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Bright lights, big city
Take us back to Iliza Shlesinger’s comedy at the Straz. | Photo via @k_kristen_m
Skip the domestic travel, we’ve got Broadway — and tons more shows — right here along the Riverwalk.
Here’s a look at the musicals, comedies, orchestra performances, and other key events coming to the Straz Center over the next several months:
Shows
“The Wizard of Oz” | Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | TECO Theater | $73+ | Bookend that showing of “Wicked: For Good” with the original tale that inspired it all. Featuring your favorite Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and ruby red-heeled woman.
“Les Misérables”| Wednesday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Morsani Hall | $62+ | Don’t miss Victor Hugo’s tale of revolutionary France. No, Anne Hathaway won’t make an appearance in this show.
Not theater
A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin | Thursday, Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Morsani Hall | $54+ | What’s more festive than a big screen showing of “Home Alone” followed by a chat with the one and only Kevin McCallister?
“Burnout Paradise” | Wednesday, Dec. 10-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Jaeb Theater | $41+ | It’s not the title of Bailey’s memoir, it’s a new comedy, challenge, and cardio workout extravaganza.
Please consider donating to support these kinds of stories, because the best shows are still to come.
Asked
Asked
What isn’t part of the Straz’s expansion plans?
A. An outdoor amphitheater B. A rooftop terrace C. An outdoor stage D. An Arts Education Center
Don’t be alarmed if you see a seemingly driverless car navigating the mess that is I-275 on a Friday afternoon. It might be a Waymo, i.e. a robotaxi vehicle. The brand announced it would roll out models in the Cigar City as early as 2026. (CNBC)
Announced
Derby Lane is officially on the market — again. We’ll keep you posted on who buys the storied former greyhound racetrack — and what it’s next life will be. The 131.5-acre spot along Gandy is zoned for multifamily housing, retail, and more. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Development
OPSWAT, a Tampa-based global cybersecurity firm, just opened a 12,000-sqft Ybor City facility. The $3 million center will allow the company to triple its output to 3,000 hardware units annually. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Try This
We know this weekend is packed, but there’s one more market you need to know about. Bazar À La Carte takes over Tempus Projects tomorrow, Nov. 22 with pottery + screen printing workshops, a live showcase and open mic, a mahjong and mooncake lounge, and art exhibitions. Get tickets. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
Shop
Here’s another reason to shop local this holiday season: St. Pete just rolled out a new Holiday Biz Bingo. Download or pick up a card, then collect five stickers in a row to win prizes. The challenge runs through Dec. 31, and features more than just shopping. (St. Pete Catalyst)
Real Estate
Okay, this is actually Editor Bailey’s pie in the sky dream home. The Culbreath Isles mansion is inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and looks out on Tampa Bay. See how much 717 Parking co-founder sold the mansion for. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Community
We love starting our day reading the latest TBAY news — so we can bring you these crucial updates. Please consider donating to help us keep your inbox fresh and your dinner table informed.
Sports
Surprise: The Rays cut ties with key outfielders Christopher Morel, Jake Fraley, and Everson Pereira. Learn what that means for the Tampa Bay Rays with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Speaking of movies, October saw the lowest revenue generated by movie ticket sales in almost three decades — excluding 2020 for obvious reasons. Great justification for my one woman quest to watch as many films as possible.
With the holiday season on the horizon, and Oscar season in full swing, we recommend catching a flick at TBAY’s historic Tampa Theatre to help keep cinema alive.