a huge range of spaces and experiences, the state-of-the-art, 47,800-sqft museum can spark curiosity in children of every age and stage. Kids can:
Plan your play date
News Notes
Sports
  • The University of South Florida men’s basketball team is not heading to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulls lost to to the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the AAC tourney semifinal on Saturday night, leading to their March Madness omission. USF hasn’t made the tournament since 2012. (NCAA + Tampa Bay Times)
Concert
  • Enjoy the “Fields of Gold.” Sting has announced a second concert with the Florida Orchestra in St. Pete. The singer-songwriter’s first show sold out quickly, meaning another has been added to the Mahaffey Theater’s calendar for Friday, May 10. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10 a.m. (I Love the Burg).
Eat
  • There’s a new spot to grab a Cuban sandwich in Seminole Heights. Soul de Cuba Cafe has already soft-opened, but there’s an official ribbon-cutting this Wednesday, March 20. The 6428 N. Florida Ave. spot is serving up classic dishes like lechon asado, oxtail stew, and Crab Shala. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Coming Soon
  • Orange chicken is calling. The Tampa Bay area is getting its third Trader Joe’s. There is no opening date yet for the Palm Harbor store located at 33591 US Hwy. 19 N., which will hopefully make it easier to find parking at the existing South Tampa and St. Pete stores. (WTSP)
Ranked
  • No. 2. That’s where USF Football ranked nationally for average attendance increase. Bulls fans flocked to Ray Jay in 2023, during a season which ended in the program’s first bowl game victory since 2017.
Real Estate
  • A Tarpon Springs church is now on the luxury homes market. The renovated property at 160 Read St., built in 1926, has been converted into a ~$6 million home. The eventual buyer will enjoy 7,000+ sqft, a pool, four floors, five bedrooms, and an elevator, all just minutes from the beach. (ABC Action News)
Number
  • $20+ million. That’s the economic impact expected from this past weekend’s Reggae Rise Up musical festival in St. Pete. Music-lovers enjoyed four days of tunes from Lupe Fiasco, Damian and Stephen Marley, and Slightly Stoopid at Vinoy Park. (I Love the Burg)
Sports
  • How high can the Bolts soar? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Tampa Bay Lightning with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
    Festival
    TEGNA
     
    Food

    ☕ Spill the beans

    Vote in TBAYtoday’s coffee shop bracket
    A TBAYtoday coffee shop bracket graphic. There are coffee beans on a blue background, with the message "Coffee Shop Bracket Winner: Spaddy's Coffee Co."
    And the winner is: Spaddy’s Coffee Co. + | Graphic by TBAYtoday + photo by @spaddyscoffee
    Welcome back to our TBAYtoday coffee shop bracket, where we’re asking you to determine the best coffee shop in the Tampa Bay area.

    After the latest round of votes, we’re down to two “teams” left:
    • Black Crow Coffee Co. and Spaddy’s Coffee Co. | The Burg’s Black Crow is known for its yummy array of craft drinks and cozy vibes, while Spaddy’s is the perfect spot to meet for a jolt of espresso from the Airstream beanery.
    Ready to decide who our bracket champion should be? Cast your vote below.
    Cast your vote
    The Buy
    A new scent from Corridor Candle Co. Collection to treat yourself. It’s the first day of spring and what better way to celebrate the season than a new candle?
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    The Wrap
     
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    Today’s edition by:
    Patrick
    From the editor
    Happy Monday, TBAY. I hope you had a wonderful weekend full of fond memories. Did you see the Hillsborough River turn green? We did.
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