tampa performing arts

Tampa Performing ArtsTampa's spectrum of performing arts encompasses blockbuster Broadway musicals, symphony and chamber music concerts, children's shows and holiday spectaculars. Its keystone is the 335,000-square-foot David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the largest facility of its kind south of Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center. On the east bank of the Hillsborough River in downtown, the center plays host to a great variety of cultural things to do at its venues: the 2,610-seat Carol Morsani Hall; 1,042-seat Ferguson Hall; 268-seat Jaeb Theater; and 130-seat Shimberg Playhouse. Phone (813) 229-7827 or (800) 955-1045 for schedule, ticket information and group travel accomodations regarding each of these venues.

The MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre welcomes 20,000 visitors for big name acts. Featuring both a lawn and covered seats, the venue hosts events and performances just the Florida State Fairgrounds at 4802 US Hwy. 301. Phone (813) 740-2446.

To learn about all the great things to do this weekend, grab a free copy of Creative Loafing, or the Tampa Bay Times, which are available throughout the city. The publications are filled with local news features; sections on where to eat, theater, film and music; and listings of upcoming events.

Film Downtown's 1,500-seat Tampa Theatre, a restored 1926 movie palace at 711 N. Franklin St., is a great spot to catch foreign films, cult movies, Hollywood classics and occasional concerts, especially if you're looking for unique things to do as a couple. Tours of the historic building also are offered; phone (813) 274-8981.

MusicBarbthebuilder / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
A full season of symphonic presentations is brought to the area by the Florida Orchestra Inc. and by local dance companies. Performances take place at David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts; phone (727) 892-3337 or (800) 662-7286 for ticket and schedule information.

Works for voice are presented by the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, (813) 974-7726 and Tampa Oratorio Singers, (813) 666-5942. Performance locations vary.

Theater Broadway and off-Broadway theater plays are a big hit. The Carrollwood Players, 4333 Gunn Hwy. is a little-theater group presenting a variety of productions; phone (813) 265-4000. Comedies, musical revues and stage readings are offered at The Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave.; phone (813) 879-2914.

David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts' Shimberg Playhouse features local performing companies and improvisational groups, and the cozy Jaeb Theater presents plays and cabaret shows. The Broadway series brings the best of Broadway to Carol Morsani Hall. Phone the performing arts center at (813) 229-7827 before your trip.