It’s always surprising to me how much theatre the Tampa Bay area has to offer each month.
I don’t know if the sunshine city and its surrounding areas are necessarily known as a theatre destination, but the artists and visionaries that live here are working hard to tell stories on stage.
From famous drag queen comedy shows to regional productions, there’s a lot to consume in Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota this March.
One thing to remember: all of these beloved shows and productions were once in a writer’s room. The Lift Every Voice New Play Festival at the James Museum is a perfect reflection of that.
Six brand new plays will come alive with local talent and the playwright present. There’s a lot to see, and most of it is teeming with diverse storylines and colorful characters.
I hope you join us, if not for the whole weekend, for one or two of the plays.
Here’s a list of what to see, where to see it, and five “favorites” from American Stage.
This list is written and compiled by Abby Baker, and if you don’t see your theater on here, feel free to shoot me an email. I'm not perfect, but I want this list to be.
#1 American Stage
The Lift Every Voice New Play Festival (March 3-5)
There’s something about watching a play straight out of the rough draft phase, new and ready to absorb those first audiences' reactions. The first weekend of March, get ready to have the chance to experience six brand new pieces, from playwrights all around the country. They all bring something different to life, and there's something exciting about being a part of that. Plus, the festival is happening inside the James Museum in downtown. I've toured the space several times, and there's a reason American Stage is going off grounds for this. It's a stunning venue, and worth the weekend.
163 3rd St N, St. Petersburg
Americanstage.org
#2 Urbanite
Backwards Forwards Back (March 24-April 23)
Urbanite is at it again. Rolling in at the end of March, this small, edgy, nitty-gritty theatre we've come to love is producing yet another world premier: Backwards Forwards Back. Information on the show is sparse, because, world premier and all, but the story centers around a veteran battling PTSD. However, he can address his condition with virtual reality. Somehow, this will mean losing his family forever. Is the virtual reality akin to a type of Matrix escapism? I don't know, but I want to.
1487 2nd St, Sarasota
#3 Asolo Repertory Theatre
Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers (Through March 26)
I’ve seen The Three Musketeers all over social media for the last month. Knowing nothing else about the show, it’s a beautiful set with stunning costumes and swordwork. Asolo always knows how to put on a show - and this lively period piece is one to keep you locked in your seats - wanting more. Watching actors duel, clash, and hop around the stage like a clan of rowdy pirates is escapism at its finest - and I think that’s what Ken Ludwig wanted to convey.
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
#4 Stageworks Theatre
When the Righteous Triumph (March 17-April 2)
Sometimes historical pieces can leave you feeling dry, but a true story from the past that happened in your backyard is a juicy bit of knowledge. When the Righteous Triumph is a piece written by Tampa native and playwright Mark E. Leib that explores the drama and message behind the Lunch Counter Protests. These non-violent protests against “white only” lunch counters happened all over the south, and also in Tampa. Many people still living in this area were affected by the protests, and this local story paints a personal picture of what Tampa Bay in the ‘60s was like for people of color.
1120 E Kennedy Blvd suite #151, Tampa
#5 Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
Trixie and Katya Live (March 3)
It’s important to support our local drag performers, but as someone who has seen this Trixie and Katya comedy special live - it’s totally worth the splurge. Drag, free expression, and the flow of ideas have been threatened in Central and south Florida as of recently (also always), and taking part in a queer performance where two makeup matted performers freely talk about sex, life, and insult each other - is a breath of fresh air. It’s also hilarious, and a completely different experience than seeing these queens online or on TV. 9 out of 10 stars because the last time the show came to Clearwater - it was canceled. Is this a redemption moment?
405 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Florida Studio Theatre (FTS)
A Place in the Sun: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder (Through April 9)
Network (Through March 26)
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (March 4)
1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota
floridastudiotheatre.org/play
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Shear Madness (Through April 8)
Wicked (March 8-26)
1010 . W C MacInnes Pl., Tampa
freeFall Theatre
Varla Jean Merman’s Ready to Blow (March 3)
6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
Dreamgirls (Through April 9)
Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue (Wednesdays through May 28)
1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Silent Sky (Through March 5)
Chicken and Biscuits (Through April 13)
An Inspector Calls (Through March 12)
Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers (Through March 26)
5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Sarasota Opera House
Madama Butterfly (Through March 24)
Don Giovanni (Through March 25)
61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Powerstories Theatre
In McClintock’s Corn (Feb. 23-March 12)
2105 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
Stage West Playhouse
Cinderella (March 17-26)
8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill
West Coast Players
Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith (March 10-26)
21905 US-19, Clearwater
Jobsite @ Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Misery by William Goldman (March 15-April 9)
1010 . W C MacInnes Pl., Tampa
Studio Grand Central
Native Gardens (March 16th - 26th)
2260 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg
Studio @ 620
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan (March 31)
620 1st Ave S., St. Petersburg
Francis Wilson Playhouse
Gypsy: A Musical Fable (Through March 5)
302 Seminole St., Clearwater
Carrollwood Community Players
Medium Well Done (March 3-11)
Fun Home (March 17-April 2)
4333 Gunn Hwy, Tampa
Early Bird Dinner Theatre
Birthday Club (Through Feb. 26)
13355, 49th St, N, Clearwater
Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre
ONES The Beatles #1 Hits (March 2)
Trixie and Katya Live (March 3)
The Beat Goes On Cher Tribute (March 5)
Divine Inspiration (March 15)
Harry Potter vs. Star Wars (March 19)
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (March 30)
405 Cleveland St., Clearwater
Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
Shen Yun (March 7-March 31)
The Florida Orchestra’s 55th Celebration (March 11)
Divine Inspiration (March 16)
Harry Potter vs. Star Wars (Feb. 18)
Stars of the Sixties (March 24)
400 1st St. S., St. Petersburg
themahaffey.com/shows-and-events
Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre
Sister Act (Through April 2)
16128 US-19, Hudson